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Sunday, May 31, 2020

May 31, 2020

Electrical Isolation Risk Assessment

Safe Electrical Isolation Strategy for Low Voltage Installations
Working on live electrical appliances, installation and MEP are always involve high risk. Annually a huge amount of critical fatal incidents that causes severe physical burn injuries and even deaths. It is necessary that before starting any installation or MEP service or work live electrical source, all comprehensive and authentic safety measures and initiatives should be followed to reduce the occurrence of incidents. All state or international health and safety governing body’s or standards must be followed and practiced e.g., OSHA Regulation in USA, OSHAD & ADDC in United Arab Emirates. This new edition of HSR25 will guide and assist the duty holders fulfill the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. It will provide practical assistance to all MEP duty holders, specifically project or electrical engineers (including those involved in the design, construction, operation MEP of the electrical systems), technicians and their managers. this Electricity at Work Regulation 1989 requires that three conditions must be fulfilled. 
These include the following:
A. Conditions make it inconsistent to carry out work activity on the dead circuit.
B. It is reasonable given circumstances to work in or near live circuit.
C. Appropriate initiatives or precautionary steps are taken before work where possible, dead work is always preferable to live work.
Isolate the voltage
Where above mentioned all these three conditions are present, live-work may start, but minimum secure and safe isolation procedures should be followed. These include:
1. Identify which equipment needs to be isolated.
2. Identify the type of supply system, e.g., double-pole main switch, double-pole main switch, and TT-  DP isolation (all circuits and equipment)
3. Identify methods of isolation.
4. Identification of  the correct point of isolation.
to accomplish the task on low voltage electrical equipment, it is essential to make sure that the correct point of isolation is detected. While isolating the main source of power or electricity, it is also important to isolate any secondary source of energy or power e.g., such as standby generators.
5. Monitor the status of voltage indicating apparatus, for example test lamp or two-pole voltage detector.
6. Switch off Energy Resources/Circuit to be Isolated.
Before carrying out any type of MEP or installation services on the electrical, Never make believe that tool or appliance is dead because a distinct isolation device has been placed in the OFF status.
7. Always Verify Dead Voltage
It is much required and recommended that always double check and verify before the work activity with voltage detector device that no voltage is existent.
always identify the correct point of isolation before testing dead. Proper control initiatives should be taken to restrain electrical equipment or appliances which has been made dead, is carried out on or near that equipment, tool, machinery or appliance, from becoming electrically charged during that work activity.
8. Make additional preventative installation techniques e.g., Carry out earthing and short-circuiting.  & Protect adjacent live parts.
9. Always Lock Out-Tag out (LOTO) procedure follow and apply a proper locking-off on the point of isolation. This initiative will enhance the safety and prevention against any possibility of critical unwanted occurrence.
10. Usage of Warning Posters, Labels and Notices.
At the very first point, and if not completed and is in progress or short break, always use proper labeling of the disconnected conductors using a caution & warning notice posters or tags.
May 31, 2020

What is Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)?

What is HIRA?
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a mechanism that consists of various subsequent initiatives that include hazard identification, consequence, issues, consistency of assessment, risk evaluation based on the existing controls measures and recommendations to minimize those risks which are not under tolerable restraint.
Objective of HIRA
The aim of this HIRA guideline is to provide a methodical and objective approach to observe and evaluate hazards and their associated risks that will contribute an objective measure and initiative of an identified and detected hazard as well as provide a technique to control the severe amount of risk. It is one of the generic duties as recommended under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) for the employer to provide a safe system of work (SSOW) at worksite to their workforce and other competent and responsible supervision.
What is Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)?

Saturday, May 30, 2020

May 30, 2020

Arc Flash Explosions and Risk Assessment

What is Arc Flash?
An Arc is an unwanted, unexpected and sudden discharge of energy. This type of energy discharge can be as tiny as a flash of light with a bang sound to a major inexhaustible explosion. The worry is that energy discharged above a certain level will ignite non-flame resistant clothing and cause major flesh burns to an electrical MEP technician or worker.
Most of the arc explosions incidents occur during the daily, weekly or quarterly MEP service for the electrical appliances, equipment and installations.  Any technician, supervisor, electrical maintenance engineer or general worker may be exposed to such explosions is at significant risk for death or serious fatal injuries.
Arc Definition by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Arc flash is defined as “a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc.” A contraction of the insulation or isolation distance between energized parts is responsible for this condition (Arc Flash). For example, a tool or equipment that is interpolated or accidentally released into a breaker or service area may compromise the distance between empowered components or parts of the appliance or equipment and or toll. Incidents related to arc flash injuries may develop when a technician or general worker fails to ensure that tool or equipment has been appropriately de-energized before the servicing, inspection and observation. Mostly Arc flash related incidents normally happen in applications exceeding 120 volts.
Financial Loss Due to the Assets Damage
Such type of severe Arc unexpected incidents cause serious damage to equipment, tool or appliance and replacement is the only option for that damaged assets. And the human body is also equally destroyed or irrevocably damaged, with no replacement option.
The following arc flash safety measures and instructions for electrical equipment or tools that can guide you as an employer for better protection to your employees or workforce:
⦁ Inaugurate and create comprehensive written electrical safety procedures and technical guidelines with clearly predefined defined responsibilities covering all of your organization electrical safety policies, for example, lockout/tag-out, internal safety policies and responsibilities for electrical MEP or installations safety.
⦁ Always consult or hire outsource third party consultation and engineering firm to conduct an electrical system analysis to regulate the intensity of arc flash hazard present at your worksite. The analysis carried by the outsource firm will characterize the various recommended and required types of personal protective equipment (PPE) that workforce must utilize while carrying out any electrical work when energized parts of the equipment or tools are exposed.
⦁ To minimize and control the possible arc-related fatal incidents, the organization should conduct arc flash safety orientation or training for all workforce. Such provision of safety training should be specific to the possible severe hazards of arc flash, arc blast, shock and electrocution and their prevention. To control for such incidents, proper personal protective clothing and equipment should also available to the MEP or installation competent personals.
⦁ Proper tools for safe electrical work insulated voltage-rated hand tools and insulated voltage sensing devices that are properly rated for the voltage application of the equipment to be tested.
⦁ Electrical equipment, tool or appliances for example switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centres that are likely to require examination, adjustment, or MEP while energized must have arc proper flash warning labels placed in plain view.
⦁ A responsible and competent electrical safety program manager or professional should appoint and given responsibilities who is familiar with electrical code requirements and other safety problems.
⦁ Make proper MEP services to all electrical distribution system components. Advanced, updated and appropriately adjusted over-current protective devices that are properly managed can observe an arcing state almost clear the fault immediately. Such type of competency accordingly reduces the amount of incident energy that is released.
⦁ Finally, properly sustain and update all electrical distribution documentation. This is peculiarly critical when expanding or revising facilities.
Safety Measures
1. Electrical or power extension cords should not be utilized instead of permanent wiring. Make sure that all electrical cords are inappropriate engaged state (the external insulation should not be damaged, and the ground pin required to be intact). Immediately dispose of dangerous, insecure and unsafe extension cords. Only licensed, trained and competent electricians should be authorized to make PPM (replace plugs, or splice cords).
2. Extension cords required to be protected from motor vehicles, forklifts, pallet jacks, heavy pedestrian traffic, etc. at the worksite.
3. Power strips should not be permanently mounted to a wall or structure, even if the power strip has particular mounting fittings.
4. Power extension cords should not be connected. Doing this can overload the circuit creating a potential fire unwanted incident that may lead to fatal human life loss circumstances



Friday, May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020

Hazardous Energy Control

Hazardous Energy Control
Hazardous Energy:
Any form of energy found around the worksite that poses a potential hazard.
Forms of Hazardous Energy:
The below mentioned forms of hazardous Energy could be present at worksites:
⦁ Electricity
⦁ Hydraulic Pressure,
⦁ Radiation,
⦁ Gravity
The modern machinery can utilize many types of energy, but when the machines are shut down for maintenance, that energy may not just go away, the workers can be injured when energy is released unusually, so to keep workers safe and secure, extra precaution must be taken when working with equipment. Such precaution is called Lockout Tag-out.
There are many types on LO/TO processes and programs, depending on the variety of hazardous energy present, but they all share four basic ideas that are addressed before work begins:
1. Identify potentially hazardous sources of energy.
2. Disconnect those energy sources from the equipment.
3. Apply lockout or tag-out devices to prevent temporarily re-connection.
4. Confirm that the system is safe.
LOTO systems must adhere to OSHA’s lockout Tag out and tag out rules as mentioned in 29 CFR section 1910.147. Logout tag out system is a critical initiative before any bin entry or before maintenance or other service work on unloading equipment. This OSHA (1910.147) standard is an industry’s best practice for forms to keep you safe and secure during bin entry and maintenance work activity. The grain system workforce should always analyse what controls required to be locked out before any work is done. This system of lockout tag-out reduces injuries and fatalities associated with grain handling. It's an easy and inexpensive way to avoid hazards associated with flowing grain entanglement. The electrocution lockout tag-out consists of a few simple steps to use a minimum amount of equipment and is financial. First prepare for the shutdown, identify the equipment that will be shut down and notify all affected employees everyone in the area of the equipment, and they need to understand that the equipment will be out of service for a time.
Next, disconnect all the power source and place a lock and tag on it. Do the following properly:
⦁ Also make sure that all stored energy has been dissipated in systems that are feeding into the area, bin or machinery where you are going to work.
⦁ You should also disable all energy or power sources including systems that might be dump grain or feed into a bin.
⦁ Always plan to enter after shutting off the discharged auger.
⦁ Shut off the leg that could dump grain into the bin locking out consists of placing a lock on the power source that is identified by owner recognized for lockout tag-out use only.
⦁ Don't be confused with a security lock or other common padlock tagging out involves placing a tag identified by the owner on the energy source to notify others that it is locked out and non-functional.
⦁ If multiple people are working on a piece of equipment or entering in ben, there should be one lock for each person, and one person should open for other persons.
When starting or resuming the equipment
Makes sure that you have successfully shut everything off into the area and complete all maintenance or work. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to remove the locks and energize the equipment. Only the person performing the maintenance is to have total control over the energy source. When the work is completed, remove tools and equipment and make sure all personnel have exited. Whoever initiated the lockout tag out procedure should ensure that this task is completed and notify other workers in the area that work is completed and the equipment will once again be energized.
Caution people to remain out of the vicinity of any danger. After completing the task each worker must remove his or her padlock and tag from the energy source, and this is another way to verify that all workers have exited safely. Now start the machine and verify if it is working normally.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

May 28, 2020

How to Improve Safety with Pre-Checks and Checklists-Forklift Trucks

The forklifts vehicles are many valuable machines in the workplace when properly maintained. They can give us years of productive and safe service. If a forklift is not appropriately maintained, it can be a liability worse than that it can even be a danger. If you have a forklift on your premises or worksite, then you have several responsibilities under the law:
  1. Firstly you have to service the forklift regularly.
  2. Always keep it in a safe condition and prevents it from arising problems.
  3. The forklift must be inspected once a year by a competent person.
  4. You must keep your test certificates with you to keep the record for the next checkups.
  5. When you conduct your regular checks on your forklift, you must have a proper system which makes sure that any problems those identified are put right as soon as possible.
  6. You have to make sure that whoever you operating the forklift has/have been trained to do so.
  7. The operators must have the proper information and they must be trained in carrying out the daily pre-checks that are essential to the safe and efficient running of the forklift.
Perhaps the most important element in the safe maintenance of the forklift is the daily pre-check and the pre-checklists carried out by the forklift operator routinely. These checks are essential to highlight any faults that may affect the safe operation of the forklift. It should be the forklift operator that carries out the pre-checks & pre-checklists inspections and observations. Sometimes more than one person will operate the forklift during the day so it's important to assign the duty of pre-checking to a specific person. While operating a forklift vehicle, a high-visibility jacket or vest to be worn. When to conduct a pre-check list inspection, the forklift should be carried out in the quiet and separate area, as you can be aware of other vehicles and the others must be able to see you that you are inspecting the forklift by using the checklist.
Always inspect and observe in the same direction so that you don't miss anything from the check. The forks, carriage plate, mast, and lift chain are all fitted correctly and free from dirt or obstructions. Then move on to the wheels and tires and check if there are any bulges cracks or tears, how's the thread. Check the energy source whether that is gas diesel or electricity. After that check, the hydraulics functioning properly or needs some maintenance. The body of the forklift is in good condition and free from any damage and also make sure that body panels are secure and not likely to fall off if there are number plates on your forklift. Also make sure that they are fitted in the correct position, and are clean and easily visible.
As being an operator, if you drive your forklift on the public road, make sure:
  • The forklift has tax and insurance
  • Disks in place and make sure they are in date
  • The steps and access areas are clean, secure and free from obstructions.
  • The vehicle seat is secure?
  • Is the driving position is comfortable and safe and can you reach all the controls easily, and can you see all around the vehicle.
  • Is there anything that could obscure your vision?
  • Is there anything loose in the cab that might affect the pedals or the brakes?
  • Are the lights, windscreen and mirrors are fitted well.
  • Are the instruments and gauges show or indicate any warning lights, if yes then immediately note and report any warning lights
  • Don't ignore indicator warning systems during a checkup, all must be in working condition before you drive away.
  • Check the steering and brakes operator pre-checks of your forklift, although all these are required by law, more than that they will keep your forklift working productively and safely over its lifetime.
  • All discussed above will help and guide you to the proper system of checks and maintenance on your forklift, and will protect and safeguard your operator and also those work around them.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

Safety in Heat Toolbox Talks

Safety in Heat

Why Safety is Much Important in The Heat?

In the extreme scorching and humid parts of the world e.g., Bangkok, (Thailand), Las Vegas, (Nevada), Hong Kong, (China), Mexicali, (Mexico), Melbourne, (Australia), Kuala Lumpur, (Malaysia), Phoenix, (Arizona), Athens, (Greece), Cairo, (Egypt), and most of the Gulf and Middle East countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain. It is very important to note that the workforce who carry out their activities and tasks under the direct sun, particularly in the months of summers, may be exposed to many occupational illnesses and injuries. Due to excess heat stress, employees may affect and can lead to heatstroke, heat exhaustion, succumb, cramps and rashes. Along with excessive heat stress, high temperatures can also cause injuries among the workforce through clammy hands and faintness. The employees who are excessively exposed to heat stress are laborers performing their routine activities externally (such as general construction workforce, MEP technicians, facade or general cleaners, industrial manufacturing and agricultural workers). The avoidance from heat stress is very necessary and the employers have their moral and legal responsibility to provide proper education and occupational health and safety training for their employees they understand the effects of heat stress and how to prevent it. The employers must take proper initiatives to safeguard the workforce from excessive heat stress by providing frequent rest duration in shaded places and a permanent supply of drinking water and shower facilities.

Aims of Excessive Heat Prevention Program at the Worksite

A proper Heat Prevention Program plays a vital and dominant role in all-region and parts of such hot atmospheric environment and provides all required information and guidance to the employers or business operators and have workers in places with high temperatures (exposed to the sunlight directly or in an external space exposed to hot weather) and thermal processes that take place within the worksite or other work activities that are marked and declared by high temperature. This type of initiative and heat prevention programs help and guide employers to implement the heat stress management initiatives strategies and to ensure appropriate control measures to safeguard their workforce from the sun’s ray. The most of the Government and semi-government authorities and provide educational material for health and safety professionals, supervisors and workers, and such type health and safety-related material and information enhance and make competent to the professionals and that also include several responsibilities required to prevent and to remedy illnesses caused by high temperatures and extreme heat. The health and safety awareness materials are a major part of the heat stress program procedures and initiatives.

Guidance for Employers

All the Employers and Business Operators Should Take the Following Initiatives to Protect Employees from Heat Stress:
  • All MEP activates should be scheduled in extremely hot areas or regions for cooler months or the cooler part of the day.
  • Provide frequent breaks or rests to the employees.
  • Reduce the physical needs of the workforce
  • Provide cool freshwater to employees.
  • The workforce should avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar and always try to drink fresh simple water. It enhances the immune mechanism in the human body.
  • Provide cool shelter areas to utilize during frequent breaks.
  • Apply a proper monitoring mechanism for employees who are at possible risk of heat stress.
  • Induct and train the employees with proper and meaningful heat stress prevention information.

Instructions for Employees

Employees have also some responsibilities and they should avoid exposure to sun exposure, extreme heat and high humidity when possible. If such exposures unavoidable, then employees should take the following initiatives to prevent themselves from extreme heat stress exposure:
  • Alterations and or variations in uniforms and dresses such as wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as pure cotton made dresses.
  • Non-breathing synthetic clothing should be avoided and not used.
  • Heavy work activities should be scheduled during the coolest parts of the day.

Types of Heat Stress

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is the most severe situation related to heat stress and should be treated as a medical emergency. When the body becomes impotent to control its extreme temperature, the body mechanism that regulates sweating fails, the body is incapable to cool down the body temperature to normal and the entire temperature of the human body quickly climbs up.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaust developed when the human body wastes an extra amount of water and salt through enormous sweating. Usually such type of conditions caused by exposure to a high amount of temperatures, particularly with high humidity, and exhausting activities.

Heat Syncope or Unconsciousness

The heat syncope or Unconsciousness is fainting dizziness or faintness that can result from tedious standing. And due to prolonged standing or working blood vessels in the body expand to defuse heat, which lowers human body blood pressure.

Heat Cramps

The heat cramps condition is supposed to be very painful, uncontrolled muscle contraction that generally affects workforce who sweat extremely during the laborious job. This sweating reduces the human body’s electrolyte and moisture levels, which add to painful cramps. Heat cramps can be a symptom of severe and extreme heat exhaustion.

Heat Rash

The heat rash is a skin inflammation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather. This type of heat damage is not as dangerous as the other above mentioned. It also is termed as “prickly heat.” Mostly, it develops when skin ducts are blocked and diaphoresis is ambushed beneath the body skin.

What to do if you Suspect Heat Exhaustion or Stroke:

  • Get medical aid
  • Move to an air-conditioned environment or at least a cool, shaded area
  • Loosen or remove unnecessary clothing

The Prominent Example of Heat Safety in Middle East Countries

Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center OSHAD-SF which is the state of Abu Dhabi owned occupational Health and Safety institution and have launched its Safety in Heat program to raise awareness about the procedures that must be implemented for the heat stress management program by employers and supervisors to protect workers from the summer heat in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Safety in Heat program is supported by the Ministry of Labour following the law that states employers must not allow workers to perform any outdoor activities from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm. This law will be applied for three months (from June 15 to September 15).
Safety in Heat Toolbox Talks

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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

May 26, 2020

Fork Lift Safety Instructions and Toolbox Talks

Fork Lift Safety Instructions and Toolbox Talks

Most of the industrial, agricultural, manufacturing and construction Organizations and sectors use forklifts vehicles and such vehicles are highly important and integral worksite vehicles, as long as they are operated and utilized safely and properly by the vehicle drivers who are trained and competent to use them.
More than 30% of injuries are involved in incidents and accidents with the forklifts hit or run over at worksites. (Particularly when the forklift vehicle is in reversing mode) because the operator did not observe behind him properly and most of the objects are invisible. The main and root cause of such dangerous occurrences id due to the bad safety culture within the organization and or by poor supervision and a lack of proper training.
The below described details for forklift safety operations will help you and those you work with stay safe and secure around forklifts driven locations.

A Forklift Truck

A forklift vehicle is a heavy-duty mechanical truck used for multi-purpose tasks e.g., to carry, lift, stack or tier materials. Such vehicles include pallet trucks, rider operated forklifts, fork trucks, or lift trucks. A forklift vehicle can be powered by electric battery or mechanical combustible engines.

The legal requirements for the Forklift truck Operation

Under occupational health and safety legislation, a vehicle is a place of work. The law requires that worksites are managed in a state that is safe, secure and without risk to safety and health illness. All Vehicles must be kept safe, secure and for purpose and the driver must be able to get in and out of the vehicle safely. As for as the Forklifts, they are also are classed as work equipment. The Employers must make sure that operators are familiar with the forklift they are driving and that they have been given proper instruction, information and training to carry out required job tasks and to use the vehicle correctly, safely and, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The Employers must also make sure that they have a proper glitch reporting system in place so that when a malfunction is found that they are rectified. Employees should never be required to operate under conditions that are unsafe or that do not comply with the applicable law of the state. The Employers must ensure that forklift vehicle are provided in a safe and secure condition for use at the worksite. This can be gained by having a preventative maintenance system (PMS) which includes scheduled checks as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Employees have legal duties to utilize worksite equipment safely in line with procedures developed and implemented by their employer.
⦁ While driving at the worksite, slow down at corners, doorways, and at danger spots, blind spots and or sharp corners.
⦁ Always sound the horn several times when approaching blind corners, exits and entrances.
⦁ Switch off the vehicle and remove the key before leaving the forklift. Place the key in a designated safe location when driving task is cover.
⦁ Apply the parking brake before leaving the forklift after the duty time or end of the shift or during the rest breaks
⦁ Face the forklift and utilize the steps and handholds when getting in or out of the vehicle. Always use three points of contact
⦁ Immediately report any accidents or near misses to a supervisor or other concerned official

Always Practice-Safe Operation

⦁ Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety Helmet, Safety Shoes and high visibility clothing are recommended as a minimum when working around forklift vehicles.
⦁ Execute a pre-shift check of the forklift vehicles
⦁ Immediately report defects to supervisor
⦁ Ensure the work road is free of obstructions/blockage
⦁ Always wear operator restraints, where fitted
⦁ Look all around before moving off
⦁ Look at the direction of travel
⦁ Travel at a worksite speed limits
⦁ Always travel with the forks lowered, but ground ahead must be level and free from obstructions.
⦁ Watch out for pedestrians because they are unprotected people
⦁ Avoid immediate stops and frequent braking
⦁ Take care when driving on wet, icy, slippery or loose surface conditions

Never:

⦁ Operate a forklift vehicle unless you are competent and licensed
⦁ Use a forklift you know is not working appropriately
⦁ Operate controls from exterior to the cab, unless it is constructed so you can do this
⦁ Stand on or near the controls of the forklift to reach the load or anything external to the cab
⦁ Suddenly Start or stop
⦁ Make quick turns
⦁ Travel on the uneven ground
⦁ Run over unguarded objects (cables or flexible pipes)
⦁ Try to carry out repairs
⦁ Operate a forklift or any other vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or any medicated drugs.
⦁ Use mobile phones while operating the vehicle

While Carrying Loads

Always:

⦁ Always guess the load capacity before lifting.
⦁ Make sure that pallets or other are in stable and secure condition
⦁ Examine floor loading limits
⦁ Remember the safe working load (SWL) methodology.
⦁ Make sure the load does not block the sight. If it happens, then drive in the forklift in reverse, looking insides of travel
⦁ Make sure there is proper clearance for the forklift and load, including overhead objects or materials
⦁ Make sure the load is not more than the capacity of the forklift
⦁ Make sure the load is stable.
⦁ Carry the load as lower to the ground as possible
⦁ Be sure the fork arms are fully inserted when traveling with a load
⦁ Lower loads at a recommended safe speed
⦁ Make sure the operator is properly trained, certified and licensed

Never:

⦁ Lift loads greater than the capacity of the forklift vehicle
⦁ Move a load that occurs unstable
⦁ Lift load with attachments, unless you are fully trained, certified and authorized to do so
⦁ Travel with a bulky load that hides your sighting
⦁ Leave the forklift with the load raised.

Operating Forklifts on Slopes

Always:

⦁ Travel slowly when going down slopes
⦁ Ensure the forks of the lifter face ascending when traveling up or down slopes with a load
⦁ Ensure the forks of the lifter vehicle face declining when traveling up or down slopes without a load
⦁ Adjust the rake to suit the inclination and raise the forks of the vehicle to clear the ground
Never:
⦁ Turn the forklift around on or travel across a slope
⦁ Leave a forklift vehicle on a slope, exempting emergency. In case of an any emergency always chock the wheels

Driving the Forklift for Carrying People

Always:

⦁ Always use a safe and secure work methodology while working on platforms, i.e. integrated platform.
⦁ Remain in control of the forklift vehicle while the workforce is on the platform
⦁ Watch out for pedestrians
⦁ Use spotters when operating in congested areas

Never:

⦁ Lift a person on the forks or a pallet, or similar, balanced on the forks
⦁ To carry the workforce, unless the forklift vehicle is designed for this
⦁ Allow worker to walk under raised forks of the lifter or loads
⦁ Leave a lifter unattended when a worker is using a non-integrated platform

When you have finished Duty Shift

Always:

⦁ Park the forklift vehicle in a safe and secure place, on the level ground surface.
⦁ Leave the vehicle with the mast tilted forwards and the forks of the vehicle fully lowered, with the tips on the ground
⦁ Apply the parking brakes of the fork lifter, select neutral, switch off the engine and remove the its keys
⦁ Return forklift keys or other activating devices to their place of safe and secure zone area
⦁ Report any malfunctions or defects immediately to a supervisor
Fork Lift Safety Toolbox Talks

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Monday, May 25, 2020

May 25, 2020

A Health, Safety, and Environmental Plan - HSE Plan

How to establish a health, safety, and environmental plan?

We as being an organizations head, business owner, and QHSE consultant confront very critical risks on everyday job and task activities we perform. And how we overcome those risks associated with our routine project’s engagements.  For the management of all types of occupational health, safety and environmental risks mean we require to think about the variety of dangerous hazards we face before arriving on the worksite to start work activity. To accomplish and manage or control such risk and hazardous situations, we need a proper HSE plan. The question what is the consequences if  being as a business owner or organization management we having an HSE plan and not having an HSE plan can be lost time lost gains, or bad-fatal injury or even death.
An occupational health, safety, and environmental (HSE) plan is an imperative initiative towards solutions of project risks, yet many Organization or business operators don’t utilize them on every project.

HSE plan Procedures

A Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) plan is a dynamic and continuing document, generated before the project starts using the scope of project work as a commencement.  This planning project reviewed, revised and evaluated from time to time.
Project Managers:   
⦁ Obtain a comprehensive scope of work from the client/or other stakeholders
⦁ Accomplish proper HSE instructions from the client contact
⦁ Hand out and provision of the HSE project plan with appropriate required drawing & sketches packages to the project team
⦁ Review the HSE plan during the meetings
⦁ Management of the signed plan on the worksite
⦁ Reinforce all aspects of the health and safety plan while on the worksite project
⦁ Observe and inspect the worksite job tasks and activities, document, and report all safety conditions (unsafe acts and unsafe conditions)
⦁ Improve and revise the organizations HSE plan if the scope of work changes.
⦁ Plan, conduct, and review the proper HSE training for specific job activities for the workforce. and outsource labour and or contractors.
Within each health and safety (HSE) plan is a checklist of all required and mandatory information you require to acknowledge-eye bath locations, whether asbestos or lead is present on worksite, chemicals or other substances in the worksite area, and so on. It scrutinizes several hazards depending on the type of work achieved, such as electrical and confined space hazards. The aim in initiating the HSE plan this way is to allow the project manager or person in charge of the opportunity to think about all of the different aspects of the job throughout the life of the whole project. 

Advantage health and safety (HSE) plan

A health and safety (HSE) plan of the organization can also help you stand out from the crowd during the tender process. It can determine preparation, organization, and professionalism. Technicalities like these are often the deciding elements with several competitors on a project. HSE plans can also assist you bid the project exactly, knowing what you would require to do to implement the work and how much time it would take to do it right the first time, without incidents. A health and safety (HSE) plan and a more Authentic bid instinctive may take more effort, but it is assuredly preferred to repeated project change notices and additional charges, as far as the client is concerned.
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May 25, 2020

Personal Protective Equipment Toolbox Talks

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment, device, and tool or in the shape of clothing (overall, uniform, high visibility jackets, apron or leather shields, etc.) devised to be used or worn by personals, employees, technical staff to protect themselves or other from the critical and hazardous risk of injury or illness. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can include the following:
⦁ The hearing protective devices and or equipment, e.g., earmuffs or earplugs
⦁ The respiratory protective equipment devices
⦁ The face and eye protection, for example, safety goggles and face shields or face visors
⦁ The head protection safety helmets or hard hats
⦁ The full-body fall arrest harnesses system for working at heights
⦁ The skin protection e.g. gloves and sunscreen
⦁ The variety of clothing, such as high visibility vests, life jackets and coveralls
⦁ The Foot protection, such as safety shoes and rubber footwear

The Last Resort-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn in the worksite to protect and safeguard the worker’s eyes, foot, head, skin, hands and other parts of the body on the worksite.
According to the hierarchy of hazard control, despite the Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most trivial forms of hazard control and detected on the most of the work projects, that is why it is called “The Last Resort-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not considered highly effective because it does not control worksite hazards. Rather, the Personal protective equipment (PPE) objective to protect employees and or workforce in case of a hazard occurs.
The use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) is least on the list of control priorities and measures. Such type of controls must not be looked on as the basic means of risk control until the preference higher in the list of control priorities and measures have been disabled.
Hence, the Personal protective equipment (PPE should only be worn:
⦁ The PPE as a last resort, where there are no other practical control measures and or options available
⦁ The PPE is  a short-term measure, not a permanent solution, as far as a more sufficient way of controlling or minimizing the risk can be utilized
There may be particular and or clear-cut Personal protective equipment (PPE) condition for working with harmful or hazardous substances or chemicals in assertive work tasks.

The Question-Who pays for the PPE?

The employer or the personal who deals with the business or the owner of the organization must provide the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to his employees and or workers free of charge.
Anyhow, there may be a variety of times where the premium for Personal protective equipment (PPE) it can be accommodated.
Who should provide PPE acknowledgement?
⦁ The possibility of equipment and or apparatus
⦁ whether the equipment or equipage can commonly be utilized beyond work, such as safety goggles, sunglasses or safety shoes
⦁ The personal fit PPE requirements
The Selection of Personal protective equipment (PPE)

While selecting the PPE, always to look at these following aspects:

The Workforce

⦁ Review if the PPE is the correct size and fits for each employee. Overall or safety shoe equipment, e.g., requires a fit size and quality as per the required OSHA standards.
⦁ If Personal protective equipment (PPE) is convenient to wear and employees are consulted or asked while selecting it, because works have to use it, so they are more familiar with its quality, size and convenience to use it.
⦁ While selecting, buying or choosing the PPE’s, the individual circumstances of workers must keep in knowledge. For example, wearing prescription goggles, allergies such as latex allergy and some medical circumstances.

The Job Activity or Work Task

⦁ Always while selecting the PPE, in the contest with the PPE to the hazard, keeping in mind that a work task may expose workers to more than one hazard. E.g., the welders’ workers may require protection from hazardous welding gases and fumes, as well as ultraviolet radiation, hot metal and sparks.
⦁ The second point to take into consideration how the task is carried out and the level of risk to the employee. E.g., a more protective respirator may require to work where the level of air contamination is very high.
⦁ The duration of PPE to be worn.

The Work Environment

While selecting, buying and using the Personal protective equipment (PPE), always consider the impacts of a hot or humid work activity environment.
If you are protecting your employees against exposure to a dangerous substance or chemical or a biological substance, look at how the chemicals can enter the body. E.g., where substances can be involved through the lungs and skin protection, as well as respiratory protection, may be required.
Always Choose PPE that meets your current business operating state or OSHA Standards.

The Maintenance of the Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Always take the following initiatives:
⦁ Look for damaged parts before using PPE and repair or replace the PPE if it was as necessary.
⦁ Immediately replace PPE that has expired or overage.
⦁ Before use and after using the PPE, properly clean and maintain.
⦁ Immediately report to your project Health and safety responsible person to report the broken, damaged or contaminated Personal protective equipment (PPE).

The PPE-Information, training and instruction Initiatives

Always, the employees must be equipped with the appropriate information, training and instruction on when to use required and recommended PPE and how to utilize, fit and wear it including any adjustments that may be needed, the repair or replace parts and the clean and store it correctly.
Personal Protective Equipment Toolbox Talks
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Sunday, May 24, 2020

May 24, 2020

Machine Guarding Toolbox Talks

Safety Toolbox Talks-Machines Guarding 

Instructions for the Site Supervisor/Project Engineer

To make your employees or workforce or technical staff safe and secure from any ill-health or critical injuries due to fatal incidents always use occupational health and safety toolbox training and or induction/orientations to strengthen safety reviews during weekly and monthly meetings with the workforce. The project responsible supervisor should maintain the employee’s sign-in register in their Health and Safety department’s training record keeping.
Most of the serious and dangerous occurrence happen with operators while working with machines. If there is no machine guards exist or have accidentally malfunctioned, then there is a high possibility of human physical injuries that could lead to death. Sometimes, the operators or employees who work with such safety guard-oriented machines, they don’t like it but through proper health and safety training, they should be motivated that such safety initiatives are all for their safety.
 
The Functions of the Machine Guards
The machine guarding system protects the machine operator and another workforce in the worksite area from severe and dangerous hazards generated by bits, rotating parts, flying objects & flickers. Such safety guards also prevent and secure machine operators in case of a malfunction e.g., mechanical or electrical failure. The employees or operators who are working with or around machinery must know and acknowledged or properly inducted about the following machine operating safety rules:
  • Prior machinery operation start, always ensures that the appropriate safety guards are installed and are free of any malfunction and are in good condition.
  • Always be active, careful around meshing gears, in- running rollers, swinging parts, gearwheel, belts, pulleys, flywheels, cutting surfaces, conveyor equipment, rotating shafts, and hot or overheated parts of the machines.
  • Never operate any machine without guard installation if you are an operator and don’t permit or allow any operator if you are a supervisor or responsible person.
  • In case of defective or missing guards, immediately report this unsafe condition to your shift supervisor.
  • If you are operator and your shift is over and you have detected any malfunction in the machine or guarding system, inform your shift supervisor, tag it or inform the operator who is taking over that machine. Such initiatives safe and secure you and your colleagues from a dangerous situation.
  • Only competent and specialist personnel should make guard adjustments, alignments or installation.
  • In case of the machine, guards are removed for repair, adjustments or replacements, the main power switch for the machine should be locked in the off position. Apply always LOTO system, and when the maintenance service job is over, make sure the machine guard is replaced securely, safely, and is working appropriately. 

The Types of Machine Guarding System 

The Interlocked Guards

When the interlocked machine or equipment guards are opened or removed, the tripping and power mechanism will automatically shut off and the rotating or moving parts of the machine are stopped, and the machine cannot be resumed to its normal function or operation until the guard is back in its place. The interlocked guard mechanism or system may use electrical, mechanical, hydraulic power or any combination of all of these. To be effective such a machine guard mechanism, all adjustable guards must be interlocked to prevent occupational health and safety hazards.

The Self-Adjusting Guards

The Self-adjusting guards’ mechanism provides barriers that adjust automatically to the size of the stock entering the red zone hazardous area. The question that how such guarding system work, As soon as the operator of the machine moves the stock, the machine guard opens only ample to admit it and then returns to its original position. In such type of guard mechanism, the restricted visibility is a man problem and the operators may require to be reminded steadily that they are not allowed or permitted to remove them.

The Fixed Guards

Like my name, the fixed machine guards are physical barriers permanently attached to machines that secure and protect the operators from reaching over hazardous areas. Such guards’ mechanism is simple, reliable and effective. But one of the shortcomings of such a guard mechanism system is that they restrict visibility and they have to be removed for machine adjustments and repairs. The operators to such guarding system must figure out that fixed machine guards can be removed only by competent persons in the maintenance of the equipment.

The Adjustable Guards

The Adjustable machine guards provide an obstacle that can be manually adjusted or fixed by the operator of the machine to fit the size of the stock being processed. The machine has to be stopped if the adjustable safety guard needs readjustment during a run. Such adjustable guards’ mechanism system does not generally protect fixed and interlocking guards.
Machine Guarding Toolbox Talks
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Saturday, May 23, 2020

May 23, 2020

Construction Worksite Safety and Toolbox Talks


Construction Worksite Safety and Toolbox Talks 

The toolbox talk will summary the safety requirements that all visitors must look at when entering a construction worksite.

How to Identify a Construction Site?         

  • Internal renovations will typically have access controlled or protected by rope, warning tape, or a closed-door with safety signboards or posters.
  • Company’s Employees should only enter a construction site if their job requires them to and their presence is known to the general contractor
  • External construction projects will be cordoned off with chain link fence, orange construction fence, warning tape or safety cones.

Look for signs posted along the perimeter informing the public:

  • Who the General Contractor is?
  • What PPE is required?
  • Site access limitations

What PPE is required?

If a company’s employee’s job activity demand them to enter a construction worksite, they must wear the following PPE:
  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Glasses or Goggles
  • Reflective Safety Vest
  • Long Pants
  • Steel Toe Boots
  • PPE is required to be worn from the time you enter the site to the time you leave

Safe Working Procedures

  • Main contractors share the responsibility for all employees on their job tasks, including visitors or the general public. It is always good practice to check in with the main contractor to notify them you are in the area
  • The main  contractor will often be able to provide particular worksite health and safety information that may be required (for example. hazardous operations taking place on-worksite)
  • Always adopt all safety regulations, rules and follow all signs posted and guidelines
  • If working more than (4 Ft or Higher) use proper fall protection equipment

Group Discussion Topics

  • Is anyone in the group currently working on a construction site, or will need to shortly? If so what safety measures will they take?
  • Does everyone in the group have all the necessary PPE? If not, how can they obtain or order PPE?
  • Explain any job task-related stories where personal protective equipment (PPE) prevented a severe injury or where an injury occurred from not wearing PPE.
  • In worksite safety meetings, always try to discuss if there is any safety issue exist that you currently have.

Construction Site Safety Toolbox Talks

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