SAFETY IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRY

HAZARDS IN THE DIFFERENT WORKPLACE

1. Welder
  Long-term exposure to UV light can produce cataracts in some persons. Exposure to
infrared light can heat the lens of the eye and produce cataracts over the long term.
 Visible light from welding processes is very bright and can overwhelm the ability of the
iris of the eye to close sufficiently and rapidly enough to limit the brightness of the light
reaching the retina. The result is that the light is temporarily blinding and fatiguing to the
eye.
 UV radiation in a welding arc will burn unprotected skin just like UV radiation in
sunlight. This hazard is true for direct exposure to UV radiation as well as radiation that
is reflected from metal surfaces, walls, and ceilings. Surface finishes and certain
paint colours can reduce the amount of UV radiation that is reflected.
 Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer.
 Infrared radiation and visible light normally have very little effect on the skin.

Recommendation

 Place the welding transformer in the close vicinity. In case of need or accident, the
transformer can be switched off quickly to cut off the power source.
 Turn off the welding transformer during breaks or not in use. Detach the remaining
welding electrode on the electrode holder before leaving the welding are

2. Mechanic

 Mechanics often suffer acute injuries such as cuts and burns, while using tools or
handling automobile parts.
 These injuries frequently occur when tools or parts fall, break or malfunction.
  Mechanics also suffer from burns, fractures and limb loss.
 Possible exposure to asbestos
 Working with explosive items, such as airbags
 Extreme temperatures
 Bursting of tires while preparing or installing

Recommendation

 Follow a recommended shift work pattern, and know the associated hazards.
 Inspect work area before work starts to identify potential hazards and their controls.

3. Port worker

Chemical Agents
Risk of:
  Adverse health effects e.g. respiratory problems.
 Fire.
 Death.

Possible causes:
Exposure to:

 Dusty cargoes or respiratory sensitisers.

 Flammable, toxic, poisonous or corrosive cargoes.
 Fumigated cargoes.
 Gases due to decomposition or bacterial action of some cargoes.
 Vehicle exhaust emissions.

Environmental Conditions
Risk of:

 Increased risk of an accident or incident.

Possible causes:

 Weather: cold or wet weather can reduce concentration and make manual tasks more difficult.
 Tidal movements can have an effect on the safety of access to ships and increase the risk of collision
between dockside equipment and the vessel.

Lifting Operations
Risk of:

 Serious injury or death due to being hit by falling or moving object.

Possible causes:

 Loose, incorrectly or poorly slung fittings and fixtures.

 Unstable or poorly loaded cargo.

Work at height
Risk of:

 Serious injury or death due to a fall from height.

Possible causes:

 Carrying out trimming, sheeting, container lashing operations, securing loads, accessing the hold and
working on board the ship.
 Working around unfenced dock edges.
 Inadequate access to the ship.
Workplace Transport
Risk of:

 Serious injury or death e.g. being run over, crushed or falling from a vehicle.
 Property damage.

Possible causes:

 Lack of traffic management.

 Unsafe systems of work.
 Mounting and dismounting from vehicles.
 Lack of pedestrian and vehicle segregation.

Recommendation

 Assemble containers and crates, pack goods to be shipped, and prepare identifying
information and shipping instructions.
 Oversee loading and unloading of goods from trucks, etc.

4.Office worker.

 Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from excessive computer use or improper

ergonomic situations.
  Improperly adjusted chairs.
 Working in uncomfortable temperatures.
 Annoying or distracting noise and vibration from electronic equipment.
 Slips, trips and falls.
 Eye strain
 Injuries from falling files or other objects

Recommendation

 Know emergency evacuation plan and procedures.

 Know personal or individual risk factors.

5.Construction worker

 W
orking with portable ladders and fixed ladders.
 Electrical hazards.
 Hazardous energy control including lockout/tag out.
  Working with cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
 Slips, trips and falls.
 Respiratory hazards from wood dust.
 Explosion and fire hazards from combustible dusts.
 Stress.
 Shift work or extended work days.
 Working alone.
 Struck by mobile equipment.
 Maintaining good housekeeping.
 Workplace violence and harrassment .

Recommendation

 Have training before beginning any task, especially high-risk activities such as working
at heights, hazardous energy control (lockout/tag out), or confined space entry.
 Follow a recommended shiftwork pattern, and be aware of the associated hazards

6.Miner
  Working at Heights
 Crush hazards
 Pinch points
 Gases such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide
 Working with explosives
 Pain or injury from physical overexertion, repetitive manual tasks, or working in
awkward positions
 Heat stress
 Electrical hazards
 Hazardous energy control including lockout/tag out
 Working with cranes, hoists, conveyors and other material handling equipment
 Struck by mobile equipment
 Fires, including underground fires
 Air quality, including oxygen deficient environment, or moulds
 Slips, trips and falls
 Working alone
 Shift work or extended workdays
 Computer work

Recommendation

 Have the required training and signoffs before beginning any task or operating a piece of
mobile equipment. High-risk activities such as working at heights, hazardous energy
control (lockout/tag out), or confined space entry may require additional training.
 Ensure proper precautions are taken for working in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions.