Tag Archives: PPE

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU A RISK TAKER? (GUEST POST)

Whether you work on site or in an office there are various precautions you must take to ensure your safety whilst at work. We’ve covered the ‘Who, What, Why, Where and When’ of the risky business to keep you safe and sound at work.

Who

Who needs to carry out a risk assessment? And who should it cover?  Ultimately you are responsible for the risk assessment if you own or manage a business. You can delegate the task; however you must ensure whoever you delegate to is competent and understands the process.

The risk assessment should cover all staff that you employ to prevent them coming to any harm. You must pay special attention to staff with disabilities, lack of experience, expectant mothers and poor literacy skills.

What

What do you need to include in your risk assessment?

Your risk assessment should take in to consideration the industry you are in, your employees and the activities that are carried out. The industry you work in will affect your risk assessment hugely; you need to check what legal requirements are needed for your risk assessment to meet with standards. Any activities that staff carry out that pose a risk must be recorded, their risk assessed and any precautions put in place to ensure the risk factor remains low.

Why?

Why do you need a risk assessment?

First and foremost you need a risk assessment to keep you and your staff safe. The risk assessment takes note of any factors that could harm a member of staff and records how these risks can be avoided or the risk lowered. Secondly, you need a risk assessment by law, if you don’t have a risk assessment in place and a member of staff is injured you can be prosecuted.

Where?

Where should my risk assessment cover?

If you work in an office, you risk assessment must cover in and around the vicinity. If you or your staff work ‘off location’, your risk assessment must take in to account the alternative place of work, this means if you are working in a different location daily your risk assessment must reflect this.

When?

When should you carry out your risk assessment?

You should carry out your risk assessment whenever there is threat of risk or injury. If you’re working in the same location/office you may only need to carry out one risk assessment and review it at select periods to ensure it is up to date. If you are working in alternate locations you will need to carry out a risk assessment for each place of work. 

Author Bio: Leah Jarratt is a regular guest writer for Ainscough Vanguard, specialising in industrial machine movals.

p.s.  Following the risk assessment, management should determine what type of industrial safety equipment meets the requirement for protection for the particular risks of the job. pb

General Safety Issues

FIVE ECONOMICAL PRODUCTS THAT MAKE YOUR INDUSTRIAL FACILITY A SAFER PLACE (GUEST POST)

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All across the country, people are operating industrial facilities, and they want to make sure that these entities are as safe as humanly possible. When it comes to safety, it is hard to put a price on it. Of course, human life is worth more much than the money you spend! Furthermore, if someone is injured or the equipment is damaged, you are just going to need to pay to replace it.
New Electrical Wiring
Fires are a huge threat for industrial facilities. Not only can faulty electrical wires cause fires within the facility, but they might actually make an explosion occur. Therefore, it would be smart for you to set an appointment with a professional electrician. This individual can assess what you need to do to ensure that you have the best possible system.
Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You also need to have this type of system in place at your industrial facility. With all of the chemicals, gases and other products going through the air, you really never know what could happen. Therefore, you should look into getting a brand new system installed in the facility. It’s smart to get one that is connected to the local fire department and other emergency authorities. Therefore, if a situation was to occur, they would be notified.
Alarm Systems
On top of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, you should also have a regular burglar alarm. During the day, a grand-scale robbery is probably not going to occur if lots of people are around and you have your usual security measures in play. However, when everyone goes home for the night, you need to make sure that the industry is protected. Even if someone does break in, the police will be immediately called. Therefore, the robbers should not be able to get away with too much.
Exploring The Elements
While this is much more of a service than a product, it is something that you absolutely need to do for safety purposes. Of course, if you have been working in the same place for quite some time, you have probably already hired someone to conduct a check on both lead paint and asbestos. These elements can cause serious problems for your health, and you might even develop cancer as a result of them. You need to hire someone to check if you have not, and if you are moving into a new establishment, this step is an absolute must.
Stronger Ladders
Have your employees being using the same old ladders since the dawning of the business? If they constantly need to reach to great heights to grab supplies and such, then you really need to consider their safety and get some new ladders for your facility. These should be very strong and sturdy and able to accommodate the weight of all people who are going to be using them.

Industrial facilities certainly make a lot of products and goods for consumers, but the owners need to keep the employees and space safe as well.


Author Jason Harter is a contractor who is always sure to keep himself and his workers as safe as possible. His job can be found on the list of Top 10 Highest Paying Careers in Building and Construction.
 
Note: Providing employees with the best PPE equipment is the best way to ensure their safety, whatever hazards pertain to their job.  pb
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN USING A MOBILE ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORM (GUEST POST)

When it comes to working at height, people can be forgiven in thinking that there is a bigger risk to their personal safety due to the additional circumstances, which could cause severe injury or even death such as high winds and falling debris.  Fortunately, modern technology and innovation have allowed us to create what is known in the construction industry as ‘Mobile Elevated Working Platforms’ or ‘MEWP’s’ for short. 

MEWP’s are specialised machines, which have been designed solely to reduce risk of injury and death for operators and engineers who have to work at large heights.  MEWP’s are the only proven and safest method for working at height as they allow operators to reach a task efficiently – with specific security measures in place such as restraint belts, guard rails, anti-crush devices and toe boards to prevent any kind of injury. 

Although we now know that MEWP’s help prevent operators from sustaining severe injury or death whilst they are in operation, what a lot of people fail to realise is that the key to reducing the potential for injury or death starts long before the MEWP is in operation with what’s knows as a ‘MEWP Risk Assessment’. 

A MEWP Risk Assessment in general terms is like a checklist of things to do before an MEWP is declared safe to use. 

Different countries and different construction companies have different guidelines and health & safety processes they follow, however, in this article, we will be identifying the key points to a MEWP Risk Assessment so that safety is always paramount.

Height

How high is the task which needs to be completed from the ground? It is essential that you know the exact height (or within an accurate degree of estimation) so that you can hire the ideal MEWP for the job.

Machine Type

Do you have the correct MEWP for the job? It is essential that you know what type of MEWP is suitable for the task. Will you be working on un-even ground that will require a MEWP with stabilisers or will you be working in very high winds, which will require a MEWP with additional strength in the ‘arm’.

Conditions

What are the conditions like? Again, like above, it is essential to know the conditions you will be working in. Do you require a MEWP that needs to be remotely controlled due to a tight working space or do you need a MEWP that can operate in a variety of different working conditions.

Operators

Are the people who will be using the MEWP adequately trained? Although a variety of MEWP’s do not require specific licences, it is essential that the operator(s) using the MEWP be adequately trained with sufficient experience and qualifications. Also, are the operators in good enough health to operate the machine?

Obstructions

Are there any potential obstructions to be wary of? When working on specific types of structures such as electricity pylons and bridges, there can be additional hazards such as low-hanging wires and supports which the MEWP could be caught in. In addition, are the any potential issues for the public such as roads or footpaths, which need to be cordoned off?

Restraint

Are there any additional support features that need to be acquired such as operator restraints? One of the key things for MEWP safety is the correct level of support facilities for the operator such as restraining belts, anti-entrapment devices and fall arrest systems. Also, will the operator be required to exit the MEWP at height? If so, it is recommended to assess what additional safety measures will be needed for the operator when they exit the MEWP.

Maintenance

Has the MEWP been well maintained? It is always a good idea to do some safety checks when the MEWP arrives to make sure it is well maintained and to identify any other potential safety hazards. 

So there you have it, if you need to complete a task which requires you to work at height, it is always best to utilise the services of a MEWP with a thorough MEWP Risk Assessment and although the above list covers only the very basics of a MEWP Risk Assessment, it does give a great platform from which to build a more bespoke risk assessment depending on the task at hand and any other unique hazards which could become a problem. 

Author Bio: 

Carl Smith is a copywriter for Kimberly Access Group who is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Cherry Picker Hire and other types of MEWP hire.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

KEEPING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFE (GUEST POST)

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Construction is a notoriously dangerous industry.  In the UK, where we are based, the industry employs around five percent of the country’s workforce.  According to government statistics thosefive percent have twenty-two percent of the work related fatal injuries and ten percent of the reported major injuries.  In the US, seventeen percent of worker fatalities are in the construction industry. 

As shocking as these statistics sound, there’s been a significant improvement in both countries over the last forty years.  I think the reasons for this are threefold.  Firstly, there is much more safety legislation nowadays than formerly.  Secondly there’s a much more consistent use of safety clothing and equipment – much of which you can study at leisure on this site.  Thirdly, more workers receive various forms of safety training.  I firmly believe that the way to continue to improve safety in construction is to make training and refresher courses widely available for people employed in the industry and I also think that it’s in the construction companies’ best interest to ensure that their employees can access training.  Why do I believe this?  Well, there are several reasons: 

1)      Companies can be financially liable for the safety of their employees.  Even with insurance your premiums will go up dramatically if you have accidents on your sites.

2)      Companies generally want to employ the best workers.  If you have a good reputation for safety practice, people are more likely to want to join you and stay with you.  If your employees see that you’re willing to develop their skills, they’re much more likely to stay loyal to you.

3)      Workers are often injured by the actions of other workers.  Think about it – how likely is it that you’ll be fatally injured by a falling object that you’ve dropped? How likely is it that you’ll have put up the scaffolding that’s worked loose and caused you to fall?  The more workers on your site who have safety training, the safer the whole site will be.

4)      Companies can receive site inspections from official bodies.  Some are empowered to fine companies for non-compliance with legislation.  The more knowledgeable your employees are, the less likely you are to have compliance breaches on your sites.

5)      Companies are in a position to request bespoke training from education co-ordinators if they’re putting through a large number of pupils.  This means that the trainer(s) will put your company’s policies and procedures at the heart of their training.  You are also in a position to monitor the way that the training is delivered and make sure that your employees have the skills rather than just the piece of paper at the end of it. 

Are you involved with the construction industry?  Do you have any views on the safety training  you’ve received?  We’d be interested to read your responses in the comments section.

 Sent to us by Carl, of blogginghelper.co.uk
Email: carl@blogginghelper.co.uk
Twitter: @blogginghelper
Web: www.blogginghelper.co.uk

General Safety Issues

WHY SAFETY COMPLIANCE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

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Compliance training and safety should are the priority of a conscientious business owner. Without meeting safety standards, you should not be running a business, because you are risking the welfare of your employees and your company too. You can consult with a company like Safetrac about training your employees to acceptable standards, and exactly what you should be doing in your industry to make sure you are running a safe business. Complying with these standards will make your company a friendly and hospitable (and safe!) company to work for, and will also make you seem legitimate and ‘above board’ to all of your clients and the rest of your industry.

As a business owner or manager, you have to think of things like safety training and safety equipment as an investment rather than as an expense, because using it promotes the longevity and legitimacy of your business and also prevents expensive distractions from business such as legal action from employees. If your company happens to undergo a government audit, failure to have complied with safety standards leaves you vulnerable to serious legal consequences as well as expensive fines. By complying with standards and training all of your employees in industry standards you give them all the tools to be responsible for their own safety, which takes the pressure off management.  To ensure compliance with the standards applicable to their risk assessments, companies must furnish the correct OSHA safety supplies to protect their workers.  This is another area that they must be trained on the use of such equipment, how to take care of it, and know when to replace it.

So what can safety compliance strategies do for you? The benefits of maintaining a safe work environment are many, safety is about what managers and employers can do to protect their workers. Employers should send their workers home in the same condition they came in. No one can argue with the fact that workplace safety is important, yet it’s often overlooked sometimes unintentionally leaving workers exposed to risk. 

Ivy Delfin is a copywriter working with Safetrac who offer compliance training programs providing businesses with an opportunity to improve employee performance and business operations. When Ivy’s not writing content she enjoys cooking, swimming and walking her Great Dane.

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY INDUCTION? (GUEST POST)

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Sent by Jason of riskatmedia 

Every week at least one construction worker will die as a result of work-related injuries.  Most of these fatalities involve skilled construction and building workers. Falling from a height is the greatest single cause of fatal injury, followed by being struck by a moving or falling object, contact with electricity, being trapped by something collapsing or overturning and being struck by a moving vehicle. In addition to this, over 3500 construction workers suffer major work-related injuries every year.

There are many dangers involved in working on any construction site.  These hazards are real and often potentially life threatening, but we face them every day and sometimes forget how real and close they may be to all of us. This blog will cover most of the topics required for a Construction Site Induction.

Site Access

Access onto site should always be controlled for safety and security reasons.  This may be by means of a signing in and out procedure, or by means of controlled entry technology.  It is important that you use controlled entry procedures every time you enter or exit the site, this will allow management/security to determine exactly who is on site should an emergency situation arise. 

Personal Protective Equipment – PPE

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the hazards associated with work on a construction site.  The minimum PPE that should be worn on site is a hard hat, appropriate gloves, safety footwear and a high visibility vest or jacket.  This PPE should be worn on site at all times and may be supplemented by additional PPE, such as eye protection, ear defenders, dust masks and a safety harness, as stipulated in your risk assessment and method statement or permit to work.  All items of PPE need to provide a good fit and be in good working condition, so it is important to check your PPE before you use it.  PPE should be stored in a secure, clean and dry environment and any contaminated PPE should be removed carefully, cleaned or disposed of in a safe manner.” 

Alcohol, Drugs and Medical Conditions

It is extremely important that you never come to work in possession of, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. If you have a medical condition, have an active implantable medical device fitted or use prescribed or other medicines, you should report this to your manager/supervisor so that the details can be recorded for use in the event of an emergency.  Any information that you provide should be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Traffic Management and Pedestrian Walkways

Construction sites are busy and noisy environments with mobile plant and vehicles often in close proximity to pedestrians.  For these reasons, designated pedestrian walkways and Egress Routes should been marked out on the site. Stick to these walkways whilst on site and don’t be tempted to take short cuts that might expose you to unnecessary risk.  If you drive on to site, make sure that you stick to the speed limit, that you only park in designated parking bays and that you keep footpaths, access routes and pedestrian walkways clear.  A copy of the most up to date traffic management plan may be displayed on site notice boards, along with other important safety information. 

Welfare Facilities

Welfare facilities should be available on site and may include toilets, a restroom, a washroom and drying room and may include a canteen.  Use these facilities responsibly by helping to keep them clean and tidy and recycling your waste as appropriate. 

Vermin

Vermin are encouraged by the presence of food on site, so it is very important that you only eat in designated areas, that you dispose of food waste appropriately and that you do not take any food on to site.  Vermin, such as rats, can spread diseases, including the serious and possibly fatal disease Leptospirosis. 

Smoking, Music and Mobile Phones

Smoking and music are generally not permitted on construction sites, except in areas designated by site management.  Mobile phones should only be used in lower risk areas, such as offices and welfare facilities, where you are safe and unlikely to affect other workers or operations.  Mobile plant operators and drivers of site vehicles must never use a mobile phone whilst operating or driving. 

Hazardous Substances and Materials

During your work you may use or come into contact with substances such as adhesives, paints or dust, which may harm you or the environment.  If you use these hazardous substances you are required to understand the precautions that must be observed and the PPE that must be used, when transferring, mixing or using these substances.  You are also required to understand the relevant storage, disposal and emergency arrangements.  Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be made available.

Any spills of fuels, oils or potentially hazardous substances, should be immediately contained using the appropriate spill kit and then reported to the supervisor or manager so the spill can be safely cleaned up. 

Shots relevant to environmental management

To help reduce the effect of operations on the environment:

  • Reuse and recycle as many materials as possible
  • Compress waste and use waste segregation facilities where possible
  • Dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with legislation
  • Damp down to minimise dust
  • Turn off any plant or equipment not in use
  • Ensure plant and equipment are well maintained
  • Only use task lighting where necessary
  • Turn off any taps and hoses when not in use and report any leaks 
  • Never pump or pour anything down the drains and only wash down plant and equipment such as cement mixers in the areas provided
  • Where there are trees that need to be protected, please remain within designated work areas and avoid damaging tree routes
  • Do not disturb nesting birds, newts, badgers, bats or invasive weeds
  • Be aware of any habitats or historical remains on site. 

Emergency Fire Procedures

Specific emergency procedures should be followed in the event of a fire.  If a fire occurs, an alarm will sound.  If you hear a fire alarm, stop what you are doing.  Isolate any plant or equipment that you have been using and make your work area safe.  Take the nearest escape route and follow a safe route to the nearest assembly point.  Remain at your assembly point until you are given the all clear to return to work.  Take the time to familiarise yourself with the specific emergency procedures that apply to the site, as well as the location of the assembly points. 

Flammable Materials

To help prevent fires, flammable and combustible material should always be stored safely.  Gas bottles should be stored in secure, vented cages or stores with appropriate warning notices.  When working with gas, always ensure that you do so with adequate ventilation well away from any naked flames. 

Accident Procedures

Construction site rules and procedures are designed to minimise the risks to the safety of everyone who works on site.  But accidents may still happen.   In the event of an accident, first aid facilities should be available on site.  The names of all trained first aiders may be displayed on the site information board.  If you are involved in an accident or a near miss, no matter how minor, please report it to the site management so that they can ensure you get the correct medical treatment and take steps to prevent the incident from recurring.  If you witness a serious accident, get help and send someone for the site manager.  Try not to move the injured person, but do make sure that they are safe. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  Remember to route power and lighting cables so that they do not pose a potential trip hazard.  Tools, materials and equipment should only be stored where indicated and should be stacked safely.  All access routes and walkways should be kept clear of obstructions, especially those that are used by members of the public including children.  Tidy and clean your work space throughout the day and never leave tools, equipment or materials where they could create a trip hazard. 

Electrical Safety

All items of electrical plant used on site should carry a valid testing certificate or label to ensure Electrical Safety.  If an item of plant does not carry a valid electrical testing label, is damaged or has a missing guard, then please, do not use it.  If you use battery powered tools ensure that batteries are charged in a safe area and do not obstruct welfare facilities or create trip hazards. 

Tower and Mobile Cranes

Tower and mobile cranes may be in use on site, so it is important that you do not enter unloading areas unless you are authorised to do so.  You should also be aware of the fact that plant including cranes, telehandlers and powered access equipment should only be operated by individuals who are suitably trained and authorised to do so.  If you are trained and authorised to operate plant, make sure that you carry out daily pre-use safety checks, that all safety devices and locking pins are in place, that the flashing beacon and any warning devices are working and that all-round visibility aids are in place and effective.  Seek the assistance of a banks-man where visibility is limited and never leave the keys in an unattended machine. 

Work Equipment

Whatever work activity you are carrying out on site you will be using work equipment. Only use the correct tools for the job and only use tools and other work equipment which you have been trained to use. 

Risk Assessment, Method Statement, and Permit to Work

Before you undertake any job, make sure that your supervisor has briefed you, that you have a complete and valid risk assessment and that you are able to and do work according to your method statement.  Be aware that new risk assessments and method statements may be required where jobs have changed or where new hazards have been introduced.  In addition, certain work on site may require a permit or permission to work. These are issued after you have submitted a risk assessment and method statement for a particular job.  If you are unsure whether a particular job requires a permit, ask your supervisor or manager. 

Working at Height

You may remember that falls from height represent the single largest cause of death in the construction industry so Safe Working at Height is essential. It is therefore extremely important that you follow safe working practices when work at height cannot be avoided.  Always use an appropriate working platform or work equipment whenever there is a potential to fall, which includes loading and unloading of vehicles.    Always check your work platform before use, and be especially vigilant in windy, wet or icy weather.  Remember, the use of a harness requires extra competence and is a last resort.  If you operate powered access equipment you must have the appropriate training, certification and authorisation for that particular type of equipment.  You should also carry out and record a daily pre-use inspection.  Ensure that the access equipment is only used on stable ground, that it is not used in high winds, and never use it to lift or transport loads. In a boom type mobile elevated work platform you must wear a full body restraint harness secured to an anchor point by a suitable length, work restraint lanyard. Remember to park the mobile access equipment safely and to remove the key when the machine is not in use.  The use of ladders and stepladders is discouraged and may be permitted only where the task is simple, of short duration, and no safer alternative is possible.  Scaffolding, access ladders and mobile towers may only be erected, dismantled or modified by trained and competent persons.  Remember to lock the wheels and fit the guard rails and to check that the scaff tag is in date and valid. Close all loading bay gates after use and never load materials onto guard rails. 

Excavations and Quick Hitches

Safe working practices are essential when excavating.  Check and mark the location of services, protect services with barriers or road plates, dig trial holes to confirm location and depth and avoid the use of mechanical equipment, picks and forks around pipes and cables.  Don’t enter an excavation unless you have to.  If you do enter an excavation, make sure that the sides are battered, stepped or supported, use a ladder to gain access and put barriers around the edges if there is a potential to fall.

Buckets can become detached from excavators during operations if the appropriate locking pin or device is not properly fitted.  The excavator operator must ensure that the locking pin or device is correctly engaged and secure before commencing operations. 

Manual Handling

Workers in the construction industry suffer considerably higher rates of manual handling related injuries than workers in any other industry.  Help to protect yourself from injury by following good principles of manual handling.  If you must lift a load, assess whether you can lift it alone or whether you need someone to help you.  Remember to consider the environment in which you are working.  Always adopt the correct lifting technique. 

Your Health

Your health is as important as your safety.  Vibration white finger and dermatitis are too often suffered by construction workers.  Protect against these painful conditions by reducing your daily exposure to vibration, wearing the correct PPE and using barrier creams to protect yourself from contact with potential skin irritants such as cement.  Remember to apply sun cream if you are going to be working in direct sunlight. Wear an appropriate dust mask and use vacuums rather than sweeping to clear dust.  Check your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Never touch discarded needles or syringes.  Stop work and clear any area if you discover a substance you think might be asbestos.  If you discover asbestos or discarded needles, please report this to site management. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

POWER TOOL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

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By Jason, from RiskAtMedia: 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are.  Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices. There are particular hazards associated with the use of powered tools, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others are of particular concern to powered tool operators and we will consider these in this Power Tool Safety brief. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts, affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices.  Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, tools and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate shoes and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Contact Risk

Contact with moving or rotating power tools is a significant hazard to personnel using power tools, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury.  All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely.  Never use any work equipment unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so.  Before you begin to use a powered tool, make sure that you have read the manufacturer’s instructions for use.  Study the tool to make sure that you know which parts of the tool move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp.  Make sure that all guards are in place.  Where appropriate, remember to securely clamp tools or work pieces.  And ensure that you only use tools for the job they were intended to perform, as this can significantly reduce the risk of injury.  To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating powered tool parts, make sure any necessary warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin work.  You should also take care if you need to walk through or work in an area adjacent to where another person is using powered tools. 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from powered tools can result in death or severe burns.  Additionally, serious injury can result if the operator falls against a powered tool as a result of the shock.  To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electric powered tools should carry a valid test certificate or label.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   If an electric powered tool does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your supervisor. 

Malfunction

You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all tools to ensure that they remain undamaged.  If you do discover a defect, please do not use the tool and report the problem to your supervisor.  Never attempt to make temporary repairs to a tool.   You should also observe the tool while it is in use for possible signs of malfunction.  If you notice that the tool is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right, or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your supervisor.  When using an impact wrench, only sockets specifically designed for use with impact wrenches should be used and you should carry out a daily pre-use inspection of the socket to ensure that it is undamaged.  Never use sockets designed for hand ratchets on an impact wrench. 

Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to safety.  Clean tools after each use, as a dirty tool is unsafe and is difficult to use.  When you carry out maintenance, make sure that the equipment is isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.  Ensure swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove it and clean the tool.  If you need to remove swarf from a running powered tool to prevent long strands developing, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf.  Never use a rag to clean a tool while it is running and never use compressed air to clean a tool. 

Entanglement

When using powered tools, wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewellery and tie back long hair and long beards to reduce the risk of entanglement. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles produced when using powered tools.  At least standard PPE with safety glasses should be worn.  It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby.  Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work.  The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage.  Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by wearing industiral ear plugs and ear defenders. These items of PPE should therefore always be worn while using impact wrenches, and should also be worn when using other powered tools unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. Controls should also be considered for individuals working in close proximity. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while using powered tools.  Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.  These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided.  You should also not use powered tools if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to using tools safely. 

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome HAVS

If you regularly use powered tools, you may be at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.  This condition involves damage to the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm.  It is a painful and debilitating condition, resulting in numbness of the hands to the extent where it is impossible to feel with your fingers and very difficult for you to pick up small objects.  This can make both occupational and leisure activities, such as playing darts, fishing or DIY, impossible.  HAVS is entirely preventable.  Always use the right tool for the job, as this will allow you to complete the job more quickly and will expose you to less hand-arm vibration.  Carry out a pre-use inspection of all hand held equipment and report any damage to your supervisor, as faults and general wear may result in increased vibration.  If you do experience abnormal vibration from hand held equipment, please report this immediately.  Try to reduce the amount of vibration you are exposed to in one go by doing other jobs in between.  Use a relaxed grip and avoid using excessive force on a tool or work piece.  Store tools so that they do not have very cold handles when used next.  Keep your hands warm and dry and take breaks to exercise your fingers regularly.   Wear gloves when using impact wrenches to reduce the effect of vibration. 

Compressed Air

Compressed air is a safe and reliable alternative to electricity for powering impact wrenches and other air powered tools, but it can be dangerous if it is not used responsibly.  In particular, contact with streams of compressed air can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.  All compressed air plant should be appropriately inspected and certified to ensure that it is safe to use.  Never operate air compressors at faster speeds than the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure that the air intake is from a clean, outside and fresh air source, with screens and filters used to clean the air if necessary.  Unless your tool has a quick disconnect plug, you should always turn off the air supply at the control valve and bleed the tool before disconnecting.  You should never compress, bend or kink air hoses and you should never carry an impact wrench or other tool by the air hose.  And never use compressed air to clean your clothes or yourself. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, isolate any equipment that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures.  If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. 

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SAFE LIFTING OPERATIONS (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason of Riskatmedia.com

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are.  Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices. There are particular hazards associated with lifting operations, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others, such as contact with moving or falling objects and contact with moving machinery, are of particular concern to personnel involved in lifting operations as they result in a significant number of fatal and serious injuries each year.  In fact, contact with moving or falling objects is the third greatest cause of workplace fatality and the second greatest cause of major accidents at work. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts, affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices.  Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, lifting accessories, lifted equipment and loads can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or hoses that you use, by ensuring that a safe place of work is, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, by considering whether the environment in which you will be working increases the risk of slips and trips and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover.  Spills involving oil or hydraulic fluids represent a significant hazard, as they present a dangerous slip hazard and also involve substances that are both hazardous and flammable.  It is extremely important that your work area is kept clear of slip and trip hazards during lifting operations, when your own and your colleagues attention will be quite rightly focused on the lifting task at hand. 

Contact Risk

Contact with moving or falling objects is a significant hazard to personnel involved in lifting operations, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in death or serious injury.  It is therefore vitally important that safe working practices are followed at all times during lifting operations to ensure that loads do not move, swing or fall.  

Training and Approval

All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely.  Never use lifting equipment unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so.  You should ensure that you are suitably qualified, competent and, where appropriate, have the necessary certifications to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on.  All lifting operations should be controlled by an appointed, competent person who should brief all team members before the lifting operation is undertaken. 

The Lift Plan

To reduce the risk of loads moving or falling, all lifts should be planned.  Frequent or routine lifts may be subject to a generic lift plan, supported by an onsite risk assessment and team briefing.  For complex lifts, an individual and detailed lift plan should be documented.  All lift plans should be reviewed and approved by the appointed, competent person.  In particular, lifts should be planned so that personnel will not be standing or working directly beneath a load and so that the load will not be moved directly over people.  The lift plan should also provide an escape route in the event of unexpected movement of equipment or of the load. 

Suitable and Safe Equipment

It is important to ensure that all equipment used during lifting operations is safe and suitable for the job at hand.  Lifting equipment should be subjected to a detailed and thorough examination by a competent person prior to its first use on site, upon installation, when it has been disassembled and reassembled at a new location, if it has been involved in an incident, if it has been overloaded, if it has been subject to modification or major repair to safety critical components, if there have been changes in the condition of its use such as periods out of service, and for equipment used to lift personnel.  If you have any reason to doubt that such an examination has been carried out, do not use the equipment and report to your manager.  In addition, all items of electrical equipment should carry a valid appliance test certificate or label, to reduce the risk of electric shock.  Electric shock can result in death or severe burns. Serious injury can also result if someone falls or becomes incapacitated during lifting operations as a result of electric shock.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all equipment to ensure that it remains undamaged and ensure that all safety devices are fitted and are operational.  If any item of electrical equipment does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Load Integrity and Stability

Establishing load integrity and stability is also essential to reducing the risk of loads swinging, moving or falling during lifting.  All equipment operators and users should be familiar with the safe lifting capacity of the equipment and should understand the effects of changes in configuration.  The safe working load of the lifting system should be assessed, taking into account the configuration of the equipment and the operating environment where appropriate.  This safe working load should never be exceeded.  The load should possess sufficient integrity to withstand the forces applied during lifting and the method of rigging should ensure that the load remains stable and cannot tip, slip, swing or fall unintentionally.  For this reason, all rigging and thorough daily pre-use inspections should be carried out by competent personnel.  During jacking operations a firm level base should be provided against the load so that no sideways forces are present.  Loads should also be checked in increments to prevent the limit of the jack stroke from being reached. 

Human Factors

To reduce to risk of injury to other personnel from swinging, moving or falling loads, all non-essential personnel should be excluded from the area in which lifting operations are taking place.  Barriers and warning signs should be used where appropriate to facilitate this, especially as people can make mistakes and may break the rules.  These and other human factors play a significant role in safe lifting. Personnel should not undertake more than one task at a time during lifting operations and you should not take part in lifting operations if you are tired or otherwise unable to give your full attention to the task at hand. You should never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.  These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. 

Communication

Communication is a vital part of safe working practices during lifting operations.  The lifting appliance operator needs to be able to understand and obey an emergency stop signal no matter who gives it, and any member of the lifting team needs to be able to issue an emergency stop signal.  It is therefore vital that all members of the lift team establish, test and understand the verbal, hand signal or radio communications that will be used during the lift, prior to lifting. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with lifting operations.  At least standard PPE with safety glasses, a hard hat and industrial work gloves should be worn.  Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly.

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work.  The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage.  Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders in high noise areas. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting lifting operations, lower any suspended loads, isolate any equipment that you have been using, make your work area safe and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures.  If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance.  Lifting operations should never be carried out alone. 

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MACHINING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason, of riskatmedia.com. 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are. Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices.

There are particular hazards associated with machining activities, which includes both general machining activities and the use of magnetic based equipment. Some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling and slips and trips. Others, such as contact with moving machinery and contact with hazardous substances are of particular concern to machine operators as they result in significantly higher rates of injury amongst these personnel than amongst other workers. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury. Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, machine attachments and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury. Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires. By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Risk of Contact

Contact with moving or rotating machine parts is a significant hazard to personnel involved in machining activities, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury. All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely. Never use machinery unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so. You should ensure that you are suitably qualified and are competent to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on. Before you begin to use a machine, study it to make sure that you know which parts of the machine move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp. Make sure that all guards are in place. Remember to securely clamp both the machine and the work piece. To ensure Machine Safety make sure that you only use that piece of equipment for the job it was intended to perform. To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating machine parts, make sure that the appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin machining ensuring Authorised Personnel Only can gain access.” 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from machinery can result in death or severe burns. Additionally, serious injury can result if the person falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label. Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals. If an electrical appliance does not carry a test label, then please, do not use it. You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all machinery, if you discover a defect or problem with the machine, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Machine Malfunction

It is equally important to monitor the machine while it is running for possible signs of a malfunction. If you notice that the machine is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your manager. 

Machine Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to machine safety. Inspect and sharpen cutting tools, lubricate machinery and check the alignment of milling machines as appropriate. Clean machinery after each use, as a dirty machine is unsafe and is difficult to use. When you are carrying out machine maintenance, make sure that you follow the appropriate lockout and tag-out procedures to ensure that the equipment is correctly isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.

When cleaning machines after use, ensure that the machine is switched off and that the swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove swarf and clean the machine. If you need to remove swarf from a running machine, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf. Never use a rag to clean a machine while it is running. Never use compressed air to clean a machine, your clothes or yourself. 

Risk of Entanglement

When conducting machining operations, it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of entanglement. Wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewelry and tie back long hair and long beards. Never wear gloves when operating a machine. If material is rough or sharp and you need to wear gloves to handle it, make sure that you place or handle the material while the machine is turned off and that you then remove your gloves before turning on or operating the machine. You should never attempt to measure a part that is moving. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles during machining operations. At least standard PPE with safety sun glasses should be worn. It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby. Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work. The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage. Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders while conducting machining operations, and these items of PPE should therefore be worn unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while conducting machining operations. Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. You should also not conduct machining operations if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to operating machines safely. Behave sensibly in the machine shop. Don’t run and don’t walk behind someone who is operating machinery as you may bump in to them. 

Hazardous Substances

Substances such as coolants and other metal working fluids, hydraulic, lubricating, gearbox oils and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis if they come into contact with your skin. Fluid systems containing water or water mixes can cause bacterial infection on contact.

If you need to use these or other potentially hazardous substances, ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in your hazardous substance assessment, which may include the use of additional PPE. Try to avoid getting these substances on your skin, but if you do, pre-work or barrier creams will make your hands easier to clean. Rehydration creams will also replace lost skin oils after washing, and help to keep your hands in good condition. Wash, eat and drink away from your work area, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoid breathing in metal working fluid mists by using machining procedures which reduce the amount of mist produced, by using extraction and by using appropriate PPE. Remember that all hazardous chemicals can be identified by their warning signs, and should be stored in suitable containers that are clearly labelled and which identify the hazards associated with their use. Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be available. 

Magnetic Based Equipment

There are additional hazards relating to the use of magnetic based equipment. It may well be unsafe to use magnetic based equipment if you have an active implantable medical device fitted. Make sure that you have informed your manager if you have an implanted medical device and talk to your doctor about the safety of using magnetic based equipment. Particular safe working practices are necessary to prevent injury should the electrical supply to the magnetic base fail. You should label the relevant electrical supply sockets and switches to prevent someone accidentally turning off the supply. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting machining operations, isolate any machinery that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures. If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. You should never operate machinery while alone unless specific lone working procedures are in place.

 

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MORE ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE TIPS (GUEST POST)

 We all use electricity on a daily basis; it’s become a necessary part of everyday life. However we must remember the dangers of electricity as it can kill or severely injure a person or cause damage to properties. This could be from contact with an electrical current causing shock or burns, faults which could cause a fire or an explosion where electricity could be the source. Electrical hazards are estimated to cause around 300 deaths and 4000 injuries in US workplaces each year. It should not be forgotten about or underestimated. 

Electrical safety in the workplace is vital as we use electricity in in every job we do, from typing on our computers to boiling the kettle. It is something that all business owners and managers should be conscious of and in order to reduce the risk of accidents with electricity, it’s important to take some precautions. 

Electrical equipment should be tested on a regular basis. This could be checking them yourself or using PAT testing services, which is completed through visual checks and electronic tests to ensure safety is maintained. If you already suspect that something is faulty then take it out of use as soon as possible to prevent any hazards. 

Where equipment is being used every day, this is most important. Computers and tills are used in the workplace constantly and therefore pose a safety threat if not maintained. Kettles, ovens and food processors are used in cafes and restaurants but also in offices. As they are used so frequently in these environments, appliances need to be fit for use. A switch could be provided near each piece of equipment in order to cut off power in an emergency. When in a factory, electricity is heavily relied on and can be the most dangerous if anything goes wrong. The right safety measures need to be in place so this does not happen. 

Signs should be present to alert workers to electricity dangers. Low voltage cables are still hazardous and should be clearly marked to avoid anyone touching them. 

Employees need to have proper training to ensure that they can carry out tasks safely. Accidents can always potentially happen, but as an employer you need to keep your workers as safe as possible, otherwise if anything was to happen then legal action could be taken. If you are a business owner then it is your responsibility to make sure your employees are working in a safe environment, ultimately this should be paramount to your company policy.

The correct PPE should be furnished by the employer, protective gear that meets the needs of the workers.  Dielectric glasses, proper gloves, and hardhats that do not conduct electricity should be worn. 

Bio 

David Quarmby is an expert in electrical compliance and testing for businesses and is part of the ElectricalCerts group.