Radiography Works Hazards and Control Measures

Radiography Works Hazards and Control Measures

Introduction

Radiography plays an important role in ensuring safety and quality in construction sites. Radiography is the process of creating an image of the internal structure of an object using X-rays or gamma rays. This technique is commonly used in the construction industry to detect and identify any flaws or defects in the structural components of buildings, bridges, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

Most Common usage of Radiography

Radiography is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique that allows construction engineers and contractors to assess the integrity of structural components without damaging them. Radiography works by projecting a beam of X-rays or gamma rays through the object being tested, and then capturing the resulting image on a film or digital detector. This image can then be analyzed to identify any defects, such as cracks, voids, or other irregularities that could compromise the safety and stability of the structure.

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Vibration hazard types on the workplace and their health effects with the control measures

 

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.

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Health safety and welfare requirements for new offices/Construction Site

 

Health safety and welfare requirements of Construction Site

 

Construction workplace have several health, safety, and welfare requirements. These are the most important things which should be provided before/during commencing the activities on a site.

 

In this article I will try to cover all the requirements to setting a new workspace so that we can familiar of what can be asked by a health & safety local legislation body at any time and we can make ourself able to show the compliance.

Welfare requirements for the offices/Sites are:

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Accident Investigation on a workplace

 

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.

 

 

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HSE Officer Roles and Responsibilities at a workplace

 

HSE Officer Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction

The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officer plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers and the environment in any organization. The role of the HSE officer involves identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards and risks in the workplace, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and promoting a culture of safety within the organization. In this article, we will discuss the roles and responsibilities of an HSE officer in detail.

Roles of an HSE officer

Develop and implement HSE policies and procedures: The HSE officer is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with relevant HSE legislation and regulations. These policies and procedures should be communicated to all employees to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and obligations.

Conduct HSE risk assessments: The HSE officer is responsible for conducting risk assessments in the workplace to identify potential hazards and risks. They should then develop measures to control or eliminate these risks to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.

Conduct HSE audits: The HSE officer is responsible for conducting regular HSE audits to identify areas of non-compliance with HSE policies and procedures. They should then develop corrective actions to address any non-compliance issues.

Develop and deliver HSE training: The HSE officer should develop and deliver HSE training programs for all employees. This training should include information on the identification and control of hazards and risks, emergency response procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Investigate accidents and incidents: The HSE officer is responsible for investigating all accidents and incidents in the workplace to identify the root cause and develop measures to prevent reoccurrence.

Develop emergency response plans: The HSE officer should develop and implement emergency response plans in the event of an emergency such as a fire, explosion, or natural disaster. These plans should include evacuation procedures, emergency contact information, and procedures for notifying emergency services.

Responsibilities of an HSE officer

Promote a culture of safety: The HSE officer should promote a culture of safety within the organization. This involves ensuring that all employees are aware of their responsibilities and obligations regarding HSE, and that they are actively involved in identifying and controlling hazards and risks in the workplace.

Ensure compliance with HSE legislation: The HSE officer is responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant HSE legislation and regulations.

Identify hazards and risks: The HSE officer is responsible for identifying hazards and risks in the workplace and developing measures to control or eliminate these risks.

Monitor and report on HSE performance: The HSE officer should monitor and report on the organization's HSE performance to management and stakeholders. This includes reporting on incidents, accidents, and near-misses, as well as identifying areas for improvement.

Develop and maintain HSE documentation: The HSE officer is responsible for developing and maintaining HSE documentation such as policies, procedures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans.

Liaise with external stakeholders: The HSE officer should liaise with external stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, emergency services, and contractors to ensure that the organization complies with HSE legislation and regulations.

Conclusion

The role of the HSE officer is critical to ensuring the safety of workers and the environment in any organization. The HSE officer's roles and responsibilities include developing and implementing HSE policies and procedures, conducting HSE risk assessments and audits, developing and delivering HSE training, investigating accidents and incidents, developing emergency response plans, promoting a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with HSE legislation, identifying hazards and risks, monitoring and reporting on HSE performance, developing and maintaining HSE documentation, and liaising with external stakeholders.

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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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Waste Collection and Waste disposal & precautions

 

Waste Collection and Waste disposal

Procedures for safe collection and disposal of waste.

The space allocated should be large enough to dispose of this space before storage

Storage should be properly away from drains etc.

The storage area should be properly identified and labeled accordingly.

The contents of the container must be clearly identified for the individual container.

All waste should be kept separate and separate.

Contradictory loss should never be kept close.

There must be reasonable and appropriate development to dispose of waste components Waste, if necessary.

Should be protected from weather elements.

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Excavation hazards and control measures on a work place

                                 Excavation Safety on a work place

Introduction

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.

Types of Excavation

There are several types of excavation, each with its own purpose and method. The following are the most common types of excavation:

Trench 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

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

Topsoil excavation involves the removal of the top layer of soil. This type of excavation is often used in landscaping and agricultural projects.

Equipment Used for Excavation

Excavation requires specialized equipment to be performed safely and efficiently. The following are the most common pieces of equipment used for excavation:

Excavator

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.

Backhoe

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.

Bulldozer

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.

Skid Steer Loader

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.

Safety Measures for Excavation

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:

Site Inspection

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.

Protective Gear / PPE

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.

Training

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.

Equipment

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

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

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

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

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.

Utility Locating

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.

Conclusion

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.

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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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