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BOSH Training - Narrative Handout
BOSH Training - Narrative Handout
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Module 1:
Module 2:
Module 3:
Module 4:
Module 5:
Module 6:
Module 7:
Module 8:
Module 9:
Module 10:
Module 11:
Module 12:
Module 13:
Module 14:
Module 15:
Module 16:
Page
1
5
15
20
43
73
91
106
124
139
162
174
201
212
224
234
BOSH Framework
have an overview of the BOSH Course and the importance of safety and health
define OSH and its three major fields Occupational Safety, Occupational Health
and Industrial Hygiene
identify work hazards and risks and recommend control measures to reduce or
eliminate work-related accidents and illness
acquire basic knowledge & skills on OSH, such as safe work practices, that will
enable you to plan/develop your companys Safety and Health program.
These objectives can be attained by understanding OSH, why we need to learn key
concepts in prevention and how we can respond to existing and potential hazards that
affect the human body, personal lives, families and communities.
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The terms hazard and risk are often interchanged. Because you will be encountering
these throughout the course it is a must that you understand the difference between
them.
Hazard a source or situation with a potential to cause harm in terms of injury, ill
health, damage to property, damage to the environment or a combination of these.
Risk a combination of the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event with
specified period or in specified circumstances and the severity of injury or damage to
the health of people, property, environment or any combination of these caused by
the event.
The hazards affecting the workplace under each major area should be detected,
identified, controlled and, at best, prevented from occurring by the safety and health
officer of the company. Occupational safety and health should be integrated in every
step of the work process, starting from storage and use of raw materials, the
manufacture of products, release of by-products, use of various equipment and
ensuring a non-hazardous or risk-free work environment.
Our discussions will therefore flow from the three major areas of OSH and then on to
the part where you will prepare a re-entry plan to apply what you have learned in
your specific workplace. If you are not working yet, we can simulate a company, a
household or a community that will benefit from your re-entry plan.
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OSH Situationer
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Of the total employed persons, the laborers and unskilled workers comprised the
largest group (32.3%). This was followed by farmers, forestry workers and fishermen
(16.0%); officials of government and special interest organizations, corporate
executives, managers, managing proprietors and supervisors (13.8%); and service
workers, shop and market sales workers (10.6%). The rest of the major occupation
groups each comprised less than 10 percent ranging from 0.4 percent to 7.7 percent.
The majority (54.4%) of the employed were wage and salary workers, most of whom
were in private establishments (40.4% of the total employed). Thirty percent were selfemployed without any paid employee, four percent were employer in own familyoperated business or farm while nearly 12 percent worked without pay in own familyoperated farm or business.
More than half (63.5%) of the total employed were full time workers or have worked
for at least 40 hours per week. On the average, employed persons worked 41.7 hours a
week in 2010.
The number of underemployed workers in 2010 was 6.8 million, representing an
annual underemployment rate of 18.7 percent. Underemployed workers are persons
who express the desire to have additional hours of work in the present job, or to have
an additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours. The lowest
underemployment rate was observed in Central Luzon (9.1%) while the highest was
noted in Bicol Region (36.8%).
About 2.9 million Filipinos were unemployed in 2010 representing an unemployment
rate of 7.3 percent for the year. The unemployed persons who have attained high
school accounted for 45.2 percent of all unemployed. The proportion of unemployed
males was greater than that of their female counterparts (63.3% compared to 36.7%).
(2010 ANNUAL LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS, released
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/press release/2011/pr1111tx.html)
February
8,
2011,
According to the July 2011 Current Labor Statistics of the DOLE Bureau of Labor and
Employment Statistics (BLES), there are 8M OFWs with 1.47M deployed in 2010. Of
the OFWs deployed in 2010, 1,123,676 are land based and 347,150 are sea-based.
After knowing these statistics, the question that comes to mind is how many Filipino
workers are protected from accidents and illnesses while they work?
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70,000
52,515
60,000
58,720
44,800
50,000
46,570
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2003
occupational accidents
2007
occupational injuries
The BITS results reveal that a total of 44,800 occupational accidents occurred in 4,600
non-agricultural establishments employing 20 or more workers in 2007, a figure lower
by 14.7% than the 52,515 accidents that affected 4, 824 establishments in 2003.
Occupational injuries resulting from workplace accidents declined by 20.7% from
58,720 in 2003 to 46,570 in 2007.
Cases that required absence/s from work stood at 23,265 in 2003 and 20,386 in 2007
or a reduction of 12.4%. Almost all cases with workdays lost in 2007 were temporary
disabilities (20,109). This is 12.4% lower than the caseload of 22,964 in 2003.
Occupational injuries with workdays lost by incapacity
to work, Philippines 2003 and 2007
Figure 2
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2003
2007
temporary
incapacity
22,964
20,109
permanent
incapacity
131
162
fatal
170
116
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On the other hand, training on the proper handling and correct operation of
machines, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) precautions and carefulness in
work prevent accidents and promote safety in establishments.
The largest caseload of injuries with workdays lost in 2007 was recorded in
manufacturing establishments at 61.0% (12,427). This industry also posted the biggest
share at 61.9% four years earlier. The rest of the industries had lower shares ranging
from 0.2% (financial intermediation) to 9.2% (hotels and restaurants) in 2007 and
from 0.3% (mining and quarrying) to 11.6% (wholesale and retail trade) in 2003. (Table
1).
Relative to their specific industry totals, private education injury cases with workdays
lost had multiplied by as much as three times its 2003 level (from 132 in 2003 to 436
in 2007). Other noticeable percentage increases were recorded in mining and
quarrying at 58.3% (from 60 in 2003 to 95 in 2007) and in hotels and restaurants at
57.1% (from 1,195 in 2003 to 1,877 in 2007). On the other hand, remarkable
decreases were noted in other community, social and personal service entities at
66.1% (from 546 in 2003 to 185 in 2007) and in financial intermediation activities at
52.0% (from 100 in 2003 to 48 in 2007).
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Definition of Terms:
Occupational accident - an unexpected and unplanned occurrence, including acts of violence
arising out of or in connection with work which results in one or more workers incurring a
personal injury, disease or death. It can occur outside the usual workplace/premises of the
establishment while the worker is on business on behalf of his/her employer, i.e., in another
establishment or while on travel, transport or in road traffic.
Occupational injury - an injury which results from a work-related event or a single
instantaneous exposure in the work environment (occupational accident). Where more than
one person is injured in a single accident, each case of occupational injury should be counted
separately. If one person is injured in more than one occupational accident during the
reference period, each case of injury to that person should be counted separately. Recurrent
absences due to an injury resulting from a single occupational accident should be treated as
the continuation of the same case of occupational injury not as a new case.
Temporary incapacity - case where an injured person was absent from work for at least one
day, excluding the day of the accident, and 1) was able to perform again the normal duties of
the job or position occupied at the time of the occupational accident or 2) will be able to
perform the same job but his/her total absence from work is expected not to exceed a year
starting the day after the accident, or 3) did not return to the same job but the reason for
changing the job is not related to his/her inability to perform the job at the time of the
occupational accident.
Permanent incapacity - case where an injured person was absent from work for at least one
day, excluding the day of the accident, and 1) was never able to perform again the normal
duties of the job or position occupied at the time of the occupational accident, or 2) will be
able to perform the same job but his/her total absence from work is expected to exceed a year
starting the day after the accident.
Fatal case - case where a person is fatally injured as a result of occupational accident whether
death occurs immediately after the accident or within the same reference year as the accident.
Injuries incurring days away from work recorded a Frequency Rate (FR) of 2.79 in
2007. This was 1.28 percentage points lower than the FR of 4.07 in 2003. Expectedly,
this was coherent to the 12.4% reduction in the number of cases of occupational
injuries to 20,386 in 2007 from 23,265 in 2003. Categories by incapacity for work on
cases with workdays lost recorded frequency rates as follows:
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Definition of Terms:
Frequency Rate (FR) refers to cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000,000
employee-hours of exposure.
Incidence Rate (IR) refers to cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000
workers.
Severity Rate (SR) refers to workdays lost of cases of occupational injuries resulting to
temporary incapacity per 1,000,000 employee-hours of exposure.
Average Workdays Lost refer to workdays lost for every case of occupational injury resulting
to temporary incapacity.
The present local data does not present a total picture of OSH situation in the
Philippines. As you can see, the BITS survey is limited only to the 6,460 companies
covered out of the estimated 780,500 existing establishments in the country. Many
companies do not report accidents and injuries.
Data gathering has been problematic because of the following conditions:
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Many of them think that the diseases and accidents they experience is part of
the nature of their work and cannot be prevented. On a positive note, OSHC
has been doing a lot of OSH awareness campaigns for informal workers.
Public apathy on OSH concerns. Most people do not generally pay attention to
OSH concerns.
Low priority on OSH concerns by both management and labor. The former is
more concerned about profit while the latter is with wages and other
monetary benefits.
Aside from the problems already identified, participants should also be aware
that there are emerging OSH issues such as women workers issues, OSH and
child labor, OSH in the informal sector, agriculture, in schools and lifestyle
diseases such as AIDS and diabetes, and many others.
Women are often faced with multiple burdens. They have take on the burden
of the home they perform the role of a wife and a mother. These may also
affect her performance at the workplace and add to the stresses that come
with the job. The hazards that a women worker is exposed to while at work to
can affect her reproductive health and for a pregnant worker, her unborn
child.
There are 250 million child laborers around the world of which 3.7 million are
found in the Philippines. Of these, 2.2M are in hazardous jobs. Employing
children in these types of work greatly affects the quality of their life and in
serious cases, may even cause serious disabilities or death. The OSHC
researches on the footwear industry, fishing, mining, and agriculture, helped in
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The use of pesticides in farms is also another issue. Farmers or farm workers
who handle pesticides may be unaware of the hazards that they are exposed
to. Constant exposure of a worker, has enormous adverse effects his or her
health. Workers handling pesticides may even bring home residues of the
chemicals and, affecting their families and the community.
There is also little mechanism on OSH for the informal sector considering that
they represent more than half of the total workforce and is the sector badly in
need of OSH information since they have the tendency to ignore such concerns
just to get their daily incomes.
Although the number of work-related accidents and illnesses has decreased in the
recent years here in the Philippines, cases of occupational injuries and diseases
continue to occur. We at the OSHC subscribe to the principle that one life lost is one
too many. Everyone must therefore be involved in the effort to contain OSH concerns
to enhance ones working life. After all, most of us work mainly for economic
purposes - ang hanap-buhay ay para ikabuhay, hindi para ikamatay.
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Unsafe/Unhealthy
Acts and Conditions
fall from height and fall from the same level (slips and trips)
struck against rigid structure, sharp or rough objects
struck by falling objects
caught in, on or in between objects
electrocution
fire
Costs of accidents
Corollary to accidents are costs that companies have to bear whether
directly or indirectly. The cost of accidents can be best explained by the
Iceberg Theory. Once an accident happens, money has to be spent for medical
expenses of the injured worker/workers, insurance premiums and, in some
cases, for penalty and litigation expenses. Companies also spend huge
amounts to replace damaged equipment and wasted raw materials. These are
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
Page 16 of 246
what we consider as the direct costs of accidents. But these are just the tip of
the iceberg.
The larger and more dangerous part of the iceberg however is the part
that lies beneath the water. This represents the indirect costs of an accident
which have a more damaging impact to the worker, their families, the
company and the community in general. Indirect costs include:
1. Lost or lesser productivity of the injured workers lose their efficiency
and income due to work interruption on the day of the injury.
2. Loss of productivity among other employees due to work stoppage
when assisting the injured worker, inspection or merely out of curiosity.
The psychological impact of the accident reduces the workers
productivity.
3. Loss of productivity among supervisors because instead of focusing on
managing people and the work flow, they spend their time assisting the
injured, investigating the accident and preparing inspection reports.
4. Hiring and training replacement workers
5. Downtime due to equipment damage
Apart from these are humane aspects of accidents such as sorrow due to
loss, hardships and inconveniences, physical pain and discomfort and
psychological problems.
Accident causation
After knowing what accidents are and the costs that will be incurred when
these happen, we will now look at the primary causes of accidents.
Understanding this topic will help you identify appropriate measures to
prevent accidents from happening.
Are these phrases familiar to you?
"Oras na niya"
"Malas niya lang"
Tanga kasi
Kasama sa trabaho
People usually utter the abovementioned phrases or statements when
someone gets injured or dies in an accident. However, these are not the real
causes of accidents but mere excuses of people who do not understand the
concepts of occupational safety and health. Accidents are primarily caused by
unsafe and unhealthy acts and conditions.
Unsafe/unhealthy Act: the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines this
as any human action that violates a commonly accepted safe work procedure or
standard operating procedure. This is an act done by a worker that does not conform
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or departs from an established standard, rules or policy. These often happen when a
worker has improper attitudes, physical limitations or lacks knowledge or skills.
Examples of unsafe acts include: horse playing, smoking in non-smoking areas, using
substandard/defective tools, non - wearing of goggles/gloves, driving without license,
reporting to work under the influence of liquor or drugs, and improper storage of
paints and hazardous chemicals among others.
Unsafe/unhealthy Condition: ANSI defines this as the physical or chemical property of
a material, machine or the environment which could possibly cause injury to people,
damage to property, disrupt operations in a plant or office or other forms of losses.
These conditions could be guarded or prevented.
Examples of unsafe conditions include: slippery and wet floors, dusty work area,
congested plant lay-out, octopus wiring, scattered objects on the floor/work area,
poor storage system, protruding nails and sharp objects, unguarded rotating
machines/equipment, etc.
In identifying unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions, you should be as specific as
possible. The term poor housekeeping is a very general and vague term that does
not tell you the real condition/situation of the workplace that needs to be addressed.
You should avoid using general terms when citing for unsafe/unhealthy acts and
conditions. Rather, you must state specifically what you are referring to, like: dusty
workplace and improper storage of paints. The term Non-wearing of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) is another generalized statement of an unsafe act. To be
more specific, you must cite the kind of PPE that is not used or improperly worn by the
worker. In this case, your observation should be: not wearing gloves and mask while
mixing chemicals, not wearing goggles while welding, or not wearing safety shoes
while walking on slippery surface.
It is very important to state the specific unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions since
these become the basis for recommendations to the management. A general
statement of the problem will only mean a general recommendation or solution, not
an accurate one. If you state that the problem is poor housekeeping, logically your
recommended solution would be good housekeeping. Although this is very basic,
being definite and specific in identifying unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions is
critical in convincing the management that safety and health issues in the workplace
are worth their attention and commitment.
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Housekeeping
Page 21 of 246
3. Non-effective work
2. Overproduction
4. Transportation
6. Non-effective motion
5. Inventory
7. Waiting
What is 5S?
5S is a systematized approach to:
organizing work areas
keeping rules and standards
maintaining discipline
5S utilizes:
workplace organization
work simplification techniques
5S practice
develops positive attitude among workers
cultivates an environment of efficiency, effectiveness and economy
5S Philosophy
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5S Terms:
1. Seiri/Sort/Suriin is the first S which means sorting out unnecessary
items and discarding them.
Required
Action
SEITON
Items frequently
used
Must be placed
near the point
of use
Items
Necessary
Items sometimes
used
Can be placed
farther away
Items not
used at all
must be kept
Must be stored
separately with
clear
identification
SEIRI
7 Seiton Principles:
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JANUARY
Page 24 of 246
Steps in implementing 5S
Step 1:
Preparations
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Step 2:
a.
b.
c.
d.
5S CORE GROUP
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PLAN
CHECK
Situation Appraisal
Setting Benchmarks or
Targets
Implementation Plan
DO
Announcements
Education
Akafuda
Big Seiso
Seiso Inspection
Seiton Campaign
Special 5S Projects
5S Audit
Documentation of
Targets
Review Targets
ACT
Corrective Measures
Revise Plans
Difficulties
Encountered
Organizing to Implement 5S
Managing Director
5S Auditor
5S Steering Comm.
5S Facilitators
5S Working Comm.
5S Audit Comm.
5S Trainer
Unit 1
5S Trainer
Unit 2
5S Trainer
Unit 3
5S Trainer
Unit 4
Page 25 of 246
5S IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION
5S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
5S STEERING COMMITTEE
5S FACILITATOR
SECTION I
LEADER
DIVISION 4
MANAGER
SECTION H
LEADER
SECTION G
LEADER
DIVISION 3
MANAGER
SECTION F
LEADER
SECTION E
LEADER
SECTION D
LEADER
DIVISION 2
MANAGER
SECTIONC
LEADER
SECTION B
LEADER
SECTION A
LEADER
DIVISION 1
MANAGER
Managements Role
Providing adequate equipment
Including housekeeping in the planning of all operations
Including maintenance of good housekeeping as part of individuals
job responsibility
Providing clean-up schedule and personnel
Maintaining executive supervisory and interest
Supervisors Role
Workers Role
Follow housekeeping procedures
Maintain an orderly workplace
Report to supervisors any unsafe condition
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Step 3:
Initial seiri
Establish disposal standards for unnecessary items
Apply Disposal Notices to all questionable items
Carefully examine responses to disposal notices
Dispose unnecessary items according to disposal standards
A company-wide seiri should be planned and practiced annually
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Office machines
Clean office machines and equipment regularly (Seiso)
Set electric cables neatly for safety and good appearance (Seiton)
inspect machines regularly and take action for required servicing
(Shitsuke)
Toilets
Flush after use (Seiketsu)
Wash hands after using the toilet (Seiketsu)
Clean up toilet and wash basin everyday (Seiso/Seiketsu)
Replenish toilet paper, soaps and paper towels (Seiton/Seiketsu)
All users should always try to keep toilets clean and tidy (Shitsuke)
Check exhaust fans regularly for effective function (Seiso)
Canteen
Do not leave unnecessary things on the dining table (Seiton/Seiketsu)
Tuck chairs properly after use (Seiton)
Return chairs and tables to their original location when used for
meetings or functions (Seiton)
Put away all cups and plates after each meal (Seiso/Seiketsu)
Clean up tables immediately after each meal (Seiso/Seiketsu)
Hallways
Do not smoke while walking in the hallways (Shitsuke)
Do not place anything in the hallways without permission
(Seiri/Seiton/Shitsuke)
Pick-up and dispose any waste in the hallway (Seiketsu/Shitsuke)
Avoid talking loudly along hallways (Shitsuke)
Notice Boards
Ensure that outdates notices are removed (Seiketsu)
Ensure that all information are updated regularly (Seiri)
Items should be neatly aligned and properly secured (Seiton)
Pins must be readily available (Seiton)
Check that the location of notice boards are appropriate (Seiton)
Visual Control - a technique that enables people to make the rules easy to
follow, differentiate normal and abnormal situations and act accordingly,
with the use of visual aids.
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Periodic 5S audits
Establish 5S evaluation and incentive plan
Conduct 5S evaluation and inspection regularly
Organize 5S inter-department competition
Periodically award groups and individuals
Organize study tours to other companies
Organize 5S inter-company competition
Purpose of 5S audit
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
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5S TOOL BOX
Promotion Tools
Implementation Tools
5S Newsletters
Evaluation Tools
5S Guidance Stickers
5S DAY
What is Seiton?
Here is
a need for
Seiton is arranging
necessary items in good
order so they can easily
be selected for use
SEIRI
Here is
a need for
SEISO
5S Posters
5S Study Tours
Seiri
Here is
a need for
SEITON
Seiton
Shitsuke
Seiketsu
Seiso
5S Banners
5S Checklists
5S Inter-Department Competition
Congratulations!
We all Practice 5S
5S Badges
SUPER
5S
Department
Department
Department
Department
Here is an
Excellent Example of
A
B
C
D
5S
Practice
5S Evaluation procedure
1. Walking rally by to and middle management
2. Fixed point photograph visual comparison of before and after
3. Achieved level of evaluation for predetermined targets which are
upgraded step-by-step after each evaluation
4. Competition among departments /workplaces
5. Combination of the above
RECORD IMPROVEMENTS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS
STEP 1
STEP 2
5S IMPROVEMENT RECORDS
WORKPLACE
STEP 1
LOCATION NO.
DATE
01/04/95
COMMENTS
STEP 2
DATE
COMMENTS
Very messy.
RATING
RATING
88
10/04/95
STEP 3
DATE
STEP 4
COMMENTS
COMMENTS
RATING
RATING
DATE
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5S Evaluation Form
ITEM
Desks / tables / chairs
FOCUS
Are they tidy and conveniently
organized?
Cabinets/shelves
Are they clean and labeled for
the easy retrieval of things
needed?
Documents/files
Are they clean and systematically
organized?
Forms/office supplies
Are they tidy and conveniently
stored for retrieval?
Telephones
Are they clean and wellmaintained?
Facsimiles
Are they clean and wellmaintained?
Typewriters/wordAre they clean and wellprocessors
maintained?
Computers/monitors
Are they clean and wellmaintained?
Printers
Are they clean and wellmaintained?
Copying machines
Are they clean and wellmaintained?
Electric wiring
Is it tidy, safe and conveniently
laid out for operation?
Lighting/ventilation
Are they adequate for efficient
operation?
Floors/walls/windows/ceiling Are they dust-free and wellmaintained?
Fire extinguishers
Are they adequate and wellmaintained?
Emergency exits
Are they adequate and clear of
obstacles in case of
emergencies?
Safety devices
Are they adequate and wellmaintained?
Working clothes/shoes
Are they clean and do they
present a good image?
Waste baskets
Are clean and well-maintained?
Others
SCORE
10 8 6 4
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
10 8
6
6
4
4
2
2
Page 31 of 246
Notes:
Here are additional notes on good housekeeping in the workplace as well as
inspection checklists from the Canadian Center of Occupational Health and Safety
(CCOHS)
Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work?
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done
safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by
hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is
accepted as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken
for granted.
Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly;
maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removing of waste
materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also
requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole
workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good
housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done
occasionally. Periodic "panic" cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents.
Page 32 of 246
Page 33 of 246
Worker training is an essential part of any good housekeeping program. Workers need
to know how to work safely with the products they use. They also need to know how
to protect other workers such as by posting signs (e.g., "Wet - Slippery Floor") and
reporting any unusual conditions.
Housekeeping order is "maintained" not "achieved." Cleaning and organization must
be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift. Integrating housekeeping into jobs
can help ensure this is done. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns
responsibilities for the following:
clean up during the shift
day-to-day cleanup
waste disposal
removal of unused materials
inspection to ensure cleanup is complete
Do not forget out-of-the-way places such as shelves, basements, sheds, and boiler
rooms that would otherwise be overlooked. The orderly arrangement of operations,
tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good housekeeping program.
The final addition to any housekeeping program is inspection. It is the only way to
check for deficiencies in the program so that changes can be made. The documents on
workplace inspection checklists provide a general guide and examples of checklists for
inspecting offices and manufacturing facilities.
Elements of an effective housekeeping program
Dust and Dirt Removal
In some jobs, enclosures and exhaust ventilation systems may fail to collect dust, dirt
and chips adequately. Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing light dust and dirt.
Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges, machinery,
and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate.
Special-purpose vacuums are useful for removing hazardous substances. For example,
vacuum cleaners fitted with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters may be used
to capture fine particles of asbestos or fiberglass.
Dampening (wetting) floors or using sweeping compounds before sweeping reduces
the amount of airborne dust. The dust and grime that collect in places like shelves,
piping, conduits, light fixtures, reflectors, windows, cupboards and lockers may
require manual cleaning.
Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or
work surfaces.
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Employee Facilities
Employee facilities need to be adequate, clean and well maintained. Lockers are
necessary for storing employees' personal belongings. Washroom facilities require
cleaning once or more each shift. They also need to have a good supply of soap,
towels plus disinfectants, if needed.
If workers are using hazardous materials, employee facilities should provide special
precautions such as showers, washing facilities and change rooms. Some facilities may
require two locker rooms with showers between. Using such double locker rooms
allows workers to shower off workplace contaminants and prevents them from
contaminating their "street clothes" by keeping their work clothes separated from the
clothing that they wear home.
Smoking, eating or drinking in the work area should be prohibited where toxic
materials are handled. The eating area should be separate from the work area and
should be cleaned properly each shift.
Surfaces
Floors: Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents so cleaning up spilled oil
and other liquids at once is important. Allowing chips, shavings and dust to
accumulate can also cause accidents. Trapping chips, shavings and dust before they
reach the floor or cleaning them up regularly can prevent their accumulation. Areas
that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip
flooring. Keeping floors in good order also means replacing any worn, ripped, or
damaged flooring that poses a tripping hazard.
Walls: Light-coloured walls reflect light while dirty or dark-coloured walls absorb light.
Contrasting colours warn of physical hazards and mark obstructions such as pillars.
Paint can highlight railings, guards and other safety equipment, but should never be
used as a substitute for guarding. The program should outline the regulations and
standards for colours.
Maintain Light Fixtures
Dirty light fixtures reduce essential light levels. Clean light fixtures can improve
lighting efficiency significantly.
Aisles and Stairways
Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles comfortably and
safely. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products and materials.
Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners. Arranging aisles
Page 35 of 246
properly encourages people to use them so that they do not take shortcuts through
hazardous areas.
Keeping aisles and stairways clear is important. They should not be used for
temporary "overflow" or "bottleneck" storage. Stairways and aisles also require
adequate lighting.
Spill Control
The best way to control spills is to stop them before they happen. Regularly cleaning
and maintaining machines and equipment is one way. Another is to use drip pans and
guards where possible spills might occur. When spills do occur, it is important to clean
them up immediately. Absorbent materials are useful for wiping up greasy, oily or
other liquid spills. Used absorbents must be disposed of properly and safely.
Tools and Equipment
Tool housekeeping is very important, whether in the tool room, on the rack, in the
yard, or on the bench. Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to provide
orderly arrangement, both in the tool room and near the work bench. Returning them
promptly after use reduces the chance of being misplaced or lost. Workers should
regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn tools out of
service.
Maintenance
The maintenance of buildings and equipment may be the most important element of
good housekeeping. Maintenance involves keeping buildings, equipment and
machinery in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. This includes
maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls. Broken
windows, damaged doors, defective plumbing and broken floor surfaces can make a
workplace look neglected; these conditions can cause accidents and affect work
practices. So it is important to replace or fix broken or damaged items as quickly as
possible. A good maintenance program provides for the inspection, maintenance,
upkeep and repair of tools, equipment, machines and processes.
Waste Disposal
The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good housekeeping
practices. It also makes it possible to separate materials that can be recycled from
those going to waste disposal facilities.
Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy since additional
time is required for cleaning it up. Placing scrap containers near where the waste is
produced encourages orderly waste disposal and makes collection easier. All waste
receptacles should be clearly labeled (e.g., recyclable glass, plastic, scrap metal, etc.).
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Storage
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage
problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be fewer strain
injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual materials
handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with work but
they should still be readily available when required. Stored materials should allow at
least one meter (or about three feet) of clear space under sprinkler heads.
Stacking cartons and drums on a firm foundation and cross tying them, where
necessary, reduces the chance of their movement. Stored materials should not
obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains,
emergency showers, or first aid stations. All storage areas should be clearly marked.
Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials should be stored in
approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards
that they pose. Storage of materials should meet all requirements specified in the fire
codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety
agencies in your jurisdiction.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/house.html
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Flammable/Explosive Materials
Store flammable or explosive materials such as gasoline, oil and cleaning
agents apart from other materials.
Keep flammable and explosive materials in proper containers with contents
clearly marked.
Dispose of greasy, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved
containers.
Store full barrels in an upright position.
Keep gasoline and oil barrels on a barrel rack.
Store empty barrels separately.
Post signs prohibiting smoking, open flames and other ignition sources in areas
where flammable and explosive materials are stored or used.
Store and chain all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.
Mark empty cylinders with the letters "mt," and store them separately from
full or partially full cylinders.
Ventilate all storage areas properly.
Ensure that all electric fixtures and switches are explosion-proof where
flammable materials are stored.
Use grounding straps equipped with clamps on containers to prevent static
electricity buildup.
Provide the appropriate fire extinguishers for the materials found on-site. Keep
fire extinguisher stations clear and accessible.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklstcon.html
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Spill Control
Are all spills wiped up quickly?
Are procedures followed as indicated on the material safety data sheet?
Are spill absorbents used for greasy, oily, flammable or toxic materials?
Are used rags and absorbents disposed of promptly and safely?
Is a spill area surrounded by a barrier to prevent a spill from spreading?
Equipment and Machinery Maintenance
Is equipment in good working order, with all necessary guards or safety
features operational or in place?
Is equipment damaged or outdated?
Are tools and machinery inspected regularly for wear or leaks?
Is equipment repaired promptly?
Are drip pans or absorbent materials used if leaks cannot be stopped at the
source?
Is a machine that splashes oil fitted with a screen or splash guard?
Are machines and tools cleaned regularly?
Waste Disposal
Are there adequate numbers of containers?
Are there separate and approved containers for toxic and flammable waste?
Are waste containers located where the waste is produced?
Are waste containers emptied regularly?
Are toxic and flammable waste chemicals handled properly?
Storage
Are storage areas safe and accessible?
Is material stacked securely, blocked or interlocked if possible?
Are materials stored in areas that do not obstruct stairs, fire escapes, exits or
firefighting equipment?
Are materials stored in areas that do not interfere with workers or the flow of
materials?
Are bins or racks provided where material cannot be piled?
Are all storage areas clearly marked?
Do workers understand material storage and handling procedures?
Fire Prevention
Are combustible and flammable materials present only in the quantities
needed for the job at hand?
Are combustible and flammable materials kept in safety cans during use?
Are hazardous materials stored in approved containers and away from ignition
sources?
Are sprinkler heads clear of stored material?
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Are fire extinguishers inspected and located along commonly travelled routes,
and close to possible ignition sources?
Are oily or greasy rags placed in metal containers and disposed of regularly?
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklstgen.html
Stack pipe on solid, level sills only. Block pipes to prevent them from rolling.
Place lagging between layers to reduce the pressure and prevent the pile from
spreading.
Remove pipe from ends of the pile.
Do not stack pipe higher than 1.5 meters (5 ft.).
Structural steel
Pile structural steel to prevent tipping and slipping.
Give special attention when loading structural steel from trucks.
Place slings on steel before releasing binder chains.
Bagged and stacked material
Maintain stability.
Do not allow piles to exceed ten bags in height unless the face of the piles are
supported by the walls of a storage bin or enclosure.
Cross-pile bagged materials on skids and pile only to a convenient height. The
height depends on the nature and ability of the mechanical aids used and the
weight of the bagged materials.
Bricks, Blocks, Tiles
Pile bricks, blocks or tiles on a solid, level surface only.
Use extreme caution when removing metal bands.
Do not stockpile material on a scaffold beyond the safe loading capacity.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklststk.html
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Conclusion
As an individual, you can make your work area more pleasant and conducive to
working, thus creating and improving work efficiency, safety and quality of work and
products. As a company, 5S is an integrated approach for production, quality, lower
costs, on time delivery, safety, and morale.
In conclusion, it is not a matter of memorizing Japanese words pertaining to a system
of housekeeping. Wholehearted practice and observance of good housekeeping is
what is important. Surely after reading about this, you will realize the value of good
housekeeping as the most basic step in preventing accidents and avoiding various
degrees of losses to productivity, property, materials and equipment, notwithstanding
its human elements.
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Materials Handling
and Storage
Materials handling and storage is a technique which includes the art of lifting, placing,
storing or movement of materials through the use of ones physical strength or
appropriate handling equipment. Materials handling has two general classifications:
manual materials handling and mechanical materials handling.
I. Manual Materials Handling
Manual materials handling (MMH) means moving or handling things by lifting,
lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or restraining using ones physical
strength. MMH is also the most common cause of occupational fatigue, low back pain
and lower back injuries. It is riskier than one might think as it could lead to strains,
sprains, wounds, fractures, and hernias.
Remember to stop and think before lifting any load and ask yourself whether there is
an even safer way to do the job.
What makes manual materials handling hazardous?
MMH is always hazardous but the level of hazard depends on what you are
handling, what the task is, and what the conditions are at the workplace or work
site. For example, the material or load that you are handling may be:
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uses poor lifting techniques (lifting too fast, too often, too long, with back
bent, while twisting or reaching too far, etc.)
has to move material over long distances
does not take appropriate rest breaks
has insufficient recovery time
has a combination of handling tasks (e.g. lifting, carrying and lowering)
The conditions where you are working can also contribute to hazards of MMH and
result in injuries. Examples of these conditions are:
surfaces that are uneven, sloping, wet, icy, slippery, unsteady, etc.
differences in floor levels or elevations
poor housekeeping
inadequate lighting
cold or very hot and humid working environment
windy conditions
fast pace of work
restricted movement because of clothing or lack of space
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/push1.html
Manual materials handling also involve pushing and pulling motions at work. You
use various pushing and pulling techniques in a wide range of activities, such as:
Because these actions are among the most common work activities, they are also
the cause of many injuries. However, there are no comprehensive injury statistics.
The injuries resulting from these activities are not always recorded very specifically
as well.
Most common are overexertion injuries (e.g., back strain). Injuries due to slips and
falls are also often associated with pushing and pulling. Additionally, injuries to
fingers and hands can result when caught in, on, or between objects (e.g.,
between a cart and the wall) and to lower legs when bumped by carts. Therefore,
existing statistics do not reflect the importance of pushing and pulling as work
factors causing injury because the injuries fall into different categories making
them difficult to analyze.
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Because of the complex nature of body motion during pushing and pulling, no
numerical standard has yet been developed that can be directly applied in
industry.
Many
pull:
factors affect the amount of force that you exert in a horizontal push and
body weight and strength
height of force application
direction of force application
distance of force application from the body
posture (bending forward or leaning backward)
friction coefficient (amount of friction or grip between floors and shoes)
duration and distance of push or pull
Tables 1 and 2 contain the upper force limits for horizontal and vertical pushing
and pulling. They indicate the amount of force that you can exert safely. It is
important to be aware that the forces in the tables are not the same as the weight
of objects being pushed and pulled. This means that you cannot use these upper
force limits as recommendations for weight limits that can be pushed or pulled in
the workplace. Only trained personnel using special equipment can measure the
forces exerted by a worker.
The values in Table 1 show the upper limits of forces for horizontal pushing and
pulling. These limits should not be exceeded in work situations. In fact, it is better
and safer if pushing and pulling tasks require lower forces, particularly, where the
task requires:
pushing or pulling an object when the hands must be above the shoulder or
below the waist level
exerting a force for longer than 5 seconds
exerting a force at an angle not directly in front of the body, e.g., not
"straight on"
where a worker can support his body (or feet) against a firm structure
higher forces (up to 675N or about 165 lbf or 75 kgf) can be developed
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Table 1
Recommended Upper Force Limits for Horizontal Pushing and Pulling*
Condition
Examples of Activities
A. Standing
1. Whole body
involved
225 N (50 lbf or 23 kgf)
B. Kneeling
C. Seated
* adopted from: Ergonomic design for people at work. Vol. 2, by Eastman Kodak Company, Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1986
** Units of force are: newton (N), kilogram force (Kgf), pound force (lbf); 10N is about the same as 1
Kgf or 2 lbf. The values in each unit system - newtons, kilogram force and pound force, respectively are provided in the table because all are used in the literature and on instruments, depending on the
country of origin.
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The values in Table 2 show the upper limits of forces for vertical pushing and pulling.
Examples of the use of vertical force are operating controls and hand tools. Such
activities tend to be of a repetitive nature and physically more demanding than
occasional pushing or pulling. Therefore, these tasks should be designed for
considerably lower force requirements than those shown in Table 2.
Table 2
Recommended Upper Force Limits for Vertical Pushing and Pulling*
Conditions
Pull
down, 540 N (120 lbf or 55 kgf)
above head
height
200 N (45 lbf or 20 kgf)
Pull
down, 315 N (70 lbf or 32 kgf)
shoulder level
Pull up,
-25 cm (10 in)
above
the 315 N (70 lbf or 32 kgf) Lifting an object with one hand
floor
148 N (33 lbf or 15 kgf) Raising a lid or access port cover, palm
-Elbow height 75 N (17 lbf or 7,5 kgf)
up
-Shoulder
height
Push down, 287 N (64 lbf or 29 kgf)
elbow height
Push
up, 202 N (45 lbf or kgf)
shoulder
height
(boosting)
* adopted from: Ergonomic design for people at work. Vol. 2, by Eastman Kodak Company, Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1986
** Units of force are: newton (N), kilogram force (Kgf), pound force (lbf); 10N is about the same as 1
Kgf or 2 lbf. The values in each unit system - newtons, kilogram force and pound force, respectively are provided in the table because all are used in the literature and on instruments, depending on the
country of origin.
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Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shovel.html#_1_1
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2. Digging guidelines
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/generalpractice.html?print#_1_1
3. Lifting guidelines
Before lifting
Always check to see if mechanical aids such as hoists, lift trucks, dollies,
or wheelbarrows are available.
Get help with heavy or awkward loads.
Assess and identify the weight of the load.
Be sure that you can lift the load without over-exertion.
Be sure that the load is "free" to move.
Check if the planned location of the load is free of obstacles and debris.
Be sure that the path to the planned location of the load is clear.
Grease, oil, water, litter and debris can cause slips and falls.
Particular handling and lifting techniques are needed for different kinds
of loads or materials being handled (for example, compact loads, small
bags, large sacks, drums, barrels, cylinders, sheet materials like metal
or glass).
Do not lift if you are not sure that you can handle the load safely.
General tips for lifting
Examine the load and the surrounding area prior to lifting.
Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles.
Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move.
Use a wide stance to gain balance.
Be sure you have a good grip on the load.
Look forward to keep back straight
Keep arms straight.
Tighten abdominal muscles.
Tuck chin into the chest.
Initiate the lift with body weight.
Use muscle power of the legs in lifting
Lift the load as close to the body as possible.
Lift smoothly without jerking.
Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting.
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Wrong Way
Right Way
Human Body
Your back
WEAK
Protect it
Your legs
STRONG
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Remember to:
Stand close behind the load.
Straddle the load:
o Place the leading foot flat beside the
load in the direction of travel.
o Place the rear in the direction of
travel.
Bend the hips and knees.
Keep your back straight.
When lifting
Grasp the load with elbows inside the thighs:
o Use a power grasp for loads with
handles.
o Use slings or hooks to improve grasp
when loads do not have handles.
o Use blocks under loads without
handles to make lifting them up easier
and safer.
o Use a ledge grasp for loads without
handles.
Grasp with one hand at the outer, upper
corner, over the leading foot and the other
hand on the lower, opposite corner.
Lean forward with the rear arm straight. This
position gets the load moving.
Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg
and continuing in an upward and forward
direction.
Keep the load close to the body.
Keep the rear arm straight.
Move off without twisting the body.
When putting a load down
Take a wide stance with one foot in front of
the other.
Keep the load close to the body.
Keep the back straight.
Bend the hips and knees.
Set the load down onto the ground.
Keep the load tilted to avoid bruising fingers.
Remove fingers from under the load.
Stand up smoothly, easing muscles.
Avoid jerky releases.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/compactbags.html
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Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/sacks.html
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C. Lifting sacks
C.1. Heavy/large sacks - Lift heavy and large sacks in two stages using an
intermediate platform. When lifting, remember to:
C.2. Bulky sacks - Bulkier sacks are easier to carry on your back. Lift onto
your back from a platform as described above.
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Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/drums.html?print
Page 55 of 246
Two-person lift
Stand close to the drum with feet apart. One foot at the front and the
other behind.
Keep knees slightly flexed.
Put your hands firmly against upper rim of the drum.
Keep arms straight with the elbows "locked".
Rock the drum gently to get the feel of its contents before you move it.
Push the top of the drum away by extending the back leg and shifting
your body weight onto your front leg.
Stop tilting the drum at the balance point. Use back leg as a counter
balance.
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Check for the availability of mechanical aids before lifting or moving loads.
Do not operate any equipment if you are not trained to use it.
Keep the equipment in good operating condition. It saves effort while
transporting loads.
Select the right equipment to complete the task.
Specific tasks or objects require specialized equipment.
Do not operate any equipment if you are not trained to use that equipment.
Keep the equipment in good operating condition. It saves effort while
transporting loads.
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Use rolling platforms to assist in carrying and handling heavy objects where
limited space does not allow for comfortable body position.
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Select the rack or bin that suits the task and mount on semi-live skid or
platform truck.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/mechanicalaids_transport2.html
Page 60 of 246
Choose a sturdy frame hand truck with larger wheels to move materials in
rough terrain. Additional set of handles allows for assistance.
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Move and empty drums with tilting drum cradles and drum dollies.
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Ropes
You should know what particular rope can handle particular tasks/loads.
Keep rope in good condition all the time.
Chains
Do not let chains get kinked, knotted or twisted.
Steel and plastic straps
Make sure straps are not too loose or tight.
Do not lift by the strap unless the same is designed for that purpose.
The layout or organization of the work area must allow materials to be handled
without excessive bending, twisting and stretching reduces injuries.
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Furthermore, materials must not obstruct alarm boxes, sprinkler system control, firstaid equipment, fuse boxes and importantly, aisles and exits.
This sounds familiar, yet this has been a common observation in companies OSHC has
audited. Particularly common are unmarked fuse boxes obstructed by raw materials
and drums, making them difficult to reach in case of an electrical emergency.
Even more common are aisles cluttered with raw materials and finished products.
During normal occasions clutter can prevent you from knowing where to go. How
much more in case of emergencies? Obstructed passageways will surely cause
disaster when employee evacuation is necessary.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/layoutstoring.html?print
Page 66 of 246
Use hand trucks with elevating devices in storage and loading areas.
Winch-operated
Coil handling
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Position work
Box tilter
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/materials_flow.html
Page 68 of 246
What can be done to reduce the amount of times material is moved or handled?
Use a sliding bed while loading and unloading small trucks to avoid
overreaching and carrying in an awkward position.
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Use containers that allow fluids to pour or empty without lifting the container.
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Ageing diminishes strength. Since the rate of decline varies greatly with the
individual, discrimination against older workers solely on this basis is unjustified.
Statistics show that back injuries among workers over 45 years of age are less
frequent than among those between 20-45 years of age. Experience seems to
counterbalance decreasing physical capacity. With experience comes skills,
dexterity and practical know-how for completing tasks, all of which are very
important factors contributing to safe MMH. The unskilled, inexperienced worker
is at greater risk in tasks that require skills in handling. On the other hand, the
older, experienced worker is at risk in tasks requiring sheer physical strength.
We hope this module clarified many things about materials handling in the workplace.
In fact, we believe some of the points we have made here are also applicable at home
and in school. It would be good to keep these points in mind wherever you may be.
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Fire Safety
Page 74 of 246
Fuel: Any material that will burn is classified as fuel. Identify examples
of fuel you can find in your workplace. Do you know the difference
between a flammable or combustible substance?
Flammable substance is a substance having a flashpoint below 100 F
(37.8 C) and vapor pressure not exceeding 20 psia at 100 F. Examples
of flammable substances with their flashpoint are shown below:
Flashpoint
Flammable substances
Gasoline
Ether
Acetone
Alcohol
F
-45
-49
0
55
C
-42.8
-45
-17.8
12.8
Oxygen
From our definition of FIRE, we need oxygen which combines with fuel
while burning. Normally, the air has 21% oxygen and 78% while
nitrogen.
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What we form with these three elements is called the Fire Triangle.
This model shows us that to have fire we need three elements. And if
these elements are combined at the right proportion, we will have fire.
I. How to extinguish a fire?
The fire triangle demonstrates the principles of extinguishing fire. If we remove any of
the three legs of the triangle, we will be able to extinguish the fire.
A. Removing fuel
Taking away fuel from a fire is difficult and often times dangerous. However,
there are examples that can be employed in controlling fire such as:
-
B. Removing oxygen
Oxygen cannot be eliminated completely so what one can do is:
1. Separate it from the fire through smothering the burning area with
a non-combustible material this is called suffocating the fire.
Examples:
- If there are oil spills, you can cover it with wet
blanket or you can throw sand or soil on it.
- Covering with foam
- Smothering it with inert gas
2. Reduce the concentration of oxygen below the concentration
necessary to support combustion. This is accomplished by
discharging carbon dioxide or other inert gases into the fire.
Example:
Light candle and cover with glass until the candle dies
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In summary, control of fires can be accomplished by removing one of the sides of the
triangle and/or inhibiting the chain reaction.
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(1.0%)
(1.0%)
(0.7%)
(0.5%)
(0.1%)
(0.1%)
(40.0%)
Control
- conduct regular inspection and maintenance of electrical
installation
- employ trained and licensed electrician
- follow Philippine Electrical Code and Occupational Safety
and Health Standards
Page 79 of 246
Control
Preventive maintenance program to keep bearings well
oiled and do not run hot. And keep accumulation of
flammable dust or lint on them to a minimum.
Keep oil holes of bearings covered to prevent dust and
gritty substances from entering the bearings.
Open flames
Carelessly discarded cigarettes, pipe embers, and cigars are a major
source of fire. Prohibit smoking, especially in woodworking shops,
textile mills, four mills, grain elevators, and places where flammable
liquids or combustible products are manufactured, stored or used.
Control
provide a Smoking Area at specified places where
supervision can be maintained.
mark areas where exposure is severe with clearly visible
No Smoking signs, prohibiting employees from even
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Control
Bonding and grounding are key control measures for fire
related to static electricity. Bonding is done to eliminate a
difference in static charge potential between objects. The
purpose of grounding is to eliminate the difference in static
charge potential between an object and ground. Bonding
and grounding are effective only when the bonded objects
are conductive.
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Aerosol cans
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c. Flame detectors
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Portable extinguishers
These are used extensively to lessen the danger from fire. After such a
system is installed, its proper maintenance and regular inspection is
suggested to ensure its usefulness when needed.
Portable fire extinguishers are also called first-aid fire extinguishers since
they are intended to be used for incipient fires. They contain a limited
supply of an extinguishing medium. These appliances are designed for use
on fires of specific classes.
2.
The right type for each class of fire that may occur in the area
3.
In sufficient quantity
The number of fire extinguishers must be computed according
to the floor area, the degree of hazard of fire that may occur
and the class of fire.
4.
Located where they are easily accessible for immediate use and
the location is kept accessible and clearly identified.
5.
Mounting of
Extinguisher)
fire
extinguishers
(Rule
1944.05
Portable
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6.
7.
In the absence of modern fire extinguishers, the following can be used to stop
fire in its initial stage.
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Smoking should never be permitted in any storage area, tack room or lounge.
No-Smoking signs should be posted in these areas and at all exterior
entrances. Butt cans should be provided as an incentive to extinguish all
cigarettes.
Exit doors should be clearly marked.
Aisles should be raked or swept clean at all times. Vacuum up cobwebs and
dust regularly. Wipe dust/dirt off light fixtures, outlet covers, switches and
panel boxes
Weeds, twigs, and other trash should be kept mowed or picked up from
around the outside of the building.
Paper storage should not be near lights, fans, electrical boxes, heaters or
outlets.
Flammable substances should be kept elsewhere outside the building.
Vehicles and machinery should be stored in a separate building.
A fire hose and buckets should be available and kept for the purpose of
extinguishing class A fires rapidly.
Practice fire drills should be held so employees and boarders are familiar with
their responsibilities should a real fire occur.
V. Lightning protection
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A fire extinguisher should never be used on a class of fire for which it is not rated -see notes following the table.
Type
Mechanism
Effective
Range
Discharge
Duration
30-40 ft
60 sec
water
reduces
temperature
CO2
displaces
oxygen
3-8 ft
8-30 sec
dry
chemical
binds oxygen
5-20 ft
10-40 sec
Met-L-X
smothers
See Note 4
NA
Classes of Fire
A
Notes:
1. Fire extinguishers should never be used on classes of fires for which they are
not rated. In some cases (e.g. water used on a Class D fire), the extinguisher
can actually make the fire worse!
2. Never use water on a class C fire -- shock hazard.
3. Some dry-chemical extinguishers are rated BC, others are rated ABC. Those
rated BC contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate; those rated ABC contain
ammonium phosphate.
4. Extinguishing agents for class D fires are usually applied with a scoop or shovel.
Fire Extinguisher Operation
The information given here describes how a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a
fire. However, do not believe, because you have read this, that you know how to use
a fire extinguisher! If you really want to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly
(and you should), you should seek out a hands-on training class in which you will have
the opportunity to put out some real fires using portable extinguishers.
To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of putting out the
fire as a test you must PASS.
Pull the locking pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the trigger all the way closed.
Sweep the extinguisher discharge side to side over the area of
the fire.
Page 89 of 246
Page 90 of 246
Electrical Safety
Electricity
Electricity is essential and considered as among the basic needs
of everybody. Electricity had made our houses into homes,
changed the mode of transportation from kalesas into taxis and
Metro Railway Transport Systems (MRTS), and improved shops
to malls and factories. It is hard to imagine if we had no
electricity until now. However, it is also among the common
causes of occupational accidents resulting to injuries, death and
property damage.
More than a thousand workers are killed each year by
electrical shock and thousands more are burned or maimed.
More than 90% of the fatalities occurred when a person who
was grounded made contact with live wire or an energized equipment housing.
Line to line contact accounted for fewer than 10% of the deaths.
Electrical safety requires understanding of what electricity is, how electrical energy
is transferred and how the path through which electrical current travels can be
controlled.
Page 92 of 246
Page 93 of 246
Ohms Law
The relationship between the elements of electricity was introduced by Mr. Georg
Simon Ohm. It has been known as the Ohms Law.
OHMS LAW
The Current Flowing in a circuit is
DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL
TO THE VOLTAGE
And
INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL
TO THE CURRENT
V
I = _____
R
Page 94 of 246
Electrical resistance
Table 8.1 Normal Resistance Values of Various Materials
Material
Resistance
(Ohms)
Most metals
Dry wood
Wet wood
Dry Concrete on Grade
Wet Concrete on Grade
Leather Sole, dry, including foot
Leather Sole, damp, including foot
Rubber Gloves or soles
>0 to 50
100,000
1,000
200,000 1,000,000
1,000 5,000
100,000 500,000
5,000 20,000
> 20,000,000
Resistance
(Ohms)
Page 95 of 246
This leak passes all over the conductive materials of the device and if someone
touches the device he will receive electric shock.
Below are the common causes of electrical injuries/accidents:
(a) touching of live parts
(b) short circuit
(c) inadequate guarding
(d) overloading
(e) breaking of connections
When the electric current has sufficient potential difference to overcome
the bodys resistance, it results in shock burns or even death. Although
potential difference determines whether the bodys resistances will be
overcome, the damaging factor in electrical shock is the current flow.
Factors affecting electric shock
1. Amount of current that flows through the human body. The amount of
current that flows to the body depends on:
2. The path the current takes through the body affects the degree of
injury. A small current that passes from one hand to the other hand
through the heart is capable of causing severe injury or death.
However, there have been cases where larger currents caused an
arm or leg to burn off without going through the vital organs of the
body. In many such cases the person was not killed; had the same
current passed through the vital organs of the body, the person
easily could have been electrocuted.
3. Duration of current flow. The longer the current flows through the
body, the more devastating the result can be. That is the reason
why immediate action should be taken to free co-workers when they
are shocked or burned by electricity.
Actions to Take
Shut off the electrical current if the victim is still in contact with the
energized circuit. While you do this, have someone else call for help. If
you cannot quickly get to the electrical disconnect to turn off the current,
pry the victim from the circuit with something that does not conduct
electricity such as a dry wood broom stick.
Do not touch the victim yourself if he or she is still in contact wit h an
electrical circuit! You will become a victim of electrical shock.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
Page 96 of 246
Page 97 of 246
Effect
(Ohms)
No sensation, not felt
Shock perceptible, reflex action to jump away. No direct
danger from shock but sudden motion may cause accident.
Painful shock
Let go current for women
Let go current for men
Local muscle contractions, sufficient to cause freezing to
the circuit for 2.5% of the population
Local muscle contractions, sufficient to cause freezing to
the circuit for 50% of the population
Breathing difficulty; can cause unconsciousness
Possible ventricular fibrillation of the heart
Certain ventricular fibrillation of the heart
Severe burns and muscular contractions; heart more apt to
stop than fibrillate
Irreparable damage to body tissue
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html
Page 98 of 246
Page 99 of 246
Hazardous Locations
Hazardous locations are areas where explosive or flammable gases or vapors,
combustible dust, or ignitable fibers are present or likely to become present. Such
materials can ignite as a result of electrical causes only if two conditions co -exist:
1. The proportion of the flammable substance to oxygen must permit
ignition and the mixture must be present in a sufficient quantity to
provide an ignitable atmosphere in the vicinity of electrical equipment.
2. An electric arc, flame escaping from an ignited substance in an
enclosure, heat from an electric heater, or their source, must be present
at a temperature equal to or greater than the ignition point of the
flammable mixture.
Classification of Hazardous Locations
Class I
Class II
Class III
Machine Safety
Motions
- Rotating
- Reciprocating
- Transversing
Rotating
Rotating motion can be dangerous - even smooth, slowly rotating shafts can
catch clothing, and through mere skin contact force an arm or hand into a
dangerous position. Injuries due to contact with rotating parts can be severe.
Collars, couplings, cams, clutches, flywheels, shaft ends, spindles, meshing
gears, and horizontal or vertical shafting are some examples of common
rotating mechanisms which may be hazardous. The danger increases when
projections such as set screws, bolts, nicks, abrasions, and projecting keys or
set screws are exposed on rotating parts.
Nip Points
In-running nip point (or points where
parts of the hand, body or clothes can
get caught in-between) hazards, are
caused by the rotating parts of
machinery. There are three main types
of in-running nips.
-
Reciprocating
Reciprocating motions may be hazardous because during the back-and-forth or
up-and-down motion, a worker may be struck by or caught between a moving
and a stationary part.
Transversing
The danger of cutting action exists at the point of operation where finger, arm
and body injuries can occur and where flying chips or scrap material can strike
the head, particularly in the area of the eyes or face. Such hazards are present
at the point of operation in cutting wood, metal, or other materials.
Examples of mechanisms involving cutting hazards include band saws, circular
saws, boring or drilling machines, turning machines (lathes), or milling
machines.
Punching
Punching action results when power is applied to a slide (ram) for the purpose
of blanking, drawing, or stamping metal or other materials. The danger of this
type of action occurs at the point of operation where stock is inserted, held,
and withdrawn by hand.
Typical machines used for punching operations are power presses
Shearing
Bending
The point of operation: that point where work is performed on the material,
such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
Power transmission apparatus: all components of the mechanical system
which transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These
components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings,
cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.
Other moving parts: all parts of the machine which moves while the machine
is working. These can include reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving
parts, as well as feed mechanism and auxiliary parts of the machine.
In general, any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury
must be guarded.
Pullback Devices
These are mechanical devices attached to the operator's hands and
connected to the moving portion of the die. If properly adjusted, it
withdraws the operator's hands if they are inadvertently within the
point of operation as the dies close.
Light curtains are extremely versatile and can guard areas many meters
wide. By using mirrors, light beams can be diverted all around the
corners to enclose a machine.
There are many applications ranging from totally enclosing perimeter
guards for industrial robots, to point of access guards for certain types
of presses.
Safety mats
These devices are used to guard a floor area around a machine.
Interconnected mats are laid around the hazard area and any pressure
will cause the mat controller unit to send a stop signal to the guarded
machine.
Pressure-sensitive edges
These devices are flexible edging strips which can be fixed to the edge
of a moving part such as a machine table or powered door where there
is a risk of crushing or shearing hazard. If the moving part strikes the
operator (or vice versa), the flexible sensitive edge is depressed and will
send a stop signal to the power source.
Emergency stops
Wherever there is a danger of an operator getting into trouble on a
machine there must be a facility for fast access to an emergency stop
device.
The usual way of providing this is in the form of a mushroom headed
push-button which the operator strikes in the event of an emergency.
The emergency stops must be strategically placed, in sufficient quantity
around the machine to ensure that there is always one in reach at the
occurrence of hazard.
Lock-out/Tag-out System
Another aspect of machine safety is during maintenance work and servicing. The lockout/tag-out system is effective for preventing accidents during maintenance works.
It is a method that is especially designed to protect against the unexpected startup of
a machine that is supposed to be turned off. This is important because statistics
indicate that six percent of all workplace fatalities are caused by the unexpected
activation of machines while they are being serviced, cleaned, or otherwise
maintained. The Lock-out/Tag-out System is designed to protect against the
unexpected startup of machine that is supposed to be "OFF" or an unexpected release
of energy (hazardous energy).
The Fatal Five Main Causes of Maintenance Injuries:
Failure to stop equipment
Failure to disconnect from power source
Failure to dissipate (bleed, neutralize) residual energy
Accidental restarting of equipment
Failure to clear work areas before restarting
Hazardous Energy Sources Found in the Workplace
-
Removal of Lock-out
- Ensure equipment is safe to operate
- Safeguard all employees
- Remove lock-out/tag-out devices. Except in emergencies, each
device must be removed by the person who placed it.
- Last person to take off lock
- Follow checklist
To observe proper LOTO procedures, most firms maintain some forms of
documentation.
Summary
Remember that any machine part, function, or process which many cause injury must
be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can
injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be either controlled or
eliminated.
Personal Protective
Equipment
Classification of hazards
Hazards may be classified into direct, physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic.
Let us discuss each of these.
A. Direct hazards These are very common in companies that utilize oil, water or
any liquid in the production process and in the construction industry where
there are a lot of falling debris, like small pieces of wood, nails, and hand tools.
Examples:
Unguarded moving parts of machines
Falling/flying particles
Slippery floors
B. Physical hazards
1. Noise.
The following table is the allowable time a worker can stay in a work area
without hearing protection.
Allowable Exposure to Noise
8 hrs --90 db
4 hrs --95 db
2 hrs --100 db
1 hr --105 db
For an eight-hour exposure, the allowable noise level is 90 db.
2. Extreme Temperatures are of two types: extreme heat which can
cause heat stroke and extreme cold which can cause hypothermia.
3. Radiation also has two types: the ionizing radiation and the nonionizing type.
Ionizing radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) light or alpha particle - from the sun can be
shielded by paper
Beta particle can penetrate paper but not concrete. .
Gamma ray can penetrate concrete. This can be shielded by
using lead like in the x-ray room which is made up of sheeted
lead in-between concrete to prevent outside exposure.
Non-ionizing radiation
radio waves, electric waves and infrared rays. An example is the
welding process which produces infrared rays that can damage
the skin.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
The extent to which the personnel who must wear the equipment understand
its necessity
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
The ease and comfort with which it can be used, or work with a minimum of
interference with normal work procedures
th
Source: Krieger, Gary R, ed. Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry 11 ed. USA:
National Safety Council, 1997 p.162
2. Eye Protection
A device that provides eye protection from hazards caused by:
o
o
o
o
o
Flying particles
Sparks
Light radiation
Splashes
Gases
Examples:
Ear plug
Ear muffs
Canal caps
The prevention of excessive noise exposure is the only way to avoid hearing
damage. Engineering and administrative controls must be used if acceptable
sound levels are exceeded. If such controls fail to reduce the sound levels to
acceptable limits, personal hearing protection must be used.
Earmuffs must make a perfect seal around the ear to be effective.
5. Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection is required when engineering improvements and
administrative controls cant eliminate risk. Engineering controls include,
isolation of the source of contaminants; design process or procedural changes,
etc. Administrative controls on the other hand include, monitoring, limiting
worker exposure, training and education, etc.
Hazards:
o Mists or Vapors
o Gases
o Smoke
o Fumes
o Particulates or dust
o Insufficient oxygen supply
Types of respirators are divided into two categories:
A. Air purifying respirators
o
important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and
to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused.
It is also important to know the performance characteristics of gloves relative
to the specific hazard anticipated; e.g., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame
hazards, etc. Before purchasing gloves, request documentation from the
manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s) for the
hazard(s) anticipated.
The following is a guide to the most common types of protective work gloves
and the types of hazards they can guard against.
a. Metal mesh, leather or canvas gloves - Provide protection against cuts,
burns, and sustained heat.
b. Fabric and coated fabric gloves - These gloves are made of cotton or other
fabric to provide varying degrees of protection.
c. Chemical and liquid-resistant gloves - Gloves made of rubber (latex, nitrile,
or butyl), plastic, or synthetic rubber-like materials such as neoprene
protect workers from burns, irritation, and dermatitis caused by contact
with oils, greases, solvents, and other chemicals. The use of rubber gloves
also reduces the risk of exposure to blood and other potentially infectious
substances.
7. Foot and Leg Protection
Hazards:
o Falling or rolling objects
o Sharp objects
o Hot surfaces
o Wet, slippery surfaces
o Electricity
Conductive Shoes protect against the buildup of static electricity or equalize
the electrical potential between personnel and the ground. These shoes should
be worn only for the specific task(s) for which they are designed, and should be
removed at task completion and not used as general purpose footwear. This
type of shoes must not be used by personnel working near exposed energized
electrical circuits. Personnel must avoid wearing 100 percent silk, wool, or
nylon hose of socks with conductive hose because these materials are static
producers. Likewise, foot powders must be avoided because they are
insulators and interfere with electrical conductivity.
Electrical Hazard Safety Shoes are non-conductive and protect against open
circuits of 600 volts or less under dry conditions. The insulating qualities may
be compromised if the shoes are wet, the rubber sole is worn out, or metal
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
particles are embedded in the sole or heel. Electrical hazard shoes are not
intended for use in explosive or hazardous locations where conductive
footwear is required. This footwear should be used in conjunction with
insulated surfaces.
8. Fall Protection
Travel restraint system is an assembly composed of body belt and proper
accessories that prevent a worker in a high elevation working area from
traveling to an edge where the occurrence of fall may happen.
Fall arrest system is an assembly composed of full-body harness, safety
lanyard and proper accessories or a safety net which protect a worker after a
fall by stopping the fall before hitting the surface below.
Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or
other structural member.
9. Torso/ Full Body Protection must be provided for employees if they are
threatened with bodily injury of one kind or another while performing their
jobs, and if engineering, work practices, and administrative controls have failed
to eliminate these hazards.
Workplace hazards that could cause bodily injury include the following:
o Intense heat
o Splashes of hot metals and other hot liquids
o Impact from tools, machinery, and other materials
o Cuts
o Hazardous chemicals
o Contact with potentially infectious materials, like blood
o Radiation
As with all protective equipment, protective clothing is available to protect
against specific hazards. Depending upon the hazards in the workplace, it may
be needed to provide the workers with one or more of the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Vest
Jacket
Apron
Coverall
Surgical gowns
Full-body suits
1081.04
No person shall be subjected or exposed to hazardous environmental
condition without protection.
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
No. The nature of the hazard(s) and the operation to be performed will
determine your selection of gloves. The variety of potential occupational hand
injuries may make selecting the appropriate pair of gloves more difficult than
choosing other protective equipment. Exercise care in choosing gloves
designed for the particular circumstances of your workplace.
Q:
A:
Q:
Once I have selected the specific PPE for my workers, how do I make sure they
use it properly?
Train your workers to use the protective equipment. Teach them to know
o Why the PPE is necessary as well as the specific hazards in their work
area.
o How the equipment will provide protection to them.
o The limitations of the PPE
o How to properly put on the protective equipment
o How to identify signs of wear such as scuffed, cracked, holes, etc.
o How to clean and maintain the PPE
o The company PPE policy, rules and regulations
A:
Summary
To sum it up, you must consider many factors when selecting PPE to protect yourself,
your colleagues or your workers from workplace hazards. With all of the types of
operations that can present hazards and all of the types of PPE available to protect the
different parts of a workers body from specific types of hazards, this selection process
can be confusing and at times overwhelming. Because of this, it is highly
recommended that you implement a PPE Program to help you systematically assess
the hazards in the workplace and select the appropriate PPE that will protect your
workers from those hazards.
The basic information presented here attempts to establish and illustrate a logical,
structured approach to hazard assessment and PPE selection and application for you
to use as a starting point for your PPE Program.
Industrial Hygiene
Sources of light
There are two sources of light:
Daylight, also called natural light depends on the availability at
the location and weather condition.
Electric Light can come from:
* Incandescent lamps or bulbs
* Fluorescent lamps or tubes
* High intensity discharge or mercury
Types of Lighting
Illumination can also be viewed in terms of:
General lighting illuminating the entire premises
Local lighting directing light on a particular object that you are
working with.
e. Excessive vibration
A body is said to vibrate when it is in an oscillating motion about a
reference point. The number of times a complete motion cycle takes
place during the period of one second is called the frequency and is
measured in hertz (Hz). Vibration usually refers to the inaudible
acoustic phenomena, which are recognized by through touch and
feeling. It is a vector quantity described by both a magnitude and
direction.
Portable meters are available for vibration measurements. These
usually provide readouts that must be compared to the appropriate
standards.
f. Noise or unwanted sound is a form of vibration conducted through
solids, liquids, or gases. The level of noise in an industrial operation can
constitute a physical hazard to the exposed workers. The extent of the
hazard depends not only on the overall noise level but also on the time
period and frequency and type of noise to which the worker is exposed.
Types of noise
In a broad sense, the benefits that can be expected from designing work
systems to minimize ergonomic stress on workers are as follows:
5. Special Considerations:
The following items have become important OSH issues that need to be
addressed by Industrial Hygiene professionals and employers:
a. Confined space is an enclosed or a partially enclosed space. It has
restricted entrance and exit (by location, size, and means) thus, the
natural airflow is limited. This can cause accumulation of dead or
bad air and airborne contaminants. Confined spaces are not
designed, and intended for human occupancy.
Examples of confined space:
Storage tanks, sewers, boilers, manholes, tunnels, pipelines, trenches,
pits, silos, vats, utility vaults, culverts.
Hazards of confined space:
(Source: Confined space introduction. (2002, December 20). Retrieved August 31, 2011,
from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
Web site: http://www.cochs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/confinedspace_intro.html
b. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside buildings
as based on the concentration of pollutants & thermal (temperature &
relative humidity) conditions that affect the health, comfort and
performance of occupants.
Sources of IAQ problems:
identification
hazard(s) identification
composition/information on ingredients
first-aid measures
fire-fighting measures
accidental release measures
handling and storage
exposure control/personal protection
physical and chemical properties
stability and reactivity
toxicological information
ecological information
disposal considerations
transport information
regulatory information
other information
Elements of GHS
a. Hazard Classification Criteria has three major hazard groups namely
physical, heath, and environmental hazards. Based on the three
classifications of hazards, the following compose the GHS criteria:
* Physical hazards explosives, flammable gases/aerosols, oxidizing
gases, corrosive to metal, substances and mixtures which, in contact
with water, emit flammable gases, and others.
* Health hazards acute toxicity, skin corrosion/ irritation, serious eye
damage/eye irritation, respiratory or skin sensitization,
carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, aspiration hazards, and others.
* Environmental hazards hazardous to aquatic environment,
hazardous to the ozone layer, and others.
d. Hazard communication composed of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and
Labels.
GHS labels must include specific:
*
*
*
(Source: Globally harmonized system. (2011, June 01). Retrieved August 31,
2011, from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
Web site: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/ghs.html)
illumination
humidity
air movement
air direction
heat
noise
Analytical Equipment
Sample
Gas Chromatograph
Solvents
Inorganic chemicals
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer
Phase Contrast Microscope (PCM)/
Fourier Transform Infra-red
Spectrocopy (FTIR)
X-ray Diffractometer
Mineral dust
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Metals
Sampling Time
2 hours
4 hours
1 hour
1 hour
3. Ceiling (TLV-C) is the concentration that should not be exceeded during any
part of the working exposure; otherwise, the exposed workers might be
vulnerable to serious risks.
TLV tables
Permissible Noise Exposure
Duration per day, hours
8
6
4
3
2
1
1
TLV Category
TLV C
TLV TWA
TLV TWA
TLV STEL
TLV TWA
Ambient Concentration
(mg/m3)
(ppm)
7.0
5.0
260
200
0.15
0.0177
435
100
375
100
ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Minimum Lighting Level
Area of Exposure
and Task (Lux)
Cutting cloth
Sewing cloth
Finish inspection
2000 and above (200 foot
Fine assembly
candles)
Color grading
Fine machining
Inspection and assembly
Clay enameling and glazing
Electric motor insulating
Coil winding and testing
Chipping
Grinding
Fine core making
1000 (100 foot candles)
Machine shop bench work
Transcribing handwriting
Indexing references
Accounting
Pattern making
Drafting
Welding
Automotive frame assembly
Chemical laboratory
Foundry moulding
Metal pouring
Sorting
Core making
500 (50 foot candles)
Rubber extrusion and tire making
Punch press
Shearing
Stamping
Spinning
Woodworking
ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Minimum Lighting Level
Area of Exposure
and Task (Lux)
Sizing
Planning
Rough sanding
Medium quality machine and
benchwork
First aid station
Packaging
Barrel washing
Turbine
Clay molding and pressing
Chemical furnace
Tank
Dryer
Evaporator
Extractor
Cleaning and annealing furnace
Plating
Drop-forge shop
Lunch room
Locker room
Rest room
Shower room
General construction plants and shops
e.g. batching plants, screening plants,
mechanical
and electrical equipment rooms,
carpenter shops, rigging lofts and active
storerooms, barracks or
living quarters, tunnel and shaft
heading during drilling, mucking, and
scalding
Tunnels, shaft and general underground
work areas,
General construction areas:
Concrete placement, access ways,
Active storage areas, loading
platforms,
Refueling, and field maintenance
areas.
Indoors: warehouses, corridors,
hallways, and exit ways.
50 (5 foot candles)
TLVs for other environmental hazards and stresses may be found in the
Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and in the ACGIH,
OSHA, and NIOSH web sites
Notes:
The impact of hazard exposure depends on the following:
Nature of the material or energy involved
Intensity of exposure
Duration of exposure
Individual susceptibility
Rule 1072 TLVs for Airborne Contaminants and Rule 1073 (Tables)
These refer to TLVs of airborne contaminants for time weighted concentration for an
8-hour workday and a total of forty-eight 48 hours of work exposure per week. TLVs
tables for airborne contaminants, mineral dusts, and human carcinogens are also
established.
It also includes the responsibility of the employer that WEM shall be performed
periodically as may be necessary but no longer than annually. Industrial hygiene is
also concerned with the development of corrective measures to control hazards by
reducing or eliminating the exposure. These control procedures may include:
1. Engineering controls such as substitution of harmful or toxic materials with less
dangerous ones, changing work processes, and installation of exhaust ventilation
system.
2. Administrative controls such as safety and health policies and programs (i.e.:
hearing conservation program, healthy lifestyle project)
3. Provision of personal protective equipment like earplugs, face shield, and dust
mask.
These control measures will be further discussed in the next module.
Summary
Industrial hygiene is a discipline within occupational safety and health of anticipating,
recognizing, evaluating and controlling physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic
hazards in the working environment with the objective of protecting workers health
and well-being and safeguarding the community.
Industrial hygienist uses strict and rigorous scientific methodology and requires
professional experience and judgment in determining the potential for hazard,
exposure or risk in the workplace and recommend appropriate control measures for
hazard abatement.
Work Environment Measurement (WEM) as stated in Rule 1077 of the OSHS shall be
carried out periodically but not longer than annually to determine the potential
hazards in the working environment. This is primarily the responsibility of the
employer in order to promote and maintain the health of his workers.
Commonly-Asked Questions and Answers
Q. How do we evaluate noise levels in the workplace?
A. First, we must study the noise pattern to be able to note the kind of noise (whether
continuous, intermittent or impact) that is generated. Then determine the number of
hours of exposure of workers. The noise reading is then compared with the
permissible noise exposure level prescribed in Table 8b of Occupational Safety and
Health Standards.
Q. Do we have local distributor of IH equipment?
A. Yes. There are suppliers of IH instruments locally.
Q. Do we have private companies that conduct WEM?
A. Yes, there are private service providers that conduct WEM, but the OSH Standards
requires a WEM provider to be accredited.
Q. How often should we conduct WEM? What are the conditions or parameters to be
measured?
A. WEM shall be conducted periodically as may be necessary but not longer than
annually. As required by the OSHS, WEM shall include temperature, humidity,
pressure, illumination, noise, ventilation and concentration of substances and
chemicals.
It is important to recognize environmental hazards or stresses in the workplace. The
magnitude or level of hazards can be accurately determined by using industrial
hygiene equipment. Prevention is better than cure so it is necessary to assess and
evaluate these hazards.
Additional Instruction/References
For further readings, please refer to the following websites:
www.ohseinstitute.org/training/johsc/5CaseStudiesForJOHSCCourse.pdf
www.europe.osha.eu.int/good_practice/risks/ds/case_studies.asp?tcid=6
www.ccohs.ca
www.osha.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics
References:
Confined space Introduction. (2002, December 20). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/confinedspace_intro.html
Globally Harmonized System. (2011, June 01). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/ghs.html
Indoor Air Quality. (2011, July 04). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from Canadian Center for
Occupational Health and Safety Web site: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/iaq_intro.html
Environment
Control Measures
clean source of air supplied to the booth. Isolation can also be in terms of time
or distance.
e. Wet methods. Airborne dust hazards can be minimized or greatly reduced by
applying water or other suitable liquids. Dampening powder materials or
suppressing dust generation through misting or spraying of water will
definitely control dust dispersion. Dampening or drenching powder materials
to prevent it from getting airborne is one of the simplest methods for dust
control. Its effectiveness, however, depends upon proper wetting of the
particulates. Its application also depends on the nature of process and product.
Some powder conveying systems provide auxiliary water piping systems with
sprinklers or water sprays at the unloading side since formation of dust clouds
occur when powder materials drop.
f. Industrial ventilation. A very important aspect of engineering control has to
do with ventilation. Industrial ventilation is the process of supplying fresh air
and/or removing contaminant laden air by natural or mechanical means to and
from any space.
Purpose:
1. To provide workers with a comfortable working condition.
2. To renew the air in the workplace, therefore diluting eventual air
contaminants to acceptable levels.
3. To prevent hazardous air contaminants from reaching the workers
breathing zone.
Types of Industrial Ventilation
Supply fan
Exhaust fan
(Source: Safe work Australia. (2010). Retrieved September 16, 2011, from
http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/SafetyInYourWorkplace/HazardsAndSafetyIssues/
Printing/ControlGuidance/Lithographic/Pages/P08ManualCleaningOfPresses.aspx)
Principles of LEV
Enclose the contaminant
Capture contaminant with adequate air velocities
Keep contaminant out of the worker breathing zone
Discharge exhausted air outdoors
Classifications/Types of hood
- Enclosure-type
- Exterior type
- Receiving type
Enclosure Type
Sources:
Example
Evaporation from
tanks; degreasing, etc
Spray booths;
intermittent
container; filling low
speed conveyor
transfers; Welding;
plating; Pickling
Spray painting in
shallow booths;
barrel; barrel filling;
conveyor loading;
Crushers
Grinding, abrasive
blasting; tumbling
Capture
Velocity, fpm
50 100
100 200
200 500
500 2000
After the local exhaust ventilation system is installed and set in operation, its
performance should be checked to see that it meets the engineering
specifications-correct rates of airflow and duct velocities. Its performance
should be rechecked periodically as a maintenance measure.
2. Administrative Controls - control employees exposure by scheduling hazardous
work process; reduced working hours in hot processes and work areas with
excessive noise levels; assigning workers to other less hazardous work areas of
production and training of workers on various health and safety aspects.
a. Reduction of work periods. Reduction of work periods is a method of control
in limited areas where engineering control methods at the source are not
practical.
b. Adjusting work schedules. For workers who must labor in a compressed-air
environment, schedules of maximum length work shift and length of
decompression time have been prepared. The higher the pressure, the shorter
the work shift and the longer the decompression time period.
c. Job Rotation. Job rotation when used as a way to reduce employee exposure
to toxic chemicals or harmful agents must be used with care. While rotation
keeps exposure below recommended limits exposes more workers to the
hazard.
Summary
Additional Instruction/References
The participant may browse the following web sites for further inquiry:
www.acgih.org
www.ccohs.ca
www.osha.gov
References:
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. (1988). Industrial
ventilation: A manual of recommended practice (20th ed.). Ann Arbor, MI: Edwards Brothers
Incorporated.
Inchem.org, (n.d.). Retrieved September 16, 2011, from
http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/hsgguide.htm#SubSectionNumber:2.7.2
Penfield. (n.d.). Retrieved September 16, 2011, from
http://www.penfield.com/toflecabin/ventilation.html
Safe work Australia. (2010). Retrieved September 16, 2011, from
http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/SafetyInYourWorkplace/HazardsAndSafetyIssues/Printing/Con
trolGuidance/Lithographic/Pages/P08ManualCleaningOfPresses.aspx
Occupational Health
The purpose of health surveillance needs clarification and the individual and collective
health assessments must be combined. Workers' health surveillance must:
Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental & social
well-being of workers of all occupations
As you know,
It includes the protection of workers from illnesses arising from work through
promotion of safety and health programs.
It should always be a priority to adapt the work to the human being. Poor
working conditions have the potential to affect a worker's health and safety.
Poor working conditions can affect not only the workers but their families,
other people in the community, and the physical environment.
Response
Result
Homeostasis or disease
Toxic chemical is the agent that can cause the adverse effect
Dose is the amount of the toxic agent that has entered the body
Chemicals can enter the body by several routes. Being familiar with all routes
of entry will help in preventing exposures. The most important and most
common route of entry is by inhalation through the lungs. Organic solvents
and pesticides are examples of chemicals that are easily absorbed through the
skin. Chemical substances can also enter the body through the mouth by
accidental ingestion.
Although the body filters many of the normal pollutants from the air a
person breathes, it cannot eliminate every type of contaminant.
Small particles are difficult for the body to eliminate and can get deep
into the lungs where they can cause respiratory problems.
Once substances enter the body, they can cause a variety of harmful effects.
The effects may occur at the site of chemical contact such as irritation of skin,
eyes or upper respiratory tract. Other chemicals may involve organ systems
distant from the point of contact. Inhaled substances such as inorganic lead, do
not produce ill-effects to the lungs but can damage the radial nerve causing
wrist drop.
The effects may be seen immediately (acute) or may show up months or years
after the exposure (chronic). Again, the effect will depend on the type of the
chemical, the route of entry, and the degree of exposure.
Target organ toxicity occurs when disease states or adverse health effects
manifest in specific organ system of the body. The different organ specific toxic
effects are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Blood Toxicity
Dermal Toxicity adverse effects on the skin
Eye toxicity
Hepatotoxicity adverse effects on the liver
Immunotoxicity adverse effects on the immune system
Nephrotoxicity adverse effects on the kidneys
Neurotoxicity adverse effects on the brain or nerves outside of the brain
Reproductive Toxicity adverse effects on the reproductive system
Respiratory Toxicity adverse effects on the lungs
Industry
Mercury, Lead
Cadmium
Mercury
Chloroform
Carbon tetrachloride
Ethylene glycol
Carbon disulfide
Inorganic dust
Hemp, flax
Bagasse
Plastics epoxies
Plastic, Varnish
Sodium Hydroxide,
Acids
Cement
Target
Organ
Kidney
Respiratory
system
Immune
system; skin
Disease
Chronic renal failure
Renal stones
Nephrotic Syndrome
Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Pneumoconiosis,
Silicosis, Asbestosis
Byssinosis
Farmer's lung,
Bagassosis
Allergic Contact
Dermatitis
Irritant/ Contact
Dermatitis
Burns. Irritation,
Contact Dermatitis
Causative Agents
Solvents, Ammonia,
Formaldehyde
Diisocyanates in
varnish
Nickel, Arsenic
Chromium
Cutting oils, Grease
Chlorinated
hydrocarbons
Arsenic, Tar
Polycyclic
Hydrocarbons
Lead
Industry
Chemical process, Plastics,
Pulp and Paper production,
Laboratory
Platinum jeyoulers,
Electroplating
Pigments, Plating Industries
Metal refining industries
Machine-tool operators
Chemical processes
Target
Organ
Immune
system;
lungs
Lungs
Cancer
Skin
Acne
Chloracne
Petroleum refinery
Asphalt workers
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Blood
Arsine gas
Carbon tetrachloride
Arsenic Chlorinated
hydrocarbons
Epoxy resins
Liver
Vinyl chloride
Lead
Carbon disulfide
Fluorocarbons
Trichloroethylene
Nitrates
Explosives
Irritation,
Inflammation, Edema
Asthma
Benzene
Disease
Anemia
Aplastic anemia
Destruction of red
blood cells
Acute liver toxicity
Cirrhosis
Acute obstructive
hepatitis
Liver Cancer
Cardiovascular
system
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Arrhythmias
Angina,
Myocardial
Infarction
(Data from the Dept. of Labor and Employment: Occupational Safety and
Health Standards)
As seen in the table, for every increase of 5 dB, the duration of exposure
should be reduced by half. Other countries however, have already started
using the 85 dBA as the permissible level for an 8 hours exposure to noise.
Hearing damage may be acute or immediate after exposure to very loud
sounds such as blasts, or chronic which would be secondary to long-term
exposure to hazardous noise levels. The major risk factor that may cause
hearing damage from noise is prolonged and unprotected exposure to
harmful levels.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is at the top of the list because it remains one of the most
prevalent illness affecting Filipinos. It is among the leading causes of
morbidity and mortality based on Philippine Health Statistics and Field
Health Service Information System.
Tuberculosis (TB) is the sixth leading cause of illnesses and deaths in the
Philippines; the country is ninth out of the 22 highest TB-burden countries
in the world and has one of the highest burdens of multidrug-resistant TB.
Tuberculosis is a long-standing infection caused by the bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, but
can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, brain,
bones and intestines. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
TB is primarily an airborne disease. The bacteria are spread from person to
person in tiny microscopic droplets or aerosol when a TB sufferer forces
air from his/her lungs when coughing, sneezing, speaking, singing, or
laughing. A person then inhales the bacteria vigorously expelled from the
lungs of an active TB patient. A person needs only to inhale a small
number of these to be infected.
TB can survive for extended periods of time in the air and on various
surface areas. It was found that 28% of the tuberculosis bacteria remain
alive in a room after nine hours. Tuberculosis can live up to 45 days on
clothing, 70 days in carpet, 90 to 120 days in dust, approximately 105 days
on a paper book, and approximately six to eight months in sputum.
Ultraviolet light, volume of air in a room and recirculation of air through a
HEPA filter are important factors that affect the survival of the bacteria.
Until the droplet falls, it can be breathed in at any time.
Symptoms do not appear unless a patient has active TB. The most
common symptom of active pulmonary tuberculosis is coughing that lasts
two or more weeks. Other symptoms are low grade fever, night sweats,
feeling weak and tired, losing weight without trying, decreased or no
appetite, chest pains and coughing up blood.
Only people with active TB whose sputum is contains the TB bacilli can
spread the disease to others. However, exposure does not necessarily
mean one will become infected with tuberculosis. If you have been
exposed to an active tuberculosis patient or an area that is contaminated,
you should seek medical advice immediately.
It is therefore best to understand the life cycle of tuberculosis. An index
case or the first patient in an outbreak may spread the infection to people
they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends,
and coworkers. However, people infected with the TB bacilli will not
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
necessarily become sick with the disease. The immune system "walls off"
the TB bacilli which, protected by a thick waxy coat, can lie dormant for
years. About 90-95% undergo healing of their initial infection and the
bacteria eventually die off. This stage manifests no symptom and is not
contagious. This condition is known as inactive or latent TB. If, however,
the body's resistance is low because of aging, infections such as HIV,
malnutrition, or other reasons, the bacteria may break out of hiding and
cause active TB in 5-10% of patients. Active TB patients manifest
symptoms and become sick during their life while 30% of them, even if left
untreated, will spontaneously remit or restore back to being healthy.
A person with TB disease, if left untreated, could infect approximately 1020 persons within two years' time. The most infectious are the sputum
smear (+). Persons with contagious TB disease must be treated and cured
to stop the spread of TB in our communities. Active TB can also spread to
other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
The best way to prevent tuberculosis is to strengthen ones immune
system by eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest. If
one has active TB, covering the mouth when coughing, sneezing or
laughing is one way to help prevent the propulsion of the bacteria into the
environment.
Wearing a mask during this time is very helpful as well as staying at home
until ones sputum examination has reverted back to normal as certified
by ones physician. At home, sleep in a room by oneself to help prevent
the transmission of the disease to other members of the family. Making
sure that the workplace has proper ventilation is one way of preventing
the transmission of the disease to co-workers.
In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the new Stop TB
Strategy. The core of this strategy is DOTS, the TB control approach
launched by WHO in 1995. DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment
Short course, the curative treatment for tuberculosis. At its core, it
involves supervising the patients intake of medication. One cannot have
DOTS, however, without a coordinated program with the following
components: reliable, widely available smear microscopy diagnosis; an
uninterrupted drug supply; recording and reporting of cases and outcome;
and, most important, government commitment to assure that necessary
resources are available to maintain the program. These 5 elements make
up the DOTS strategy.
Patients who have been treated under DOTS-based services have >90%
cure rate while about 70% of those with disease and untreated will die in
5 years. Those who have not been treated will spread the disease to
others thereby completing the cycle.
AIDS is the result of HIVs attacks on the bodys immune system. This
medical condition leaves the individual so unprotected that any other
virus that attacks the body can cause grave damage. It is the most
advanced stage of infection with HIV.
Contrary to some popular misconceptions, HIV is a difficult disease to get.
For HIV to be transmitted, the following three conditions must be met:
1.
2.
3.
pools and hot tubs would instantly kill any HIV, if the hot water
had not killed it already.
Sterilized needles are always used in taking blood from donors,
so HIV is not spread in this manner. Humans are the only
animals that can carry HIV. HIV is not transmitted by
mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, bees or wasps. If a bloodsucking
insect bites someone with HIV, the virus dies almost instantly
in the insect's stomach (as it digests the blood). HIV can only
live in human cells.
There are laboratory tests that can be availed of should one decide to be
tested. How do HIV tests work? The most commonly used HIV tests detect
the presence of HIV antibodies the bodys army that comprise part of
our immune system and fights off invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
There are tests that identify HIV's genetic material or proteins directly.
It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough
antibodies for the antibody test to detect it, and this window period
between infection with HIV and the ability to detect it with antibody tests
can vary from person to person. During this time, the HIV viral load and
the likelihood of transmitting the virus through sex or needle-sharing
partners may be very high. Most infected individuals will develop
detectable antibodies within 2 to 8 weeks (the average is within 25 days)
of their infection. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of persons will develop
detectable antibodies in the first 3 months. Even so, there is a small
chance that some individuals will take longer to develop detectable
antibodies. Therefore, a person should consider a follow-up test more
than three months after their last potential exposure to HIV. In extremely
rare cases, it can take up to 6 months to develop antibodies to HIV.
Conventional HIV tests are sent to a laboratory for testing, and it can take
a week or two before the test results are available. There are also rapid
HIV tests available that can give results in as little as 20 minutes. A positive
HIV test result means that a person may have been infected with HIV. All
positive HIV test results, regardless of whether they are from rapid or
conventional tests, must be verified by a second confirmatory HIV test.
HIV antibody tests can have two different results: positive or
negative.
1.
2.
Knowing your status can allow you to begin treatment which can help
prevent the further spread of the virus, and in some cases prevent
complications associated with HIV infection. HIV testing should be
voluntary and confidential. Counseling before and after HIV testing will
help you understand what behaviors put you at risk and teach you how to
decrease the chance of becoming infected. If the test result is positive,
counseling will address your immediate needs for support and
information, and teach you on how to decrease the chance of infecting
others.
In the early 1980s when the HIV/AIDS epidemic began, people with AIDS
were not likely to live longer than a few years. Today, there are 31
antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to treat HIV infection. These treatments do not
cure people of HIV or AIDS. Rather, they suppress the virus, even to
undetectable levels, but they do not completely eliminate HIV from the
body. By suppressing the amount of virus in the body, people infected
with HIV can now lead longer and healthier lives. However, they can still
transmit the virus and must continuously take antiretroviral drugs in order
to maintain their health quality.
Recent information from UNAIDS showed rapidly expanding epidemic
among men having sex with men (MSM) from 0.28% in 2007 to 7.7% in
2013, there is also increasing prevalence among freelance Female Sew
Workers (FSW) from 0.16% in 2007 to 0.68% in 2011.
With the rising trend in the number of new cases in a month, the
Philippines cannot afford to be complacent. Several factors have been
identified which may lead to continued considerable increase of new HIV
infections in the country: high rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI);
a substantially large sex industry, networks of men having sex with men
with behaviors putting them at considerable risk of HIV infection; a legal
situation which does not support HIV prevention services to injecting drug
users; an increasing number of HIV cases in adolescents and young
people, large numbers of adolescents living or working under conditions
which make them very vulnerable to sexual abuse or exploitation,
combined with overall low awareness of STI and HIV risk and low condom
use (UNICEF).
In recognition of the fact the HIV and AIDS has far-reaching consequences
beyond the health sector, the government passed Republic Act 8504
otherwise known as The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of
1998 to prevent the spread of the virus among the working population.
The DOLE D.O. No. 102-10: Guidelines for the Implementation of HIV and
AIDS Prevention and Control in the Workplace Program strengthens the
workplace response in implementing provision of the law.
Tetanus
Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is another illness caused by a bacterial
toxin or poison from the spore of the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Tetanus affects the nervous system and is characterized by an increase in
muscle tone causing painful spasms. Lockjaw is one of the usual
manifestations of untreated tetanus infection. Severe spasms and
convulsions may occur which can lead to death if not treated early.
Workers engaged in agriculture have an increased risk of contracting
tetanus. Such workers are particularly susceptible to cuts and abrasions,
and owing to the nature of the work environment it is likely that wounds
will become contaminated with soil containing tetanus spores. Other
susceptible workers include miners and construction workers.
Numbness and pain of the wrist joint are experienced by those with carpal
tunnel syndrome.
There are different factors in the workplace that may cause physical injury or
psychosocial illness. In the case of work-related musculoskeletal disorders,
several work factors have been identified to increase the risk of these
disorders. When a worker assumes awkward positions or his posture remains
static or unmoving for long periods, excess load is carried by certain muscle
groups that may cause discomfort and even pain after long periods. The same
mechanism applies to work entailing forceful exertions, movement over an
extreme range of motion and highly repetitive work.
The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) depends on the
magnitude of the factor (i.e. the intensity, frequency and duration of
exposure). Single or, more commonly, multiple risk factors may be present in
the workplace. Multiple risk factors often interact to produce a higher risk for
developing WMSDs.
The primary goal in the prevention of WMSDs is to reduce or eliminate the risk
factors involved in their etiology. Involving all business or factory stakeholders,
including the workers, in the problem-solving process will enhance problemsolving capabilities, compliance to changes and job satisfaction. Careful
examination of sick leave forms, compensation claims, medical records and
outcomes of worker interviews may reveal risk factor indicators. Symptom
surveys and periodic medical examinations may provide additional clues. A
walk-through survey of the workplace is imperative to observe how the risk
factors are produced under usual working conditions.
After identifying and properly evaluating the ergonomic stresses that exist,
interventions are selected with the objective to reduce the magnitude and
duration of risk factors. Controlling the risk factors may require redesigning the
employees workstation, tools, work schedule or work methods. These
measures aim to lengthen the recovery time of the muscle groups often used,
by using other muscle groups and joints and finding ways in improving
workers posture. For example inadequate space may be the reason for
awkward postures and providing enough workspace may improve such
posture. It is important to acknowledge that workers education and training
are vital in the success of ergonomic interventions.
Policies may be implemented by companies to promote compliance with the
preventive strategies.
Psychosocial factors that have been identified as ergonomic stresses include
work, which calls for increased cognitive demands, poor job design and
stressful organizational climate. In the workstation, the workplace dimension,
i.e., providing adequate room to fit, reach and see the work, are important
ergonomic factors to improve productivity. In addition, the workplace
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
will spell the pitfalls that safety inspectors need to avoid in the performance of their
functions.
What is safety and health inspection?
Safety inspection is a tool in the prevention
of accident to locate and report existing and
potential unsafe conditions that, if left
uncontrolled, have the capacity to cause
accident in the workplace. Safety and Health
Inspection is a central part of most safety,
health and environmental protection
programs and that it provides a reliable way
for identifying and eliminating conditions
that could contribute to accidents, illnesses
or environmental damages.
What are the requirements of Effective Safety and Health Inspection Programs?
What are the components of the Safety and Health Inspection Cycle?
Person-In-Charge
Improvement of
Workplaces
Objectives of
Inspection
Implementation of
Inspection
Duration, Timing of
Inspection
Inspection Criteria
Checklist
Periodic Inspection
Intermittent Inspection
General Inspection
What are the factors that determine the frequency of your inspection?
Depending on the inspection area or type, the following equipment may also
be useful:
cameras
tape recorder
electrical testing equipment
sampling devices (air, noise, light, temperature)
sample containers
calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges
special personal protective equipment
stop watch
Accident
Investigation
Activity 1
What actions did your company take in order to prevent the recurrence of
similar accidents in the future?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
A methodological effort to collect and
interpret the facts of accident
An inquiry as to how and why the accident
occurred in order to explore actions that
should be taken to prevent or minimize
recurrence of the accident
Earlier, it has been mentioned that a policy is needed in order that all incidents be
reported so the appropriate investigation can be performed. A thorough policy would
require reporting the following types of accidents;
Fatal
Injury
Disease
Dangerous occurrence
Near-miss
Fatal - The Occupational Safety and Health Standards being implemented by DOLE
require that accidents resulting in death should be reported to DOLE Regional Office
within twenty four (24) hours after occurrence using the fastest available means of
communication, and within forty eight (48) hours upon receipt of the initial report, be
investigated.
Injury - Any injury that causes minor or first-aid treatment to serious, to
permanently/totally incapacitate workers should be reported.
Disease - All work-related diseases/illnesses due to exposure to unsafe working
environment should also be reported.
Dangerous occurrences - Any dangerous occurrences which may or may not cause
serious bodily harm to workers, or seriously damage the premises of employment
should be investigated and reported by the employer to DOLE Regional Office. These
include fire, explosion of boiler and pressure vessels, collapse of equipment or
structures, etc.
Near miss - Near miss in an incident where no injury or property damage has occurred
but where a slight difference in position or timing could mean the occurrence of
damage or injury.
3. Analyze Data
2. Gather Information
4. Write
Report
Treat the injured. Investigator should be very sure that steps have been taken
to ensure prompt and effective rescue of an injured. Planning should address
the provision for quick first-aid treatment for the victims.
Control the remaining hazards. Immediate or temporary actions should be
taken to control the risk of any further injury or damage. There should be an
established procedure for the stoppage of any additional work to prevent
possible occurrence of another or similar accident.
Isolate the site to protect people. In many cases, the accident scene is a
dangerous place. The accident may have damaged electrical equipment,
weakened structural supports or may have released radioactive or toxic
materials. Isolating or barricading the accident scene must be particularly
implemented to prevent the entry of workers.
Preserve the evidence. Immediate action should be made for the protection
of evidence. Physical evidences are so important for the success of every
accident investigation. Each investigation should be conducted as soon as
possible after the accident. A delay of only a few hours may permit these
important evidences to be destroyed or removed intentionally or
unintentionally. Preservation techniques include photographs, sketches,
maps, notes and witness statements. Depending upon the nature of the
accident, preservation of evidence may also require additional action to ensure
its security.
What or who are your sources of information?
Sources of Information
Time and location. This is the time of the day and place where the accident
happened. More or less you can get an idea of possible causes of the incident if
you know whether it happened in the morning, afternoon or evening. Likewise,
you can also identify causes if you have the idea of where the accident
happened.
Environment. The evaluation of the environment will provide information
regarding the causes of accident. Identify the environmental factors that might
influence the accident such as weather conditions, illumination, temperature,
noise, ventilation, etc.
Physical Evidence. As the investigator, you should exercise extreme care in
handling, collecting, retrieving or otherwise identifying physical evidence.
Investigators not familiar with the fragility of these evidences might destroy it
during the investigation process. Examples of the physical evidence are
equipment, tools and materials involved in the accident.
Witnesses. A witness can be defined simply as any person who has information
relating to the accident. This includes anyone from those persons principally
involved in the accident to those who have seen or heard about the accident, or
observed the work environment at the time the accident occurred. A witness
may also be someone who has knowledge of the events occurring during any of
the three (3) stages of the accident namely the pre-contact, contact and postcontact.
WORKPLACE ELEMENTS
People
Equipment
Environment
Materials
OSH Programming
OSH Policy
Before you can design your companys safety and health program, foremost is the
necessity to ascertain your companys S and H policy. What is your companys
commitment on safety and health? Do you have the strong leadership and the
necessary mechanism to implement this?
Firstly, let us define what a policy is. The American Heritage Dictionary defines policy
as a plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended
to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters. It is central in any
organization inasmuch as this gives the direction for which the company operates its
business. It embodies the companys principles and guidelines in accomplishing its
goals and objectives.
Consequently, a safety and health policy is a document stating the top managements
safety objectives, the level of safety that can be performed by the organization, and
the responsibility of the organizations members for executing the policy and ensuring
safety. For example, if the company policy states that safety and health is primordial
in its operations, then this becomes the impetus for OSH programs and activities to be
implemented. The policy is the basis for planning and budgeting of OSH-related
activities of the company.
October 8, 2011
II.
The approved OSH policy lays the foundation of all programs and activities that will be
conducted by the company.
A Safety and Health Program is a plan or outline of activities conducted to promote
safety and health consciousness among management and workers in order that
accidents and/or illnesses can be eliminated or minimized to the lowest reducible
level. It is a written document that spells out managements commitment to protect
its workers by undertaking measures to control exposures to hazards in the
workplace.
A Safety and Health program contains an organized set of ideas, principles and
procedures designed to be followed to achieve safety and health excellence. It is a
detailed blueprint of standards and procedures reflecting workplace-specific accepted
industry practices which is supported by both the management and the workers.
It has been found out that effective management of worker safety and health
programs:
III.
Reduces the extent and severity of work related injuries and illnesses the
safety and health programs that are in place and followed by all concerned
employees would include implementation of appropriate control measures to
reduce workplace accidents and illnesses. Hence, if these are operational the
cases of accidents and illnesses will be minimized.
Improves employee morale and productivity knowing that you are working in
a company that values your overall wellness gives you security and peace of
mind. This will result to greater productivity and efficiency among workers.
Being the focal group on workplace safety and health, the functions of the committee
includes:
VI.
The OSH policy can now be translated into various program interventions. It should
cover a holistic approach and package of programs and activities. The OSHC adopts a
framework in defining the components of an OSH policy. The same framework is used
by the Center in selecting winners of its biennial Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK)
awards.
declaring an emergency
evacuating workers
obtaining internal emergency resources
obtaining help from external resources
initiating emergency rescues
tending to casualties
Inventory of chemicals
Emergency contingency plan
Capability building program for chemical users
Materials handling and storage procedures
Abatement of physical hazards
The company has to define the guidelines on how it will conduct its industrial
hygiene program - who should be involved in terms of the IH activities, how these
will be done, and what and to whom are the capability building interventions that
will be conducted, etc.
3. Occupational Health Program - this include programs on
Monitoring
It is necessary for any organization to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of all its
safety and health policies and programs. In doing this the company will be able to:
Improve the performance of the program.
Know if changes or revisions/improvements are necessary.
Check areas that have to be prioritized.
Assess program effectiveness
o Number of accidents and injuries are trending downward
o Cost of accidents and injuries is trending downward
o Time lost due to work-related injuries or illnesses is reduced
Examples of indicators/areas to look at when monitoring the OSH program:
100% compliance on helmet and safety shoes
Presence of signages and directional signs
Zero unprotected wall and floor openings
OSH Legislation
OSH
Prevention:
E.O. 307
Occupational Safety
and Health Center
Training
Technical
assistance to
clients, ECC, BWC,
workers &
employers
Clearing house of
information on
OSH
Research
No. of staff - 100
Enforcement:
Admin. Code
1987
Labor
inspectors /
LLCOs thru 16
ROs
252 Inspectors
Compensation/
Rehabilitation:
P.D. 626
Updating of
Health & Safety
& other related
OSH Policies:
Admin. Code
1987
Employees
Compensation
Commission
No. of staff - 82
Bureau of Working
Conditions
develops,
prescribes OSH
standards
To know more about these agencies, you may follow the links provided below:
www.dole.gov.ph
www.oshc.dole.gov.ph
www.ecc.gov.ph
www.bwc.dole.gov.ph
Policy Framework
The focus of our discussion will be on those laws which are specifically administered
by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the Labor Code of the
Philippines (LCP).
1. Labor Code of the Philippines
Article 162 Safety and health standards. The Secretary of Labor and
Employment shall, by appropriate orders, set and enforce mandatory
occupational safety and health standards to eliminate or reduce occupational
safety and health hazards in all workplaces and institute new, and update
existing, programs to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in all places
of employment.
Article 164 Training programs. The DOLE shall develop and implement
training programs to increase the number and competence of personnel in the
field of occupational safety and industrial health.
registration of establishments-IP-3
report of safety and health organization- IP-5
employers work accident/illness report-IP-6
annual work accident/illness exposure data report-IP-6B; and
annual medical report form 47-A.
For the DOLE as a whole, voluntary compliance is still the best, where organizations
implement OSH measures because they know that it will be to their great benefit. The
OSHC flagship program of ZAP is an example of such program which emphasizes the
spirit of voluntarism. Another key DOLE program is the Employees Compensation
Program (ECP), the preventive aspect of which is implemented by OSHC.
Most Commonly-Asked Questions
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