What is Health & Safety???
Health & Safety is a set of guidelines made to be followed to keep people safe while in a potentially hazardous work zone. This includes warring the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as Overalls, Steel toed boots, Hard hats/Safety helmet, Gloves, and Eye and Ear protection. Apart from having the correct PPE, you must also have equipment which can prevent major hazards from occurring, such as: fire extinguishers, each for every different type of fire, First Aid kits/boxes, and fire exits(with nothing blocking them preventing your escape during a fire break out.) You must also know how to handle the workshop tools properly. e.g Hammers, Lathes, etc
Items you need in your work industry to keep yourself and others safe from hazards:
YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR:
Overalls:
Overalls are one of the main requirements needed to even enter a workshop, along with steel toed boots(safety boots), overalls act like a barrier around your body to keep yourself protected from hot metal shards flying at you when doing some angle grinding or welding, or when someone else is creating a shower of sparks in your direction. Cotton overalls are best because the material is thick and won’t burn or melt down. Overalls which are 360gsm is recommended.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Steel toed boots/safety boots:
Steel toed boots are another required item needed to enter a workshop as they will protect your feet from being crushed/injured in any way. The steel tips are shaped to cover your toes and a small percentage of your foot. Although traditionally made of steel, the reinforcement can also be made of a composite material, or a plastic such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Steel-toe boots are important in the construction industry and in many industrial settings. Occupational safety and health legislation or insurance requirements may require the use of such boots in some settings, and may mandate certification of such boots and the display of such certification directly on the boots.
A little detail about Steel toed boots:
Protection area: Type of protection:
Steel Toe: .Basic Impact 200 joules including compression 15,000 newtons.
.200 joule toecap protection. Closed seat region (fully enclosed heel)
.Antistatic properties
.Energy absorption of seat region
.Closed seat region (fully enclosed heel)
.Water penetration and water absorption resistance
.Sole penetration resistance
.Cleated outsole
Additional protections: .Outsole resistance to hot contact: up to 300 °C
.Penetration resistance offered by a steel midsole: 1100newtons
.Heel energy absorption: 20 joules
.Water penetration-resistant uppers
Electrical resistance: .Conductive: Maximum resistance 100 kΩ
.Antistatic: Range of 100 kΩ to 1000 MΩ
Hostile environments: .Insulation against cold
.Insulation against heat
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.famousfootwear.com/shopping/productdetails.aspx?p=73563&pg=1000203
Hard hats/Safety helmets:
Because hard hats are intended to protect the wearer's head from impacts where heavy labour is being performed, they are made from durable materials, originally from metal, then fibreglass, and most-commonly rigid plastic. Hard hats must be worn when you are in a work zone where objects could fall from dangerous heights knocking you unconscious, and/or killing you. Hard hats are designed to withstand the sudden impact of any object and keeping the worker completely unharmed. (Except for his brown undies)
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.aceworkwear.com.au/product-Hard-Hat.html
Gloves:
Gloves are needed to protect your hand from being injured while working on machine which has the potential to do damage to the body. Leather gloves are best as they are thick and can protect your hands from virtually everything. Gloves would be needed if you are: welding, using an angle grinder, trimming something on a stone grinder, and using a drill press.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=460
Safety Glasses:
Safety glasses are usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye from flying debris. Although safety lenses may be constructed from a variety of materials of various impact resistance, certain standards suggest that they maintain a minimum 1 millimeter thickness at the thinnest point, regardless of material. Safety glasses can vary in the level of protection they provide. For example, those used in the hospitals, may be expected to protect against blood splatter while safety glasses in a factory might have stronger lenses and a stronger frame with additional shields at the temples to protect from sawdust, flying wood, or metal. The lenses of safety glasses can also be shaped for correction.Safety glasses are to be worn all the time while in a workshop, or else your eyes will be taken out.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/glasses.html
Ear protection:
If people are exposed to excessively noisy environments (90 dB or more), Ear muffs are necessary to prevent ear damage. They should be worn whenever power tools, noisy yard equipment, or unsuppressed firearms are used. The table below shows how easy it is to exceed the maximum exposure levels.
Level of noise (dB(A)) Maximum daily exposure time
85 8 Hours
91 2 Hours
97 30 Minutes
103 7 Minutes
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Did you know hard hats came with pre fitted ear muffs?
Image from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Fire Extinguishers:
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e. no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month (more often in severe environments).
Fire extinguisher maintenance is important for everyone’s safety.
You must ensure that:
The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.
- The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.
- The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
- The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
- There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
Some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing.
Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.
If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
Info and image from: http://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/careandmaintenance.html
Classifications:
Image from: http://www.krpservices.com/fire_extinguishers.htm
Fist aid:
A First aid box must be reachable in a work shop. If someone cuts them selves or badly injures themself, the first aid box must have the correct equipment to temporarily cure the injury. A first aid kit must contain the following:
- 9 sterile cotton gauze swabs, 75 mm x 75 mm
- 1 pocket pack of 10 tissues
- 24 assorted adhesive strip dressings
- 1 roll adhesive tape, 25 mm wide
- 2 sterile non-adhesive dry dressings, 100 mm x 100 mm
- 3 sterile wound dressings and bandages
- 3 roller (stretch-cotton) bandages, 50, 75 and 100 mm wide
- 2 triangular calico bandages
- 5 safety pins
- 1 pair rust-resistant scissors
- 1 pair rust-resistant forceps
- 1 pencil and notepad
- 3 individual plastic bags
- 1 sterile combine dressing, 9 mm x 20 mm
- Aluminium foil blanket
- 1 pair latex gloves
- 1 first-aid booklet.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://shopping-information.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-aid-kit-and-training.html
Fire Exits:
Every workshop will have a door with a sign saying: “EXIT” this is a fire exit door. There must be nothing in the way of this/these door(s) because in an emergency (Like a fire breakout) everyone will be running to these doors trying to escape from danger. This is where fire extinguishers come in handy as well, as you can take care of the fire yourself (Up close and personal).
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.abacusshutters.co.uk/steel-fire-exit-doors.php
Tool safety-Hammer:
No matter what kind of hammer you use, you must be careful with it. When you grab it: hold it down the bottom of the handle as if you are shaking someone's hand(Ref: Calvin B). When you use the hammer, ensure that you are wearing eye protection as some shards of what ever you are hitting may fly and get your face. Ensure that every time you hit your work, that the hammer face is hitting flat on the surface of your project/work etc.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.divanikkiz.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:bounty-hammer
Tool safety-Hacksaw:
Ensure that the blade isn’t, cracked, chipped, blunt, or loose. If the blade is loose, you can tighten it using the tightening nut usually located at the bottom of the handle. Do not tighten the handle too much, or else it may snap during the cutting process.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0511-0903-2316-3625.html
Tool safety-Drill press:
When using a drill press: ensure that you have the correct size drill bit you want, make sure that the chuck is nice and tight so that the drill bit won’t slip or get stuck in the chuck. When drilling, pull the drill press down slowly or you will jam the drill bit. in your piece of metal/bit of work. Make sure you keep the drilling well lubricated.
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Info from: http://www.efunda.com/processes/machining/drill_press.cfm
Tool safety-Files:
Try keeping the file straight. When you use a file, you should wear gloves so that you don’t cut yourself on the end of the file. Hold the file with your hand gripped around the “ball” end of the handle and flat on the end of the file with the other hand.
Image from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://withfriendship.com/user/sathvi/file-%28tool%29.php
Tool safety-Lathes:
When lathing, ensure you are at the desired gearing ratio, always work with safety goggles and have the protection cover down(That's if your lathe has one), work slowly, don’t be too fast, or else you may end up damaging your piece of work or the lathe. Never leave the chuck key in the chuck when you leave the lathe, as someone could accidentally turn it on and run around with a chuck key in their eye. (because they didn't wear eye protection)
Info from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBLBvt5Wi7aOxFv1kEW3n872EU8-cwoUHjcIZ802KxQ/edit?hl=en_US
Image from: http://www.americanmachinetools.com/lathe_diagram.htm
These equipment are really for safety in such fields. I admit all your safety instruction. Thanks for this awareness. Health and safety course
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