Additional Dedicated Training of the Trainees with Emergency Rescue Responsibilities - Case Study Example

SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENT Introduction A confined space is a restricted or limited means for entry or exit which is not designed for continuous occupancy[ CITATION DAl05 \l 1033 ]. These spaces include and are not limited to, tanks, silos; vessels duct work, pipelines, pits and manholes. This case study seeks to discuss Confined Space Entry in line with Safety Training Program Development. Analysis Phase Simply put, safety training follows a designed form that includes spectacular attention and assessments in order to determine training goals. By extension, it involves building, materials and methods that are directly aligned to achieve the organizational goals. Also, it revolves around implementation and careful training to ensure that goals of an organization are effectively reached. This way each phase of the training produces results that are useful in the next phase. Training stands as the best way forward for professionals given that they often make mistakes without ever realizing it. By basically acknowledging them, one can begin to improve performance speedily, without problems and without incurring losses on any new training programs. The learners in this case are the trainees in which case any personality who is required to go into a confined space or a permit required confined space must have to receive this type of training before they may gain admittance to the area. The outcomes of this course include understanding the hazards of confined spaces, learning the responsibilities and duties of the confined space entry participants achieve familiarity with atmospheric testing equipment and entrance equipment and become knowledgeable on safety standards for conservation of confined space entries The learning constraints that exist in the training program include the need for acquiring a permit. In this case, if workers are not to enter and work in permit spaces, employers must take effective actions to avoid them from entering these spaces. If workers are expected to enter permit spaces, the employer must develop in print a permit space program and make it obtainable by employees or their legislative body. To make it easier for the learners, the mode of delivery involves bringing the training facilities close to the trainees. This makes it possible for learners to acquire the skills at the door step. Once the training program has identified resources and milestones, you can structure a timeline. Generally, it's a wise idea to work backwards, since it should be known when the project is due. Next, adjustments are made depending on the time estimates to complete each milestone. This involves considering how much time is needed to gather resources and do the work. Design Phase In this phase learning objectives are put into place to enhance confined space entry during training. In this case, the workers are sensitized on issues of how to control and eliminate hazards in and around confined spaces as well as how to safely operate within a confined space work environment. Major objectives include: Learning the characteristics of confined spaces Safe operating procedures in confined spaces Understating the permit to work system Duties of the support personnel for confined spaces Practical confined space entry Emergency procedures and rescue personnel in confined places. Steps that are involved in design phase include: First, there is documentation of projects instructions where the course covers the use of ergonomic principles that are used to identify, assess, and manage workplace situations that may cause or contribute to musculoskeletal and nerve disorders. Topics of the course include work physiology, anthropometry, use of video display terminals, and risk factors such as vibration, temperature, substance handling, repetition, and lifting and patient transfers in health care. Major emphasis of the course is on industrial case studies that cover analysis and design of work stations and equipment workshops in manual lifting, and coverage of current Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA compliance standards and guidelines. Development Phase In this phase, various steps are used to prepare the learners for confined space entry, this can be done by use of power point or smart board. The major steps include: Pretest This step involves administration of approximately 30 questions as shown below: Sample Test Questions: True or false 1)___ Ventilation is one way to make an area safer when toxic or flammable vapors are present 2)____Oxygen levels of 17.5% must be obtained prior to allowing personnel to enter a confined space. Source: http://www.trconsultinggroup.com Hazards Communication This involves updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to provide a coherent and common approach to classify communicating hazard information and chemicals on labels and protection data sheets. This improves constancy of hazard information in the place of work, making it safer for workers when working and provides information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. Chemical and Physical Characteristics This features information on the nature of chemicals used which include volatility, density, boiling points, appearance and solubility. Safe Handling and Use of Chemicals This gives steps to be taken when chemicals are spilled or released which include disposal methods and storage. Post Test In this step, a whole overview of the above steps others like identity of manufacturer and reactivity data are made in form of summary and every learner must demonstrate the capacity to comprehend the steps. Implementation Phase When the hazards for each confined space have been well-known, the risks must be assessed so that the suitable controls can be implemented. The major aim of this step is to eradicate or minimise these risks. The risk assessment must reflect on all the hazards, including those that are introduced by the machinery to be carried out inside the confined space. All the steps included in the third phase are followed with the help of instructions that must clearly outline the following requirements: Proper keeping of records Rescue and first aid emergency and equipment procedures Atmospheric testing and monitoring Isolation and Tag-out / Lock-Out of hazardous services Stand-by persons requirements & responsibilities During the whole period of training program, all these factors must be put into consideration. It is wise to realize that, if measures are implemented to eliminate the possibility that any potential hazards may occur in a confined space, then the confined space provisions would no longer be applicable. Consequently, if staff/ trainees must enter the confined space to eliminate the hazards, then the directive would be valid for the period of the cleaning process. Evaluation Phase In this phase, it should be understood that every confined space can be exclusive and must be carefully evaluated to establish whether or not it is possible to eradicate the potential for a possible hazard to arise. This applies even when a space might not be regarded as a confined space under the Confined Space Regulation, the trainer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect trainees entering the space, as required under OSHA requirements. Up on completion of the training, the trainees are supposed to fill an evaluation form. This acts as an assessment to identify their level of perfection. A sample of Confined space evaluation form would appear as follow: Space Location:_________________________________________________________ Space Description:___________________________________ Complete this form for any space which may be considered a confined space. A confined space is defined as having those all characteristics listed in 1 through 3 below. YES NO 1. Is the space large enough and shaped so an employee can enter and work? YES NO 2. Does the space have a limited or restricted means for entry or exit? YES NO 3. Is the space NOT designed for continuous employee occupancy? If the answers to all questions 1 through 3 above are “YES”, then the space is a Confined Space. Source: http://www.oseh.umich.edu Conclusion Trainees with emergency rescue responsibilities need additional dedicated training. All confined space training should be characterized by hands-on training with the safety equipment including the personal protective equipment and safety harnesses. Rescue actions should be practiced regularly to ensure a high level of expertise. Trainers should keep records of all confined spaces training including refresher courses. References CITATION DAl05 \l 1033 : , (D. Alan Veasey, Hilyer, Oldfield, Hansen, & Kraye, 2005), Read More