Vibration
Hazards and Control Measures
We have two types of the vibration hazards which are related
to our workplace. These are:
1. Hand-Arm Vibration HAV
2. Whole Body Vibration
WBV
Hand-arm
Vibration
Most of the time the workers which are using power tools are at risk of facing the first type of vibration hazard which is Hand-Arm Vibration.
Accident
Investigation
Workplace accident investigation is
an ideal tool identify the outcomes which will arise after the accident.
Why do you need to investigate
occupational accidents?
For identification the cause of
incident.
To prevent comparative accidents
later
To meet legal needs.
To determine the cost of an
accident
Determines the consistency of
product safety guidelines.
To process a worker's payment
request
In either case, you should
investigate the event, which does not include injury or property damage, to
determine which risks need to be adjusted. Don't believe you are twice as
happy.
It is important for the organization
to review the accident concisely at the moment of the actual accident occur.
Inappropriate or false investigations
can confuse the problem and increase the expected risk. Accident investigations
are conducted by health and safety experts who visit the site to understand the
current reality.
The purpose of accident
investigation is to avoid reoccurrence.
Similar accidents can occur later if
you can’t able to find the reason for the accident once you have done the
identification you can easily find a way to control or eliminate it.
Frustration is rarely a reason of an
accident. Workplaces, work restrictions, management issues or lack of work
experience can be the reasons of an incident.
You need to examine all these to
determine what is the reason behind the incident, once identified we can
eliminate it or control it.
Once the cause is identified,
precautions should be taken and applied to prevent recurrence. HSE Officers
should always remember that successful accident investigation involves finding
the truth, not the errors.
To explain why and how the accident
happened? Safety officers need to collect data about incident that occurred
before and during the incident. The safety officers were then able to determine
the circumstances of the incident /accident by looking at the actual evidence
and meeting with the witness. It is important to kept the record of the steps
taken after the accident.
Three things we need to
consider for preventing accidents.
1.
The data which we collect needs to
be investigated adequately.
2.
A recovery drill needs to be
conducted.
3.
All the activities must be adhered
with local legislative.
Important measures which need to be
consider for accident investigation.
Your organization's safety and
health for the projects should include the following things for Accident
Investigation.
What type of error do you need to
investigate?
Who needs to investigate and what
needs to be investigated?
What kind of preparation do safety
officers need to make investigation?
Who examines the report and provides
awareness and suggestions?
Do I Need a medical treatment for all
injury/Wounds?
Incident lead to property damage?
Are there any accidents that could
cause real injuries or serious financial accidents?
Reportable accident
All the accidents that will in
result of serious injury need to be reported to the Ministry of labor (MOL). It
is a legal requirement to report it to concern authorities. Ministry will then
issue the advisory to all the related parties to avoid the reoccurrence.
Unsafe Conditions at Workplace
Unsafe
Conditions Examples
An
accident may occur due to the unsafe conditions. Few of them as an example are:
Uncomfortable
Environment which may be Hot, Noisy etc..
Inadequate
designed machines or inadequate design of tools.
Poor housekeeping
inadequate access routes.
Due to uneven
surface which can be rough, slippery or defective in any way.
Poor or
insufficient lighting conditions.
Improper
ventilation or air quality is not good (contaminated air)
Poor guarding of
machine or equipment’s.
Unguarded
machinery or equipments or lack of guards.
Unsafe processes
or method of completing the task - mechanical, chemical, electrical, and
nuclear.
This
does not mean that an unsafe operation or unsafe condition alone cannot lead to
an accident.
For
example, horse play is an unsafe process that may occur in safe situations, but
It can still cause an accident.
In
the same way, a person can work perfectly, Safely, using safe equipment and
materials that are in good condition, but prone to injuries.
Temperature
Many
experiments have been done on the impact of temperature. The main variables are
air temperature, moisture, air flow and operator's clothing and task. The
general consensus is that the conditions for thermal comfort, work performance
and minimum accidents are identical. The temperature in the range of 16-24 ° C
is acceptable to most people.
Noise
The effect of noise is very complex. It is identified
that noise can damage the hearing mechanism and prolonged exposure to noise
levels above 120 dB (decibels) can cause permanent damage.
Lower levels interfere with speech and communication
may interfere with work performance. Errors have been found to increase with
noise and non-hearing effects, Any of these effects could easily be responsible
for an accident.
Mechanical
For
many years, machinery is responsible for many industrial accidents around the
world.
Through
government law enforcement, and improving the awareness about guarding, agronomic
design and moral and social responsibilities, which has reduced the number of
injuries from machinery related accidents.
It
still leaves a lot of concern, because machine accident injuries are generally
intense, and often cause partial or even permanent disability.
Although
the safety rules of fencing and dangerous machinery are present, most accidents
are due to the use of improper guards or failure to use the guards provided.
However,
all the guards should be designed well, should be adjusted correctly, properly
maintained and examined regularly.
Some
machines can remain unsafe because they are considered as 'safe' in terms of
position.
No
machinery can really be protected by position because its relative safety
depends on the proximity of people.
Its
the supervisor who can carefully examine in the beginning and after completion
of the work, to removing the fuse, locking the start switch or covering, and place
an appropriate notice sign.
Physical
Industrial
psychologists have just done a lot of time to review how the operator's
performance varies, as the external conditions change, the idea is that there
is a great bet to perform all kinds of work. For example, when the lighting,
heating, ventilation, moisture and noise conditions are found to be found, it
has been found that there is some desired range inside which the operator will
work efficiently.
Anything
outside this range, either very little or much more, its performance will
affect its performance. However, many workers will try extra to maintain the
production despite the worsening conditions. In such cases it has been found
that it usually increases the frequency and intensity of accidents.
Unsafe Acts at Workplace
Let's
start with an example to better understand the unsafe acts. In a MEP store, pipes of some lengths were being stacked.
Same
time morning tea break starts.
The
workers who were stacking quickly finished their work and went for tea.
After
tea, they resumed work in the other part of the store.
Unfortunately,
they left some pipes in the first stack and these pipes are in the access area.
Later,
at sunset, another employee arrived, turn the yard lights on, and slipped over
the faulty stacked pipes.
In
another example, in the same area, one of the other workers used a defective tool,
resulting in an injury to his hand.
In
the result of an investigations observed that the tool was damaged and rusty and
the worker tries to fix it on his own, which he is not capable of.
In
both cases, the accident occurred due to an unsafe operation. In one case, a
third party was injured. In the second, the unsafe act was committed by the
injured party.
Unsafe
Acts Examples
Unsafe acts of the personal may be considered as
following:
Operating the
tools and equipments when not authorized.
Working at unsafe
speed .
Bypass the safety
devices.
Using unsafe tool
and equipment, or using it in an unsafe manner.
Working in unsafe
methods.
Unsafe position or
posture while working.
Working while
moving or dangerous equipment used.
Horseplay, while
working.
Failure to wear PPE
(personal protective equipments).
Lack of attention;
routine activity without thought.
Unsafe
Act Types
From
an accident prevention perspective, it is helpful to categorize the unsafe acts
into two types:
Active
and inactive
Active
Unsafe Act.
A
clear example of the active nature of the unsafe act is the case where a worker
intentionally.
Removes
a protective shield to potentially improve its production rate. This act,
together with
The
fact that he is working faster now can cause more mistakes. Many of them may go
unnoticed, some may cause faults, but ultimately, On average, there will be an
accident at the end.
Of
course, it is difficult to control a person's behavior, but the most effective
measures are to proceed with proper training and proper supervision.
Inactive
Unsafe Acts.
Inactive
unsafe acts are usually more difficult to deal with. for an example.
Failure
to wear an employee's personal protection when clearly everyone knows they have
to wear before commencing the activity. There will be lot of possible reasons
for not wearing.
Inactive
movements are often very difficult to change. This can be done by counseling
schemes, training programs and with effective monitoring.
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
Welding and Cutting Safety
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excavation Safety on a work place
Excavation
is the process of removing earth, rocks, or other materials from a site to
create a hole, trench, or foundation. It is a common practice in construction and
civil engineering. Excavation can be a dangerous activity, and proper safety
measures must be taken to prevent accidents and injuries. In this article, we
will explore the various types of excavation, the equipment used, and the
safety measures that must be taken to ensure safe excavation practices.
There
are several types of excavation, each with its own purpose and method. The
following are the most common types of excavation:
Trench
excavation is used to create a narrow and deep hole in the ground. It is often
used in utility installation, such as water and sewer lines. Trenches are
typically dug using an excavator or backhoe.
Basement
excavation is used to create a space below ground level that can be used for a
basement. This type of excavation requires careful planning and must take into
consideration the soil composition and groundwater level.
Topsoil
excavation involves the removal of the top layer of soil. This type of excavation
is often used in landscaping and agricultural projects.
Excavation
requires specialized equipment to be performed safely and efficiently. The
following are the most common pieces of equipment used for excavation:
An
excavator is a large machine that is used for digging and moving earth. It is
equipped with a bucket that can be used to remove soil, rocks, and other
materials.
A
backhoe is a smaller machine that is used for digging and moving earth. It is
equipped with a bucket and a digging arm that can be used to remove soil,
rocks, and other materials.
A
bulldozer is a heavy machine that is used to push earth and other materials. It
is often used in larger excavation projects, such as road construction.
A skid
steer loader is a small machine that is used for digging and moving earth. It
is equipped with a bucket that can be used to remove soil, rocks, and other
materials.
Excavation
can be a dangerous activity, and proper safety measures must be taken to
prevent accidents and injuries. The following are some of the safety measures
that must be taken for safe excavation practices:
Before
excavation begins, the site must be inspected to identify potential hazards.
This may include underground utilities, unstable soil, or other obstructions
that could cause accidents or injuries. The site inspection must be conducted
by a qualified professional who has experience in excavation and can identify
potential hazards.
All
workers involved in excavation must wear appropriate protective gear. This
includes hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility
clothing. The protective gear must be worn at all times during excavation
activities to prevent injuries.
All
workers involved in excavation must be properly trained on the equipment and
safety procedures. This includes proper operation of the equipment, proper use
of safety gear, and emergency procedures. Workers must be trained on how to
recognize hazards and what to do in case of an emergency.
Excavation
requires specialized equipment to be performed safely and efficiently. The
equipment must be inspected before each use to ensure that it is in good
working condition. Any damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced before it
can be used.
Safety
barriers must be used to prevent workers and equipment from falling into the
excavation site. The barriers must be installed around the perimeter of the
excavation site and must be clearly marked to ensure that workers are aware of
their location.
Sloping
and benching are two methods used to stabilize the sides of the excavation
site. Sloping involves excavating at an angle to reduce the risk of collapse,
while benching involves creating a series of steps to stabilize the sides of
the excavation site. The slope or bench angle must be determined by a qualified
professional and must be based on the soil type and other site conditions.
Shoring
involves installing temporary support systems to prevent the sides of the
excavation site from collapsing. Shoring systems must be designed and installed
by a qualified professional and must be inspected before each use to ensure
that they are in good working condition.
Trench
boxes are used to protect workers from cave-ins and to stabilize the sides of
the excavation site. Trench boxes must be designed and installed by a qualified
professional and must be inspected before each use to ensure that they are in
good working condition.
Before
excavation begins, all underground utilities must be located and marked to prevent
damage to the utilities and to prevent injuries to workers. Utility locating
must be conducted by a qualified professional who has experience in utility
locating.
Excavation
can be a hazardous activity, and proper safety measures must be taken to
prevent accidents and injuries. The safety measures discussed in this article
are essential for ensuring safe excavation practices. It is important to
remember that excavation safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in
the excavation process, from the workers to the supervisors and managers. By
following proper safety procedures and using the appropriate equipment,
excavation can be performed safely and efficiently.
PPE( Personal Protective Equipment )and Ladder Safety
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 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.
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.
