Following Precautions are needed to be
taken while handling chemicals.
Check the label of the container and
understand how to use it properly. If in doubt, ask the HSE Officer or the
Supervisor about correct method of use.
Always use the basic PPE such as chemical
gloves, mask, protective clothing, & face shield etc. before opening any
chemical container.
Read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before
using any chemical to find out recommended PPE, First Aid Measures, Fire
Fighting Measures, & Accidental Spillage Control Measures.
Check out for the legal regulations for
disposal and provide for the same to avoid improper disposal of empty
containers.
Crush the containers before disposing so
that nobody can reuse the container for other purposes & get exposed to
harmful effects.
Do not store the chemicals in containers
other than its own as it it can lead to
accidental consumption and/or other
accidents. e.g. thinner used to dilute paint or glue is often colorless and can
be mistaken with water if stored in a water bottle.
Do not store chemicals in a disposable
container like water bottle.
Do not keep the chemical container
without correct labeling.
Remember that chemicals can cause
irreversible damage to your body and money cannot buy your organs back for you
again.
As the ill effect of chemicals on body
is seldom noticeable instantly, it is always wise to use all the recommended
PPE and remain safe.
Know the symbols used on the containers,
to indicate properties of the particular chemical such as flammable, harmful,
toxic, oxidizing, explosive, radioactive etc.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
the chemicals.
Wash your hands and other exposed body
parts thoroughly after using chemicals.
Use only recommended cleaning agents.
e.g. cleaning glue from hands with thinner is a wrong practice as thinner
penetrates through skin and is harmful to the body.
The hierarchy of controls is a method of identifying and ranking
safeguards to
protect workers from hazards. They are arranged from the most to least
effective and include elimination, substitution, engineering controls,
administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
Often, you’ll need to combine control methods to best protect workers.
For
example, a local exhaust system (an engineering control) requires
training,
periodic inspections, and preventive maintenance (administrative
controls). You
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes clothing and devices to
protect workers. PPE needs constant effort and attention (including proper use
and training) from workers. Higher-level controls aren’t always feasible, and
PPE might be needed in conjunction with other control measures. Examples:
• Safety glasses
• Personal Fall Protection Systems and related equipment
Around a quarter of
all deaths involving vehicles at work occur as a result of reversing.
It also results in
considerable damage to vehicles, equipment, and property.
The most effective
way of reducing reversing incidents is to remove the need to
reverse by, for
example, using one-way systems. Where this is not possible, sites should be organized
so that reversing is kept to a minimum. Where reversing is necessary, consider
the following:
The job of banksmen
(or signalers) is to guide drivers and make sure reversing
areas are free of
pedestrians. However, in some industries, such as quarrying,
banksmen are rarely
used due to the size of the vehicles involved.
If you are using
banksmen, make sure:
■ only trained
banksmen are used.
■ they are always
clearly visible to drivers.
■ a clear and recognized
system is adopted.
■ they stand in a
safe position throughout the reversing operation.
Parking
Parking areas should
be clearly indicated and there should be separate parking
areas for commercial
and private vehicles. There should also be designated areas.
Where commercial
vehicles can be loaded and unloaded.
When vehicles are
parked, their parking brakes should always be applied. On most trailers
disconnecting the emergency airline does not apply the trailer parking brake.
Drivers should never
leave a vehicle unattended without ensuring both the vehicle and the trailer
are securely braked, the engine is off and the key to the vehicle has been
removed.
Where appropriate,
trailer legs should be lowered to the ground.
To minimize the
risks to those involved in loading and unloading, information should be
provided on the nature of the load and how it should be properly loaded, secured,
and unloaded. This information should accompany the load and be available to
those involved in the loading, transportation and unloading activities.
The loading and
unloading area should be:
■ clear of traffic
and people not involved in the activity.
■ on level ground.
■ segregated from
other work areas.
■ clear of overhead
cables, pipes, or other obstructions.
■ protected from bad
weather where possible.
Make sure vehicles
and trailers have their brakes applied and all stabilizers are in the correct
position before loading or unloading.
Throughout loading
and unloading there should be a safe place where drivers can wait.
Make sure you take
measures to prevent vehicles being driven off during either
loading or unloading
at loading bays. These can include:
■ traffic lights on
loading bays.
■ vehicle or trailer
restraints.
■ keeping keys in a
safe place, e.g., with a ‘custody’ system.
• Building plans marked for fire exits,
fire extinguishers, alarm points, smoke detectors, first aid boxes, main
electrical panel, main water supply, evacuation routes, etc.
• Methods required to prevent fires (e.g.,
storage of items, etc.)
• Communicate fire safety plan and
emergency response procedures to all employees and contractors.
• Conduct fire drills at least twice a
year (or as required by local jurisdiction)
• Observe the response to fire drills, and
adjust the plan as necessary to ensure its effectiveness
• Post all emergency numbers and
instructions close to telephones
• Post the location/address of the
building, with any specific instructions that may be needed by the responders
• Inspect all the fire extinguishers, fire
alarm system, emergency lighting system, sprinkler system, and other fire
protection monthly or as per the Fire Code and other applicable legislation.
• All aisles, emergency exits, fire
extinguishers, etc. must be kept clear of product or storage objects, fork
trucks, etc. at all times
• Exit routes from buildings must be clear
of all obstructions
• Each building must have at least two
means of escape separate from each other
• Fire doors must not be left open unless
equipped with self-closing mechanisms. Fire doors must be kept free of
obstructions that would prevent the door from closing
• Exit doors must open in an emergency
(not permanently locked or chained closed)
• Exit doors must be properly marked with
signs indicating they are exits from the building
• Install and maintain adequate emergency
lighting to cover stair cases, washrooms, meeting rooms, parking lots, exits,
etc.
How to Address Workplace Violence: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
Workplace violence
is an unfortunate reality that can occur in any organization. It poses a
significant risk to the safety, well-being, and productivity of employees.
Addressing workplace violence is not only a moral imperative but also a legal
and ethical responsibility for employers. In this article, we'll explore
proactive strategies and effective steps to address workplace violence.
Identifying
potential risks and vulnerabilities in the workplace is crucial. Conduct
regular risk assessments to evaluate factors that could contribute to violence,
such as:
High-stress work
environments.
Working alone or in
isolated areas.
Handling money or
valuables.
Interactions with
the public or clients.
Identifying these
risk factors allows organizations to develop targeted prevention strategies.
Invest in training
programs that equip employees and managers with the knowledge and skills to
recognize warning signs of potential violence. Training should cover:
Conflict resolution
and de-escalation techniques.
Recognizing signs of
domestic violence that may spill into the workplace.
Reporting procedures
and how to handle threats or violent incidents.
6. Offer Support
Services:
Support services,
such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), can help employees deal with
personal issues that may contribute to workplace violence. EAPs offer
counseling and resources for employees facing stress, addiction, or personal
problems.
Create a reporting
mechanism that ensures employees feel safe reporting concerns about workplace
violence. Guarantee confidentiality and non-retaliation for those who come
forward. Encourage employees to trust the reporting process.
8. Investigate and
Take Action:
When a report of
workplace violence occurs, promptly investigate the incident. Ensure a fair and
unbiased investigation process and take appropriate disciplinary actions if
necessary. Communicate the outcomes of the investigation to all involved
parties.
Addressing workplace
violence requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on prevention,
preparedness, and response. Creating a safe and supportive work environment,
conducting risk assessments, and implementing security measures are proactive
steps that can significantly reduce the risk of violence. Additionally,
providing training, support services, and clear reporting procedures are
essential components of a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program.
By prioritizing the safety and well-being of employees, organizations can
create a workplace where violence is less likely to occur, and where everyone
can thrive.
üMaintain tools
carefully. Keep them clean and dry and store them properly after each use.
üCarry tools in a
sturdy toolbox to and from the work site.
üWear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) and well-fitting
gloves appropriate for the hazards to which you may be exposed when doing various
tasks.
üUse a heavy belt or
apron and hang tools at your sides, not behind your back.
ØDo not use tools for
jobs they are not intended to do. For example, do not use a slot screw driver
as a chisel, pry bar, wedge or punch or wrenches as hammers.
ØDo not apply
excessive force or pressure on tools.
ØDo not cut towards
yourself when using cutting tools.
ØDo not hold the
stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver.
ØDo not throw tools.
Hand them, handle them first, directly to other workers.
ØDo not carry tools
in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a
structure, or when doing any hazardous work. If working on a ladder or scaffold,
tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand line.
