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Classification of Health Hazards

What is a hazard?

A hazard is generally anything that can hurt you or make you ill.The meaning of the word hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific definitions or combine it with the term "risk". For example, one dictionary defines hazard as "a danger or risk" which helps explain why many people use the terms interchangeably.There are many definitions for hazard but the more common definition when talking about workplace health and safety is:

A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work. Basically, a hazard can cause harm or adverse effects (to individuals as health effects or to organizations as property or equipment losses). Sometimes a hazard is referred to as being the actual harm or the health effect it caused rather than the hazard. For example, the disease tuberculosis (TB) might be called a hazard by some but in general the TB-causing bacteria would be considered the "hazard" or "hazardous biological agent".

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

You deal with hazards in your life every day walking across busy streets, driving and playing sports. Generally, you don't worry too much about these situations. Why? Because you've learned from an early age how to deal with everyday hazards.You've learned from your own experiences, and you've been trained by parents, teachers and coaches. Municipalities install traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, car manufacturers install safety equipment. You might have taken driver's training and you probably wear protective gear playing sports.

But you haven't been trained how to recognize, assess and control hazards found in the workplace. That's one of the reasons why young workers are so likely to be injured at work.

You need to do some quick studying about workplace hazards so you're as comfortable with spotting hazards and dealing with them at work as you are at home, in the car and on the street.

How can I recognize hazards at work?

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

Physical hazards are the most common and will be present in most workplaces at one time or another. They include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness and death.

They are typically easiest to spot but, sadly, too often overlooked because of familiarity (there are always cords running across the aisles), lack of knowledge (they aren't seen as hazards), resistance to spending time or money to make necessary improvements or simply delays in making changes to remove the hazards (waiting until tomorrow or a time when "we're not so busy").

None of these are acceptable reasons for workers to be exposed to physical hazards.

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Examples of physical hazards include:

electrical hazards: frayed cords, missing ground pins, improper wiring unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts: guards removed or moving parts that

a worker can accidentally touch

constant loud noise

high exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, heat or cold

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

working with mobile equipment such as fork lifts (operation of fork lifts and similar mobile equipment in the workplace requires significant additional training and experience)

Spills on floors or tripping hazards, such as blocked aisle or cords running across the floor.

Biological hazards come from working with animals, people or infectious plant materials. Work in day care, hospitals, hotel laundry and room cleaning, laboratories, veterinary offices and nursing homes may expose you to biological hazards.

The types of things you may be exposed to include:

blood or other body fluids fungi

bacteria and viruses

plants

insect bites

Animal and bird droppings.

Ergonomic hazards occur when the type of work, body position and working conditions put strain on your body. They are the hardest to spot since you don't always immediately notice the strain on your body or the harm these hazards pose. Short-term exposure may result in "sore muscles" the next day or in the days following exposure, but long term exposure can result in serious long-term injuries.

Ergonomic hazards include:

poor lighting improperly adjusted workstations and chairs

frequent lifting

poor posture

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awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive

repeating the same movements over and over

having to use too much force, especially if you have to do it frequently.

Chemical hazards are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid or gas). Some are safer than others, but to some workers who are more sensitive to chemicals, even common solutions can cause illness, skin irritation or breathing problems.

The toxic effects of chemicals

As explained above, the effects of chemicals can be either acute or chronic, depending on the concentration and length of exposure. Chemicals may also produce different effects for different modes and types of exposure. The effects of chemicals can be categorized into the following groups:

causing irritation; allergies;

lack of oxygen;

systemic poisoning;

cancer;

damage to the unborn foetus;

effects on the future generations;

Pneumoconiosis (dusty lung).

Beware of:

liquids like cleaning products, paints, acids, solvents especially chemicals in an unlabelled container (warning sign!)

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

gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium

flammable materials like gasoline, solvents and explosive chemicals.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is designed to make sure you have the information you need to evaluate any hazards and take action to protect yourself.

What if I recognize a hazard at work?

Some hazards, such as unguarded machinery, pose immediate dangers: a worker could lose a finger or arm. Other types of hazards, such as ergonomic hazards can injure a worker over a long

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

Both types of hazards need to be fixed. Some require immediate attention because exposure to them can cause injury to you and fellow workers NOW. They can be quickly fixed by cleaning up the floor, putting a guard back on or installing a guardrail, for instance. Hazards that can hurt you in the long term also need to be identified and reported promptly. Interim solutions should be sought right away, such as rotating tasks with other workers, but permanent elimination of the hazard may take a little more time to achieve.

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

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SOURCES OF RISK

What is risk?

Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss.

For example: The risk of developing cancer from smoking cigarettes could be expressed as "cigarette smokers are 12 times (for example) more likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers". Another way of reporting risk is "a certain number, "Y", of smokers per 100,000 smokers will likely develop lung cancer" (depending on their age and how many years they have been smoking). These risks are expressed as a probability or likelihood of developing a disease or getting injured, whereas hazards refer to the possible consequences (e.g., lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease from cigarette smoking).

Factors that influence the degree of risk include:

how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition, how the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapour, skin contact), and

how severe are the effects under the conditions of exposure.

Mechanical hazardsMachinery and equipment have moving parts. The action of moving parts may have sufficient force in motion to cause injury to people. When assessing machinery and equipment for possible mechanical hazards, consider:• machinery and equipment with moving parts that can be reached by people

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• machinery and equipment that can eject objects (parts, components, products or waste items) that may strike a person with sufficient force to cause harm• machinery and equipment with moving parts that can reach people, such as booms or mechanical appendages (arms)• mobile machinery and equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, earthmoving equipment,operated in areas where people may gain access.Common mechanical hazards and associated risks for machinery and equipment are shown below.

Hazard RiskRotating shafts, pullies, sprockets and gears EntanglementHard surfaces moving together CrushingScissor or shear action severingSharp edge – moving or stationary Cutting or puncturingCable or hose connections Slips, trips and falls (e.g. oil leaks)

Electricity in the Workplace.

This page provides general information on electrical hazards within the workplace and does not provide information on necessary precautions to prevent contact and minimise danger from contact with overhead and underground power lines.

Places of work generally have power nominally supplied at 230 volt (single phase) and 400 volt (3 phase) although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage. The information below relates to workplaces using 230 and 400  volt supplies.

The main hazards with electricity are:

contact with live parts causing shock and burns faults which could cause fires;

fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used and there is greater risk in wet and/or damp conditions.

Basics of Contact with Electricity.

It is the level of voltage  the body is exposed to and the resistance to flow of electrical current offered by the body that determines the impact of exposure to electricity. The following factors determine the severity of the effect electric shock has on your body:

The level of voltage The amount of body resistance you have to the current flow

The path the current takes through your body

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The  length  of  time  the  current  flows  through your body

If a worker has come into contact with electricity the worker may not be able to remove themselves from the electrical source. The human body is a good conductor of electricity. If you touch a person while they are in contact with the electrical source, the electricity will flow through your body causing electrical shock. Firstly attempt to turn off the source of the electricity (disconnect). If the electrical source can not readily and safely be turned off, use a non-conducting object, such as a fibreglass object or a wooden pole, to remove the person from the electrical source.

Radiation in the Workplace

You are probably familiar with a few uses of radiation, like x-rays and nuclear power. But did you know there are lots of ways radiation is used in the workplace? Radiation is used to spay health products, to treat cancer and other diseases, to measure the moisture content of soil at construction sites, to locate leaks in pipelines and defects in welds, to make fluorescent bulbs last longer, to make lightning rods work better--the list goes on and on. Radiation is a tool that is used for great benefit to our society. But radiation can be harmful if it isn't controlled. Do you know the hazards of radiation and how to protect against them?

Many people think radiation is some type of chemical or gas. It isn't. Although some chemicals or gases may be "radioactive"--they emit radiation--radiation itself is simply energy. There are many types of radiation. Some types of energy can be seen or felt, such as visible light and infrared radiation. Some types cannot be detected without special equipment. The type of radiation we will discuss is known as "ionizing" radiation. Ionizing radiation cannot be seen or felt. It must be detected with special equipment. Ionizing radiation, unlike infrared, microwave, lasers, and most ultraviolet radiation, is energetic enough to remove electrons from their orbit about the nucleus of an atom. Ionization changes the atom. If the atom is part of a living cell, those changes could cause a health effect.

You are probably familiar with x-ray radiation. X-rays pass through objects and expose film. Dense areas absorb the x-rays so they appear lighter on film than non-dense areas which allow the radiation to pass through. This is why x-ray radiation is useful in many applications, from medicine to security to radiography of welds and other critical structures. X-rays are ionizing radiation. Gamma radiation is similar to x-ray radiation. The other types of ionizing radiation are actually small, energetic particles known as alpha and beta particles. Another type of particle radiation is the neutron. All these types of radiation can cause change to the body's cells.

In order for radiation to affect the body, a person must be exposed to it. Radiation exposure may occur from radiation sources located outside the body, known as "external exposure," or it may occur from sources of radiation located inside the body, known as "internal exposure." Internal exposure results from the inhalation, ingestion, or other uptake of radioactive material by the body. Radioactive material is material which emits radiation, such as radioactive uranium, radium, cobalt, and thorium.

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Health effects of radiation exposure have been studied for years. It is very clear that at high levels of exposure, serious health effects occur. These health effects are destruction of bone marrow, incapacitation of the digestive and nervous systems, birth defects in children born to exposed mothers, and increased incidence of cancer in exposed populations. A localized exposure could result in the loss of a hand or foot. These effects are clearly evident at high exposures such as those produced by an atomic bomb detonation or serious accident involving radioactive materials. However, these exposures are much, much larger than those encountered in the workplace. In fact, the health effects of low exposures, such as those received in the workplace, aren't as obvious as those from high exposures. They're really not obvious at all.

Radiation exposure at the occupational level does not cause obvious bone marrow damage or digestive or nervous system effects. It has not been shown to cause cancer or birth defects. Localized low exposures to the hands and feet, and arms and legs do not cause obvious harm. To be on the safe side, information from persons exposed to high levels of radiation has been used to predict possible health effects to persons exposed to low levels. Since high exposures cause a significant increase in the incidence of cancer, low-level exposure may cause a small increase in the risk of cancer. To minimize this risk, occupational radiation exposures are limited to very low levels.

Companies and other institutions that use radiation are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, or their state radiological control agency. Persons who work with radiation must be trained in radiation risks and radiation safety practices. They are taught to minimize their exposure by using these techniques:

Time--Decrease the amount of time spent near a radiation source.

Distance--Increase distance between yourself and a radiation source.

Shielding--Use appropriate shielding to reduce radiation exposure.

Depending on the type of radiation used, other specific safety rules apply. For example, persons who work with radiography sources must wear an alarming radiation measurement device to warn them when the radiation level exceeds a certain level. They must also never, ever assume the radiation source is shielded without checking it with a radiation detector--at a safe distance from the source. Some of the highest accidental radiation exposures (well in excess of regulatory limits) have occurred in the radiography industry. These accidents have caused serious local injuries and have even been fatal.

Persons with a potential for internal exposure are also taught to use respirators or other protective equipment to minimize their uptake of radioactive material. Some other techniques for minimizing potential internal exposure are:

No eating, drinking, smoking, or cosmetic application in areas where radioactive materials are used.

Check the work area frequently for "contamination"--radioactive material which has spilled into the work area--and clean it up immediately.

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Use gloves, respirators, and other protective equipment as required. Use it consistently and don't take shortcuts.

Everyone who works with radiation should also know their institution's radiation safety procedures, including what to do during an emergency.

VENTILATION

What are the problems?

Poor workplace ventilation is a hazard that affects the health of CUPE members. Cost-cutting measures and employer inaction hamper the fight for properly ventilated workplaces.

CUPE members work in different settings, which means members experience general and local ventilation systems. General ventilation supplies and removes air in large workplaces, such as hospitals, schools and office buildings. These systems are commonly known as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. An HVAC system draws in fresh outside air and mixes it with indoor air. This air mixture is heated or cooled and then filtered before it is circulated throughout a workplace.

HVAC systems can have significant problems:

Only a limited amount of fresh outdoor air actually gets into the workplace. Most HVAC systems only allow for 20 per cent outdoor air mixed with 80 per cent re-circulated indoor air in sealed buildings.

HVAC systems are limited in controlling contaminants because they don’t remove them. Instead, contaminants (pollutants) are mostly spread throughout the workplace for long periods of time.

Worker exposures are difficult to control near the contaminant source with HVAC systems because there is no direct ventilation of the contaminant.

The amount of air required to remove a contaminant may be so large that no HVAC system could handle the volume of air exchange.

Many HVAC systems have fixed settings that don’t allow workers to control ventilation rates.

Local ventilation controls and removes contaminants at the source. Cross-draft tables, vacuum purge systems and fume hoods are examples of local ventilation. Local ventilation systems are usually set up with a hood that captures contaminants. A fan or a blower draws the contaminant through the ductwork to the air cleaner. Air cleaners include filters, precipitators, cyclones, scrubbers and electrostatic chargers. The contaminant is filtered and the exhaust air is expelled outside.

Local ventilation systems can also have problems:

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Local ventilation requires careful design and installation. Frequent and effective testing and maintenance are required for local ventilation.

The system removes the contaminated air but sometimes not enough intake air is supplied, resulting in a negative airflow. This negative airflow can cause contaminated air to re-enter the workplace through the exhaust ducts.

Workers are generally not allowed to control local ventilation rates.

LIGHTING ERGONOMICS

What are some of the most common lighting problems?

Poor lighting can cause several problems such as:

insufficient light - not enough (too little) light for the need, glare - too much light for the need,

improper contrast,

poorly distributed light, and

Flicker. (sparkle, twinkle)

What should you know about insufficient light?

Poor lighting can be a safety hazard - misjudgement of the position, shape or speed of an object can lead to accidents and injury.

Poor lighting can affect the quality of work, specifically in situation where precision is required, and overall productivity.

Poor lighting can be a health hazard - too much or too little light strains eyes and may cause eye discomfort (burning, etc.) and headaches.

How much light is needed for various situations or activities?

The amount of light we need varies and depends on:

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

the general work area, and

the individual's vision.

The amount of light falling on a surface is measured in units called lux. Depending on the factors noted above, adequate general lighting is usually between 500 and 1000 lux when measured 76 cm (30 inches) above the floor.*

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How do you test and correct for insufficient light problems?

To detect insufficient light, try the following:

Wipe light fixtures with a damp cloth to check for cleanliness. An evenly deposited film of dust is hard to detect by sight alone.

Measure the average illumination throughout the workplace. Compare this to the recommended levels.

Look for shadows, especially over work areas and on stairways.

Ask workers if they suffer from eye strain or squint to see.

Workers should sit in their normal working positions during measurement to give you accurate results.

To correct insufficient light:

Replace bulbs on a regular schedule. Old bulbs give less light than new ones so replace them before they burn out. Follow manufacturers' instructions.

Clean light fixtures regularly. Dirt on light fixtures reduces the amount of light given off. Light fixtures with open tops allow air currents to move dust up through the fixture so dust and dirt do not accumulate on the fixture.

Add more light fixtures in appropriate places.

Paint walls and ceilings light colours so light can be reflected.

Use more reflected light and local lighting to eliminate shadows. For example, a covered light mounted under a transparent guard on a grinding wheel provides the added light needed to clearly see the task.

Do not position work station with light fixture directly behind worker.

What should you know about glare?

Glare is a common lighting problem. Glare is what happens when a bright light source or reflection interferes with how you are 'seeing' an object. In most cases, your eyes will adapt to the brightest level of light. When this adaptation happens, it becomes harder to see the details in the duller or darker areas of the work space (even though they are actually sufficiently lit!). Glare can cause annoyance and discomfort, and can actually decrease a person's ability to see.

How do you detect glare?

There are several ways to find sources of glare.

When in your normal working position, look at a distant object at eye level. Block the light "path" from the fixtures with a book or cardboard. If the distant object is now easier to see, the light fixtures are probably producing glare.

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To detect reflected glare, look at the task from your normal working position. Block the light falling on it from the front or above. If details are now easier to see, reflections are a problem.

Place a small mirror face up on the work surface. The mirror reflects light from above, the light fixture is responsible for glare.

Look for shiny objects that reflect light. Glass in picture frames, glossy table tops and VDT screens are common examples.

Ask workers if they experience sore or tired eyes, headaches or if they need to squint to see.

How do you correct glare problems?

To correct glare, try:

Using several small low-intensity light fixtures rather than one large high-intensity light fixture.

Using light fixtures that diffuse or concentrate light well. Indirect light fixtures or direct light fixtures with parabolic louvres are two possibilities.

Covering bare bulbs with louvers, lenses or other devices to control light.

Increasing the brightness of the area around the glare source.

Using adjustable local lighting with brightness controls.

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

Using low gloss paper or apply flat or semi-gloss paint and matte finishes on 'offending' surfaces. Remove highly polished and shiny objects.

Keeping general lighting levels at recommended levels.

Positioning the work station so that windows and fluorescent light tubes are parallel to the worker's line of sight.

Do not position the work station so that light fixtures are to the front or directly overhead.

How can you detect if there is "improper contrast"?

There are two types of contrast problems - the first occurs when there are very different light levels from one area to another, and the other is contrast between the colours of objects.

The immediate work area should be brighter than surrounding areas. If the surrounding area is brighter than the work area, your attention is distracted away from the work area.

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The contrast between colours of objects, such as between the print itself and paper or text and background on computer screens, can also cause problems. Too little contrast between print and the paper - or characters on a VDT screen and the background - makes reading tasks difficult. In an industrial setting an example would be that moving and stationary machine parts are hard to distinguish if they are the same colour.

How do you check and correct for poor contrast?

Look for areas with great differences in light levels. Look for objects that are hard to distinguish from the background.

Look for reading materials and VDTs where it is hard to make out the print or characters from the background.

To correct for poor contrast:

Increase the contrast between objects and the background. Use ink pens rather than pencils, and white paper rather than grey. Adjust photocopier exposure, VDT brightness and contrast controls.

Decrease reflected glare. Use matte finishes on surfaces and move shiny objects out of view.

Use contrasting colours for objects and the background. Paint stationary and moving machine parts in contrasting colours to improve visibility and decrease the risk of accident.

WHAT IS NOISE?Noise is an unwanted or damaging sound that may damage your hearing and cause other health effects such as stress, hypersensitivity to noise, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. It can also interfere with communication at work, which could lead to accidents.The normal range of hearing for a healthy young person is from approximately 20 Hz (Hertz) to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Our ears are more sensitive to the middle frequencies, which range from 500 Hz to 4000 Hz - the speech frequencies.

How does noise damage my hearing?Very loud sounds make the hair cells collapse and flatten temporarily, resulting in temporary deafness. This is referred to as a temporary threshold shift and may last hours or longer depending on the degree of noise exposure. This temporary hearing loss may also be accompanied by a ringing sensation called tinnitus.If this severe noise exposure is repeated over many years, the hair cells in the inner ear become permanently damaged resulting in permanent hearing loss. This is referred to as permanent threshold shift.Immediate permanent hearing loss can also occur if someone is exposed to very intense or explosive sounds (e.g. gunshot or an explosion). This type of damage is known as acoustictrauma. In some cases a very intense sound can actually perforate the eardrum.

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The harmful effects of noise are cumulative and not necessarily confined to the workplace. For instance, the use of personal stereo units and frequenting discos and clubs may result in young people having some early damage to their hearing before they even join the workforce.

How can noise affect your life?Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries, resulting in health problems for many workers and it presents a significant social and economic cost to Australia.The human cost is also high. This includes lost jobs, increased absenteeism, reduced performance, lost opportunities for promotion or other employment and impaired family and social relationships. In addition, if your hearing is damaged it could cause a workplace accident.The first sign of noise-induced hearing loss is often the difficulty to hear high-pitched sounds, such as consonants (e.g. ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘s’) and the voices of women and children. When more than oneperson is speaking or there is a background noise, the problem becomes worse. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs gradually over a long period of time and unfortunately, hearing loss is permanent. Hearing aids can offer limited help in decoding the distorted messages, but they can never fully compensate for hearing loss.

What are the hazards of noise?

Poor ventilation affects the physical and psychological health of CUPE members. Poor ventilation allows for the accumulation and mixture of hazardous contaminants. The resulting physical effects on workers are harmful. Psychological effects like stress arise when members know they are constantly exposed to ventilation hazards.

Major outcomes and hazards of poor ventilation include:

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen due to low ventilation rate. Build up of chemical and biological contaminants that cause poor indoor air quality.

Legionnaire’s disease, Pontiac fever and Humidifier fever caused by contaminated standing water in poorly maintained HVAC systems.

Extremes in temperature causing fatigue, discomfort and distraction.

Low humidity causing dry throat, dry skin and static electricity build-up. High humidity contributing to bacterial and mould growth.

Excessive and irritating workplace odours causing worker discomfort.

Accumulation of dust and dirt caused by poor HVAC maintenance.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, fatigue, and a susceptibility to colds and flu. Symptoms are less severe away from the workplace.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): A debilitating illness triggered by exposure to one chemical or a combination of chemicals. MCS sufferers experience skin rashes, irregular breathing, central nervous system problems, and eye, nose and throat irritations.

Ergonomics

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Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce. Although the scope of ergonomics is much broader, the term here refers to assessing those work-related factors that may pose a risk of musculoskeletal disorders and recommendations to alleviate them. Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk to these work conditions. Jobs or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have a higher probability of causing a musculoskeletal problem. The level of risk depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the exposure to these conditions. Environmental work conditions that affect risk include intensity, frequency and duration of activities.

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Hazardous Substances

Hazardous Substances are used in many workplaces and take many different forms. Solids, liquids, gases, mists and fumes can be present in the workplace.

Exposure to hazardous substances can affect the body in many different ways. Skin contact, inhalation and ingestion can cause damage.

In legislation, Hazardous Substances are defined in a number of ways. In The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), for example, they are those substances classified as toxic, very toxic, corrosive, harmful or irritant. Biological agents and dusts in substantial concentrations are also classified as hazardous substances.

What risks do Hazardous Substances present?

Hazardous Substances can cause short- and long-term health problems.

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

A cleaner splashing bleach on their skin could cause a burn or inflammation, which will have little long-term effect in most cases. However, a splash in the eye could cause permanent damage to their sight.

A joiner suffering years of exposure to wood dust could have long-term health problems – the dust could affect his lungs and cause health problems for the rest of his life.

There are legal obligations on employers to control exposure to Hazardous Substances to preserve the health of their employees.

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Who is at risk from Hazardous Substances?

Anyone who works with or is exposed to hazardous substances is at risk. Those exposed to more hazardous substances for long periods of time are more at risk than those exposed for short periods or to less hazardous substances.

The aim should be to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Where exposure cannot be avoided, then adequate controls should be put in place.

Examples of those who could be exposed to hazardous substances include:

cleaners – common-cleaning materials can cause localised burns and skin complaints hairdressers – a number of hairdressing products can damage their skin

welders – dangerous fumes from welding can damage their lungs

bakery workers – flour and bakery dust can cause irritation of eyes and nose, skin problems and asthma

garage workers – paints, solvents, oils and grease, and exposure to exhaust fumes can all damage their health

Healthcare staff – exposure to biological agents can cause infection.

In reality, the list is endless and most workers will be exposed to hazardous substances at some time.

Classification of hazardous substances

To enable users to understand the health hazards of chemicals, certain terms which are are used frequently in chemical safety are defined here:

Chemical: chemical elements and compounds, in and mixtures of them, whether natural or synthetic.

Poisoning: normally the human body is able to cope with a variety of substances, within certain limits. Poisoning occurs when these limits are exceeded and the body is unable to deal with a substance (by digestion, absorption or excretion).

Toxicity: the inherent potential of a chemical substance to cause poisoning. The toxicity of chemicals varies widely. For example, a few drops of a given chemical will cause death while. other chemicals will produce the same effect only after a large quantity has been consumed.

Hazard: a potential to cause danger to life, health property or the environment.

Chemical hazard: any chemical that has been classified as hazardous or for which relevant information exists to indicate that it is hazardous.

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Risk: the measured probability of an event to cause danger to life, health, property or the environment.

Airborne dust: refers to the suspension of solid particles in the air. These dust particles are generated by handling, grinding, drilling and crushing operations where solid materials are broken down. The size of these particles ranges from being visible to the naked eye (i.e. greater than one twentieth of a millimeter in diameter) to being invisible. Invisible dust will remain airborne for a long period of a time and is dangerous because of its ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs.

Vapour: the gaseous form of a liquid at room temperature and pressure. Liquids emit vapours, the quantity depending on their volatility. Substances with a low boiling-point are more volatile than those with a higher one.

Mist: the dispersion of liquid particles in the air. Mists are normally generated by processes such as electroplating and spraying where liquids are sprayed, splashed or foamed into fine particles.

Fumes: solid particles formed from condensation of substances from vapour state. Fumes are normally associated with molten metals where the vapours from the metal are condensed into solid particles in the space above the molten metal. The size of the particles are in the range visible to the naked eye.

Gas: a substance, such as oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which is in the gaseous state at room temperature and pressure.

Acute effect: the effect caused by a single short term exposure (usually not more than one work shift) to a high amount or concentration of a substance.

Chronic effect: the effect caused by repeated exposure to a chemical over a long period of time. The effect may be felt only after many years of exposure. Both acute and chronic effects can be reversible after the termination of the exposure and appropriate treatment, or they may result in long lasting, irreversible conditions.

Chemical safety data sheet: a document containing essential information ma ion for users regarding the properties of chemicals classified as hazardous and methods of using them safely, including their identity, supplier, classification, hazards, safety precautions and emergency procedures.

2.2.1. Routes of entry

Chemicals can enter the body in three ways. In the workplace, the inhalation of gases, vapours or airborne particles and absorption through the lungs is the most important route of entry. However, a number of chemicals, particularly liquids, can be absorbed through intact skin when coming into direct contact with it. The ingestion of poisons through the mouth is common where personal hygiene is poor.

2.2. 1. 1. Inhalation

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In industry, inhalation is the most significant route of entry The respiratory system represents an efficient entry point for chemicals. With a total surface area of the lungs of 90 square meters in a healthy adult, a worker performing a moderate task inhales about 8.5 cubic meters of air in the course of an eight-hour shift.

The respiratory system consists essentially of the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat), the air passageways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts) and the gas exchange area (alveoli) where oxygen from the air diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the air.

The air passageways are lined with tiny hair like structures (cilia). These structures are part of the clearing mechanism of the lungs which causes foreign particles, deposited on the surfaces of the respiratory passages within the lungs to be carried by mucus towards the throat (figure 3). It is estimated that 2 liters of mucus flow to the throat each day.

During breathing, airborne chemicals enter the nostrils or mouth, pass through the air passageways and finally reach the gas exchange area where they are either deposited or pass through the wall of the area into the bloodstream.

Certain substances irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and respiratory passages within the lungs. This irritation may serve as a warning of the presence of chemicals. However, certain gases or vapours do not have this effect. Unnoticed by the workers, they penetrate deeply into the lungs causing lung injury, or become transported in the bloodstream.

The entry of dust particles into the body depends on their size and solubility. Only small particles (less than seven thousandths of a M111imetre in diameter) will be able to reach the gas exchange area. This respirable dust (which reaches the gas exchange area) will either be deposited there or diffused into the bloodstream, depending on the solubility of the chemicals. Insoluble dust particles are mostly eliminated by the clearing mechanisms of the lungs. The larger dust particles are filtered by the hairs of the nostrils or deposited along the path from the nose to the air passageways. They will eventually be transported to the throat where they will be either swallowed, or spat or coughed out.

2.2.1.2. Ingestion

Ingestion is another way in which chemical substances can enter the body. Entry via ingestion is possible when workers eat or smoke with contaminated hands or eat their meals at their workstation where food and drink may be contaminated by vapours in the air.

A second way in which chemical substances are ingested is when inhaled particles are transported to the throat by the air passageways into the lungs, and swallowed.

The digestive system consists of the oesophagus, the stomach, and.the small and large intestine. Absorption of food and other substances, including ingested hazardous chemicals, occurs primarily in the small intestine.

2.2.1.3. Skin absorption

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Absorption through the skin constitutes another route of entry. The thickness of the skin, together with its natural covering of sweat and grease, provide some protection against chemical exposure.

The solubility of chemicals (such as organic solvents and phenol) in fats enables their absorption through the skin. If the skin is damaged by cuts or abrasions, or is diseased, the chemical would be absorbed into the body even quicker.

CHEPTER-4

Environmental monitoring

Environmental monitoring describes the processes and activities that need to take place to characterize and monitor the quality of the environment. Environmental monitoring is used in the preparation of environmental impact assessments, as well as in many circumstances in which human activities carry a risk of harmful effects on the natural environment. All monitoring strategies and programmes have reasons and justifications which are often designed to establish the current status of an environment or to establish trends in environmental parameters. In all cases the results of monitoring will be reviewed, analysed statistically and published. The design of a monitoring programme must therefore have regard to the final use of the data before monitoring starts.

Parameters

Chemical

Analyzing water samples for pesticides

The range of chemical parameters that have the potential to affect any ecosystem is very large and in all monitoring programmes it is necessary to target a suite of parameters based on local knowledge and past practice for an initial review. The list can be expanded or reduced based on developing knowledge and the outcome of the initial surveys.

Freshwater environments have been extensively studied for many years and there is a robust understanding of the interactions between chemistry and the environment across much of the world. However, as new materials are developed and new pressures come to bear, revisions to monitoring programmes will be required. In the last 20 years acid rain, synthetic hormone analogues, halogenated hydrocarbons, greenhouse gases and many others have required changes to monitoring strategies.

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Biological

In ecological monitoring, the monitoring strategy and effort is directed at the plants and animals in the environment under review and is specific to each individual study.

However in more generalised environmental monitoring, many animals act as robust indicators of the quality of the environment that they are experiencing or have experienced in the recent past. One of the most familiar examples is the monitoring of numbers of Salmonid fish such as Brown trout or Salmon in river systems and lakes to detect slow trends in adverse environmental effects. The steep decline in salmonid fish populations was one of the early indications of the problem that later became known as acid rain.

In recent years much more attention has been given to a more holistic approach in which the ecosystem health is assessed and used as the monitoring tool itself. It is this approach that underpins the monitoring protocols of the Water Framework Directive in the European Union.

Radiological

Radiation monitoring involves the measurement of radiation dose or radionuclide contamination for reasons related to the assessment or control of exposure to ionizing radiation or radioactive substances, and the interpretation of the results. The ‘measurement’ of dose often means the measurement of a dose equivalent quantity as a proxy (i.e. substitute) for a dose quantity that cannot be measured directly. Also, sampling may be involved as a preliminary step to measurement of the content of radionuclides in environmental media. The methodological and technical details of the design and operation of monitoring programmes and systems for different radionuclides, environmental media and types of facility are given in IAEA Safety Guide RS–G-1.8 and in IAEA Safety Report No. 64.

Radiation monitoring is often carried out using networks of fixed and deployable sensors such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's Radnet and the SPEEDI network in Japan. Airborne surveys are also made by organizations like the Nuclear Emergency Support Team.

Microbiological

Bacteria and viruses are the most commonly monitored groups of microbiological organisms and even these are only of great relevance where water in the aquatic environment is subsequently used as drinking water or where water contact recreation such as swimming or canoeing is practised.

Although pathogens are the primary focus of attention, the principal monitoring effort is almost always directed at much more common indicator species such as Escherichia coli, supplemented by overall coliform bacteria counts. The rationale behind this monitoring strategy is that most human pathogens originate from other humans via the sewage stream. Many sewage treatment plants have no sterilisation final stage and therefore discharge an effluent which, although having a clean appearance, still contains many millions of bacteria per litre, the majority of which are relatively harmless coliform bacteria. Counting the number of harmless (or less harmful) sewage

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bacteria allows a judgement to be made about the probability of significant numbers of pathogenic bacteria or viruses being present. Where E. coli or coliform levels exceed pre-set trigger values, more intensive monitoring including specific monitoring for pathogenic species is then initiated.

Environmental Monitoring

"To protect public health and the environment by measuring radiation and radioactivity in our environment, and by evaluation of protective techniques through the timely measurement of radioactive contamination at nuclear facilities." 

The Environmental Radiation Program performs the following functions: the program surveys radiation and radioactivity in the environment, estimates radiation doses to individuals and populations, and assesses the likely effects of specific radiation hazards. The program's technological capabilities supplement the administrative and regulatory controls of the Radiation Control Division. 

This group serves as a valuable information resource for cost-effective radiation dose assessment and dose reduction techniques. The Environmental Radiation Program makes available its resources to managers of all facilities who might have an interest in this subject area.

Environmental monitoring data management systems

Given the multiple types and increasing volumes and importance of monitoring data, commercial software E-MDMS are increasingly in common use by regulated industries. They provide a means of managing all monitoring data in a single central place. Quality validation, compliance checking, verifying all data has been received, and sending alerts are generally automated. Typical interrogation functionality enables comparison of data sets both temporarily and spatially. They will also generate regulatory and other reports.

Formal Certification:

Currently (September 2011) there is only one certification scheme specifically for environmental data management software. This is provided by the Environment Agency in the UK under its MCERTS scheme.

Sampling methods

There are a wide range of sampling methods which depend on the type of environment, the material being sampled and the subsequent analysis of the sample.

At its simplest a sample can be filling a clean bottle with river water and submitting it for conventional chemical analysis. At the more complex end, sample data may be produced by complex electronic sensing devices taking sub-samples over fixed or variable time periods.

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Grab samples

Collecting a grab sample on a stream

Grab samples are samples taken of a homogeneous material, usually water, in a single vessel. Filling a clean bottle with river water is a very common example. Grab samples provide a good snap-shot view of the quality of the sampled environment at the point of sampling and at the time of sampling. Without additional monitoring, the results cannot be extrapolated to other times or to other parts of the river, lake or ground-water.

In order to enable grab samples or rivers to be treated as representative, repeat transverse and longitudinal transect surveys taken at different times of day and times of year are required to establish that the grab-sample location is as representative as is reasonably possible. For large rivers such surveys should also have regard to the depth of the sample and how to best manage the sampling locations at times of flood and drought.

In lakes grab samples are relatively simple to take using depth samplers which can be lowered to a pre-determined depth and then closed trapping a fixed volume of water from the required depth. In all but the shallowest lakes, there are major changes in the chemical composition of lake water at different depths, especially during the summer months when many lakes stratify into a warm, well oxygenated upper layer (epilimnion) and a cool de-oxygenated lower layer (hypolimnion).

In the open seas marine environment grab samples can establish a wide range of base-line parameters such as salinity and a range of cation and anion concentrations. However, where changing conditions are an issue such as near river or sewage discharges, close to the effects of volcanism or close to areas of freshwater input from melting ice, a grab sample can only give a very partial answer when taken on its own.

Semi-continuous monitoring and continuous

An automated sampling station and data logger (to record temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen levels)

There is a wide range of specialized sampling equipment available that can be programmed to take samples at fixed or variable time intervals or in response to an external trigger. For example a sampler can be programmed to start taking samples of a river at 8 minute intervals when the rainfall intensity rises above 1 mm / hour. The trigger in this case may be a remote rain gauge communicating with the sampler by using cell phone or meteor burst technology. Samplers can also take individual discrete samples at each sampling occasion or bulk up samples into composite so that in the course of one day, such a sampler might produce 12 composite samples each composed of 6 sub-samples taken at 20 minute intervals.

Continuous or quasi-continuous monitoring involves having an automated analytical facility close to the environment being monitored so that results can, if required, be viewed in real time. Such systems are often established to protect important water supplies such as in the River Dee regulation system but may also be part of an overall monitoring strategy on large strategic rivers where early warning of potential problems is essential. Such systems routinely provide data on

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parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity and colour but it is also possible to operate gas liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry technologies (GLC/MS) to examine a wide range of potential organic pollutants. In all examples of automated bank-side analysis there is a requirement for water to be pumped from the river into the monitoring station. Choosing a location for the pump inlet is equally as critical as deciding on the location for a river grab sample. The design of the pump and pipework also requires careful design to avoid artefacts being introduced through the action of pumping the water. Dissolved oxygen concentration is difficult to sustain through a pumped system and GLC/MS facilities can detect micro-organic contaminants from the pipework and glands.

Passive sampling

The use of passive samplers greatly reduces the cost and the need of infrastructure on the sampling location. Passive samplers are semi-disposable and can be produced at a relatively low cost, thus they can be employed in great numbers, allowing for a better cover and more data being collected. Due to being small the passive sampler can also be hidden, and thereby lower the risk of vandalism. Examples of a passive sampling devices are the Chemcatcher and an air sampling pump.

Remote surveillance

Although on-site data collection using electronic measuring equipment is common-place, many monitoring programmes also use remote surveillance and remote access to data in real time. This requires the on-site monitoring equipment to be connected to a base station via either a telemetry network,land-line, cell phone network or other telemetry system such as Meteor burst. The advantage of remote surveillance is that many data feeds can come into a single base station for storing and analysis. It also enable trigger levels or alert levels to be said for individual monitoring sites and/or parameters so that immediate action can be initiated if a trigger level is exceeded. The use of remote surveillance also allows for the installation of very discrete monitoring equipment which can often be buried, camouflaged or tethered at depth in a lake or river with only a short whip aerial protruding. Use of such equipment tends to reduce vandalism and theft when monitoring in locations easily accessible by the public.

Remote sensing

Environmental remote sensing uses aircraft or satellites to monitor the environment using multi-channel sensors.

There are two kinds of remote sensing. Passive sensors detect natural radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object or surrounding area being observed. Reflected sunlight is the most common source of radiation measured by passive sensors and in environmental remote sensing, the sensors used are tuned to specific wavelengths from far infra-red through visible light frequencies through to far ultra violet. The volumes of data that can be collected are very large and require dedicated computational support . The output of data analysis from remote sensing are false colour images which differentiate small differences in the radiation characteristics of the environment being monitored. With a skilful operator choosing specific channels it is possible to amplify differences which are imperceptible to the human eye. In particular it is

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possible to discriminate subtle changes in chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b concentrations in plants and show areas of an environment with slightly different nutrient regimes.

Active remote sensing emits energy and uses a passive sensor to detect and measure the radiation that is reflected or backscattered from the target. LIDAR is often used to acquire information about the topography of an area, especially when the area is large and manual surveying would be prohibitively expensive or difficult.

Remote sensing makes it possible to collect data on dangerous or inaccessible areas. Remote sensing applications include monitoring deforestation in areas such as the Amazon Basin, the effects of climate change on glaciers and Arctic and Antarctic regions, and depth sounding of coastal and ocean depths.

Orbital platforms collect and transmit data from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, which in conjunction with larger scale aerial or ground-based sensing and analysis, provides information to monitor trends such as El Niño and other natural long and short term phenomena. Other uses include different areas of the earth sciences such as natural resource management, land use planning and conservation.

Bio-monitoring

The use of living organisms as monitoring tools has many advantages. Organisms living in the environment under study are constantly exposed to the physical, biological and chemical influences of that environment. Organisms that have a tendency to accumulate chemical species can often accumulate significant quantities of material from very low concentrations in the environment. Mosses have been used by many investigators to monitor heavy metal concentrations because of their tendency to selectively adsorb heavy metals.

Similarly, eels have been used to study halogenated organic chemicals, as these are adsorbed into the fatty deposits within the ee

CHEPTER-6

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Material handling equipment are equipment that relate to the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. Material handling equipment is the mechanical equipment involved in the complete system. Material handling equipment is generally separated into four main categories: storage and handling equipment, engineered systems, industrial trucks, and bulk material handling.

Mechanical Handling

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It is the use of machines, tools and equipment for moving and positioning materials in a work place. Because of its hazardous nature mechanical handling activities can and do result in serious harm to personal, damage the plant equipment’s or the environment or business loss.

Responsibilities in Mechanical Handling

Everyone involved in mechanical handling operations has spesipic responsibilities these are defined in the following paragraphs.

1 Responsible person:- the responsible person who has overall responsibility for work activities the person may be the shift supervisor, project manager etc, the responsible person recognize the need for mechanical handling and appoints a competent person to plan it.

2 Competent person:- the competent person is someone who has the required level of competency to plan and supervise mechanical handling operations.

3 Competent team:- each team member has the responsibility to know and work within their own competency to complete the job.

Mechanical Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment (MHE) is used for the movement and storage of material within a facility or at a site. MHE can be classified into the following five major categories:

I. Transport Equipment . Equipment used to move material from one location to another (e.g., between workplaces, between a loading dock and a storage area, etc.). The major subcategories of transport equipment are conveyors, cranes, and industrial trucks. Material can also be transported manually using no equipment.

II. Positioning Equipment . Equipment used to handle material at a single location so that it is in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used for handling at a single workplace. Material can also be positioned manually using no equipment.

III. Unit Load Formation Equipment . Equipment used to restrict materials so that they maintain their integrity when handled a single load during transport and for storage. If materials are self-restraining (e.g., a single part or interlocking parts), then they can be formed into a unit load with no equipment.

IV. Storage Equipment . Equipment used for holding or buffering materials over a period of time. Some storage equipment may include the transport of materials (e.g., the S/R machines of an AS/RS, or storage carousels). If materials are block stacked directly on the floor, then no storage equipment is required.

V. Identification and Control Equipment . Equipment used to collect and communicate the information that is used to coordinate the flow of materials within a facility and between

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a facility and its suppliers and customers. The identification of materials and associated control can be performed manually with no specialized equipment.

Manual Materials Handling

IntroductionManual material handling operations are carried out in most industrial plants. Each handling task poses unique demands on the worker. However, workplaces can help workers to perform these tasks safely and easily by implementing and upholding proper policies and procedures.

HazardsTo assess the hazards of manual material handling operations, consider the load, the task, the environment in which the task is performed, and the operator. When these factors interact with each other, they can create hazards that result in injuries.A load may be hazardous because of: weight, size, shape (making it awkward to handle), coupling (type of grip on the load), slippery or damaged surfaces, absent or inappropriate handles, and imbalance (i.e., changing Centre of gravity)The task or method of handling may be hazardous when it involves:lifting or lowering (repetitively, quickly, for extended periods of time, while seated or kneeling, immediately after prolonged flexion, shortly after a period of rest), an inability to get close to the load, moving the load over large distances, accuracy and precision required because of (fragile loads, or specific unloading locations), materials positioned too low or too high, hazardous movements or postures (e.g., twisting, extended bending and reaching), multiple handling requirements (e.g., lifting, carrying, unloading) Environmental factors include:temperature (beyond a 19–26°C range), relative humidity (beyond a 35–50% range), lighting, noise, time constraints (e.g., machine–paced work or deadline pressures), physical conditions such as obstacles and floor surfaces (e.g., slippery, uneven or damaged) Operator characteristics that affect the handling of loads include:general health, physical factors (height, reach, flexibility, strength, weight, aerobic capacity), pre-existing musculoskeletal problems, psychological factors (motivation, stress)

Control MeasuresThe best control measure is to eliminate the need for workers to perform manual handling tasks. Since this is not always possible, design manual handling tasks so that they are within the workers’ capabilities. Considerations include the load itself, the design of the workstation and work practices. Providing mechanical handling devices or aids can often eliminate the task itself or ease the demands on the worker.

Task Design

The LoadReduce the weight of the load by decreasing the:size of the object (specify size to suppliers), weight of the container (e.g., plastic is lighter than steel), capacity of containers, load in the container.Conversely, consider increasing the weight of the load so that it may only be handled mechanically. This can be done by the use of:

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palletized loads, and larger bins or containers.Decrease the load on the worker by:limiting the number of objects he/she is required to handle during the day, designating heavier loads as team lifts (i.e., two or more persons), changing the size and shape of the load so that the worker can get closer to the load’s centre of gravity

Work Station DesignReduce the distance over which the load has to be moved by relocating production and storage areas. Design work stations so that workers:● can store and handle all material between knuckle and shoulder height; waist height is most desirable● can begin and end handling material at the same height● can face the load and handle materials as close to the body as possible● do not have to handle loads using awkward postures or an extended reach, and● do not handle loads in confined spaces that prevent them from using good body mechanicsFacilitate access to material by:● Providing workbenches and other work stations with toe cut-outs, so that workers can get closer to the load● supplying bins and totes with removable sides● removing obstructions, such as unnecessary railings on bins

Work Practices Lifting and LoweringEliminate the need to lift or lower manually by providing and ensuring proper use of:● lift trucks, cranes, hoists, scissor lifts, drum and barrel dumpers, stackers, work dispensers, elevating conveyors, articulating arms and other mechanical devices● gravity dumps and chutes● power lift tail gates on trucks, and hand trucks to ensure easy transfer of material from the truck to ground level● portable ramps or conveyors to lift and lower loads on to work stations

Pushing and PullingEliminate pushing or pulling by ensuring the use of:● powered conveyors, powered trucks, slides, chutes, monorails, air tables and similar mechanical aids Make loads easier to push or pull by ensuring the use of:● carts, hand trucks and dollies with large diameter casters and good bearings, and● grips or handles on loads or mechanical aids, placed to provide optimal push force and prevent awkward postures Instruct employees to:● push rather than pull● avoid overloading – limit the load pushed or pulled at one time● ensure the load does not block vision● never push one load and pull another at the same time

Carrying and HoldingReduce carrying and holding forces by:● evaluating the work flow – determine if heavy loads can be moved mechanically over any distance● converting the operation into a pushing or pulling task

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● providing carts, slings or trolleys● providing portable containers in which to place awkward loads● providing grips or handles on loads● limiting the distance over which the load is moved

Environmental FactorsMaintain an optimum environment by ensuring that:● the temperature of the work area is at an acceptable level● in a hot environment–– workers take frequent breaks away from the heat–– workers drink frequently from liquids provided near the work site● in a cold environment,–– workers wear good insulating clothing–– loads are easy to handle when gloves and heavy clothing are worn● humidity is at an acceptable level● lifting instructions can be heard in a noisy environment● lighting levels are adequate for the work place● the layout of the work area provides better access to the load● the aisles are clear of obstacles● signs are posted where there are gradients in the slope of the floor; whenever possible, limit such slopes to 10 degrees

StorageProvide proper storage facilities such as:● storage boxes and containers that can be● lifted mechanically rather than requiring manual handling● avoid deep shelving that make retrieving or placing a load difficult● racks or shelf trucks to store material, thus eliminating the need for lifting the containers● storage bins and containers with fold down sides for easier access to loads When storing loads, employees should:● store loads in easy to access locations● store loads between knuckle and shoulder height

Personal Factors

ClothingWear appropriate clothing and safe, comfortable shoes:● clothes that are comfortable around the hips, knees and shoulders, and that do not have exposed buttons or loose flaps, and● non-slip shoes with broad based low heels. Safety footwear is essential when handling heavy loads on a regular basis

FitnessEncourage workers to remain in good physical condition by participating in regular exercise programs. To stay healthy, Health Canada’s Physical Activity Guide recommends 60 minutes of light effort, or 30 minutes of vigorous effort, every day.Incorporating exercise is easier than you think. For example:

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● use the stairs, not the elevator● walk instead of driving● stretch or exercise between TV shows The following tips can also enhance fitness:● use good body mechanics when sitting, standing, lifting, etc. For example, when lifting:–– maintain a curve in the lower back–– stabilize the back by lightly contracting the stomach muscles● take regular task breaks to avoid or reduce muscle fatigue● get adequate sleep on a good mattress● eat sensibly; follow the Canada Food Guide

General PrecautionsInstruct employees to take the following precautions when handling loads:● test the weight of the load to ensure it can be lifted securely; if not, make adjustments● grip the load securely● protect hands against pinch points● practice good team lifting● get help with awkward loads● always use the mechanical devices and aids provided● don’t rush or cut corners

MaintenanceEstablish a preventive maintenance program, with input from equipment manufacturers, to ensure that the following is completed on a regular basis:● cleaning of wheels and bearings on hand carts and other mechanical aids● lubricating as necessary● replacing worn and defective wheels and casters● checking that all mechanical aids work efficiently

TrainingTraditional training has focused on proper lifting methods and safe work procedures. More recently, workplaces have introduced fitness and back education approaches. In combination with job and workplace design changes, these approaches are effective in preventing accidents and injuries. On the job demonstrations and practice sessions are the best methods of training. Cover basic manual materials handling procedures, and the proper use of mechanical aids and techniques. Regularly reinforce the proper techniques to ensure their continued use. The objectives of material handling training are to teach the worker:1. how to identify hazardous loads or handling tasks2. the proper selection and use of mechanical handling aids3. safe postures and manual lifting techniques to minimize strain4. safe lifting techniques

Transport Safety

A number of workplace transport accident causation factors have been identified and are described in terms of safe site, safe vehicle and safe driver.

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Pedestrian and vehicle separation: where possible, pedestrians should be segregated from vehicle traffic through the provision of protective barriers and clearly marked separate gangways. Routes used by vehicles such as forklifts inside buildings should be indicated by lines drawn on the floor to inform pedestrians, as should walkways designated for pedestrian use only.Vehicle routes: route planning should take into consideration the path and ultimate destination of the pedestrian flow (e.g. location of time clock, canteen, toilets etc) and vehicle traffic should be minimised at times of peak pedestrian activity, e.g. meal breaks, shift hand-over etc.Reversing & Traffic Management: the need for reversing can be minimized through the use of one-way traffic systems that incorporate drive-through loading and unloading positions. One-way systems can also keep traffic away from vulnerable plant and equipment. Speed limits and speed humps are also an effective means of controlling site traffic although thought should be given to forklift trucks and load stability.Signage: signs should be clear and unambiguous for both drivers and pedestrians For example, drivers need to know in advance about hazards such as sharp bends, junctions, crossings, blind corners, steep gradients and limited headroom.Lighting: adequate lighting is important to assist drivers detect hazards such as pedestrians, machines and other vehiclesLoading Bay: the Loading Bay a ‘high risk’ area due to the limited directions space available for forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles. Ground Conditions : attention should be paid to the slope, quality and frictional characteristics of the floor upon which forklifts and other vehicles travel. Gangways should be clearly demarked with non-skid paint and oil, grease and fluid ‘spill kits’ should be easily accessible so that any leakage is quickly cleaned up.Vehicle selection: the degree of fit between the driver and the vehicle was identified as being important. The following issues in particular warrant careful consideration when selecting a vehicle:Control compatibility: the vehicle controls of powered industrial vehicles can vary and the potential for human error (slips) will increase if operators are required to drive more than one type of vehicle (with different controls) in the same workplace (especially during the same shift);Driver access/egress the design and layout of some vehicles make it difficult for operators to enter and exit the cabin safely. Vehicles that include well-designed steps and conveniently located hand grips can reduce the need for drivers to jump from their cabs;Driver protection: the use of Roll-Over-Protective-Structures (ROPS) is not fully effective unless the driver is wearing an appropriate seat belt or other restraint. Arrangements should be in place to monitor compliance with this requirement. Workers are more likely to use protective equipment, such as a seat restraint, if they have had some degree of involvement in the selection of the safety equipment.Driver comfort: driver comfort can be enhanced by the inclusion of vibration damping equipment, noise reduction measures, adjustable seating, good ventilation and weather protection.Maintenance: good vehicle maintenance management is key to the prevention of workplace transport accidents. A competent mechanic should inspect the mechanical condition of each workplace vehicle at specified intervals.Driver training: Training should reflect the actual conditions that the operator will meet at work and provide the driver with information and knowledge needed for safe operation of the vehicle. Pedestrian Training: pedestrians represent a high-risk group in the workplace therefore, training programmes should be developed that aim to familiarize pedestrians with the unique

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operating characteristics of powered industrial vehicles. Emphasis should be given to the main operating differences that exist between a car and a powered industrial vehicle, e.g. manoeuvrability, visibility and load stability.Safe Operating Procedures: Compliance will be enhanced by ensuring that procedures are practical, easy to follow and fully understood by staff.Workload: workload should be controlled to prevent drivers and other employees from having to rush to complete their work on time. Work design and driver incentive schemes require careful management so that they don’t inadvertently encourage unsafe driving behaviour.Supervision and monitoring: close supervision of newly qualified drivers is identified as being very important as to is the monitoring of experienced drivers to ensure that they continue to operate vehicles in a safe fashion. Supervisors need support and training in line-management skills so that they can encourage and support high standards of driving behaviour and good teamwork.Time-on-shift effects: working long hours will impact negatively on driver safety performance. Key to managing time-on-shift effects is the provision of adequate rest breaks and a good working environment. At present there isn’t any regulation that limits the number of hours a driver of a forklift truck or other powered industrial vehicle can work.

Electrical Safety

Electricity is a primary form of energy. It can shock, burn, damage nerves and internal organs and can kill people. The effect of electricity on the body depends on the magnitude and duration of exposure to the current, the path of the current through the body and the impedance (resistance) of the body.

When electricity flows through a conductive material such as electrical wire, heat is produced. With proper design and compliance with codes and wiring systems devices will have resistance low enough that current-carrying parts and connections should not overheat. However, if there is a poor circuit connection, an overload of current or a fault in the circuit, electricity can escape from the circuit and cause cable heating, distortion and fires.

For these reasons, all electrical equipment and installations used within a DEECD workplace must meet the highest standards of safety.  The regular scheduled testing of all electrical equipment and installations and the tagging out of any equipment found to be deficient will ensure ongoing safety.

There are different test scheduling requirements for different types of equipment:

Switch boards with Residual Current Device (RCD) installations must be tested every 6 months;

Hand held power tools, soldering irons, vacuum cleaners, welding machines which are regularly plugged in and unplugged require testing every time; and

Other appliances such as fridges, computers and stoves which are rarely, if ever unplugged, require testing every time.

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The use of electrical equipment can create serious health and safety risks in the hairdressing, nail and beauty industry, particularly in wet conditions. Damage to equipment increases this risk. Electrical shock can result in electrocution, burns and injuries from falls.

Extension leads and flexible cables must be protected from damage, including from liquid.

Electrical equipment must be either:

inspected, tested and tagged or connected to a residual current device (RCD).

If the equipment is safe to use, the tag must show the date by which the equipment must be inspected and tested again;

If the equipment is not safe to use, the tag must warn people not to use the equipment.The equipment must also be immediately withdrawn from use.

If the equipment is to be connected to an RCD, (known as a safety switch), the device may be either portable, or installed at the switchboard.

An RCD must be tested immediately after connection and at least every 3 months. A competent person must also test the device at least every 2 years.

If a portable RCD is not working properly, it must be tagged to warn people not to use the device and immediately withdrawn from use.

Use splash proof or waterproof electrical equipment instead of standard equipment if work must be carried out in wet conditions.

Use power boards instead of double adaptors.

Install additional socket outlets to avoid overloading power outlets.

Administrative controls

Make sure workers are trained in the use of equipment and that manufacturer¿s instructions are followed.

Store and operate equipment away from damp areas when not in use.

Make sure leads do not run across wet surfaces or any place where they may be easily damaged.

Run leads along the edges of corridors to minimise the possibility of trips and falls.

Keep leads away from heat, oil and chemicals to prevent insulation damage.

Clean up liquid spills as soon as possible.

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Conduct regular (monthly intervals or more frequently if necessary) visual inspections of equipment to check that the equipment (including accessories, connecting lead and plug) has no obvious external damage or inadequate temporary repairs.

Make a list containing the description, make and serial number of all equipment and the date when tested to assist you in ensuring all electrical items are tested.

When adjusting or cleaning equipment, SWITCH OFF the power and pull out the plug ¿ NOT by the cord.

Do not touch equipment with wet hands or use a wet cloth to clean sockets.

Make sure flexible cords are fully unwound and kept clear of work traffic.

Do not run too many pieces of equipment from one socket.

Access Equipment

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can provide a safe way of working at height. They:

allow the worker to reach the task quickly and easily have guard rails and toe boards which prevent a person falling

can be used in-doors or out

MEWPs include cherry pickers, scissor lifts and vehicle-mounted booms. These pages help you to:

choose the right MEWP for the job identify and manage the risks involved with working from MEWPs

Things to consider

If you are thinking of using a MEWP look at the following questions.

How high is the job from the ground?

Do you have the appropriate MEWP for the job? (If you are not sure, check with the hirer or manufacturer.)

What are the ground conditions like - is there a risk of the MEWP becoming unstable or overturning?

Are the people using the MEWP trained, competent and fit to do so?

Is there passing traffic, and if so, what do you need to do to prevent collisions?

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Do you need to use either work restraint (to prevent people climbing out of the MEWP) or a fall arrest system (which will stop a person hitting the ground if they fall out)? Allowing people to climb out of the basket is not normally recommended - do you need to do this as part of the job?

Checks

Has the MEWP been examined, inspected and maintained as required by the manufacturer's instructions and daily checks carried out?

Stepladders

Before use

Before you use a stepladder, first ask yourself: am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder.

A stepladder in good condition has:

Feet firmly attached Clean treads

Secure locking devices

Secure fastenings when it is extended

A stepladder in a good position:

Is fully open Is locked into place

Will not move at the bottom.

Stands on a surface that is: (firm, level, clear, dry, not slippery)

In use

Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)

Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles

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

Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps

Avoid side-on working,

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Leaning ladders

Before use

First ask yourself: am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder.

A leaning ladder in good condition has:

Both feet firmly attached and with a good tread Clean rungs

Undamaged stiles (the side pieces that the rungs are attached to)

Secure fastenings when it is extended

A leaning ladder in a good position:

Is at an angle of 75° - one unit out for every four units up, Will not move at the bottom,

Stands on a surface that is: firm, level, clear Dry,not slippery

Will not move at the top,

Rests on a strong upper resting point (not plastic guttering or a window)

Has horizontal rungs (use a spirit level)

In use

Only work on a ladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)

Always grip the ladder when climbing

Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles

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

Do not work off the top three rungs - this provides a handhold

CHEPTER-7

FIRE SAFETY

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an

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uncontrolled fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building.

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood a fire may start or may delay escape in the event a fire occurs.

Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department members known as fire prevention officers. The Chief Fire Prevention Officer or Chief of Fire Prevention will normally train newcomers to the Fire Prevention Division and may also conduct inspections or make presentations.

FIRE HAZARDS CLASSIFICATIONElectrical hazardsDamaged wiring, Damaged plugs, Damp or wet wires, Overloaded motors, Broken switches, outlets or sockets, Problems with lighting fixtures, Faulty heating elements, Overloaded circuits, Liquids near computers, Computers without surge protectors

Friction hazardsHot bearings, Misaligned or broken machine parts, Choking (sharp) or jamming materials, Poor adjustment of moving parts, Inadequate lubrication

Process or operation-related hazardsCutting and welding operations; which use open flames and produce sparks, Molten metal, which can ignite combustibles or fall into cracks and start a fire that might not erupt until after the work is done, Processes that heat materials to high temperatures, Drying operations where materials in dryers can overheat, Grinding operations that produce sparks and dust, Processes in which flammable vapors are released

Storage hazardsMaterials loaded too high blocking sprinkler heads (need 18-inches clearance from head), Flammable or combustible materials stored too close to heat sourcesFlammable materials not stored in special containers and cabinets, Inadequate ventilation in storage areas, Materials that might react with one another stored together, Materials stored in damaged containers, Materials stored in unlabeled containers, Containers not tightly sealed

Smoking hazardsIgnoring "No Smoking" signs, Smoking around flammable or combustible materials, Throwing matches and cigarettes or cigars on tables or workbenches, Tossing butts on the floor or grass without properly extinguishing them in an ashtray or ash can, Tossing lighted butts or matches out windows or doors, Smoking in bed, Leaving a cigarette/cigar unattended, Smoking in areas where there is an accumulation of sawdust, plastic or metal powders that may become explosive

12 Ways to Prevent a Workplace Fire

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Preventing fires is everyone’s job. We all need to be alert to anything that could cause a fire, and take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected. Here are some reminders about fire prevention:

1. Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.

2. Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.

3. Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.

4. Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.

5. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.

6. Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.

7. Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.

8. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set afire outside the building.

9. Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.

10. Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.

11. Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone in your station for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.

12. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

Fire Safety - Assessing the means of escape

The range of workplaces covered by these regulations is huge and so the following information is intended as a guide to get you started on an assessment.  You are advice to get help expert

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from one of experienced safety consultants conducting a fire risk assessment at your premises, please call on emergency number.

Please note that in some cases, it may be necessary to provide additional means of escape or to improve the fire protection of existing escape routes. At this point you should consult the fire authority and, where necessary, your local building control officer before carrying out any alterations.  The distances given below should ensure that people are able to escape within the appropriate period of time. You can of course use actual calculated escape times but should do so only after consulting a fire safety consultant with appropriate training and expertise in this field.

General principles for escape routes

Other than in small workplaces, or from some rooms of low or normal fire risk, there should normally be alternative means of escape from all parts of the workplace. Routes which provide means of escape in one direction only (dead-end) should be avoided wherever possible as this could mean that people have to move towards a fire in order to make their escape. Escape routes should be independent of one another and arranged so that people can move away from a fire in order to make their escape and should always lead to a place of safety. Remember that they should also be wide enough for the number of occupants and should not normally reduce in width and be kept clear of obstruction at all times.

Evacuation times and length of escape routes

The aim is, from the time the fire alarm is raised, for everyone to be able to reach a place of relative safety, i.e. a section exit (see 'Technical terms relating to means of escape'), within the time available for escape. The time for people to reach a place of relative safety should include the time it takes them to react to a fire warning.

This will depend on a number of factors including:

what they are likely to be doing when the alarm is raised, e.g. sleeping, having a meal etc; what they may have had to do before starting to escape, e.g. turn off machinery, help

other people etc; and

their knowledge of the building and the training they have received about the routine to be followed in the event of fire.

Where necessary, you can check these by carrying out a practice drill.

To ensure that the time available for escape is reasonable, the length of the escape route from any occupied part of the workplace to the section exit should not exceed:

OSHA strongly recommends that all employers have an emergency action plan. If the public entity has 10 or fewer employees, the plan may be communicated orally. Other employees must have a written plan, kept in the workplace and available for employees to review.

OSHA standards that require emergency action plans are:

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Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals – 1910.119 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General – 1910.160

Fire Detection Systems – 1910.164

Grain Handling – 1910.272

Ethylene Oxide – 1910.1047

Methylenedianiline – 1910.1050

1,3-Butadiene – 1910.1051

Description

The plan describes the actions employees should take to ensure their safety if a fire or other emergency situation occurs. To be effective, employees must understand their roles and responsibilities when an emergency occurs. The public entity should run emergency preparedness drills to give employees the experience of putting their knowledge to work before an actual emergency occurs. Once a quarter is not too frequent to test the plan. Many entities participate in citywide or countywide emergency preparedness drills that involve hospitals, fire, police, etc.

Process

A comprehensive plan comprises issues specific to the entity’s worksite. It describes how employees will respond to different types of emergencies considering the specific worksite layout, structural features and emergency systems. Since the participation of all employees is critical to the plan’s success in an emergency, it is wise to ask for their help in constructing the plan.

Contents

Emergency reporting procedures Alarm system description

Evacuation policy

Exit maps or diagrams

Procedures for sheltering in place

Procedures for people who remain in place

Procedures for accounting for all personnel

Rescue and medical tasks

Emergency communications plan

Emergency plan training

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Chapter-7

Chemical SafetyGeneral obligations, responsibilities and dutiesRole and obligations of the competent authority1.The competent authority should formulate and state a coherent policy on safety in the use of chemicals at work, taking into account national conditions and practice and in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers concerned. 2. The competent authority should review existing national measures and practice, in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers concerned. 3. In the light of the stated policy and the review, the competent authority should formulate and implement the necessary measures including laws, standards and criteria for safety in the use of chemicals at work, in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers concerned4. The competent authority should periodically review the stated policy and the existing measures to implement that policy, in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers concerned, and implement any necessary changes. 5. The competent authority should ensure that compliance with laws and regulations concerning safety in the use of chemicals at work is secured by an adequate and appropriate system of inspection. 6. The competent authority should have the power, if justified on safety and health grounds, to either:a) prohibit or restrict the use of certain hazardous chemicals; orb) require advance notification and authorisation before such chemicals are used.7. The competent authority should have powers to specify categories of workers who, for reasons of safety and health, are not allowed to use specified chemicals or are allowed to use them but only under conditions prescribed in accordance with national laws or regulations.8. The competent authority, or a body approved or recognised by the competent authority, should establish:a) systems and specific criteria appropriate for classifying chemicals. b) systems and specific criteria for assessing the relevance of the information required. c) requirements for marking and labelling chemicals taking into account the need to harmonise such systems internationally.9. The competent authority should ensure that criteria are established on measures which provide for safety of workers, in particular:a) in the production and handling of hazardous chemicals;b) in the storage of hazardous chemicals;c) in the transport of hazardous chemicals.d) in the disposal and treatment of hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste products.

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General responsibilities of employers1. Employers should set out in writing their policy and arrangements on safety in the use of chemicals, as part of their general policy and arrangements in the field of occupational safety and health, and the various responsibilities exercised under these arrangements. 2. Employers should ensure that all chemicals used at work are labelled or marked in accordance with the provisions of the code, and that chemical safety data sheets have been provided in respect of all hazardous chemicals used at work. 3. Employers receiving chemicals which have not been:a) labelled or marked; orb) provided with chemical safety data sheets; in accordance with the provisions of this code should not use the chemicals until the relevant information has been obtained. 4. Employers should maintain a record of hazardous chemicals used at the workplace. 5. Employers should make an assessment of the risks arising from the use of chemicals at work.6. Employers should take appropriate measures to protect workers against the risks identified by the assessment of risks. Where the risks cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled, employers should provide and maintain personal protective equipment. 7. Employers should fulfill with appropriate standards, codes and guidelines formulated, approved or recognised by the competent authority concerning safety in the use of chemicals.8. Employers should ensure adequate and competent supervision of work and work practices.9. Employers should make adequate arrangements to deal with incidents and accidents.10. Employers should provide their workers with necessary, appropriate and periodic instructions and training.

General duties of workers1. Workers should take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise risk to themselves and to others from the use of chemicals at work.2. Workers should take care of their own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work, as far as possible and in accordance with their training and with instructions given by their employer.3. Workers should make proper use of all devices provided for their protection or the protection of others.4. Workers should report forthwith to their supervisor any situation which they believe could present a risk, and which they cannot properly deal with themselves.

General responsibilities of suppliers1. Suppliers of chemicals, whether manufacturers, importers or distributors, should ensure that:a) such chemicals have been classified or their properties assessed;b) such chemicals are marked;c) hazardous chemicals are labelled;d) chemical safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals are prepared and provided to employers;in accordance with the guidelines. 2. Suppliers should ensure that all chemicals are marked to indicate their identity. The marking should be easily understood at both the place of origin and the destination.3. Suppliers should identify and assess the properties of all chemicals.4. Suppliers should ensure that all chemicals they supply are classified labeled and marked in accordance with systems and criteria approved or recognized.

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DEMOLITIONWhat is demolition work?Any work that is connected with the demolition of a structure is classified as ‘constructionwork’ under the WHS Regulations. When carrying out demolition work, the requirements relating to construction work must be complied with.Demolition work means to demolish or dismantle a structure or part of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, but does not include:„. the dismantling of formwork, falsework, scaffolding or other structures designed or used to provide support, access or containment during construction work, or„. the removal of power, light or telecommunication poles.A structure is anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent, and includes buildings, sheds, towers, chimney stacks, silos, storage tanks. The demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure is ‘high risk construction work’. A safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared before the high risk construction work starts.Demolition work that is notifiable under the WHS Regulations involves:„. demolition of a structure, or a part of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, that is at least 6 metres in height„. demolition work involving load shifting machinery on a suspended floor, and„. demolition work involving explosives.

What is required to manage the risks associated with demolition work?A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks associated with the carrying out of construction work. In order to manage risks under the WHS Regulations, a duty holder must:„. identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk„. eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable„. if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of risk control.„. maintain the implemented control measure so that it remains effective, and„. review, and if necessary revise control measures so as to maintain, so far as isreasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risk to health and safety.

The risk Management process

Identifying the hazardsThe first step in the risk management process is to identify the hazards associated with demolition work. Examples of demolition hazards include:„. unplanned structure collapse„. falls from one level to another„. falling objects

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„. the location of above and underground essential services, including the supply of gas, water, sewerage, telecommunications, electricity, chemicals, fuel and refrigerant in pipes or lines„. exposure to hazardous chemicals – These may be present in demolished material or in the ground where demolition work is to be carried out (contaminated sites)„. hazardous noise from plant and explosives used in demolition work„. the proximity of the building or structure being demolished to other buildings or structures.Assessing the risksUnder the WHS Regulations, a risk assessment is not mandatory for demolition work however it is required for specific situations, for example when working with asbestos or explosives. In many circumstances a risk assessment will assist in determining the control measures that should be implemented. It will help to:„. i dentify which workers are at risk of exposure„. determine what sources and processes are causing that risk„. i dentify if and what kind of control measures should be implemented„. check the effectiveness of existing control measures.When assessing the risks associated with demolition work consider the following:„. the structure to be demolished and its structural integrity„. the method of demolition including its sequencing„. the scheduling of the work„. the layout of the workplace, including whether there are fall hazards both for people and objects„. what plant and equipment will be used and the skill and experience required by the people who will use it safely„. what exposures might occur, such as to noise or ultraviolet (UV) rays„. the number of people involved„. local weather conditions.

Controlling the risksControl measures can be ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. This ranking is known as the hierarchy of control. You must always aim to eliminate a hazard, which is the most effective control. If this is not reasonably practicable, you must minimise the risk by one or a combination of the following:„. Substitution – for example, using a mechanical demolition method rather than a manual method, if it is safer„. Isolation – for example, use concrete barriers to separate pedestrians and powered mobile plant to reduce the risk of collision„. Engineering controls – for example, fitting an open cab excavator with a falling objects protective structure to minimise the risk of being struck by a falling object. Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision and used on their own, tend to be the least effective in minimising risks.

Reviewing control measuresThe control measures that are put in place to protect health and safety should be regularly reviewed to make sure they are effective.You must review your control measures and, if necessary, revise them:„. when the control measure is not effective in controlling the risk

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„. before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control„. if a new hazard or risk is identified„. if the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary, or„. if a health and safety representative requests a review.

Common review methods include workplace inspection, consultation, testing and analysingrecords and data. When reviewing control measures, the SWMS must also be reviewed and revised where necessary.

Chapter-8Personal Protective Equipment

What is PPE?PPE is defined in the Regulations as ‘all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety’, eg safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these Regulations because other regulations apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided. Cycle helmets or crash helmets worn by employees on the roads are not covered by the Regulations. Motorcycle helmets are legally required for motorcyclists under road traffic legislation.

What do the Regulations require?The main requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations is that personal protective equipment is to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. The Regulations also require that PPE:_ is properly assessed before use to ensure it is suitable;_ is maintained and stored properly;_ is provided with instructions on how to use it safely; and_ is used correctly by employees.

Can I charge for providing PPE?An employer cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not. This includes agency workers if they are legally regarded as your employees. If employment has been terminated and the employee keeps the PPE without the employer’s permission, then, as long as it has been made clear in the contract of employment, the employer may be able to deduct the cost of the replacement from any wages owed.

Assessing suitable PPETo allow the right type of PPE to be chosen, carefully consider the different hazards in the workplace. This will enable you to assess which types of PPE are suitable to protect against the hazard and for the job to be done. Ask your supplier for advice on the different types of PPE available and how suitable they are for different tasks. It may be necessary in a few particularly difficult cases to obtain advice from specialist sources and from the PPE manufacturer.Consider the following when assessing whether PPE is suitable:

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_ Is it appropriate for the risks involved and the conditions at the place where exposure to the risk may occur? For example, eye protection designed for providing protection against agricultural pesticides will not offer adequate face protection for someone using an angle grinder to cut steel or stone._ Does it prevent or adequately control the risks involved without increasing the overall level of risk?_ Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly?_ Has the state of health of those who will be wearing it been taken into account?_ What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer? For example, the length of time the PPE needs to be worn, the physical effort required to do the job and the requirements for visibility and communication._ If more than one item of PPE is being worn, are they compatible? For example, does a particular type of respirator make it difficult to get eye protection to fit properly?

The hazards and types of PPEEyesHazards: chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.Options: safety spectacles, goggles, faceshields, visors.

HeadHazards: impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement.Options: a range of helmets and bump caps.

BreathingHazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.Options: disposable filtering facepiece or respirator, half- or full-face respirators, air-fed helmets, breathing apparatus.

Protecting the bodyHazards: temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.Options: conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing, eg chain-mail aprons, high-visibility clothing.

Hands and armsHazards: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.Options: gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrist cuffs, armlets.

Feet and legsHazards: wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.Options: safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats.

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Training_ Make sure anyone using PPE is aware of why it is needed, when it is to be used, repaired or replaced and its limitations._ Train and instruct people how to use it properly and make sure they are doing this._ Because PPE is the last resort after other methods of protection have been considered, it is important that users wear it all the time they are exposed to the risk. Never allow exemptions for those jobs which take ‘just a few minutes’._ Check regularly that PPE is being used and investigate fully any reasons why it is not. Safety signs can be useful reminders to wear PPE.

MaintenanceMake sure equipment is:_ well looked after and properly stored when it is not being used, for example in a dry, clean cupboard, or in the case of smaller items, such as eye protection, in a box or case;_ kept clean and in good repair - follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives). Simple maintenance can be carried out by the trained wearer, but more intricate repairs should only be done by specialists.Make sure suitable replacement PPE is always readily available.

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