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Dunoon Technical High School

Department of Engineering
Safety
Safety is the state of being "safe" , the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual,
financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of
failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be considered non-desirable.
Safety consists of "attempts to minimize the risk of injury, illness, or property damage from the hazards to
which one may be exposed"

General Health and Safety Procedures

Responsibility for Occupational Safety and Health falls among the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry
of Labour (MOL), and to a lesser extent the Ministry of Agriculture.
MOH administers the Public Health Act. Under this Act the Environmental Control Division is responsible
for Occupational Health (OH) including the implementation of regulations and monitoring compliance to
these regulations. Division inspectors conduct workplace inspections and provide training courses in
environmental health.
The MOL also carries out workplace inspections. The Industrial Safety Division (ISD) of the MOL
administers the Factories Act, 1943. Its policy is to "promote and maintain a high standard of
Occupational Safety and Health Protection to all workers in Jamaica through regular inspections, audits
and other outreach programmes." The ISD provides guidance on occupational health and safety matters,
investigates industrial accidents and inspects factories on a regular basis.
The Industrial Safety Section is the department with responsibility to monitor and enforce the
requirements of the Factories Act and its accompanying Regulations, for occupational safety and health in
Jamaica.
Ministry of Agriculture carries out mine inspections. The Mining and Geology Department of the Ministry
of Agriculture carries out mine inspections. Other national authorities, such as, the Natural Resources
Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Mines and Quarries Division and the Pesticides Control Authority
also carry out workplace inspections.
Legislation

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Factories Act
Public Health Act

Occupational Safety and Health Act

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2004 addresses all aspects of the Jamaican workplace. Topics
covered include elevators, ventilation, lighting, emergency exits, fire escapes and fire extinguishers.
There are also detailed regulations about the operation of specific dangerous equipment such as drill

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presses, lathes, forklifts and welding equipment. Fines for non-compliance range from $25,000 to
$250,000 for each violation.
The Factories Act
The older Factories Act covers workers in factories only. This act sets out additional regulations not
spelled out in the OSHA. For example, injury to a worker must be reported to the Jamaica Industrial
Safety Department (JIS) within 48 hours. The Ministry of Labour (which controls the JIS) will then
determine the course of action to be taken. The Ministry is not responsible for recourse to the injured
party, but only to investigate the accident with a view to implementing recommendations so that similar
accidents do not recur.
The main Act is entitled the Factories Act and its accompanying regulations are:
1. The Factories Regulations 1961
2. The Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction 1968
3. The Ship and Docks Regulations 1968
Responsibilities of Employers
1. To provide and maintain machinery, equipment and other plant and systems of workthat are safe
and without risk to health.
2. Ensure safe handling, storage and transportation procedures for equipment and materials.
3. Provide training and supervision to ensure work is performed safely.
4. Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this
equipment.
5. Ensure a safe and healthy work environment. (This includes providing sick bays, nurse, sanitary
facilities, appropriate garbage disposal, lighting, ventilation etc.)
Responsibilities of Employees
1. To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and those who are affected by what they
do.
2. Cooperate with employers on health and safety by making sure you get proper training and you
understand and follow the company's health and safety policies and informing employers
promptly about any dangerous work situation.
3. if possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery
4. if you have long hair or wear a headscarf, make sure it's tucked out of the way (it could get caught
in machinery)
5. not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare
6. to tell your employer if something happens that might affect your ability to work (eg becoming
pregnant or suffering an injury) - your employer has a legal responsibility for your health and

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safety, they may need to suspend you while they find a solution to the problem, but you will
normally be paid if this happens
Responsibilities of visitors

Observe safety warnings and signs

Wear appropriate safety equipment on the plant

The Docks Regulations

The Docks Regulations, implemented in 1968, are the oldest safety regulations protecting the safety,
health and welfare of Jamaican workers. These regulations cover shore facilities such as emergency
rooms, ambulances, drinking water and sanitary conveniences. They also cover ship issues such as
means of access from ship to shore, means of access to holds, marking of hatch coverings and hatch
beams and provision of hand grips on hatch coverings. The regulations also cover precautions with
respect to the use of chains and ropes, stacking of cargo, lifting gear (cranes and winches) and the
marking of safe working loads on pulley blocks.
Read more: Rules & Regulations Governing Workplace Safety in Jamaica | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/list_6137780_rules-governing-workplace-safety-jamaica.html#ixzz0zODQgrnj
Hazards
A hazard is a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health, property, or environment. Most hazards
are dormant or potential, with only a theoretical risk of harm; however, once a hazard becomes "active", it
can create an emergency situation. A hazard does not exist when it is happening. A hazardous situation
that has come to pass is called an incident. Hazard and vulnerability interact together to create risk.
Emergency
An emergency is a sudden unforeseen crisis that usually involves danger and requires immediate action.

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General Safety Guidelines
1. Use a brush to remove chips from machinery. Never use compressed air to blow dirt or chips
from machinery to avoid scattering chips. Never use compressed air guns to clean clothing, hair,
or aim the gun at another person.
2. A brush, hook, or special tool is preferred for removal of chips, shavings, etc. from the work area.
Never use your hands to clean cuttings they are sharp!
3. Remove or secure anything that might get caught in moving machinery. E.g. Rings, necklaces,
long hair and loose clothes that get caught in tools can drag you along.
4. Do not wear ties, loose clothing, jewelry, gloves, etc. around moving or rotating machinery.
5. Shop coats must be worn when working in the workshop.
6. Long hair must be tied back or covered to keep it away from moving machinery. Hand protection
in the form of suitable gloves should be used for handling hot objects, glass or sharp-edged
items.
7. Always wear closed-toe shoes in the shop (NEVER sandals). Tools, chips and fixtures are sharp,
and often hot. Shoes will help protect your feet from injury. Leather shoes are preferred when
welding.
8. Eye protection is essential. Always wear safety glasses when working or cleaning tools.
9. Never indulge in horseplay in the shop.
10. Never attempt to operate any machine without the teachers permission.
11. Machines must be shut off when cleaning, repairing, or oiling.
12. All machines must be operated with all required guards and shields in place.
13. Before starting a machine, always check it for correct setup and always check to see if machine is
clear by operating it manually, if possible.
14. DO NOT leave machines running unattended!
15. Think through the entire job before starting. Ask for help if you have questions.
16. Keep your fingers clear of the point of operation of machines by using special tools or devices,
such as, push sticks, hooks, pliers, etc. Never use a rag near moving machinery.
17. Do not put sharp tools in your pocket.
18. Always use the correct tool for the job. NEVER use a Try square for an hammer.
19. A hard hammer should not be used to strike a hardened tool or any machine part. Use a softfaced hammer.
20. Do not use defective tools. Eg. File without a handle, mushroom head chisel

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21. Follow all appropriate precautions when working with solvents, paints, adhesives or other
chemicals. Use appropriate protective equipment.
22. Dust, chemicals and smoke can be dangerous work in well-ventilated areas, minimize
contamination and use appropriate protective equipment.
23. If youre unsure about the safe operation of a tool or any aspect of a job ask for help! Have
shop staff check you out on a tool the first time you use one with which you are unfamiliar.
24. Do not bring food or snacks into the shop.
25. Keep the floor around machines clean, dry and free from trip hazards. Do not allow chips to
accumulate.
26. Clean up after yourself. Before you leave the shop each day all tools must be returned to the tool
room, the machines cleaned and wiped down and the floor swept. Leave 10-15 minutes for
cleanup.
Appropriate Health and Safety Equipment Gear and Accessories
Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Different types of PPE are described below:
Eye protection
Use safety glasses for minor splash hazards, goggles for moderate hazards, and goggles combined with
a face shield for severe hazards.
Hand protection
Flameproof gauntlet gloves, preferably of leather, should be worn to protect the hands and
arms when welding or working with hot metal.
Protective clothing
In the workshop, always wear a shop coat
Foot Protection
Steel-toed shoes for workers handling heavy materials or using rotating machinery near their feet,
including groundskeepers and machine shop employees
Rubber-soled shoes for electricians, construction workers, and others who work near live electrical
conductors
Slip-resistant shoes (usually rubber-soled with a grip pattern) for anyone who works in wet environments.
Hearing protection
A variety of hearing protectors, including earplugs and ear muffs, are available for employees whose
workplace reaches critical noise levels.
Respiratory protection

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Respirators
Disposable "dust masks" may be used for protection from nuisance dusts.
Head protection
Hard hats must be worn by workers when there is a danger of objects falling from above.
Helmets and Shields for welding

Lifting Procedures
1. Plan the move before lifting; remove obstructions from your chosen pathway.
2. Test the weight of the load before lifting by pushing the load along its resting surface.
3. If the load is too heavy or bulky, use a carrying aid such as a hand truck or get assistance from a
coworker.
4. If assistance is required to perform a lift, coordinate and communicate your movements with those of
your coworker.
5. Position your feet 6 to 12 inches apart with one foot slightly in front of the other.
6. Face the load.
7. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight.
8. Get a firm grip on the object with your hands and fingers. Use handles when present.
9. Never lift anything if your hands are greasy or wet.
10. Wear protective gloves when lifting objects with sharp corners or jagged edges.
11. Hold objects as close to your body as possible.
12. Perform lifting movements smoothly and gradually; do not jerk the load.
13. If you must change direction while lifting or carrying the load, pivot your feet and turn your entire body.
Do not twist at the waist.
14. Set down objects in the same manner as you picked them up, except in reverse.
15. Do not lift an object from the floor to a level above your waist in one motion. Set the load down on a
table or bench and then adjust your grip before lifting it higher.

Housekeeping
1. Sweep up shavings from around equipment such as lathes and sanding equipment by using a broom
and a dust pan.
2. Keep air hoses and electrical extension cords coiled up and off the floor when not in use.
3. Return tools to their storage places after use.

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4. Use caution signs or cones to barricade slippery areas such as oily, greasy or freshly mopped floors.

Ladders and Step Ladders

1. Do not use ladders that have loose rungs, cracked or split side rails, missing rubber foot pads or other
visible damage.
2. Keep ladder rungs clean and free of grease.
3. Do not place a ladder at a blind corner or doorway without blocking or roping off the area and posting
warning signs that will detour traffic away from your work.
4. Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.
5. Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
6. Maintain a three-point contact by keeping both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand on the
ladder at all times when climbing up or down the ladder.
7. When performing work from a ladder, face the ladder and do not lean backward or sideways from the
ladder.
8. Do not stand on the top two rungs of any ladder.
9. Do not stand on a ladder that wobbles or leans.
10. Do not carry items in your hands while climbing up or down a ladder.
11. Do not try to "walk" a ladder by rocking it. Climb down the ladder, and then move it.