Occupational Health and Safety - Case Study Example

Table of contents 1. Introduction………………………………………………………….……………………..….2 2. Case 1: Lifting and delivering of the portable office………………………………………….2 2.1. Preparing and planning for the lifting operation………………………………………….2 2.2. Procedure for safe lifting and lowering of the portable office……...…………………….4 2.3. Statutory requirements for the inspection and examination of the lifting equipment……5 3. Case 2: cleaning of process machinery with the use of flammable solvents………………….6 3.1. Possible health effects from exposure to solvents………………………………………..6 3.2. Safety precautions while using flammable solvents……………………….……………..7 3.3. Further precautions in ensuring health and safety of those carrying out the maintenance work …………………….…………………….…………………….……………………8 4. Conclusion…………………….…………………………….………………….……………..9 5. References …………………….…………………….……………………………………….10 1. Introduction Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employees to comply with the workplace health and safety standards and to provide employees with an environment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious physical harm or even death (Wolper 2004). This report applies the theoretical principles of safety and healthy in practical contexts. The first case considers the lifting of a modular, portable office from a delivery vehicle and delivering it to its designated resting place by use of a mobile crane. In this context, the report will discuss the health and safety issues to be considered when planning the lifting operation, outline the lifting procedure and finally outline the statutory requirements for the examination and inspection of the lifting equipment. The second context involves cleaning of process machinery with the use of flammable solvents before repair. In this case, the paper identifies the possible health effects from exposure to solvents, outlines the safety precautions considered when using flammable solvents and lastly other precautions that ensures health and safety for those who carry out the maintenance work 2. Case 1: Lifting and delivering of the portable office 2.1. Preparing and planning for the lifting operation Mobile crane accidents occur due to poor planning and preparation, more often by overlooking some basic factors. All crane lifts require proper planning, supervision and must be carried out in a safe manner by competent individuals to avoid principle hazards that may occur during the operation (Hughes and Ferrett 2009). The lifting of the modular, office building from the delivery vehicle should be done by considering issues such as the crane selection, the condition of the crane, load chart issues, crane safety features, ground conditions, environmental issues, load type issues and load securing. 2.1.1. Crane selection The crane should be carefully selected by carrying out a risk assessment that takes into consideration the load to be lifted, anticipated path, lifting capacity to safely perform the operation, suitability of the crane type (i.e. visibility, adequate space, ground conditions and accessibility), site layout, and the number of counterweights fitted and rope falls. Also consider the clearances for the counterweights for the crane operation. 2.1.2. Crane condition The crane should be assessed to ensure that it is in good condition with all its features operating correctly. In addition, it must have received an annual safety inspection. 2.1.3. Load chart issues The crane operator should be provided with a correct load chart which verifies if the crane has adequate capacity (Stranks 2010). Consider if the load chart and the rated capacity limiter on 75% of tipping on outriggers and 66.6% of tipping for pick and carry mode in accordance to mobile crane standards. The crane should have the same load rating for the full 3600 of slew. Also make corrections on the rated capacity of the crane based on chart notes. 2.1.4. Crane safety features The operator is required to have adequate training on how to operate the safety system of the crane. The load, boom angle, boom extension, radius indicators should be checked to checked to ensure that they are operating and have been correctly calibrated. The rated capacity limiter should be correctly set for the crane rigging configuration and systems that prevent the rated capacity limiter and safety system be considered. Check also the operation of the anti-two block and luff limit (if fitted by the manufacturer). 2.1.5. Ground conditions The strength of the ground should be determined if it is firm enough to provide stability for the lifting equipment. There should be enough timbers to be placed under the outrigger feet to ensure that they do not slip. Precautions should be taken if the ground had been recently excavated or if there is a likelihood of underground services to avoid sinking of the outrigger feet. 2.1.6. Environmental issues It is necessary to consider other environmental issues such as the speed of wind, presence of live power lines and other mobile plants within the radius of the crane. The wind speed should be less than that specified by an engineer or manufacturer. Strong winds are likely to make the lift hazardous and thus effective precautions should be taken (Wolper 2004). For the case of power lines and mobile plants in the lifting area, precautions should be taken. Muddy conditions and tilt-up panel may cause suction forces as the load is being lifted and thus precautions are taken to minimize these forces. The crane must have adequate capacity to safely lift the load in accordance with the load chart if there are additional factors that may make the load heavier. 2.1.7. Load type issues The exact mass of the office must be determined and clearly marked on it. Consider if the crane has adequate capacity for the lift and if the office has a large surface area that may be easily affected by wind, adequate precautions should be taken. 2.1.8. Load securing Sling characteristics (i.e. type, configuration, working load limit and periodic inspection) should be considered to ensure they are in good conditions. The load should be firmly secured to ensure it does not move once it is lifted. It is also necessary to consider the slinging technique if it will effectively secure the load. Synthetic slings should be protected around the corners of hard materials such as concrete or steel. 2.1.9. Personnel issues The individual involved in the lifting process must understand their responsibilities and hold appropriate high risk work license. The crane operator must have documented familiarization training for the crane and there should be effective communications between the operator and the banksmen. 2.2. Procedure for the safe lifting and lowering of the portable office. The procedure for the safe lifting and lowering of the office would first include the safe setting and monitoring of the lifting equipment before the actual lifting i.e. the pre-use check by the operator using a checklist. The sitting of the crane should be done on a firm ground away from obstructions such as overhead power lines by use of jacks and outriggers to ensure stability. The environment where the lifting equipment will be used is segregated by means of signs and barriers and only the supervisors, crane operators and other key personnel are to be allowed in the lifting area (Construction Confederation 2008). Conditions that may lead to overturning of the lifting equipment such as dragging loads and lifting beyond the safe working load should be avoided. The portable office is then safely attached to the equipment by using slings, loadhandlers or riggers of adequate strength which are connected to lifting points provided on the office. A test lift is carried out in ensuring that the portable office is correctly balanced. The load is then lifted slowly and vertically by using taglines that controls any movement during the lift. During the lifting process, the load should not be suspended. According to Stellman and ILO (1998), proper communication between the signalers or banksmen and the crane operator is necessary in ensuring clear and precise commands during the lifting and movement of the portable office. The banksmen should wear helmets with a distinguishing color for easy identification and they should be capable of directing the movement of the equipment and the load in ensuring safety for all personnel. The load is moved slowly to its landing position where tension on the slings is released after well positioning of the office as planned. The slings are then removed. 2.3. Statutory requirements for the inspection and examination of the lifting equipment. According to Stranks (2010, 236), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 requires that the lifting equipment should be thoroughly examined and inspected by a competent person prior to its first use and then on a regular basis. The LOLER requires manufacturers to accompany pieces of lifting equipment with valid certificates that shows they have been properly manufactured and have received subsequent thorough examination to ensure fitness and continued integrity for safe use. A thorough examination must be carried out prior to the employer’s first use of the equipment, unless the equipment new and has been accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity not more than 12 months old. Thorough examination is also necessary if the safety of the lifting equipment depends upon the assembly or installation conditions. Since the lifting equipment deteriorate with use, through examination should be carried out during in-service at intervals that do not exceed those specified in the examination scheme prepared by a competent individual or in the regulations. According to the fixed scheme, through examination should be done in every six months for equipment used to lift persons, lifting accessories such as slings and shackles and in every twelve months for other lifting equipment such as lever hoists and chain hoists. Thorough examination can additionally be carried out following exceptional circumstances that may jeorpodise the safety of the equipment such as change of a major load path item or an overload. According to Matthews (2004) inspections should be carried out, in addition to the thorough examinations, in cases where risks have been identified. They include functional tests and pre-operation visual checks by competent crane operators. The lifting equipment requires the preparation of a scheme of examination by an impartial competent person that identifies the parts to be examined, the resources that are required, parts requiring testing and the frequency of examination. 3. Case 2: Cleaning of process machinery with the use of flammable solvents before repair. 3.1. Possible health effects from exposure to solvents. Hughes and Ferrett (2009) argue that exposure to various solvents cause different health problems that include irritations, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, permanent liver and kidney damage, and cancers. 3.1.1. Irritations Some solvents are irritants and once they enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption, they may cause skin, throat and/or lung irritation. The skin contact with these solvents dissolves the natural protective coating of the skin that cause dryness, chaffing and cracking hence making the skin more vulnerable to other irritants. More often, the skin is left open and toxic chemicals may enter into the body through these pores. 3.1.2. Chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases Inhaling solvent vapors for a long time causes chronic irritation of the upper respiratory tract which will eventually result into chronic bronchitis and other respiratory complications. 3.1.3. Permanent liver and kidney damage According to Harte (1991), exposure of solvents may not cause immediate display of symptoms and with overexposure they may lead to severe liver and kidney damage. Repeated exposure to chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene, benzene among others is recognized to be the main cause of liver and kidney damage. 3.1.4. Cancers Most chlorinated solvents or halogenated hydrocarbons such as tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride and tetrachloroethene are suspected to cause cancer such as those of the lungs, pancreas, bladder, kidney, cervix uteri and blood forming system. Hydrocarbon solvents also cause abnormal heart rhythms referred to as arrhythmias. 3.2. The safety precautions while using flammable solvents. The use of flammable solvents constitutes to a considerable fire hazard and therefore safety precautions should be taken when using them. According to DCLG (2009), the safety precautions include the use of lowest flash point solvents possible, good ventilation, minimizing the amount of flammable solvent in use, availability of fire extinguishers, avoiding ignition sources, proper disposal of cleaning wastes and ensuring that the electrical equipment’s and wiring near the workshop meet the required standards. 3.2.1. Use of lowest flash point solvents possible Flammable solvents should be substituted with less risk solvents with a lower flash point in order to reduce the risk. 3.2.2. Good ventilation There should be a good general ventilation as well as local exhaust ventilation in spray booths and drying rack in order to reduce the concentration levels of the flammable vapors. 3.2.3. Amount of flammable solvent The quantity of the flammable solvent should be reduced to the smallest reasonable amount for carrying out the cleaning process and the unused solvent should be properly stored in approved containers, cabinets and storage rooms. 3.2.4. Availability of fire extinguishers Fire extinguishers should be kept a close proximity to where the cleaning is taking place so that they can be used in case of an emergency. 3.2.5. Avoiding ignition sources Any source that may be suspected to cause flammability such as smoking or naked lights should be totally avoided in the workshop. Any operation of electronic instrumentation and other sources of electrical discharges should also be banned and removed from the area unless they are suitably protected in accordance with DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Exposure Atmosphere Regulation) (Matthews 2004). 3.2.6. Ensuring electrical safety All electrical equipment and wiring near the workshop should meet the appropriate electrical codes in relation to flammable environment (the Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of electrical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmosphere). 3.2.7. Proper disposal of cleaning wastes. After the cleaning, the waste flammable solvent and waste materials contaminated with it should be disposed immediately and the working area kept clean so as to remove the hazards. The containers should be crushed and disposed in accordance with the waste regulations. The rubbish is not to be burned on site unless it is done in accordance with the environmental and clean air regulations. 3.3. Further precautions that might be needed in order to ensure the health and safety of those carrying out the maintenance work. In addition to the above precautionary measures that relate to flammable solvents, other precautions are also necessary for the maintenance work of the process machinery. According to Wong (2004), and Stellman and ILO (1998), the measures include the following; 3.3.1. The maintenance is supposed to be done by competent and qualified individuals and with permission from their supervisor. 3.3.2. Any maintenance task should be governed by a formal written procedure that address the specific tasks to be carried out such as dismantling and installation of the various parts. 3.3.3. General safety rules should be displayed in an open place that can be easily and frequently be seen by the maintenance worker. This list should include both what should be done and what should not be done. 3.3.4. Maintenance records of the process machinery should be checked to know the scope and frequency of the previous thorough examinations. 3.3.5. According to Wong (2004), the maintenance workers should wear protective clothing that includes boots, aprons, headgear as well as goggles for eye protection. 4. Conclusion Safe working conditions are necessary for workers in any working environment. These conditions should be provided by the employer as required by the law. Effective preparation and planning of the lifting process will render the operation successful without any hazard being realized. The operator is also required to use the appropriate procedures while lifting the office. Human exposure to solvents causes health problems that include lung, liver and kidney damage. Further, inflammable solvents are hazardous and their use in cleaning the process machinery should be done carefully in order to avoid the risks associated. Finally, the general maintenance of machines should be done by taking into consideration the precautionary measures. 5. References Construction Confederation 2008, House builders health & safety manual 2008, Construction Industry Pubs, London DCLG 2009, Fire safety risk assessment: large places of assembly, Odpm, Great Britain Harte J 1991, Toxics A to Z: A guide to everyday pollution hazards University of California Press, California Hughes, P and Ferrett E 2009 Introduction to Health and Safety at Work, 3rd edn, Butterworth-Heinnemann, New York. Matthews C 2004, Handbook of Mechanical In-Service Inspection: Pressure Systems and Mechanical Plan, John Wiley and Sons, New York Stellman J and ILO 1998, Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety: Chemical, industries and occupations, International Labor Organization, London Stranks J 2010, Health and Safety at Work: An Essential Guide for Managers, Kogan Page Publishers, London Wolper L 2004, Health care administration: Planning, implementing, and managing organized delivery systems, Jones & Bartlett Learning, New Jersey Wong W 2004, Keep it running - keep it safe: Process machinery safety and reliability John Wiley and Sons, New York. Read More