CHAPTER 9

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND HOUSEKEEPING

INTRODUCTION Examples of chemical compounds that can be

hazardous by skin absorption are alkaloids, phenols,
The OSH standards prescribed a working lead, acetate, lead oleate, salts of lead, arsenic and
environment measurement standard. With this mercury, nitrobenzene, nitrotoluene, aniline, and
requirements the organization is compel to establish a nitroglycerine. Other bad factors are triorthocresyl-
housekeeping habit and program not only to meet the phosphate, tetraethyl lead and parathion and related
policy but as well to prevent the possible occurrence of organic phosphates. Compounds such as toluene and
accidents. In addition to safety responsibilities, xylene are good solvents, for fats may also be
supervisors together with management and safety absorbed through the skin although they are not as
personnel must make sure that the work area is free from hazardous because of their low toxicity. (Toxicity is
conditions that could be detrimental to health. the ability of as substance to produce disease or
physical harm to people).
Consequently, the more supervisors’ know about
industrial hygiene, the better he will be. Industrial 3. Ingestion. Ordinarily, people are not aware that they
hygienists define their work as “the recognition, are eating or drinking harmful materials. Toxic
evaluation and control of environmental conditions that compounds capable of being absorbed from the
may have an adverse effect on health and it may be gastrointestinal tract into the blood are lead oxide,
irritating, or may have some undesired effect upon the which can create serious exposure problem if people
ability of individuals to perform their normal work”. working with these substances are allowed to eat or
smoke in their work areas. Care and thorough wash-
We can group these environmental conditions or ups are required before eating and at the end of every
stresses into four general classifications as follows: shift. Workers should change their clothes before
1) Chemical; leaving work to avoid contaminating their home
2) Physical; environment.
3) Ergonomic and improper work exposure and
4) Biological stresses PHYSICAL CLASSIFICATION OF AIRBORNE
MATERIAL
CHEMICAL FACTORS RESULTING TO STRESSES
Because inhalation of airborne compounds or
Chemical compounds in the form of dusts, fumes, materials is a common problem and supervisors should
smoke, aerosols, mists, gases, vapors, and liquids may know the physical classifications of these substances
cause health problem by 1) inhalation (breathing); 2) by
absorption (through direct contact with the skin) or 3) by 1. Dust. These are solid particles generated by
ingestion (eating or drinking). handling, crushing, grinding, rapid impact,
detonation and decrepitation (breaking apart by
1. Inhalation. The major hazard of employee’s heating) of organic or inorganic materials, such as
exposure to chemical compounds is inhalation of rock, ore, metal, coal, wood and grain. Dust is a term
airborne contaminants. Contaminants inhaled into used in industry to describe airborne solid particles
the lungs can be classified as gases vapors and that range in size from 0.1 20 25 um (um = 1/10,000
particulate matter. Particulate matter can be further cm – 1/25,000 in.; um is the abbreviation for
classified as dust, fumes, smoke, aerosols or mists. micrometer. A person with normal eyesight can
detect individual dust particles as small as 50um
2. Absorption. Absorption through the skin can occur (micrometer or microns) in diameter. Dust particles
quite rapidly if the skin is cut or abraded. below 10um in diameter cannot be seen without a
Unfortunately, many compounds that exist either in microscope. High concentrations of suspended small
liquid or gaseous form or both can be absorbed particles look like haze and smoke.
through intact skin. Some are absorbed through the
hair follicles while others penetrate by dissolving Dusts settle to the ground under the influence of
into facts and oils of the skin. gravity. The larger the particle, the more quickly it
settles. Particles larger than 10um in diameter settle
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 quickly while those under 10um remain suspended in 7. Vapors. The gaseous forms of substances that
air for much longer. These smaller particles called appear normally in the solid or liquid state at room
“respirable dusts” can penetrate into the inner temperature and pressure are called vapors. The
recesses of the lungs. Nearly all the particles larger vapor can be changed back to the solid or liquid state
than 10um in diameter are trapped in the nose, throat, either by increasing the pressure or by decreasing the
trachea, or bronchi from which they are either temperature. Evaporation is the process by which a
expectorated or swallowed. liquid is changed into the vapor state and mixed with
the surrounding atmosphere. Solvents that boil at
2. Fumes. Fumes are formed when volatilized solids relatively low temperatures will vaporize readily at
such as metals are condensed in cool air. The solid room temperature.
particles that make up fumes are extremely fine,
usually less than 1.0 um. In most cases, the hot 8. Other Hazards Involved. The hazard associated
material reacts with the air to form an oxide. with breathing a gas, vapor or mist usually depends
Examples are lead oxide fumes from smelting and upon the solubility of the substance. For example, if
iron oxide fumes from arc welding. Fumes also can the compound is very soluble such as ammonia,
be formed when a material such as magnesium metal formaldehyde, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, it is
is burned or when welding or gas cutting is done on rapidly absorbed in the upper respiratory tract and
galvanized metal. Gases and vapors are not fumes as does not penetrate deeply into the lungs.
incorrectly reported by newspaper reporters. Consequently, the nose and throat become so
irritated that a person is driven out of the exposure
3. Smoke. This hazard is created when carbon or soot are before he or she is in much danger from the
particles less than 0.1 um in size as a result of an toxicity of the gas. Nevertheless, exposures even for
incomplete combustion of such carbonaceous brief periods to high concentrations of these
materials as coal or oil. Smoke generally contains compounds can produce serious health effects.
liquid droplets as well as dry particles. Tobacco for
instance, produces a wet smoke composed of minute Compounds that are not soluble in body fluids cause
tarry droplets. The size of the particles contained in considerably less pain than the soluble ones, but they
tobacco smoke is about 0.25 um. can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Thus, a serious
hazard can be present but cannot be immediately
4. Aerosol. Liquid droplets or solid particles fine recognized. Examples of such gases are nitrogen
enough to be dispersed and to remain airborne for dioxide and phosgene. The immediate danger from
some time, are called aerosols. If inhaled, these can these compounds in high concentrations is acute
irritate or injure worker’s mucus membranes, eyes, edema or possibly later, pneumonia or circulatory
noses, throats and lungs. impairment.

5. Mists. Mists are suspended liquid droplets generated CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTICULATE

by chemicals condensing from the gaseous to the
liquid state or by liquid breaking into a dispersed To evaluate particulate exposure properly, the
state by splashing, foaming or atomizing. Mist is chemical composition, particle size, dust concentration in
formed when a finely divided liquid is suspended in air, method of dispersion and many other factors must be
the atmosphere. Examples are the oil mist produced known. With the exception of certain fibrous materials,
during cutting and grinding operations, acid mists dust particles must usually be smaller than 5 um, in order
from electroplating, acids or alkali mists from to enter the alveoli or inner recesses of the lungs.
pickling operations, spray paint mist from spraying Although a few particles up to 10 um in size may enter
operations and condensation of water vapor into fog the lungs, nearly all the larger particles are trapped in the
or rain. nasal passages, throat, larynx, trachea, and bronchi, from
which they are expectorated or swallowed into the
6. Gases. Normally, gases are formless fluids that digestive tract.
occupy the space or enclosure in which they are
confined and that can be changed to the liquid or 1. Dusts. Most industrial dusts consist of particles that
solid stage only by combined effect of increased vary in size, with the small particles greatly
pressure and decreased temperature. Gases spread outnumbering the large ones. Consequently, when
out or defused into the surrounding atmosphere dust can be seen in the air around an operation, there
easily and readily. Examples are welding gases, are probably more invisible dust particles than
internal combustion engine exhaust gases and air. visible ones presents. The main hazard to personnel

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 occurs when dust becomes airborne. Airborne dusts 4. Respiratory Hazards. Where a respiratory hazard
can be flammable and potentially explosive. exists or is suspected, the actual airborne
concentration of the air contaminant must be
A process that produces dust fine enough to remain measured by an industrial hygienist. While
suspended in the air should be regarded as hazardous conditions are sometimes similar in different plants
until proven safe. An air-monitoring survey of within an industry, the degree of respiratory hazard
airborne chemicals present in the workplace will must be assessed by scientifically valid methods such
determine employee exposure levels and the overall as air sampling. You must also be aware of the
relative safety. Processes that an generate excessive hazards of oxygen deficiency. Oxygen deficiency
exposure include abrasive blasting or machining, results when the atmosphere in question contains less
bagging and handling of dry materials, ceramic than the normal amount of oxygen found in the
coating, dry mixing metal forming, grinding and atmosphere, about 21 percent. An environment is
metalizing. Consider for example silica, which can immediately hazardous to life and health when the
cause a damaging lung disease called silicosis. Silica oxygen level is 16 percent or lower. Some hazards
dust is produced in hard rock mines and by quarrying such as gases and vapors can produce an immediate
and dressing granite. Grinding castings that contain threat to life and health when present in high
mold sand also represent a silica hazard. concentration. On the other hand, oxygen deficiency
by its very nature is automatically dangerous to life
2. Fumes. Welding, metalizing and other hot and health.
operations produce fumes which may be harmful
under certain conditions. Arc welding for instance, RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (Remedy)
volatilizes metal condenses the metal or its oxides in
the air around the arc. Because they are extremely It is very important to understand the basic concept
fine, these fumes are readily inhaled. Highly toxic of respiratory protection in order to protect workers
materials such as those formed when welding properly. A competent industrial hygienist or safety
galvanized metal, may produce severe symptoms of professional should decide what kind of respiratory
toxicity rather rapidly. Fumes should be controlled protection is needed. However, the more supervisors
with good local exhaust ventilation or by protecting know about respiratory hazards, the types and selections
the welder with respiratory equipment. of respirators, the better prepared he will be able to make
sure that employees are protected.
Most soldering operations do not require temperature
high enough to volatilize an appreciable amount of LIQUID CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE
lead.
However, some of the lead in the molten solder is 1. Solvents. Liquid chemicals are typically used as
oxidized by contact with the air at the surface. This feed stock, fuel or fuel additives, pesticides,
oxide, often called dross, is mechanically dispersed lubricants, detergents and cleaning agents or
in the air like orbital grinding and sanding, it may degreasing or processing solvents. Solvents are
produce a severe lead-poisoning hazard. As a matter perhaps the most widespread class of chemicals in
of prevention, you can enclose melting pots, dross manufacturing. Many of these solvents evaporate
boxes and similar operations and provide exhaust readily in the air; therefore, their use can pose real
ventilation. exposure problems. Solvents are further categorized
as aqueous or organic. Aqueous solvents are those
3. Gases. Gases are used or generated in many that readily dissolve in water. Many acids, alkalis, or
industrial processes that often produce toxic waste detergents, when mixed with water form aqueous
gases. For example, welding in the presence of solvent. The term solvent is commonly used to mean
chlorinated solvent vapors can produce phosgene, a organic solvents. Many of these chemicals do not
very toxic gas that causes respiratory distress and mix easily with water but do dissolve other organic
damage. Profane operated forklift trucks or any materials such as greases, oils, and fats. Important
process or equipment that burns fuel or other organic types of organic solvents include aliphatic, cyclic,
materials has the potential to generate carbon aromatic, halogenated, esters, ketones, alcohols,
monoxide. Carbon monoxide prevents the body from ethers, glycol, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethyl ether, etc.
absorbing oxygen causing headache, nausea,
confusion and dizziness and in severe cases, coma
and death.

68
 Organic solvents generally have some effect on c. Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that
the central nervous system. They may cause nervous detail chemical hazard and precaution
system depression, wherein the victim experiences information (Figure 9.2).
short-term (acute) dizziness, feeling of intoxication
and nausea and a decrease in muscular coordination.
Higher level of exposure may cause loss of
consciousness, coma and in some cases, death. Other FLAMABILITY
effects of solvents vary. Some can cause long-term (RED)
damage to the liver or other organs or affect the
worker’s reproductive ability. A few have been
found to cause cancer. The point to remember is not HEALTH REACTIVITY
how much solvent is used at the job site but the (BLUE) (YELLOW)
actual degree of exposure by inhalation or by kin
absorption. A close check must be kept on all minor
Figure 9.1
uses of solvents. These chemicals should be issued
only after it was determined that they can be used
properly and safely. STANDARD HAZARD SIGNAL

2. Selection and Handling. Getting the job done d. Training on identifying hazard, including
without the hazard to employee or property is specific chemicals or groups of chemicals with
dependent upon the proper selection, application, which employee’s work.
handing and control of solvents and an understanding
of their properties. A good working knowledge of the e. Written programs that describe how the company
nomenclature and effects of exposure to solvents is intends to accomplish these tasks and provide
helpful in making proper assessments of damage or documentation that workers have been trained.
harm. Keep in mind however that nomenclature can
be misleading and confusing. Consider, for example Many companies have developed programs in which
the two solvents benzene and benzene. They are in-house or outside experts are used to inform employees
spelled and pronounced nearly the same, yet their about general classes of chemicals. Supervisor and other
toxicity varies widely. The distinction is especially departmental personnel are often expected to provide
important because benzene is considered a information on specific chemical hazards found and the
carcinogen, a substance that tends to produce cancer. measures that should be used to control the hazards. Such
measures could include engineering controls (ventilation
Another nomenclature problem is the similarity or isolation of a hazardous substance), work practice
of names for the various kinds of solvents in the controls such as housekeeping programs or personal
chlorinated hydrocarbon family. Perchloroethylene, protective equipment programs. The company should
trichloroethylene, trichloromethane, and train its supervisors to recognize the hazards and to tell
dichloromethane are a few examples of such solvents workers how they can best protect themselves.
that have similar-sounding names, yet each possesses
its own hazardous characteristics. 4. Degree of hazard Severity. The severity of hazard
in the use of organic solvents depends on the
3. Hazard Communication. State regulations and following facts:
standards require that management provide
information about chemical hazards to the a. How the solvent is used
workplace. Supervisors include giving some of this b. Type of job operation (determines how the
information to the employees. workers are exposed)
c. Work pattern
Many of this regulation require: d. Duration of exposure
e. Operating temperature
a. An inventory and assessment of chemical f. Exposed liquid surface
hazards in the workplace. g. Ventilation
h. Evaporation rate of solvent
b. Development and use of labels that describe the i. Pattern of air flow
hazards of chemicals and the protective measures j. Concentration of vapor in workroom air
to use. Example is the STANDARD Hazard k. Housekeeping
Signal (Figure 9.1)
69
 The solvent hazard thereof is determined not only The second category of environmental factors or
by the toxicity of the solvent itself, but also by the stress involved physical agents. This category includes
conditions of its use: who, what, where, and how long. such hazards as noise, ionizing, and non-ionizing
Precautionary labeling and/ or MSDS should indicate the radiation, visible temperature, temperature extremes, skin
major hazards and safeguards. problems and pressure extremes. You should be alert to
these hazards because they can have immediate or
For convenience, job operations employing cumulative effects on employee’s health.
solvents may be divided into three categories:
1. Noise. Noise is defined as unwanted sound, a form of
a. Direct contact. This is a consequence of hand vibration that can be conducted through solids, liquid
operations. Emergency repair of equipment, spraying or gases. The effect of noise on people include the
or packaging volatile materials without ventilation, following:
clean-up of spills and manual cleaning using cloths
or brush wetted with solvents are examples of jobs in a. Psychological effects – noise can startle, annoy
which employees may have direct contact with the and disrupt concentration or relaxation.
solvent. b. In interference with verbal communication and
as consequence, interference with job
Remember that many solvents can penetrate the skin performance and safety.
and be absorbed into the body. Solvents are a leading c. Physiological effects – noise induced hearing
cause of industrial dermatitis or skin disease. It is loss, aural pains or even nausea (when the
also important to note that many solvents can exposure is severe). Some research even links
penetrate various glove materials. Thus properly long-term over exposure to noise to circulatory
selected gloves and clothing must be used to prevent problems and heart attack.
solvents from soaking though and coming into direct
contact with the skin. 2. Noise Measurement. A source that emits sound
waves produces changes in air pressure. These
b. Intermittent or infrequent contact. This occurs pressure changes are generally measured with sound
when the solvent is contained in a semi-closed level meters and noise dosimeters. The human ear
system where exposure can be controlled. Examples can hear sound over wide ranges of pressure with the
are paint spraying in an exhaust-ventilated spray ratio of highest to lowest pressure about 10,000,000
booth, vapor degreasing in a tank with a local lateral to 1.
slot exhaust ventilation and charging reactors or
kettles in a batch-type operation in which worker is To deal with the problem of this huge pressure
exposed only at infrequent intervals. range, scientists have developed decibel (dB) scale
which is logarithmic. Decibels are not linear units
c. Minimal contact. This is characterized by remote like miles and pounds. Rather, they are points on a
operation of equipment totally isolated from the sharply rising curve. Thus, 10 decibels is 10 times
work area. This type of operation includes directing greater than one decibel. 20 decibels is 100 times
chemical plant operation from a control room, greater (10 x 10); 30 decibels is 1,000 times greater
mechanical handling of bulk packaged materials and (10 x 10 x 10) and so on. The rustle of leaves is rated
other operations where the solvent is contained in a at 20 dB; a typical office has the background noise
close system and is not discharged to the atmosphere level of about 50 dB. A vacuum cleaner runs at about
in the work area. 70 dB, while a typical milling machine from 4 feet
away is rated at 85. The sound of a newspaper press
It is unfortunate that the term “safety” solvent has is about 95 dB, textile loom is 105 dB, a rock band is
been applied to some proprietary cold degreasers because about 110 dB, a large chipping hammer is 120 dB
the term is not precise subject to various interpretations. and a jet engine register about 160 dB.
For examples, a “safety” solvent may be considered by
some user as non-damaging to the surfaces being 3. Factors in hearing Loss. If the ear subjected to the
cleaned. Other users may consider it to be free from fire high level of noise for a sufficient time, some
or toxicity hazards. Defending on the condition of use, hearing loss may occur. A number of factors can
neither of these criteria may be met by a so-called influence the effect of noise exposure. Among these
“safety” solvent. are:

a. Variation in individual susceptibility

PHYSICAL STRESSES b. Total energy of the sound
70
 c. Frequency distribution of the sound
d. Other characteristics of noise exposure, whether d. Provide annual training in:
it is continuous, intermittent or made up of the  Effects of noise in hearing
series of impacts.  Proper selection, fitting, use and care of hearing
e. Total daily time of exposure protection
f. Length of employment in the noisy environment  Explanation of the purpose and method of the
hearing test
Criteria have been developed to protect workers against
hearing loss. The OSH Standard has established a The regulation is very specific concerning the ways
regulation for Occupational Noise Exposure, which sets a hearing test is conducted. To be successful, the test
allowable noise levels based on the number of hours of requires the close cooperation of the supervisor.
exposure unprotected. (Figure 9.3)
4. Audiograms. The first audiogram is called a
PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURES baseline audiogram because it is the basis of
comparison for subsequently yearly audiograms to
assess hearing. Employees must be notified if a
Duration per Day Sound Level
significant shift inn hearing is discovered.
Hours dB (A) * Supervisors should ensure that employees wear their
8 90 hearing protection. One of the best ways to achieve
6 92 employee cooperation is for the supervisors to set
4 95 examples by wearing protection themselves
3 97 whenever it is required. The same goes for managers,
2 100 visitors and other employees who visit noisy areas.
1-1/2 102
1 105
5. Hearing Protection. The most commonly used
¾ 107 hearing equipments are earplugs, canal caps and
½ 110 earmuffs. Earplugs are available in both pre-formed
¼ 115 and disposable types. A variety of styles in both
plastic and foam or other materials are available.
Sound levels in decibels as measured on a Earplugs can also be custom made to fit an
standard level meter operating on the weighting individual employee’s ear.
network with slow meter response.
Fig. 9.3 Noise reduction ratings were develop in
laboratory settings in the actual work situation,
earplugs, muffs or caps may not provide the expected
The OSH Standard requires employers to reduce
degree of protection. Therefore many health and
noise exposures with administrative and engineering
safety personnel select hearing protection devices
controls where feasible. The standard also initial
that provide an extra margin of safety against the
monitoring and re-monitoring and whenever changes in
noise in the area. They try to provide hearing
the production, processes or controls increase noise
protection that will reduce an employee’s exposure
exposure. To further protect workers, OSH standards
below 85 dBA. However hearing protection often is
enforce its Hearing Conservation Amendment to the
not the sole answer to noise exposure. At sound
noise standards which requires employers to:
levels over 90-100 dBA, engineering controls must
be considered to reduce exposure.
a. Provide annual audiometric test to all employees
exposed to noise over 85 dBA
This personal protective on ears and hearing
b. Offer optional hearing to workers exposed above 85
were already discussed in the previous chapters.
dBA and to make protection mandatory where noise
Such as earplugs on page 67 of chapter 7 and
expose exceeds 90 dBA
illustrated page 70, figure 7.1.
c. Ensure that the workers with existing hearing loss
wear protection when exposed to noise levels above
85 dBA

71
MIRACLE ENTERPRISES Inc. Reference No.: MSDS No. 001
Production Department
ACETONE
(Diethyl Ketone; Propanone)

FORMULA : CH3 COCH3

PHYSICAL STATE : Clear Liquid

CORROSIVITY : Dissolve plastics and Rayon

REACTIVITY : Can react violently with oxidizers

FLASH POINT : -17°C (0°F) closed cup

EXPLOSIVE LIMITS : 2.5% to 12.8% by volume

FIRE CONTROL : CO2 or dry chemical are effective

VENTILATION : Local exhaust

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT : Rubber gloves, apron and eye protection

HEALTH HAZARDS : Characteristic, mint odor. In high concentration,

acetone acts principally as a Narcotic

STORAGE REQUIREMENTS : Storage in safety cans separated from acids and

oxidizers

Materials Safety Data Sheet

Figure 9.2

HOUSEKEEPING upkeep of all sanitary and welfare facilities and the

 includes day-to-day cleanliness, tidiness, and regular painting and cleaning of walls, ceiling and
good order in all parts of the undertakings. Good fixtures.
housekeeping is almost impossible without good
maintenance of machinery and equipment. The detailed aspect of maintenance will be discussed
further in the succeeding chapter to follow. On this part
In many instances good housekeeping is an essential we will give more importance to housekeeping and we
component of good working conditions. Management will also familiarize ourselves on 5S program.
must have a sincere desire of addressing the above
mention stresses and hazards that might be present in the FUNDAMENTALS OF HOUSEKEEPING
workplace if hygiene will not be put in place (T.J. Anton)
This management intention can be expressed by direct An uncluttered workplace is fundamental to any
actions, by direct orders or by both and by willingness to plant’s safety program. In addition to cleanliness,
fund activities in relation thereof. On the same manner industrial housekeeping must include other factors, such
MAINTENANCE covers the work done to keep as orderliness and proper arrangement of materials. It is
building, plant, equipment and machinery in safe important to know the benefits of good industrial
efficient working condition and in good repair, the housekeeping. Let’s review the importance and meaning
72
of order in achieving good housekeeping, and discuss unnecessary objects in the area and when all necessary
some guides for checking your own work area. items are in their proper places.

ESTABLISHING WHY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING NO, in this definition, means NONE--NOT ANY--
IS NEEDED? NOT EVEN ONE! A workplace is not considered to be
in order just simply because “there is a place for
Sloppy working conditions can lead to a lack of pride everything and everything is in its place”. Do you use
in your work. We should not overlook slippery floors, your production area for storage? Do you keep supplies
obstacles in aisles, tools on the floors, floors and in the area because “they’ll be needed one of these
platforms that are not in proper condition, or other days”? If there is one item in an area that is unnecessary
housekeeping hazards. or not in its proper place, then you do not have order.

In addition to encouraging poor attitudes, bad Order is maintained, not achieved. You cannot put an
industrial housekeeping can lead to: area in order and then forget about it. A daily conscious
effort by everyone working in the area is necessary to
1. Slips from slick or wet floors, platforms, and other maintain order. Order also must be obtained throughout
walking and working surfaces. the day. If you wait until the end of the day and then
place everything in order, what good did it do to you
2. Trips from objects or materials that are left in during the day? Disorder wastes time, energy and
walkways and work areas. materials.

3. Falls from holes in walking and working surfaces, ESTABLISHING A HOUSEKEEPING PROGRAM
uneven flooring, uncovered pits or drains, and boxes
and pallets that are used instead of adequate A good housekeeping program must include careful
platforms. planning, a clean-up schedule of policy, effective
inspection, and continuous supervision and enforcement
4. Collisions caused by poorly stored materials, of housekeeping rules.
overhanging or protruding objects, haphazard
spotting of pallets, and use of aisles for storing 1. Inspect your area for unnecessary tools, equipment,
materials and equipment. parts, materials and supplies; items that are not
needed should be sent to the storage room or used for
Poor industrial housekeeping creates hazards for all salvage.
employees in the immediate area.
2. Reorganize the storage area in your workplace.
BENEFITS OF GOOD INDUSTRIAL Establish one or more storage areas for holding
HOUSEKEEPING finished products and daily quantities of raw
materials and supplies; storage areas should not
1. Eliminates accident and fire causes obstruct aisles and work areas.
2. Saves energy by eliminating the need to work
“around” congested areas and “deadwood” stored in 3. Create daily clean-up policy and program.
the work area Periodically review the housekeeping rules, clean-up
3. Provides the best use of space policies and programs.
4. Keeps inventory of materials to a minimum
5. Helps control property damage HOUSEKEEPING RULES
6. Guarantees a good workplace appearance
7. Encourages better working habits 1. Walking and working surfaces should be clean, dry
8. Reflects an image of a well-run operation and unobstructed.
9. Reduces the amount of clean-up and janitorial work
2. Aisle ways and exits should be clearly marked and
HOUSEKEEPING & PROPER ORDER unobstructed.

Housekeeping is more than just sweeping the floor 3. Approved trash receptacles should be provided to
and wiping dust off machines and equipment. assure waste disposal.
Cleanliness is only a part of housekeeping. The most
critical and most overlooked part of housekeeping is 4. Splash guards and oil pans should be available for
ORDER. A work area is in order when there are no machinery as needed.
73
5. Work area floors should be kept free of pallets, parts, THE 5-S PROGRAM OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
equipment, extension cords and hoses.
This is a structured and systematized approach to
6. Floors, platforms and stairways should be kept in housekeeping, which is the cornerstone of any world-
good repair. class manufacturing operation. It is simple and an
expensive system that is used to reduce work, improved
7. Adequate platforms should be provided; never use productivity, quality, safety, and employee morale.
additional platforms or boxes and pallets as
substitutes. THE ORIGIN OF 5-S CONCEPT

8. Walls and ceilings should be free of hangings and Although the concept originated in Japan following
temporary wiring. World War II, the “5-S” program for organizing work
area is currently a popular trend in management.
9. Materials should be stacked in a stable manner; limit Sometimes referred to as elements, each of the five
height as necessary to maintain stability. components of the program begins with the letter “S”, as
transliterated from Japanese – thus, the term 5-S. In the
10. Overhanging or protruding storage should be U.S., these terms are roughly translated to “S” words in
eliminated. English to maintain the 5-S name. Accordingly, the
elements include sort, systematize, shine, or sweep,
11. Storage areas in and around buildings should be free standardize, and sustain. In the U.K., the concept is
of refuse and debris. converted to the 5-C program comprising five
comparable components: clear out, configure, clean and
12. Stock should be stored in a manner that will not check, conformity, and custom and practice.
obstruct sprinklers, (18-inch clearance for ordinary
combustibles; 36-inch clearance for flammable The 5-S program is frequently combined with
liquids. precepts of the Lean Manufacturing Initiative. Even
when used separately, however, the 5-S (or 5-C) program
13. Combustibles materials should never be stored on is said to yield excellent results. Implementation of the
radiators, steam coils, ovens or other heat sources; in program involves introducing each of the five
transformer vaults; or around electrical switch gear. elements\in order, which reportedly generates multiple
benefits, including product diversification, higher
14. Production equipment should be arranged to prevent quality, lower costs, reliable deliveries, improved safety,
overcrowding. and higher availability rate.

15. Storage areas should be placed in a convenient Originally developed as more than a housekeeping
location to encourage their use. program, the concept was initially intended “to improve
activities to ensure any company’s survival.” Given the
16. Adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, should structure of the program, however, it has been widely
be provided to assure good visibility for work accepted in the U.S. more as a housekeeping model than
activities and to reveal dirt, obstructions and poor a company-survival strategy.
housekeeping conditions.
17. Leaks from hoses, pipelines and valves should be Among the five components, the most important are
repaired immediately. the first two: sort, and systematize or set in order. These
two elements are essential to achieving zero defects, cost
18. Racks, shelves and lockers should be maintained for reduction, safety improvements, and zero accidents. The
tools, personal protective equipment and personal key principle underlying the success of such measure is
items. that routines maintaining organization and orderliness are
essential to a smooth and efficient flow of activities.
19. Lunch facilities, locker rooms and toilet areas should The greatest promoters of the 5-S system are safety
be clean, orderly and sanitary. departments, since the benefits to safety are greatly
apparent to safety personnel. To a safety representative
20. Order results in greater and safer production of better having visited hundreds of concrete production plants, an
products at lower costs. Improved production and obvious pattern emerges: the more profitable, efficient –
costs mean increased business and prosperity for our and yes, happier – plants always seem to maintain a
company and you, its employee. clean and orderly yard and production area. Conversely,
plants with scattered product and waste that clean up
74
only rarely tend not to recognize that orderliness and 2. Systemize, or Set in Order (Seiton, translated as
housekeeping contribute to efficiency and morale. The tidiness): The second key element includes arranging
noncleanup group then faces a cleanup process that only the needed items so that they are easy to use and
becomes major cost expenditure with no readily visible labeling them so that they are easily found and put
return on the investment. away. This element is intended to make the
production process easy to understand so that anyone
5-S AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT can find what is needed and return the items to their
appropriate places.
The experienced safety representative also notices
that the unorganized plants seem to have higher turnover 3. Shine (Seiso, translated as purity): ‘Shine’ relates to
rates and other employee problems. Workers begin to cleanliness and includes sweeping floors, cleaning
dress carelessly and produce shoddy product in equipment, and shoveling out unused material or
accordance with management expectation. Once the debris on a daily basis. The concept of shine is to
plants have operated in this mode for some time, save labor by finding ways to prevent dirt, dust and
changing the operation is a major undertaking since more debris from accumulating in the workplace. ‘Shine’
than just cleanup in needed. A common retort to might include, for example, constructing a small
housekeeping recommendations is “I know where hopper under the conveyor belt sweeper to collect
everything is so there is no need to recognize it.” A debris or deciding what leftover equipment and in-
quick walk around the plant soon proves that old product stock inventory needed to be categorized, evaluated
and machinery cast aside years or decades ago, in fact, and discarded, or tagged with a date for use and
are lost forever. ultimate disposal.

1. Sort (Seiri, translated as organization): The first key Some plants may paint machine guards a bright
element requires organizing the workplace by color not only to promote safety by denoting a
removing all items from the site that are not needed hazard, but also to make them readily visible should
for current production operations. Clearly, one be left off the equipment following maintenance.
distinguish required materials from unneeded items Color-coding tools to clarify departmental use and
and eliminate the latter. Though old equipment, tools ownership can also be a useful measure in this
and old product may have some future value, storing category. Striping floors to denote walk areas,
those materials in a separate area for review in the electrical panel box areas, and other functional
third phase – ‘shine’ – will facilitate overall processes can be included as well. Steam cleaning
productivity. equipment followed by painting also greatly
improves the appearance of the work site.
This material should be removed from the
workplace since waste is defined as excess
inventory, unnecessary transportation costs for extra 4. Standardize (Seiketsu, translated as cleanliness):
parts and inventory requiring extra pallets, large This element, comprising less activity than the
quantities of stocked items that become obsolete previous components, is intended to generate a
over time, extraneous in-process inventory and maintenance system for the first three. Standardizing
related machine breakdowns and wear. Currently, tends to follow the long-term implementation of the
unused equipment also poses a daily obstacle to third phase, becoming the process itself of routinely
production activities and contributes to the clutter of maintaining ‘shine’. A well-established order of
unneeded materials. work greatly benefits the safety process.

Safety-related improvements include separating At this point, the safety director has a golden
old equipment that is commonly not maintained opportunity to conduct a Job-Safety Analysis (JSA)
before employees are required to use it. Training followed by the development of a Safe Operating
employees on the old and unfamiliar machines or Procedure (SOP) for each job in the plant. How
requiring maintenance personnel to utilize cast-aside convenient a listing of each job task and its
equipment frequently incurs significant hidden costs associated hazards would be when training new
– greater than the capital investment required for new employees? The JSA can identify lockout-tagout and
equipment, if needed. These costs include excess confined space entry problems, for example, that the
waste product generated from unfamiliar, old, and SOP can take into account for standardized training.
poorly maintained equipment. The development of JSAs and SOPs also contributes
to the implementation of the fifth element of the
program.
75
5. Sustain (Shitsuke, translated as discipline): This is need it most. As a rule, the more efficient and neater
the discipline needed to make a habit of maintaining operations are first to implement the program,
procedures. The cost and exertion required to perhaps because they have already experienced the
establish a clean workplace are wasted if efforts are benefits of an orderly workplace.
short lived. Although this element is the most
difficult to measure, without this component, the LEAN MANUFACTURING, 5-S AND SAFETY
other measures will not last. This is where an
effectively designed safety inspection process can be Lean Manufacturing strives to minimize waste of all
very beneficial – provided it is not used as a kinds. A disorganized workplace can create waste in
whipping tool, which can defeat the 5-S program. many ways, from wasted time looking for tools during
setup, to unnecessary movement in the performance of
A self-enforced inspection process can be very the task. A disorganized workplace can even lead to
effective. The implementation of the program might defects by contributing to the lack of awareness of things
be enhanced by determining future dates on which going wrong, until too late. For these reasons, and many
the process will be repeatedly reinforced through others, 5-S implementation is often one of the early steps
additional training or other enhancement tools. in a Lean Manufacturing initiative.
Perhaps, the use of a simple definition board, or
reiteration of principles in safety meetings for 5-S is not simply a housekeeping program, but is a
reinforcement, or repetition of the training process proactive, disciplined approach to integrating how the
described in the following paragraph would also said workplace is organized, with maximum value added,
in the sustainability of the program. customer satisfaction and company profit. Among the
benefits a well implemented 5-S program can provide
The complete program can be implemented in a are:
single workplace or in an entire plant. Obviously,  Reduced setup time
dividing the process into manageable segments –  Reduced manufacturing time
implementing the process in one work area at a time,  Reduced inventory
while moving through the whole plant and yard – is  Reduced machine downtime
sometimes the more effective method for  Reduced maintenance cost
implementation. In applying the concepts of the  Improved employee morale
program, one training tool commonly used is to have  Increased order fill-rates
employees’ first think of one item they could get rid
 Increased on-time delivery
of, followed by identifying one item they could
 Improved quality
relocate to use more efficiently. These initial steps
are followed by thinking of one item or area that
would benefit from cleaning; and, one routine that Instructor’s Note:
could be established for eliminating, relocating, or __________________________________________
cleaning items in the work area. Finally, the fifth ______________________________________________
element includes having employees think of some ______________________________________________
conditions to promote carrying out this routine. ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
If implemented correctly, 5-S will facilitate more ______________________________________________
effective communication, reduce environmental risk, ______________________________________________
improve product quality, identify safety hazards, and ______________________________________________
change employee attitudes from a self-defensive ______________________________________________
position to a team approach. Unfortunately, ___________________________________________
implementation can be a major task or plants that

76
 EXERCISE NO. 7

Name: ___________________________________________ Yr. & Sec.: _______________

Schedule & Room: _________________________________ Date Performed: ___________ Rating

TEST YOURSELF: Answer the following questions. Use extra paper if needed.

1. Discuss the purpose and objectives of Industrial Hygiene in the workplace.

2. How important Industrial Hygiene to the workers at the same time to management?

3. Who are responsible to lead and participate in the maintenance of hygiene in the plant?

4. Enumerate and discuss different ways how can we implement hygiene program in the organization?

5. What are the usual effects to the workers if plant condition is not adequate?

LEARNING ACTIVITY: Perform the following procedural activities.

Title: Industrial Hygiene – the 5-S Program

Objectives:

After the activity, you should be able to:

1. Prepare industrial hygiene program,

2. Develop 5’S program for a Work Centers in service and manufacturing industry, and
3. Analyze and evaluate work environment factors.

Procedure and Task:

1. Make a group compose of 3-4 members, assign group leader.

2. Prepare a Work Environment Factors evaluation sheet for manufacturing and service industry.

3. Perform WEF evaluation to a particular work centers. Prepare an evaluation report.

4. Develop a 5’S program that can be applied to a manufacturing or service plant.

Resource Materials: Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Philippines, Safety Manual, 5’S
program by OSHC
77
 CHAPTER 10

MATERIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE

INTRODUCTION POTENCIAL HAZARDS OF HANDLING

Material handling and transporting is an integral part Handling and storing materials involves diverse
of the work system both to manufacturing and service operation such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane,
industrial. Around 30 to 40% of the operation in the plant driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks, manually
has something to do with handling materials or at least carrying bags and material, and stacking drums, barrels,
involving handling. Most workers at one time or another kegs, lumber, or loose bricks.
have had to handle materials on the job. Materials
handling, whether done manually or with mechanical The efficient handling and storing of materials is vital
equipment, can be a major source of occupational to industry. These operations provide a continuous flow
injuries. This topic presents basic materials handling of raw materials, parts, and assemblies through the
hazards and safeguards to help prevent injuries and the workplace, and ensure that materials are available when
destruction of property. needed. Yet, the improper handling and storing of
materials can cause costly injuries.

MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE Workers frequently cite the weight and bulkiness of
OSHS 1150.01 General Provisions: objects being lifted as major contributing factors to their
injuries. In US during 1990, back injuries resulted in
(1) Use of Mechanical Equipment. Where mechanical 400,000 workplace accidents. The second factor
handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearance frequently cited by workers as contributing to their
shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through injuries was body movement. Bending, followed by
doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made. twisting and turning, were the more commonly cited
Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good movements that caused back injuries. Back injuries
repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could accounted for more than 20 percent of all occupational
create a hazard. Permanent aisles and passageways shall illness, according to data from the National Safety
be appropriately marked. Council of US on their Accident Facts, 1989 and 1991
Editions. While in the Philippines, there is no available
(2) Secure Storage. Storage of material shall not create a data of the same nature.
hazard. Bag containers, bundle, etc., stored in tiers shall
be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so In addition, workers can be injured by falling objects,
that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. improperly stacked materials, or by various types of
equipment. When manually moving materials, however,
(3) Housekeeping. Storage areas shall be kept free from workers should be aware of potential injuries, including
accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from the following:
tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. Vegetation
control shall be exercised when necessary.  Strains and sprains from improperly lifting loads, or
from carrying loads that are either too large or too
(4) Clearance Limits. Clearance signs to warm of heavy.
clearance limits shall be provided.  Fractures and bruises caused by being struck by
materials, or by being caught in pinch points; and
(5) Rolling Railroad Cars. Derail and/or bumper blocks  Cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that
shall be provided on spur railroad tracks where a rolling have been improperly stored, or by incorrectly
car could contact other cars being worked, enter a cutting ties or other securing devices.
building, work or traffic area.
Since numerous injuries can result from improperly
(6) Guarding. Covers and/or guardrails shall be handling and storing materials, it is important to be
provided to protect personnel from the hazards of open aware of accidents that may occur from unsafe or
pits, tanks, vats, ditches, etc. improperly handled equipment and improperly work
78
practices, and to recognize the methods of eliminating, or except for loading testing. When picking up items with
at least minimizing, the occurrence of those accidents. the powered industrial truck, the load must be centered
Consequently, employers and employees can and should on the forks and as close to the mast as possible to
examine their workplaces to detect any unsafe or minimize the potential for the truck tipping or the load
unhealthful conditions, practices, or equipment and take falling.
the necessary steps to correct them.
6. A lift truck must never be overloaded because it
METHODS OF PREVENTION would be hard to control and could easily tip over. Extra
weight must not be placed on the rear of a
General safety principles can help reduce workplace counterbalanced forklift to offset an overloaded. The
accidents. These include work practices, ergonomic load must be at the lowest position for traveling, and the
principles, and training and education. Whether moving track manufacturer’s operational requirements must be
materials manually or mechanically, employees should followed. All stacked loads must be correctly piled and
be aware of the potential hazards associated with the task cross-tiered, where possible, Precautions also should be
at hand and know how to exercise control over their taken when stacking and storing material
workplace to minimize the danger.
7. Stored materials must not create a hazard. Storage
GENERAL GUIDELINES IN MOVING, areas must be kept free from accumulated materials that
HANDLING AND STORING MATERIALS may cause tripping, fires or explosions, or that may
contribute to the harboring of rats and other pests.
1. When manually moving materials, employees should
seek help when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly 8. When stacking and piling materials, it is important to
grasped or lifted, when they cannot see around or over it, be aware of such factors as the materials height an
or when a load cannot be safely handled. weight, how accessible the stored materials are to the
user and condition of the containers where the materials
2. When an employee is placing blocks under raised are being stored.
loads, the employee should ensure that the load is not
released until his or her hands are clearly removed from 9. All bound material should be stacked, placed on
the load. Blocking materials and timbers should be large racks, blocked, inter locked, or otherwise secured to
and strong enough to support the load safety. Materials prevent it from sliding, falling, or collapsing; a load
with evidence of cracks, rounded corners splintered greater than that approved by a building official may not
pieces, or dry rot should not be used for blocking. be placed on any floor of a building or other structure.
Where applicable, load limits approved by the building
3. Handles and holders should be attached to loads to inspector should be conspicuously posted in all storage
reduce the chances of getting fingers pinched or areas.
smashed. Workers also should use appropriate protective
equipment. For loads with sharp or rough edges, wear 10. When stacking materials, height limitation should be
gloves or other hand and forearm protection. To avoid observed. For example, lumber must be stacked no more
injuries to the hands and eyes, use gloves and eye than 16 feet high if it is handled manually; 20 feet is the
protection. When the loads are heavy or bulky, the mover maximum stacking height if a forklift is used. For quick
should also wear steel-toed safety shoes or boots to reference, walls or posts may be painted with stripes to
prevent foot injuries if the worker slips or accidentally indicate maximum stacking heights.
drops a load.
11. Used lumber must have all nails removed before
4. When mechanically moving materials, avoid stacking. Lumber must be stacked and leveled on solidly
overloading the equipment by letting the weight, size, supported bracing. The stacks must be stable and self-
and shape of the material being moved dictate the type of supporting. Stacks of loose bricks should not be more
equipment used for transporting it. All materials handling than 7 feet in height. When these stacks reach a height of
equipment has rated capacities that determine the 4 feet, they should be tapered back 2 inches for every
maximum weight the equipment can safely handle and foot of height above the 4-foot level. When masonry
the condition under which it can handle those weights. blocks are stacked higher than 6 feet, the stacks should
be tapered back one-half block for each tier above the 6-
5. The equipment–rated capacities must be displayed on foot level.
each piece or equipment and must not be exceeded

79
12. Bags and bundles must be stacked in interlocking 3. Can employees be given handling aids-properly
rows to remain secure. Bagged material must be stacked sized boxes, adequate truck or hooks that will make
by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at their job safer?
least every ten layers. To remove bags from the stack,
start from the top row first. Baled paper and rags stored 4. Will protective clothing or other personal equipment
inside a building must not be closer than 18 inches to the help to prevent injuries?
walls, partition, or sprinkler heads. Boxed materials must
be banded or held in place using cross-ties or shrink EFFECTIVE WAY OF MANUAL HANDLING
plastic fiber.
Since the largest number of injuries occurs to the
13. Drums, barrels, and kegs must be stacked fingers and hands, people need to be taught how to pick
symmetrically. If stored on their sides, the bottom tiers up and put down heavy, bulky or long objects. Some
must be blocked to keep them from rolling. When general precautions are:
stacked on end, put planks, sheets of plywood damage, or
pallets between each tier to make a firm, flat, stacking 1. Size up the load. To see if you can carry it
surface. When stacking materials two or more tiers high, comfortably, tip it on its side. Inspect materials for
the bottom tier must be chocked on each side to prevent slivers, jagged edges, and burrs, rough or slippery
shifting in either direction. surfaces.
2. Lifted it right. Make sure your footing is solid. Keep
14. When stacking, consider the need for availability of your back straight, with no curving or slouching.
the material. Material that cannot be stacked due to size, Center your body over your feet. Get a good grasp on
shape, or fragility can be safely stored on shelves or in the object and pull close to you. Lift with your legs
bins. Structural steel, bar stock, poles, and other gradually, without jerking to minimize the effects of
cylindrical materials; unless in racks, must be stacked acceleration.
and blocked to prevent spreading or tilting. Pipes and 3. Keep the load close to the body.
bars should not be stored in racks that face main aisles; 4. Lift without twisting the body.
this could create a hazard to passers-by when supplies 5. Get a firm grip on the object.
are being removed. 6. Keep fingers away from pinch points, especially
when putting materials down.
MATERIALS HANDLING PROBLEMS 7. When handling lumber, pipe or other long objects,
keep hands away from the ends to prevent them from
Manual handling of materials accounts for an being pinched.
estimated 25 percent of all occupational injuries. These 8. Wipe off greasy, wet slippery or dirty objects before
Injuries are not limited to the shipping department of the trying to handle them.
warehouse, but come from all operations, because it is 9. Keep hands free of oil and grease.
impossible to run a business without moving or handling
materials. Common injuries workers suffer include In most cases, gloves, hand leathers or other hand
strains and sprains, fractures and bruises. These are protectors can be worn to prevent hand injuries. In other
caused primarily by unsafe practices such an improper cases, handles or holders can be attached to the object
lifting, carrying too heavy a load, incorrect gripping, themselves, for example, handles for moving auto
failing to observe proper foot or hand clearance and batteries, tongs for feeding materials to metal forming
failing to use or wear proper equipment and clothing. machinery or wicker baskets for carrying laboratory
samples.
Another major cause of materials handling accidents
can be traced to poor job design. Take a look at your LIFTING AND CARRYING
operations and ask the following questions about your
present operating practices. Obviously, the best means to reduce back injuries is
to eliminate manual lifting. If this cannot be done,
1. Can the job be engineered to eliminate manual another way is to reduce exposure. This can be achieved
handling of materials? by cutting weight loads, using mechanical aids and
rearranging the workplace. In spite of all this efforts,
2. How do materials such as materials, dusts and rough manual lifting cannot be entirely eliminated. Never let
and sharp objects injure the people doing the workers over exert themselves when lifting. If the load is
handling?

80
thought to be more than one person can handle, assign e. Corrosive
another person to the job. f. Fragile

In reference to the safe lifting procedures, remember POINTS ON SAFETY STORAGE OF

that someone researchers working in the area of safe MATERIALS
lifting now feel that it is better to let workers choose the
lifting position must comfortable for them. 1. Materials that can react with each other should be
stored in separate areas.
TRAINING FOR SAFE LIFTING 2. Storage areas should be well ventilated and lighted.
PROCEDURES 3. In storage areas of flammable materials, explosion
proof lighting fixtures and switches to be used.
Numerous attempts have been made to train 4. Where flammable fumes are emitted by stored
materials handlers to their work particularly lifting in a materials, battery operated forklifts are to be used.
safe manner. Unfortunately, reductions of over exertion 5. Only non-spark type tools are permitted to be used
injuries through the use of training have been generally inside flammable storage area.
disappointing. These are several reasons: 6. Storage areas should be provided with fire
extinguishers located at strategic places and is
1. If the job requirements are stressful, “doctor the accessible.
system” through behavioral modification will not 7. If warehouse is provided with sprinkler system, no
eliminate the inherent risk. Designing a safe job is stock should be closer than 2 ft. from the sprinkler
basically better than training people to behave safety head.
in an unsafe job. 8. Provide at least 4 feet of space between the stock pile
2. People tend to revert to previous habits and customs and the wall. This is to protect the pile against heat if
if practices to replace previous ones are nit there is fire at the other side of the wall. This too will
reinforced and refreshed periodically. afford ventilation and serves as access way for
3. Emergency situations, the unusual case, the sudden firefighters in the event of fire.
quick movement, increased the body weight or 9. Use screw nails in making or repair of wooden
impaired physical well-being may overly strain the pallets.
body, since training does not include these 10. No welding or open flame cutting should be
conditions. permitted in storage of flammable materials. Hot
work permit is mandatory should welding is
MATERIALS NORMALLY HANDLED IN extremely necessary.
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS ARE:
MECHANICAL HANDLING
1. Solids
a. Bulk – created large machineries and parts, USING MATERIALS HANDLING
created materials, lumbers, etc. EQUIPMENTS
b. Power – Flour, phosphates, sugar, cement.
c. Granule and Gravel size – Copra meal pellets, To reduce potential accidents associated with
silicates, brickets. workplace equipment, employees need to be trained in
d. Odd sizes – copra. the proper use and limitations of the equipment they
operate. This includes knowing how to effectively use
2. Liquids equipment such as conveyors, cranes, and slings.
a. Light – solvents, oils, fuels
b. Viscous – molasses, asphalts, heavy oil, tar, Conveyors
paints
c. Paste – Detergent paste, adhesives When using conveyors, workers’ hands may be
caught in nip points where the conveyors runs over
3. Gases are classified according to hazardous support members or rollers; workers may be struck by
characteristics: material falling off the conveyor; or they may become
a. Flammable caught on or in the conveyor, thereby being drawn into
b. Explosives the conveyor path.
c. Toxic
d. Emits hazardous fumes or gases

81
 To reduce the severity of an injury, an emergency Some mobile cranes cannot operate with outriggers
button or pull cord designed to stop the conveyor must be in the traveling position. When used, the outriggers must
installed at the employee’s work station. Continuously, rest on firm ground, on timbers, or be sufficiently
accessible conveyor belts should have an emergency stop cribbed to spread the weight of the crane and the load
cable that extends the entire length of the conveyor belt over a large enough area. This will prevent the crane
so that the cable can be accessed from any location along from tripping during use. Hoisting chains and ropes must
the belt. The emergency stop switch must be designed to always be free of kinks or twists and must never be
be reset before the conveyor can be restarted. Before wrapped around a load. Load should be attached to the
restarting a conveyor that has stopped due to an overload, load hook by slings, fixtures, or other devices that have
appropriate personnel must inspect the conveyor and the capacity to support the load on the hook. Sharp edges
clear the stoppage before restarting. Employees must of loads should be padded to prevent cutting slings.
never ride on a materials handling conveyor. Where a Proper sling angles shall be maintained so that slings are
conveyor passes over work areas or aisles, guards must not loaded in excess of their capacity.
be provided to keep employees from being struck by
falling material. If the crossover is flow enough for All cranes must be inspected frequently by persons
workers to run into, it must be guarded to protect thoroughly familiar with the crane, the methods of
employees and either marked with a warning sign or inspecting the crane, and what can make the crane
pointed a bright color. unserviceable. Crane activity, the severity of use, and
environmental conditions should determine inspection
Screw conveyors must be completely covered except schedules. Critical part, such as crane operating
at loading and discharging points. At those points, guards mechanisms, hooks, air or hydraulic system components,
must protect employees against contacting the moving and other load-carrying components, should be inspected
screw; the guards are movable, and they must be daily for any maladjustment, deterioration, leakage,
interlocked to prevent conveyor movement when not in deformation, or other damage.
place. (See illustration in figure 10.1)
Slings
Cranes
When working with slings, employers must ensure
Only thoroughly trained and competent persons are that they are visually inspected before use and during
permitted to operate cranes. Operators should know what operation, especially if used under heavy stress. Riggers
they are lifting and what it weights. The rated capacity of or other knowledgeable employees should conduct or
mobile cranes varies with the length of the boom and the assist in the inspection because they are aware of how the
boom radius. When a crane has a telescoping boom, a sling is used and what make a sling unserviceable. A
load may be safe to lift at a short boom length and/or a damaged or defective sling must be removed from
short boom radius, but may overload the crane when the service.
boom is extended and the radius increases.
Slings must not be shortened with knots or bolts or
All movable cranes must be equipped with a boom other makeshift devices, sling legs that have been kinked
angle indicator; those cranes with telescoping booms must not be used. Slings must not be loaded beyond their
must be equipped with some means to determine the rated capacity, according to the manufacturer’s
boom length, unless the load rating is independent of the instructions. Suspended loads must be kept clear of all
boom length. Load rating charts must be posted in the obstructions, and crane operators should avoid sudden
cab of cab-operated cranes. All mobile cranes do not starts and stops when moving suspended loads.
have uniform capacities for the same boom length and Employees also must remain clear of loads about to be
radius in all directions around the chassis of the vehicle. lifted and suspended. All shock loading is prohibited.

Always check the crane’s load chart to ensure that Powered Industrial Trucks
the crane is not going to be overloaded for the conditions
under which it will operate. Plan lifts before starting Workers who must handle and store materials often
them to ensure that they are safe. Take additional use fork trucks, platform lift trucks, motorized hand
precautions and exercise extra care when operating trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by
around power lines. electrical motors or internal combustion engines.
Affected workers, therefore, should be aware of the

82
safety requirements pertaining to fire protection, and the systems; with no electrical equipment, including the
design, maintenance, and use of these trucks. ignition; with temperature limitation features; and with
electric motors and all other electrical equipment
Modifications and additions that affect capacity and completely enclosed.
safe operation of the trucks shall not be performed by an
owner or user without the manufacturer’s prior written These specially designed powered industrial trucks
approval. In these cases, capacity, operation, and may be used in locations where volatile flammable
maintenance instruction plates and tags or decals must be liquids of flammable gases are handled, processed, or
charged to reflect the new information. If the trucks is used. The liquids, vapors, or gases should, among other
equipped with front-end attachments that are not factory things, be confined within closed containers or closed
installed, the user should request that the truck be marked systems from which they cannot escape.
to identify these attachments and show the truck’s
approximate weight, including the installed attachment, Some other conditions and/or locations in which
when it is at maximum elevation with its load laterally specially designed powered industrial trucks may be used
centered. include the following:
There are 11 different types of industrial trucks (see
figure 10.2) or tractors, some having greater safeguards  Only powered industrial trucks that do not have
than others. There are also designated conditions and any electrical equipment, including the ignition,
which the vast range of industrial-powered trucks can be and have their electrical motors or other
used. In some instances, powered industrial trucks cannot electrical equipment completely enclosed should
be used, and in others, they can only be used if approved be used in atmospheres containing flammable
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for fire vapors or dust.
safety. For example, powered industrial trucks must not  Powered industrial trucks that are either powered
be used in atmospheres containing hazardous electrically by liquefied petroleum gas or by a
concentrations of the following substances: gasoline or diesel engine are used on piers and
wharves that handle general cargo.
 Acetylene
 Butadiene Safety precautions the user can observe when
 Ethylene oxide operating or maintaining powered industrial trucks
 Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in includes:
hazard to hydrogen, such as manufactured gas).
 Propylene oxide  That high lift rider trucks be fitted with an overhead
 Acetaldehyde guard, unless operating conditions do not permit.
 Cyclopropane  That fork trucks be equipped with a vertical load
 Dimethyl ether backrest extension according to manufacturers’
 Ethylene specifications, if the load presents a hazard.
 Isoprene, and  That battery charging installations be located in areas
 Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine. designated for that purpose.
 That facilities be provided for flushing and
These trucks are not to be used in atmospheres neutralizing spilled electrolytes when changing or
containing hazardous concentrations of metal dust, recharging a battery to prevent fires, to protect the
including aluminum, magnesium, and other metals of charging apparatus from being damaged by the
similarly hazardous characteristics or in atmospheres trucks, and to adequately ventilate fumes in the
containing of carbon black, coal, or coke dust. Where charging area from gassing batteries.
dust of magnesium, aluminum bronze dusts may be  That conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent
present, the fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit materials handling equipment be provided for
breakers of trucks must be enclosed with enclosures handling batteries.
approved for these substances  That auxiliary directional lighting be provided on the
truck where general lighting is less than 2 lumens per
There also are powered industrial trucks or tractors square foot.
that are designed, constructed, and assembled for use in  That arms and legs not be placed between the upright
atmospheres containing flammable vapors or dust. These of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck.
include industrial-powered trucks equipped with  That brake is set and wheel blocks or other adequate
additional safeguards to their exhaust, fuel, and electrical protection be in place to prevent movement of trucks,

83
 trailers, or railroad cars when using trucks to load or  That only stable or safely arranged load is handled,
unload materials onto train boxcars. and caution be exercised when handling loads.
 That sufficient headroom is provided under overhead  That trucks whose electrical systems are in needed of
installations, lights, pipes, and sprinkler systems. repair have the battery disconnected prior to such
 Those personnel on the loading platform have the repairs.
means to shut off power to the truck.  That placement part of any industrial truck is
 That duckboards or bridge plates be properly equivalent in safety to the original ones.
secured, so they won’t move when equipment moves
over them.

i. Multi-System Conveyor

Figure 10.1 – Different types of industrial conveyors for mechanical handling of materials
84
85
Figure 10.3 – Safety Filling and Storage of Materials
86
 CHAPTER 11
ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND SAFETY
INTRODUCTION b. Electric generating plants and electrical
installations in radio and television station which are
There are so many equipments in the working area under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public
that can be potential source of electrical shock which Works, Transportation and Communications, and
possibly resulted to accident or damage to property. In c. Electrical installation for conveyances used in
WAIS report of 1998 there are 2-3% of the accident connection with water transportation which are under
involves electrocution. The reports were taken from the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs.
1,759 reported cases from the manufacturing sector. This
may look small figure but it is not negligible because it’s (4) The exemptions under 3 (a) and (b) are only for the
growing. design and construction, the electrical installation may be
Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, inspected by the Regional Labor Office or authorized
widespread occupational hazard; practically all members representative, of such poses danger to the safety and
of the workforce are exposed to electrical energy during health of the workers therein.
the performance of their daily duties, and electrocutions
occur to workers in various job categories. Many (5) The practice of electrical engineering as required
workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards under this Rule shall be subjected to the provisions of the
present in their work environment, which makes them Philippine Electrical Engineering Law, R.A. 184.
more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTION ABOUT
Electrical injuries consist of four main types: ELECTRICITY
(1) Electrocution (fatal)
(2) Electric shock Misconceptions about electricity among workers can
(3) Burns, and lead to serious accidents and property damage. The most
(4) Falls caused as a result of contact with electrical common myths are:
energy
1. Electricity takes path of least resistance. This myth
OSHS Rule 1211: Philippine Electrical Code: implies that current only takes low resistance paths.
The Philippine Electrical Code is hereby adopted and the Actually current will take any path, high or low
standards contained therein shall be considered safety resistance in order to return to the source that
standards to the extent that they safeguard any person provides power.
employed in any workplace and control the practice of 2. A person is led to believe that electricity wants to go
electrical engineering. to ground and simply disappear. In reality, current
uses the ground to get back to its power source.
OSHS Rule 1212.02: General Provisions: 3. When an electrical tool or appliance into water, it
(1) No electrical installation shall be undertaken without does not short out. If the switch is ON, the item will
the plans having been approved by the Secretary o his continue to operate. If the switch is OFF, it will
authorized representative. simply get wet.
4. AC reverse polarity is not hazardous. The switch is
(2) No service or power supply shall be connected to any supposed to be on “hot” conductor supplying power
electrical installation by any utility company supplying to the item.
electricity or by any person until the necessary final 5. It takes high voltage to kill; 120 volts AC is not
inspection is conducted and a safety certificate/permit dangerous. Current is the culprit. However, AC
issued by the Regional Labor Office or authorized voltage as low as60 volts can kill. At higher voltage
representative having jurisdiction over the case. the body can be severely burned and yet the victim
could live.
(3) The following are excluded in the coverage of this 6. Double-insulated power tools are doubly safe and
Rule; can be used in wet and damp location.
a. Electric generating plants with franchises which
are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Power and
Waterworks.
87
 Effects of Electrical Current* on the Body3

Current Reaction

1 milliamps Just a faint tingle.

5 milliamps Slight shock felt. Disturbing, but not painful. Most people can “let go”.
However, strong involuntary movements can cause injuries.

6-25 milliamps (women) † Painful shock. Muscular control is lost. This is the range where “freezing

9-30 milliamps (men) Currents” start. It may not be possible to “let go”.

50-150 milliamps Extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest (breathing stops), severe muscles may
cause intense pushing away. Death is possible.

1,000–4300 milliamps Ventricular fibrillation (heart pumping action not rhythmic) occurs. Muscles
(1-4.3 amps) contract; nerve damage occurs. Death is likely.

10,000 milliamps Cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is probable.
(10 amps)

15,000 milliamps Lowest over current at which a typical fuse or circuit breaker opens a circuit.
(15 amps)
*Effects are for voltages less than about 6,000 volts. Higher voltages also cause severe burns.
†Differences in muscle and fat content affect the severity of shock.

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE ELECTRICAL HOW IS AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK RECEIVED?

HAZARDS?
An electrical shock is received when electrical
The first step toward protecting yourself is current passes through the body. Current will pass
recognizing the many hazards you face on the job. To do through the body in a variety of situations. Whenever
this, you must know which situations can place you in two wires are at different voltages, current will pass
danger. Knowing where to look helps you to recognize between them if they are corrected. Your body can
hazards. connect the wires if you touch both of them at the same
time. Current will pass through your body.
1. Inadequate wiring is dangerous.
2. Exposed electrical parts are dangerous. ELECTRICAL CHANGE
3. Overhead power lines are dangerous.
4. Wires with bad insulation can give you a shock. Voltage – a measure of electrical force.
5. Electrical systems and tools that are not grounded or Circuit – a complete path for the flow of circuit.
double-insulated are dangerous. NOTE: You will receive a shock if you touch two
6. Overloaded circuits are dangerous. wires at different voltages at the same time.
7. Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical
hazards. ELECTRICAL SHOCK
8. Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.
9. Using the wrong tool is dangerous. Electric shock is the most serious electrical hazard.
10. Some on-site chemicals areas harmful. This happens when you touch a live wire, a tool or
11. Defective ladders and scaffolding are dangerous. machine with poor insulation. You then become a
12. Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous. conductor. The shock that you feel is the electrical
13. Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, current going through your body. SHOCK MAY
location, or equipment is wet. CAUSE:
88
 1. Pain HOW DO YOU CREATE A ELECTRICALLY
2. Loss of muscle control and coordination SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
3. Internal bleeding
4. Nerve, muscle or tissue damage A safe work environment is created by controlling
5. Cardiac arrest contact with electrical voltages and the currents they can
6. Death cause. Electrical currents need to be controlled so they
do not pass through the body. In addition to preventing
FACTORS ENHANCING ELECTRICAL shocks, a safe work environment reduces the chance of
SHOCK fires, burns, and falls. You need to guard against contact
with electrical voltages and control electrical currents in
The route that electrical currents take through the order to create a safe work environment. Make your
human body determines the degree of injury and voltage environment safer by doing the following:
determines how much current flows. In cases where
individuals come in contact with distribution lines, high 1. Treat all conductors-even “de-energized” ones-as if
voltage and high current can cause the moisture in the they are energized until they are locked out and
body to heat up so rapidly that body parts can literally tagged.
explode. Other factors that enhance electrical shocks 2. Lock out and tag out circuits and machines.
potential are as follows: 3. Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size
and type of wire.
1. Wet and damp locations 4. Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating
2. Ground or grounded objects them.
3. Current loop from power source back to power 5. Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using
source insulation.
4. Path of current through body and duration of 6. Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems
contact and tools by grounding them.
5. Area of body contact and pressure of contact 7. Prevent shocking currents by using PPE.
6. Physical size, condition, age of person 8. Prevent too much current in circuits by using over
7. Type or amount of voltage current protection devices.
8. Personal protective equipment, gloves, shoes
9. Metal objects such as watches, necklace, rings LOCK OUT AND TAG OUT CIRCUITS AND
10. Miscellaneous EQUIPMENT

a. Poor workplace illumination Create a safe work environment by locking out and
b. Color blindness tagging out circuits and machines. Before working on a
c. Lack of safety training and knowledge of circuit, you must turn off the power supply once the
electricity circuit has been shut off and de-energized, lock out the
d. No safe work procedures switchgear to the circuit so the power cannot be turned
back on advertently. Then, tag out the circuit with an
HOW DO YOU CONTROL ELECTRICAL easy-to-see sign or label that lets everyone know that
HAZARDS? you are working on the circuit. If you are working on or
near machinery, you must lock out and tag out the
In order to control hazards\, you must first create a machinery to prevent startup. Before you begin work,
safe work environments, then work in a safe manner, you must test the circuit to make sure it is de-energized.
generally, it is best to remove the hazards altogether and
create an environment that is truly safe. When performing lock-out/tag-out on circuits and
equipment, you can use the checklist below;
When OSHS regulations and PEC are followed, safe
work environments are created. But, you never know 1. Identify all sources of electrical energy for the
when materials or equipment might fail. Prepare equipment or circuits in question.
yourself for the unexpected by using safe work
practices. Use as many safeguards as possible. If one 2. Disable backup energy sources such as generators
fails, another may protect you from injury or death. and batteries.

3. Identify all shut-offs for each energy source.

89
4. Notify all personnel that equipment and circuitry 7. Deplete stored energy by bleeding, blocking,
must be shut off, locked out, and tagged out. grounding, etc.
(Simply turning a switch off is NOT enough.)
8. Apply a tag to alert other workers that an energy
5. Shut off energy sources and lock switchgear in the source or piece of equipment has been locked out.
OFF position. Each worker should apply his or her
individual lock. Do not give your key to anyone. 9. Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for before
equipment and circuits are unlocked and turned
6. Test equipment and circuitry to make sure they are back on. Note that only a qualified person may
de-energized. This must be done by a qualified determine when it is safe to reenergize circuits.
person.*

Typical Tag and Lock out Procedures

Figure 11.1
90
 CHAPTER 12

CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS AND SAFETY GUIDES

INRODUCTION 1412.03: Electrical:

Before any construction is commenced, and during the
Construction workers build, repair, maintain, construction, steps shall be taken to prevent danger to the
renovate, modify and demolish houses, office buildings, workers or operating equipment from any live electric
production facilities, factories, hospitals, roads, bridges, cable or equipment either by rendering the cable or
tunnels, stadiums, docks, airports, and more. The apparatus electrically dead or by providing barriers to
International Labor Organization (ILO) classifies the prevent contact.
construction industry as government and public-sector
firms erecting buildings for habitation or for commercial 1412.04: Machine Guarding:
purposes and public works such as roads, bridges,
tunnels, dams or airports. In the Philippines on its All moving parts of machinery used shall be guarded in
Department Order No. 13, series of 1998. Otherwise accordance with the requirements of Rule 1200.
known as THE GUIDELINES GOVERNING (For other part of the OSHS rules on construction safety
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE refers to the complete text of the standard)
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY it defines construction
projects as any activity pertaining and aiming to build a HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
structure, repair, maintain, renovate and other related
activities that covered by the Philippine Building Code. Construction workers are exposed to a wide variety
of health hazards on the job. Exposure differs from trade
This topic about safety is very important since we to trade, from job to job by the day. Even by the hour.
consider that in all areas of engineering application and Exposure to any one hazard is typically intermittent and
industries, construction are frequently involved in the of short duration but is likely to reoccur. A worker may
activities of the organization. Most of the time, there is a not only encounter the primary hazards of his or her own
sort either small or large-scale construction project job, but may also be exposed as a bystander to hazards
intended to renovate, repair, expansion of facilities and produced by those who wok nearby or upwind. This
others. In fact about accident data in 1998 there were pattern of exposure is a consequence of having many
about 6.35% frequency rate of accident occurrence in employers with jobs of relatively short duration and
relation to construction activities as reposted in the working alongside workers in other trades that generate
WAIS report. Therefore it is a must for us to have at least other hazards. The severity of each hazard depends on
basic concepts and skills in managing hazard in the concentration and duration of exposure for that
construction and orient ourselves to standard safety particular job. Bystander exposures can be approximated
guides promulgated by government agencies. if one knows the trade of workers nearby. Hazards for
construction workers are typically of four classes:
OSHS RULE 1412. General Provisions
1. Chemical,
1412.01: Health and Safety Committee: 2. Physical,
At every construction site there shall be organized and 3. Biological and
maintained a Health and Safety Committee conforming 4. Social.
to Rule 1040 and a medical and dental service
conforming to Rule 1960. Chemical hazards

1412.02: Alternative Methods and Materials: Chemical hazards are often airborne and can appear
In the application of this Rule, the construction, as dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases; thus, exposure
composition, size, and arrangement of materials used usually occurs by inhalation, although some airborne
may vary provided that the strength of the structure is at hazards may settle on and be absorbed through the intact
least equal to that herein prescribed. skin.

91
Physical hazards h. Use of power
i. Gas and electric welding and cutting operations
Physical hazards are present in every construction j. Working in confined spaces
project. These hazards include noise, heat and cold, k. Use of internal combusting engines
radiation and barometric pressure. Construction work l. Handling hazardous and/or toxic chemical
often must be done in extreme heat or cold, in windy, substances
rainy, snowy, or foggy weather or at night. Ionizing and m. Use of hand tools
non-ionizing radiation is encountered, as are extremes of n. Working with pressurized equipment
barometric pressure. o. Working in hot or cool environments
p. Handing, storage, usage and disposal of explosives
Biological hazards q. Use of mechanized lifting appliances for movement
of materials
Biological hazards are presented by exposure to r. Use of construction heavy equipment
infectious micro-organisms, to toxic substances of s. Demolition
biological origin or animal attacks. Excavation workers,
for example, can develop histoplasmosis, an infection of Contents of Construction Hazards Analysis
the lung caused by a common soil fungus. Since there is
constant change in the composition of the labour force on a. Identification of possible hazards for a particular
any one project, individual workers come in contact with activity.
other workers and, as a consequence, may become b. Identification of any company permits or clearances
infected with contagious diseases-influenza or needed prior to the performance of the activity
tuberculosis, for example. Workers may also be at risk of together with the name of person/s who is authorized
malaria, yellow fever or Lyme disease if work is to issue such permit or clearance.
conducted in areas where these organisms and their c. Identification of the proposed improvement in work
insect vectors are prevalent. standard procedures that shall be followed during
implementation of a particular activity.
Social hazards d. Company inspection procedures to ensure safety
during the execution of a particular activity.
Social hazards stem from the social organization of e. Identification of emergency procedures in case of
the industry. Employment is intermitted and constantly accidents.
changing, and control over many aspects of employment
is limited because construction activity is dependent on BUREAU OF WORKING CONDITIONS PPE
many factors over which construction workers have no GUIDELINES
control, such as the state of an economy or the weather.
Because of the same factors, there can be intense Department of labor and Employment Classification
pressure to become more productive. Since the of construction works/activities for purposes of
workforce is constantly changing. And with it the hours determination of mandatory minimum Personal
and location of work, and many projects require living in Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements:
work camps away from home and family, construction General Construction work – Basic PPE for all
workers may lack stable and dependable networks of construction workers
social support 1. Safety Helmet
2. Safety Gloves
REGULAR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 3. Safety Shoes
THAT INVOLVES HAZARDS Specialty PPE shall be provided to workers in addition to
or lieu of the corresponding basic PPE as the work or
a. Site clearing activity requires as follows: (see table 12.1) on the next
b. Excavations page.
c. Erection and dismantling of scaffolds and other
temporary working platforms Instructor’s Note:
d. Temporary electrical connections/installation _______________________________________
e. Use of scaffolds and other temporary working
__________________________________________
platforms
f. Working at unprotected elevated working platforms __________________________________________
or surfaces __________________________________________
g. Work over water __________________________________________
92
STAIRWAYS AND LADDERS

 Install permanent or temporary guardrail on stairs  Extend ladders at least 3 feet above the landing to
before stairs are used for general access between provide a handhold or for balance when getting on
levels to prevent someone from falling or stepping and off the ladder from other surfaces (Figure 12.3).
off edges (Figure 12.2).
 Do not store materials on stairs that are used for
general access between levels.
 Keep hazardous projections such as protruding nails
large splinters, etc. out of the stairs, treads of
handrails.

 Do not set up a ladder near passageways or high

 Correct any slippery conditions on stairways before traffic areas where it could be knocked over.
they are used.  Used ladders only for what there were made and not
 Keep manufactured and job-made ladders in good as a platform, runaway, or as scaffold planks.
condition and free of defects.  Always face the ladder and maintain 3 points of
 Inspect ladders before use for broken rungs or other contact when climbing a ladder (Figure 12.4).
defects so falls don’t happen. Discard or repair
defective ladders.
 Secure ladders near the top or at the bottom to
prevent them from slipping and causing falls.
 When you can’t tie the ladder off, be sure the ladder
is on a stable and level surface so it cannot be
knocked over or the bottom of it kicked out (Figure
12.2).
 Place ladders at the proper angle (I foot out from the
base for every 4 feet of vertical rise. Figure 12.3).

93
 Construction Work/Activity Specialized PPE Remarks
1. Work near unprotected areas such 1. Safety Belt Where there is a possibility of fall
as but not limited to the that will normally cause disabling
following: injury
a. Working on scaffolds
b. Working on Roofs
2. Work involving pouring of 1. Safety chemical resistant If worker’s feet may have contact
concrete. Such as but not limited boots with fresh concrete.
to the following: 2. Chemical resistant If worker’s hands may have contact
a. Laying concrete slab gloves with fresh concrete
b. Pouring of concrete for beams
and/or columns
3. Work involving laying of asphalt 1. Heat resistant gloves If worker needs to work on or near
2. Heat resistant safety asphalt
footwear
4. Working with derricks and cranes 1. Color-coded vest with Proper visibility and identification of
reflectorized markings critical persons such as operators,
riggers, signal men
2. Heavy leather gloves For riggers
3. High visibility gloves For signal men
5. Working with earth moving 1. Heavy duty safety Safety shoes for relatively dry or
equipment footwear sheltered work
Water and mud resistant boots for
wet outdoor works
2. Ear muff or ear plugs When working near or on noisy
equipment
Table 12.1 – DOLE Classification of PPE for Construction Activities
Source: Procedural Guidelines – D.O. No. 13 series 1998; Page 28 of 36

Head Protection Foot Protection

 Workers must wear hard hats when overhead, falling  Residential constuction workers must wear shhoes or
of flying hazards exist or when danger of electrical boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles
shock is present. (to prevent slipping and puncture wounds).
 Inspect hard hats routinely for dents, cracks, or  Safety-toed shoes are recommended to prevent
deterioration. crushed toes when working with heavy rolling
 If a hard hat has taken a heavy blow or electric equipment or falling objects
shock, youomust replace it even when you detect no
visible damage. Hand Protection
 Maintain hard hats in good condition; do not drill;
clean with strong detergents or solvents; paint; or  High-quality gloves can prevent injury.
store them in extreme temperatures.  Gloves should fit snugly.
 Glove gauntlets should be taped for working with
Eye and Face Protection fiberglass materials.
 Workers should always wear the right gloves for the
 Workers must wear safety glasses or face shields for job (for example, heavy-duty rubber for concrete
wleding, cutting, nailing (including pneumatic), or work, welding gloves for wedding).
when working with concrete and/or harmful
chemicals. Fall Protection
 Eye and face protectors are designed for particular
hazards so be sure to select the type to match the  Use a safety harness system for fall protection
hazard.  Use body belts only as positioning devices – not for
 Replace poorly fitting or damaged safety glasses. fall protection.

94
SCAFFOLDS AND WORK PLATFORMS
General Guidekines
 Provide safe access to get on and off scaffolds and
work platforms safely. Use ladders safely (see
Stairways and Ladders).
 Keep scaffolds and work platforms free of debris.
Keep tools and materials as neat as possible on
scaffolds and platforms. These practices will help
prevent materials from falling and workers from
tripping.
 Erect scaffolds on firm and level foundations
 Finished floors will normally support the load for a
scaffold or work platform and provide a stable base.
 Place scaffold legs on firm footing and secure from
movement or tipping, especially surfaces on dirt or
similar surfaces. Erect and dismantle scaffolds only
under the supervision of a competent person. FALL PROTECTION
 Each scaffold must be capable of supprting its own
weight and 4 times times the maximum intended When work is performed on elevated surfaces such
load. as roofs, or during construction activities, protection
 The competent person must inspect scaffolds before against falls must be considered. Fall arresting systems,
each use. which includes lifelines, body harnesses, and other
 Use manufactured base plates or mud sills made of associated equipments, are often used when railings,
hardwood or equivalent to level or stabilize the floors, nets and other means cannot control fall hazards.
foorings. Don’t use blocks, bricks, or pieces of These systems are designed to stop a free fall of us to six
lumber. feet while limiting the forces imposed on the wearer.
Planking Fall protection is required whenever work is
 Fully plank a scaffold to provide a full work platform performed in an area six feet above its surroundings or
or use manufactured decking. The platform decking six feet above a lower level. Fall protection can generally
and/or scaffold planks must be scaffold grade and be provided through the use of guardrail systems, safety
must not have any visible defects. net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Where it can
 Keep the front edge of the platform within 14 inches be clearly demonstrated that the use of these systems is
of the face of the work. infeasible or creates a greater hazard, a fall protection
 Extend planks or decking material at least 6 inches program that provides for alternative fall protection
over the edges or cleat them to prevent movement. measures may be implemented.
The work platform or planks must not extend more
than 12 inches beyond the end supports to prevent Fall Protection Systems
tipping when workers are stepping or working.
 Be sure that manufactured scaffold planks are the A variety of systems may be chosen from when
proper size and that the end hooks are attached to the providing fall protection. These systems include:
scaffold frame.
 Guardrails: standards guardrails consist of a top rail
Scaffold Guardrails located 42 inches above the floor and a mid rail.
Screens and mesh may be used to replace the mid
 Guard scaffold platforms that are more than 10 feet rail as long as they extend from the top rail to the
above the ground or floor surface with a standard floor.
guardrail. If guardrails are not practical, use other fall  Personal Fall Arresting Systems: Components of a
protection devices such as safety harness and personal fall arresting system include a body harness,
lanyards. lanyard, lifeline, connector, and an anchorage point
 Place the toprail approximately 42 inches above the capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds.
work platform or planking with a midrail about half  Positioning Device Systems: This type of system
thathigh at 21 inches consists of a body harness rigged to allow work on a
 Install toe boards when other workers are below the vertical surface, such as a wall, with both hands free.
scaffold. (For better illustration, see Figure 12.5)
95
 Safety Monitoring by a Competent Person: This OSHS Rule 1415: Construction Equipment
system allows a trained person to monitor others as
they work on elevated surfaces and warn them of any 1415.01: Lifting Appliances:
fall hazards. (1) Every lifting appliance including working gear and all
other plant equipment used for anchoring or fixing shall:
 Safety Net Systems: these systems consist of nets
a. Be of good mechanical contruction, of sound material and
installed as close as possible under the work area. adequate strength for the load it will carry;
 Warning Line Systems: These systems are made up b. Be properly maintained and inspected at least once a week
of lines or ropes installed around a work area on a and the result of such inspection shall be recorded in a log
roof. These act as a barrier to prevent those working book maintained by the employer or user of the equipment,
on the roof from approaching the edges. open to enforcing authority.
 Covers: covers are fastened over holes in working (2) Any anchoring or fixing arangement provided in
surfaces to prevent falls. connection with a lifting appliance shall be adequate and
secure to hold the imposed load.
FALL PROTECTION TRAINING 1415.02: Brake Controls and Safety Devices:
Fall Protection Training must include the following: (1) Every crane, crab and winch shall be provided with a brake
to prevent the fall of the load and to control operation when the
 How to recognize and minimize fall hazards load is lowered.
 The nature of the fall hazrads in the work area (2) Every handle or lever of a lifting appliance provided for
 Procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling controlling its operation shall be provided with suitable
and inspecting the specific fall protection system locking arrangement to prevent its accidental movement.
(3) Every lever or handle provided for controlling the
used
operation of a lifting appliance shall have upon it clear
 Use, operation and limitations of fall protection marking to indicate purpose and mode of operation.
systems
 The user’s role in fall protection systems 1415.03: Protection of Crane Driver:
 Training should also include a hands-on session (1) Platform for crane drivers and signalers shall be:
where your employees can put on their body (a) of sufficient area
harnesses and become familiar with the connections, (b) closely planked, plated and
lanyards, etc. most suppliers of fall protection (c) provided with safe means of access and egress.
(2) Every side of a platform more than 2.16 meters (6.5 feet)
equipment include hands-on training as part of their
high shall be provided with guard railsand toeboards
service when you purchase the equipment (3) The driver of every power driven lifting appliance shall be
 Fall protection equipment is provided to save your provided with a cabin which shall:
employees lives – make sure they know how to use it (a) afford protection from the weather and falling objects, and
properly! (b) be constructed to afford ready access to operating parts of
 Also, included in the training program should be the lifting appliance within the cabin and shall be periodically
information regarding responsible individuals. A inspected and maintained.
well run Fall Protection Program includes identifying
individuals to be responsible for the following roles: 1415.04: Anchorage and Load Test of Cranes:
(1) When lifting appliances are used on soft or uneven ground
 Identify areas where fall protection is needed or on a slope, adequate measures shall be taken to ensure their
 Obtain or develop fall protection system stability or undue movement.
 Ensure workers are trained and understand how (2) No crane shall be used for raising or lowering loads unless:
to use and inspect the fall protection devices (a) it is securely anchored;
 Ensure workers know where the fall protection (b) adequately balanced by a weight property placed and
devices are kept secured;
(3) Every crane after erection altered or any kind of change
shall be tested by the contractors/supervisor with the
Instructor’s Note:
imposition either:
______________________________________________ (a) of a load of twenty-five percent (25%) above the maximum
______________________________________________ load to be lifted by the crane as erected at the position when
______________________________________________ the maximum pull is applied on each anchorage, or
______________________________________________ (b) of lesser load arranged to provide and equivalent test of the
______________________________________________ anchorages or balancing arrangements.
______________________________________________ (4) A repost of the test shall be recorded in a log book to be
______________________________________________ maintained by the employer.
______________________________________________ (5) The maximum load allowed shall be affixed in a place
__________________________________________ where it can be readily seen by the crane operator.
(6) no crane shall be used or erected under conditions likely to
endanger stability.
96
 CHAPTER 13
DESIGN OF WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
ILLUMINATION AND SOUND

INTRODUCTION chemist or nurse who has completed at least an

occupational health/occupational safety and health-
Experience has conclusively proven that plants with training course required by this Standards, and who has
good working conditions out-produce those with poor been an occupational health/occupational safety and
conditions. Ideal working conditions improve the safety health practitioner for not less than three (3) years. Other
record, reduce absenteeism, tardiness, and labor turnover, members of the technical committee shall be drawn from
raise employee morale, and improve public and labor the labor and employers’ sectors. The technical
relations. This was a result of a numerous research study committee shall be convened by the Director of the
conducted locally and abroad. In one of my paper Bureau of Working Conditions as the need for review of
focusing on the effects of working environment to the abovementioned technical standards arises.
productivity of workers in selected plastic manufacturing
firm, it is remarkable that condition of the workplace The Standards formulated by the technical
directly influences the performance of the workers. committee shall become effective upon announcement by
the Secretary of Labor and Employment.
On this part we will give importance to the physical
working environment of the personnel and their WORKING ENVIRONMENT MEASUREMENT
condition in which professionals in safety practice
believed that it has a direct effect in the performance and OSHS RULE 1077.01: General Provisions:
judgment of workers. The provision of OSHS is very (1) The employer shall exert efforts to maintain and
vital in the implementation and objective of achieving a control the working environment in comfortable and
healthy and safe workplace; there it is the primary healthy conditions for the purpose of promoting and
consideration of this chapter. maintaining the health of his workers.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND 1077.02: Definitions:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL Working environment measurement shall mean sampling
and analysis carried out in respect of the atmospheric
OSHS RULE 1071: General Provisions: working environment and other fundamental elements of
working environment for the purpose of determining
(1) This rule establishes threshold limit values for toxic actual conditions therein.
and carcinogenic substances and physical agents, which
may be present in the atmosphere of the work 1077.03: Requirements:
environment. Threshold Limit Values refer to airborne (1) Working environment measurement shall include
concentration of substances and represent conditions temperature, humidity, pressure, illumination,
under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be ventilation, and concentration of substances and noise.
repeatedly exposed daily without adverse effect. (2) The employer shall carry out the working
environment measurement in indoor or other workplaces
(2) The Regional Office, on the advice of the Director, where hazardous work is performed and shall keep a
may issue a special rule establishing threshold limit value record of such measurement, which shall be made
for toxic substances not found in the table and such rule available to the enforcing authority.
shall remain in effect until a permanent standard is issued (3) The working environment measurement shall be
by the Secretary. performed periodically as may be necessary but not
longer than annually.
(3) The Secretary shall periodically review or update the (4) The working environment measurement shall be
Standards on threshold limit values, permissible noise performed by the safety and medical personnel who have
exposure levels, illumination levels, human carcinogens, taken adequate training and experience in working
temperature and humidity and other technical standards environment measurement.
upon recommendation of a technical committee in the (5) In the event of inability to perform the working
Bureau of Working Conditions. The member of the environment measurement, the employer shall
technical committee shall either be a physician, engineer, commission the Bureau/Center of Occupational Safety
97
and Health/ Regional Labor Office concerned and other observed match the perceived colors of the same
institutions accredited or recognized by the Bureau, to object when illuminated by standard light sources.
perform the measurement.
Light Distribution
ILLUMINATION
Luminaires for general lighting are classified in
Some of that light is absorbed and some of it is reflected accordance with the percentage of total light output
which allows humans to “see” that object and provides a emitted above and below the horizontal.
perception of brightness.
Indirect Lighting illuminates the ceiling, which in
Visibility turn reflects light downward. Thus the ceiling should be
the brightest surface in the room, with reflectances above
The clarity with which the human sees something is 80 percent. The other areas of the room should reflect
usually referred to as visibility. The three critical factors less and less as one move downward.
of visibility are:
Direct Lighting de-emphasizes the ceiling surface
 Visual Angle – the angle subtended at the eye by the and places more of the light on the work surfaces and the
target floor.
 Contrast – the difference in luminance (amount of
light reflected off a surface) between a visual target Direct-Indirect lighting is a combination.
and its background.
 Illuminance – amount of light striking a surface Glare

Illuminance Glare is the excessive brightness in the field of

vision.
To determine minimum levels of illumination:  Decreases visibility which means additional time is
needed to adapt from light to darker conditions.
 First, identify the general type of activity to be  Phototropism – the eyes tend to be drawn to the
performed and classify it into one of the nine brightest light source.
categories shown in Table 6-2.
 For each category, there is a range of illuminance Direct Glare can be reduced by using more
(low, middle, high). The appropriate value is selected luminaries with lower intensities, using baffles, or
by calculating a weighting factor (-1, 0 1) based on placing the work surface perpendicular to the light
the three task and worker characteristics, shown in source.
Table 6-3.
 The weights are then summed to obtain the total Reflected Glare can be reduced by using non-glossy
weighting factor. or matte surfaces and reorienting the work surface or
 If the total sum of the two or three weighting factors task, in addition to the modifications recommended for
is -2 or -3, the low value of the three illuminance is direct glare.
used; if -1, 0, or 1, the middle value is used; and if 2
or 3, the high value is used. Color

Light Sources Both color and texture have psychological effects on

people.
After determining the illumination requirements for  For example, yellow is the accepted color of butter,
the area under study, analysts select appropriate artificial therefore, margarine must be yellow to appeal to the
light sources. appetite.

Two important parameters related to artificial Perhaps the most important use of color is to
lighting are: improve the environmental conditions of the workers by
providing more visual comfort. Analysts use colors to
 Efficiency – light output per unit energy reduce sharp contrasts, increase reflectance, highlight
hazards, and call attention to features of the work
 Color Rendering – relates to the closeness with environment.
which the perceived colors of the object being

98
 People recognize a company’s products instantly by muff-type devices. A combination of the two can yield
the pattern of colors used on packages, trademarks, even better protection.
letterheads, trucks, and buildings.
TEMPERATURE
NOISE
Core temperatures exhibit a narrow range around a
Noise is any unwanted sound which measurement is the normal value of 98.6 degrees. At values between:
unit of sound intensity is the decibel.  100-102 degrees: physiological performance drops
sharply
Hearing Loss  Above105 degrees: sweating mechanism may fail,
resulting in a rapid rise in core temperature and
The chances of damage to the ear, resulting in eventual death.
“nerve” deafness, increase as the frequency approaches
the 2400 to 4800 Hz range. Also, as exposure time The shell tissues of the body, on the other hand, can
increases, there will eventually be impairment in hearing. vary over a much wider range of temperatures without
serious loss of efficiency, and can act as a buffer to
Individuals vary widely in their susceptibility to protect core temperatures. Clothing also acts as a second
noise induced deafness. Both broadband and meaningful shell to insulate the core temperature further.
noise have proved to be sufficiently distracting and
annoying to result in decreased productivity and Control Methods
increased employee fatigue.
Heat stress can be reduced by implementing either:
Noise Dose  Engineering controls – modifying the environment
 Reduce workload
Occupational Standards uses the concept of noise dose,  Work slower
with the exposure to any sound level above 80 dBA.  Controlling heat at the source
 Insulating hot equipment
Performance Effects
 Increasing air movement, etc.
Performance decrements are most often observed in
 Administrative controls
difficult tasks that place high demands on perceptual,
information processing, and short-term memory  Rotating workers into and out of hot
capacities. Surprisingly, noise may have no effect, or environment
may even improve performance, on simple routine tasks.  Modifying work schedules
 Work/rest schedules
Noise Control  Acclimatizing workers
 Cooling vests
Management can control the noise level in three
ways. The best, and usually the most difficult, is to Cold Stress
reduce the noise level at its source. However, it would be
very difficult to redesign some equipment then analysts The most commonly used cold stress index is the
should investigate the opportunity to isolate the wind chill index. Typically, the wind chill index is not
equipment responsible for the noise. used directly, but is converted to an equivalent wind chill
temperature.
If the above are not possible, acoustic absorption can
provide beneficial results. By installing acoustical Wind Chill Temperature – the ambient temperature
materials on the walls, ceilings, and floors, reverberation that in calm conditions would produce the same wind
can be reduced. The majority of production and indirect chill index as the actual combination of air temperature
workers (maintenance, shipping, receiving, etc.) enjoy and wind velocity.
listening to music while they work.
Probably the most critical effects for industrial
Hearing Protection workers exposed to outdoor conditions are:
 Decreased tactile sensitivity
In most cases, OSHA accepts this as only a  Manual dexterity due to vasodilation and
temporary solution. In general, insert-type (e.g., decreased blood flow to the hands
expandable foam) devised provide better protection than
99
 Manual performance may decrease as much as 50%  Loss of appetite
as the hand skin temperature drops from 65 to 45 degrees  Loss of interest
Fahrenheit.
Later problems
Potential Solutions  Motor control impairments
 Auxiliary heaters  Disc degeneration
 Hand warmers  Bone atrophy
 Gloves – note, these may impair manual  Arthritis
performance and decrease grip strength
 Fingerless gloves – compromise White Finger Syndrome – often brought on by power
tools, it results from blood flow being occluded and
VENTILATION nerves being affected.

If a room has people, machinery, or activities in it, Raynaud’s Syndrome – cold induced occlusion of
the air in the room will deteriorate due to the release of blood flow
odors, the release of heat, the formation of water vapor,
the production of carbon dioxide, and the production of Protection
topic vapors. Ventilation must be provided to dilute these  Modifying the speed, feed, or motion
contaminants, exhaust stale air, and supply fresh air.  Properly maintaining equipment
 Balancing and/or replacing worn parts
Three approaches  Antivibration mountings for equipment
 General  Alter worker’s body position
- Delivered at the 8-12 feet level and displaces rising  Alternate work assignments
warm air coming from the equipment, lights, and
 Cushion or mats
workers
RADIATION
 Local
- When impractical to ventilate the whole building in
Large doses can cause radiation sickness. Small
specific areas doses over a longer period of time may increase the
chances of cancers or other diseases. The overall risk of a
 Spot fatal cancer from a radiation dose equivalent of one rem
- Specific spots, such as areas with localized heat is about 1 chance in 10000.
sources, such as ovens. A direct air stream will
increase cooling in these situations. Persons working in areas where access is controlled
for the purpose of radiation protection are generally
VIBRATIONS limited to a dose equivalent to five rem per year. All
persons are exposed to radiation from naturally occurring
Vibration can cause detrimental effects on human radioisotopes in the body, cosmic radiation, and radiation
performance. emitted from the earth and building materials.
 Those with high amplitude and low frequency have
especially undesirable effects on body organs and
tissues Instructor’s Note:
__________________________________________
Three Classifications ______________________________________________
 Whole or major portion of body surface is affected ______________________________________________
 When vibrations are transmitted to the body through ______________________________________________
a supporting area (ex. Feet) ______________________________________________
 Only localized body areas are affected. ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
“Tolerance decreases as exposure time increases.” ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Symptoms of vibration fatigue
 Headaches
 Vision problems

100
 CHAPTER 14
JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS AND PROCEDURE

INTRODUCTION Experienced workers and supervisors may perform a JSA

by analyzing jobs through discussion and observation.
Probably one of the most important elements of an
effective safety program is the analysis of the job Job Safety Analysis Flow-Chart
functions within the organization from a health and The following flow-chart illustrates steps involved in Job Safety
safety frame of reference. This chapter will outline the Analysis (JSA)
purpose and benefits of conducting job safety analyses, Source: Occupational Health and Safety and Human Resources
Development Canada, Labour Program
the basic steps involved in conducting a job safety
analysis, and will actually have the students analyze a job
from their specific working scenario.

When something is analyzed, each of its parts is

given a close examination. Such is the case when a Job
Safety Analysis is made. Each step of the job is broken
down to pinpoint safety hazards involved in doing it.
Motions, positions and actions often result in injuries,
and their consideration is significant to safety. People
who reach over moving equipments or objects are
vulnerable to injuries. Reaching beyond the range of
clear vision is also a dangerous practice. Motions with
conditions that involve off-balance positions, incorrect
posture while lifting or handling objects, and positions
which are hazardous in relation to machines or other
workers, often result in serious injuries.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION OF JSA

Job safety analysis (JSA) is the systematic

examination of a job intended to identify potential
hazards, assess the degree of risk, and evaluate practical
measures to control the risk. It must be kept in mind that
JSA is not a workplace inspection or an audit procedure.
Workplace inspection is a systematic examination of
workplace conditions and practice to determine their
conformity with company procedures and compliance
with prescribed health and safety regulations.

A JSA should be proactive, although it may be used

in response to a rising rate of injuries and illnesses.
Hazards should be recognized and preventive measures
implemented at the planning and organizing stages of the
work. It should be emphasized that the focus of JSA is to
examine the job and not the person who is doing the job. This approach has two distinct advantages. Firstly, it
involves more people which allows for a wider base of
Job safety analysis is an important element of a risk experience. Secondly, the participation of many
management system. It involves analyzing each basic stakeholders promotes faster acceptance of the resulting
task of a job to identify potential hazards and to work procedure. Health and safety committee members
determine the safest way of doing the job. This procedure and representatives play an important role in the JSA and
is sometimes referred to as job hazard analysis. have a legal obligation to participate in the JSA process.

101
STEPS IN PERFORMING JSA losses.
 Jobs where employees are required to work alone in
A job safety analysis involves five steps: isolated workplaces.
1. Selecting the job to be analyzed.  Jobs with the potential for violence in workplace.
2. Breaking the job down into a sequence of job tasks.
3. Identifying potential hazards. STEP 2. How are basic tasks of a job established?
4. Determining preventive measures to control these
hazards. A task is a segment of an overall job. Completion of each
5. Communicating the information to others. operational task in proper sequence leads to the
completion of the job. It is important to keep the tasks in
STEP 1. What important factors should be their correct sequence. Any task which is placed out of
considered in selecting a job for JSA? sequence may cause potential hazards to be missed or
introduce hazards which would not otherwise exist.
Ideally, a JSA should be performed for all jobs.
However, there are practical constraints on time and When conducting a JSA, each task is recorded in its
resources. Another consideration is that each JSA may proper sequence. Notes should be made of what is to be
require revision when changes occur in equipment, raw done rather than how it is done. Each item is started with
materials, processes, or the environment. For these an action verb.
reasons, it is usually necessary to set priorities. Factors to
be considered in assigning priorities include: Dividing a job into tasks requires a thorough knowledge
 Accident, injury and illness statistics: jobs where of the job. If the tasks are made too general, specific
accidents occur frequently or where they result in operations and related hazards may be missed. On the
disabling injuries or illnesses. other hand, too many tasks may make the JSA
 Absenteeism: jobs where employees take frequent impractical. A rule of thumb is that most jobs can be
sick leaves or other leaves of absence. described in less than ten tasks. If more operational steps
 Sign and symptoms of harmful exposures: the nature are required, it is advisable to break the job into two
of the job poses a danger of harmful exposure. segments, each with a separate JSA.
 Potential for severe injuries or illnesses: the
consequences of an accident, hazardous condition, or As an example, Table 14.1 presents the tasks involved in
exposure to a harmful substance are potentially changing a flat tire. This part of the analysis is usually
severe. prepared by watching the employee do the job. The
 Modified jobs: new hazards may be associated with employee being observed should be experienced and
changes in job procedures/processes. capable of performing all parts of the job. The
 Infrequently performed jobs: employees may be at observation team may include the immediate supervisor,
greater risk when undertaking non-routine jobs. a health and safety professional, and a member of the
 Jobs with different work interruptions due to health and safety committee or the health and safety
technical difficulties. representative. Key points are less likely to be missed
 Jobs with excessive waste generation and production this way.

JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

JOB: changing tire on a vehicle
Analysed by: John Supervisor and Tom Worker Date: 29 May 2001

Reviewed by: Joe Expert Date: 1 June 2001

Approved by: Co-Chairs Health and Safety Committee Date: 5 June 2001
Sequence of Tasks Potential Hazards Preventive Measures
1. Park Vehicle
2. Get spare tire and tool kit
3. Pry off hub cap
4. Loosen lug bolts (nuts)
5. And so on………
Table 14.1 An example of JSA applied to changing a flat tire 102
Helpful Tips for Performing a JSA A) Change Analysis ( Kepner and Tregoe)

EXPLAIN the purpose of a JSA to ensure full Change analysis helps establish the significance of
cooperation and participation of the employee. changes in causing accidents and losses. As well, it helps
determine counterchanges to prevent these accidents and
ASSURE the employee that the purpose of the JSA is to losses. Change is needed for improvement, but the
make the job safer by identifying hazards and making change may have unwanted side effects. Changes can be
changes to eliminate or reduce accidents, injuries, and planned or unplanned. Sometimes, preventive changes
illnesses. can cause problems if not introduced properly. In
planned changes potential problems can be identified and
CLARIFY that the JSA is neither a time and motion controlled. Change analysis offers a powerful safety
study in disguise nor an attempt to uncover individual analysis methodology for the unplanned and anticipated
unsafe acts. changes in the operation of equipment, material, or
process. Any unplanned changes may result in accidents
ENSURE the employee understands that the JSA is an and losses unless preventive measures (counter-changes)
evaluation of the job, not the individual. are implemented.

RESPECT the employee’s experience and use it as an First introduced by C.H. Kepner and B.B. Tregoe in
important input in making improvements. 1965, as a managerial tool to solve production problems,
change analysis technique was eventually adapted to
OBSERVE jobs during normal working hours and occupational health and safety issues. In the 1970s, the
situations. For example, if a job is routinely carried out at “What if” procedure was developed to identify possible
night, perform JSA at night. Similarly, only regular tools accident event sequences. Once these sequences are
and equipments should be used. The only difference established it is easier to pinpoint the hazards,
from normal operations should be fact that the job consequences and potential methods for risk reduction.
performance is being observed. The “What If” analysis involves conducting a
thorough and systematic examination of each task by
DISCUSS with the employee: asking questions that begin with “What if…?” The
formulation of the exact questions is left up to those
 Tasks of the regular process; conducting the examination. See Table 14.2
 Any incidents;
 Communication problems; Task Parameters are easy to find. Look at the task
 Difficulties in performing the tasks; and find parameters to be controlled in order for the task
 Training provided in the use of equipment and to be performed normally. Such parameters can be:
safety procedures; and
 Need for improvements  A sensory signal: e.g., color, the shape of object, the
emitted sounds, an odor, the light level, the position
DISCUSS the breakdown of tasks with all the of handle, the height of a pedal.
participants (including the employee).  A process specification: e.g., pressure, temperature,
concentration, floe rate.
ENSURE that all basic tasks have been noted and are in  A dynamic component: e.g., motion, sequence,
the correct order. pace, speed change, friction.
 A force or mass: e.g., electrical power, chemical
STEP 3. How are potential hazards identified? energy, torque, impulse, impact.
 a geometric value and time: e.g., location,
Two commonly used techniques for identifying  A piece of equipment: e.g., protective devices,
potential hazards are: A) Kepner and Tregoe Method position of a part, part in motion.
based on change analysis; B) Gibson and Haddon  An environmental or external condition: e.g.,
approach based on unwanted energy flow and energy weather, snow, rain, nuisances from neighborhood.
barrier.

103
 Guide word Meaning Examples: What if…
No or not - Negation of the operation -The operation is stopped and nothing else is produced

- Quantitative increase
-The temperature is higher than normal
More - Sooner (time)
-Exposure time is greater than regular
- Higher (height, T, P)

- Quantitative decrease - Quantity produced is less than usual

Less - Later (time) - Shutdown time is greater than normal
- Lower (height, T, P) - Temperature and/or pressure is decreased
- An unwanted product is produced at the same time as the wanted
- Qualitative increase product (contamination)
As well as - Somewhere else - A product is transferred from one tank to another with
- At the same time as environmental release.
- A product is boiling during transfer with splashes.
- Qualitative decrease - A product is not added during production.
Part of
- Lack of - An operation is unachieved or interrupted.
- Logical opposite of the
Reverse - Tank is being emptied instead of being filled
operation
- Complete substitution of
Other than - A product is heated instead of being evacuated
one operation by another
Table 14.2 Guide words for “What if” questions.

B) Unwanted energy flow and energy barrier between the energy and a person or equipment, resulting
approach (Gibson and Haddon) in:
 injury to persons;
The energy-barrier approach was developed by J.J.  damage to equipment and property;
Gibson in 1961 and structured by W.C. Haddon in1966.  reduction in the ability of persons to perform work;
This approach of accident prevention is very popular  Harm to the environment.
because it is simple to apply and easy to understand. We The procedure of the energy barrier techniques is to
all use energy to perform work. Power is the rate of look at each task and:
energy use. In classic industrial processes, high power  identify energy sources producing a risk (Table 4);
sources produce large amounts rate of energy in a short  describe the way the energy can come in contact with
time and are key to high production rates. Controlled employee(s) (i.e., the energy flow) (Table 5);
energy is essential to accomplish work. Find adequate barriers to eliminate or reduce the
chances of this contact (i.e., controlling the energy flow).
Uncontrolled energy flow has to potential to cause
accident, injury, equipment damage, or property losses.
For example, controlled flow of electrical energy will run
motors, power lighting and heating systems, and energize
many other desirable operations. Uncontrolled electrical
flow can cause electrocution or electric shocks to people,
destroy machines, and pollute our environment. If a
person comes in contact with a live electrical wire, the
electrical current will flow through his body cause
electrocution, or in a less severe case, electric shock. In
the same way, a moving belt drive processes kinetic
(motion) energy. If the belt breaks while moving, it can
hit a person and cause physical injury or result to
damages.

In the energy-barrier approach, hazard is defined as

uncontrolled energy flow and the possible contact

104
Type of energy Examples of contact Types of contact Examples of contact with
Gravitational Falls from same level, falls from uncontrolled energy
different level, falling objects. Contact between Struck against object.
Kinetic Human energy: repetitive motion, objects and Struck by object.
overexertion, awkward posture. equipment Caught in or compressed by equipment
Machine energy: struck by moving or objects.
object, projectiles, airborne particulate, Caught in or crushed in collapsing
motor vehicle, caught between caught materials.
in cut by. Rubbed or abraded by friction or
Thermal Burns (hot and cold), hypothermia, heat pressure.
stress, solar heat. Rubbed abraded or jarred by vibration.
Biological Contact with infections resulting in Falls Falls to lower level.
decreases (of the lungs, blood, skin, Jump to lower level.
etc.) Fall on same level.
Contact with pathogens. Bodily reaction and Bodily reaction.
Chemical Corrosion: degradation of materials. exertion Overexertion.
Reactions: exothermic, explosive, toxic, Repetitive motion.
corrosive. Sustained viewing.
Fumes: gases, dusts. Static posture without the application of
Hydraulic Asphyxiation (drowning), motive force force to an object.
(resulting in crushing, caught between, Static posture with the application of
etc.) force to an object.
electrical Electric shock, electrical burns, Bodily conditions.
electrocution. Exposure to caustic, Exposure to noise.
Radiation Ionizing radiation exposure from: noxious, or allergenic Exposure to radiation.
radioactive material, cosmic rays, substances Exposure to traumatic or stressful event.
natural radioactive materials in the Oxygen deficiency.
earth, x-ray machines. Exposure to harmful substances or
Electromagnetic radiation exposure environments
from: microwaves ovens, radio and TV Contact with electric current
antennas. Contact with temperature extremes
Animal Attacks, bites, stings. Exposure to air pressure changes
Stored potential Motive force from: coil springs, flexed Transportation Highway accident
energy objects, accidents Non-highway accident (except rail, air,
Pressure: steam, compressed gases. water)
Noise Machine noise, human noise, Pedestrian, non-passenger struck by
environmental noise (wind, animals, vehicle, mobile equipment
etc.) Railway accident
Multiple kinds of The interaction of two or more kinds of Water vehicle accident
energy energy frequently causes accidents. Aircraft accident
This complexity can be best described Transportation accident
or classified by the sequential listing Fires and explosions Fire: unintended or uncontrolled
energies: for example, electrical shock Explosion
resulting in fall from heights. Bee sting Assaults and violent Assaults and violent acts by person(s)
resulting in motor vehicle accident. cats Self-inflicted injury
Table 14.3 Types of energy. Assaults by animals
Table 14.4 Examples of contact with uncontrolled energy sources
STEP 4. How are preventive measures
determined?

The fourth step in a JSA is determining ways to The objective of both approaches is the same: the
eliminate or mitigate the hazards identified. There are prevention of injuries, illnesses, and other losses. Preventive
two approaches for doing this: measures depend on the findings of the JSA and not the
A) Hazard control strategies method to perform it (i.e. the change analysis technique or
B) Energy-barrier approach involving controls: at the energy barrier approach).
the source; along the path; and at the person.
105
A) Hazard control strategies  Implement emission controls.
 Add safety and alert devices.
The following are common hazard control strategies,  Develop safety procedures.
in order of preference:  Train the workers to perform the task safely.
1. Eliminate the hazard.  Provide health and safety education.
2. Substitute the hazard with less hazardous or non-
hazardous options. Isolate the hazard
3. Minimize the risk due to the hazard:
 Build enclosures to contain the hazard.
 Reduces the exposition.
 Group noisy machinery in a room.
 Isolate the hazard
 Isolate the worker operations in a control room.
 Provide personnel protective equipment and
 Put a cabin on a lift truck.
clothing
 Implement administrative controls Provide personnel protective equipment and clothing
4. Have an emergency plan in place.
 Use respirators in dangerous atmosphere.
5. Adopt measures to reduce damage following an
 Select appropriate gloves corresponding to the
accident or emergency.
type of solvent
1. Eliminate the hazard  Protect fingers with wire mesh to prevent cuts by
knife.
This is the most effective measure because the risk is  Wear a wide brim cap to prevent exposure to
eliminated. Examples of options in this category are: sunlight.
 Use fall protection when working at height.
 Choose a different process;
 Modify an existing process by changing the Implement administrative controls to reduce exposure
energy type; to the hazard
 Modify or change equipment or tools;  Implement job rotation schedule.
 Lock out energy sources  Reduce time or frequency of exposure to a
hazardous substance.
2. Substitute the hazard with less or non-hazardous  Evaluate employee’s physical, mental and
options emotional capacity before a job placement.
 Ensure that the employees can perform work
This measure is very effective, especially for without endangering their own health and safety
hazardous substances, but its application in safety field is or that of others.
practicable. Here are some examples:  Institute medical controls and examinations.

 Replace solvents by water solutions; 4. Have an emergency plan in place

 Substitute vapour heating by electric devices;
 Use electronic controls instead of pneumatic Fires and emergencies may and do happen. Workplaces
ones; must have an emergency plan in place to protect people,
 Crush explosive dusts in inert gas atmosphere property, and business in case of such emergencies.
instead of air;
 Use a non-sparking copper hammer in a 5. Adopt measures to reduce damage following an
flammable atmosphere in lieu of steel hammer. accident or emergency

3. Minimize the risk due to the hazard Workplaces must have plans in place to deal with the
after effects of accidents and emergencies. These include
If the hazard cannot be eliminated or substituted, plans for:
efforts should be made to minimize the risk to the  Rescue of the victims;
employee due to the injurious contact with the hazard.  Emergency medical assistance for the injured;
This is achieved by using one or a combination of the  Repair and restoration of the damage; and
following methods of control:  Compensation and insurance

Reduce the exposure B) Energy-barrier approach

 Change the design of the workstation.
 Improve environment (e.g. ventilation) The basic concept in this approach is that accidents
occur because of the lack of barriers to control unwanted
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energy flow. Whether or not a form of energy produces Instructor’s Note:
an injury or loss in a given situation depends on the: __________________________________________
 Magnitude of energy and rate of release; ______________________________________________
 Duration and frequency of contact; and ______________________________________________
 Concentration of forces: force per unit area ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
The harmful effects of uncontrolled energy transfer ______________________________________________
can be prevented or reduced by a succession of ______________________________________________
countermeasures or energy barriers (see Table 14.5 and ______________________________________________
Figures 14.1 and 14.2) ______________________________________________

Energy Barrier and Unwanted Energy Flow

Figure 14.1 – Barriers for unwanted energy flow from an energy source to a person.

Figure 14.2 – Illustrations of energy-barrier approach to describe control measures.

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Barrier Type Examples
1. Limit energy Lower speed, lower voltage, limit quantity
2. Substitute safer energy form Safer chemicals
3. Prevent build-up Fuses, floor loading
4. Prevent the release Containment, insulation
5. Provide slow release Safety valves, seatbelts
6. Channel the release Electrical grounding, lockouts, interlocks
(separate in time and space)
7. Apply energy barrier on the source Acoustic enclosures, sprinklers
8. Apply energy barrier between source and target Fire doors, welding curtains
9. Apply energy barrier on person or object Personal protective equipment, machine guards
10. Raise the injury or damage threshold Selection, acclimatization
11. Limit injury or damage from worsening Emergency medical aid, emergency showers
12. Rehabilitate Persons regain health, equipment repaired, special
insurance, victim compensation
Table 14.5 Examples of energy barriers (in order of efficiency)

STEP 5. How should I communicate the JSA d) Place blocks in front and back of the wheel
information to everyone else? diagonally opposite the flat tire to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
Once the preventive measures are selected, the
results must be communicated to all employees who are, 2. Get a spare tire and tool kit
or will be, performing that job. The side-by-side format
used in JSA worksheets is not an ideal one for Turn the spare tire up into an upright position in its well.
instructional purposes. Better results can be achieved by Stand as close to the trunk as possible and slide the spare
using the results of JSA to develop work procedure in a close to your body. Lift out and roll to flat tire to prevent
narrative-style format. For example, the work procedure it from popping off and striking you.
for changing a flat tire might start out like this:
3. Loosen lug blots (nuts)
1. Park vehicle
Using the proper lug wrench, apply steady pressure
a) Drive vehicle off the road to an area clear of traffic, slowly to loosen the lug blots (nuts), so that the wrench
even if it requires rolling on a flat tire. Turn on the will not slip and hurt your knuckles.
emergency flashers to alert passing drivers so that
they will not hit you. 4. And so on…
b) Park on a firm, level area so that the vehicle does not
roll when you jack it up. If a written job procedure already exists, it should be
c) Apply the parking brake, leave the transmission in revised to include health and safety items identified by
gear or PARK, and turn off the engine. the job safety analysis process.

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 CHAPTER 15
SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

INTRODUCTION The test of a good safety program is whether the

employees’ new awareness regarding safety results in
The best way of preventing accident is education. It observable, measurable improvements in this job safety
directly addresses the primary cause of accident, which is performance. The test for management is higher
ignorance. There is no substitute for educated and well- employee productivity and an improved safety record.
trained personnel. Though we developed a standard, safe
and healthy workplace, it is still impossible to achieve Five steps in modifying employee behavior
better performance on safety unless we developed a regarding safety are:
safety conscious worker. An effective accident
prevention program is based on proper job performance 1) Providing orientation and training;
of the working personnel. When people are trained to do 2) Promoting safety skills;
their job properly, they will do them safely. 3) Creating a culture of safety
4) Developing “safety awareness” attitudes and
This, in turn, means that supervisors must 1) know 5) Modeling good safety practices (supervisor and
how to train an employee in the safe, proper way of upper management)
doing a job, as well as 2) know how to supervise. It also
means that the safety professional should be familiar Many studies have been made to determine why
with sound training effort but he should be able to people fail to follow safety procedures or to take
recognize the elements of a sound training program. reasonable precautions on the job. Some of the reasons
Although training and education cannot be separated are that workers have:
completely, safety education is broader in scope and
usually covers a number of subjects not normally 1. Employees were not given specific instructions
included in a training program. in the operation
2. They misunderstood the instruction
Training is only one way to influence human 3. They were not listening to the instruction or
behavior. Safe performance can be encouraged by the intentionally disregarded the instruction
example of an employer who seriously shows effort to 4. They considered the instruction either
create safe working conditions. Developing safe work unimportant or unnecessary
procedures, by teaching the procedures effectively and
by insisting that they be followed also encourages safe Any of the above lapses can result in an accident. To
performance. Well-planned training program will not prevent such an occurrence, it is essential that safety
only train employees, but it will also help modify training work be conducted efficiently. Every person
behavior and other influences so they will complement who conducts safety training should have the following
the effect of training. qualities:

The effects of these efforts are observable and 1. He must have a thorough knowledge of the subject.
measurable which can serve as a positive evaluation of 2. He must have the desire to instruct.
accident prevention work. The Occupational Safety and 3. He must be friendly and have cooperative attitude.
Health Standards now mandate employee safety training 4. He must have leadership qualities.
as implemented by the Bureau of Working Conditions – 5. He must have professional attitude and approach
Department of Labor and Employment. Under this law, 6. He must possess exemplary behavior to set an
employers must provide the following: example for others

1. Employee training and education programs MAJOR ELEMENTS OF SAETY PLAN

2. Pertinent information about the job:
 Proper working conditions and precautions 1. Safety Policy
 All hazards employees are exposed to on the job 2. Safety training department
 Symptoms of toxic exposure to chemicals or 3. Safety committee
other substances used in the workplace 4. Safety rules and regulations
 Emergency treatment procedures 5. System, guidelines and procedures
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 6. Safety training Sometimes, a completely new program must be
7. Safety records designed and subtopics should be arranged, the
8. Comprehensive health control and services course outline is the framework that determines the
9. Safety promotion training methodology.
10. Community awareness and public safety
4. Training Methodology. A decision must be made as
DEVELOPING THE TRAINING PROGRAM to the training methodology that will best reach the
stated objective of the training program.
When developing a training program, consider the
training needs, program objectives, course outline, 5. The Lesson Plan. The safety professional and
materials and methodology. others, who must often teach safety subjects, should
be familiar with the lesson plan. They are blueprint
1. The training needs. A training program is needed for presenting material contained in a course outline.
for 1) new employees; 2) for transferred employees; In addition to standardizing training, lesson plans
3) when new equipment or processes are introduced; help the instructor to:
4) procedures have been revised or updated; 5)when
new information must be made available; and 6) a. Present material in proper order
when employee performance needs to be improved. b. Emphasize material in relation to its importance
Unless a training program is needed however, there c. Avoid emission of essential material
is little justification for spending time and money d. Run the classes on schedule
just to have one. Here are some indications of a good e. Provide for trainee participation
training program: f. Increase participant’s confidence, especially if he is
new.
a. Proportionately more accidents and injuries are
higher than other companies ORIENTATION TRAINING
b. High labor turnover
c. Company expansion of plan and equipment a. The First Day. One of the best ways to involve in an
accident prevention program is to provide a thorough
2. Program Objectives. Training programs should be orientation for new employees. One frequently hears
based on clearly defined objectives that determine of people having accidents the first day on a new job.
the scope of the training and guide the selection and In many instances, these employees were not given
preparation of the training materials. Objectives proper instructions. A good orientation program for
should be planned carefully and written down. They new employees should emphasize:
should indicate what the trainee is to know or do by
the end of the training period. a. General company rules and employees benefits.
These topics are usually covered by the industrial or
To make sure the objectives really cover the human relations department.
needs of those to be trained, the duties and
responsibilities of the trainees should be determined. b. Overall safety rules and accident prevention
Job descriptions and job analyses should be programs and policies. The safety director usually
reviewed. These, along with personal observations covers these topics.
and performance tests will reveal where training is
needed. For example: if a job description (or list of c. Explanation of the specific hazards in the new
duties) for supervisors includes training of workers, employees’ department and the applicable safety
then supervisors should be trained to train. This now rules and practices to offset those hazards. This part
becomes one of the objectives of the supervisory of the orientation is the most important and should be
safety training program. conducted by you-front line supervisor.

3. Course Outlines and Materials. After defining the d. The following information should be covered on the
training program objectives, the next step is new employee’s first day:
developing the outline of what is to be covered.
Often, an outline meet the program objectives by JOB PAY RULES
using existing texts and course materials or by Specific tasks Pay rates Company policies
combining parts of several texts or courses already in Responsibilities Pay dates Department policies
use. Performance Deductions Work rules
standards Safety regulations
Probationary policy
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 HOURS BENEFITS ABSENCES 3. Personal Protective Equipment. Safety training
Hours of work Medical Sick leave policy sessions or job instruction of new employees is a golden
Days off Life Insurance Tardiness policy opportunity to demonstrate personal protective
Overtime Disability Reporting policy equipment and to explain why such equipment is
Flex time Pension Vacation
necessary. Knowing and telling new employee why they
Savings Holidays
Breaks wear eye protect ion will help ensure their compliance
Meals with rules. This is also an ideal time to show new
employees how to care for and clean their personal
CHAIN OFCOMMAND EQUIPMENT protective equipment and what procedures to follow if
Protocol Dress code any piece needs repair or replacement. From the first
Who’s who Uniforms day, new employees learn the importance of personal
Titles PPE protective equipment and understand the rules regarding
its uses will be strictly enforced.
e. His immediate supervisor on safety practices should
indoctrinate the new employee further as they relate 4. Transferred Employees. An orientation
to his job. This include, but are not limited to the sessions for employee transferred should also be
following: conducted. Specific problems that they may not have
encountered on their previous job within the company
 Existing occupational hazard should also be covered. It’s better to alert transferred
 Machine guarding, safety signs and other equipment employees a second time to hazards than to take the
safeguards chance that they may not be aware of them.
 Application of different PPE
 Emergency preparedness 5. Follow-up. A follow-up session with new or
 Safety tagging and equipment clearance transferred employees should be scheduled several days
 Good housekeeping after the initial orientation. This session will help to
 Land transport safety determine how good the training job was done
previously. It also gives the new employee no the
This will show new employees how certain hazards opportunity to ask questions about their work. Encourage
have been eliminated and what precautions have been workers to bring up any questions they may have
taken to guard against hazards that cannot be laminated. regarding accident prevention. This process helps
Such explanations can yield a number of benefits: employees to think about safety from the start.

 New employees will realize the company’s

commitment to safety and worker protection. Many supervisors used a checklist of items to be
 Supervisors can emphasize the need for safety rules covered in their orientation for new employees. This can
and give reasons why they must be followed. be used as a basis for making checklist. This is one way
of making sure that all the relevant items were covered.
 New employees, from the first day on the job, will
Some companies ask the new employees to sign the
understand how important safety is everywhere in
orientation checklist and return it to the industrial
the plant.
relations department to verify that all points have been
covered.
2. Safety operating procedures. Before new employees
start their first assignment, you should discuss the
JOB INSTRUCTION TRAINING
following procedures:
Job Instruction Training (JIT) is a technique for
b. All accidents, including near misses must be reported
providing on-the-job training for particular tasks.
immediately.
Teaching new and/or transferred employees to do the job
c. Any unsafe condition must also be reported to you or
safely and efficiently can improve operations immensely.
your staff at once.
Either that you conduct the training yourself or delegate
d. Equipment and tools should be checked being used,
it to an experienced staff. Because the responsibility for
in if they appear to be in good condition.
the quality of the training is vested in you, make sure JIT
e. No one should be allowed to operate any equipment
instructors have a detailed knowledge of the job, a strong
without specific authorization and instruction from
demonstrated safety record, a strong desire to teach,
the supervisor.
ability to communicate, and a friendly-cooperative
f. Job instruction must always include applicable safety
attitude.
instruction as a matter of course.

111
1. Getting Ready To Teach. d. Follow-up. When you observed enough job cycles to
be certain that new employees have mastered the
Before beginning any job training, you will need to operation, it’s time to put the final step into
determine several issues. These are: operation: let the workers demonstrate what they
have learned. Again express confidence that quality
b. What kind of training is needed? Find out what levels will be met in time. Continue to check back
trainees already know. It is wasteful time to provide with them as often as in necessary. Encourage
training that isn’t needed. trainees to ask questions anytime.
c. Set a timetable. On the basis of training needs,
determine how much time the instruction will take 3. The Lesson Plan
and plan accordingly.
d. Make sure all equipment and supplies are ready. a. Title – Must indicate clearly and concisely the
To provide uninterrupted training, have on hand all subject matter to be taught.
materials, supplies, fixtures, and other necessary b. Objectives – State what the trainee must know or be
items. able to do at the end of the training period and they
e. Arrange the workplace properly, to develop good should be specific. It should limit the subject matter
housekeeping practices right from the start, make and may divide into a major and several minor
sure that anything is in place. Good housekeeping objectives for each session.
habits impressed on the training of the first day can c. Training aids – should include such items as actual
set the pattern for good housekeeping practices on equipment or tools to be used, charts slides, films,
the jobs. overhead projectors, etc.
f. Have the key points firmly in mind. Key points are d. Introduction – it should give the scope of the
items that will enable the operator to do the job subject; tell the value of the subject and should
better, safer, and faster. Instructors can share their stimulate thinking on the subject.
on-the-job experience by demonstrating the safe, e. Presentation – enumerate the plan of action;
efficient way to do a job. indicate the method of teaching to be used (lecture,
demonstration, class discussion, or a combination of
2. Four-Step Instruction these); contain suggested directions for instruction
activity (show chart, write key words on chalkboard).
a. Preparing the worker. New employees are f. Application – indicate by example how trainees will
especially nervous on the first day of a new job. You apply these materials immediately (problems maybe
or your trainer must put them at ease. Define the job worked); have an employee perform a job; question
in detail and show the quality standards that must be trainees on their understanding of job procedures.
met. Make sure employees understand that how well g. Summary – it should restate main points, ties up
the work is done will affect the quality of the loose ends; strengthen weak spots on instruction.
finished product. It is recommended that the trainer h. Test – it helps determine if objectives have been
work alongside the trainees rather than across the reached; should be announced to the class at the
workbench or machine. This enables the trainees to beginning of the session.
see the work done exactly as it will be done on the i. Assignment – give references to be checked or
job. indicate materials to be prepared for future lessons.
b. Present the operation. The trainer should
demonstrate the job step at a time. Whenever SAFETY TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS
possible, tell the trainees why a step is done in
sequence. This is helpful because it is easier to The immediate job of preventing accidents and
remember in a particular way. Trainees should be controlling work hazards fall upon the supervisor not
encouraged to ask questions regarding any phase of because it has been assigned to him but because safety
the operation. Be sure to stress key points as they and production control are associated with supervisory
come up in the job steps. functions. Whether or not a company has a safety
c. Try out performance. At this point in the training program, the supervisor has these principal
cycle, the instruction becomes a coach and watches responsibilities:
the trainee’s performance. Have a new employee
describe each step as it is being completed. This will 1) Establish work methods;
enable the instructor to determine whether the 2) Give job instruction;
training was effective. Remember the old saying, “If 3) Assign people at work;
the trainee hasn’t learned, the instructor hasn’t 4) Supervise people at work; and
taught!” 5) Maintain equipment and the workplace.
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 These principal responsibilities of the supervisor are 6. To help them implement safety practices in his area
the though which the work of preventing accidents is of responsibilities.
carried out. A brief examination of these jobs and their
relation to safety will make this fact apparent: The following topics must be covered in the training:
1) Safety and the Supervisor;
1. Establishing Work Methods a well understood and 2) Know Your Accident Problems;
consistently followed work methods are essential to 3) Human Relations;
an orderly and safe operation. Often, accident 4) Maintaining Interest in Safety;
investigation disclosed that many injuries and health 5) Instructing for Safety;
hazards have been reported to result from “unsafe 6) Industrial Hygiene;
method or procedure”. The method was declared 7) Personal Protective Equipment;
hazardous only after it resulted in an accident. 8) Industrial Inspection and Housekeeping;
Therefore, making sure that safe procedures are 9) Materials and Handling and Storage;
established is a supervisory responsibility. 10) Machine and Equipment Guarding;
2. Giving Job Instruction. Giving job instruction with 11) Hand and Portable Power Tools; and
emphasis on safety aspects of the job will help 12) Fire Protection.
eliminate one of the most frequent causes of
accidents- lack of knowledge or skill. If employee TRAINING FOR SAFETY ENGINEERS AND
are expected to do their work safety, supervisors OTHERS SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
must show them exactly how to do work and must
make sure that the employees has knowledge and Safety engineers and other practitioners should
skill to do it exactly that matter. possess the expertise in all aspects of loss control
3. Assigning People to Jobs. Whenever a supervisor management to effectively discharge their safety
makes a work assignment, safety as well as good job functions. This is acquired thought completion of special
performance requires that he be sure that the worker accreditation courses for safety practitioners conducted
is qualified to do the work method. Even an by accredited safety training institution duly accredited
experienced worker needs some direction. by the Bureau of Working Conditions- Department of
4. Supervising People at Work. Even after a safe Labor and Employment.
work method is in place and has been established and
implemented, people still deviate from established TRAINING RECORDS
safe practices and injuries result. In order to prevent
this, supervisors must watch for unsafe work All training session should be appropriately
methods and correct them as soon as they are documented to include date of attendance, course
observed. objectives/contents, list of attendees and resources
5. Maintaining Equipment and Workplace. speakers, result/feedback on the conduct of the
Accidents may result from tolls and equipment in seminar/training, as well as test results. Certificate of
poor condition, from a disorderly workplace, or from Attendance/Completion shall form part of the personnel
makeshift tools used because the right tools are not 201 file and shall qualify the person to an assigned task.
available. The supervisor should therefore keep his
department and equipment in top condition to METHODS/TECHNIQUES IN UPDATING AND
prevent accidents as well as to improve efficiency. SUSTAINING THE PERFORMANCE
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The objectives of the Supervisory Safety
Training may be any or all of the following: In cases where operations have a relatively high
degree of hazard, more specialized training program
1. To establish them as the key person in preventing should be provided in order to enable the workers to
accidents. identify prevailing occupational hazard and institution
2. To enable them to understand the nature of his safety safety precautions. Such specialized operation includes,
duties. but is not limited to the following:
3. To provide them with information on the causes of
accidents and occupational health hazards, and the 1. High voltage/Hot line maintenance activities
methods of their prevention. 2. Hot and cold works operations
4. To develop his problem- solving ability based on 3. Storage, handling and disposal of chemical
own and other experience as they apply to accident compounds and toxic/ hazardous materials
prevention. 4. Extreme temperature/pressure operations
5. To help them gain skill in safety activities. 5. Handling and safeguarding radioactive materials
113
6. Driving company vehicle 2. When injuries resulting from a specific operation are
7. Emergency preparedness frequent.
8. Confines space work 3. When product design changes, different materials, or
9. Under water special operations (scuba diving) new machines necessitates changes in work method.
10. Heavy equipment operations
11. Pollution control and oil spill combating activities. Instructor’s Note:
__________________________________________
REFRESHER COURSE ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Refresher courses should be conducted by the Safety ______________________________________________
Engineer. Review and discussion of safety operating ______________________________________________
practices with full participation of the concerned safety ______________________________________________
committee members shall be encouraged to correct ______________________________________________
unsafe work habits to develop operational proficiency ______________________________________________
and confidence. The following are some of the reasons ______________________________________________
why a refresher course is necessary: ______________________________________________

1. When an individual or a group begins to fairly steady

record of poor safety performance.

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 CHAPTER 16
FIRE PROTECTION AND LOSS CONTROL

INTRODUCTION Workers and supervisors are in and excellent

position to determine necessary fire prevention measures
Fundamentally, fire prevention and control refer to because of their knowledge of day-to-day operations.
systems and practices that increase a facility’s ability to They should be able to recognize the need for specific
avoid fires, limit the development and spread of fires, fire protection equipment and see to it that such
and rapidly and effectively control fires. Fire prevention equipment is provided. Make sure employees follow safe
and protection is an integral part of safety programs in all housekeeping practices to prevent fires. Continuous
industries. Educational facilities contain a higher trainings in safe work practices, regular inspections of
potential for fires that most person realize. The first line work areas and close supervision of employee job
of defense in protection from fires is the proper performance are the primary requirements of a successful
application of building codes, which contain provisions fire prevention program.
for fire safety when new buildings are constructed or,
existing buildings are renovated or structurally changed. THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE
In the Philippines hundred millions of Pesos are
considered to be lost due to fire incidents. Supervision and expertise in regard to fire prevention
and control begins with an understanding of basic fire
Fire protection and control is a science in itself and chemistry. Every ordinary fire (one that does not produce
an effective and efficient fire protection program depends its own oxygen supply) results with a substance (fuel) in
on the supervisor and the personnel not only in the the presence of air (oxygen) is heated to critical
equipment. It is therefore necessary that the supervisor temperature called its “ignition temperature”. This
should be able to: important concept is illustrated by the fire triangle.

1) Understand the basic principles of fore safety The Fire Triangle

including the chemistry of fire;
2) Identify the fire hazards, causes of fires, and
safeguards required to prevent fires;
3) Conduct regular periodic inspections to ensures that FUEL HEAT
the work areas remain in a fire-safe condition;
4) Understand the used and operation of fire protection
equipment and systems;
FIRE
5) Instruct employees in the procedures of reporting
fires, fighting fires, and evaluating work areas;
6) Developed a sound fire protection education program OXYGEN
for on and off the job.
For many years, the three-sided figure of the fire
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES ABOUT FIRE triangle has adequately been used to explain and
described the combustion and extinguishing theory. If
Fundamentally fire is a process that emits light and any of the three elements is involved. A fire cannot exist.
heat. In order to explain and understand fire A new theory has developed to explain combustion and
development, experts have devised various fire models. extinguishments further. This is transition from the plain
One of the earliest models is the fire triangle. To sustain geometric figure, which we recognize is the fire triangle
most fire, three elements must be available at the same to a four-sided geometric figure, a tetrahedron, which
time: elevated temperature, oxygen and fuel sources by resembles a pyramid.
conduction, convection and radiation. Conductions
transfers heat through contact with solid material. MODE OF EXTINGUISHMENT
Convection transfer heat through heated air. Radiation
transfers heat through electromagnetic waves given off 1. Oxygen removal. Removing or lowering oxygen
by flames. level is difficult because of fire needs about the same
amount of oxygen for burning that humans need for
115
 breathing. Oxygen levels can be reduced below the Normally, the location and installation of portable
minimum percentage needed for combustion by fire extinguishers, fire blankets, stretchers, and other fire
purging and rendering the atmosphere inert in closed safety equipment and strategic places in the plant of job
containers or processing systems. Firefighting foam site are the direct responsibility of higher management.
extinguishers fire by smothering and cooling. However, the supervisor should know the location of
units in his area, and recommend relocating them or
2. Fuel removal. In many cases, it is neither possible obtaining additional units if such changes will afford
nor practical to remove all fuels (solids or liquids). more adequate protection fire extinguishers must meet
However, try to keep the quantity of stored the following requirements:
combustible materials at a minimum. Storage
containers must be placed in orderly piles with 1. Be kept fully charged and in their designated places.
adequate aisle space. Good bookkeeping is also a 2. Be located along normal paths of travel where
crucial factor in keeping a small accidental fire from practical.
rapidly spreading. 3. Not be obstructed or obscured from view.
4. Not be mounted higher than 5ft (1.5m) or 3 1/@ ft.
3. Heat source control. Eliminating and controlling (1m). There shall be a clearance of at least 4 in. (10
heat source also elementary steps fire prevention. cm) between the bottom of the extinguisher and the
Conscientious workers can control the used of floor.
welding and cutting equipment, torched, heating, 5. Be inspected by management or a designated
equipment, spark-producing equipment, electricity, employee at least monthly to make sure that they are
smoking materials. The time to stop a fire is before it in their designated places, have not been tampered
starts-keep heat and ignition sources away from fuel. with or actuated and do not have corrosion or other
impairment.
CLASSES OF FIRE 6. Be examined at least yearly and or recharged or
repair to ensure operability and safety.
The Bureau of Fire Protection and OSHS classified 7. Must be hydrostatically tested every five years
fires according to the fuel burning. As a technical person, except CO2, which must be tested every ten years.
you need to know the four classes of fires that might 8. Be selected on the basis of type of hazards degree of
break out in your area. Before employees can combat hazards and area to be protected.
incipient fires effectively they must be familiar with and 9. Be placed so that the maximum travel distance
understand these classes of fires. Briefly they are: between fire extinguishers do not exceed 75ft. (23m)
on a non-0hazarduos area or 50ft (15m) for
Class A. Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as hazardous areas.
wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and any other plastics where 10. After using fire extinguishers:
the quenching and cooling effects of water and solutions
containing large percentage of water are of prime a. Have your extinguisher re-charged or replaced
importance. immediately even if only partially recharged.
b. A momentary discharged could cause total loss
Class B. Fires in flammable liquids, grease, oils, tars, oil- of pressure.
based paints, lacquers, and similar materials, where c. Bring your extinguisher to a qualified and
mothering or exclusions of air and interrupting the reputable fire extinguisher service agency for
chemical chain reaction are most effective. This class recharging, repair or test.
also includes flammable gases. d. Do not fill your extinguisher with any material
other than the specified on the nameplate. This
Class C. An electrically induced fire where the use of a may cause damage to the cylinder causing to
nonconductive extinguishing agent is of first importance; rapture resulting to injury.
the safest procedure is always to attempt to de-energize
circuits and treat as a Class A or Class B Fire It’s a good practice for you to schedule fire drills
during which workers use extinguishers appropriate for
Class D. Fires that occur in combustible metals, such as their particular work areas. The company’s safety
magnesium, lithium, and sodium; Special extinguishing professional, or the local fire chief will assist in
agents and techniques are needed for fires of this type. conducting such drills. This is accordance with P.D.
1185 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.

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SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL FIRES 1. Combustible materials should present in work areas
only in quantities required for the job they should be
1. Electrical Equipment. Electrical defects generally removed to a designated, safe storage area at the end
due to poor maintenance mostly in wiring, motors, of the workday.
switch lamps, and hot elements. 2. Quick burning and flammable materials should be
2. Friction. Hot bearings, misaligned or broken stored only in designated locations. Such locations
machine parts, chocking and jamming of materials, always should be away from ignition sources and
poor adjustment. have special fire-extinguishing provisions. Covered
3. Foreign Substances. Tramp metal, which produces metal receptacles are best.
sparks when track by rapidly revolving machinery 3. Vessels or pipes containing flammable liquids or
common cause in textile industry. gases must be airtight. Any spills should be cleaned
4. Open Flames. Cutting and welding torches gas and up immediately.
oil burners. Misuse of gasoline torches. 4. Workers should be careful not to contaminate their
5. Smoking and Matches. Dangerous near flammable clothing with flammable liquids. If contamination
liquids, gasses, and in areas where combustibles are does occur, these individual must be required to
use or stored. change their clothing before continuing to work.
6. Spontaneous Ignition Deposits in Ducts and Flues. 5. Passageways and fire doors should be unobstructed.
Low-grade storage. Industrial wastes. Oily waste and Stairwell doors must not be propped open, and
rubbish. material should be stored in stairwells.
7. Hot Surfaces. Exposures of combustibles to
furnaces, hot ducts and flues, electric lamps or irons To obtain proper distribution of water from your
hot metal being processed. sprinkler head a minimum of 18 in. (46 cm.) of clear
8. Combustible Sparks. Rubbish-burning, foundry space is required below sprinkler deflectors. However,
cupolas, furnaces and fireboxes, and process clearance of a 24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm.) is
equipment. recommended. If there are no sprinklers clearance of 3 ft.
9. Overheated Materials. Abnormal process (0.9 m) between piled material and the ceiling is required
temperature. Materials in dries. Overheating of to permit used of hose streams. Double this distance
flammable liquids. when stock is piled more than 15 ft. (45 m) high.
10. Static Electricity. Dangerous presence of flammable
vapors. Occurs at spreading and coating rolls or Be sure to check applicable codes, especially Life
where liquid flows from pipes. Safety Code, ANSI/NFPA 101-1988. Fire Code of the
Philippines and OSH Standards
TYPES OF EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTIONS
1. Water for ordinary combustibles.
2. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for flammable Fire prevention inspection need, will vary from
liquid fires. facility and department to department. However, all fire
3. Ordinary Dry Powder for Class B and C fires. prevention inspection has four basic goals:
4. Carbon Dioxide for electrical fires.
5. Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical (Mono-ammonium 1. Minimize the size of fires by ensuring that
Phosphate) for A and C fires. combustible and flammable material storage is
controlled.
EFFECTIVE HOUSEKEEPING FOR FIRE 2. Control ignition sources to reduce the possibility of
SAFETY fire.
3. Make sure that fire protection equipment is
Good housekeeping another important part of an operational.
effective fire protection program. As supervisor, you 4. Make sure that personnel exit facilities are
must maintain a positive attitude with the crew and maintained.
enforce housekeeping rules at all times. Each person
should be held responsible for preventing the You will normally have some responsibility for fire
accumulation of unnecessary combustible materials in protection inspections as part of your daily, weekly, and
the work area workers should be held accountable for monthly inspection activities. Fire prevention inspections
their areas at the end of their shift. Here are the generally are conducted at the supervisory level as part
precautions to take: of routine safety inspection activities the best way to

117
ensure that the proper items are inspected is to prepare a DETERMING THE FIRE HAZARDS TO BE
checklist. The checklist should be as specific as possible CONTROLLED
in defining what is and what is not, permitted. The
checklist can be used to audit the department and can be To developed the best fire prevention and control
given to employees to make sure that the levels of program, a supervisor or manager must a.) Determine the
housekeeping and other fire prevention items are defined specific fire problem existing in his area of operations
clearly to all parties. and b.) Plan and take actions to solve them he should
take both steps with the help of the best technical advice
FOLLOW-UP FIRE SAFETY he can get from experts in the fire department or
otherwise. For your guidance, a Fire Prevention
Frequent inspections of the area, corrections of Checklist is shown in figure 16.1.
hazardous condition, and instruction of the workers in
fire prevention and extinguishment measures are still not He should device an inspection checklist that names
enough to ensure a fire-safety work area. The supervisor as many places, materials, procedures, classes of
must follow up fire safety relentlessly he should make equipment, conditions and circumstances possible-ones
sure he instills fire safe attitudes in his personnel so they where fire hazards are likely to exist and should be
can continually observe safe work practices. examined. Said checklist must be regularly reviewed to
keep it up-to-date. Below is a sample Fire Prevention
Make fire prevention and extinguishments the Checklist that will serve as a guide in drawing up
subject of frequent safety talks between supervisors and inspection list for a work area.
ht e workers. Also discuss these issues in safety meetings
so that workers will be fully aware that fire prevention is
vital part of the overall safety programs of the company.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT HOT SURFACES

_/ No makeshift wiring _/ Hot pipes clear of combustible materials
_/ Extension cords serviceable _/ Ample clearance around boilers and furnaces
_/ Motors and tools free of dirt and grease _/ Soldering irons kept off combustible surfaces
_/ Lights clear of combustible materials _/ Ashes in metal containers
_/ Safest cleaning solvent used
SMOKING AND MATCHES
_/ Fuse and control boxes clean and closed
_/ Circuits properly fused _/ “No Smoking” and “Smoking areas clearly marked”
_/ Equipment approved for used in hazardous areas (if required) _/ Butt containers available and serviceable
_/ Ground connections clean and tight SPONTANEOS IGNITION
FRICTION _/ Flammable waste materials in closed metal containers
_/ No discarded smoking materials prohibited areas _/ Piled material cool, dry, and well
_/ Machinery properly lubricated _/ Trash receptacles emptied daily
_/ Machinery properly adjusted and or aligned STATIC ELECTRICITY
WELDING AND CUTTING _/ Flammable liquid dispensing vessels grounded or bonded
_/ Area surveyed for fire safety _/ Moving machinery grounded
_/ Combustibles removed or covered _/ Proper humidity maintained
_/ Permit issued HOUSEKEEPING
OPEN FLAMES _/ No accumulation of rubbish
_/ Kept away from spray rooms and booths _/Safe storage of flammables
_/ Portable torches clear or flammable surfaces _/ Passageways clear of obstacles
_/No gas leaks _/ Premises free of unnecessary of combustibles
_/ No leaks or dripping of flammables
PORTABLE HEATERS
_/ Fire doors unblocked and operating feely with fusible links intact
_/Set up with ample horizontal and overhead
_/Secured against tipping or upset
_/Combustible removed and covered
_/Safety mounted on non-combustible surface

EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT
_/ Proper type _/ In proper location _/ In working order
_/ Unobstructed _/ clearly marked _/ Service date current
_/ Personnel trained in the use of equipment
Figure 16.1 Fire Prevention Checklist

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 CHAPTER 17
MEDICAL & DENTAL PROGRAM
AND BASIC FIRST AID

INTRODUCTION The health condition might pose a risk to workmates

or the community. E.g. if reduced ability to drive safely,
It is a requirement of OSHS that employees be given risk of infecting food or patients.
a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of
occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect HEALTH SURVELLANCE
accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are
required to provide medical and first aid personnel and Health Surveillance can be defined in various ways.
supplies commensurate with the hazard of the workplace. Classically it has been understood to comprise those
The details of a workplace medical and first aid program strategies and methods to detect and assess
are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace systematically the adverse effects to work on the health
and employer. The intent of this chapter is to provide of workers. It has however also been used to include
general information that may be of assistance. In case systematic assessments of fitness for work, and/or of
specific information is needed, there a lot of training and health status that is not directly related to occupation.
support available thru different government agencies
Purposes of health Surveillance
First aid is the immediate care given to victims of
accidents before trained medical workers arrive. Its goal 1. Protection of health of the individual employee.
is to stop and, if possible, reverse harm; it involves rapid 2. Detection at an early stages any adverse health effects.
and simple measures such as clearing the air passageway, 3. Assisting in the evaluation of control measures.
applying measures to bleeding wounds or dousing 4. Data may be used for detection of hazards and
chemical burns to eyes or skin. The critical factors which assessments of risk.
shape first aid facilities in a workplace are work-specific 5. Other purposes: e.g. immune status assessment.
risk and availability of definitive medical care. The care
of a high powered saw injury is obviously radically Criteria for Conducting Health Surveillance
different from that of a chemical inhalation.
1. There is an identifiable disease or other identifiable
FITNESS FOR WORK adverse health outcome.
2. The disease of health effect may be related to
Generally speaking there are two important exposure.
considerations: the functional capacity to do the work in 3. There is a likelihood that the disease or health effect
question, and secondly the ‘safety’ or rather than risk may occur.
involved (to the worker and to others.) in under taking 4. There are valid techniques for detecting indications of
the work. In either case a detailed knowledge of the the disease or health effects.
work, and its requirement’s and risk is as essential as an
assessment of the worker. Thus consider the following Health Surveillance Techniques should be:
aspects in relation to fitness for work:
 Sensitive
1. The worker’s condition may reduce the capacity to  Specific
perform work; e.g. impaired exercise tolerance in
 Easy to perform and interpret
cardiac or respiratory diseases.
 Safe
2. The worker’s health may adversely affected by work.
E.g. some musculoskeletal problems occupational  Non-invasive
asthma.  Acceptable
3. The health problem may carry an excess risk to the
worker in the context of his work e.g. if liable to
epileptic fits and working on heights or operating
dangerous machinery.
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Example of Health Surveillance bleeding heavily, requires immediate assistance. If quick
effective first aid is provided, then the casualty has a
 Biological monitoring much better chance of a good recovery.
E.g. 2.5-hexane di one (a metabolite of n-hexane) in
urine COHb in workers exposed to methylene chloride.  It is important that quick action does not lead to
 Biological effect monitoring panic. Careful and deliberate action undertaken
E.g. Cholinesterase in blood of workers exposed to without too much delay is most beneficial to the
certain organ phosphorus pesticides. casualty. Try to remain calm and think your actions
 Enquiries, inspection or exam by a suitably through. A calm and controlled aider will give
qualified person everyone confidence that the event is being handled
E.g. an occupational health nurse administering a efficiently and effectively.
questionnaire for symptoms of asthma or rhinitis; or
examining the hands for dermatitis. Getting help
 Medical surveillance
E.g. lung function measurement in worker exposed To get expert medical assistance, call an ambulance
to substances known to cause occupational asthma; Chest on ‘117’ as early as possible. In Philippines, dialing
X-rays in workers exposed to respirable quartz. ‘117’ will connect a caller to emergency assistance
 Monitoring of sick absence police, fire or ambulance. ‘117’ can be dialed from any
Review by occupational health for work-related phone, fixed or mobile. You may need to dial an internal
trends in sick absence. number if you are not at work.

If you are attending to a casualty, get a bystander to

INTRODUCTION TO FIRT AID telephone for help. If you are on your own you may have
to live the casualty momentarily to make call. The
First aid is the initial care of a suddenly specific circumstance surrounding the incident will
sick or injured person. It is the care dictate whether you call for help, or whether you send a
administered by a person as soon as bystander.
possible after an accident or illness. It is
this prompt care and attention prior to the arrival of the You should instruct the bystander to give some basic
ambulance that sometimes means the difference between information to the operator, and get them to repeat it
life and death, or between a full or partial recovery. The back to insure that the connect information is understood.
main aims of first aid are:
There are 3 important things to remember when
 To preserve life calling for help:
 To protect the casualty from further harm
1. States which emergency service you want;
 To relieve pain
ambulance, fire, or police.
2. Stay on the line until connected with the emergency
First aid has limitations, as not everybody is a
service operator, as they will need to talk to you
paramedic or doctor, but it is an essential and vital
before sending the assistance.
element of the total medical system. First aid saves
3. Give as much information as you can about the
lives; you can ask any person who works in the
emergency including:
emergency medical field.
 Exact address of location
Immediate action  City or town
 Nearest cross road or street
As in most endeavors, the principle to be adopted in  Landmarks
first aid is immediate action. Bystanders or relatives not  Distance from town or landmark
knowing what to do or being too timid to try may have  Caller’s name
unwittingly contributed to unnecessary deaths and  Phone number from where the call is being made
chronic injuries. If a person is sick or injured, then they  What happened e.g. car accident
need help, and they need it immediately.  Number and condition of the casualties

Quick action is necessary to preserve life and limb.

A casualty who is not breathing effectively, or is
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Importance of consent Infectious diseases are those diseases that cause
infections to the human body, and in some cases of
Before you start treating a casualty, you should ask transmitted by contact or by cross-infection. Infection
for and receive the casualty’s consent to your treatment. may be due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.
If the casualty is unconscious, or is unable to give
consent due to their injuries, you can assume consent and The usual methods of communication are direct
commence treatment. If the casualty is under 18 years contact (with an infected person); indirect contact
old, then you should seek consent from a parent or (through coughing, air conditioning or similar); of
guardian is not present, you can commence treatment. through a host (insects, worms).

You should not commence treatment if an adult, who Many deadly infectious disease have been eradicated
seems to be of sound mind and able to make a decision in Australia, but several, such as poliomyelitis (a virus),
refuses your offer of treatment. are again on the increase. Many are preventable by
immunization. Some, such as the human
You only have the casualty’s consent to treat them immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have no cure or
for a condition that affects their immediate health. You immunization as yet.
should not provide help in relation to any ailment that
goes beyond your knowledge of first aid. The importance of first aid hygiene

FIRT AID DOCUMENTATION It is important that first aid procedures be conducted

with due regard for the danger of cross-infection. Simple
The accurate recording of injury/illness is also of rules of personal hygiene and wearing gloves are
great assistance to any medical help that may take over sufficient to guard both the first aid provider and the
your casualty’s treatment. Such as ambulance officers. casually from contamination when treating or caring for
The format that is used to report injury or illness varies a casual.
from workplace to workplace, and from state to state due
to different policy requirements or legislation. PRIOR TO TREATMENT

The information, which should be contained in an  Wash hand with soap and water, or rinse with
injury/illness report, is: antiseptic
 Date and time of incidents  Ensure that hands are washed thoroughly
 Brief personal details (name, address, date of birth) between fingers and under nails.
 SAMPLE history  Place the burrier between you and the casualty’s
o Sign and symptoms body fluid such as latex gloves.
o Allergies  If available, gloves should always be worn
o Meditation  Take care not to touch any unclean object when
o Previous medical history wearing gloves or once hands are washed
o Last time the casualty ate  If possible, used a protective cover clothing
o Event-history of injury/illness (what happened,  Cover any adjacent areas likely to produces
where and when) infection
 Observations (sign and symptoms,vitalsigns)
 First aider assessment of what the injury/illness is
date
 Signature of first aider
 Date of report
 Print name and title of first aider

FIRST AID HYGIENE

Ensuring cleanliness in all first aid situations is

extremely important. A first aider must take precautions
to ensure that the risk of infection is minimized by
practicing good first aid hygiene procedures.

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DURING TREATMENT 2nd LINK – EARLY CPR
Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
 Use a face shield or mask with a one-way-valve or performs by a first aider on a casualty who is in
filter, if available, when doing active resuscitation cardiac arrest can buy life-saving time.
 Use only
 clean badges and dressings 3rd LINK DEFIBRILLATION
 Avoid coughing, breathing, or speaking over the Early defibrillation is the third and perhaps most
wound significant link.
 Avoid contact with body fluids
 Avoid treating more than one casualty without 4th LINK – EARLYACLS
washing hands and changing gloves Advanced Cardiac Life Support is provided by
ambulance paramedics and other highly trained
AFTER TREATMENT medical personnel.

 Clean up both casualty and your self FIRST AID KITS

 Clean up the immediate vicinity
You may hope that an emergency never occurs, but
 Dispose of dressings, badges, sharps, gloves and
if it does you need to be prepared. Part of being prepared
soiled clothing safely and correctly
is keeping an appropriately stocked and maintained first
 Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly, even if aid kit. Possession of an adequate first aid kit will equip
gloves were used company to provide emergency assistance if required.
First aid kits can contain different contents, depending on
Waste materials can be placed inside a plastic bag, your specific requirements and situation or nature of
which is then placed inside another plastic bag and tide operations.
securely. Do not place in rubbish bin. Seek advice from
your local health department on disposal options. The best first aid kits are ones that take in to account
the specific uses that the kit may be used for. If you are
THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL in a remote area the contents of the kit will vary from the
kit that you keep at in-house work place.
It is estimated that more than 95% of sudden cardiac A first aid kit should be kept at the workplace, in
arrest victims die before reaching a hospital. However, your office and at probably in the guard house.
when all four links of the chin of survival are strong ,
survival rates for the victims of sudden cardiac arrest Recommended Contents of a Personal First Aid Kit
(SCA) can rise as to as high as 40%.

By understanding more about sudden cardiac arrest

and the importance of the chain of survival concept, you
may be able to save the life of a family member, a
neighbour, co-worker or a friend.

First aid kits should be stored in a cool, clean and dry

location that is childproof free from any possible misuse.
A regular check of contents is essential to ensure that the
contents are present, in date, and in good condition.
Make sure that all your family members and staff know
where the first aid kit is located so that it can be quickly
retrieved in an emergency.

The four links of the Chain of Survival are: FIRST AID EMERGENCY ATION PLAN

1st LINK – EARLY ACCESS The emergency action plan consists of five steps,
Call first – call fast. Get to the cardiac arrest Safety, Response, Airways, Breathing and
casualty quickly and call’000’ for an ambulance or Circulation. These steps are also commonly called
other medical assistance. SRABC, and are the prime consideration for everyone
involved in the care and treatment of casualties.
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Response There is no need to shake a casualty to gain a
response, just putting your hand on the shoulder and
Check the casualty plan for a response by touching talking loudly is an effective method and will awaken a
the casualty on the shoulders and asking loudly “are you sleeping person, or trigger a reason in someone who is
all right?” This is known as the “Touch and Talk” inebriated or sick. A casualty that does not react should
technique. be considered unconscious.

There are three levels of unconsciousness:  Prepare the casualty by checking pockets and
removing bulky items such as keys and spectacles
 Fully conscious – the casual is responsive and  Kneel beside the casualty and make sure that both
alert and aware of time and place. legs are straight
 Semi-conscious – the casualty is drowsy or
confused.
 Unconscious – the casualty is unresponsive

If the casualty responds

If the casualty responds by answering and appears

conscious, leave them in the position in which you find
them (provided they are not in further danger).
 Check the casualty’s condition and get help if
needed.
o Send someone for help.
o If you are on your own, leave the
casualty and go for help.
 Observed and reassess the casualty’s vital signs
regularly.

If the casualty does not respond

 Shout for help

 Check the airways

THE UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY

Any unconscious casualty who remains on their back

is at risk of an obstructed airway through either inhaling
vomitus (aspiration), or by having their upper airway
blocked by a relax tongue.

The most effective way of eliminating this problem

is to put the unconscious breathing casualty in a position
that will ensure that the airway remains open by draining
away any vomitus, or by allowing the relaxed tongue to
move away from the opening of the airway. This position
is called the recovery position. The recovery position is
also known as the ‘recovery’, ‘coma’, or ‘lateral’
position.

This is a position in which the casualty is placed on

their side, with the head down and tilted in such a way as
to cause any vomitus to be expelled onto the ground and,
and the tongue to fall away from the airway opening.

123
 Place the arm nearest to you out at right angles (90°) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
to the body
 Bring the far arm across the chest, and hold the back It is advised that safety professionals should
of the hand against the casualty’s cheek nearest to coordinate with the medical or health department of the
you company. A medical and occupational health program
 Using your other hand, grasp the far leg just above must be put in place for health maintenance and
the knee and pull it up, ensuring the foot stays on the improvement.
ground
 Keeping the hand pressed against the casualty’s Training of employees for first aid must also be
cheek, pull on the far leg to roll the casualty towards considered important. Together with this is the creation
you onto their side of first aid response team. Acquisition of first aid
 Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and knee are equipment, facilities and kits is also necessary in order to
bent at right angles save lives in case of emergency.
 Tilt the head back to make sure the airway remains
open Instructor’s Note:
 Adjust the hand under the cheek to keep the head
__________________________________________
tilted
______________________________________________
 Check breathing regularly
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________

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 CHAPTER 18
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

INTRODUCTION response team? Who is in charge of medical

responses?
Most of your safety training teaches you how to do  Know the location of emergency equipment. This
your job safely on a day-to-day basis. But, what about may include fire extinguishers, break-glass alarms,
those rare times when something goes seriously wrong? first aid kits, safety showers, eyewash stations,
Would you know how to respond? chemical spill control materials and others.
Emergency preparedness is an important part of your  Learn how to operate any emergency equipment,
job safety training. What is an emergency? It is an which you may have to use. Know which kinds of
unexpected, potentially harmful occurrence. It could be fire extinguishers to use on various kinds of fires.
an injury incident, a severe illness, a chemical spill, a  Make sure you know how to use the safety shower
fire, flood or storm, an assault or other incident. and eyewash station – even if you are frightened and
temporarily blinded by a chemical splash.
As safety engineer, we have to ensure that our  Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as well
company should have a plan to deal with various types of as basic first aid. These skills sometimes make the
emergencies. Certain personnel may be appointed and difference between life and death when incidents
trained to respond to these emergencies. No matter what occur, both at work and off the job.
their job is, make sure that they know their part in  Make sure you know where to find the MSDS
company’s emergency response plan. (Material Data Safety Sheet) for any chemical used
in the workplace. These sheets provide valuable
Checklist to help us learn what to do in the event of
information, which you will need in case of an
an emergency: (Each employee must know these)
accidental chemical exposure or spill.
 Find out whom to contact to get help in an  Know the evacuation route from your work area.
emergency. Emergency numbers should be posted at Find at least two exits ahead of time. Also find out
each telephone. In any cases, we may dial 117 in the where you are supposed to assemble with your co-
Phils. (US911). But it is better to indicate emergency workers after you have left the building.
numbers in the telephone, which are near in your
Know How to Find Emergency Exits
vicinity.
 Know the address of your workplace – and how to We pass them every day, but how many of us really
give directions to get there – in case you have to call see them? Doors with an “Exit” sign may not be
for emergency help. The emergency responders will interesting, but they are vital to your well-being.
need your name and the phone number at your
location as well. When called to a large plant, fire Emergency exits are essential to escape from:
fighters or ambulance crews can waste valuable time
 Fires, either inside the building or in the surrounding
searching for the exact location of the emergency.
area.
 It is a good idea to direct the emergency personnel to
 Explosions caused by gas leaks or chemical
a main entrance where one of your employees can
reactions.
take them directly to the incident.
 Power outages caused by natural disasters or internal
 Find out whom to contact within the company in
electrical problems.
case of an emergency. Do you have an Emergency
Preparedness Manager of Team Leader? Is there an  Building collapse or major structural failure.
internal fire brigade. Hazmat team or emergency  Release of toxic substances or spills of flammable
liquids.
125
 Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and exits. In that case, do you know which exits you can
tornados. use? Is there another employee in your work area
who can assist you when required?
Several of these events may happen in a sequence as  Knowing your exits routes helps eliminate panic.
one trigger another. An explosion may start a fire and
cause structural damage in one part of a building. The PLANNING THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
PROGRAM
fire may also cause a loss of electrical power, plunging
your work area into darkness. Bearing this in mind, The effectiveness of response during emergencies
emergency exits probably seem a lot more important to depends on the amount of planning and training
you now. performed. Management must show its support for plant
safety programs and the importance of emergency
planning. If management is not interested in employee
Make it a personal safety habit to know the location
protection and in minimizing property loss, little can be
of at least two emergency exits at all times. This applies done to promote a safe workplace. It is therefore
off the job as well as on the job. No matter where you are management’s responsibility to see that a program is
in a building, even if you are just passing through, look instituted and that it is frequently reviewed and updated.
for two emergency exits. However, this does not include The input and support of all employees must be obtained
elevators. You should never use an elevator during a fire to ensure an effective program. The emergency response
emergency. plan should be developed locally and should be
comprehensive enough to deal with all types of
What we need to do to ensure the emergency exits in emergencies specific to that site. When emergency action
plans are required by a particular OSHS standard, the
your work area are safe?
plan must be in writing; except for firms with 10 or
fewer employees, the plan may be communicated orally
 Keep exits clear. Do not use them as storage areas,
to employees. The plan must include, as a minimum, the
not even temporarily. following elements:
 Doors should be secured to prevent unauthorized
entry from the outside, but not to prevent employees (1) Emergency escape procedures and emergency
from existing in emergencies. escape route assignments,
(2) Producers to be followed by employees who remain
 Report to your supervisor any structural problems,
to perform (or shutdown) critical plant operations before
which may affect an emergency exit route. Look for the plant is evacuated,
broken hand railings, loose stair treads, and doors, (3) Procedures to account for all employees after
which do not open easily. emergency evacuation has been completed
 Also, check for burned out light bulbs in the (4) Rescue and medical duties for those employees, who
overhead fixtures. Report them to your maintenance are to perform them,
(5) The preferred means for reporting fires and other
department so they will be replaced,
emergencies, and
 Lighted exit signs should be in good working order, (6) Names or regular job titles of persons or departments
and have a battery backup in case of a power failure. to be contacted for further information or explanation of
 Never store flammable liquids or combustible duties under the plan.
products near or under an exist or stairway.
 Emergency exits should be properly labeled. Doors, The emergency action plan should address all
potential emergencies that can be expected in the
which lead to a storeroom or closet, should also be
workplace. Therefore, it will be necessary to perform a
correctly labeled so that you don’t become confused hazard assessment to determine toxic materials in the
during an emergency. workplace, hazards, and potentially dangerous
 Pathways and aisles leading to your escape routes conditions. For information on chemicals, the
should be clean and well maintained. Do not use manufacturer or supplier can be contacted to obtain
aisles or traffic areas for storing stock or equipment. Material Safety Data Sheets. These forms describe the
hazards that a chemical may present, list precautions to
 Perhaps you have physical disabilities, which make it
take when handling, storing, or using the substance, and
difficult for you to use some types of emergency outline emergency and first aid procedures.
126
 The employer must list in detail the procedures to be to have an alternate area to which employees can report
taken by those employees who must remain behind to or that can act as a focal point for incoming and outgoing
care for essential plant operations until their evacuation calls. Since time is an essential element for adequate
becomes necessary. This may include monitoring plant response, the person designated as being in charge
power supplies, water supplies, and other essential should make this the alternate headquarters so that he/she
services that cannot be shut down for every emergency can be easily reached.
alarm, and use of fire extinguishers.
Emergency communications equipment such as
For emergency evacuation, the use of floor plans or amateur radio systems, public address systems, or
workplace maps that clearly show the emergency escape portable radio units should be present for notifying
routes and safe or refuge areas should be included in the employees of the emergency and for contracting local
plan. All employees must be told what actions they are to authorities, such as law enforcement officials, private
take in emergencies that may occur in the workplace, sector charitable groups, and the fire department.
such as a designated meeting location after evacuation.
A method of communication also is needed to alert
This plan must be reviewed with employees initially employees to the evacuation or to take other action as
when the plan is developed, whenever the employees’ required in the plan. Alarms must be audible or seen by
responsibilities under the plan change, and whenever the all people in the plant and have an auxiliary power
plan is changed. A copy should be kept where employees supply in the event electricity is affected. The alarm must
can refer to it at convenient times. In fact, to go a step be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate
further, the employer could provide the employees with a the work area or perform actions designated under the
copy of the plan, particularly all new employees. emergency action plan. The employer must explain to
each employee the means for reporting emergencies,
CHAIN OF COMMAND DURING EMERGENCIES such as manual pull box alarm, public address systems,
or telephones. Emergency phone numbers should be
A chain of command should be established to posted on or near telephones, on employees’ notice
minimize confusion so that employees will have no boards, or in other conspicuous locations. The warning
doubt about who has authority for making decisions. plan should be in writing and management must be sure
Responsible individuals should be selected to coordinate each employee knows what it means and what action is
the work of the emergency response team. In larger to be taken.
organizations, there may be a plant coordinator in charge
of plant-wide operations, public relations, and ensuring It may be necessary to notify other key personnel
that outside aid is called in. because of the importance of such as the plant manager or physician during off-duty
these functions, adequate backup must be arranged so hours. An updated written list of key personnel should be
that trained personnel are always available. The duties of kept listed in order of priority.
the Emergency Response Team Coordinator should
include the following: ACCOUNTING FOR PERSONNEL

(1) Assessing the situation and determining whether an Management will need to know when all personnel
emergency exists that requires activating the have been accounted for. This can be difficult during
emergency procedures, shift changes or if contractors are on site. A responsible
(2) Directing all efforts in the area including evacuating person in the control center must be appointed to account
personnel, for personnel and to inform police or Emergency
(3) Ensuring that outside emergency services such as Response Team members of those persons believed
medical aid and local fire departments are called in missing.
when necessary, and
(4) Directing the shutdown of plant operations when EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS
necessary.
Emergency Response Teams are the first line of
COMMUNICATIONS defense in emergencies. Before assigning personnel to
these teams, the employer must assure that employees
During a major emergency involving a fire or are physically capable of performing the duties that may
explosion it may be necessary to evacuate offices in be assigned to them. Depending in the size of the plant
addition to manufacturing areas. Also, normal services, there may be one of several teams trained in the
such as electricity, water, and telephones may be following areas:
nonexistent. Under these conditions, it may be necessary
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(1) Use of various types of fire extinguishers. (2) Alarm systems
(2) First aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (3) Reporting procedures for personnel
(CPR) (4) Shutdown procedures, and
(3) Shutdown procedures (5) Types of potential emergencies
(4) Evacuation procedures
(5) Chemical spill control procedures These training programs must be provided as follows:
(6) Use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
(7) Search and emergency rescue procedures (1) Initially when the plan is developed
(8) Incipient and advanced stage firefighting, and (2) For all new employees,
(9) Trauma counseling (3) When new equipment, materials, or processes are
introduced,
The type and extent of the emergency will depend on (4) When procedures have been updated or revised,
the plant operations and the response will vary according (5) When exercises show that employee performance
to the type of process, the material handled, the number must be improved, and
of employees, and the availability of outside resources. (6) At least annually
OSHS Hazard Communication Standard (as well as other
standard communication for hazard) is designed to The emergency control procedures should be written in
ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or concise terms and be made available to all personnel. A
imported are evaluated and that information concerning drill should be held for all personnel, at random intervals
their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. at least annually, and an evaluation of performance made
This is done by means of comprehensive hazard immediately by management and employees. When
communication programs including container labeling possible, drills should include groups supplying outside
and other forms of warnings, material safety data sheets, services such as fire and police departments. In buildings
and employee training. with several places of employment, the emergency plans
should be coordinated with other companies and
Emergency Response Teams should be trained in the employees in the building. Finally, the emergency plan
types of possible emergencies and the emergency actions should be reviewed periodically and updated to maintain
to be performed. They are to be informed about special adequate response personnel and program efficiency.
hazards – such as storage and use of flammable
materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources, and PERSONAL PROTECTION
water-reactive substances – to which they may be
exposed during fire and other emergencies. It is Effective personal protection is essential for any person
important to determine when not to intervene. For who may be exposed to potentially hazardous substances.
example, team members must be able to determine if the In emergency situations employees may be exposed to a
fire is too large for them to handle or whether search and wide variety of hazardous circumstances, including:
emergency rescue procedures should be performed. If (1) Chemical splashes or contact with toxic materials,
there is the possibility of members of the Emergency (2) Falling objects and flying particles,
Response Team receiving fatal or incapacitating injuries, (3) Unknown atmospheres that may contain toxic gases,
they should wait for professional firefighters or vapors or mists, inadequate oxygen to sustain life,
emergency response groups. (4) Fires and electrical hazards, and
TRAINING (5) Violence in the workplace

Training is important to the effectiveness of an It is extremely important that employees be adequately

emergency plan. Before implementing an emergency protected in these situations. Some of the safety
action plan, a sufficient number of persons must be equipment that may be used includes:
trained to assist in the safe and orderly evacuation of (1) Safety glasses, goggles, or face shield for eye
employees. Training for each type of disaster response is protection,
necessary so that employees know what actions are (2) Hard hats and safety shoes for head and foot
required. protection
(3) Proper respirators for breathing protection,
In addition to the specialized training for Emergency (4) Whole body coverings chemical, and
Response Team members, all employees should be (5) Body protection for abnormal environmental
trained in the following: conditions such as extreme temperatures
(1) Evacuation plans
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 The equipment selected must meet the criteria response must be inspected after each use and at least
contained in the OSHS standards or described by OSH monthly to assure that they are in satisfactory working
Center of the Philippines standards producing condition. A written record of inspection must be
organization. The choice of proper equipment is not a maintained.
simple matter and consultation should be made with
safety and health professionals before making any (5) Distribution areas for equipment used in emergencies
purchases. Manufacturers and distributors of health and must be readily accessible to employees
safety products may be able to answer questions if they
have enough information about the potential hazards A positive-pressure self-contained breathing
involved. apparatus (SCBA) offers the best protection to
employees involved in controlling emergency situations.
Professional consultation will most likely be needed It must have a minimum service life rating of at least 30
in providing adequate respiratory protection. Respiratory minutes. Conditions that require a positive-pressure
protection is necessary for toxic atmospheres of dust, SCBA include the following:
mists, gases, or vapors and for oxygen-deficient
atmospheres. There are four basic categories of (1) Leaking cylinders or containers, smoke from
respirators: chemical fires, or chemical spills that indicate high
potential for exposure to toxic substances.
(1) Air-purifying devices (filters, gas masks, and
chemical cartridges), which remove contaminants from (2) Atmospheres with unknown contaminants or
the air but cannot be used in oxygen-deficient unknown contaminant concentrations, confined spaces
atmospheres. that may contain toxic substances, or oxygen-deficient
atmospheres.
(2) Air-supplied respirators (hose masks, airline
respirators), which should not be used in atmospheres Emergency situations may involve entering confined
that are immediately dangerous to life or health. spaces to rescue employees who are overcome by toxic
compounds or who lack oxygen. These permit-required
(3) Positive-pressure self-contained breathing confined spaces include tanks, vaults, pits, sewers,
apparatus (SCBA), which are required for unknown pipelines, and vessels. Entry into permit-required
atmospheres, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, or confined spaces can expose the employee to a variety of
atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health. hazards, including toxic gases, explosive atmospheres,
oxygen deficiency, electrical hazards, and hazards
(4) Escape masks created by mixers and impellers that have not been
deactivated and locked out. Personnel must never enter a
Before assigning or using respiratory equipment, the permit-required confined space unless the atmosphere
following conditions must be met: has been tested for adequate oxygen, combustibility, and
toxic substances. Conditions in a permit-required
(1) A medical evaluation should be made to determine if confined space must be considered immediately
the employees are physically able to use the respirator. dangerous to life and health unless shown otherwise. If a
(2) Written procedures must be prepared covering safe permit-required confined space must be entered in an
use and proper care of the equipment, and employees emergency, the following precautions must be adhered
must be trained in these procedures and in the use and to:
maintenance of respirators. (1) All lines containing inert, toxic, flammable, or
(3) A fit test must be made to determine a proper match corrosive materials must be disconnected or blocked off
between the facepiece of the respirator and the face of before entry.
the wearer. This testing must be repeated periodically. (2) All impellers, agitators, or other moving equipment
Training must provide the employee an opportunity to inside the vessel must be locked out.
handle the respirator, have it fitted properly, test its
facepiece-to-face seal, wear it in normal air for a (3) Appropriate personal protective equipment must be
familiarity period, and wear it in a test atmosphere. worn by employees before entering the vessel.
Mandatory use of harnesses must be stressed.
(4) A regular maintenance program must be instituted
including cleaning, inspecting, and testing of all (4) Rescue procedures must be specifically designed for
respiratory equipment. Respirators used for emergency each entry. A trained stand-by person must be present.
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This person should be assigned a fully charged, positive- (3) First-aid supplies should be provided for emergency
pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus with a full use. This equipment should be ordered through
facepiece. The stand-by person must maintain consultation with a physician.
unobstructed lifelines and communications to all workers
within the permit-required confined space and be (4) Emergency phone numbers should be posted in
prepared to summon rescue personnel if necessary. The conspicuous places near or on telephones.
stand-by person should not enter the confined space until
adequate assistance is present. While awaiting rescue (5) Sufficient ambulance service should be available to
personnel, the stand-by person may make a rescue handle any emergency. This requires advance contact
attempt utilizing lifelines from outside the permit- with ambulance services to ensure they become familiar
required confined space. with plant location, access route, and hospital locations.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SECURUTY

In a major emergency, time is critical factor in During an emergency, it is often necessary to secure
minimizing injuries. Most small businesses do not have a the area to prevent unauthorized access and to protect
formal medical program, but they are required to have vital records and equipment. An off-limits area must be
the following medical and first-aid services: established by cordoning off the area with ropes and
signs.it may be necessary to notify local law enforcement
(1) In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in personnel or to employ private security personnel to
close proximity to the workplace that can be used for secure the area and prevent the entry of unauthorized
treatment of all injured employees, the employer must personnel.
ensure that persons are adequately trained to render first
aid. The first aid is to begin within 3 to 4 minutes of the Certain records also may need to be protected, such
incident if the injury is of a serious nature. as essential accounting files, legal documents, and lists of
employees’ relatives to be notified in case of emergency.
(2) Where the eyes or body of any employee may be These records may be stored in duplicate outside the
exposed to injurious corrosive materials, eye washes or plant or in protected secure locations within the plant.
suitable equipment for quick drenching or flushing must
be provided in the work area for immediate emergency IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION EMERGENCY
use. Employees must be trained to use the equipment. PLANNING

(3) The employer must ensure the ready availability of Below are the major considerations in developing an
medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters effective emergency response and preparedness program
of employees’ health. This does not mean that health care for the organization. It may vary depending on the type
must be provided, but rather that, if health problems of enterprise, however the following are the usual shows
develop in the workplace, medical help will be available the illustrated emergency escape route, which is
to resolve them. important element of ERPP.

To fulfill the above requirements, the following 1. The Vulnerability of the Organization
actions should be considered: 2. The Chain of Command
3. The Emergency Team
(1) Survey the medical facilities near the place of 4. The Nature of Response
business and make arrangements to handle routine and 5. The Plan of Response Itself
emergency cases. A written emergency medical 6. The Evacuation Plan
procedure should then be prepared for handling accidents 7. Equipment and PPE for Response
with minimum confusion. 8. Emergency Communication System
9. The Emergency Escape Route
(2) If the business is located far from medical facilities, 10. Assembly Areas and Accountability
at least one and preferably more employees on each shift 11. Property Protection Plan
must be adequately trained to render first aid. The 12. Records Protection Plan
American Red Cross, some insurance carriers, local 13. Accountability of Personnel and Property
safety councils, fire departments, and others may be 14. Security Personnel and Property
contacted for this training. 15. Recovery and Restoration
16. Insurance

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131
 EXERCISE NO. 8
Name: _________________________________________ Yr. & Sec.: _____________________

Schedule & Room: _______________________________ Date Performed: ________________ Rating

TEST YOUR SELF: Answer the following questions. Use extra paper if needed.

1. Discuss the purpose and objectives of Emergency Preparedness Program.

2. What are the different provisions of an Emergency Plan?

3. Who are the members of Emergency Response Team? Discuss briefly the role of each member.

4. Enumerate and discuss briefly the different procedures in emergency response.

5. How much attention should be given by the management to Emergency Plan?

LEARNING ACTIVITY: Perform the following procedural activities.

Title: Emergency Preparedness / Evacuation Plan

Objectives:

After the activity, you should be able to:

1. Identify the importance of Emergency Preparedness Program.

2. Develop an effective Emergency Plan for the company, and
3. Conduct emergency drills form from Emergency Response Team.

Procedure and Task:

1. Make a group with 3-4 members.

2. Conduct survey of a particular plant, building or establishment.

3. Develop a simple Emergency Preparedness Program for that establishment.

4. Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for that establishment.

5. Make some provision on how to install the emergency evacuation plan.

Resource Materials: occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Philippines, Safety Manual, OSHC
Emergency Preparedness manual and Field Observation.

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 CHAPTERE 19
SAFETY COMMUNICATION AND SAFETY SYMBOLS

INTRODUCTION 1. Sending the message. Communications involves

sending message in variety of ways. The simplest from
Meeting of minds between members of the is, “one-way communication”. one person send a
organization from top to bottom is a must to achieve our message and other receives it. This can be illustrated as
goal for a safe and healthy industrial enterprise. follows:
Understanding is a vital factor for unity and can only be
realized thru open line exchange of ideas and concerns.
Communication is a two way process of sending and
receiving words, signs, symbols, actions, etc. The
successes of accident prevention efforts depend to great
extents, on how will supervisors communicate with his
people. His plans for preventing accidents, ideas for
This type of communication has several problems:
creating safe workplace and the feedback he gets about
how to improves operations depend on well he a. Information flows to only one direction.
communicate. b. The lack of feedback means the sender will not know
Good communication is critical to a supervisor’s if the message has been received and/or understood.
success; they are essential to his accident prevention c. The receiver may not understand the message (e.g.,
program. Remember that communications involves not the sender and receiver interpret words differently.)
only what he sent or said but how well he receive or
listen. Research reveals that most supervisors and 2. Feedback. To be effective, a communication system
managers spend 50n percent more time on the job must provide for feedback, it must be two-way. The
listening than they do. diagram can be explained to include this:
We can also define communication as “Sharing
information and/or ideas with others AND BEING
UNDERSTOOD”. The last three words are especially
important. If there is no understanding, then we have
failed to communicate. Remember that the receiver may
not agree with what being said, but he/she must
understand it for communication to occur. Once
understanding take place, the receiver can begin to accept
the message. Make sure that the communications sent
can be understood. Ask questions; clarify wording or
request further details of any oral communications or
memos received to enhance understanding of the
message. Work diligently to improve communications
skills. It will be an asset in accident prevention work.
When you are communicating, whether orally or in
Good communication will pay dividends in all aspects a
writing, always provide for feedback. This is the only
supervisory job.
way to know if your message got through and was
ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATIONS understood by the receiver. Communications improves if
the receiver has an opportunity to ask questions and to
Communications contains of three basic elements: express how or she understands the message. The sender
1.) the sender; 2.) the message; and 3.) the receiver. will then know when a misunderstanding has occurred
However, making sure the message is received and and can adjust the communication accordingly. In this
understood may not be a simple matter. Problems in way true communication is more readily achieved. One-
communication can result from the method chosen by the on-one, face-to-face, two-way communication is best to
sender, the form of the message or the filters or barriers use in the majority of situations that will arise on the job.
of the receiver.
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3. Communication Filters. An important factor to improve human relations. People know when they have
consider when “sending” a message is always to done good work. Praises will inspire them more. Giving
communicate through the receivers filters. Filter can be positive feedback to people can improve their morale. By
barriers to good communications, as shown here: offering reinforcement, supervisory work will be more
effective. Remember the old adage, “Praise in public,
reprimand in private.”

METHODS OF COMMUNICATIONS

The choice of a communication method is important:

Some of the most common filters include the following: oral, written, or nonverbal. In some situations, oral
communications is appropriate, while in others, written
a. Knowledge. To communicate effectively we must messages are preferred. When giving instructions, both
know something about the receiver’s level of methods can be combined. Job procedures may be
knowledge. We can then adapt our communication to discussed face-to-face, pointing out of the hazards and
the appropriate level not above or below it. showing the operator the safe job steps. A Job Safety
Analysis or Task Exposure Analysis Form may also be
b. Bias. People are biased by what was happened to given as are reference or reminder of point covered
them in the past. Biases have a definite bearing on orally. Thus, oral and written communications reinforce
people’s attitudes and on the way in which they hear each other.
and understand communications. In fact, biases may
result in person’s listening to only part of being said. 1. Oral
In extreme cases, people may “tune out” entirely and Oral communications may take the form of a
feel to hear any of the messages. “toolbox” meeting, in which supervisor discuss with
several people a job they are about to start. During and
c. Mood. A person’s mood can be one of the most after the discussion, they can ask questions about the job.
serious filters to consider in communications. If The questions asked would show how well a supervisor
listeners have something else in their minds at the explained the operation to them. If there are not
time the communication is transmitted, they may not questions, don’t assume that everything was explained
get the message at all. This is another reason for perfectly. Ask questions to determine whether they
obtaining feedback from the receiver to determine if understood what has been said.
communication has been received and understood.
2. Written
4. Your Audience. Take a moment to consider the need In some circumstances, supervisors may prefer to use
of your audience before communicating message. What written communications. Generally, this method is
are their concerns, problems, level of knowledge, age appropriate when confronted with complicated or
ranges or other important qualities? Whether it’s an oral technical subjects. Written communications can be used
instruction to one of the people, presiding in a safety as reference in the future. However, getting feedback is
meeting or a memo to a boss, thinking of the audience more difficult using written communication than it is
can help to improve communication. By mentally putting using face-to-face communications. Follow up with
oneself in the place of the receiver, the better verbal questions should be made to be sure that the
understanding of how he or she is likely to react and receiver has a clear understanding of the written
respond to the message. Message can be tailored to the communications. A good example of communications is
audiences needs. In turn, audience is more likely to a Work Order Request sent to maintenance asking the
understand and accept what have to be said. Achieving department to eliminate a problem found on a safety
understanding is their key to solid communication. inspection. Follow up such a request orally should
probably be made to be sure that the message was
5. Positive Reinforcement. Another effective used of understood and to determine when the requested job can
communication lies in motivating workers. Many be performed.
supervisors make the mistake of failing to “communicate
the positive”. If workers do something wrong, most 3. Nonverbal
supervisor are quick to point it out. Although this is A great deal can be communicated without spoken or
proper, many supervisors fail to point it out when a job is written words through actions. People watch their
done correctly. Why not a minute to praise someone for a supervisor actions very carefully. Because of these, the
job well done? It will pay considerable dividends in example set as an important as the words he spoke. For
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instance, if the supervisor says that the wearing of noted in order to ensure effective application. Other ways
personal protective equipment in his department is of communication and publishing messages were also
essential but his people noticed that he doesn’t wear discussed such as:
them, they receive a contradictory message. People will
take his actions more seriously than his words. 1. Safety Bulletin Boards
Supervisor must realize that his nonverbal messages are 2. Safety Flyers and Brochures
“read” and understood by workers just as the verbal 3. Safety Newsletter
communications he sends. 4. Safety Posters and other creative materials

STEPS IN AN INTERPERSONAL SAFETY SYMBOLS AND CODING

COMMUNICATION
While the standard does not specifically mandate
1. Perceive colors to be used on accident prevention tags, the
2. Encode/Decode following color scheme is recommended by OSHS &
3. Response OSHA for meeting the requirements of this section:

The above topics were discussed further in other “DANGER” – Red, or predominantly red, with lettering
subject such as psychology and any communication or symbols in a contrasting color; indicates a hazardous
subject. In this chapter we only intend to provide the situation which has high probability of death or severe
general concepts and present that we employ the same injury. Should not be used for property damage unless
principles. personal injury risk is present

SYMBOLS and POSTERS AS AMEANS OF “CAUTION” – Yellow, or predominantly yellow, with

SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS lettering or symbols in a contrasting color. Indicates a
hazardous situation which may cause minor or moderate
In developing a safe working environment and injury
establishing a safety and health culture, continuous and
consistent communication must be put in place. “WARNING” – Orange, or predominantly orange, with
However, supervisors and safety personnel cannot be lettering or symbols in a contrasting color; indicates a
present as often as should be to meet the required hazardous situation which has some probability of death
frequency of message in order to keep the workers’ or serious injury.
consciousness about safety practices. There are lots of
things that we need to remind our workers in the job site “BIOLOGICAL HAZARD” – Fluorescent orange or
such as safety practices and procedures, safety orange-red, or predominantly so, with lettering or
precautions, warnings, reminders, standard operating symbols in a contrasting color
procedures, etc. With these cases, safety symbols,
posters, warning labels and signs were developed to keep Additional colors (not specified by OSHS & OSHA)
the message posted and present always in the place but accepted industry wide:
where the working men is deployed.
“NOTICE” – Blue indicates a statement of company
These safety and health symbols, signs, labels, codes, policy relating to the safety of personnel or protection of
colors, marks, were developed and standardized by property. NOTICE must not be associated directly with a
international body which intention is to unify the design hazard or used in place of CAUTION, WARNING, or
of all these symbols for worldwide application. So where DANGER.
ever part of the region of any country you go, they were
using the same color coding and symbols to represent the “GENERAL SAFETY” – Green indicates instructions
message in relation to safety and health. At the same of a general nature relative to safe work practices, proper
time, all Occupational Safety and Health Legislations all safety procedures, and safety equipment location.
over the world is requiring the use of standard color
coding and symbols. The following pages show different kinds and types
of safety symbols and warning signs which is accepted
This part of the chapter intends to provide some standard in different countries. Sizes also vary but
standard symbols and design for safety and health standard size and visual appearance are prescribed by the
applications. The proper posting and sizes must also be standard promulgated by different countries.

135
136
 There are lot of symbols applied in the industry that Instructor’s Note:
are not presented here. It would take so many pages. __________________________________________
However, there are references available in the OSH ______________________________________________
Center published by Joseph P. Rhyan entitled Design of ______________________________________________
Warning Labels and Instruction. Other companies also in
______________________________________________
the business of manufacturing the signage are providing
brochures and standard manual for such symbols. Be ______________________________________________
sure that in improvising the signage, careful adherence to ______________________________________________
the right color, graphical illustration and sizes must be ___________________________________________
followed.
137
 EXERCISE NO. 9
Name: _________________________________________ Yr. & Sec.: _____________________

Schedule & Room: _______________________________ Date Performed: ________________ Rating

TEST YOUR SELF: Answer the following questions. Use extra paper if needed.

1. Discuss the importance of Communications in the promotion of Safety in the organization.

2. What are the different methods of communicating safety program?

3. Enumerate and discuss different principles relating to making of Safety Symbols.

4. Enumerate and discuss standard Color Coding in Safety Communication, Labels and Symbols.

5. How can we make safety labels, communication and symbols effective to workers?

LEARNING ACTIVITY: Perform the following procedural activities.

Title: Safety Communications & Symbols

Objectives:

After the activity, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the different principles relating to safety communications and symbols.

2. Prepare list and matrix of safety labels and symbols according to application, and
3. Make this communication labels and symbols more appealing and effective to workers.

Procedure and Task:

1. Conduct a research on different principles relating to communication labels and symbols.

2. Make a collection of Labels and Symbols used for safety according to applications.

3. List some methods of posting and placement of the Labels and Symbols to make it effective.

4. Develop a sample safety symbols that can be installed within the College of Engineering Building.

5. Install the sample safety symbols in-coordination with the Special Project Office (SPO) of the College of
Engineering.

Resource Materials: Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Philippines, Standard Warnings, Labels and
Safety Symbols, Safety Manual
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