Safety Definition

Safety can be defined as “freedom from those conditions that can cause death, injury, occupational
illness, or damage to or loss of equipment or property, or damage to the environment”.

W HAT IS A H AZARD ?
When we refer to hazards in relation to occupational safety and health the most commonly used
definition is
‘A H A Z A R D I S A P O T E N T I A L S O U R C E O F H A R M O R A D V E R S E H E A L T H E F F E C T O N A
P E R S O N O R P E R S O N S ’.

W HAT IS R ISK ?
When we refer to risk in relation to occupational safety and health the most commonly used
definition is ‘R I S K I S T H E L I K E L I H O O D T H A T A P E R S O N M A Y B E H A R M E D O R S U F F E R S
A D V E R S E H E A L T H E F F E C T S I F E X P O S E D T O A H A Z A R D .’

W HAT ARE C ONTROL M EASURES ?

Control measures include actions that can be taken to reduce the potential of exposure to the
hazard, or the control measure could be to remove the hazard or to reduce the likelihood of the risk
of the exposure to that hazard being realized. A simple control measure would be the secure
guarding of moving parts of machinery eliminating the potential for contact. When we look at control
measures we often refer to the hierarchy of control measures.

1. Eliminate the Elimination of the hazard is not always achievable though it does
hazard totally remove the hazard and thereby eliminates the risk of exposure.
An example of this would be that petrol station attendants in Ireland
are no longer exposed to the risk of chronic lead poisoning following
the removal of lead from petrol products sold at forecourts.
 2. Substitute the Substituting the hazard may not remove all of the hazards associated
hazard with a with the process or activity and may introduce different hazards but
lesser risk the overall harm or health effects will be lessened. In laboratory
research, toluene is now often used as a substitute for benzene. The
solvent-properties of the two are similar but toluene is less toxic and is
not categorized as a carcinogen although toluene can cause severe
neurological harm.

3. Isolate the Isolating the hazard is achieved by restricting access to plant and
hazard equipment or in the case of substances locking them away under strict
controls. When using certain chemicals then a fume cupboard can
isolate the hazard from the person, similarly placing noisy equipment
in a non-accessible enclosure or room isolates the hazard from the
person(s).

4. Use engineering Engineering Controls involve redesigning a process to place a barrier

controls between the person and the hazard or remove the hazard from the
person, such as machinery guarding, proximity guarding, extraction
systems or removing the operator to a remote location away from the
hazard.

5. Use Administrative controls include adopting standard operating

administrative procedures or safe work practices or providing appropriate training,
controls instruction or information to reduce the potential for harm and/or
adverse health effects to person(s). Isolation and permit to work
procedures are examples of administrative controls.

6. Use personal Personal protective equipment (PPE) include gloves, glasses,

protective earmuffs, aprons, safety footwear, dust masks which are designed to
equipment reduce exposure to the hazard. PPE is usually seen as the last line of
defense and is usually used in conjunction with one or more of the
other control measures. An example of the weakness of this control
measure is that it is widely recognized that single-use dust masks
cannot consistently achieve and maintain an effective face piece-to-
face seal, and cannot be adequately fit-tested and do not offer much, if
any real protection against small particulates and may lead to a false
sense of security and increase risk. In such instances an extraction
system with fitted respirators may be preferable where the hazard may
have significant health effects from low levels of exposure such as
using isocyante containing chemicals.

WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT?

The definition of a risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards and

evaluating any associated risks within a workplace, then implementing reasonable
control measures to remove or reduce them.

When completing a risk assessment, it is important to clearly define some keywords:

 An accident is ‘A N U N P L A N N E D E V E N T T H A T R E S U L T S I N L O S S ’
 A hazard is ‘S O M E T H I N G T H A T H A S T H E P O T E N T I A L T O C A U S E H A R M ’
 A risk is ‘T H E L I K E L I H O O D A N D T H E S E V E R I T Y O F A N E G A T I V E O C C U R R E N C E
( I N J U R Y , I L L - H E A L T H , D A M A G E , L O S S ) R E S U L T I N G F R O M A H A Z A R D .’
 Near Miss is something which has the potential to harm but no damage occurs.
 HOW TO DO A RISK ASSESSMENT?

The HSE has recommended a five-step process for completing a risk assessment. This
provides a useful checklist to follow to ensure that the assessment is suitably
comprehensive. It involves:

1. Identifying potential hazards

2. Identifying who might be harmed by those hazards
3. Evaluating risk (severity and likelihood) and establishing suitable precautions
4. Implementing controls and recording your findings
5. Reviewing your assessment and re-assessing if necessary.

Step 1. Identify potential hazards

It is important to firstly identify any potential hazards within a workplace that may cause
harm to anyone that comes into contact with them. They may not always be obvious so
some simple steps you can take to identify hazards are:

 Observation: Walking around your workplace and looking at what activities, tasks,
processes or substances used could harm your employees (or others)
 Looking back over past accidents and ill-health records as they may identify less
obvious hazards
 Checking manufacturers’ data sheets, instructions, information and guidance
 Consulting with employees (and others) who are carrying out the activities, tasks or
processes.

It may be useful to group hazards into five categories, namely

1) physical
2) chemical
3) biological
4) ergonomic
5) psychological

Step 2. Identify who might be harmed by those hazards

Next, identify who might be harmed by those potential hazards. It should also be noted
how they could be affected, be it through direct contact or indirect contact. It is not
necessary to list people by name, rather by identifying groups including:

 Employees
 Contractors

Some hazards may present a higher risk to certain groups including children, young
people, new or expectant mothers, new employees, home workers, and lone workers.

Step 3. Evaluate risk severity and establish precautions

After identifying any hazards and who might be affected, it is important to evaluate the
severity the risk may present (should it occur) and establish suitable and effective
controls to reduce this level of risk as far as is ‘reasonably practicable’. This means that
everything possible is done to ensure health and safety considering all relevant factors
including:
 Likelihood that harm may occur
 Severity of harm that may occur
 Knowledge about eliminating, reducing or controlling hazards and risks
 Availability of control measures designed to eliminate, reduce or suitably control or the
risk
 Costs associated with available control measures designed to eliminate, reduce or
suitably control or the risk

Assessing the severity of a risk requires an evaluation of the likelihood of an occurrence

and how substantial the consequences that it may cause. Some factors affecting this
evaluation include the duration and frequency of exposure, number of persons affected,
competence of those exposed, the type of equipment and its condition, and availability
of first-aid provision and/or emergency support.

Step 4. Implement changes and record your findings

If a workplace has five or more individuals, significant findings of the risk assessments
are required to be kept either electronically or in writing. Recording your findings on
a risk assessment form is an easy way to keep track of the risks and control measures
put in place to reduce the identified risk. The form includes:

 What hazards were found

 Person(s) or groups affected
 The controls put in place to manage risks and who is monitoring them
 Who carried out the assessment
 On what date the assessment was done.

It is sensible to ensure the risk assessment is proportionate to the activity or task being
carried out and this can often be a straightforward process for generic tasks.

Step 5. Review your assessment and reassess if necessary

Employers should periodically review the assessment and if necessary, re-assess any
controls in place.

Good guides as to when you may need to review your processes are:

 After any significant change within the workplace or process in question

 After an accident or ill-health incident has occurred
 After near-misses have been reported.

Forgetting to review your risk assessment is easy, especially when trying to run a
business. Don't wait until it's too late, set a date to review your risk assessment when
you're conducting it and don't forget to add the date to your diary.

Significant changes can happen in businesses and when they do, make sure to review
your risk assessment and amend it if you need to. If you or your organizations are
planning changes that will happen in the future, ensure a risk assessment review is
included.

WHAT IS WORK METHOD STATEMENT (WMS)

W HAT IS A METHOD STATEMENT ?
 A method statement is a document that describes how to do a task safely. You

can think of a method statement like a set of instructions or a plan for the

work. Method statements are also known as safe systems of work, safe work

method statements or SWMS for short. And that's because they describe the

method (or system) of work.

A method statement will usually contain a lot of information about a task or

activity such as:

 The project
 The specific activity the method statement is for
 A description of the work
 Start date and duration of the task
 Hours of work
 Who the assessor is
 Who has key responsibilities
 The hazards associated with the task
 The hazards associated with the site and environment
 References to other documents such as risk assessments that apply to the task
 The planned work procedure, the sequence of work and control measures
 PPE requirements
 Management arrangements
 Monitoring arrangements
 First aid and welfare arrangements
 Emergency procedures

Your method statement doesn't have to be a lengthy document, but it should

contain all the information you need to communicate how to do the work

safely. The information should be clear and concise. At times it can be helpful

to include drawings or pictures in your method statement to explain

something and reduce confusion. For example, a plan could show the location

of a hazard or where welfare facilities are.

 W HAT IS J OB S AFETY A NALYSIS ?

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a procedure that helps integrate accepted safety and
health practices into a particular task or job operation. In JSA, the ultimate goal is to
identify potential hazards in every step of a process and recommend the safest way to
execute the job. JSA is a written procedure developed to understand, review, minimize
or eliminate hazards associated with work processes. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) must
be conducted at the job site before the commencement of a job, or when there has
been any modification done to the existing job process. JSA can also include risk
assessment to evaluate the hazard occurrence probability while also detailing the
severity of its consequences, and the effectiveness of the control and preventive
measures implemented.

W HATARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING A JOB SAFETY

ANALYSIS ?

JSA is a written work procedure. While the written Job Safety Analysis serves as a
document that can be showcased to OSHA, the documented records of JSA will also
help the organization in many ways as it helps create a safe work environment. Simply
put, job safety analysis is beneficial to the organization as it:

 Helps identify undetected hazards.

 Increases job knowledge of the participants.
 Improves safety and health awareness.
 Enhances communication between supervisors and workers.
 Promotes better acceptance of revised safe work procedures.
 Helps complete comprehensive incident investigations.
 Can be used as a standard for all safety and health inspections or observations.
 Serves as teaching material during job training or considered a briefing guide for sporadic jobs or
processes.

There are two main methods to conduct a job safety analysis (JSA). Each method has
its benefit:

W HATARE THE FOUR BASIC STEPS IN JOB SAFETY

ANALYSIS ?
Job Safety Analysis can be broken down into four stages that helps perform the
analysis effectively. JSA is performed in stages as it helps complete every portion of the
analysis easily and document the findings meticulously. The four basic stages in
conducting a job safety analysis (JSA) are:
 While all jobs should undergo JSA, it is cumbersome and time consuming. JSA is also necessary
to be performed when there is a change or revision in equipment, process, environment, or raw
materials. Hence, it is advisable to select the job for analysis in the order of priority based on the
following factors:

 requency and severity of accidents can help determine the starting point of the analysis
 Potential for illness or injury that involves hazardous conditions or materials
 New jobs that present a higher risk to workers
 Modifications in job procedures
 Non-routine jobs
 Break the job down into a series of steps to better analyze the overall risk or hazard associated
with each job or process. While breaking down the job, it is imperative to keep the steps in the
right sequence as any faults in this stage have the potential to create a new hazard or miss a
 potentially serious one. In this stage, the person conducting the analysis observes a worker
performing the job.
 Examine and identify potential hazards through a series of questions. It is important to note that
at this stage it is all about identifying potential hazards and not solving them. To do so, the
observer can ask questions to the workers to make fair and relevant observations. During this
stage, the observer must make a note of all the observations of the job, including knowledge of
injury or incident and its causes, and a list of potential risks and hazards based on personal
experience.
 Determine preventive measures to remedy identified hazards

 Use different techniques to elimination the hazard. The techniques can be anything from
switching to a different process, substituting material with less hazardous options,
modifying an existing process, implementing modifications to work environment, replace
or modify existing tools.
 Containment is one of the preventive measures recommended if the hazard cannot be
eliminated. Organizations can implement enclosures, install worker booths, or build
machine guards to contain the severity of both existing and potential hazards.
 Work procedure revision by adding additional steps or implementing modifications to
steps that are hazardous can improve the safety of the work environment and protect the
workers.
 Minimize employee exposure to hazardous environments and materials to improve the
severity of an accident, reduce fatalities, and promote safety. This can be achieved by
implementing and training employees with preventive measures.

W HAT IS A P ERMIT TO W ORK (PTW)?

Permits to work:
Permits to work are special authorization documentation that ensures adequate risk has
been accessed for the process and a level of control has been put in place to reduce
the severity, likelihood, and potential of an incident occurring. These could be regulatory
requirements, company policies, or general best practices, depending on the area of the
world you operate in. These are part of a systematic approach to managing risk through
authority and authorization.

A permit to work (PTW) system is a process to keep employees safe during hazardous
and nonstandard operations. It involves assessing the risks, establishing a proper safety
protocol based on the risks, and proper communication throughout the entire process.
The PTW system is designed to mitigate environmental, health, sustainability, and
safety risks in certain operations.

The permit-to-work system starts with identifying risks and hazardous areas and
practices within the organization. It also includes identifying the work’s scope and the
risks that come with it. These systems also involve appointing the people who are
authorized to handle hazardous tasks and the people in charge of keeping the
processes as safe as possible.

WHY IS A PTW SYSTEM NECESSARY?

When working in an industrial setting, there are risks that you can’t avoid. A PTW
system is a necessary component of any business’ control of work system and is
designed to handle and mitigate the risks that employees face on a daily basis. These
risks can be sparks from welding practices, working in confined spaces, loose valve
fittings, and more. In these settings, there is no way to eliminate these risks, but there
are ways to control them and keep employees safe.

Some managers and organizations take these risks very seriously. Even if they may
seem like tiny risks on the surface level, they can potentially become more major and
put employees in dangerous situations.

WHO NEEDS A PERMIT TO WORK?

The permit-to-work system can apply to many industries. However, they are most
commonly used in industries that deal with hazardous processes, such as construction
and manufacturing. These industries handle a bigger risk than other organizations as
they put employees in situations where they can potentially get hurt.

This is why PTW systems involve a lot of documentation, assessment, training, and
adjustments. The PTW system involves letting employees know when, how, and why
the work needs to be done. This is a formal system designed to give employees clear
tasks and ways to handle the tasks in the safest possible manner.

So, if an organization deals with certain risks and hazards in its operations, it will benefit
greatly from a permit-to-work system. This is a key part of the organization’s work
strategy control, hazard identification, and risk assessment.

TYPES OF WORK PERMITS

In a permit-to-work system, employees are given permits to be able to accomplish

specific tasks and authorization to conduct various processes. These are some of the
most common work permits issued by organizations that implement a PTW system.

H OT WORK

Hot work permits are used to authorize individuals to work with fire and anything that
ignites a fire. Getting this work permit involves going through the proper training and
briefing on safety practices. This is to ensure that all hot work in an organization is done
safely, with employees knowledgeable on the proper protocols and best practices to
follow.

Download a free hot work permit template to keep your workers safe from fire hazards.

COLD WORK

This category of work permit is a blanket permit used for various processes that don’t
involve fire or ignition systems. So, this is commonly used in chemical cleanups,
working with the scaffolding, doing heavy lifting, and other similar tasks.

Get started with this free cold work permit template for your workplace.

CONFINED SPACE

Entering confined spaces such as tanks, vessels, and canals to conduct work can be
very dangerous. That said, this is only used to authorize entry and investigation into the
spaces. To actually conduct work in a confined space, additional permits are necessary.

Download this free template to ensure safety when working in confined spaces.

ELECTRICAL WORK

Working with electrical components has an inherent risk that you cannot avoid.
An electrical work permit is there to ensure that everyone working with electronics in an
organization is doing so in a safe manner while alleviating and mitigating the major
risks.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Working at heights is common in the construction industry. Due to its nature, it’s
considered one of the biggest causes of occupational injuries, accidents, and even
fatalities globally. Ensuring there’s an available working at heights permit to work helps
you, your workers, and contractors to consider and document any hazards related to
their work. Ultimately, doing this aims to reduce the possibility of accidents happening
and improve worker health and safety.

L O C K O U T T A G O U T (LOTO)

Serving as a key element of an organization’s overall LOTO program, a lockout tagout

permit to work helps ensure equipment inspections, maintenance, and operations are
conducted and accomplished safely. Since these activities can be complex, risky, and
dangerous, having a PTW system in place is crucial in minimizing worker injuries
caused by accidental operations of equipment and other asset

S AUDI A RAMCO W ORK P ERMITS T YPES

Saudi Aramco Work Permits Types

There are 4 Saudi Aramco Work Permit types

1. Confined space entry Permit

2. Release Permit
3. Hot work Permit
4. Cold work Permit

The Saudi Aramco Work Permit types approves explicit development, support, assessment
or fix responsibilities to be directed in the client’s confined areas.

Confined areas are: Petroleum Processing Plants,. Pump Stations, Tank Farms, Loading
Piers. Hydrocarbon Pipelines, Oil and Gas Wells, Gas Plants, Water and Sewage
Treatment Plants, Marine Vessels, Gasoline Stations and near Power Line.

The issuer and receiver of work permit must make a joint site inspection and conduct a gas
test if required before issuing and signing the work permit.

The issuer must see that the receiver’s certificate is valid and approved for the type of work
to be done.

During an emergency the issuer may permit work without work permit. However. he should
issue as soon as he can.

For some jobs the issuer may determine a joint site inspection is not required. Such as Low
risk jobs, Lubricating, Cleaning. Painting and Carpentry.

The work permit is valid for two shifts only or 16 working hours. This requires the signature
of the issuer and the receiver coming on shift.

The work permit is for a specific site. Transfer from a craft to a different craft is not
permitted.

A work permit may be issued for periods over 16 hours, but not in excess of 30 days. This
applies to extended construction or maintenance work where job requirements remain
unchanged. The permit must be approved by the division head or above.

The receiver of the work permit must keep the hard copy of the Saudi Aramco Work Permits
Types at job site.

“Saudi Aramco Work Permit types of Forms area four kinds”

924-1 Yellow- Release (Opening a line, draining a vessel)
924-2 Red – Hot (Electrical, welding, grinding, blasting, vehicle entry)
924-3 Blue – Cold (Hand tools work, sand removal, brush painting)
924-4 Green – Entry (Tank- cleaning or inspection, work in sewers or trenches 4” or deeper)

You need a confined space attendant. Here’s why:

Accidents are usually caused by easily preventable preparation missteps. Examples of this
are failure to secure proper ventilation or securing a permit before entry. This is where
a confined space attendant provides the crucial monitoring services that make a difference.
The safety of confined space entrants relies on executing the confined space attendant
duties properly.
Code 1510 1910.146(i) of OSHA’s confined space entry standards specifically call for a
confined space attendant. The attendant must remain outside the confined space to
monitor, warn, and notify as needed.
 The role of the confined space attendant is driven by their understanding of the specific
hazards relevant to space. This includes potential risks that can affect the entrants, but also
the repercussions of those risks if they are to reach beyond the confined space.
Essentially, the confined space attendant is only responsible for the safety of team
members within and around the confined space.
The duties of a confined space attendant:
They can be divided into 3 main categories:
 Knowledge and understanding of the hazards,
 monitoring of the confined space,
 rapid response to emergencies.
Thus, an untrained hole-watch should not be entrusted with confined space attendant
duties.
The attendant reduces fatalities by:
 Assessing the risks inside and around a confined space
 Controlling and monitoring access to and from the space
 Keeping rigorous records of activities and situation, including personnel entry and exit, air test
results, etc. of the confined space
 Monitoring those who enter and exit the space
 Monitoring atmospheric conditions in the confined space before and during and after entry
 Requesting assistance in case of an emergency
The attendant may not leave their post unattended for the duration of the work being carried
out. Failure to understand, notice or evaluate hazards as they occur can result in accidental
injuries and/or fatalities.
Who makes accident investigations?

Incident investigations are often conducted by a supervisor, but to be most

effective, these investigations should include managers and employees working
together, since each bring different knowledge, understanding and perspectives
to the investigation.
In conducting an incident investigation, the team must look beyond the
immediate causes of an incident. It is far too easy, and often misleading, to
conclude that carelessness or failure to follow a procedure alone was the cause
of an incident. To do so fails to discover the underlying or root causes of the
incident, and therefore fails to identify the systemic changes and measures
needed to prevent future incidents. When a shortcoming is identified, it is
important to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed.
For example:
 If a procedure or safety rule was not followed, why was the procedure or rule not
followed?
 Did production pressures play a role, and, if so, why were production pressures
permitted to jeopardize safety?
 Was the procedure out-of-date or safety training inadequate? If so, why had the
problem not been previously identified, or, if it had been identified, why had it not
been addressed?
These examples illustrate that it is essential to discover and correct all the factors
contributing to an incident, which nearly always involve equipment, procedural,
training, and other safety and health program deficiencies.
Addressing underlying or root causes is necessary to truly understand why an
incident occurred, to develop truly effective corrective actions, and to minimize or
eliminate serious consequences from similar future incidents.

T HE I MPORTANCE OF
A CCIDENT I NVESTIGATION
Accident investigation is a crucial component of an effective health and safety management system.
By learning from incidents and near misses, organisations can identify the root causes of accidents,
implement corrective measures, and prevent future occurrences. In this article, we will discuss the
importance of accident investigation and how organisations can use the findings to improve their
safety performance.

1. Identifying Root Causes

The primary goal of accident investigation is to determine the root causes of an incident, rather than
simply identifying the immediate factors that contributed to the event. By understanding the
underlying causes, organisations can develop targeted interventions to address these issues and
prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. It is essential to have skilled professionals
who are well-versed in accident investigation techniques and methodologies. Obtaining a NVQ Level
7 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety Management equips individuals with the advanced
knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough and effective accident investigations. This
prestigious certification demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to
apply best practices in accident investigation, making it a valuable asset for professionals seeking to
enhance their expertise and contribute to a safer working environment.
2. Legal Compliance

Understanding the importance of accident investigates and conducting thorough accident

investigations is not only a best practice for improving workplace safety, but it is also often a legal
requirement. Employers have a responsibility to investigate workplace accidents and report their
findings to relevant authorities, ensuring that they are complying with applicable health and safety
regulations.

3. Employee Engagement

Accident investigation can also help to improve employee engagement and promote a positive safety
culture. Involving employees in the investigation process demonstrates that the organisation is
committed to protecting their well-being and gives employees the opportunity to contribute to
improving workplace safety.

4. Learning Opportunities

Each accident or near miss provides an opportunity for learning and continuous improvement. By
analysing incidents and identifying trends or patterns, organisations can gain valuable insights into
the effectiveness of their safety management systems and make informed decisions about potential
improvements.
5. Preventing Recurrence

By understanding the importance of the lessons learned from accident investigations, organisations
can take proactive steps to prevent future incidents. This may involve updating policies and
procedures, enhancing training programs, or investing in new equipment or technology to mitigate
risks.

6. Cost Savings

Accidents and incidents can have significant financial implications for organisations, including lost
productivity, damage to equipment, and potential legal and regulatory penalties. By preventing
accidents through effective accident investigation and learning, organisations can reduce these costs
and protect their bottom line.

W HAT IS A W ASTE M ANAGEMENT S YSTEM ?

A waste management system is a streamlined process that organizations use to dispose of,
reduce, reuse, and prevent waste. Also known as waste disposal, it is an approach where
companies implement comprehensive strategies to efficiently manage wastes from their origin
until their final disposal. Possible waste disposal methods are recycling, composting,
incineration, landfills, bioremediation, waste to energy, and waste minimization.
HE 5R S OF W ASTE M ANAGEMENT

The 5Rs of waste management are a set of principles that guide efforts to reduce the
environmental impact of waste. These 5Rs are:

1. Refuse – This involves saying no to things that are not necessary, such as
single-use plastics or excessive packaging.
2. Reduce – This emphasizes the importance of minimizing the amount of waste
generated by using fewer resources and being more conscious of consumption.
3. Reuse – Instead of disposing of items after a single use, consider finding ways to
reuse them. This could involve repurposing items or using durable goods that
have a longer lifespan.
4. Repurpose – This involves giving items a new purpose or use, extending their
lifespan, and reducing waste.
5. Recycle – Recycling involves processing used materials into new products,
reducing the need for raw materials, and lowering the overall environmental
impact.

These principles are aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable waste

management practices and encouraging individuals and businesses to be more mindful
of their consumption and disposal habits.

M ATERIAL S AFETY D ATA SHEET (MSDS)

A Material Safety Data Sheet provides information on the properties and hazards of substances.
Taking proper safety measures, especially when dealing with different kinds of materials, is very
important for employees. If employees are not aware about the health effects of exposure to a
specific material, there is a serious risk of injury or illness.

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document that includes technical details, including
extensive information about a product, highlighting important things, such as:

 An assessment of the hazards associated with handling, storage, and using the product
 Any emergency procedures in case the product causes injury or illness
 Health effects in case of exposure
 Any measures that must be taken by employees or handlers to mitigate exposure.

The material safety data sheet can either be written, printed, or disclosed in person, and should
include all the necessary information to ensure that all hazards are listed on it.

T HE I MPORTANCE OF A M ATERIAL S AFETY D ATA S HEET

The material safety data sheet is of paramount importance in work environments for
several reasons. It is essentially the starting point for establishing a robust safety
and health and safety program for employees in the workplace. Manufacturers are
required to submit a material safety data sheet with every chemical-based product too.

The material safety data sheet provides handlers, employees, and other stakeholders
with relevant information about the materials and what they can be exposed to. It helps
them identify the risks and ensures that they take appropriate safety measures.

It is also an important part of an employee's right-to-know, so filling out the material data
sheet accurately is necessary. There is a duty on the part of the employer to ensure that
they fill out the sheet properly.

And, for companies that wish to sell their products within the European Union, they must
also label the materials properly. The material safety data sheet is generally divided into
different sections, often going up to 16 sections. Some of the different sections include:

 Information about the production, including the name of the manufacturer and
their contact details, the product name, and any emergency phone numbers
 Information about any hazardous materials within, as well as detailed information
for identifying such materials.
 Data related to fire or explosion hazards, if any.
 Physical information, including the flash point, the boiling point, and the melting
point.
 Any toxic properties, including the health effects that they may cause
 Recommendations, including preventive measures and precautions that must be
taken to ensure the safe storage and use of materials. This includes information
about how to handle spills, disposal of the product, and the recommended
packaging.
 Information about first aid and managing control, including any emergency
procedures that must be conducted. Information about symptoms due to
excessive exposure is also listed in this section.
 One of the sections must also include information about the name of person(s)
responsible for preparing the product, and the date on which it was prepared.
 W HAT IS A C ONTROL A REA ?
A control area is a space within a building where hazardous materials are stored,
dispensed, used or handled. Control areas are constructed with features like fire rated
walls that prevent the spread of fire to and from other areas in the building, allowing for
safe emergency egress and fire department response. The number of control areas on
a floor of a building can vary, currently ranging from one to four on a floor.
TOXIC HAZARDS
The long-term exposure limit (LTEL) is the time-weighted average concentration of a
substance over an 8-h period thought not to be injurious to health.
The short-term exposure limit (STEL) is the time-weighted average concentration of a
substance over a 15 min period thought not to be injurious to health.
The HSE Publication EH40 gives exposure limits for a wide range of chemicals.
If we identify excessive exposure to toxic chemicals in our design, we should first
consider substituting the materials which produce toxic hazards. Failing that, we can
use engineering controls such as ventilation, avoidance of enclosure, controlling access
to contaminated areas, and so on.
Note that there are many substances which are both toxic and flammable, and both
hazards should be considered simultaneously.
There may be some substantially enclosed areas which may have flammable, toxic or
asphyxiating atmospheres which we cannot design out. These are classified as confined
spaces, and access to them has to be tightly controlled.

Note: radiography work permit is for 24 hours

Radiographic Testing (RT) is a nondestructive examination (NDE) technique that

involves the use of either x-rays or gamma rays to view the internal structure of a
component. In the petrochemical industry, RT is often used to inspect machinery, such
as pressure vessels and valves, to detect flaws.

HPJ (High pressure jetting)

High pressure water jetting can be used for the washing and cleaning of pipes, internally
and externally, as well as cutting pipes. There are infinitely many different pipes and
hauling. The corresponding cleaning methods are just as different. Large lengths and
widths all add up to large surfaces.

High-pressure water jetting uses a stream of pressurized water to remove material,

debris or other things from surfaces, including drains and pipes. The equipment is often
called a high-pressure water cleaner, hydro jetter or drain cleaner.

Class A high-pressure water jetting systems are systems with an output capability range
of 800 to 5600 bar litres per minute.

Class B high-pressure water jetting systems are systems with an output capability of
more than 5600 bar litres per minute.

Class B systems are readily available and widely used, highly powered systems that
present a higher risk to the operator.

H AZARDS
Typical hazards will include the following:

 Inhalation of dust from the cleaning process

 Injection of particles and debris into the skin
 Contact with discharged grit particles or water jets
 Flying debris from the work surface
 Electrical shocks from the plant used
 Working in confined spaces when water jetting drains and sewers
 Falls from height e.g when cleaning facades
 Exposure to noise and vibration

1) Confine Space will be considered in excavation when depth is? (3pt)

a) 0.8 Meter and Above
b) 1.0 Meter and
c) 1.2 Meter and Above
d) 1.4 Meter and Above

2) Manual Lifting (Handling) should not exceed? (3pt)

a) 20 Kg
b) 23 Kg
c) 25 Kg
d) 27 Kg

3) PEL Stands for? (3pt)

a) Possible Exposure Limit
b) Parable Exposure Limit
c) Potential Exposure Limit
d) Permissible Exposure Limit
 4) Radiation Activity Should Use which work permit? (3pt)
a) Hot Work Permit
b) Electrical Work Permit
c) General Work Permit
d) None of the Above (Radiation work permit)

5) The validity of JSA (Job Safety Analysis) is? (3pt)

a) One Month
b) While closing work permit
c) Upon Job Completion
d) All the Above

6) Which of the below situation is critical lifting? (3pt)

a) Any two crane lift (Tandem Lift)
b) Lifting Personnel with a crane using (Man Basket) cage
c) Any crane lifting with fly jib, boom extension or super lift counter weight
d) All the Above

T YPES OF CRANES AT CONSTRUCTION SITE

There are various types of cranes used at construction sites, each with its unique
features and capabilities. Here are some of the most common types of cranes used in
construction:

1. Tower cranes: These are tall, stationary cranes that are typically used in the construction
of high-rise buildings. They have a long horizontal arm (jib). The jib of a tower crane is
typically not raised or lowered. Instead, the trolley on the jib moves in and out to
position the load. The crane can also rotate (slew) to position the load in a different
location around its base. Some tower cranes have a luffing jib that can be angled up or
down
2. Mobile cranes: These cranes are mounted on wheeled vehicles or tracks and can be
easily moved around the construction site. They are typically used for heavy lifting tasks
and have a telescopic boom that can extend to great heights.
3. Rough terrain cranes: As the name suggests, these cranes are designed for use on rough
and uneven terrain. They have large, wide wheels and are often used in off-road
construction sites.
4. Crawler cranes: These cranes have tracks instead of wheels and can be used on soft
ground or in areas where a wheeled vehicle might get stuck. They are typically used for
heavy lifting tasks and have a wide range of motion.
5. Overhead cranes: These cranes are mounted on rails or beams and are used to move
heavy loads horizontally along the length of the rail. They are commonly used in
manufacturing and warehouse environments.
6. Gantry cranes: These cranes are similar to overhead cranes, but they have legs that
support them instead of being mounted on rails or beams. They are often used in
shipyards or to move containers.

L IFTING & C RANE H AZARDS :

Shifting of materials from one place to another place using Crane and Boom truck
(Lifting) is a critical work which has the following hazards:
1. Load falling: When lifting a load, there is a risk of it falling, which can cause injuries to
people and damage to property.
2. Hitting and crushing: Loads can swing and collide with existing facilities, causing
damage or injury.
3. Crane toppling: If the crane is not properly set up or overloaded, it can topple over,
potentially causing serious injury or death.
4. Environmental factors: High wind speed, poor communication, and poor visibility can
also contribute to crane accidents.
5. Damage to underground utilities: When moving heavy loads, there is a risk of damaging
underground utilities or other infrastructure, which can be costly and dangerous.
6. Electrical hazards: When working near power lines or electrical equipment, there is a risk
of electrocution, which can be fatal.
7. Inadequate training: Operating a crane or boom truck without proper training and
certification can result in accidents and injuries.
8. Equipment failure: Equipment failure can occur due to a lack of maintenance or faulty
parts, leading to accidents and injuries.
9. Human error: Accidents can also occur due to human error, such as miscommunication
or improper use of equipment.

It is important to take appropriate safety measures and precautions when using cranes
and boom trucks to ensure the safety of personnel and property.

L IFTING & C RANE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Check and level ground conditions: Before operating a crane or boom truck, the soil or
ground conditions should be checked and leveled to ensure stability and prevent
accidents.
2. Use appropriate spread mate size: A spread mate size of 1:3 should be used to ensure
that the load is evenly distributed and the crane is stable.
3. Fully extend outriggers: The outriggers should be fully extended and at least 1 meter
away from manholes and trenches to provide maximum stability and avoid accidents.
4. Do not overload: Always lift up to the safe working load (SWL) and avoid overloading
the crane or boom truck, as this can result in equipment failure and accidents.
5. Follow regulations: Crane and boom truck operations should be performed according to
the regulations set by the relevant authorities, such as KNPC, and the crane should not
be used beyond 75% of its capacity.
6. Avoid adverse weather conditions: Crane and boom truck operations should not be
performed in high winds or raining conditions, as this can increase the risk of accidents
and injuries.
7. Barricade the swinging radius: The swinging radius of the crane should be barricaded,
and only trained and certified riggers should be allowed in the area.
8. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment: Riggers should wear jackets or other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
9. Proper communication protocols: The only rigger should give signals to the crane
operators, and a minimum of two tag lines should be used to control the swinging of the
load. Miscommunication or misunderstanding of signals can result in accidents and
injuries.
10. Avoid man entry: Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed under the
suspended load, even if they are a rigger.
11. Use appropriate hitching methods: Straight, basket, and choker hitching methods
should be used to secure the load properly and prevent accidents.
12. Reverse beep horn: The crane should have a reverse beep horn to alert workers and
prevent accidents while the crane is in motion.
13. Regular inspections and maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of the
crane and its components can help to identify any issues that may increase the risk of
accidents and prevent equipment failure.
14. If multiple cranes are being used, a risk assessment should be performed.

W HAT ARE THE THINGS WE HAVE TO CHECK IN CRANES ?

When inspecting a crane, the following items should be checked:

1. The crane’s third-party certificate should be checked for validity, plate number, any
remarks, and number of falls.
2. The operator’s third-party license should be checked.
3. The rigger’s third-party certificate and its validity should be checked (valid for one year
as per KNPC).
4. The crane’s safety certificate and fire extinguishers should be checked.
5. The outriggers and mates of the crane should be inspected.
6. The crane’s computer function should be tested.
7. The anti-tube block/limit switch, which prevents the crane hook from touching the top
boom pulley, should be checked.
8. The lifting appliances (e.g. wire rope sling, webbing sling, D shackle, chain block)
should have a third-party certificate with a validity of 6 months (as per KNPC) and
should not be used beyond their safe working load (SWL).
9. Any lifting tools or tackles that are damaged or expired should not be used.
10. The safety latch of the main and auxiliary hooks should be checked.
11. The crane should be inspected for hydraulic oil leaks.
12. The crane’s cabin should be free of blind spots.
13. Working crew members should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),
including leather gloves for riggers and safety harnesses.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PROVIDE A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE VARIOUS

PARTS OF A CRANE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS?

Answer: A crane consists of several parts, including the boom, jib, hoist, trolley, hook,
counterweights, outriggers, and cab. The boom is the main arm of the crane that lifts
and lowers the load. The jib is a secondary arm that can extend the reach of the boom.
The hoist is the mechanism that raises and lowers the load, and it is connected to the
trolley, which moves the load horizontally along the boom. The hook is attached to the
load and is raised and lowered by the hoist. Counterweights are added to balance the
load and prevent the crane from tipping over. Outriggers provide additional stability by
extending the crane’s base. The cab is where the operator sits and controls the crane.
QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF CRANE OPERATIONS, AND
HOW CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?

Answer: The potential hazards of crane operations include electrocution, struck-by

accidents, caught-in/between accidents, and crane tip-over. These hazards can be
prevented by following safety guidelines and regulations, ensuring that the crane is in
good working condition, providing proper training to operators and workers,
conducting regular inspections and maintenance, and ensuring that the work area is
clear of any hazards.

QUESTION: HOW MANY 3RD PARTY CERTIFICATE YOU WILL CHECK?

Answer: the operator’s third-party certificate and license, the rigger’s third-party
certificate, the crane’s safety certificate, the lifting appliance’s third-party certificate, and
third party certificate of Jib.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY OF THE CRANE FOR

LIFTING, AND HOW IS IT DETERMINED?

Answer: The maximum weight capacity of a crane for lifting is determined by several
factors, including the crane’s configuration, boom length, counterweight, and load
radius. The crane’s load chart provides information on the crane’s lifting capacity for
different configurations and load radii. The load chart takes into account the crane’s
stability and the weight distribution of the load.

QUESTION: AS A SAFETY SUPERVISOR, WHAT SPECIFIC POINTS WILL YOU

CHECK IN A CRANE TO ENSURE SAFE LIFTING OPERATIONS?

Answer: As a safety supervisor, specific points that should be checked in a crane to

ensure safe lifting operations include the crane’s condition and maintenance, the crane’s
load capacity, the crane’s positioning and stability, the work area and ground conditions,
the communication between the operator and ground personnel, the use of proper
lifting equipment, the use of a tag line, and the use of personal protective equipment.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ANTI-TWO BLOCK SYSTEM, AND HOW

DOES IT ENHANCE CRANE SAFETY?

Answer: The purpose of an anti-two block system is to prevent the crane’s hook from
coming into contact with the boom tip or other parts of the crane. This system enhances
crane safety by preventing damage to the crane and load, reducing the risk of accidents
and injuries, and increasing the efficiency of crane operations.

QUESTION: HOW IS A TAG LINE USED IN CRANE LIFTING OPERATIONS, AND

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY?

Answer: A tag line is a rope or line that is attached to the load being lifted by the crane.
It is used to control the load’s movement and prevent it from swinging or spinning
during lifting. The tag line is essential for safety as it helps to ensure that the load is
lifted and positioned correctly, reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE LOAD CAPACITY OF A
CRANE?

The load capacity of a crane is determined by several factors, including the weight of the
load, the distance between the crane and the load, the angle of the boom, the wind
speed, and the ground conditions. All of these factors must be taken into account when
calculating the safe working load (SWL) for a particular lift.

HOW DO YOU ASSESS THE GROUND CONDITIONS BEFORE STARTING CRANE

OPERATIONS?

The ground conditions must be assessed to ensure that they can support the weight of
the crane and the load. The assessment should take into account factors such as the
type of soil, the slope of the ground, and the presence of any underground pipes or
cables. The ground should be firm, stable, and level, and if necessary, mats or other
supports should be used to distribute the weight of the crane and prevent sinking or
shifting.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOM TRUCK AND A CRANE, AND WHEN IS EACH ONE
USED?

A boom truck is a truck-mounted crane with a telescopic boom that can be extended
and retracted, while a crane is a stationary machine with a fixed boom. Boom trucks are
generally used for smaller lifting operations or in areas with limited access, while cranes
are used for larger lifts and heavy-duty applications.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF CRANE ACCIDENTS, AND HOW CAN THEY BE
PREVENTED?

Common causes of crane accidents include overloading, improper rigging, unstable

ground conditions, operator error, and mechanical failure. These accidents can be
prevented by following safe working practices, conducting regular inspections and
maintenance, providing proper training for personnel, and ensuring that the equipment
is operated within its safe working limits.