Workplace Hazards in the Electrical Plant Industry - Term Paper Example

Running Head: Workplace Hazards Workplace Hazards Name Course Lecture Date Executive Summary Employers have the responsibility of ensuring that workers are free from hazards in their workplaces. The employees themselves have a responsibility of ensuring that fellow employees are safe. In the electrical plant industry, the risk of electrical and chemical hazards is significantly higher than other industries. Other risks in this industry include equipment hazards, workplace and noise hazards. All these hazards pose significant risks to workers including injury, illness and even death. It is vital for employers to effectively manage these risks to prevent their devastating impacts on employees. In this report we analyze five common risks in the Electrical plant industry and note the risk of electrical hazards is heightened as people handle high voltage power connections. Secondly, we discuss various techniques that can be used to identify and evaluate risks in the workplaces. Thirdly, the report recommends practical and effective steps that employers can take to manage the common risks in the electrical plant industry. These recommendations are gathered from guidelines issued by Safe Work Australia in the Codes of Practice is has published pertaining to the risks identified in the Electrical Plant industry. Contents Contents 3 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Electrical Hazards 4 3.0 Chemical Hazards 5 4.0 Equipment Hazards 6 5.0 Workplace Hazards 7 6.0 Noise hazards 7 7.0 Methods to access Hazard Risk in the workplace 8 7.1 Safety audit 8 7.2 Safety survey 8 7.3 Safety sampling 8 7.4 Safety tour 9 7.5 Safety inspection 9 7.6 Hazard and operability studies 9 7.7 Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) 9 8.0 Applicable Codes of Practice 10 8.1 Chemical Hazards 10 8.2 Electrical Hazards Management 11 8.3 Equipment Hazards Management 11 8.4 Workplace Hazards Management 12 8.5 Noise Hazards Management 12 9.0 Conclusion 13 1.0 Introduction A workplace in the Electrical plant industry has many hazards. Hazards vary from unguarded machinery which could mean a worker loses a limb, flammable liquids which may cause fire, to radioactive chemicals which may cause cancer in the long term. Some impacts of hazards are felt immediately while others take years to show. Both hazards need to be managed to avoid their negative effect on the health of workers. In this paper we study five hazards found in the Electrical plant industry. Secondly, we analyze the various methods used to evaluate the presence of these hazards in the workplace. Thirdly, we introduce recommendation for managing these hazards set out by respective codes of practice for those hazards. 2.0 Electrical Hazards If a person comes into director or indirectly contact through conducting liquid to exposed live part of Electrical installation they can be harmed. According to Safe Work Australia (2012a) voltage levels above 50 volts Alternating Current and 120 volts Direct current are considered a hazard. The Safe Work Australia (2012a) puts the number of fatalities caused by electricity at 330 people every year. However, most electrical fatalities arise from contact with underground and overhead power cables (Koumbourlis, 2002). The risk of electrical hazards is elevated in the electrical plant industry as workers handle the same voltage as that carried by overhead or underground power cables. Electrical shocks can cause death, severe and sometimes permanent damage (Koumbourlis, 2002). Sometimes, electrical shocks are the cause of indirect injuries like falls from work platforms, ladders and scaffolds. Electrical fires also result from faulty electrical appliances and may cause injury, death, damage to plant and equipment and neighboring properties. Everyone who works at the plant is exposed to electrical hazards and thus everyone should be aware of the risk. However, people who work directly with electrical connection and equipment are at an elevated risk of being harmed by electrical hazards. According to Parise, Sutherland and Moylan (2005) most electrical accidents are caused by either: Individuals working near electrical equipment that is thought to be dead while in fact it is live. People working near or on live equipment but do not have the adequate skills, training or appropriate equipment to handle to protect them from the electrical hazard. Use or misuse of faulty electrical equipment knowingly or without knowledge. 3.0 Chemical Hazards Hazardous chemicals in the workplace include substances, articles and mixtures present in the workplace which pose a health or physicochemical risk (Proctor, Hughes and Hathaway, 2004). Chemicals or their fumes can be skin irritants, respiratory sensitizers or carcinogens. They may impact worker’s health in the long and short term. Chemical hazards affect those who inhale, contact or ingest them. The chemical properties of most substances like flammability, corrosiveness, explosiveness or oxidizing pose a physicochemical hazard (Safe Work Australia, 2013). The effect of harmful chemical or fumes can show immediately or manifest later as is the case with prolonged exposure to harmful substances. Exposure to toxic fumes shows immediately as the victim’s experiences headaches, nausea and dizziness (Safe Work Australia, 2013). On the other hand, extended exposure is a major cause of such serious diseases like cancer, respiratory condition and blindness. Corrosive chemicals can cause allergic reactions, severe burns resulting in serious injury and death in some cases (Drexler, 2003). The electrical plant industry has many harmful chemicals. Toxins come from sources such as mechanical equipment, cleaners among others. Radioactive chemicals like Uranium are used in Thermal power plants. In such plants radioactive water is also a major health hazard. 4.0 Equipment Hazards The moving parts of machines can cause injury to those who work around them. In most machines moving parts have sufficient force to injure people (Flin and Yule, 2004). Workers can get entangled in the moving parts of equipment. On the other hand, moving hard parts can crush the limbs of a person instantly. Sharp edges on the other hand can severe or puncture people who work with them. Slips, falls and trips can result from cable and hose connection as well as oil leaks from equipment. The mechanical risk of equipment includes (Safe Work Australia, 2013): The hazards posed by machinery and equipment whose moving parts can be reached by people. The hazards posed by machinery that eject objects that may strike people causing them harm. The hazard posed by moving parts of machinery that can reach out to people such as mechanical appendages or booms. Mobile equipment and machinery which move around a workplace with people where they risk running them over. Equipment can also pose a non-mechanical hazard to its users. Non-mechanical hazards include pressurized gas and fluids in equipment, harmful emissions, chemical and chemical by-products which pose a very serious risk of injury if they are not properly controlled (Safe Work Australia, 2013). Worryingly, people who are exposed to the non-mechanical hazards of machinery may not show symptoms of injury of illness for years. 5.0 Workplace Hazards Workplace hazards represent a general group of health hazards that may cause harm to worker (Prussia, Brown and Willis, 2003). Workplace hazards may include (Safe Work Australia, 2011c): Poorly designed workstations that cause physical stress to the back and legs Slippery, slopping or rough floors which increase the risk of falls and tripping Spillages of liquids which may also cause falls Demolition works on the working site Heat stress especially in industries producing a lot of heat Exposure to extreme cold weather especially in times of adverse cold weather. Poor lighting is also one of the major hazards in the workplace. The lack of emergency lighting and signage is also a major health hazard in case of emergency situations where the main power supply is unavailable. Recycled water reused in the workplace also poses a major hazard. Recycled water may poses a major health hazards as it may contain contaminants. Exposure to the sun for people who work outdoors is also a major risk in the electrical plant industry. Overexposure to the sun may cause heat stress and sunburn of the short term and skin cancer in the long term. 6.0 Noise hazards Noise hazards are represented by unwanted levels of noise. Noise hazards may permanently impair a person hearing ability (Tak, Davis and Calvert, 2009). Industrial process may produce excessive noise. In the electric plant industry noise from compressed air and steam processes is common. Repeated exposure to noise hazards causes noise-induced hearing loss (Kurmis and Apps, 2007). 7.0 Methods to access Hazard Risk in the workplace The main methods to assess the risk of hazards in the workplace include (Gupta, 2006): Safety Audit Safety surveys Safety sampling Safety tours Safety inspection Job safety analysis Hazard & operability studies Fault & event tree analysis Failure mode & effect analysis (FMEA) 7.1 Safety audit A safety audit is conducted by an independent team and is a total systematic review of the operating system to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines (Gupta, 2006). It also assesses the effectiveness of safety arrangements and their ability to meet set objectives. 7.2 Safety survey This is a detailed and in-depth evaluation of a narrow field of safety or health concern (Gupta, 2006). It may be an area identified by the safety audit, procedures, specific problem and individual plants. 7.3 Safety sampling This is a tour or inspection that randomly surveys activities that may pose a major hazard in the workplace. Sampling identifies defects for immediate correction (Flum et al, 2010). 7.4 Safety tour This is an unscheduled visit to work areas by senior personnel or members of a safety committee to observe adherence to safety standards and procedures (Gupta, 2006). 7.5 Safety inspection This are scheduled and routine inspections of the work area carried out by department personnel of the safety committee (Gupta, 2006). The inspection checks unsafe work practices, deviation from safety standards and unsafe conditions. 7.6 Hazard and operability studies Hazop questions every part of an industrial process with the aim of discovering departures from intended design and whether these departures can give rise to a hazard (Gupta, 2006). 7.7 Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) The malfunction or failure of each component is considered. Such aspects of the failure of a component are considered: Consequence or effect of failure are traced Frequency of Occurrence, ease of detecting problem and severity of failure are assessed It also involves evaluation on the impact of component failure on overall system functioning 8.0 Applicable Codes of Practice 8.1 Chemical Hazards The Labeling of Workplace Hazardous Chemical Code of Practice is one of the standards aimed at the reduction of Chemical Hazards in the workplace (Safe Work Australia, 2011a). The code of practice requires all harmful chemicals to bear labels indicating the hazard level of the particular hazard and guidance for handling the chemical to avoid risk of harm. The code also recommends a course of action in case an accident involving the chemical in question was to happen in the workplace. The Managing Risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice published in 2012 can be also be applied to minimize the risk of harmful chemicals in the workplace (Safe Work Australia, 2012b). As per the Code of practice requires employers in the power plant industry should: Have an emergency plan in place Equip the workplace with Emergency equipment like fire blankets Equip workers with safety equipment like gloves, coverall, gumboots, radiation coats and gas and dust masks. Install monitor and alarm systems Install and Automatic sprinkler system Have a readily available and adequate water supply. 8.2 Electrical Hazards Management The Managing Electrical Risk Code of Practice can be applied to manage electrical risks in the workplace (Safe Work Australia, 2012a). The Code recommends the following actions in managing the Electrical risk in the workplace: Provide enough sockets-outlets to avoid overload Provide accessible and easily visible emergency OFF buttons for equipment Connect equipment nearby where they can be easily unplugged. Use the right equipment for right working environment; spark producing equipment should not be used near flammable or explosive chemicals. Protect lights and bulbs from damage as the risk of shock increases once they are broken. Carry out proper maintainace and repairs Use alternative sources of power like portable tools powered by 110 volts or use battery operated tools where possible. Use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) as the can detect faults in the system and immediately switch off the main supply. Inspect and test electrical equipment and Installations regularly. Work safely: Ensure that all people involved with electrical components are qualified to do so. Immediately take out of use suspect and fault equipment and label them DO NOT USE. Always assume overhead and underground electrical supplies are live unless confirmed otherwise. 8.3 Equipment Hazards Management The Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice provides guidance on the management of equipment risk in the workplace (Safe Work Australia, 2013). The Code of practice recommends five specific measures to reduce risk from equipment hazards: The erection of physical guards to prevent people from coming in contact with dangerous and moving parts of equipment. The effective use of Operators Controls including clears labeling of functionality, protection from unauthorized use, ability to be locked to the off state. Emergency controls to enable immediate Shutdown in case of emergency Warning Devices like audible alarms and Emergency Lighting. Isolation of Power sources to ensure immediate switch off on emergency. 8.4 Workplace Hazards Management How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of practice is applied to manage workplace hazards in Australian workplaces (Safe Work Australia, 2011c). The Code of practices identifies a step by step process for managing workplace risk: Step 1: identify hazards in the workplace that can cause harm Step 2: Asses the risk to understand its nature, seriousness of harm and likelihood of happening. Step 3: Implement a control measure that is both practicable and effective in the circumstances. Step 4: Review if the control measure is working as planned. 8.5 Noise Hazards Management The Code of Practice for managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work is used to manage the noise hazard in Australian Workplaces (Safe Work Australia, 2011b). The Code of Practice recommends the following practices to control noise hazards in the workplace: Substituting noisy plants and processes with less noisy systems. Use of engineering controls Isolating noisy machinery Using administrative controls Isolating the source of noise Audiometric testing Training, information and instructions Control measures 9.0 Conclusion The electrical plant industry is rife with health and safety hazards. The risk of electrical shock and fires is higher in this industry than any other industry. Chemicals used in this industry such as Uranium, coal fumes and radioactive water pose a great health risk to workers in this industry. Thirdly, improper use of Equipment in this industry also poses a major risk of injury, detriment to health and even death. Poorly designed workplaces and non-adherence to safety regulations also give rise to a range of workplace hazards. Finally, noisy industrial processes are also a cause of noise hazard in this industry. All these hazards can be controlled by adhering to the Standard Codes of Practice for the respective hazards discussed in this paper. These codes offer practical and effective guidelines for dealing with these hazards in Australian Workplaces. 10. References Drexler, H. (2003). Skin protection and percutaneous absorption of chemical hazards. International archives of occupational and environmental health, 76(5), 359-361. Flin, R., & Yule, S. (2004). Leadership for safety: industrial experience. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 13(suppl 2), ii45-ii51. Flum, M. R., Siqueira, C. E., DeCaro, A., & Redway, S. (2010). Photovoice in the workplace: A participatory method to give voice to workers to identify health and safety hazards and promote workplace change—a study of university custodians. American journal of industrial medicine, 53(11), 1150-1158. Gupta, A (2006). Industrial Safety and Environment. New Delhi: Firewall Media. Koumbourlis, A. C. (2002). Electrical injuries. Critical care medicine, 30(11), S424-S430. Kurmis, A., & Apps, S. (2007). Occupationally-acquired noise-induced hearing loss: a senseless workplace hazard. International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health, 20(2), 127-136 Parise, G., Sutherland, P. E., & Moylan, W. J. (2005). Electrical safety for employee workplaces in Europe and in the USA. IEEE transactions on industry applications, 41(4). Proctor, N. H., Hughes, J. P., & Hathaway, G. J. (2004). Proctor and Hughes' chemical hazards of the workplace. John Wiley & Sons. Prussia, G. E., Brown, K. A., & Willis, P. G. (2003). Mental models of safety: do managers and employees see eye to eye?. Journal of Safety Research, 34(2), 143-1 Safe Work Australia (2011a). The Labelling of Workplace Hazardouse Chemical Code of Practice. Sydney: Safe work Australia. Safe Work Australia (2011b). The Code of Practice for managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work. Canberra: Safe Work Australia. Safe Work Australia (2011c). How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of practice. Sydney: Safe Work Australia Safe Work Australia (2012a). Managing Electrical Risk Code of Practice. Canberra: Safe Work Australia. Safe Work Australia (2012b). Managing Risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice. Canberra: Safe Work Australia Safe Work Australia (2013). Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice. Canberra: Safe Work Australia. Tak, S., Davis, R. R., & Calvert, G. M. (2009). Exposure to hazardous workplace noise and use of hearing protection devices among US workers—NHANES, 1999–2004. American journal of industrial medicine, 52(5), 358-371. Read More