Manual Handling with control measures

 Manual Handling 

 

Manual Handling

Introduction

Manual handling is an essential part of many jobs across various industries. It refers to the process of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects by hand or bodily force. While manual handling is an integral part of most workplaces, it can be hazardous, and accidents can occur. Manual handling injuries can cause severe pain, long-term disability, and even death. However, if proper safety measures are taken, these injuries can be prevented. In this article, we will explore the principles of safe manual handling and the strategies that can be implemented to reduce the risk of injury.

What is Manual Handling?

Manual handling involves using physical effort to move an object. It can involve lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, or moving an object. Manual handling is common in many industries, and it can lead to injuries such as strains, sprains, and fractures. The injuries can be acute or chronic, and they can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Manual handling activities can range from simple tasks like carrying a box to more complex activities such as moving heavy machinery or equipment. In general, manual handling activities can be classified as:

Lifting and carrying: This involves lifting and carrying objects from one place to another. Examples include carrying boxes, bags, or tools.

Pushing and pulling: This involves moving objects by pushing or pulling them. Examples include pushing a trolley or pulling a cart.

Holding and restraining: This involves holding an object in place or restraining it to prevent it from moving. Examples include holding a ladder or restraining a tarpaulin.

Moving and manipulating: This involves moving or manipulating objects into position. Examples include moving furniture or equipment or positioning machinery.

Principles of Safe Manual Handling

The principles of safe manual handling are designed to reduce the risk of injury during manual handling activities. The principles include:

Assessing the risks associated with manual handling activities

Before manual handling activities begin, a risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and assess the risk of injury. The assessment should consider factors such as the weight and size of the object, the distance it needs to be moved, the height of the lift, and the condition of the working environment.

Eliminating or reducing the risk of injury

Once the risks have been identified, steps should be taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury. This may include using mechanical aids, such as trolleys or hoists, to move objects, reducing the weight of the object, or breaking the task into smaller, more manageable tasks.

The use of mechanical aids can help to reduce the risk of injury by reducing the physical effort required to move objects. For example, using a forklift to move heavy machinery or equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injury compared to manually lifting and carrying the object.

Reducing the weight of the object can also help to reduce the risk of injury. This can be achieved by breaking the load into smaller, more manageable loads, or by using lighter materials.

Breaking the task into smaller, more manageable tasks can also help to reduce the risk of injury. This can be achieved by dividing the task into smaller steps or by using a team to share the workload.

Using the correct lifting techniques

The correct lifting technique involves using the legs to lift the load, rather than the back. The load should be held close to the body, and the worker should avoid twisting or reaching. The following steps should be followed when lifting an object:

Assess the load: Before lifting the load, workers should assess its weight, shape, and size. If the load is too heavy or awkward to lift, a mechanical aid, such as a trolley or hoist, should be used.

Get a good grip: Workers should use a secure grip, such as a power grip or hook grip, when lifting the load. The grip should be positioned at the mid-point of the load, and the fingers should be wrapped around the object.

Position the feet: Workers should position their feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other. This helps to maintain balance and stability during the lift.

Bend the knees: Workers should bend their knees and lower their body towards the load. The back should be kept straight, and the head should be lifted.

Lift with the legs: Workers should use their leg muscles to lift the load, rather than the back. The load should be lifted smoothly and steadily, using a controlled motion.

Hold the load close to the body: The load should be held close to the body, with the elbows tucked in. This helps to reduce the strain on the back and prevents the load from swinging.

Avoid twisting: Workers should avoid twisting their body while lifting the load. Instead, they should pivot on their feet to change direction.

Lower the load: When lowering the load, workers should reverse the lifting process. They should bend their knees and lower the load to the ground in a controlled motion.

Benefits of Using the Correct Lifting Technique

Using the correct lifting technique offers several benefits, including:

Reduced risk of injury: The correct lifting technique helps to reduce the risk of injury to the back, muscles, and joints. It minimizes the strain on the back and distributes the weight evenly across the body.

Increased efficiency: Using the correct lifting technique helps to increase efficiency by reducing the time and effort required to move the load. It also minimizes the risk of damage to the load or the surrounding environment.

Improved productivity: Workers who use the correct lifting technique are less likely to suffer from fatigue or injury, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Reduced costs: By reducing the risk of injury and damage, using the correct lifting technique can help to reduce the costs associated with accidents, such as medical bills and lost productivity.

Training and Education

To ensure that workers use the correct lifting technique, it is essential to provide them with adequate training and education. Workers should be trained on the correct lifting technique and provided with information on the risks associated with manual handling. They should also be educated on the importance of warming up and stretching before lifting heavy objects.

Employers should also ensure that workers have access to mechanical aids, such as trolleys and hoists, to assist with lifting heavy objects. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, manual handling is an integral part of many work activities, and it is essential to understand the risks involved and the proper techniques to avoid injury. Lifting and moving objects incorrectly can result in back injuries, strains, and other physical ailments that can have long-lasting effects on an individual's health and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper manual handling techniques such as assessing the load, maintaining good posture, and using appropriate lifting aids. Adequate training and supervision of staff are also crucial to ensure that they are aware of the risks and are equipped with the necessary skills to carry out manual handling tasks safely. By taking these steps, we can create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and investing time and effort in proper manual handling practices can go a long way in promoting workplace safety and well-being.

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Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Pressure Testing Procedures Safety

 

Hydrostatic and Pneumatic pressure testing Procedures Safety

Chemical plant equipment such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, columns. Pipelines, etc., need to be inspected, such as after completion of manufacture or install at regular intervals before commissioning and during plant operations, such as ensuring legal regulations and safe operation.

Testing methods are usually hydrostatic and pneumatic tests. In addition to the rare test "helium test", pneumatic tests are also widely used to minimize down time and economy and to facilitate testing. Compared to which there are hydrostatic tests. It is also useful in detecting very fine juice pathways that cannot be found in hydrostatic tests. However, it is not as safe as hydrostatic for the reasons which are listed at the las of this article.

 

Hydrostatic pressure test is a common non-destructive test method used for testing after piping and pressure vessel construction. This method is often preferred by the owner due to product consideration.

Hydrostatic pressure test example is hydrogen peroxide testing for a pipe line or tank. Since hydrogen peroxide is very sensitive to pollutants, it is best to use this method.

Hazards & Safety concerns during hydrostatic testing

However, in the safety frame, there is a potential risk in the hydrostatic pressure test. It can cause injury and death as well as damage to property if not handled properly.

 

Hydrostatic pressure test uses water at high pressure. The applied pressure is 1.5 times

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Fire & Fire extinguisher Classifications With Fire Spread Methods

 

Fire & Fire extinguisher Classifications and Fire Spread Methods

Classification of fire and fire extinguishers

Types of fire and extinguishing

Class A: A type fire consisting of solid materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, textiles, furniture, and plastics that are usually shiny during combustion. This type of fire is extinguished by cooling which is obtained by using water.

Class B: The fire that involves liquids or liquid solids such as paint, oil or grease. They can be further subdivided:

      Class B1: Fires that contain liquids that are soluble in water, such as methanol. They can be extinguished with carbon dioxide, dry powder, water spray, and mild water and vapor liquids.

      Class B2: Types of fire that contains

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Welding and Cutting hazards and control measures at a construction site

 

Welding and Cutting Safety

Introduction

Welding and cutting are essential industrial activities that involve fusing and separating pieces of metal, respectively. However, these activities come with several hazards, including fire, explosion, toxic fumes, electrical hazards, and eye injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to take appropriate preventive measures to control these hazards and ensure the safety of personnel and property.

Hot Works

Hot work is a term used to describe any work activity that produces or may have a chance of producing sparks, such as welding, cutting, grinding, and blasting. Hot work must be controlled using a Permit to Work system, and the permit should be considered closed before one hour of the leaving time. The area must also be inspected before leaving the workplace, and the permit closed accordingly.

Hazards Involved

To ensure safety during welding and cutting activities, it is essential to understand the hazards involved. For instance, exposure to prolonged light from welding and cutting can cause eye injuries, while the heat of an arc, molten slag, sparks, hot objects, and others can lead to burns, fires, and explosions. Additionally, the speed of mechanical parts, toxic fumes released during welding/cutting, and mishandling of gas cylinders, especially acetylene, are other potential hazards.

Control Measures

To control these hazards, several measures must be taken, starting with ensuring that all personnel directly involved in welding and cutting wear suitable flame-resistant protective clothing, including leather jackets, gauntlets/gloves, and flame-proof or flame-retardant overalls or welding aprons. The use of contact lenses during welding and cutting operations is prohibited, and approved eye protection must be worn, such as face shields and adequate lenses. The area should also be cordoned off, and a screen erected to protect other workers working around the area.

Other Hazards

Electric shock is another hazard associated with welding and cutting activities. To prevent electric shocks, all welding machines and generators must be earthed, and welding earths connected to the workplace as close as possible. Welding cables must be kept dry and free from grease to prevent insulation breakdown, and damaged cables must be replaced or discarded immediately. Oxygen/acetylene hoses and gauges must also be kept free from oil or grease contaminants, and welding cables should preferably be one continuous length or joined with approved connectors.

Toxic fumes and respiratory protection are also critical safety considerations during welding and cutting activities. Adequate exhaust ventilation must be provided to protect personnel from inhalation of toxic fumes or vapors, and mechanical air purifiers can be used to limit and purify the smoke generated during welding. In locations where adequate exhaust ventilation is not possible, welding and cutting can be carried out safely by personnel wearing suitable respiratory protection. Dust or fume masks do not provide adequate protection.

Controls Measure for Cutting activity

To ensure safety during cutting activities, competent operators should be used, and equipment like power tools, grinders, and welding machines must be inspected before use on-site. Third-party inspections are required to ensure that the machines are in good working condition. All gas cylinders used in the workplace, including oxygen, acetylene, or propane, must have approved flashback arrestors fitted to the gauge of the cylinders. Gas torches should also be ignited using flint guns, while gas cylinder valves should be closed, and valve protection caps put in place when cylinders are not in use.

Conclusion

Welding and cutting activities are essential industrial processes that come with several hazards. However, these hazards can be controlled using appropriate preventive measures such as wearing suitable protective clothing, providing adequate ventilation, ensuring equipment is inspected before use, and using competent operators. Employers and employees must take these measures seriously to ensure the safety of all personnel and property during welding and cutting activities.

 

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Working at Roof hazards and control measures includes all the precautionary measures

 

Working at Roof Safety

A type of work at height is to work on a roof so almost all the control measures which we apply on work at height will be used with this activity.

 

First step is preparing the work area at the roof. This will include safe access/egress and edge protection systems needs to install and safety harness is available specifically at the entrance which could be at access/egress point.

Training for the personal related to their job safety and safe system of work to be conducted and ensure it is understood.

Establish exclusion zone to avoid the unauthorized entry to that area with adequate signs. 

Rescue team is assigned and rescue arrangements are in place. This is most important thing to consider because if a worker fall and if we don’t have emergency rescue arrangements it will hang for a long time and blood circulation may stop because of body weight to safety harness.

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Slip Trip Hazards and Control Measures at workplace

 

Slip Trip Hazards and Control Measures

Today I am going to discuss the biggest hazard in the construction sites or in fact all types of work places i.e. slip trip. It can be avoided easily but unfortunately it is neglected most of the times and will give huge impact on work life.

We will start with the most common slip trip hazards:

·        Slippery Surface/Spillage

Slippery surface due to any wet material, chemical or even water.  It is the most common hazard on any workplace.

·        Open Holes

Holes are also a type of trip hazard. Mostly what I observed in my professional career that open holes are behind most incidents related to tripping hazards.   

·        Trailing Cables

It is the biggest reason of tripping hazard on a workplace. It can be avoid easily but we can notice it on every site mostly carelessness or people become lazy. Sometimes it can be fatal if protruding bars or

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PPE( Personal Protective Equipment )and Ladder Safety

PPE( Personal Protective Equipment )and Ladder Safety

Introduction

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ladder safety are essential components of workplace safety. PPE refers to equipment designed to protect workers from hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls. Ladders, on the other hand, are commonly used in various industries to access elevated areas. Unfortunately, ladders are also responsible for a significant number of workplace injuries and deaths. This article will explore the importance of PPE and ladder safety in the workplace and provide tips on how to protect workers from falls.

PPE: Protecting Workers from Hazards

PPE is designed to protect workers from hazards such as falling objects, chemical exposure, and electric shock. Common types of PPE include eye protection, ear protection, respiratory protection, and gloves. Employers are required to provide PPE to workers and ensure that it is used correctly. Workers should receive training on how to properly use, maintain, and store PPE.

Ladder Safety: Preventing Falls

Ladders are commonly used in various industries to access elevated areas, such as roofs, ceilings, and shelves. However, ladder-related injuries and deaths are a significant problem. According to the National Safety Council, falls from ladders are responsible for more than 300 deaths and 165,000 injuries each year in the United States. Employers can take several steps to prevent ladder-related accidents:

Choose the right ladder for the job: Ladders should be appropriate for the task and the weight of the worker and equipment.

Inspect ladders regularly: Ladders should be inspected before each use to ensure that they are in good condition.

Proper ladder placement: Ladders should be placed on a stable surface and secured to prevent movement.

Maintain three points of contact: Workers should maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).

Use fall protection: Workers should use fall protection when working from heights, such as a harness or guardrail system.

Training: Employers should provide training on ladder safety to all workers who use ladders.

PPE and Ladder Safety: Working Together to Protect Workers

PPE and ladder safety work together to protect workers from falls. For example, workers who use ladders to access elevated areas may need to wear fall protection, such as a harness, while working at heights. Additionally, workers may need to wear PPE to protect them from hazards such as falling objects or chemical exposure while working on a ladder. Employers should assess the hazards present in the workplace and provide workers with the appropriate PPE and ladder safety training.

•      All working personnel are to wear required PPE at works to make more Compliance.

•      Wear the goggles’ without fail wherever you go at site premises.

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QHSE Notice Board at a workplace and importance of the notice board at a workplace

QHSE Notice Board

 

Notice board is a 

means of communication 

for a construction site. 

It will make things much 

more easy for health and

 safety professional specially conveying messages, lesson learnts and local authority updates related to HSE.

What should be displayed on the notice board:

• Information for employees – poster with site rules

• Health and safety policy

• ISO certifications

• Evacuation procedures

• First aid arrangements(First aid station location, First aider details)

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY at Construction Site

 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

 

Only competent/authorized electricians are allowed to make the electrical installations.

Electrical power load for tasks must be assessed and suitable equipment must be installed. (e.g. Suitably rated panels, cables, sockets etc.)

Power generators/electrical panels must be provided with appropriately rated circuit breakers (rcds) inspected regularly for its intended purpose.

Secured (locked) appropriately from unauthorized meddling.

Earthed appropriately and inspected regularly to ensure the same.

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What is Near Miss and Why it is important to report and record Near Miss?

 

Near Miss 

 

WHAT IS A NEAR MISS?

 

"A Near Miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, damage or product loss but had the potential to do so.". it is the definition which i read in the NEBOSH books and it is the most accurate as i believe. 

 

The difference between a near miss and a full blown incident is often a fraction of a second that may not be there the next time.

 

Examples of Near Misses:

 

ü  Handrail missing from a scaffold that persons are working on or about to work on.

ü  Floor openings with no protection to prevent persons from falling

ü  Vehicles reversing without a Banks man

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Hazards and control measures while working with Chemical at Work place

 

Chemical safety

Hazards Associated:

• Diseases 

• Acute health effects.  

• Chronic health effects.  

• Illness. 

• Accidental fires.

Health and Safety Point to discuss:

•     Hazardous substances must be stored in suitable and un-damaged Containers placed at appropriately bunded locations.

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Safe usage of Abrasive Wheels and hazards related to abrasive wheels at Work Place

ABRASIVE WHEELS

Hazards Associated:

There are many risks associated with using abrasive wheels of which you need to be aware of:

1.      Collapse, fragmentation or explosion of discs.

2.      Particles flying from materials being cut.

3.      Dust, avoid dry cutting, if not possible use respiratory protection.

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