Q3. As per the video, what precautions should be taken before starting the operations on the drum?

A.

 Identify Potential Dangers: Do a risk assessment to identify any potential dangers. In the
given case, MSDS should have been checked for precautions as it clearly stated no welding
work to be done on or near the drum.
 Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Do not weld or do any hot work if the instructions
say not to. The drum labelling warned against any type of welding work being done on or
near the drum.
 Set Up Safe Work Procedures: If the instructions allow hot work, set up safe work
procedures such as how to clean the drum and how to test for residues.
 Train and Supervise Workers: Train and supervise workers in the procedures, so that they
know the risks and the precautions.
 Check the welding machine’s settings before going through with the procedure.

Q4. How can you improve worker safety at the workshop shown in the video?

A.

 Before starting the welding process, check for the welder settings.
 Safety work procedures should be in place.
 A fire extinguisher and a first aid should be kept in handy in case of emergencies.
 Workers should be provided with a protective gear which would save their lives in case of
any accident.
 The work piece should be thoroughly cleaned and made free from any chemical or
inflammable substance.
 The environment should be checked for any inflammable or hazardous substance.
 Avoid using containers or parts that once previously contained explosive substances.
 Such works such as welding, grinding and cutting should always be performed by trained
workers and under the supervision of a superior.

Q5. Do you think that some safety precautions should be mandatory, i.e. must be taken by the
workers? Indicate that these would be enough to save the worker from any explosion.

A5. Yes, safety precautions should never be taken for granted and should always be mandatory,
from the employee’s as well as the employer’s side. Workers should always be prepared for any type
of incident that can take place in the industry. Also, if the employer does not implement safety
measures in the workplace, the workers should not perform any work and make sure the safety
systems are in place before they start any work. Some safety precautions that the workers could
take on their part could be as follows:

 They should always study the know-how of the work or procedure they are to perform.
 Protective Gears should always be used while performing dangerous work.
 Inform supervisor of any unsafe conditions.
 Use Equipment, tools and machines properly.
 Keep work area and emergency exits clear.
 Avoid Tracking Hazardous Materials
  Prevent Objects from Falling
 Use Correct Posture when Lifting

If these precautions would have been used in the given case of drum explosion, the worker’s life
would have been saved.