BASIC SAFETY PROCEDURES IN
HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES AND
INDUSTRIES
PROCEDURES IN HAZARDS ANALYSIS IN THE
WORKPLACE
How do I start?
Involve employees.
How do I do it?
1. Break the job task into steps.
What can go wrong?
What are the consequences?
How could it happen?
What are other contributing factors?
How likely is it that the hazard will occur?
EXAMPLE:
TASK HAZARDS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Reach into box to the right of the machine, grasp casting and carry to wheel Strike hand on edge of
metal box or casting; cut hand on burr. Drop casting on toes.
2. Push casting against wheel to grind off burr. Strike hand against wheel, sparks in eyes. Wheel
breakage, dust, sleeves get caught
3.Place finished casting in box to the left of the machine. Strike hand against metal box or casting
3. Review the list of hazards with employees who do the job. Discuss what could eliminate or reduce them.
4. Identify ways to eliminate or reduce the hazards.
Safer way to do the job
Describe each step
Be specific - dont use generalizations like "Be Careful"
Changes in equipment
Equipment changes, or engineering controls, are the first choice because they can eliminate the hazard
E.g. machine guards, improved lighting, better ventilation
CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGIES
Hazardous Energy Control Programs
What is hazardous energy?
Hazardous energy is defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as: "any electrical,
mechanical, pneumatic, chemical, nuclear, thermal, gravitational, or other energy that can harm
people" (CSA Z460 "Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods"). Some
energy sources are obvious, such as electricity, heat in a furnace, or something that might fall.
Others may be hidden hazards such as air pressure in a system or a tightly wound spring.
In this document, the term energy refers to anything that can provide power to a system to
allow it to perform work. The term system refers to machinery, equipment, and/or processes.
GATHER INFORMATION
Begin by gathering documentation from the manufacturer or designer of the system about:
Where energy isolating devices are located and procedures for their use.
Step-by-step procedures for servicing or maintaining the system.
How to safely address malfunctions, jams, misfeeds, or other planned and unplanned interruptions in
operations.
How to install, move, and remove any or all parts of the system safely.
This information will allow you to understand how the system was intended to be used, and will provide
you with recommendations on how the tasks can be performed safely.
PERFORM A TASK ANALYSIS
A task identification analysis is performed by examining all the intended uses of the system from
the perspective of both the manufacturer and the user. List all tasks and steps required to
accomplish the task. This analysis should also include any tasks related to any possible misuse of
the system. When performing the task identification, at a minimum, consider the following
categories:
Machine/process set-up. Teaching and programming of machinery. Tryout and start-up.
All modes of operation.
Product feeding into machine/process.
Product takeoff from machine/process.
Process/tool changeover.
Normal stoppages and restart.
Unscheduled stoppages (control failure or jam) and restart.
Emergency stoppages and restart.
Unexpected start-up.
PERFORM A HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS / IMPLEMENT
CONTROLS /COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING TRAINING
The hazard and risk analysis will outline all situations where a worker could be exposed to hazards.
Examples include
A press cycles accidentally while a worker is changing a die.
An injection molding machine gate closes while a worker is in it.
A robot moves while a worker is trying to program it.
A hydraulic hose releases pressurized fluid when it is removed for maintenance purposes.
A barrier or guard has been removed or by-passed.
The controls required will follow what hazards and risks were identified during the analysis and
assessment. For example, identify what types of hazardous energy are present in a system that needs to
be controlled, and what types of energy-isolating and de-energizing devices are required.
Communicate and train appropriate staff on how the
program works, their role in the program, and what
their responsibilities are.
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry
or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined
spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos,
storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment
housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc.
BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before
each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage extension cords causing fire and shock
hazards.
Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords or extension cords to
these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.
Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fibreglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines.
Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire
hazard.
Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the
electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.
Use a portable in-line Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) if you are not certain that the receptacle you are plugging
your extension cord into is GFCI protected.
Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.
Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or
appliance it is for.
Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools with the guards removed.
Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the power source
first.
Switch all tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.
Disconnect and lockout the power supply before completing any maintenance work tasks or making adjustments.
Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded equipment must have an approved 3-wire cord
with a 3-prong plug. This plug should be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.
Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) before use.
Do not bypass the on/off switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
Do not use electrical equipment in wet conditions or damp locations unless the equipment is connected to a GFCI.
Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases, unless they are intrinsically safe and only if you
follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
FALL PROTECTION
What do you recommend for fall protection?
When it comes to recommending a fall protection product we always recommend using a safety
hierarchy. A safety hierarchy identifies the safest possible solution to a hazard. Obviously
eliminating the hazard is always the best solution. Guardrails, skylight screens and other passive
forms of fall protection are the safest and most effective forms of protection if you cannot
eliminate the hazard altogether.
If you cannot protect a hazard passively (guardrail, skylight screens, etc...), we then recommend
working in restraint. Fall restraint means that the person is tied off in such a way that they
cannot get to the roof edge or other fall hazard.
If restraint is not possible, then the last resort is fall arrest. Fall arrest products stop a fall that is
already happening. Fall arrest can still be dangerous to the employee and requires diligent
training and rescue planning.
BARRICADES AND SCAFFOLD
Scaffolding must be erected, altered, moved, and dismantled in accordance with applicable OSHA
standards and under the supervision of a scaffold competent person. Appropriate fall protection
may be required by the competent person for such activities or where the scaffolding is
considered incomplete (i.e. missing parts due to area obstructions)
Scaffold components cannot be mixed if they are from different manufacturers unless they fit
together without force. Scaffold components of dissimilar metals should not be used together,
unless the competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of
any component.
Barricades-A structure set up across a route of access to obstruct the passage of an enemy.
FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE CODE
NFPA 1, Fire Code, advances fire and life safety for the public and first responders as well as
property protection by providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to fire code regulation
and hazard management. It addresses all the bases with extracts from and references to more
than 130 NFPA codes and standards including such industry benchmarks as NFPA 101, NFPA
54, NFPA 58, NFPA 30, NFPA 13, NFPA 25, and NFPA 72.
Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code
Maintaining a facility and conducting oneself in accordance with the provisions of the fire
code. This is based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable
regulations and advice.
Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building.
Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that can function in a power
failure)
Compliance with electrical codes to prevent overheating and ignition from electrical faults or problems such as poor
wire insulation or overloading wiring, conductors, or other fixtures with more electric current than they are rated for.
Placing and maintaining the correct type of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places.
Properly storing and using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the building for storage or operational
requirements (such as solvents in spray booths).
Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility.
Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders To Comply and, potentially, prosecuting or closing
buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are corrected or condemning it in extreme cases.
Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire.
Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of firestops.
Ensuring that spray fireproofing remains undamaged.
Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the building to avoid obvious mistakes,
such as the propping open of fire doors.
Conducting fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
What is Industrial Hygiene?
Industrial Hygiene is a science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation,
prevention, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the
workplace which may cause sickness, impaired health and well being, or significant
discomfort among workers or among citizens of the community.
Protecting People
The goal of the industrial hygienist is to keep workers, their families, and the community healthy
and safe. They play a vital part in ensuring that federal, state, and local laws and regulations are
followed in the work environment.
Typical roles of the industrial hygienist include:
Investigating and examining the workplace for hazards and potential dangers
Making recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community
Conducting scientific research to provide data on possible harmful conditions in the workplace
Developing techniques to anticipate and control potentially dangerous situations in the
workplace and the community
Training and educating the community about job-related risks
Advising government officials and participating in the development of regulations to ensure the
health and safety of workers and their families
Ensuring that workers are properly following health and safety procedures
HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATION AND CHEMICAL
SAFETY
A written hazard communication program ensures that all employers receive the information they need to inform and
train their employees properly and to design and put in place employee protection programs. It also provides necessary
hazard information to employees, so they can participate in, and support, the protective measures in place at their
workplaces.
Employers therefore must develop, implement, and maintain at the workplace a written, comprehensive hazard
communication program that includes provisions for container labeling, collection and availability of material safety data
sheets, and an employee training program. It also must contain a list of the hazardous chemicals, the means the employer
will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and the
hazards associated with chemicals in unlabeled pipes. If the workplace has multiple employers onsite (for example, a
construction site), the rule requires these employers to ensure that information regarding hazards and protective
measures be made available to the other employers onsite, where appropriate. In addition, all covered employers must
have a written hazard communication program to get hazard information to their employees through labels on
containers, MSDSs, and training.
Employers must establish a training and information program for employees who are exposed to
hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is
introduced into their work area. At a minimum, the discussion topics must include the following:
The hazard communication standard and its requirements.
The components of the hazard communication program in the employees' workplaces.
Operations in work areas where hazardous chemicals are present.
Where the employer will keep the written hazard evaluation procedures, communications program, lists
of hazardous chemicals, and the required MSDS forms.
The employee training plan must consist of the following elements:
How the hazard communication program is implemented in that workplace, how to read and interpret
information on labels and the MSDS, and how employees can obtain and use the available hazard
information.
The hazards of the chemicals in the work area. (The hazards may be discussed by inpidual chemical or
by hazard categories such as flammability.)
Measures employees can take to protect themselves from the hazards.
Specific procedures put into effect by the employer to provide protection such as engineering controls,
work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Methods and observations -- such as visual appearance or smell -- workers can use to detect the
presence of a hazardous chemical to which they may be exposed.
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LISTENING