a hazard is generally anything that can hurt you or make you ill - copy

5/20/2018 A Hazard is Generally Anything That Can Hurt You or Make You Ill - Copy

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CHEPTER-1

Classification of Health Hazards

What is a hazard?

A hazard is generally anything that can hurt you or make you ill.

The meaning of the word hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific

definitions or combine it with the term "risk". For example one dictionary defines hazard as "a

danger or risk" which helps explain why many people use the terms interchangeably.

There are many definitions for hazard but the more common definition when talking aboutworkplace health and safety is!

A hazard is any source of potential damage harm or adverse health effects on something or

someone under certain conditions at work.

asically a hazard can cause harm or adverse effects #to individuals as health effects or to

organizations as property or e$uipment losses%.

&ometimes a hazard is referred to as being the actual harm or the health effect it caused rather

than the hazard. For example the disease tuberculosis #T% might be called a hazard by some but

in general the T'causing bacteria would be considered the "hazard" or "hazardous biological

agent".

What's the difference between hazards at work and in everyday life?

(ou deal with hazards in your life every day walking across busy streets driving and playingsports. )enerally you don*t worry too much about these situations. +hy, ecause you*ve learned

from an early age how to deal with everyday hazards.

(ou*ve learned from your own experiences and you*ve been trained by parents teachers andcoaches. -unicipalities install traffic lights and pedestrian crossings car manufacturers install

safety e$uipment. (ou might have taken driver*s training and you probably wear protective gear

playing sports.

But you haven't been trained how to recognize, assess and control hazards found in the

workplace.That*s one of the reasons why young workers are so likely to be inured at work.

(ou need to do some $uick studying about workplace hazards so you*re as comfortable with

spotting hazards and dealing with them at work as you are at home in the car and on the street.

How can reco!nize hazards at work?

The first step to protecting yourself is being able to recognize hazards in the work you*reassigned and in the conditions you*re working in. There are four main types of hazards!

1

By Wajid Ali CBIT College Batkhela



Physical hazardsare the most common and will be present in most workplaces at one time or

another. They include unsafe conditions that can cause inury illness and death.

They are typically easiest to spot but sadly too often overlooked because of familiarity #there

are always cords running across the aisles% lack of knowledge #they aren*t seen as hazards%resistance to spending time or money to make necessary improvements or simply delays in

making changes to remove the hazards #waiting until tomorrow or a time when "we*re not so

busy"%.

/one of these are acceptable reasons for workers to be exposed to physical hazards.

0xamples of physical hazards include!

electrical hazards! frayed cords missing ground pins improper wiring

unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts! guards removed or moving parts that

a worker can accidentally touch

constant loud noise

high exposure to sunlight1ultraviolet rays heat or cold

working from heights including ladders scaffolds roofs or any raised work area

working with mobile e$uipment such as fork lifts #operation of fork lifts and similar

mobile e$uipment in the workplace re$uires significant additional training and

experience%

&pills on floors or tripping hazards such as blocked aisle or cords running across the

floor.

"iolo!ical hazardscome from working with animals people or infectious plant materials. +orkin day care hospitals hotel laundry and room cleaning laboratories veterinary offices andnursing homes may expose you to biological hazards.

The types of things you may be exposed to include!

blood or other body fluids

fungi

bacteria and viruses

plants

insect bites

Animal and bird droppings.

Er!ono#ic hazardsoccur when the type of work body position and working conditions putstrain on your body. They are the hardest to spot since you don*t always immediately notice the

strain on your body or the harm these hazards pose. &hort'term exposure may result in "sore

2




muscles" the next day or in the days following exposure but long term exposure can result in

serious long'term inuries.

0rgonomic hazards include!

poor lighting

improperly adusted workstations and chairs

fre$uent lifting

poor posture

awkward movements especially if they are repetitive

repeating the same movements over and over

having to use too much force especially if you have to do it fre$uently.

Che#ical hazardsare present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the

workplace in any form #solid li$uid or gas%. &ome are safer than others but to some workerswho are more sensitive to chemicals even common solutions can cause illness skin irritation or

breathing problems.

The to$ic effects of che#icals

As explained above the effects of chemicals can be either acute or chronic depending on theconcentration and length of exposure. 2hemicals may also produce different effects for different

modes and types of exposure. The effects of chemicals can be categorized into the following

groups!

causing irritation3 allergies3

lack of oxygen3

systemic poisoning3

cancer3

damage to the unborn foetus3

effects on the future generations3

4neumoconiosis #dusty lung%.

eware of!

li$uids like cleaning products paints acids solvents especially chemicals in an

unlabelled container #warning sign5%

vapours and fumes for instance those that come from welding or exposure to solvents

3




gases like acetylene propane carbon monoxide and helium

flammable materials like gasoline solvents and explosive chemicals.

The +orkplace 6azardous -aterials 7nformation &ystem #+6-7&% is designed to make sureyou have the information you need to evaluate any hazards and take action to protect yourself.

What if reco!nize a hazard at work?

&ome hazards such as unguarded machinery pose immediate dangers! a worker could lose a

finger or arm. Other types of hazards such as ergonomic hazards can inure a worker over a long

period of time but the full extent of the damage #such as chronic strain or muscle impairment%may not show up until after several months or years of exposure to the hazard.

oth types of hazards need to be fixed. &ome re$uire immediate attention because exposure to

them can cause inury to you and fellow workers /O+. They can be $uickly fixed by cleaning

up the floor putting a guard back on or installing a guardrail for instance. 6azards that can hurtyou in the long term also need to be identified and reported promptly. 7nterim solutions should be

sought right away such as rotating tasks with other workers but permanent elimination of thehazard may take a little more time to achieve.

Once you*ve recognized a hazard assessing its potential to cause inury and the extent of thehazard is a necessary step in determining how the hazard can be addressed.

CHEPTER-%

&(RCE& ) R&*

What is risk?

Riskis the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health

effect if exposed to a hazard. 7t may also apply to situations with property or e$uipment loss.

For example! The risk of developing cancer from smoking cigarettes could be expressed as"cigarette smokers are 89 times #for example% more likely to die of lung cancer than non'

smokers". Another way of reporting risk is "a certain number "(" of smokers per 8:::::

smokers will likely develop lung cancer" #depending on their age and how many years they havebeen smoking%. These risks are expressed as a probability or likelihood of developing a disease

or getting inured whereas hazards refer to the possible conse$uences #e.g. lung cancer

emphysema and heart disease from cigarette smoking%.

Factors that influence the degree of risk include!

how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition

how the person is exposed #e.g. breathing in a vapour skin contact% and

how severe are the effects under the conditions of exposure.

4




+echanical hazards

-achinery and e$uipment have moving parts. The action of moving parts may have sufficient

force in motion to cause inury to people. +hen assessing machinery and e$uipment for possiblemechanical hazards consider!

; machinery and e$uipment with moving parts that can be reached by people

; machinery and e$uipment that can eect obects #parts components products or waste items%

that may strike a person with sufficient force to cause harm

; machinery and e$uipment with moving parts that can reach people such as booms ormechanical appendages #arms%

; mobile machinery and e$uipment such as forklifts pallet acks earthmoving e$uipmentoperated in areas where people may gain access.

2ommon mechanical hazards and associated risks for machinery and e$uipment are shown

below.

Hazard Risk

: volt #single phase% and ?:: volt

#> phase% although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage. The

information below relates to workplaces using 9>: and ?:: volt supplies.

The main hazards with electricity are!

contact with live parts causing shock and burns

faults which could cause fires3

fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially

flammable or explosive atmosphere e.g. in a spray paint booth.

The risk of inury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used and there is

greater risk in wet and1or damp conditions.

"asics of Contact with Electricity

7t is the level of voltage the body is exposed to and the resistance to flow of electrical current

offered by the body that determines the impact of exposure to electricity. The following factors

determine the severity of the effect electric shock has on your body!

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The level of voltage

The amount of body resistance you have to the current flow

The path the current takes through your body

The length of time the current flows through your body

7f a worker has come into contact with electricity the worker may not be able to removethemselves from the electrical source. The human body is a good conductor of electricity. 7f youtouch a person while they are in contact with the electrical source the electricity will flow

through your body causing electrical shock. Firstly attempt to turn off the source of the

electricity #disconnect%. 7f the electrical source can not readily and safely be turned off use a

non'conducting obect such as a fibreglass obect or a wooden pole to remove the person fromthe electrical source.

Radiation in the Work,lace

(ou are probably familiar with a few uses of radiation like x'rays and nuclear power. ut didyou know there are lots of ways radiation is used in the workplace,



exposure results from the inhalation ingestion or other uptake of radioactive material by the

body.



Check the work area fre2ently for "contamination"''radioactive material which has spilled

into the work area''and clean it up immediately.

(se !loves0 res,irators0 and other ,rotective e2i,#ent as re$uired. Cse it consistently and

don*t take shortcuts.

0veryone who works with radiation should also know their institution*s radiation safety

procedures including what to do during an emergency.

3E/T45T/

What are the ,roble#s?

4oor workplace ventilation is a hazard that affects the health of 2C40 members. 2ost'cutting

measures and employer inaction hamper the fight for properly ventilated workplaces.

2C40 members work in different settings which means members experience general and localventilation systems. )eneral ventilation supplies and removes air in large workplaces such as

hospitals schools and office buildings. These systems are commonly known as heating

ventilating and air conditioning #6DA2% systems. An 6DA2 system draws in fresh outside air

and mixes it with indoor air. This air mixture is heated or cooled and then filtered before it iscirculated throughout a workplace.

6DA2 systems can have significant problems!

Only a limited amount of fresh outdoor air actually gets into the workplace. -ost 6DA2

systems only allow for 9: per cent outdoor air mixed with E: per cent re'circulated

indoor air in sealed buildings. 6DA2 systems are limited in controlling contaminants because they dont remove them.

7nstead contaminants #pollutants% are mostly spread throughout the workplace for long

periods of time.

+orker exposures are difficult to control near the contaminant source with 6DA2

systems because there is no direct ventilation of the contaminant.

The amount of air re$uired to remove a contaminant may be so large that no 6DA2

system could handle the volume of air exchange.

-any 6DA2 systems have fixed settings that dont allow workers to control ventilation

rates.

Bocal ventilation controls and removes contaminants at the source. 2ross'draft tables vacuum

purge systems and fume hoods are examples of local ventilation. Bocal ventilation systems areusually set up with a hood that captures contaminants. A fan or a blower draws the contaminant

through the ductwork to the air cleaner. Air cleaners include filters precipitators cyclones

scrubbers and electrostatic chargers. The contaminant is filtered and the exhaust air is expelledoutside.

8




Bocal ventilation systems can also have problems!

Bocal ventilation re$uires careful design and installation.

Fre$uent and effective testing and maintenance are re$uired for local ventilation.

The system removes the contaminated air but sometimes not enough intake air is

supplied resulting in a negative airflow. This negative airflow can cause contaminated air

to re'enter the workplace through the exhaust ducts.

+orkers are generally not allowed to control local ventilation rates.

What are the ca2ses?

4oor ventilation often results from cutbacks overcrowding of workplaces and employer control

and misuse of ventilation systems. &taffing cutbacks mean 2C40 members suffer due to a lack

of ventilation maintenance workers. The lack of workspace compounded by resource cutbackscauses overcrowding of workplaces. The shortage of workspace means there are more workers in

less space and members are not getting ade$uate amounts of fresh air. 0mployer control can

result in ventilation systems that are misused and set to run at substandard levels.

&pecific causes of poor ventilation include!

/o maintenance workers or maintenance program in place.

4re'set 6DA2 systems mean 2C40 members cant control their work environment

Overcrowding of workspaces.

4lacement of workspace partitions furniture and e$uipment that impair air movement.

Air supply and return vents placed too close together resulting in poor distribution of

fresh air.

6DA2 systems that begin to operate after workers have arrived or shut down before the

end of the workday.

Back of local exhaust systems for workers who need them. For example members who

work in print shops or photocopy rooms sometimes go without necessary localventilation.

Bocal ventilation hoods too far from contaminant source.

Bocal ventilation hoods too small to capture the contaminant properly.

2ross drafts and negative indoor air pressure reduce the effectiveness of local ventilation

hoods.

What are the hazards?

4oor ventilation affects the physical and psychological health of 2C40 members. 4oor

ventilation allows for the accumulation and mixture of hazardous contaminants. The resulting

9




physical effects on workers are harmful. 4sychological effects like stress arise when members

know they are constantly exposed to ventilation hazards.

-aor outcomes and hazards of poor ventilation include!

0levated levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen due to low ventilation rate.

uild up of chemical and biological contaminants that cause poor indoor air $uality.

Begionnaires disease 4ontiac fever and 6umidifier fever caused by contaminated

standing water in poorly maintained 6DA2 systems.

0xtremes in temperature causing fatigue discomfort and distraction.

Bow humidity causing dry throat dry skin and static electricity build'up. 6igh humidity

contributing to bacterial and mould growth.

0xcessive and irritating workplace odours causing worker discomfort.

Accumulation of dust and dirt caused by poor 6DA2 maintenance.

&ick uilding &yndrome #&&%! irritation of eyes nose and throat headaches fatigue

and a susceptibility to colds and flu. &ymptoms are less severe away from the workplace.

-ultiple 2hemical &ensitivity #-2&%! A debilitating illness generated by exposure to one

chemical or a combination of chemicals. -2& sufferers experience skin rashes irregularbreathing central nervous system problems and eye nose and throat irritations.

46HT/6 ER6/+C&

What are so#e of the #ost co##on li!htin! ,roble#s?

4oor lighting can cause several problems such as!

insufficient light ' not enough #too little% light for the need

glare ' too much light for the need

improper contrast

poorly distributed light and

Flicker. #sparkle twinkle%

What sho2ld yo2 know abo2t ins2fficient li!ht?

4oor lighting can be a safety hazard ' misudgement of the position shape or speed of an obect

can lead to accidents and inury.

4oor lighting can affect the $uality of work specifically in situation where precision is re$uired

and overall productivity.

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4oor lighting can be a health hazard ' too much or too little light strains eyes and may cause eye

discomfort #burning etc.% and headaches.

How #2ch li!ht is needed for vario2s sit2ations or activities?

The amount of light we need varies and depends on!

the type of task being done #such as demands for speed and accuracy% type of surfaces #does it reflect or absorb light%

the general work area and

the individual*s vision.

The amount of light falling on a surface is measured in units called lux. @epending on the factors

noted above ade$uate general lighting is usually between G:: and 8::: lux when measured HI

cm #>: inches% above the floor.J

How do yo2 test and correct for ins2fficient li!ht ,roble#s?

To detect insufficient light try the following!

+ipe light fixtures with a damp cloth to check for cleanliness. An evenly deposited film

of dust is hard to detect by sight alone.

-easure the average illumination throughout the workplace. 2ompare this to the

recommended levels.

Book for shadows especially over work areas and on stairways.

Ask workers if they suffer from eye strain or s$uint to see.

+orkers should sit in their normal working positions during measurement to give you accurate

results.

To correct insufficient light!



@o not position work station with light fixture directly behind worker.

What sho2ld yo2 know abo2t !lare?

)lare is a common lighting problem. )lare is what happens when a bright light source or

reflection interferes with how you are *seeing* an obect. 7n most cases your eyes will adapt tothe brightest level of light. +hen this adaptation happens it becomes harder to see the details in

the duller or darker areas of the work space #even though they are actually sufficiently lit5%. )larecan cause annoyance and discomfort and can actually decrease a person*s ability to see.

How do yo2 detect !lare?

There are several ways to find sources of glare.

+hen in your normal working position look at a distant obect at eye level. lock the

light "path" from the fixtures with a book or cardboard. 7f the distant obect is now easier

to see the light fixtures are probably producing glare.

To detect reflected glare look at the task from your normal working position. lock thelight falling on it from the front or above. 7f details are now easier to see reflections are aproblem.

4lace a small mirror face up on the work surface. The mirror reflects light from above

the light fixture is responsible for glare.

Book for shiny obects that reflect light. )lass in picture frames glossy table tops and

D@T screens are common examples.

Ask workers if they experience sore or tired eyes headaches or if they need to s$uint to

see.

How do yo2 correct !lare ,roble#s?

To correct glare try!

Csing several small low'intensity light fixtures rather than one large high'intensity light

fixture.

Csing light fixtures that diffuse or concentrate light well. 7ndirect light fixtures or direct

light fixtures with parabolic louvres are two possibilities.

2overing bare bulbs with louvers lenses or other devices to control light.

7ncreasing the brightness of the area around the glare source.

Csing adustable local lighting with brightness controls.

4ositioning light fixtures to reduce reflected light that is directed toward the eyes.

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Csing low gloss paper or apply flat or semi'gloss paint and matte finishes on *offending*

surfaces.



/oise is an unwanted or damaging sound that may damage your hearing and cause other health

effects such as stress hypersensitivity to noise increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

7t can also interfere with communication at work which could lead to accidents.The normal range of hearing for a healthy young person is from approximately 9: 6z #6ertz% to

9:::: 6z #9: k6z%. Our ears are more sensitive to the middle fre$uencies which range from

G:: 6z to ?::: 6z ' the speech fre$uencies.

How does noise da#a!e #y hearin!?Dery loud sounds make the hair cells collapse and flatten temporarily resulting in temporary

deafness. This is referred to as a te#,orary threshold shift and may last hours or longerdepending on the degree of noise exposure. This temporary hearing loss may also be

accompanied by a ringing sensation called tinnit2s.

7f this severe noise exposure is repeated over many years the hair cells in the inner ear becomepermanently damaged resulting in permanent hearing loss. This is referred to as ,er#anent

threshold shift.

7mmediate permanent hearing loss can also occur if someone is exposed to very intense or

explosive sounds #e.g. gunshot or an explosion%. This type of damage is known as aco2stic

tra2#a. 7n some cases a very intense sound can actually perforate the eardrum.

The harmful effects of noise are cumulative and not necessarily confined to the workplace. Forinstance the use of personal stereo units and fre$uenting discos and clubs may result in youngpeople having some early damage to their hearing before they even oin the workforce.

How can noise affect yo2r life?

/oise'induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational inuries resulting in health

problems for many workers and it presents a significant social and economic cost to Australia.

The human cost is also high. This includes lost obs increased absenteeism reducedperformance lost opportunities for promotion or other employment and impaired family and

social relationships. 7n addition if your hearing is damaged it could cause a workplace accident.

The first sign of noise'induced hearing loss is often the difficulty to hear high'pitched sounds

such as consonants #e.g. Lt Ld Ls% and the voices of women and children. +hen more than oneperson is speaking or there is a background noise the problem becomes worse. /oise'induced

hearing loss occurs gradually over a long period of time and unfortunately hearing loss is

permanent. 6earing aids can offer limited help in decoding the distorted messages but they cannever fully compensate for hearing loss.

What are the hazards of noise?

4oor ventilation affects the physical and psychological health of 2C40 members. 4oor

ventilation allows for the accumulation and mixture of hazardous contaminants. The resultingphysical effects on workers are harmful. 4sychological effects like stress arise when members

know they are constantly exposed to ventilation hazards.

-aor outcomes and hazards of poor ventilation include!

0levated levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen due to low ventilation rate.

uild up of chemical and biological contaminants that cause poor indoor air $uality.

14




Begionnaires disease 4ontiac fever and 6umidifier fever caused by contaminated

standing water in poorly maintained 6DA2 systems.

0xtremes in temperature causing fatigue discomfort and distraction.

Bow humidity causing dry throat dry skin and static electricity build'up. 6igh humidity

contributing to bacterial and mould growth.

0xcessive and irritating workplace odours causing worker discomfort.

Accumulation of dust and dirt caused by poor 6DA2 maintenance.

&ick uilding &yndrome #&&%! irritation of eyes nose and throat headaches fatigue

and a susceptibility to colds and flu. &ymptoms are less severe away from the workplace.

-ultiple 2hemical &ensitivity #-2&%! A debilitating illness triggered by exposure to one

chemical or a combination of chemicals. -2& sufferers experience skin rashes irregular

breathing central nervous system problems and eye nose and throat irritations.

Er!ono#ics

0rgonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and ob demands to the capabilities of

the working population. 0ffective and successful "fits" assure high productivity avoidance of

illness and inury risks and increased satisfaction among the workforce. Although the scope ofergonomics is much broader the term here refers to assessing those work'related factors that

may pose a risk of musculoskeletal disorders and recommendations to alleviate them. 2ommon

examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in obs re$uiring repetitive forceful or prolonged

exertions of the hands3 fre$uent or heavy lifting pushing pulling or carrying of heavy obects3and prolonged awkward postures. Dibration and cold may add risk to these work conditions. Mobs

or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have a higher probability of causing a

musculoskeletal problem. The level of risk depends on the intensity fre$uency and duration ofthe exposure to these conditions. 0nvironmental work conditions that affect risk include

intensity fre$uency and duration of activities.

CHEPTER-8

Hazardo2s &2bstances

6azardous &ubstances are used in many workplaces and take many different forms. &olids

li$uids gases mists and fumes can be present in the workplace.

0xposure to hazardous substances can affect the body in many different ways. &kin contactinhalation and ingestion can cause damage.

7n legislation 6azardous &ubstances are defined in a number of ways. 7n The 2ontrol of

&ubstances 6azardous to 6ealth



substances classified as toxic very toxic corrosive harmful or irritant. iological agents and

dusts in substantial concentrations are also classified as hazardous substances.

What risks do Hazardo2s &2bstances ,resent?

6azardous &ubstances can cause short' and long'term health problems.

They can cause serious ill health including cancers dermatitis and asthma.

A cleaner splashing bleach on their skin could cause a burn or inflammation which will have

little long'term effect in most cases. 6owever a splash in the eye could cause permanent damageto their sight.

A oiner suffering years of exposure to wood dust could have long'term health problems = the

dust could affect his lungs and cause health problems for the rest of his life.

There are legal obligations on employers to control exposure to 6azardous &ubstances to

preserve the health of their employees.

Who is at risk fro# Hazardo2s &2bstances?

Anyone who works with or is exposed to hazardous substances is at risk. Those exposed to more

hazardous substances for long periods of time are more at risk than those exposed for shortperiods or to less hazardous substances.

The aim should be to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. +here exposure cannot be

avoided then ade$uate controls should be put in place.

0xamples of those who could be exposed to hazardous substances include!

cleaners = common'cleaning materials can cause localised burns and skin complaints

hairdressers = a number of hairdressing products can damage their skin

welders = dangerous fumes from welding can damage their lungs

bakery workers = flour and bakery dust can cause irritation of eyes and nose skin

problems and asthma

garage workers = paints solvents oils and grease and exposure to exhaust fumes can all

damage their health

6ealthcare staff = exposure to biological agents can cause infection.

7n reality the list is endless and most workers will be exposed to hazardous substances at sometime.

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Princi,les of C&HH

Cnder 2O&66 regulations eight ,rinci,les apply regardless of whether a substance has a+orkplace 0xposure Bimit.

These are!

design and operate processes and activities to minimize emission release and spread ofsubstances hazardous to health

take into account all relevant routes of exposure = inhalation skin absorption and

ingestion = when developing control measures

control exposure by measures that are proportionate to the health risk

choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimize the escape and

spread of substances hazardous to health

where ade$uate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means provide in

combination with other control measures suitable personal protective e$uipment check and review regularly all elements of control measures for their continuing

effectiveness

inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks from the substances with which

they work and the use of control measures developed to minimise the risks

ensure that the introduction of control measures does not increase the overall risk to

health and safety.

Work,lace E$,os2re 4i#its

+orkplace 0xposure Bimits #+0Bs% have now replaced -aximum 0xposure Bimits #-0Bs% and

Occupational 0xposure &tandards #O0&s%.

The O0&s for around 8:: substances have been deleted as the substances are now bannedscarcely used or there is evidence to suggest adverse health effects close to the old limit value.

Two new limits have been introduced for



ensure that the +0B is not exceeded

ensure that exposure to substances that can cause occupational asthma cancer or damage

to genes that can be passed from one generation to another is reduced as low as isreasonably practicable.

5ssessin! risks fro# Hazardo2s &2bstances in yo2r work,lace

The risks associated with the hazardous substances present in your workplace must be assessed.The employer has the responsibility for the risk assessment. They may call on assistance if it is

re$uired.

The person conducting the assessment must have a knowledge and understanding of the processand the re$uirements of the 2O&66 regulations. -ake use of the existing knowledge within the

workplace before deciding whether outside assistance is needed.

-ost simple assessments can be carried out in'house!

make a list of all the substances and products in the workplace gather as much information as you can on each substance and the risks associated with

them

look at information on labels in suppliers* catalogues and material safety data sheets.

(ou then need to assess how these risks relate to the specific circumstances of your workplace.

2onsider!

6ow much of each substance is used and how often,

Barger $uantities or substances that are used often will increase the risk of exposure.

6ow is each substance used,

Are the substances mixed poured sprayed piped heated cooled etc., The way they are used

will determine how you will control exposures.

6ow could people be exposed and what effect could it have on their health,

7s the substance a solid li$uid gas mist or fume, +ill the substance damage their skin lungs

eyes through skin contact absorption ingestion inhalation or inection,

Answering these $uestions will help you carry out the risk assessment and determine the

measures you need to take to protect the health of those people who could be exposed.

6ood ,ractice aro2nd Hazardo2s &2bstances

The 2O&66 Approved code of 4ractice #A2o4% recommends that exposure be prevented by!

altering work methods so that the task that causes exposure is no longer carried out

modifying the process to remove 6azardous &ubstances including by'products or waste

18




substituting the hazardous substance with a less hazardous type or form of the substance

e.g. using granules instead of powder to reduce dust levels or a less volatile solvent in a

process.

7f exposure cannot be prevented it must be ade$uately controlled. The hierarchy of controlmeasures can be summarised as follows.

Eli#inate@ont use the hazardous substance or avoid the procedure which causes exposure.

&2bstit2te

2hange the material or working practice to one less hazardous.

Enclose

0nclose the hazardous substances or process in a closed system.

Control

2ontrol exposure to the hazardous substance by using one of the following methods!

0ngineering 2ontrols! 2ontrol the exposure at source with local exhaust ventilation or

increased dilution ventilation to lower concentrations in the atmosphere.

4rocedural 2ontrols!



#isk! the measured probability of an event to cause danger to life health property or the

environment.

$irborne dust! refers to the suspension of solid particles in the air. These dust particles are

generated by handling grinding drilling and crushing operations where solid materials arebroken down. The size of these particles ranges from being visible to the naked eye #i.e. greater

than one twentieth of a millimeter in diameter% to being invisible. 7nvisible dust will remain

airborne for a long period of a time and is dangerous because of its ability to penetrate deeplyinto the lungs.

%apour!the gaseous form of a li$uid at room temperature and pressure. Bi$uids emit vapours

the $uantity depending on their volatility. &ubstances with a low boiling'point are more volatile

than those with a higher one.

&ist! the dispersion of li$uid particles in the air. -ists are normally generated by processes suchas electroplating and spraying where li$uids are sprayed splashed or foamed into fine particles.

umes! solid particles formed from condensation of substances from vapour state. Fumes are

normally associated with molten metals where the vapours from the metal are condensed intosolid particles in the space above the molten metal. The size of the particles are in the range

visible to the naked eye.

(as! a substance such as oxygen nitrogen or carbon dioxide which is in the gaseous state at

room temperature and pressure.

$cute effect! the effect caused by a single short term exposure #usually not more than one workshift% to a high amount or concentration of a substance.

Chronic effect! the effect caused by repeated exposure to a chemical over a long period of time.

The effect may be felt only after many years of exposure. oth acute and chronic effects can bereversible after the termination of the exposure and appropriate treatment or they may result inlong lasting irreversible conditions.

Chemical safety data sheet! a document containing essential information ma ion for users

regarding the properties of chemicals classified as hazardous and methods of using them safely

including their identity supplier classification hazards safety precautions and emergencyprocedures.

%%1 Ro2tes of entry

2hemicals can enter the body in three ways. 7n the workplace the inhalation of gases vapours orairborne particles and absorption through the lungs is the most important route of entry.6owever a number of chemicals particularly li$uids can be absorbed through intact skin when

coming into direct contact with it. The ingestion of poisons through the mouth is common where

personal hygiene is poor.

%% 1 1 nhalation

20




7n industry inhalation is the most significant route of entry The respiratory system represents an

efficient entry point for chemicals. +ith a total surface area of the lungs of N: s$uare meters in a

healthy adult a worker performing a moderate task inhales about E.G cubic meters of air in thecourse of an eight'hour shift.

The respiratory system consists essentially of the upper respiratory tract #nose mouth throat%

the air passageways #trachea bronchi bronchioles alveolar ducts% and the gas exchange area

#alveoli% where oxygen from the air diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blooddiffuses into the air.

The air passageways are lined with tiny hair like structures #cilia%. These structures are part of the

clearing mechanism of the lungs which causes foreign particles deposited on the surfaces of the

respiratory passages within the lungs to be carried by mucus towards the throat #figure >%. 7t isestimated that 9 liters of mucus flow to the throat each day.

@uring breathing airborne chemicals enter the nostrils or mouth pass through the air

passageways and finally reach the gas exchange area where they are either deposited or pass

through the wall of the area into the bloodstream.

2ertain substances irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and respiratory

passages within the lungs. This irritation may serve as a warning of the presence of chemicals.

6owever certain gases or vapours do not have this effect. Cnnoticed by the workers they

penetrate deeply into the lungs causing lung inury or become transported in the bloodstream.

The entry of dust particles into the body depends on their size and solubility. Only small particles

#less than seven thousandths of a -888imetre in diameter% will be able to reach the gas exchange

area. This respirable dust #which reaches the gas exchange area% will either be deposited there or

diffused into the bloodstream depending on the solubility of the chemicals. 7nsoluble dustparticles are mostly eliminated by the clearing mechanisms of the lungs. The larger dust particles

are filtered by the hairs of the nostrils or deposited along the path from the nose to the airpassageways. They will eventually be transported to the throat where they will be eitherswallowed or spat or coughed out.

%%1% n!estion

7ngestion is another way in which chemical substances can enter the body. 0ntry via ingestion is

possible when workers eat or smoke with contaminated hands or eat their meals at theirworkstation where food and drink may be contaminated by vapours in the air.

A second way in which chemical substances are ingested is when inhaled particles are

transported to the throat by the air passageways into the lungs and swallowed.

The digestive system consists of the oesophagus the stomach and.the small and large intestine.

Absorption of food and other substances including ingested hazardous chemicals occursprimarily in the small intestine.

%%18 &kin absor,tion

21




Absorption through the skin constitutes another route of entry. The thickness of the skin together

with its natural covering of sweat and grease provide some protection against chemical

exposure.

The solubility of chemicals #such as organic solvents and phenol% in fats enables their absorptionthrough the skin. 7f the skin is damaged by cuts or abrasions or is diseased the chemical would

be absorbed into the body even $uicker.

CHEPTER-9

Environ#ental #onitorin!

Environ#ental #onitorin! describes the processes and activities that need to take place tocharacterize and monitor the $uality of the environment. 0nvironmental monitoring is used in the

preparation of environmental impact assessments as well as in many circumstances in which

human activities carry a risk of harmful effects on the natural environment. All monitoring

strategies and programmes have reasons and ustifications which are often designed to establishthe current status of an environment or to establish trends in environmental parameters. 7n all

cases the results of monitoring will be reviewed analysed statisticallyand published. The design

of a monitoring programme must therefore have regard to the final use of the data beforemonitoring starts.

Para#eters

Che#ical

Analyzing water samples for pesticides

The range of chemical parameters that have the potential to affect any ecosystem is very large

and in all monitoring programmes it is necessary to target a suite of parameters based on localknowledge and past practice for an initial review. The list can be expanded or reduced based on

developing knowledge and the outcome of the initial surveys.

Freshwater environments have been extensively studied for many years and there is a robust

understanding of the interactions between chemistry and the environment across much of theworld. 6owever as new materials are developed and new pressures come to bear revisions to

monitoring programmes will be re$uired. 7n the last 9: years acid rain synthetic hormoneanalogueshalogenated hydrocarbons greenhouse gasesand many others have re$uired changesto monitoring strategies.

"iolo!ical

7n ecological monitoring the monitoring strategy and effort is directed at the plants and animalsin the environment under review and is specific to each individual study.

22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_assessmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statisticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloalkanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloalkanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_assessmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statisticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloalkanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas



6owever in more generalised environmental monitoring many animals act as robust indicators

of the $uality of the environment that they are experiencing or have experienced in the recent

past. One of the most familiar examples is the monitoring of numbers of &almonidfish such asrown troutor &almonin river systems and lakes to detect slow trends in adverse environmental

effects. The steep decline in salmonid fish populations was one of the early indications of the

problem that later became known asacid rain.

7n recent years much more attention has been given to a more holistic approach in which theecosystem health is assessed and used as the monitoring tool itself. 7t is this approach that

underpins the monitoring protocols of the +ater Framework @irectivein the 0uropean Cnion.

Radiolo!ical



Environ#ental +onitorin!

"To protect public health and the environment by measuring radiation and radioactivity in ourenvironment and by evaluation of protective techni$ues through the timely measurement of

radioactive contamination at nuclear facilities."

The 0nvironmental



snap'shot view of the $uality of the sampled environment at the point of sampling and at the time

of sampling. +ithout additional monitoring the results cannot be extrapolated to other times or

to other parts of the river lakeor ground'water.

7n order to enable grab samples or rivers to be treated as representative repeat transverse andlongitudinal transectsurveys taken at different times of day and times of year are re$uired to

establish that the grab'sample location is as representative as is reasonably possible. For large

rivers such surveys should also have regard to the depth of the sample and how to best managethe sampling locations at times of flood and drought.

7n lakes grab samples are relatively simple to take using depth samplers which can be lowered to

a pre'determined depth and then closed trapping a fixed volume of water from the re$uired

depth. 7n all but the shallowest lakes there are maor changes in the chemical composition oflake water at different depths especially during the summer months when many lakes stratify

into a warm well oxygenated upper layer #epilimnion% and a cool de'oxygenated lower layer

*hypolimnion%.

7n the open seas marine environment grab samples can establish a wide range of base'line

parameters such as salinity and a range of cation and anion concentrations. 6owever wherechanging conditions are an issue such as near river or sewage discharges close to the effects of

volcanism or close to areas of freshwater input from melting ice a grab sample can only give avery partial answer when taken on its own.

&e#i-contin2o2s #onitorin! and contin2o2s

An automated sampling station and data logger #to record temperature specific conductance and

dissolved oxygen levels%

There is a wide range of specialized sampling e$uipment available that can be programmed to

take samples at fixed or variable time intervals or in response to an external trigger. For examplea sampler can be programmed to start taking samples of a river at E minute intervals when therainfall intensity rises above 8 mm 1 hour. The trigger in this case may be a remote rain gauge

communicating with the sampler by using cell phoneor meteor bursttechnology. &amplers can

also take individual discrete samples at each sampling occasion or bulk up samples into

composite so that in the course of one day such a sampler might produce 89 composite sampleseach composed of I sub'samples taken at 9: minute intervals.

2ontinuous or $uasi'continuous monitoring involves having an automated analytical facility

close to the environment being monitored so that results can if re$uired be viewed in real time.&uch systems are often established to protect important water supplies such as in the



being introduced through the action of pumping the water. @issolved oxygen concentration is

difficult to sustain through a pumped system and )B21-& facilities can detect micro'organic

contaminants from the pipework andglands.

Passive sa#,lin!

The use of passive samplers greatly reduces the cost and the need of infrastructure on the

sampling location. 4assive samplers are semi'disposable and can be produced at a relatively lowcost thus they can be employed in great numbers allowing for a better cover and more data

being collected. @ue to being small the passive sampler can also be hidden and thereby lower

the risk of vandalism. 0xamples of a passive sampling devices are the 2hemcatcherand an airsampling pump.

Re#ote s2rveillance

Although on'site data collection using electronic measuring e$uipment is common'place many

monitoring programmes also use remote surveillance and remote access to data in real time. Thisre$uires the on'site monitoring e$uipment to be connected to a base station via either a telemetry

networkland'line cell phone network or other telemetry system such as -eteor burst. The

advantage of remote surveillance is that many data feeds can come into a single base station forstoring and analysis. 7t also enable trigger levels or alert levels to be said for individual

monitoring sites and1or parameters so that immediate action can be initiated if a trigger level is

exceeded. The use of remote surveillance also allows for the installation of very discretemonitoring e$uipment which can often be buried camouflaged or tethered at depth in a lake or

river with only a short whip aerialprotruding. Cse of such e$uipment tends to reduce vandalism

and theft when monitoring in locations easily accessible by the public.

Re#ote sensin!

0nvironmental remote sensing uses aircraftor satellitesto monitor the environment using multi'

channel sensors.

There are two kinds of remote sensing. 4assive sensors detect natural radiation that is emitted orreflected by the obect or surrounding area being observed.



about the topography of an area especially when the area is large and manual surveying would

be prohibitively expensive or difficult.



CHEPTER-:

&5)E +5CH/ER; .E&6/ 5/. 6(5R./6

+achinery< E2i,#ent

For the purposes of this document machinery1e$uipment is defined as a system or device for

doing work together with a power source and any associated auxiliary e$uipment. This includes

pressure e$uipment powered e$uipment hoists powered mobile plant lasers turbines

explosive'powered tools in laboratories studios andFor the puposis of this document!

; machinery1e$uipment does not include lifts and cranes as the processes re$uired forthese machines are covered in the document +" monitoring, measurement.

; personal computers and office e$uipment are excluded from these procedures.

Preventin! +achine 5ccidents

Only use machines that you know how to operate. /ever attempt to operate an unfamiliarmachine without reading the machine instructions or receiving directions from a $ualified

employee. 7n addition follow these guidelines to ensure machine safety!

&ecure machines that tend to move during operation.

@o not place machines near the edge of a table or desk.

0nsure that machines with moving parts are guarded to prevent accidents. @o not

remove these guards.

Cnplug defective machines and have them repaired immediately.

@o not use any machine that smokes sparks shocks or appears defective in any

way.

2lose hand'operated paper cutters after each use and activate the guard.

Take care when working with copy machines. 7f you have to open the machine for

maintenance repair or troubleshooting remember that some parts may be hot. Always

follow the manufacturer*s instructions for troubleshooting.

Cnplug paper shredders before conducting maintenance repair or

troubleshooting.

&ome items can be very dangerous when worn around machinery with moving parts. Avoid

wearing the following items around machines within unguarded moving parts!

Boose belts Mewelry Bong loose hair Bong loose sleeves or pants &carves Ties

P(RCH5&E0 .E&6/ 5/. +.)C5T/ ) +5CH/ER;



efore purchasing new machinery1e$uipment check with your safety officer and health Q safety

representative #6&



a% may be intrinsically safe eg. totally enclosed

b% should have controls which are in the correct position of the correct type remove the risk of

accidental start'up have a directional link to the machinery movement and havedistinguishing features eg. size shape etc

c% fail to safety and not to danger

d% can be accessed safely for cleaning and maintenance

e% have dangerous parts which are safe by position ie. out of reach

9 The way in which machines are arranged in the workplace can reduce accidentssignificantly. A safe layout will take account of!'

a% spacing ' to facilitate access for operation supervision maintenance adustment and cleaning.b% lighting ' both general lighting to the workplace #natural or artificial but avoiding glare% and

localised for specific operations at machines

c% cables and pipes ' should be placed to allow safe access and to avoid tripping with sufficientheadroom

d% safe access for maintenance

% +achine 62ardin!

8 7n circumstances where intrinsic safety has not been achieved then machinery

guarding will be re$uired. 7n many cases manufacturer*s supply guards for machinerywhich will be ade$uate to protect operators. 6owever it must be ensured that theseguards are available to the operator and that they know how and why the guards are used.

9 The hierarchy of measures for guarding dangerous parts of machinery are!'

a% fixing enclosing guardsb% other guards or protection devices eg. interlocked guards distance guards adustable guards

trip devices two handed controls

c% protection appliances #igs holders push sticks etc%3 andd% the provision of information instruction training and supervision.

> The hazards from machinery will be identified as part of the risk assessment. The

assessment will then go on to identify measures that can be taken to overcome the risks

presented by these hazards. 7n selecting measures it is necessary to consider each level ofthe hierarchy in turn from the top and use measures from that level as far as it is

practicable to do so provided they contribute to the reduction of risk. This will often

result in a combination of measures being selected. The selection process continues downthe hierarchy until the combined measures are effective in overcoming the risks.

? The selection of the appropriate combination will need to take account of the

re$uirements of the work the evaluation of the risks and the technical features ofpossible safeguarding. -ost machines will present more than one mechanical hazard and

the risk associated with all of these need to be dealt with

G Any risk assessment carried out should not ust deal with the machine in its

normal operating mode but must also cover activities such as setting maintenance

cleaning or repair. The assessment may indicate that these activities re$uire a differentcombination of measures from those appropriate to the machine doing its normal work. 7n

particular parts of machinery that are not dangerous in normal use because they are notthen accessible may become accessible and therefore dangerous while this type of work

is being done.

I 2ertain setting or adustment operations which may have to be done with themachine running may re$uire a greater reliance on the provision of information

30




instruction and supervision than is the case for normal use. A permit'to'work system may

be needed to prevent those doing the work being put at risk by others.

CHEPTER->

+5TER54 H5/.4/6 E=(P+E/T

+aterial handlin! e2i,#entare e$uipment that relate to the movement storage control and

protection of materials goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing

distribution consumption and disposal. -aterial handling e$uipment is the mechanical

e$uipment involved in the complete system. -aterial handling e$uipment is generally separated

into four main categories! storage and handling e$uipment engineered systems industrial trucks

and bulk material handling.

+echanical Handlin!

7t is the use of machines tools and e$uipment for moving and positioning materials in a work

place. ecause of its hazardous nature mechanical handling activities can and do result in seriousharm to personal damage the plant e$uipments or the environment or business loss.

Res,onsibilities in +echanical Handlin!

0veryone involved in mechanical handling operations has spesipic responsibilities these aredefined in the following paragraphs.

1 Res,onsible ,erson- the responsible person who has overall responsibility for work

activities the person may be the shift supervisor proect manager etc the responsible person

recognize the need for mechanical handling and appoints a competent person to plan it.

% Co#,etent ,erson- the competent person is someone who has the re$uired level ofcompetency to plan and supervise mechanical handling operations.

8 Co#,etent tea#- each team member has the responsibility to know and work within

their own competency to complete the ob.

+echanical Handlin! E2i,#ent

-aterial handling e$uipment #-60% is used for the movement and storage of material within afacility or at a site. -60 can be classified into the following five maor categories!

7. Transport )-uipment.0$uipment used to move material from one location to another

#e.g. between workplaces between a loading dock and a storage area etc.%. The maor

subcategories of transport e$uipment are conveyors cranes and industrial trucks.-aterial can also be transported manually usingno e$uipment.

77. Positioning )-uipment.0$uipment used to handle material at a single location so that it

is in the correct position for subse$uent handling machining transport or storage. Cnlike

31

http://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/Conv/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/Conv/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/Crane/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/IndusTr/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/NoEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/NoEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/NoEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/PosEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/PosEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/Conv/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/Crane/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/IndusTr/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/NoEq/index.htmhttp://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/PosEq/index.htm



transport e$uipment positioning e$uipment is usually used for handling at a single

workplace. -aterial can also be positioned manually using no e$uipment.

777. nit /oad ormation )-uipment. 0$uipment used to restrict materials so that they

maintain their integrity when handled a single load during transport and for storage. 7fmaterials are self'restraining #e.g. a single part or interlocking parts% then they can be

formed into a unit load with no e$uipment.

7D. torage )-uipment.0$uipment used for holding or buffering materials over a period of

time. &ome storage e$uipment may include the transport of materials #e.g. the &1



The best control measure is to eliminate the need for workers to perform manual handling tasks.

&ince this is not always possible design manual handling tasks so that they are within the

workers capabilities. 2onsiderations include the load itself the design of the workstation andwork practices. 4roviding mechanical handling devices or aids can often eliminate the task itself

or ease the demands on the worker.

Task .esi!n

The 4oad



carts hand trucks and dollies with large diameter casters and good bearings and

grips or handles on loads or mechanical aids placed to provide optimal push force and prevent

awkward postures 7nstruct employees to! push rather than pull

avoid overloading = limit the load pushed or pulled at one time

ensure the load does not block vision

never push one load and pull another at the same time

Carryin! and Holdin!



Clothin!

+ear appropriate clothing and safe comfortable shoes!

clothes that are comfortable around the hips knees and shoulders and that do not haveexposed buttons or loose flaps and

non'slip shoes with broad based low heels. &afety footwear is essential when handling heavy

loads on a regular basis

)itness0ncourage workers to remain in good physical condition by participating in regular exercise

programs. To stay healthy 6ealth 2anadas 4hysical Activity )uide recommends I: minutes oflight effort or >: minutes of vigorous effort every day.

7ncorporating exercise is easier than you think. For example!

use the stairs not the elevator walk instead of driving

stretch or exercise between TD shows The following tips can also enhance fitness!

use good body mechanics when sitting standing lifting etc. For example when lifting!

== maintain a curve in the lower back== stabilize the back by lightly contracting the stomach muscles

take regular task breaks to avoid or reduce muscle fatigue get ade$uate sleep on a good mattress eat sensibly3 follow the 2anada Food )uide

6eneral Preca2tions

7nstruct employees to take the following precautions when handling loads!

test the weight of the load to ensure it can be lifted securely3 if not make adustments

grip the load securely protect hands against pinch points

practice good team lifting

get help with awkward loads

always use the mechanical devices and aids provided dont rush or cut corners

+aintenance

0stablish a preventive maintenance program with input from e$uipment manufacturers to

ensure that the following is completed on a regular basis!

cleaning of wheels and bearings on hand carts and other mechanical aids lubricating as necessary

replacing worn and defective wheels and casters

checking that all mechanical aids work efficiently

Trainin!Traditional training has focused on proper lifting methods and safe work procedures. -ore

recently workplaces have introduced fitness and back education approaches. 7n combinationwith ob and workplace design changes these approaches are effective in preventing accidents

and inuries. On the ob demonstrations and practice sessions are the best methods of training.

2over basic manual materials handling procedures and the proper use of mechanical aids andtechni$ues.



8. how to identify hazardous loads or handling tasks

9. the proper selection and use of mechanical handling aids

>. safe postures and manual lifting techni$ues to minimize strain?. safe lifting techni$ues

Trans,ort &afety

A number of workplace transport accident causation factors have been identified and are

described in terms of safe site safe vehicle and safe driver.

Pedestrian and vehicle se,aration where possible pedestrians should be segregated from

vehicle traffic through the provision of protective barriers and clearly marked separate gangways.



.river co#fort driver comfort can be enhanced by the inclusion of vibration damping

e$uipment noise reduction measures adustable seating good ventilation and weather

protection.

+aintenance good vehicle maintenance management is key to the prevention of workplace

transport accidents. A competent mechanic should inspect the mechanical condition of each

workplace vehicle at specified intervals.

.river trainin! Training should reflect the actual conditions that the operator will meet at work

and provide the driver with information and knowledge needed for safe operation of the vehicle.Pedestrian Trainin! pedestrians represent a high'risk group in the workplace therefore

training programmes should be developed that aim to familiarize pedestrians with the uni$ueoperating characteristics of powered industrial vehicles. 0mphasis should be given to the main

operating differences that exist between a car and a powered industrial vehicle e.g.

manoeuvrability visibility and load stability.

&afe ,eratin! Proced2res 2ompliance will be enhanced by ensuring that procedures are

practical easy to follow and fully understood by staff.

Workload workload should be controlled to prevent drivers and other employees from having

to rush to complete their work on time. +ork design and driver incentive schemes re$uire carefulmanagement so that they dont inadvertently encourage unsafe driving behaviour.

&2,ervision and #onitorin! close supervision of newly $ualified drivers is identified as beingvery important as to is the monitoring of experienced drivers to ensure that they continue tooperate vehicles in a safe fashion. &upervisors need support and training in line'management

skills so that they can encourage and support high standards of driving behaviour and good

teamwork.

Ti#e-on-shift effects working long hours will impact negatively on driver safety performance.

Key to managing time'on'shift effects is the provision of ade$uate rest breaks and a good

working environment. At present there isnt any regulation that limits the number of hours adriver of a forklift truck or other powered industrial vehicle can work.

Electrical &afety

0lectricity is a primary form of energy. 7t can shock burn damage nerves and internal organs

and can kill people. The effect of electricity on the body depends on the magnitude and durationof exposure to the current the path of the current through the body and the impedance

#resistance% of the body.

+hen electricity flows through a conductive material such as electrical wire heat is produced.

+ith proper design and compliance with codes and wiring systems devices will have resistancelow enough that current'carrying parts and connections should not overheat. 6owever if there is

a poor circuit connection an overload of current or a fault in the circuit electricity can escape

from the circuit and cause cable heating distortion and fires.

For these reasons all electrical e$uipment and installations used within a @002@ workplacemust meet the highest standards of safety. The regular scheduled testing of all electrical

e$uipment and installations and the tagging out of any e$uipment found to be deficient will

ensure ongoing safety.

There are different test scheduling re$uirements for different types of e$uipment!

37




&witch boards with



5d#inistrative controls

-ake sure workers are trained in the use of e$uipment and that manufacturerUs

instructions are followed.

&tore and operate e$uipment away from damp areas when not in use.

-ake sure leads do not run across wet surfaces or any place where they may be easily

damaged.



6ow high is the ob from the ground,

@o you have the appropriate -0+4 for the ob, #7f you are not sure check with the hirer or

manufacturer.%

+hat are the ground conditions like ' is there a risk of the -0+4 becoming unstable oroverturning,

Are the people using the -0+4 trained competent and fit to do so,

7s there passing traffic and if so what do you need to do to prevent collisions,

@o you need to use either work restraint #to prevent people climbing out of the -0+4% or a fall

arrest system #which will stop a person hitting the ground if they fall out%, Allowing people toclimb out of the basket is not normally recommended ' do you need to do this as part of the ob,

Checks

6as the -0+4 been examined inspected and maintained as re$uired by the manufacturer*sinstructions and daily checks carried out,

&te,ladders

"efore 2se

efore you use a stepladder first ask yourself! am 7 fit to work at height, Then think about the

conditionand the ,ositionof the ladder.

A stepladder in good conditionhas!

Feet firmly attached

2lean treads

&ecure locking devices

&ecure fastenings when it is extended

A stepladder in a good ,osition

7s fully open

7s locked into place

+ill not move at the bottom.

&tands on a surface that is! #firm level clear dry not slippery%

n 2se

40




Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 8G ' >: minutes at a time

Only carry light materials and tools #up to 8: kg%

@o not overreach ' make sure your belt buckle #navel% stays within the stiles

Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task

-ake sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps

Avoid side'on working

4eanin! ladders

"efore 2se

First ask yourself! am 7 fit to work at height, Then think about the conditionand the ,ositionof

the ladder.

A leaning ladder in good conditionhas!

oth feet firmly attached and with a good tread

2lean rungs

Cndamaged stiles #the side pieces that the rungs are attached to%

&ecure fastenings when it is extended

A leaning ladder in a good ,osition

7s at an angle of HGR ' one unit out for every four units up

+ill not move at the bottom

&tands on a surface that is! firm level clear @rynot slippery

+ill not move at the top



CHEPTER-

)RE &5)ET;

)ire safetyrefers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a firethat

may result in death inury or property damage alert those in a structure to the presence of anuncontrolled firein the event one occurs better enable those threatened by a fire to survive or to

reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned duringtheconstructionof a building or implemented in structures that are already standing and those

that are taught to occupants of the building.

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation thatincreases the likelihood a fire may start or may delay escapein the event a fire occurs.

Fire safety is often a component ofbuilding safety.Those who inspect buildings for violations of

the Fire 2ode and go into schools to educate children on Fire &afety topics are fire department

members known asfire prevention officers. The 2hief Fire 4revention Officer or 2hief of Fire4revention will normally train newcomers to the Fire 4revention @ivision and may also conduct

inspections or make presentations.

)RE H5D5R.& C45&&)C5T/

Electrical hazards

@amaged wiring @amaged plugs @amp or wet wires Overloaded motors roken switches

outlets or sockets 4roblems with lighting fixtures Faulty heating elements Overloaded circuits

Bi$uids near computers 2omputers without surge protectors

)riction hazards

6ot bearings -isaligned or broken machine parts 2hoking #sharp% or amming materials 4ooradustment of moving parts 7nade$uate lubrication

Process or o,eration-related hazards

2utting and welding operations3 which use open flames and produce sparks -olten metalwhich can ignite combustibles or fall into cracks and start a fire that might not erupt until after

the work is done 4rocesses that heat materials to high temperatures @rying operations where

materials in dryers can overheat )rinding operations that produce sparks and dust 4rocesses inwhich flammable vapors are released

&tora!e hazards

-aterials loaded too high blocking sprinkler heads #need 8E'inches clearance from head%Flammable or combustible materials stored too close to heat sources

Flammable materials not stored in special containers and cabinets 7nade$uate ventilation in

storage areas -aterials that might react with one another stored together -aterials stored indamaged containers -aterials stored in unlabeled containers 2ontainers not tightly sealed

okin! hazards

42

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflagrationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_escapehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_escapehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_codehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_codehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflagrationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_escapehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_code



7gnoring "/o &moking" signs &moking around flammable or combustible materials Throwing

matches and cigarettes or cigars on tables or workbenches Tossing butts on the floor or grass

without properly extinguishing them in an ashtray or ash can Tossing lighted butts or matchesout windows or doors &moking in bed Beaving a cigarette1cigar unattended &moking in areas

where there is an accumulation of sawdust plastic or metal powders that may become explosive

1% Ways to Prevent a Work,lace )ire

4reventing fires is everyones ob. +e all need to be alert to anything that could cause a fire and

take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected. 6ere are somereminders about fire prevention!

8. 4ractice good workplace housekeeping. 2lutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by

preventing access to exits and emergency e$uipment.

9. 4lace oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on aregular basis.

>. -aintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.

?.



)ire &afety - 5ssessin! the #eans of esca,e

The range of workplaces covered by these regulations is huge and so the following information

is intended as a guide to get you started on an assessment. (ou are advice to get help expert fromone of experienced safety consultants conducting a fire risk assessment at your premises please

call on emergency number.

4lease note that in some cases it may be necessary to provide additional means of escape or to

improve the fire protection of existing escape routes. At this point you should consult the fireauthority and where necessary your local building control officer before carrying out any

alterations. The distances given below should ensure that people are able to escape within the

appropriate period of time. (ou can of course use actual calculated escape times but should do so

only after consulting a fire safety consultant with appropriate training and expertise in this field.

6eneral ,rinci,les for esca,e ro2tes

Other than in small workplaces or from some rooms of low or normal fire risk there shouldnormally be alternative means of escape from all parts of the workplace.



O&6A strongly recommends that all employers have an emergency action plan. 7f the public

entity has 8: or fewer employees the plan may be communicated orally. Other employees must

have a written plan kept in the workplace and available for employees to review.

O&6A standards that re$uire emergency action plans are!

4rocess &afety -anagement of 6ighly 6azardous 2hemicals = 8N8:.88N

Fixed 0xtinguishing &ystems )eneral = 8N8:.8I:

Fire @etection &ystems = 8N8:.8I?

)rain 6andling = 8N8:.9H9

0thylene Oxide = 8N8:.8:?H

-ethylenedianiline = 8N8:.8:G:

8>'utadiene = 8N8:.8:G8

.escri,tion

The plan describes the actions employees should take to ensure their safety if a fire or other

emergency situation occurs. To be effective employees must understand their roles andresponsibilities when an emergency occurs. The public entity should run emergency

preparedness drills to give employees the experience of putting their knowledge to work before

an actual emergency occurs. Once a $uarter is not too fre$uent to test the plan. -any entities

participate in citywide or countywide emergency preparedness drills that involve hospitals firepolice etc.

Process

A comprehensive plan comprises issues specific to the entitys worksite. 7t describes how

employees will respond to different types of emergencies considering the specific worksite

layout structural features and emergency systems. &ince the participation of all employees is

critical to the plans success in an emergency it is wise to ask for their help in constructing theplan.

Contents

0mergency reporting procedures

Alarm system description

0vacuation policy

0xit maps or diagrams

4rocedures for sheltering in place

4rocedures for people who remain in place

4rocedures for accounting for all personnel

45




b% in the storage of hazardous chemicals3

c% in the transport of hazardous chemicals.

d% in the disposal and treatment of hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste products.

)eneral responsibilities of employers8. 0mployers should set out in writing their policy and arrangements on safety in the use ofchemicals as part of their general policy and arrangements in the field of occupational safety and

health and the various responsibilities exercised under these arrangements.9. 0mployers should ensure that all chemicals used at work are labelled or marked in accordance

with the provisions of the code and that chemical safety data sheets have been provided inrespect of all hazardous chemicals used at work.

>. 0mployers receiving chemicals which have not been!

a% labelled or marked3 orb% provided with chemical safety data sheets3 in accordance with the provisions of this code

should not use the chemicals until the relevant information has been obtained.

?. 0mployers should maintain a record of hazardous chemicals used at the workplace.G. 0mployers should make an assessment of the risks arising from the use of chemicals at work.

I. 0mployers should take appropriate measures to protect workers against the risks identified by

the assessment of risks. +here the risks cannot be eliminated or ade$uately controlledemployers should provide and maintain personal protective

a hazard is generally anything that can hurt you or make you ill - copy

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