Ergonomic Safety – Part 2

 

Ergonomic Safety – Part 2

Ventilation Requirements for Confined Space

A proactive approach to Ergonomics will ensure that:

• Engineers will receive training in ergonomics and have appropriate information and guidelines regarding risk reduction

• Management planning new work processes should have knowledge of Ergonomics principles that contribute to the reduction or elimination of risk for the employees.

• Design strategies emphasize fitting job demands to the capabilities and limitations of employees. Incorporate the hierarchy of control, For example, for tasks requiring heavy materials & manual handling, use of mechanical assist devices to reduce the need for manual handling would be designed into the process

• Considering the other aspects of design should include like load design, layout of the workplace to allow for ease of access when using mechanical aids and eliminating unnecessary lifting activities.

Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace : A Complete Guide

Symptoms of MSDs

• Pain

• Weakness

• Stiffness

• Sensitivity

• Swelling

• Burning sensation

• Tingling

• Drowsiness

• Difficulty moving

• Clumsiness

Human Factors in Industry The Key to a 

Safe and Secure Workplace

Basic Ways to Reduce Ergonomic Risks

Hierarchy of control to be applied & Importance to be given for the Engineering Improvements. Engineering advancements include rearranging, modifying, redesigning, or replacing tools, equipment, workstations, packaging, parts, or products. These enhancements can be very effective because they may reduce or eliminate contributing factors. (For example, if your job requires sitting for prolonged periods of time, having an adjustable seat or foot stool so that your knees are higher than your hips helps protect your lower back.)

Administrative Improvements. Administrative improvements include changing work practices or the way work is organized.

• Providing variety / rotation in jobs

• Adjusting work schedules and work pace

• Providing recovery time (i.e., muscle relaxation time)

• Modifying work practices

• Ensuring regular housekeeping and maintenance of work spaces, tools, and equipment

• Encouraging exercise

Personal Protective Equipment. Safety devices, or personal protective equipment (PPE), includes gloves, knee and elbow pads, safety shoe, and other items that employees required to wear for that specific activity.

 Workplace Risk Assessment: 

A Key Step in Improving Safety

What are the advantages of ergonomics?

1. Increased savings

→Less injuries

→More productive and sustainable employees

→Fewer workers’ compensation claims

2. Fewer employees experiencing pain

→Implementing ergonomic improvements can reduce the risk factors that lead to  discomfort.

3. Improved productivity

→Ergonomic improvements can reduce the primary risk factors for MSDs, so workers are more efficient, productive and have greater job satisfaction.

4. Increased morale

→Attention to ergonomics can make employees feel valued because they know their employer is making the workplace safer.

5. Reduced absenteeism

→Ergonomics leads to healthy and pain-free workers who are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Hearing Protection Safety Why It Matters

Definitions of Terms in Chemical Safety

 

Definitions of Terms in Chemical Safety

FIRE PREVENTION & PROTECTION

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Air-borne concentration of toxic substances which nearly all personnel involved may by repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse effect. TLV values are expressed in ppm (parts per million) or mg/m3.

Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) is the time weighted average concentration for a normal eight hour day or 40 hr week. Nearly all persons can be exposed day after day to airborne concentrations at these limits without any adverse effect.

Asphyxiant is a gas, exposure to which leads to a morbid condition caused by the failure of the tissues to receive or utilize oxygen, the fault occurring in the lungs, blood or tissues or caused by dilution of atmospheric oxygen.

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 2

Simple asphyxiants are physiologically inert substances that dilute oxygen in the air. Examples are nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, methane and carbon dioxide.

Chemical asphyxiants are substances that interfere with the supply or utilisation of oxygen in the body by chemically reacting with blood, e.g., carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

Flammable Limit - A flame can propagate in a mixture of flammable gas and air (or oxygen) only if the concentration of the gas is between two limits known as the lower and upper flammable limits.

Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) - The minimum percent by volume of flammable vapor in air below which flame will not propagate in the mixture.

Process Safety Incidents - Case Studies

Upper Flammable Limit (LFL) – The maximum percent by volume of flammable vapor in air above which flame will not propagate .in the mixture.

CAS Number - Chemical Abstract Service. Registry of chemicals by assigning numerical identification

Chronic Health Effect - An adverse effect with symptoms that develop or recur very slowly, or over long periods of time as a result of continued or periodic exposure to the offending agent

Acute Health Effect - A severe effect which occurs rapidly after a brief intense exposure to a substance. ANSI - American National Standards Institute is a private group that develops consensus standards.

SPILL & WASTE CONTROL

Ergonomic Safety – Part 1

 

Ergonomic Safety – Part 1

Use of Explosives & Safety Measures

Workplace Ergonomics is very important for the employees, especially the repetitive works have great concern. Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to workers instead of trying to get the worker to fit the job. It concentrates on designing workstations, tools & work tasks for safety, efficiency and comfort. Ergonomics study helps to decrease fatigue and injuries, along with improving comfort, productivity, job satisfaction and safety to employees.

Ergonomics is very important to all employees because when you’re doing a job and your body is stressed by an awkward posture, excessive temperature, or repeated movement your musculoskeletal system is impacted. Employees may begin to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which can be the first signs of a musculoskeletal disorder(MSD).

Safety Training Videos with Pictorial Guidelines

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs)?

MSD is the result of longtime exposure. Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are cumulative and chronic injuries of the soft tissue-muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and blood vessels. The body has limits and can fail or wear out when abused or misused. MSDs are defined as injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and discs that are caused or aggravated by our actions and/or environment that does not follow safe and healthy work practices.

A known MSD is carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) which occurs when the nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed resulting in pain, weakness, loss of grip or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. With this, the employee cannot be able to work safely resulting into incidents.

 Driving towards Zero: A Guide to Improving Road Safety

Operation Safety for Lifting Appliances

 

Operation Safety for Lifting Appliances

Workplace Risk Assessment: A Key Step in Improving Safety

Every crane or lifting appliance operator shall possess required skill and training in the operation of the particular lifting appliances, provided further that

Engaging young - No person under eighteen years of age shall be in control of any lifting machine, scaffold winch, or give signals to the operator;

Necessary all precaution shall be taken by the trained operator to prevent lifting appliance from being set in motion inadvertently;

Crane Operation Signals - The operation of lifting appliances shall be governed by signals in conformity with the approved standards;

Attention to Crane Operation - The operator’s attention shall not be distracted while he is working;

Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Workplace: The Importance of Occupational Health

Safe Working Load(SWL) - No crane, hoist, winch or other lifting appliance or any part of such crane, hoist, winch or other lifting appliance shall, except for testing purposes, be loaded beyond the safe working load;

Suspended Load - During the hoisting operation by the crane, effective precaution shall be taken to prevent any employees from standing or passing under the suspended load in such operation;

Operator shall not leave lifting appliance unattended while crane engine power is on or the load is suspended to such appliance;

Horseplay - No person shall ride on a suspended load of any lifting appliance;

Prevent Danger - Every part of a load in course of being hoisted or lowered shall bee adequately suspended and supported;

Hot Work Safety - A Complete Guide to Safe Practices

Every receptacle used for hoisting bricks, tiles, slates or other material shall be suitably enclosed as to prevent the fall of any such material;

The hoisting platform shall be enclosed when loose material or loaded wheel barrows are placed directly on such platform or lowering such materials or wheel barrows;

Avoid Sudden Jerk - No material shall be raised, lowered or slewed with any lifting appliance in such a way as to cause sudden jerks to such appliance;

In hoisting a barrow, any wheel of such barrow shall not used be as a means of support unless adequate steps have been taken to prevent the axle of such wheel from slipping out of its bearing;

The Importance of Electrical Safety in Industry

Guide Rope/Tag Line - Long objects like planks or girders shall be provided with tag line to prevent any possibility of danger while raising or lowering such objects;

During the process of landing or material, a building employee shall not be permitted to lean out into empty space for finding out the loading and unloading of such material;

When hoisting of load is done in an enclosed space, neither the lifting material nor the boom shall project outside the enclosed space;

Contact with any Objects – All required steps shall be taken to prevent a load, in the course of being hoisted or lowered from coming into contact with any object to avoid any displacement of such load and appropriate appliances provided and used for guiding heavy loads when raising or lowering heavy loads to avoid crushing of hands of building workers during such raising or lowering of loads.

 Construction Safety Pictorial Guidelines

 

Chain Pulley Block Safety

 

Chain Pulley Block Safety

Safety Training Videos with Pictorial Guidelines

Chain Pulley Blocks are one of the general rigging appliances and it is used for short lifts such as by small monorail cranes, fixed hoists and so on.

Ensure the safe storage. Do not drop a chain block. The jolt may distort the casing causing the gearing to malfunction and the chain block to fail. The drive pinion could also part from the main driving spur wheel.

Make sure that the hook has not dipped through itself in a two part or multiple chain fall causing the load chain to twist.

Always keep chain pulley blocks away from sand, grit and dust. Some employees keep the load chain lightly oiled to create less friction. If the chain is oiled and it becomes covered in sand or grit, the grit turn out to be a grinding paste which wears the chain very quickly.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION – Definition of Terms

Periodic inspection by the user to be done and peruse inspection before every use to be done. Color coding is one of the best practice followed in industry.

Third party inspection by the competent authority to be done as per the local government regulations.

Chain blocks with multiple falls are often very heavy on the opposite side to the block. It is a good practice to mouse the block to the head sling, to prevent the hook from dropping out of the head sling when the weight is released from the block.

 Use of Explosives & Safety Measures

Maintenance of Chain Pully Blocks

Authorized person has to inspect the brake lining material for signs of wear and have it replaced if necessary, ensuring the retaining rivets (if any) are well countersunk.

Thoroughly check the pawl for sharpness and alignment, the pawl spring for effectiveness, and the ratchet teeth for sharpness and wear.

Check the bearing bushes for wear and have them renewed if necessary.

Remove the gear case and inspect the gears for wear on the shafts, and also for bending, breakage, wear, and misalignment of teeth.

Check the load chain for wear and for stretch and the load sheaves for excessive wear. If the load chain does not fit accurately it should be replaced before using the block.

Workplace Risk Assessment: A Key Step in Improving Safety

Inspect the load chain guide for movement. This guide should be the fixed type not a small roller. The purpose of the guide is to guide the load chain, free of turns, on to the gypsy. If a roller guide is fitted, hang the block up and while lowering the empty hook, gently twist the ascending chain as it approaches the guide roller. If it jams, a new guide must be fitted.

Check the hooks for opening out due to overloading or misuse. Examine the hook yokes, ball bearing swivels and anchorages of chain to clevis pins.

Where a chain block needs major overhaul or repair, advice should be sought from the supplier about the work to be carried out, and should be done by people who are competent.

Chain blocks must be lubricated lightly. If too much grease is pumped into a chain block the grease could cover the brake and the chain block would fail.

Do not leave a chain block soaking in oil. The oil will saturate the brake.

Hearing Protection Safety Why It Matters

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 2

 

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 2

Hot Work Safety - A Complete Guide to Safe Practices

Electrical Hazards

The electrical power supply used in the confined space normally is 24v. Electrical safety applies the same outside or inside a confined space. Working with electric tools or on energized circuits can be especially hazardous; both can be ignition sources and need a hot work permit. Controlling electrical circuits require LOTO procedures. Dampness can create other electrical hazards. The path of electrical cords and location of connections must be planned to minimize tripping hazards.

Mechanical Hazards

Agitators, stirrers, unguarded chains, pulleys, rotating blades, belts, fans, or other moving and rotating parts are all mechanical hazards. LOTO procedures will apply. Because of limited space, you must be extremely careful to avoid points of contact and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment(PPE).

Ensuring Safety at Heights in Industry 

Noise Hazard

Noise can disrupt communication and increase stress levels in workers and is usually worse in a confined space. Noise is generally controlled with PPE and proper planning, but this can make communication difficult in the space and with standby personnel.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Confined spaces may have sludge, oil or water. Slip hazards should be controlled by initial entry for cleaning or remote cleaning (outside the space). Spaces with ladder access introduce ladder safety issues. Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles and consider utilizing harnesses or lifelines.

Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace : A Complete Guide 

Poor Lighting

Confined spaces often have poor lighting. Temporary, job-specific lighting can introduce electrical hazards and can be an ignition source. Natural light where possible is preferred. Lights that are sealed against flammable and explosive atmospheres may be required. The light fittings to be explosion proof.

Atmospheric Hazards

All confined spaces must be gas tested for flammable, toxic (H2S, CO), and explosive gases as well as adequate oxygen (deficiency less than 20% or enrichment above 23.5%) by the authorized gas tester. This applies especially when hydrocarbon process equipment must be entered for cleaning or service. Bring in and circulate fresh air in confined spaces to make them safe. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA)/SABA is often required.

Hot Work Safety - A Complete Guide to Safe Practices 

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 1

 

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 1

Chain Pulley Block Safety

The Industrial workplace hazards outside of a confined space can be also inside the space, and often more severe (e.g. noise, grinding). Whenever possible, entry into confined spaces should be avoided or greatly limited. All employees involved in a confined space job must be trained on confined space hazards and hazard control. The most common hazards include:

❏ engulfment

❏ temperature extremes

❏ electrical

❏ mechanical

❏ noise

❏ slips, trips and falls

❏ poor lighting

❏ atmospheric

Crane Lifting Hand Signal Guide

❏ confined space configuration

❏ external activities

❏ confined space atmosphere

❏ flammable atmosphere

❏ toxic atmosphere

❏ radioactive materials

❏ mercury

❏ other toxic materials

Engulfment Hazard

Engulfment is one of the critical hazard in the industry workplace,  Engulfment means to bury or submerge. Engulfment is when a person is buried or trapped by soil, sand, or gravel; or submerged by a liquid or chemical. Solid materials can be very heavy on the body and can cause injury or death by crushing or suffocating. Liquids can cause drowning or injuries from the liquid or chemical. All of these are engulfment. An excavation can have engulfment hazards from loose sand and seeping water such as when trenches or excavations cave-in or collapse.

 Definitions of Terms in Chemical Safety

Extreme Temperature Hazard

Adequate ventilation is very important safety requirement for the safe working in Confined Space. A confined space with limited ventilation can become extremely hot or cold. In extremely hot environments, the hazards are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat stroke. In extreme cold you can lose feeling in your fingers, toes, and the ability to think clearly. Protective insulated clothing and PPE for both hot and cold environments adds additional bulk and fatigue to a working members. Insulated clothing and Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) must be considered to ensure workers can move within the confined space, to operate equipment, and exit the space quickly.

Process Safety Incidents - Case Studies

Abrasive Blasting Safety

 

Abrasive Blasting Safety

Ensuring Safety at Heights in Industry

Abrasive blasting is one of the high risk activities because various HSE Hazards, the following information’s and controls will help you mitigate the risks.

Hazards

Ø  Abrasive blasting work creates very high levels of dust.

Ø  The dust may contain respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

Ø  Breathing this dust can cause serious lung diseases like silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer.

Ø  These diseases cause everlasting disability and early death.

Ø  The substance being worked on may contain other hazardous substances, eg lead.

Ø  Skin contact with dusts and prolonged or frequent contact with water may cause dermatitis.

Ø  A good standard of control is needed because the risk to health is high.

 The Importance of Electrical Safety in Industry

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

ü  Provide the shot blaster with an air-fed ‘CE’ marked abrasive blasting helmet with a Standard Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of at least 40.

ü  Air supplied to the blasting helmet should be breathing quality.

ü  Position airlines so that they are not liable to be blocked or damaged by moving vehicles etc.

ü  Change blasting helmet visors as soon as pitting or frosting occurs.

ü  Provide Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) with an APF of at least 20 for the ‘kettle man’ working nearby.

ü  Fit testing is ensured for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) with a tight fitting face seal.

ü  Employees wearing tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be clean shaven, fully trained in detailed as how to fit it properly and how to look after it.

    Inform employees to discard disposable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) at the end of the shift, or sooner if their RPE becomes blocked with dust.

Chemicals Hazards, Storage & Protection

ü  Have a track and Change the filters on respirators in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and if:

v  the shelf-life expiry date has passed;

v  they are damaged or visibly contaminated; or

v  they become harder to breathe through.

ü  Inspect and test non-disposable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and air supply thoroughly at least once every month.

ü  Inform Employees to check RPE is working properly before every use.

ü  If the RPE worn by the kettle man is required for extended periods, eg longer than 1 hour continuously, use powered respirators.

ü  Always Keep RPE clean and store it in a clean place.

Safety Training Videos with Pictorial Guidelines

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ø  Employees to wear blasting suits/coveralls that do not retain dust and protect against water.

Ø  Provide protective gloves and footwear to the employees.

Ø  Provide the storage facility to employee for PPE to prevent damage or contamination when not in use.

Ø  Inform employees Keep any PPE cleaned and replace at recommended intervals.

Ø  Engage contract laundry or a suitable equivalent to wash work clothing. Don’t allow employees to do this at home.

Steam Hazards and Safety Requirements

Crane Lifting Hand Signal Guide

 

Crane Lifting Hand Signal Guide

CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES

• The "slinger" is responsible for attaching and detaching the load to and from the crane.

He shall:

– have received appropriate training on general safe lifting operations;

– be capable of selectings lifting gears suitable for the loads;

– liaise with the operator and direct the movement of the crane safely.

 Ensuring Safety at Heights in Industry

• The "signaler" is responsible for relaying the signal from the slinger to the crane operator.

He shall:

– have received appropriate training on general safe lifting operations;

– be able to direct the movement of the crane and loads.

Construction Safety Pictorial Guidelines

Ensuring Safety at Heights in Industry

Safeguarding Your Construction Site: A Practical Guide