OPS - GC2 Element 1

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GC2 Slide 1January 2014

GC2 – Element 1 – Workplace Hazards and Controls

NEBOSH International / National General Certificate


Learning Outcomes

1.1 Outline the common health, welfare and work environment requirements in the workplace

1.2 Explain the risk factors and appropriate controls for violence at work

1.3 Explain the effects of substance misuse on health and safety at work and control measures to reduce such risk

1.4 Explain the hazards and control measures for the safe movement of people in the workplace

1.5 Explain the hazards and control measures for safe working at height

1.6 Outline the hazards and control measures for temporary works


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Welfare and work environment issues


Working environment Welfare provision

• Fixtures

• Fittings

• Floors

• Lighting / emergency lighting

• Room dimensions

• Temperature

• Waste disposal

• Ventilation

• Workstation and seating

• Disabled workers

• Changing facilities

• Accommodation for clothing

• Drinking water

• Non-smokers

• Nursing mothers

• Rest facilities

• Place to eat meals

• Toilets

• First Aid Arrangements

• Disabled workers


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Lighting

Outline factors an employer would consider when considering lighting selection in the workplace?

The amount of natural Light

Size and Layout of the work area

Detail of the task

Reflection

Glare (contrast)

Suitability of artificial lights

Emergency Lighting

Maintenance of lighting


Extremes of temperature

• Effects of cold temperature may be minimised by consuming high calorie diet, physical exercise or wearing suitable protective clothing

• Effects of hot temperature may be minimised by wearing suitable clothing, e.g. light and loose, or reflective

• Consideration will need to be given to humidity levels and workload


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Thermal effects

Cold

• Loss of concentration

• Reduced muscle power

• Shivering

Heat

• Loss of concentration

• Reduced activity

• Sweating

Heat stress

• Heat syncope

• Heat rash

• Heat exhaustion

• Anhidrotic heat exhaustion

• Heat cramps

• Heat stroke

• Fainting

• Skin disorder

• Fatigue, nausea

• Inability to sweat

• Insufficient salt leading to system failure


Thermal control measures

• Regular work breaks with fluid intake

• Improved ventilation and humidity control

• Screening

• Suitable clothing

• Removal of ice

• Improved lighting

• Anti locking in devices


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Prevention of Falling Materials - Safe Stacking and Storage

Hazards:

Prevent safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles around site

Block light

Restrict access to essential services

Falling objects during delivery

Danger of collapse

Tripping hazard

Loose materials – dust hazard


Safe Stacking and Storage – Risk Controls

Storage:

Clearly defined areas

Separate areas for different items

Segregated substances

Keep area clean and tidy

Routine inspection

Effective signage

No work activities to be undertaken in the storage area

Stacking:

Ground conditions

One material only – not mixed

Maximum stack height

Vertical

Height / width ratio

Appropriately secured

Use of pallets

Sufficient space

Protected


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Storage of Flammable Materials

V - VENTILATION

I – IGNITION SOURCES

C - CONTAINMENT

E - EXCHANGE

S – SEGRGATION

Emergency Procedures


Violence at work


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Violence and Aggression - Definition

“Refers to a range of behaviours which can be described as intimidating or threatening to others. Aggression has two forms: Verbal and Physical.”

The Royal College of Nursing


Violence – Risk Factors

Cash Handling Refuse Collection

Lone Working Geographical location

Representing Authority Time of day

Wearing a uniform Censuring / saying no

Dealing with people under stress

Dealing with people under the influence

Occupations at Risk:

Estate Agents Rail workers

Hospital workers Bus / taxi drivers

Social Workers Police


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Possible Trigger Factors

• Stress

• Communication – unable to make yourself understood

• Communication – unable to understand

• Not receiving immediate attention

• Frustration at declining ability

• Acute / Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• Drugs (legal or otherwise)

• Hallucinations

• Delusions


Strategies for dealing with violence in workplace

• Develop calm, stress free environment

• Allow time for understanding, a response and completion of activity

• Consistent approach

• Distract attention to avoid confrontation

• Give alternatives – encourage individual to make a choice

• Allow risk taking

• Avoid development of a “power struggle” – back off• Give specific time limits – keep any promises made• Be positive in any re-enforcement – praise achievement and avoid

criticism• Be self-aware both of verbal and non-verbal communication• Be aware of your physical position in relation to individual• Use de-escalation techniques


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Strategies for dealing with violence in workplace

Eliminate / Substitute

- Minimise cash handling

- Minimise customer / client frustration

- Refusing access to potentially violent customers and clients

Engineering Controls

- Secure doors and fixture and fittings

- Surveillance

- Improved lighting

Procedural – avoid working late / early, unobserved unused areas

Supervision

Investigation


Effects on health and safety of alcohol and drugs


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Types of Substances Misused at Work

Alcohol

Legal / Illegal Drugs

Solvents


Common drugs

• Amphetamines

• Anabolic steroids

• Barbiturates

• Cannabis

• Cocaine

• Ecstasy

• Heroin

• LSD

• Mescaline

• Methadone

• Morphine

• Opium

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg91.pdf


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Effects of drugs and alcohol

• Loss of productivity and poor performance

• Lateness and absenteeism

• Cause of accidents

• Effect on team morale and employee relations

• Bad behaviour or poor discipline

• Adverse effects on company image and customer relations



Signs of drug misuse / abuse

• Sudden mood changes

• Unusual irritability or aggression

• Tendency to become confused

• Abnormal fluctuations in concentration and energy

• Impaired job performance

• Poor time-keeping

• Increased short-term sickness absence

• Deterioration in relationships with colleagues, customers or management

• Dishonesty and theft (arising from need to maintain an expensive habit)



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Risk Control Measures

Create a Drug and Alcohol Policy

• Rules restricting access to alcohol

• Statute / legal requirements

• Company requirements

• Arrangements for random drug / alcohol testing

• Arrangements for access to rehabilitation and treatment programmes

• Disciplinary procedures

• Provision of information instruction and training

Drugs and alcohol awareness campaigns


Movement of people


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Hazards to Pedestrians Causing:

• Slips, trips and falls on the same level



• Falls from work at height


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• Collisions with moving vehicles



• Being struck by moving, falling or flying objects


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• Striking against fixed or stationary objects


Construction Activities Causing hazards to MOP

• Site access points

• Placing of skips

• Training cables

• Excavations

• Off site parking – Loading and unloading

• Scaffolding

• Dust

• Noise


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Control Strategies for Pedestrian Hazards

• Risk assessment

• Slip resistant surfaces

• Spillage control and drainage

• Designated walkways

• Fencing and guarding

• Use of signs

• Personal protective equipment

• Information, instruction, training and supervision

• Maintenance of a safe workplace

• Cleaning and housekeeping requirements

• Access and egress

• Environmental considerations (heating, lighting, noise and dust)


Safe Workplace

Cleaning and Housekeeping

- regularly, floors and walkways cleaned inspected and repaired, routes kept clear, waste removed, skips kept covered and emptied regularly

Guard rails and fencing should be inspected and repaired if necessary

Access and Egress routes, inspected cleaned and repaired

Good lighting

Emergency exit routes – keep unlocked and clear

Reasonable noise levels

Special care during maintenance activities


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Hazards and Controls for …

1. Cleaner using a rotary floor polisher

2. Security guard in multi story car park

3. Customers in shopping complex

4. Gardener in local park

5. Workers in an engineering factory…


Staircases - hazards

• Poor design of the staircase (inadequate handrails, steep, poor tread / riser ratio, etc)

• Slippery condition of the stairs (highly polished, icy, oily, etc)

• Poor state of repair (e.g. worn steps or loose coverings)

• Obstructions on the stairs

• Poor standard of lighting

• Bad practice (including the carrying of loads, rushing, improper footwear, etc)

• Stairs on wrong angle?


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Staircases - controls

• Removal of obstructions

• Provision of non-slip surfaces

• Reflective edging / Adequate lighting

• Maintenance

• Provision of handrails

• Introduction and monitoring of site rules and procedures for using stairs

• Safe design and construction of the staircase


Working at height


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Working at Height

Definition:

‘where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause injury’

Typical Occupations:

Window cleaners, painter and decorators, steelworkers, scaffold erectors, maintenance workers, engineers, roofers, electrical installations, demolition, many others


Working at Height

Hazards:

• Falls from height

• Falling objects

• Roofs – fragile and sloping

• Detrioration of materials

• Unprotected edges

• Unsuitable / poorly maintained access equipment

• Weather

Injuries

• Death

• Neck / Spinal

• Head / Brain

• Broken bones

• Dislocations

• Bruising

• Sprains / strains


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Working at height - legislation

Avoid: risk by not working at height – where it is reasonably practicable to carry out work safely by other means

Prevent: falls – where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid work at height you should assess risks and take measures to allow work to be done whilst preventing so far as is reasonably practicable, people or objects falling. This might include ensuring work is carried out from an existing place of work; or choosing right work equipment

Minimise: consequences of a fall – where risk of people or objects falling still remains you should take steps to minimise distance and consequences of such falls. This also involves selection and safe use of work equipment


Avoid the Work at Height

Modify the process

• Can the work be done at ground level? Long handed tools / equipment

• Pre-fabricated parts e.g. roof trusts

Modify the design

• Rotating windows

• Self cleaning glass

• Lighting / camera columns winched down to ground


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Working at Height Control Measures

• Dependant of the nature of the work and the duration of the task

• Properly planned

• Appropriately supervised

• Carried out by competent trained workers

• Suitability of equipment (selection and use) including working platforms

• Correct provision and handling of tools and materials

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Fall arrest and fall restraint systems

• Health of the worker

• Not carried out if weather conditions jeopardise health and safety

• Compliance with regulations



Prevent falls and falling objects

• Edge Protection

• Working Platforms

• Scaffolding

• Tower / Mobile Scaffold

• Mobile Elevated Working Platform

• Suspended Access Equipment

• Trestles

Falling objects: Toe boards / brick boards, debris netting, fans, covered walkways

Inspection of workplace and equipment

Ensure safe methods of work


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Minimise the consequence of the fall:

Collective Measure before Individual Measures


HSE guidance

• Start by considering how a fall can be prevented using collective protection

• If this is not reasonably practicable consider personal prevention equipment

• Otherwise minimise risk with collective equipment

• If this is not reasonably practicable look at minimising risk with personal equipment

• Ladders, stilts, etc come at bottom of hierarchy: last to be chosen


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Considerations should include:

• Working conditions

• Access and egress

• Distance and likely consequences of any fall

• Duration and frequency of use of equipment or task

• Ease of rescue or evacuation

• Relative risks of installing, using and removing work equipment


Provision of Equipment Training and Instruction

Dependant on nature of the work

Awareness of hazards

Additional / specific training needs by law may be required

PPE


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Head Protection

Mandatory?

Doesn’t protect against all falling objects

Further control measures are required


Safe Working Practices for Access Equipment – Hazards and Controls


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Independent Tied Scaffold


Emergency Rescue

Must be developed where there are reasonable foreseeable events where workers may become trapped

Methods of rescue must be clearly identified

All operatives must be trained in the procedure and the equipment required to utilise as part of the rescue


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Inspection Requirements for Access Equipment

When?

• First Erected

• Substantial alterations

• Incident affecting stability

• Periodically

What?

• Condition of tubes

• Condition of platform

• Condition of ground

• Safe Access

• Safe working loads

• Tying and bracing

• Edge protection / guard rails

• Toe boards


Temporary Works – Hazards and Controls


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Temporary Works - examples

Include:

Short term building projects, Maintenance, Renovation, Demolition,

Excavations

Hazards - What are they?

Work Equipment and Vehicles

Controls: - suitable for task, competent persons, information instruction and training, inspection and maintenance, fitting of guards and safety devices, PPE


Site Security

• Precautions to prevent entry by use of fencing

• Warning against dangers by means of signs

• Monitoring using security patrols

• Closed circuit television

• Isolating services

• Reducing heights of materials

• Covering or fencing excavations

• Removing ladders and denying access to scaffolding

• Securing tools, chemicals, equipment and vehicles

• Working with community including visits to schools


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Electricity

Site electrical distribution boards are suitable for purpose and the site environment

Various protection systems must be available

• Fuses

• Earthing

• Low Voltage

• RCD’s

User checks

Inspection and testing

Temporary Systems are properly designed and installed correctly

Protected from damage

Hazards specific to construction: Contact with Overhead lines and buried services


Overhead power lines

• Locate overhead powerlines

• Contact Electricity Provider can they Isolate power supply / redirect / lower the voltage

• Use Safe Systems of Work and permit systems

• Sleeve low voltage power lines

• Use barriers, signage and goal posts

• Use banksman

• Use non conducting equipment

• Limit reach of equipment


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Buried Services

• Check plans

• Locate and demarcate

• Safe digging practices


Demolition

Demolition: Deliberate pulling down, destruction or taking apart of a structure, or a substantial part of a structure

Dismantling: The taking down of all, or a substantial part of a structure for reuse


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Demolition - Hazards

Falls from height

Trip hazards

Falling debris

Premature collapse of building

Use of explosives

Noise / vibration and mechanical hazards from use of heavy plant

Pneumatic breakers and other power tools

Dust (particularly asbestos) and fumes

Existence of services such as electricity, gas and water


Demolition - Controls

• Temporary structure support –shoring, propping

• Façade retention systems

• Exclusion zones

• Safe access – scaffolds

• Siting and use of plant, vehicles and other equipment

• Dust suppression systems

• Noise and vibration (revision)

• Waste management plans

• Training of workforce

• Inspection and testing of all equipment

• Safe system of work for using explosive

• All asbestos to be removed by contractor

• Use of mechanical aids

• Provision of welfare facilities

• Supply adequate PPE

• Emergency and rescue procedures

• Warnings and sirens

• Pre demolition surveys


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Excavations

Definition of Excavation:

‘Work being carried out below ground level and includes earthwork, trench, well, shaft, tunnel or underground working’

Hazards of work in and around excavations

• Equipment/Materials and people falling in

• Collapse of excavation or structures near by

• Buried services

• Flood and hazardous substances

• Water entering cofferdams

• Contaminated land – Chemical Hazards

• Pipe freezing – Nitrogen


Precautions necessary working in and around excavations

• Methods of shoring and battering

• Barriers

• Good lighting

• Access ladders

• Crossing points

• Lighting and warning signs

• Personal protective equipment

• Checks for buried services

• Not working close to excavators

• Position and routes for equipment

• Materials and vehicles

• Care filling in

• System of inspections for excavations and Permit to Work systems


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Excavations – Inspection Requirements

Must be undertaken by a competent person

Before every shift

After accident / fall of material

After an event affecting its strength and stability


Excavations

• Is there enough support for the excavation?

• Is a safe method used for putting in the support?

• Is there safe access into the excavation?

• Are there barriers or other protection to stop people and vehicles falling in?

• Are properly secured stop blocks provided to prevent tipping vehicles falling in?

• Could the excavation affect the stability of neighbouring structures or services?

• Are materials, spoil and plant stored away from the edge of the excavation to reduce the chance of a collapse?

• Is the excavation regularly inspected by a competent person?



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Any questions?


Sources of reference – UK Statutory Provisions

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (as amended)

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended)

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Other references Health and Safety Toolbox, online resource, HSE, www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm

Drug misuse at work a guide for employers, INDG91, HSE Books www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg91.pdf

Health and Safety in Construction, HSG150, 3rd edition, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6182-2 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg150.pdf

Lighting at Work, HSG38, second edition 1997, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1232-1


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Sources of Reference – UK Statutory Provisions

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg38.pdf Managing Health and Safety in Construction, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), L144, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6223-4 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l144.pdf

Personal Protective Equipment at Work (second edition), Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), Guidance on Regulations, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6139-3 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l125.pdf

Safe Use of Work Equipment, ACoP and guidance (part III in particular), L22, third edition 2008, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6295-1 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf

Seating at Work, HSG57, third edition 2002, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1231-4 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg57.pdf


Sources of Reference – UK Statutory Provisions

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, Guidance on regulations, second edition 2009, L64, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6359-0 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l164.pdf

Violence at work: A guide for employers, HSE Books, INDG69, http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg69.pdf

Work at Height Regulations 2005 (As Amended) – A Brief Guide, INDG401(rev1), HSE Books

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf Workplace health, safety and welfare, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, ACOP, L24, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-0413-5 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l124.pdf

Understanding ergonomics at work, INDG90(rev2), HSE Books http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdf

Workplace Transport Safety – Guidance for Employers, HSG136, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6154-1 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg136.pdf


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Sources of Reference – EU / International

Ambient factors in the Workplace, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Code of Practice (CoP), ISBN 92-2-11628-X http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/standards-and-instruments/WCMS_107729/lang--en/index.htm

Directive 89/656/EEC - use of personal protective equipment https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/workplaces-equipment-signs-personal-protective- equipment/osh-directives/4 Hygiene (Commerce and Offices), ILO Convention, 1964 (No 120) -C120 http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C120 Graphical symbols – Registered safety signs, ISO 7010:2011, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Management of alcohol and drug related issues in the workplace, ILO CoP, 1999 ISBN: 92-2-109455-3


Sources of Reference – EU / International

http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/normativeinstrument/wcms_107799.pdf

Safety and Health in Construction, ILO CoP, ILO Geneva 1992, ISBN: 92-2-107104-9 http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/standards-and-instruments/codes/WCMS_107826/lang--en/index.htm

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, C167, 1988, ILO http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C167 Safety and Health in Construction Recommendation, R175, 1988, ILO http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:R175

Welfare Facilities Recommendation, R102, 1956, http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:R102

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OPS - GC2 Element 1