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BOSH Manual - Narrative Handout
BOSH Manual - Narrative Handout
Module 4: Housekeeping 26
Module 12: Occupational Health Hazards and Their Health Effects 196
BOSH Framework
This is a very short module which aims to prepare you for the technical discussions that
will follow in the next modules. This will also explain how the discussions will flow and
give you basic directions on where we are going.
Objectives:
Working on this module should help you to:
- 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 company’s 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.
Occupational safety and health is a discipline with a broad scope involving three major
fields – Occupational Safety, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene.
• Occupational safety deals with understanding the causes of accidents at work and
ways to prevent unsafe act and unsafe conditions in any workplace. Safety at work
discusses concepts on good housekeeping, proper materials handling and storage,
machine safety, electrical safety, fire prevention and control, safety inspection, and
accident investigation.
• Occupational health is a broad concept which explains how the different hazards
and risks at work may cause an illness and emphasizes that health programs are
essential in controlling work-related and/or occupational diseases.
• Industrial hygiene discusses the identification, evaluation, and control of physical,
chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards.
In other words, occupational health and safety encompasses the social, mental and
physical well-being of workers, that is, the “whole person”.
Successful occupational health and safety practice requires the collaboration and
participation of both employers and workers in health and safety programs, and
involves the consideration of issues relating to occupational medicine, industrial
hygiene, toxicology, education, engineering safety, ergonomics, psychology, etc.
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.
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.
OSH Situationer
Module 2, aims to provide a background on both the local and international OSH
situation. We hope that by being aware and focusing on the magnitude of work-related
accidents, injuries and illness, you will understand the prevalent conditions that exist
which contribute to the accidents and illness at work.
Let us share with you a historical event which led to OSH improvements in the early 19 th
century. During the industrial revolution of 1800 – 1900s, the use of machines,
equipment and chemicals were intensive as manufacturing processes, agriculture and
train/steam engine transport were the driving force of the economy. However,
numerous work-related accidents and deaths occurred arising from hazards in these
industries. Statistics, at that time, showed that safety hazards, chemical exposures and
injuries from manufacturing work were very high. This led to the development of
guidelines and standards to protect workers from work-related hazards and risks in the
above-mentioned industries.
As work patterns change, trends on accidents and diseases may also reflect how
workers are affected. In the late 20 th century and until the present, we see that
predominance of the service sector (wholesale and retail trade, education, hotels and
restaurants, banks, health-care etc.), and we are now confronted with data that reveal
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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work-related muscle and joint injuries experienced by the service sector workers and
the emergence of the science of ergonomics which will be discussed at length in the
Occupational Health module.
Objectives:
Working on this module should help you:
- articulate a heightened awareness of the OSH situation, both local and
international
- identify the problems, issues and challenges associated with OSH conditions in
the country
The safety and health conditions at work are very different between countries,
economic sectors and social groups. Deaths and injuries take a heavy toll in developing
countries, where a large part of the population is engaged in hazardous activities such
as agriculture, fishing and mining. Throughout the world, the poorest and least
protected – often women, children and migrants – are among the most affected.”
(Safety and Health at Work, International Labour Organization, accessed September 6, 2011
http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety -and-health-at-work/lang--en/index.htm )
Japan
http://www.jniosh.go.jp/icpro/jicosh-old/english/statistics/index.html
Philippines http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph
http://www.bles.dole.gov.ph
“Of the estimated 36.0 million employed persons in 2010, more than half (51.8%)
were engaged in services and about one-third (33.2%) were in agriculture. Most of
those who worked in the services sector were into wholesale and retail trade, repair of
motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods (19.5% of the total
employed).
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.
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?”
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.
Fatalities decreased by
Figure 2
31.8% (from 170 in 2003 to
116 in
2007. However
those permanently
incapacitated increased by
23.7 % (from 131 in 2003 to
162 in 2007).
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).
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:
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.
Source of data: Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics, BLES Integrated Survey (2003/2004 and
2007/2008).
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:
• Public apathy on OSH concerns. Most people do not generally pay attention to
OSH concerns.
• 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
the formulation of policies, in advocacy campaigns to take children out of
hazardous work.
• 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
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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to enhance one’s working life. After all, most of us work mainly for economic
purposes - “ang hanap-buhay ay para ikabuhay, hindi para ikamatay.”
Unsafe/Unhealthy
Acts and
Conditions
Basic Occupational S afe y and Health (BOSH) Training
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Objectives
• 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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
How do you prevent yourself from performing unsafe/unhealthy acts that will cause
unsafe/unhealthy conditions at work?
Below are additional references you can check out to learn more about this module
http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/
http://www.itcilo.it/actrav/actrav -english/telearn/osh/intro/introduc.htm
http://training.itcilo.it/actrav_cdrom2/es/osh/add/sechyg.htm
Housekeeping
Basic Occupational S afe y and Health (BOSH) Training
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Module 4: Housekeeping
The 5S, a Japanese concept that aims to optimize time for production, is a very
practical, simple and proven approach to improving housekeeping in the workplace.
Housekeeping is important because it lessens accidents and related injuries and
illnesses. It therefore improves productivity and minimizes direct/indirect costs of
accidents/illnesses. Housekeeping means putting everything in its proper place. It is
everybody’s business to observe it in the workplace.
Objectives
Defining Housekeeping
Let us begin by showing you what housekeeping is not: It is shown when your
surroundings have:
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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• cluttered and poorly arranged areas
• untidy piling of materials
• improperly piled-on materials that results to damaging other materials
• items no longer needed
• blocked aisles and passageways
• materials stuffed in corners and out-of-the-way places
• materials getting rusty and dirty from non-use
• excessive quantities of items
• overcrowded storage areas and shelves
• overflowing bins and containers
• broken containers and damaged materials
Do you agree with this? Housekeeping is avoiding all of the above and many more.
Now instead of just being crabby and complaining about poor housekeeping, why
don’t we see how we can instill and implement good housekeeping in our workplace?
Look at the two pictures below. Do you know about with these seven wastes and how
we can eliminate them? You got it! Through good housekeeping!
What is 5S?
5S utilizes:
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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• workplace organization
• work simplification techniques
5S practice…
• develops positive attitude among workers
• cultivates an environment of efficiency, effectiveness and economy
5S Philosophy
5S Terms:
7 Seiton Principles:
How to
Contact people with a big smile.
Shitsuke
Be a good listener. JANUARY
Be punctual.
Always keep your workplace clean and tidy.
Steps in implementing 5S
Step 1: Preparations
5S CORE GROUP
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• PLAN • CHECK
– Situation Appraisal – 5S Audit
– Setting Benchmarks or – Documentation of
Targets Targets
– Implementation Plan – Review Targets
• DO
• ACT
– Announcements
– Education – Corrective Measures
– Akafuda – Revise Plans
– Big Seiso – Difficulties
Encountered
– Seiso Inspection
– Seiton Campaign
– Special 5S Projects
Organizing to Implement 5S
Managing Director
5S Auditor
5S Steering omm.
C
5S Facilitators
5S Working omm.
C
5S Audit Co
mm.
Supervisor’s Role
Worker’s Role
Soft 5S
a. Office policies and procedures
b. Dress code
c. Sharing of responsibilities, telephone etiquette
Desks
• Do not place anything under your desk (Seiton)
• Dispose of unnecessary items in your drawers (Seiri)
• Arrange items in your desk drawers neatly for easy retrieval (Seiton)
• Do not pile up documents on your desk top (Seiton)
• Wipe your desktop every morning
• Do not leave unnecessary things on your desk top when you go home
(Seiton)
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)
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.
Purpose of 5S audit
5S Evaluation procedure
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.
A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement
of materials from point of entry to exit. It includes a material flow plan to ensure
minimal handling. The plan also ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas
by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed. Part of the plan
could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal.
The costs of this investment could be offset by the elimination of repeated handling of
the same material and more effective use of the workers' time. Often, ineffective or
insufficient storage planning results in materials being handled and stored in
hazardous ways. Knowing the plant layout and the movement of materials throughout
the workplace can help plan work procedures.
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.
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.
Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or
work surfaces.
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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
DO NOT:
• Do not permit rubbish to fall freely from any level of the project. Use chutes or
other approved devices to materials.
• Do not throw tools or other materials.
• Do not raise or lower any tool or equipment by its own cable or supply hose.
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.
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http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklstcon.html
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?
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?
• 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
Reinforcing steel
• Use wooden spacers to separate piles of reinforcing steel.
• Unload reinforcing steel by mechanical means whenever possible.
Pipe
• 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.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklststk.html
DO NOT:
• Do not pile material around fire extinguishers, sprinklers, or emergency exits.
• Do not leave clean-up to last few minutes of shift or day.
• Do not clean equipment without "locking out."
• Do not reach into waste containers. Dump contents or remove bag.
• Do not blow off dust with compressed air. Use a vacuum or brush.
• Do not collect broken glass and metal straps in plastic bags.
• Do not use bare hands when collecting waste. Wear gloves to avoid cuts and
splinters.
• Do not place materials on stairs.
• Do not use kegs or boxes as chairs or ladders.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklstwrk.html
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.
Objectives
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/mmhintro.html
Materials handling and storage is a technique which includes the art of lifting, placing,
storing or movement of materials through the use of one’s physical strength or
appropriate handling equipment. Materials handling has two general classifications:
manual materials handling and mechanical materials handling.
Remember to stop and think before lifting any load and ask yourself whether there is
an even safer way to do the job.
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:
• 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
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
Page 51 of 275
• 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.
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.
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
Table 2
Recommended Upper Force Limits for Vertical Pushing and Pulling*
Conditions Upper Limit of Force in Examples of Activities
newtons, (lbf, kgf)**
Pull down, 540 N (120 lbf or 55 kgf) Activating a control, hook grip; such as a
above head safety shower handle or manual control
height Operating a chain hoist, power grips; less
200 N (45 lbf or 20 kgf) than 5 cm (2 in) diameter grip surface
Pull down, 315 N (70 lbf or 32 kgf) Activating a control, hook grip. Threading
shoulder level up operations as in paper manufacturing
and stringing cable.
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 up
-Elbow height 75 N (17 lbf or 7,5 kgf)
-Shoulder
height
Push down, 287 N (64 lbf or 29 kgf) Wrapping, packing; Sealing cases
elbow height
Push up, 202 N (45 lbf or kgf) Raising a corner or end of an object, like
shoulder a pipe or beam. Lifting an object to a
height high shelf.
(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.
DO WEAR
• lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing, safety boots
with toe caps and slip-resistant soles, and protective gloves,
appropriate for the materials being handled.
DO NOT WEAR
• aprons, coats,
• clothing with exposed buttons, zippers or loose flaps, or
• heavy duty mitts.
Shift weight to rear foot. Keep load close to body.
1. Shoveling guidelines
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shovel.html#_1_1
Slide load close to body. Ensure load is loose from ground before lifting.
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.
Human Body
Your back
WEAK
Protect it
STRONG
Your legs
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/compactloads.html?print#_1_2
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.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/compactbags.html
The best way to handle a bag depends on its size, weight and how far it is to be carried.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/sacks.html
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.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/drums.html?print
Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous. Do not handle drums and barrels without
training.
• Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Do not attempt to raise a full drum alone.
• Make sure that the drum is empty before raising it.
• Stand at the end of the drum.
• Place one foot forward at the side of the drum, the other behind.
• Bend your hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Grasp the rim about 15 cm from the ground with the elbows inside thighs.
• Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and continuing in an upward and forward
direction.
• Bring the back leg forward as if you are walking. Keep close to the drum.
• 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.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/sheetmaterials.html
As the name suggests, this pertains to use of rigid, manually or mechanically-powered equipment
mainly for handling bulky and heavy items.
A. Manually powered materials handling equipment reduce physical effort, making materials
handling easier and safer. Here are some tips when using mechanical aids:
• 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.
• Use rolling platforms to assist in carrying and handling heavy objects where
limited space does not allow for comfortable body position.
• 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
Select a stair climbing truck when moving load on stairs.
Move and empty drums with tilting drum cradles and drum dollies.
Chains
• Do not let chains get kinked, knotted or twisted.
Workspace is the area within which you perform the tasks that add up to your job.
The physical design of a workspace includes setting the amount of space needed and
the positioning of furniture, tools, equipment and any other items necessary to
perform the tasks, in respect to proper posture, access, clearance, reach and vision of
the user.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/workspacelayout.html?print
The layout or organization of the work area must allow materials to be handled
without excessive bending, twisting and stretching reduces injuries.
Materials storage could easily be neglected at times in an actual work setting. When
neglected, it leads to cluttering, piling of one material over another and obstruction of
passageways. Understanding some general requirements on proper and safe materials
storage would be useful.
Materials should be stored neatly and orderly. A variety of ways and means could
easily be adopted and maintained.
Firstly, materials should be housed in a storage room with the following features:
• at least two exits
• properly illuminated
• properly ventilated
• restricted access
Also, materials that you need more frequently and use must be placed closer to you.
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
• Use hand trucks with elevating devices in storage and loading areas.
Coil handling
Position work
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/materials_flow.html
What can be done to reduce the amount of times material is moved or handled?
• Use containers that allow fluids to pour or empty without lifting the container.
While quick and easy mobilization and storage of materials is a necessity in the
workplace, the tendency to deviate from a safe way of doing it happens, unmindful of
the adverse consequences to both the person and the material.
What will be moved? Determine the item/s you wish to move and then adopt the
applicable method that will provide safety for you and protection for the material.
How often will these be moved? There are certain materials that are moved every
now and then depending on the need. Provisions for easy movement should be
made in these cases.
How many will be moved? Always have special handling equipment that could do
the job especially if there is a large number of a material to be moved.
How far will the materials be moved? In order to minimize time and effort, the
distance to be moved must be considered. It is suggested that only in rare
instances should an item or material be moved to a far location, particularly if this
would involve manual handling. Observe the location of the storage with respect
to its movement: the closer it is, the less movement is needed.
How will the materials be moved? Manual or mechanical handling may be used,
depending on the circumstances and characteristics of the materials.
With these guidelines, possible injury to you or your co-workers can be eliminated and
total protection for materials when handling and storing them can be ensured.
In summary, it is you who can prevent materials handling accidents and injuries. You
can achieve this by remembering the following:
• 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.
In this Module, we will talk about fire safety. Having a fire in the workplace is one of
the most highly preventable situations IF and only IF we follow all the safety
regulations and use our common sense as well as our awareness in looking out for
possible fire hazards. It may seem too common for some thus, we often overlook
these fire safety tips, and before we know it, everything will have gone up in smoke.
To prevent all this from happening, do take this module seriously for your sake as well
as that of your loved ones.
This module aims to introduce you to the chemistry and behavior of fire and principles
of fire prevention and control. The triangle of fire demonstrates how fire occurs and
the principles of extinguishing fire. Fire is caused by variety of factors, all of which can
be prevented and controlled. Most fires start small and can be controlled through
immediate response and knowledge of extinguishing medium.
Prevention and control of the hazards from fire should be a part of the safety program
in each workplace, and even in your own home.
Objectives
Flashpoint
Flammable substances °F °C
Gasoline -45 -42.8
Ether -49 -45
Acetone 0 -17.8
Alcohol 55 12.8
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.
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:
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
Example:
Light candle and cover with glass until the candle dies
C. Removing heat
Example:
- After cooking barbeque we normally put off the
charcoal using water applied directly to the flame.
Interrupt the chain reaction by inhibiting the oxidation process and the
production of flammable vapors that react with oxygen, then we extinguish the
fire.
Example:
- Use of dry chemicals extinguishes fire with this
principle.
In summary, control of fires can be accomplished by removing one of the sides of the
triangle and/or inhibiting the chain reaction.
There are four classes of fires, categorized according to the kind of material that is
burning. For the first three classes of fires, there are two sets of color-coded icons
commonly used. One or both kinds of icons appear on most fire extinguishers to
indicate the kinds of fire against which the unit is intended to be used.
There is only one icon used to indicate the fourth (class D) kind of fire. Class D fires
involve uncommon materials and occur in fairly specialized situations. Note that any
given fire can fall into more than one class; a fire that involves both burning paper and
kitchen grease would be a Class AB fire.
Knowing the classification of fires is important for the speedy extinguishment and
safety of the fire fighters. Using the wrong extinguishing medium may cause the fire
to spread and endanger the fire fighters.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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Class A fires are those fueled by materials that,
when they burn, leave a residue in the form of
ash, such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and
certain plastics.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gasses, such as gasoline, paint
thinner, kitchen grease, propane, and acetylene.
Grignard reagents.
It will be good to examine the hazards from which most fires originate. These
are sometimes described as causes of fire.
Electricity
Control
- conduct regular inspection and maintenance of electrical
installation
- employ trained and licensed electrician
- follow Philippine Electrical Code and Occupational Safety
and Health Standards
Mechanical heat
Friction sparks
• 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
Control
providing a "No Smoking Area" at specified times where
supervision can be maintained.
marking areas where exposure is severe with
conspicuous “No Smoking” signs, prohibiting employees
• Control
Except for explosions, most fires start out as small ones. At the initial stage,
extinguishing a fire seldom presents much of a problem. Once the fire begins
to gain headway, it may develop into conflagration of disastrous proportions.
Fire can be more easily controlled if detected early. It is critical that fire be
extinguished in the first five minutes.
a. Smoke detectors
Monitor changes within the area
Provide early warning
Changing stages in the development of
fire
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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When smoke is produced
b. Heat detectors
c. Flame detectors
These are the three (3) methods of heat transfer and how it can be controlled
Barriers are one means of control that will limit the area of a fire or at least
retard its spread. Examples are: firewalls, fire doors, shutters or louvers,
fire stops, baffles, fire dampers, fire windows, parapets, dikes and
enclosures of vertical openings
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
4. Located where they are easily accessible for immediate use and
the location is kept accessible and clearly identified.
In the absence of modern fire extinguishers, the following can be used to stop
fire in its initial stage.
Once a fire is discovered in a building, the first and foremost step is the prompt
evacuation of all personnel to a safe place. People should be trained on
orderly evacuation through fire drills. Exits that will empty the ordinary
structure in ample time to prevent loss of life or injury should be also a primary
concern.
• 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
Remember:
• The Fire Triangle demonstrates how fire starts and how it could be
extinguished
• The principle of fire prevention and control programs involves prevention,
prompt action to extinguish the fire, and safe evacuation of occupants.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
Page 100 of 275
• With these principles in mind you can help
- Prevent fires in your workplace
- Safeguard your property
- Protect many lives
If your clothing catches fire, it is a natural response to panic and run to the nearest
shower or fire blanket. Don't do it! Running will just fan the flames and increase the
potential for serious injury. The correct response is to Stop, Drop, and Roll on the
ground to extinguish the flames. Cover your face with your hands to protect your face
and lungs. If one of your colleagues catches fire, panics, and starts to run, tackle him
or her and smother the flames.
Combustion
Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a fuel is rapidly oxidized. Three things
are required to sustain a fire:
• Oxygen (more properly, an oxidizing agent)
• Fuel (a reducing agent)
• Heat
Therefore, to kill a fire, you must deny the fire one or more of these three things.
You may:
• Exclude oxygen from the fire.
• Remove the fuel on which the fire is feeding.
• Lower the temperature.
Fire extinguishers are categorized according to the substances that they contain and
by class of fire. Extinguishers are rated for use against only certain kinds of fires, and
will carry an ABCD marking to indicate the classes of fire against which they may
properly be used. For example, an extinguisher rated for class B and C fires is called
(and marked) a type BC extinguisher.
Classes of Fire
Effective Discharge A
Type Mechanism
Range Duration
B C D
reduces
water 30-40 ft 60 sec 1 2 1
temperature
displaces oxygen
CO2 3-8 ft 8-30 sec 1
dry
chemical binds oxygen 5-20 ft 10-40 sec 3
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.
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.
In the event of a fire, your personal safety is your most important concern. You are
not required to fight a fire. If all of the following conditions are met, then you may
choose to use a fire extinguisher against the fire. If any of the conditions is not met, or
you have even the slightest doubt about your personal safety, do not fight the fire.
We hope you’ll be better equipped, after studying this module, to keep fires from
happening in your surroundings.
Electrical safety is closely related to fire safety, so we hope you do not mind hearing
some things twice. Fires are often caused by electrical trouble, as we all know,
although we also know that electrical trouble can also mean other things like
electrocution and other such accidents. This module aims to introduce you to the
basic terms in electricity, occurrence mechanism of electric shock accidents and
preventive measures for electric shock.
There are practical measures that you can follow to ensure electrical safety.
Objectives
define the basic terms in electricity
describe the danger of electric shock
identify the practical measures in preventing electric shock accidents
Electricity
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.
Electric current requires a suitable circuit to provide the energy needed for lighting,
heating, etc. An electrical circuit usually contains a power source and an electrical
load. Suitable conducting material connects the power source to the load in order to
complete the electrical circuit. These conductors are covered with a suitable insulating
material to prevent the current from leaking out.
Some materials such as metals have loosely bonded electrons, and the amount of
thermal energy available at room temperature is sufficient to generate free electrons.
Materials that have a relatively large number of free electrons at room temperature,
which are called conductors, are capable of conducting electricity (the movement of
electrons in a given direction). On the other hand, materials that do not have a large
number of free electrons at room temperature (such as plastics), which are called
insulators, are incapable of conducting electricity. Materials that fall in between the
two extremes are termed semi-conductors.
Elements of electricity
Ohm’s Law
The relationship between the elements of electricity was introduced by Mr. Georg
Simon Ohm. It has been known as the Ohm’s Law.
DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL
TO THE VOLTAGE
V
I = _____
And
INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL R
TO THE CURRENT
Electrical resistance
Hazards of electricity:
• Electric shock
• Burns
• Fire
The more common sources of electric shock are refrigerators and electric fans.
Defective and poorly maintained electrical device will generate electrical leak.
When the electric current has sufficient potential difference to overcome the
body’s resistance, it results in shock burns or even death. Although potential
difference determines whether the body’s resistances will be overcome, the
damaging factor in electrical shock is the current flow.
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
Current Effect
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html
(1) Fuse
A fuse is essentially a strip of metal that melts at a pre-determined
value of current flow, and therefore cuts off the current to that
circuit. In the event of abnormal conditions such as faults or when
The more frequent causes of electrical fires may be listed under three general
classes namely, arcs, sparks and overheating. An arc is produced when an
electric circuit carrying a current is interrupted, either intentionally – by a knife
switch or accidentally – where a contact at a terminal becomes loose. The
intensity of the arc depends, to a great extent, on the current and voltage of
the circuit. The temperature of the electric arc is very high and any
combustible materials in its vicinity may be ignited by the heat.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) - works by detecting any loss of electrical
current in a circuit. When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before
severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful shock may occur during the time
that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI as
an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices.
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GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against
electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch. A GFCI
circuit breaker can be installed on circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an entire
branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be
used.
Test the GFCI monthly. First plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall
outlet (the light should be turned on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If the
GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired or
replaced. Reset the GFCI to restore power. If the "RESET" button pops out but the light
does not go out, the GFCI has been improperly wired and does not offer shock
protection at that wall outlet. Contact a qualified electrician to correct any wiring
errors.
Q: What can you say about the practice of replacing a busted fuse with any
type of conductive material to continue the electrical supply?
A: The fuse is a protective device to prevent overload. Replacing it with other
than the rated fuse with another type of conductor will defeat its purpose
for protection. This practice will create the overload to the circuit that will
cause damage to the electrical installation and in worst cases cause fire.
Summary
Remember these simple safety rules to follow:
We hope you have become more aware of electrical safety as a result of this module.
You can visit these websites to get a more information on electricity:
Machine Safety
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Unit 2 - Occupational Safety
This module aims to introduce you to the principles of machine safety as a tool to
eliminate industrial injuries and accidents. As an OSH officer, you must be able to
understand the basics of machine guarding to prevent accidents, injuries and deaths
happening in your assigned work area.
Machines make things easy and comfortable for us. They enable us to do a lot of
things that we won’t be able to do otherwise. They are very much a part of our lives
but we must be aware that they may also be sources of injuries and even deaths in the
workplace if not used properly.
Any part, function or process involving machines may cause injuries. To eliminate the
hazards posed by machines, you must have sufficient understanding of machine safety
particularly of the four major areas: adjustment and repair, servicing and
Machine guards are classified into those that prevent access and those that prevent
hazardous motion. However, machine guards alone cannot prevent injuries – there is
a need to educate and train workers on machine safety. Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) is
an effective system for controlling accidents in servicing and maintenance of
machines.
Objectives
It was only during the industrial revolution that modern machines were used
extensively. Prior to this, all operations were manually done. The start of the 18 th
century marked the start of the industrial revolution. Modern machines were
conceptualized and created. These enabled factories to produce goods faster, but at
the same time lead to poor working conditions and a lot of accidents, giving rise to a
growing concern for machine safety. Machine safety covers 4 basic areas: adjustment
and repair, servicing and maintenance, moving parts and point of operation.
The important aspect of machine safety – the basic types of hazardous mechanical
motions and actions.
These include the movement of rotating members, reciprocating arms, moving belts,
meshing gears, cutting teeth, and any other part that impacts or shears. These
different types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions are present in varying
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combinations in nearly all machines and recognizing them is the first step toward
protecting workers from the dangers they present.
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.
Nip Points
Reciprocating
Mechanical Actions
Cutting
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.
Shearing
Bending
Equipment that uses bending action includes power presses, press brakes, and
tubing benders.
The point of operation: that point where work is performed on the material,
such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
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.
Preventing access
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
Robotics application
Safeguards should be attached so that they are secured Workers should not be
able to render them ineffective by tampering with or disabling them. This is
critical because removing safeguards to speed-up production is a common
practice. Safeguards must also be durable enough to withstand the rigors of
the workplace because worn-out safeguards can’t protect workers properly.
Objects falling into moving machine mechanisms increase the risk of accidents,
property damage, and injury. Objects that fall on a moving part can be thrown
out, creating dangerous projectile. Therefore, safeguards must do more than
just prevent human contact. They must also shield the moving parts of
machines from falling objects.
Safeguards can interfere with the progress of work if they are not properly
designed. Such safeguards are likely to be disregarded or disabled by workers
due to the pressure of production deadlines.
3. Protection appliances (e.g., jigs, holders, push sticks, etc) - These are used
often in conjunction with guards to feed a work piece while keeping the
operator’s body away from the danger zone.
The protective device must be appropriate for the type of work being
undertaken.
Another aspect of machine safety is during maintenance work and servicing. The
lockout/tag-out system is effective for preventing accidents during maintenance
works.
Lock-out Procedure
- Alert the operator(s) that power is being disconnected.
- Preparation for Shutdown
- Equipment Shutdown
- Equipment Isolation
- Application of Lock-out Devices
- Control of Stored Energy
- Equipment Isolation-Verification
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
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.
This is the last module in Unit 2 and it is a very important one. Although we’ve been
mentioning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) right from the start of this course,
we still feel that we have to devote a full module to it. We must review the PPE we
have already mentioned and see if there are others that you need to be acquainted
with. Remember that PPE can save your life, or that of your co-worker.
The PPE must be considered only after engineering and administrative controls have
been found ineffective, not feasible or insufficient. It must be used only as a last
resort. The selection of PPE must comply with the existing OSH standards and using
these in the workplace must be combined with training and orientation on their
proper use, limitations and advantages.
You must monitor proper usage and maintenance of PPE in order to attain satisfactory
performance and properly administer the PPE program in your area of responsibility.
This module thus aims to impart the proper usage of PPE to the learner in order to
prevent accidents at work.
Objectives
Defining hazards
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.
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.
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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.
Radiation is dangerous because it cannot be detected by the five senses
but it destroys the cells and tissues of living organisms, and has long-term
effects.
a. Time – the shorter the time, the lower the exposure received
b. Distance – the greater distance, the lower the exposure received
c. Shielding – may be lead, steel, iron or concrete
5. Vibration
Chemical routes of entry to the body are by inhalation, ingestion and skin
absorption.
D. Biological Hazards – These are hazards caused by viruses, fungi and bacteria.
There are three methods in controlling hazards: engineering, administrative and PPE.
PPE – these are considered as the last line of defense. These devices provide
limited protection to the ones using them.
Source: Krieger, Gary R, ed. “Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry 11th ed”. USA:
National Safety Council, 1997 p.161
Once it is decided that personal protective equipment is going to be used, then the
following steps need to be undertaken:
1. write a policy on the usage of PPE and communicate it to employees and
visitors as needed
2. select the proper type of equipment
3. implement a thorough training program
4. ensure that employees knows the correct use and maintenance of the
equipment
5. enforce proper use and maintenance of PPE
Policy
The policy should state the need for the use of PPE. It may also contain exceptions or
limitations on the use of PPE.
After the need for personal protective equipment has been established, the next step
is to select the proper type.
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In selecting the proper protector, consideration should be given to the kind and
degree of hazard. Where a choice of protectors is given and the degree of protection
required is not an important issue, worker’s comfort may be a deciding factor.
The first step in selecting PPE for respiratory protection is to contact a supplier.
Manufacturers and distributors do not just helping the selection of the most useful
equipment, but can give valuable aid in fit-sizing, cleaning, care and storage.
Proper Training
The next step is to obtain the workers complete compliance with requirements to
wear the PPE. Several factors influence compliance, among them are:
• The extent to which the personnel who must wear the equipment understand
its necessity
• The ease and comfort with which it can be used, or work with a minimum of
interference with normal work procedures
Source: Krieger, Gary R, ed. “Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry 11 th ed”. USA:
National Safety Council, 1997 p.162
Maintenance Program
All equipment must be inspected periodically before and after use. A record of all
inspections with the date, tabulated results, the recommendation of the manufacturer
for the maintenance of the device, and the repair and replacement of parts supplied
by the manufacturer of the product should be kept.
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Enforcement
Employees need to know how the use of PPE will be enforced. Many companies have
some kind of disciplinary actions, such as unpaid time-off, and finally, termination.
The enforcement of the use of PPE is critical to a successful program.
Uses of PPE
You can check out many websites on the Internet that describe and sell various PPE.
Commonly used PPE in the workplace include: helmet, respirator, spectacles, earplugs,
gloves, safety shoes, etc. The following are the functions and uses of PPE.
1. Head Protection
A safety hat is a device that provides head protection against impact from
falling objects and protection against electrocution. Safety hats should be
inspected prior to each use. Any one of the following defects is a cause for
immediate removal of the PPE from service:
2. Eye Protection
3. Face Shields
Face shields should only be used as eye and face protection in areas where
splashing or dusts, rather than impact resistance is the problem. In the case
of grinding operations (plus other operations), a face shield is only secondary
protection to other protective devices, such as safety goggles.
4. Ear Protection
Hazard:
o excessive noise - Noise exceeding 85-90 dB or more on eight hour exposure.
5. Respiratory Protection
Hazards: o Mists
or Vapors o Gases
o Smoke
o Fumes
o Particulates or dust
o Insufficient oxygen supply
Hand and arm protection is required when workers’ hands are exposed to
hazards such as harmful substances that can be absorbed by the skin, severe
cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, chemical burns, thermal burns, and
temperature extremes.
appropriate
gloves hand pads
barrier cream
sleeves (for arm protection)
Hazards:
o Pinch points o Hot
surfaces o Chemical
substances o Sharp
objects
o Electrical
The following is a guide to the most common types of protective work gloves
and the types of hazards they can guard against.
b. Fabric and coated fabric gloves - These gloves are made of cotton or other
fabric to provide varying degrees of protection.
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
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
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 Duck - This closely woven fabric protects employees against cuts and
bruises while they handle heavy, sharp, or rough materials.
o Leather - Leather protective clothing is often used against dry heat and
flame.
Be aware that different materials will protect against different and physical
hazards. When chemical or physical hazards are present, check with the
clothing manufacturer to make sure that the material selected will provide
protection from the specific chemical of physical hazards in the workplace.
Rule 1080
Rule 1080 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) requires employers
to provide appropriate personal protective equipment to workers. Employers can be
held liable if they fail to furnish their workers with the necessary PPE.
1081.01
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Every employer shall at his/her own expense furnish his/her workers
with protective equipment for the eyes, face, hands and feet,
protective shields and barriers whenever necessary by reason of the
hazardous nature of the process or environment, chemical or
radiological or other mechanical irritants or hazards capable of causing
injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through
absorption, inhalation or physical contact.
1081.02
All protective equipment shall be of approved design and construction
appropriate for the exposure and the work to be performed.
1081.03
The employer shall be responsible for the adequacy and proper
maintenance of personal protective equipment used in his workplace.
1081.04
No person shall be subjected or exposed to hazardous environmental
condition without protection.
Q: Is there one kind of glove that will protect against all workplace hazards?
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: Why should workers be outfitted with the more expensive industrial respirators
when look alike “nuisance masks” are available?
A: Respirators filter toxic dusts and mists commonly found in industrial and
manufacturing settings, such as welding, grinding, sanding, and maintenance
or repair applications. Respirators meet minimum performance standards and
the government approved agencies certify them.
Q: Once I have selected the specific PPE for my workers, how do I make sure they
use it properly?
A: 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
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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
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 worker’s 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.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
Industrial Hygiene
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Unit 3 – Occupational Environment
Implementing safety and health in the workplace is the ultimate goal of labor
protection. Industrial hygiene is one of the disciplines necessary in the
implementation of safety and health in the workplace.
In this module, we will introduce you to the processes involved in identifying and
recognizing occupational health hazards in the work environment and help you do this
in a systematic manner. It will also help you go through the process of evaluating such
hazards through the Work Environment Measurement (WEM) which objectively
assesses the level of workplace hazards through the use of different industrial hygiene
equipments.
Objectives
Industrial hygiene is “the science and art devoted to the recognition, evaluation and
control of environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which
may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort and
inefficiency among workers or citizens of the community.”
Source: Theory and rationale of industrial hygiene practice: Patty’s industrial hygiene and toxicology, p.
14
Industrial hygiene is interconnected with the different aspects of work – research and
development, production, medical/health, safety and management.
Sources of light
e. Excessive vibration
Types of noise
These include:
• variation in individual susceptibility
• the total energy of the sound
• the frequency distribution of the sound
• other characteristics of the noise exposure, such as whether it is
continuous, intermittent, or made up of a series of impacts
• the total daily duration of exposure
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:
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.
Now that we are familiar with the classification of hazards, we can now discuss
how to identify the different hazards through a combination of the following
methods:
a. identification
b. hazard(s) identification
c. composition/information on ingredients
d. first-aid measures
e. fire-fighting measures
f. accidental release measures
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g. handling and storage
h. exposure control/personal protection
i. physical and chemical properties
j. stability and reactivity
k. toxicological information
l. ecological information
m. disposal considerations
n. transport information
o. regulatory information
p. other information
Elements of GHS
(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)
Once the hazards have been recognized, it is necessary to measure the levels of
the hazards and the magnitude of workers’ exposure to them. This is done through
the WEM which employs direct measurement of hazards. WEM is conducted for
the following purposes:
B. Analysis of results
The collected samples from the WEM are analyzed in the laboratory. Some of the
analytical instruments used are as follows: UV-VIS Spectrophotometer for
analyzing acids, AAS for heavy metals, Gas Chromatograph for organic solvents,
and X-ray Diffractometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectrocopy, and
Phase Contrast Microscope (PCM) for quantitative and qualitative analysis of
asbestos and silica.
Laboratory analysis results are compared with the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs).
These are exposure guidelines that have been established for airborne
T1 + T2 + ….. + Tn
Where C1…..Cn = different mass concentration obtained at
different sampling time
a. Irritation
b. Chronic or irreversible tissue damage
c. Narcosis of sufficient degree to increase the likelihood of accidental injury,
impair self-rescue or materially reduce work efficiency.
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
ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Minimum Lighting Level
Cutting cloth
Sewing cloth
Color grading
Fine machining
Chipping
Grinding
1000 (100 foot candles)
Fine core making
Transcribing handwriting
Indexing references
Accounting
Pattern making
Drafting
Welding 500 (50 foot candles)
Automotive f rame assembly
Chemical laboratory
Foundry moulding
Metal pouring
Sorting
Core making
Rubber extrusion and tire making
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Punch press
Shearing
Stamping
Spinning
Woodworking
ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Minimum Lighting Level
Area of Exposure and Task (Lux)
Sizing
Planning
Rough sanding
500 (50 foot candles)
Medium quality machine and
benchwork
First aid station
Packaging
Barrel washing
Turbine
Clay molding and pressing
Chemical furnace
Tank
Dryer
Evaporator
300 (30 foot candles)
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 100 (10 foot candles)
storerooms, barracks or living quarters,
tunnel and shaft heading during
drilling, mucking, and scalding
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
TLV in ppm =
gram molecular weight of substance
Rule 1070 is OSH standard for occupational health and environmental control. It has
seven (7) rules:
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:
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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.
Summary
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.
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
Philippines. Department of Labor and Employment – Occupational Safety and Health Center. (2010, September).
Occupational Safety and Health Standards as amended. Intramuros, Manila: DOLE-OSHC.
Environment
Control Measures
Introduction
We are already halfway through the BOSH Course. In this module, we will introduce
you to the different work environment control measures and discuss the importance
of each in detail. We hope you will understand how these control measures can be
applied in your respective work setting.
Objectives:
There are three general environmental control measures that are useful in the
workplace: engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective
equipment.
a. Proper design and planning – Initial consideration regarding safety and health
aspects must be made in the planning and construction stage. We should bear
in mind that once the control measures are in place, it is already very hard to
alter or modify the design, especially when we realize that the control measure
being adopted is ineffective. Besides it is more expensive and will cost the
company a lot to do so. The correct identification of the problem and careful
evaluation should be ensured and we have to make sure that the intervention
or control measure to be employed is the most cost effective.
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b. Substitution/replacement of materials used. One of the control methods is
through substitution of non-toxic chemicals for the highly toxic ones. A number
of years ago, paints contain toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene di
isocyanate (TDI) and other toxic organic solvents which are known to cause
adverse health effects. Due to the advancement in material and chemical
sciences, paints nowadays are being reformulated and its toxic components
are eliminated and replaced by safer non-toxic substitutes (from solvent based
to water based paints). However, an industrial hygienist must exercise extreme
caution when substituting one chemical for another, to ensure that some
previously unforeseen hazards do not occur along with the substitution.
Purpose:
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:
• Exterior Type: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
(1988). Industrial ventilation: A manual of recommended practice (20 th ed.). Ann Arbor, MI:
Edwards Brothers Incorporated.
• Enclosure and Receiving Type: Inchem.org,(n.d.). Retrieved September 16, 2011,
from
http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/hsgguide.htm#SubSectionNumber:2.
7.2
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.
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.
e. Employee information and training. The worker must know the proper
operating procedures that make engineering control effective. If performing an
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operation away from an exhaust hood, the purpose of the control measure will
be defeated and the work area may become contaminated. Workers can be
alerted to safe operating procedures through manuals, instruction materials,
signages, labels, safety meetings, and other educational devices.
However, PPEs protective devices have one serious drawback - they do nothing to
reduce or eliminate the hazard. The fact that a protective device may become
ineffective when the wearer lacks sufficient knowledge on how to use it.
The use of this should be confined to situations…
Types of respirators:
Summary
The participant may browse the following web sites for further inquiry:
• www.acgih.org
• www.ccohs.ca
• www.osha.gov
References:
Occupational Health
Exposure to the different hazards in the workplace can cause problems with health
which may bring about disease or death. This module aims to give you basic
knowledge on the health effects of the different hazards encountered in the
workplace and the means to prevent such occurrences.
It is important to understand the key concepts in the causation of disease from work
exposures. You will be defining the following terms in the course of this module:
exposure, toxicity, hazard, and risk. You also wish to emphasize that hazards in the
workplace can cause harm if there is undue exposure through elevated workplace
concentration without control measures in place.
Objectives
Technical and ethical guidelines for workers' health surveillance (OSH Series, No. 72)
show the recent changes in occupational health. With technical progress, more
sophisticated means of investigation, greater emphasis on prevention and holistic
approaches on primary health care, human rights and organizational aspects are now
available. This has led the Joint International Labour Organization / World Health
Organization (ILO/WHO) Committee on Occupational Health to redefine the concept
of occupational health during its 12th Session in 1995. Under these new
circumstances, a tripartite ILO Committee of Experts used the definition as a starting
point to develop guidelines for adapting workers' health surveillance to these changes.
The purpose of health surveillance needs clarification and the individual and collective
health assessments must be combined. Workers' health surveillance must:
Occupational health has been defined by the ILO and the WHO as the
• Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental & social
well-being of workers of all occupations
• 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.
Recall the different hazards presented in the previous module. Exposure to these
health hazards is most often the cause of ill-health and that is what you want to avoid.
Eliminating exposure to hazards removes the conditions for ill-health and its negative
consequences while you are at work.
The ill-health that results from exposure to harmful environmental conditions in the
workplace is explained in this flowchart:
se
Normal / altered body
Result respon
Homeostasis or disease
Age is an important factor since elderly and young workers have poor metabolic
processes, which allow a buildup of toxic substances. In a normal adult, these
substances can be easily neutralized.
The genetic make-up of a worker should also be considered because those with
history of allergies will find it difficult to work in an environment where their
allergies would likely flare up. Also those with enzyme deficiencies may not be
able to handle toxic substances that enter the body.
Hazards in the workplace that can cause ill-health among workers include the
following:
4. Biological hazards that can cause harm to humans such as viruses, bacteria,
fungi, and parasites.
• 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. Blood Toxicity
2. Dermal Toxicity – adverse effects on the skin
3. Eye toxicity
4. Hepatotoxicity – adverse effects on the liver
5. Immunotoxicity – adverse effects on the immune system
6. Nephrotoxicity – adverse effects on the kidneys
7. Neurotoxicity – adverse effects on the brain or nerves outside of the brain
8. Reproductive Toxicity – adverse effects on the reproductive system
9. Respiratory Toxicity – adverse effects on the lungs
Organ Specific Diseases that may arise from chemical exposures in the
workplace
Noise
Although some claim that noise is subjective, you cannot deny that
damage results from the intensity of noise (the louder the noise, the more
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likely noise-induced illnesses will occur), the duration of exposure to loud
sounds in the work environment (the longer a worker is exposed, the risk
for hearing impairment is also greater) and the type of noise (very loud
sounds such as blasts may immediately destroy the eardrum and affect
the level of hearing).
Intensity in noise can range from even the quietest sounds to the loudest
bearable noise. The range of permissible noise exposures in the
Philippines is found below
(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.
When hearing is damaged, blended sounds such as “sh” or “ch” are the
first to be affected. Sounds seem to be muffled and there are frequent
complaints of ringing in the ear or tinnitus.
Heat
Cold
The types of NIR are Ultraviolet (UV) rays, Infrared (IR), Lasers,
Microwaves (MW), Radio frequencies (RF), Extremely Low
Exposure to NIR may also affect the body’s organ systems. The
usual target organ for UV or ultraviolet radiation is the skin and
cornea of the eyes and effects may be skin redness, premature skin
ageing, and skin cancer. Eye injuries may manifest as cataract,
retinal injury and a type of conjunctivitis known as welder’s flash.
Infrared affects the eyes and may cause corneal and conjunctive
burns, retinal injury and cataract. Lasers are potential hazards also
to both the skin and eye. Other forms of NIR may cause current
conduction and heat.
Vibration
The harmful effect of vibration on the human body also arises from local
or segmental vibration. Prolonged exposure of the hands to vibrating tools
may lead to the development of vibration disease, or “Hand Arm Vibration
Syndrome” (HAVS). The risk of HAVS is increased in the presence of other
factors such as cold environmental temperature and long working
duration. HAVS is characterized by attacks of whitening (blanching) of one
or more fingers when exposed to cold; tingling and numbness in the
fingers; and pain.
The worker should be advised to keep the entire body warm. Gloves may
be needed to keep the hands warm. The workers must be advised to avoid
smoking as this may aggravate the effects of segmental vibration by
diminishing blood flow to the hands and fingers.
Illumination
It is not only the quantity of light in the work area that is important for
optimum vision but the quality as well. For example, shadows and
silhouettes can be produced by improper light sources or light distribution
that is not uniform. Inadequate illumination may cause visual complaints
among workers and cause productivity problems. The usual complaints
after working in poorly lighted areas are visual fatigue, double vision,
headaches, painful irritation, redness of the eyes or conjunctivitis and
frequent tearing or lacrimation.
Biologic hazards are plants, animals and their products that may present risks
to the health of persons infected by biologic agents they carry. Such biologic
agents are classified as bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites depending on their
physical and other cellular characteristics. For example, bacteria and fungi
have cell walls while viruses do not.
Tuberculosis
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.
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
necessarily become sick with the disease. The immune system "walls off"
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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.
Wearing a mask during this time is very helpful as well as staying at home
until one’s sputum examination has reverted back to normal as certified
by one’s 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 patient’s 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.
The National TB Control Programme (NTP) develops policies and plans and
provides technical guidance to regional and provincial / city-level NTP
management teams, overseeing the implementation of the programme at
the municipal and barangay levels based on NTP policies and standards.
Another biologic hazard that has an impact in the workplace is HIV and
AIDS though workers in the manufacturing sector are hardly exposed to
this virus by the nature of their work. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) is the cause of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - a
condition in which progressive failure of the immune system allows
lifethreatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive.
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 body’s 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.
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.
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
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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 a UNAIDS report, “HIV in Asia and the Pacific: Getting to Zero” cited HIV
prevalence among people who inject drugs particularly in Cebu City
accelerated rapidly from 0.6%to 53% in just two years, between 2009 and
2011. In nearby Mandaue, 3.6% of people who inject drugs are
HIVpositive. The overlap between injecting drug use and sex work means
that HIV epidemics in people who inject drugs invariably spread to other
population groups until effective prevention efforts take hold.
Most of the new cases (95%) were males. The median age was 27 years
(age range: 17-78 years). The 20-29 year (59%) age-group had the most
number of cases. Fifty percent (7,622) of the reported cases were from
the National Capital Region (NCR).
Of the 16,516 HIV positive cases reported from 1984 to 2013, 93%
(15,345) were infected through sexual contact, 4% (711) through needle
sharing among injecting drug users, <1% (62) through mother-to-child
transmission, <1% (20) through blood transfusion and needle prick injury
<1% (3). No data is available for 2% (375) of the cases. Cumulative data
shows 41% (2,697) were infected through heterosexual contact, 36%
(2,386) through homosexual contact, and 23% (1,489) through bisexual
contact. From 2007 there has been a shift in the predominant trend of
sexual transmission from heterosexual contact (24%) to males having sex
with other males (76%).
Of the 358 (339 males and 19 females) HIV positive cases, 31 were
reported as AIDS cases. The median age is 30 years (age range: 24-30
years) acquired the infection through sexual contact (heterosexual,
homosexual, bisexual).
HIV and AIDS is an urgent issue for the workplace that we must pay
attention to because it has the potential to reduce productivity and
economic growth. The virus can place heavy financial and social burden on
families as they are faced with reduced income and often need to pay for
an array of medical treatments. Workers and families also face
considerable stigma and discrimination from the virus causing loss of jobs
and other acts of discrimination in the community.
The ABC approach to preventing the sexual transmission of HIV has been
defined and adopted by a variety of organizations, governments and
nongovernmental organizations ever since the term was first used in 1992
when the then Secretary of Health, seeking a compromise between the
Catholic Church and government at the time brought together abstinence,
fidelity and condom use to create the 'ABC slogan.‘
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
The three main goals of ergonomics are: to make work safe and humane, to
increase human efficiency and to create human well-being. The worker is
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 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
employee’s 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
worker’s posture. For example inadequate space may be the reason for
awkward postures and providing enough workspace may improve such
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posture. It is important to acknowledge that workers’ education and training
are vital in the success of ergonomic interventions.
1. Is it true that drinking alcohol washes away the toxic substances found in mineral
dusts and solvents?
When one drinks alcohol, it enters the gastrointestinal tract where it is absorbed.
Alcohol affects the brain and may cause narcosis or drowsiness, depress reflexes
and impair judgment. Diuresis or frequent urination is the effect of alcohol on the
kidneys. This frequent urination has been implied as the action of alcohol in
removing body toxins but this is not true.
Alcohol is another toxin and aside from the acute effects mentioned above,
frequent alcohol drinking can damage the liver as well.
2. Where do we get information about the health effects of the chemicals being used
in our workplace?
There are many sources of information on occupational health. The OSHC has a
library and technical staff that can may be of assistance. However for those who
stay outside NCR, the DOLE Regional offices may have the necessary materials
needed.
A major source of information is also the Internet. There are many sites, which
can provide the information, the International Labor Organization (www.ilo.org);
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the World Health Organization (www.who.org), the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/), and the Canadian
Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (www.ccohs.ca).
You cannot over-emphasize the importance of occupational safety and health. You
must always remember that occupational health encompasses the social, mental and
physical well-being of workers in all occupations. Indeed, you need adequate
monitoring and medical surveillance.
After knowing all the hazards and possible negative consequences of these hazards,
you will now learn how to perform safety and health inspection and determine how to
eliminate the conditions that may cause harm to your workers and the workplace. As
we have often heard, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Safety and health inspection is a potent tool in identifying workplace hazards even
before they cause accidents or illnesses. You are in the best position to use this tool.
The Inspection Cycle together with the Checklist represents a clear and structured
roadmap for you to follow and enrich your workplace improvement efforts.
This module aims to discuss the value and key elements of safety inspection as a
reliable approach to identifying and eliminating conditions that contribute to illness,
accident or environmental damage in the workplace.
Some OSH officers may ask: What is the difference between safety inspection and
safety audit? Safety audit is a comprehensive evaluation of the general working
conditions of the organization while safety inspection is the identification of hazards in
a certain area or equipment within the organization in order to improve its working
condition.
Let us start with a quick assessment of your views on the subject matter by providing
your responses to the items in this activity. This activity is meant to have the same
frame of mind for you and your peers on the value of safety and health inspection as a
tool to effectively assess status of workplace OSH programs and prioritize corrective or
improvement actions.
The positive views that can be gathered in this exercise can help you appreciate
inspection better, giving you the confidence to use the tool as among your hazard
identification and corrective action determination instruments. The negative views will
spell the pitfalls that safety inspectors need to avoid in the performance of their
functions.
What are the requirements of Effective Safety and Health Inspection Programs?
The reference of all safety and health rules and regulations of the company should
always be the established local legislations and codes. These standard regulations will
be our guide in assessing whether our workplace is safe or not.
Person-In-Charge
Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection
Inspection Criteria
Checklist
Safety Professionals
Clearly, the safety professionals (like the participants in this course) should
spearhead the inspection activity. During both individual and group
inspections, the professional can educate others in inspection techniques and
hazard identification by using on-the-spot examples and firsthand contact.
Employees
Maintenance Personnel
Periodic Inspection
Intermittent Inspection
General Inspection
What are the factors that determine the frequency of your inspection?
As safety inspector, you should also be aware of any special hazards you may
encounter. For example, because welding crews and other maintenance crews
move from place to place, they may be encountered anywhere in the facility.
Inspectors should know what precautions are required where these crews are
working.
Inspection Tools
You should have the proper tools ready before the inspection to make
the process more efficient and to gather more precise data. Common
tools include: • clipboards
• inspection forms
• pens/pencils
• lock-out/tag-out supplies
• measuring tape/ruler
• flashlight
Conclusion
Accident
Investigation
After the efforts on prevention, and should there be a chance that hazards lead to
accidents or injuries, a sound accident investigation needs to be conducted. This
module aims to introduce you to the basic principles of accident investigation as a tool
in preventing the recurrence of accidents, which is the number one objective of any
workplace accident investigation. As OSH officers, you must understand the basic
approaches in accident investigation.
Objectives
Let us start with a quick assessment of your views on the subject matter by providing
your responses to the items in this activity. This activity is meant to have the same
frame of mind for you and your peers on the value of accident investigation as a tool
to effectively prevent the recurrence of accidents in the workplace.
The positive views that can be gathered in this exercise can help you appreciate
accident investigation better, giving you the confidence to use the tool as among your
hazard identification and corrective action monitoring instruments.
Activity 1
What types of accidents happen in your company (if you’re not yet employed,
think about your usual surroundings)?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Are accidents reported? State reasons for action taken
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What actions did your company take in order to prevent the recurrence of
similar accidents in the future?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Now let us try to understand the basic principle of accident prevention. Our basic
concern on occupational safety and health is on the safety of the worker against
accident and injury and health of a person against illnesses and diseases. In order for
workers to be safe, we have to prevent or minimize direct contact. On the other
hand, in order to be healthy in the workplace, we have to prevent or minimize their
exposure to environmental hazards.
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.
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.
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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.
4. Write
Report
The first step in any accident investigation is for you to manage the accident
scene through the following;
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.
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.
Sources of Information
• physical evidence
• witnesses
• existing records
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.
Witnesses. A witness can be defined simply as any person who has information
relating to the accident. This includes anyone from those persons principally
Employee record Information regarding the victim’s age and gender, the
department and occupation in which he or she worked, work status
(whether a full-time, part-time, or seasonal employee), experience (how
long has the victim been with the company, how long in current
occupation, how often had the employee repeated the activity engaged in
when the accident occurred), and employee’s training - should be
reflected in the employee’s record.
The four (4) elements that interact together for successful business
operations are the following;
• People
After all probable causes of accident have been established, your next step is
to make recommendations and corrective actions for changes that will prevent
a similar accident in the future. There are several specific changes that you
can recommend that will involve any or a combination of the E’s of safety such
as the following: • Engineering Control
• Education
• Enforcement
Education. After engineering control measures are put in place, training of all
the workers of the organization is needed. Basically, educating the employees
on how to work safety, reducing injuries and keeping worker’s compensation
down should be the company’s concern. It is a practical move for the company
to follow a plan on safety training.
Enforcement. After all control measures have been exhausted and in place
and trainings have been conducted to educate the employees, accidents might
still happen. Maybe, in this case, there is a need for a comprehensive
implementation of the enforcement program to make sure workers will follow
the basic rules and regulations on safety and health. The government takes
extra effort in the enforcement of OSH Standards by DOLE inspectors.
Enforcement of all safety and health rules and regulations must be given
ample attention to ensure the smooth implementation of all OSH programs.
Conclusion
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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Accident investigation is really an important tool in the prevention of recurrence of
accidents. All accidents, whether it is a near miss or injury/ damage causing accident,
should be reported. To be effective, you should always be at the scene of the accident
as soon as possible and should follow the basic methods of accident investigation.
Given the proper training, you or any of your workers can conduct an accident
investigation.
OSH Programming
Introduction:
After understanding the basic concepts and principles of safety and health in the
workplace, we will now proceed to the discussion on ensuring that OSH activities and
interventions are appropriate and are sustained by the company. Organizations that
are really concerned on OSH always plans and develop programs based on sound
written policies that reflect the organization’s vision, mission, goals and objectives.
Rule 1045 of the OSH Standards requires employers to develop and implement their
respective safety and health policy and programs. This module will help you to design
your own OSH programs specific to the unique conditions and situations of your
company.
I. OSH Policy
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training
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Before you can design your company’s safety and health program, foremost is the
necessity to ascertain your company’s S and H policy. What is your company’s
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 company’s principles and guidelines in accomplishing its
goals and objectives.
Consequently, a safety and health policy is a document stating the top management’s
safety objectives, the level of safety that can be performed by the organization, and
the responsibility of the organization’s 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.
ABC Corporation ensures a safe and healthy workplace for employees conducive to
greater productivity.
Concern for occupational safety and health is a shared responsibility between the
Corporation and its employees.
All managers, supervisors and employees are enjoined to ensure that safety programs
and practices are in place in their areas of responsibility.
The approved OSH policy lays the foundation of all programs and activities that will be
conducted by the company.
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:
• 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.
1. Workplace specific – as mentioned earlier on, the design of the safety and
health should be responsive to the specific hazards and exposures brought
about by the work processes and conditions of the company. One company’s
OSH program will not be exactly the same with other companies.
6. Must address the safety and health of contractors- the OSH programs should
not be limited to workers directly employed by the company but should also
extend the same to its contractors and service providers. This will ensure that
everybody is following a common S and H standards.
8. Must have an evaluation mechanism – the OSH program and policy is dynamic,
hence, should be regularly monitored, reviewed and updated to make it
responsive to the current situations and conditions of the company as well as
applicable laws/orders of the DOLE and relevant agencies.
The Safety and Health Committee is the planning and policy making group of the
company in matters relating to safety and health. This is composed of employer and
employee representatives such as the following:
The Safety Officer acts as the secretary and is the employer’s focal person in the
implementation of the safety and health programs. His specific duties are stipulated
in Rule 1047.
Being the focal group on workplace safety and health, the functions of the committee
includes:
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
• 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.
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
Monitoring of compliance and effectiveness of the OSH programs can be done through
the conduct of safety inspections/assessments, conduct of Work Environment
Measurement and Annual Medical Check-up.
The greatest responsibility a person can have during his lifetime is to be accountable
for another person’s safety and health and for the protection of the environment.
This module thus aims to familiarize you about the various government regulations
regarding OSH and other responses to existing and potential OSH hazards.
Here’s something else: Legislation and enforcement are not the only approaches used
in improving OSH in the Philippines. We have developmental strategies like the Zero
Accident Program (ZAP), information drives and the like in order to put a positive note
in OSH administration. In cases of work disabilities, there is also the Employees
Compensation Program (ECP).
Objectives
OSH
Research
No. of staff - 100
To know more about these agencies, you may follow the links provided below:
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).
• 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.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 129 and 217 of this Code to the
contrary, and in cases where the relationship of employer-employee still
exists, the Secretary of DOLE or his duly authorized representatives shall
have the power to issue compliance orders to give effect to the labor
standards provisions of this Code and other labor legislation based on the
findings of labor employment and enforcement officers or industrial safety
engineers made in the course of inspection. The Secretary or his duly
authorized representatives shall issue writs of execution to the appropriate
authority for the enforcement of their orders, except in cases where the
employer contests the findings of the labor employment and enforcement
officer and raises issues supported by documentary proofs which were not
considered in the course of inspection. (As amended by Republic Act No.
7730, June 2, 1994).
3. Presidential Decree 856 – Code on Sanitation You may click this link -
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecreeno856.htm
4. Republic Act 8504 – An act promulgating policies and prescribing measures for the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, instituting a nationwide
HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishing a comprehensive
HIV/AIDS monitoring system, strengthening the Philippine National Aids Council,
and for other purposes.
6. Republic Act 6969 - An act to control toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear
wastes, providing penalties for violations thereof, and for other purposes.
OSHS is actually a codification of all safety and health rules and regulations, including
safety orders then in existence at the time.
OSHS has many provisions. To some extent, many of its provisions have already been
discussed in the technical discussions that have been undertaken in the previous
modules.
What will be discussed instead are the significant and major provisions. These are
significant in the sense that these are the most often-asked questions and which
relates to items that will seriously affect the operations of the company. These are:
2. Every worker shall cooperate with the employer in carrying out the
provisions of this Standards. He shall report to his supervisor any
work hazard that may be discovered in his workplace.
3. Every worker shall make proper use of all safeguards and safety
devices furnish in accordance with the provisions of this Standards
for his protection and that of others, and shall follow all instructions
given by the employer in compliance with the provision of this
Standards.
The Health and Safety Committee is the planning and policy making group in
all matters pertaining to safety and health. The principal duties of the Health
and Safety Committee are:
1. Plans and develops accident prevention programs for the
establishment.
2. Directs the accident prevention efforts of the establishment in
accordance with the safety programs, safety performance and
government regulations in order to prevent accidents from
occurring in the workplace.
3. Conducts safety meetings at least once a month.
4. Reviews reports of inspections, accident investigations, and
implementation of programs.
5. Submits reports to the manager on its meetings and activities.
Reporting Forms
• registration of establishments-IP-3
• report of safety and health organization- IP-5
• employer’s work accident/illness report-IP-6
• annual work accident/illness exposure data report-IP-6B; and annual
medical report form 47-A.
You may read the whole content of Rule 1070 at the Occupational Safety and
Health Standards.
For additional information, you can download DOLE Memorandum Circular #1,
series of 2000 entitled Implementing Guidelines for the Conduct of Workplace
Environment Assessment (WEA) in Hazardous Establishments and Work
Processes (see Appendix Number)
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.
The BOSH training participants can get a copy free-of-charge from the
Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC). The standards can also be
downloaded at the OSHC website. External clients can also avail of the book
through OSHC with a fee of Php 100.00 / each.
A Stoppage Order can be issued by the Secretary of the DOLE, through the
Regional Director concerned, in the work area where the imminent danger
situation is located. It can only be lifted after the company has corrected the
situation.
3. Why should companies comply with the OSHS?
OSH Standards are set just like all government regulations- the office- incharge
(the BWC in this case) of the concern drafts the proposal based on: studies
made; data/ feedbacks from inspection activities; or clamor from interest
groups. The proposal goes through a review and evaluation process. These are
then presented to the Secretary for approval and eventual implementation.
Standards per country are set based on the internal needs of each country.
The Philippines compared to our Asian neighbors, has better-developed labor
laws including the OSHS. But the standards involving highly hazardous
materials leaves much to be desired – the basis for our TLVs is still the 1978
TLVs of the American Conference of government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
These must be updated to make it at least at par with other countries.
CEBU BRANCH
6th Floor, DOLE Building
Gorordo Avenue corner General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City
Tel. Nos.: (032) 266-8382 / 266-9580
Email: [email protected]