Standard procedure in an electrical driven machine
A drive system for a machine, in particular a weaving machine, is designed in a manner such that controlled electric power is applied to a rotary electric drive motor (2) as a function of particular angular positions of the motor and such that electrical energy applied to the motor is reduced or interrupted during phases of increasing angular speed of the motor. Phases of increasing angular speed are detected by the drive system to determine phases of increasing angular speed. A method for controlling an electrical motor drive system using a switchable reluctance motor to reduce or interrupt electrical energy supplied to the motor based on motor speed increases as a function of motor angular position is also disclosed. Safety Procedures Internal Show Security Safety: SRL has a strict policy of locking down the show staging area (playing field) during shows. Authorized personal and SRL crew only are allowed inside the designated show staging area during show times. A SRL security lead will be overseeing security and safety of all machines and crew prior to show time, during Showtime and post show clean up in the playing area. Barriers Barriers placed between audience and mobile machines will be provided by Robodock. There is only one projectile machine: the Original Air Launcher which will be aimed at targets that are positioned away from audience. Safety crew will be stationed along the perimeter to ensure that the audience stays within the barriers. All machines have emergency kill switches and their operators are well-versed and familiar with emergency shutdown procedures of the machine they are operating. Exits Emergency exits will be set up and clearly marked based on the site. Wind direction will also be considered when planning for audience placement. Fire The crew will be equipped with fire extinguishers to be provided by Robodock and are well-trained in the operation as well as shut down of each of the machines they are running. Each machine will be manned by at least 2 crew members one of whom acts as a spotter. Mobile machine operators are in radio contact with each other for the duration of the show. Mobile Machine Emergency Shutdown All machines have externally mounted kill switches. All Futaba radio controllers enter a fail-safe mode with all channels off if radio signal is lost. Noise Crew will be equipped with eye and ear protection. Ear protection should be given out to the audience. Attendees should also be notified of this on announcements pertaining to the perforamnce. Debris The Hovercraft kicks up dust - the site should be either watered down so it is moist and the area free of debris. The crew will clear the area prior to the show. Audience Placement, Show Site Planning and Design Additioanlly, audience, barrier, exits, and machine placement will be determined together with Robodock crew on site upon SRL's arrival.
www.themachineexperts.com
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Hazards in Communication
HAZARDS IN COMMUNICATION
Hazards have always been a fact of life. However, recent events and their coverage in the media have focussed attention of the public on possible risks they face as a result of technological advance and climate change. In this complex world people need to understand the nature of the hazards they face and the magnitude of any associated risk so that they can decide how to respond to them. The Hazards Forum believes, amongst other things, that such issues should be freely debated and seeks to provide this opportunity and draw unbiased conclusions.
poor communication ways can cause personal absences, loss of equipment and lost time or just a common concern for the safety of people.
the increased flow of information seems to have had an opposite effect, resulting in an increased tort liability cases by workers who believe their illness or just injuries were caused by real or imagined exposures to substance such as chemicals.
Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers must ensure that the information recorded accurately reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet becomes newly aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the material safety data sheet within three months. If the chemical is not currently being produced or imported the chemical manufacturer or importer shall add the information to the material safety data sheet before the chemical is introduced into the workplace again.
Chemical manufacturers or importers MUST ensure that distributors and employers are provided an appropriate material safety data sheet with their initial shipment, and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is updated.
The employer must maintain in the workplace copies of the required material safety data sheets for each dangers such as hazardous chemicals, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s). (Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the material safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options.)
Employers must provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and material safety data sheets.
Actions such as stopping work or refusing to work normally, which aims to obtain better pay and working conditions, awre carried out after many forms of communications. It is used to remedy a grievance or to resolve a dispute of ay matter of mutual interest between employer and employee. Industrial action can mean a total stoppage of work or a performance of work only partly withheld, e.g. slowing down or insisting on exaggerated observances of work regulations and safety provisions. In this case we speak of a go-slow or a work-to-rule.
www.wikipedia.com/wiki/communicationhazards
Hazards have always been a fact of life. However, recent events and their coverage in the media have focussed attention of the public on possible risks they face as a result of technological advance and climate change. In this complex world people need to understand the nature of the hazards they face and the magnitude of any associated risk so that they can decide how to respond to them. The Hazards Forum believes, amongst other things, that such issues should be freely debated and seeks to provide this opportunity and draw unbiased conclusions.
poor communication ways can cause personal absences, loss of equipment and lost time or just a common concern for the safety of people.
the increased flow of information seems to have had an opposite effect, resulting in an increased tort liability cases by workers who believe their illness or just injuries were caused by real or imagined exposures to substance such as chemicals.
Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers must ensure that the information recorded accurately reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet becomes newly aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the material safety data sheet within three months. If the chemical is not currently being produced or imported the chemical manufacturer or importer shall add the information to the material safety data sheet before the chemical is introduced into the workplace again.
Chemical manufacturers or importers MUST ensure that distributors and employers are provided an appropriate material safety data sheet with their initial shipment, and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is updated.
The employer must maintain in the workplace copies of the required material safety data sheets for each dangers such as hazardous chemicals, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s). (Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the material safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options.)
Employers must provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and material safety data sheets.
Actions such as stopping work or refusing to work normally, which aims to obtain better pay and working conditions, awre carried out after many forms of communications. It is used to remedy a grievance or to resolve a dispute of ay matter of mutual interest between employer and employee. Industrial action can mean a total stoppage of work or a performance of work only partly withheld, e.g. slowing down or insisting on exaggerated observances of work regulations and safety provisions. In this case we speak of a go-slow or a work-to-rule.
www.wikipedia.com/wiki/communicationhazards
Monday, 17 March 2008
EGRONOMICS
Ergonomics
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the application of scientific information concerning objects, systems and environment for human use (definition adopted by the International Ergonomics Association in 2007). Ergonomics is commonly thought of as how companies design tasks and work areas to maximize the efficiency and quality of their employees’ work. However, ergonomics comes into everything which involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety should all embody ergonomics principles if well designed.
It is the applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. The field is also called biotechnology, human engineering, and human factors engineering.
Ergonomic research is primarily performed by ergonomists who study human capabilities in relationship to their work demands. Information derived from ergonomists contributes to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people (IEA, 2000).
[edit] Foundations
Ergonomics draws on many disciplines in its study of humans and their environments, including anthropometry, biomechanics, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, industrial design, kinesiology, physiology and psychology.
Typically, an ergonomist will have a BA or BS in Psychology, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or Health Sciences, and usually an MA, MS or PhD in a related discipline. Many universities offer Master of Science degrees in Ergonomics, while some offer Master of Ergonomics or Master of Human Factors degrees.
More recently, occupational therapists have been moving into the field of ergonomics and the field has been heralded as one of the top ten emerging practice areas to watch for in the new millennium. [1]
[edit] Applications
The more than twenty technical subgroups within the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) indicate the range of applications for ergonomics. Human factors engineering continues to be successfully applied in the fields of aerospace, aging, health care, IT, product design, transportation, training, nuclear and virtual environments, among others. Kim Vicente, a University of Toronto Professor of Ergonomics, argues that the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl is attributable to plant designers not paying enough attention to human factors. "The operators were trained but the complexity of the reactor and the control panels nevertheless outstripped their ability to grasp what they were seeing [during the prelude to the disaster]."
Physical ergonomics is important in the medical field, particularly to those diagnosed with physiological ailments or disorders such as arthritis (both chronic and temporary) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those unaffected by these disorders may be very painful, or render a device unusable, for those who are. Many ergonomically designed products are also used or recommended to treat or prevent such disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain.
Human factors issues arise in simple systems and consumer products as well. Some examples include cellular telephones and other handheld devices that continue to shrink yet grow more complex (a phenomenon referred to as "creeping featurism"), millions of VCRs blinking "12:00" across the world because very few people can figure out how to program them, or alarm clocks that allow sleepy users to inadvertently turn off the alarm when they mean to hit 'snooze'. A user-centered design (UCD), also known as a systems approach or the usability engineering lifecycle aims to improve the user-system.
[edit] Engineering psychology
Engineering psychology is an interdisciplinary part of Ergonomics and studies the relationships of people to machines, with the intent of improving such relationships. This may involve redesigning equipment, changing the way people use machines, or changing the location in which the work takes place. Often, the work of an engineering psychologist is described as making the relationship more "user-friendly."
Engineering Psychology is an applied field of psychology concerned with psychological factors in the design and use of equipment. Human factors is broader than engineering psychology, which is focused specifically on designing systems that accommodate the information-processing capabilities of the brain (see Wickens and Hollands 2000).
Colloquial Use
Outside of the discipline itself, the term 'ergonomics' is generally used to refer to physical ergonomics as it relates to the workplace (as in for example ergonomic chairs and keyboards).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the application of scientific information concerning objects, systems and environment for human use (definition adopted by the International Ergonomics Association in 2007). Ergonomics is commonly thought of as how companies design tasks and work areas to maximize the efficiency and quality of their employees’ work. However, ergonomics comes into everything which involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety should all embody ergonomics principles if well designed.
It is the applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. The field is also called biotechnology, human engineering, and human factors engineering.
Ergonomic research is primarily performed by ergonomists who study human capabilities in relationship to their work demands. Information derived from ergonomists contributes to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people (IEA, 2000).
[edit] Foundations
Ergonomics draws on many disciplines in its study of humans and their environments, including anthropometry, biomechanics, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, industrial design, kinesiology, physiology and psychology.
Typically, an ergonomist will have a BA or BS in Psychology, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or Health Sciences, and usually an MA, MS or PhD in a related discipline. Many universities offer Master of Science degrees in Ergonomics, while some offer Master of Ergonomics or Master of Human Factors degrees.
More recently, occupational therapists have been moving into the field of ergonomics and the field has been heralded as one of the top ten emerging practice areas to watch for in the new millennium. [1]
[edit] Applications
The more than twenty technical subgroups within the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) indicate the range of applications for ergonomics. Human factors engineering continues to be successfully applied in the fields of aerospace, aging, health care, IT, product design, transportation, training, nuclear and virtual environments, among others. Kim Vicente, a University of Toronto Professor of Ergonomics, argues that the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl is attributable to plant designers not paying enough attention to human factors. "The operators were trained but the complexity of the reactor and the control panels nevertheless outstripped their ability to grasp what they were seeing [during the prelude to the disaster]."
Physical ergonomics is important in the medical field, particularly to those diagnosed with physiological ailments or disorders such as arthritis (both chronic and temporary) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those unaffected by these disorders may be very painful, or render a device unusable, for those who are. Many ergonomically designed products are also used or recommended to treat or prevent such disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain.
Human factors issues arise in simple systems and consumer products as well. Some examples include cellular telephones and other handheld devices that continue to shrink yet grow more complex (a phenomenon referred to as "creeping featurism"), millions of VCRs blinking "12:00" across the world because very few people can figure out how to program them, or alarm clocks that allow sleepy users to inadvertently turn off the alarm when they mean to hit 'snooze'. A user-centered design (UCD), also known as a systems approach or the usability engineering lifecycle aims to improve the user-system.
[edit] Engineering psychology
Engineering psychology is an interdisciplinary part of Ergonomics and studies the relationships of people to machines, with the intent of improving such relationships. This may involve redesigning equipment, changing the way people use machines, or changing the location in which the work takes place. Often, the work of an engineering psychologist is described as making the relationship more "user-friendly."
Engineering Psychology is an applied field of psychology concerned with psychological factors in the design and use of equipment. Human factors is broader than engineering psychology, which is focused specifically on designing systems that accommodate the information-processing capabilities of the brain (see Wickens and Hollands 2000).
Colloquial Use
Outside of the discipline itself, the term 'ergonomics' is generally used to refer to physical ergonomics as it relates to the workplace (as in for example ergonomic chairs and keyboards).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics
MACHINE OPERATING PROCEDURES
MACHINE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas. Long and loose hair must be contained.
Sturdy footwear must be worn at all times in work areas. Close fitting/protective clothing must be worn.
Rings and jewellery must not be worn.
Hearing protection must be worn when using this engine.
PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
1. Ensure that the engine has operating and maintenance instructions permanently located and clearly visible.
2. The equipment must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Ensure the area is clean and clear of grease, oil, and objects that may be a slip/trip hazard.
4. Familiarise yourself with and check all machine operations and controls.
5. Check all safety devices are in good condition.
6. Ensure work area is well ventilated and fume extraction is switched on before operating.
7. Ensure all flammable materials are correctly stored before operating.
8. Faulty equipment must not be used. Immediately report suspect equipment.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
1. Engines must not be run unless a qualified staff member is supervising operation.
2. Only one person shall operate the engine at a time.
3. Ensure area is clear of people and equipment before operating.
4. Never leave the engine running unattended.
5. During operation and when cooling down, parts of the plant are hot and/or rotating.
6. When finished ensure that the battery (if fitted) and fuel line are turned off.
HOUSEKEEPING
1. Switch off equipment.
2. Leave the equipment and work area in a safe, clean and tidy state.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Hot components
Entanglement hazards – rotating shafts
Fume
Trapping hazards
Crushing hazards
Fire
Fuel
http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/ohs/pages/injuryprevention
Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas. Long and loose hair must be contained.
Sturdy footwear must be worn at all times in work areas. Close fitting/protective clothing must be worn.
Rings and jewellery must not be worn.
Hearing protection must be worn when using this engine.
PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
1. Ensure that the engine has operating and maintenance instructions permanently located and clearly visible.
2. The equipment must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Ensure the area is clean and clear of grease, oil, and objects that may be a slip/trip hazard.
4. Familiarise yourself with and check all machine operations and controls.
5. Check all safety devices are in good condition.
6. Ensure work area is well ventilated and fume extraction is switched on before operating.
7. Ensure all flammable materials are correctly stored before operating.
8. Faulty equipment must not be used. Immediately report suspect equipment.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
1. Engines must not be run unless a qualified staff member is supervising operation.
2. Only one person shall operate the engine at a time.
3. Ensure area is clear of people and equipment before operating.
4. Never leave the engine running unattended.
5. During operation and when cooling down, parts of the plant are hot and/or rotating.
6. When finished ensure that the battery (if fitted) and fuel line are turned off.
HOUSEKEEPING
1. Switch off equipment.
2. Leave the equipment and work area in a safe, clean and tidy state.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Hot components
Entanglement hazards – rotating shafts
Fume
Trapping hazards
Crushing hazards
Fire
Fuel
http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/ohs/pages/injuryprevention
Monday, 10 March 2008
Accident Investigation procedure
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE
Introduction
Scope and Application
Program Description
Roles and Responsibilities
Introduction
Accidents occur when hazards escape detection during preventive measures, such as a job or process safety analysis, when hazards are not obvious, or as the result of combinations of circumstances that were difficult to foresee. A thorough accident investigation may identify previously overlooked physical, environmental, adminstrative, or process hazards, the need for new or more extensive safety training, or unsafe work practices. The primary focus of any accident investigation should be the determination of the facts surrounding the incident and the lessons that can be learned to prevent future similar occurrences.
Scope and Application
All accidents should be investigated. The depth and complexity of the investigation will vary with the circumstances and seriousness of the accident. The Supervisor or other individual responsible for operations involved in an accident should ensure that an investigation is conducted and that when appropriate, corrective actions are taken.
Program Description
The first priority whenever an accident occurs is to deal with the emergency and ensure that any injuries or illnesses receive prompt medical attention. The accident investigation should begin immediately thereafter. This ensures that details of what occurred will be fresh in people’s minds and that witnesses don’t influence one another by talking about the accident. It also minimizes the likelihood that important evidence is not moved, lost, taken, destroyed, or thrown away before the scene has been thoroughly inspected.
Types of Accidents
Accidents fall into two categories, serious and non-serious. Non-serious accidents do not cause lost workdays even though the worst that could happen did happen. Examples of these include paper cuts, minor scratches or abrasions, or system failures that have minor consequences, such as a low-pressure hose that ruptures and sprays cool water. Serious accidents include both those which did involve lost workdays and those which might have. This second type of serious accident is called a "near miss." Examples of near misses with serious injury potential include:
A worker twists an ankle in a fall from a low scaffold (this could easily have been a broken leg or worse);
A worker tips back in a chair and topples backward (backward falls are always serious because head injury might result);
A worker turns on a machine and gets a slight shock (shock from voltage potential greater than 75 volts DC or 40 volts AC is considered serious).
After an accident or near miss occurs, supervisors should contact EHS. All serious accidents, those involving lost workdays or near misses, should be investigated with the same thoroughness.
Who Should Investigate
Supervisors should note initial details of the incident and contact EHS to schedule an interview with the injured employee. Regardless of the type of investigation, the supervisor should be involved for the following reasons:
Supervisors have a responsibility to provide their workers with a safe and healthful workplace;
Supervisors know the workers and their work better than anyone else and are in the best position to gather the facts and find a practical solution to the problem;
The supervisor’s involvement can help promote better relations with workers by demonstrating concern for their safety and attention to accident prevention.
Accident Investigate Approach
As with most other tasks, skill in conducting effective accident investigations improves with experience. A good basic approach is to find out what caused the accident and what can be done to prevent or minimize the chances of a similar accident occurring. Some suggestions that may help supervisors get the facts and reach a conclusion include:
Maintain objectivity throughout the investigation. Its purpose is to find the cause of the accident, not to assign blame for its occurrence.
Check the accident site and circumstances thoroughly before anything is changed.
Discuss the accident with the injured person, but only after first aid or medical treatment has been given. Also talk with anyone who witnessed the accident and those familiar with conditions immediately before and after it occurred.
Be thorough. Small details may point to the real cause.
Reconstruct the events that resulted in the accident, considering all possible causes. Determine unsafe conditions or actions that separately or in combination were contributing factors.
What To Do With The Results
Supervisors should take action to control or eliminate the conditions that caused the accident once these have been conclusively identified. EHS can provide assistance in determining the level of action that may be necessary, such as the following:
When equipment changes or safeguards are necessary, supervisors should discuss specific recommendations with Department management;
When an operation can be changed to eliminate the hazard, supervisors should make the change if it is within their authority, or seek the necessary approval from Department management;
If unsafe acts by workers are involved, ensure that the worker is properly trained and that training is followed. All others involved in similar operations should be trained as well.
Roles and Responsibilities
Department
Ensure accidents involving their operations or workers are investigated.
Ensure corrective actions are taken.
Supervisors
Participate in incident investigations.
Take corrective actions.
EHS
Investigate incidents promptly and thoroughly.
Issue accident investigation reports.
Provide training in investigation methods and techniques when requested.
Individual
Cooperate with supervisors and others during investigations.
http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/healthsafetyguide
Introduction
Scope and Application
Program Description
Roles and Responsibilities
Introduction
Accidents occur when hazards escape detection during preventive measures, such as a job or process safety analysis, when hazards are not obvious, or as the result of combinations of circumstances that were difficult to foresee. A thorough accident investigation may identify previously overlooked physical, environmental, adminstrative, or process hazards, the need for new or more extensive safety training, or unsafe work practices. The primary focus of any accident investigation should be the determination of the facts surrounding the incident and the lessons that can be learned to prevent future similar occurrences.
Scope and Application
All accidents should be investigated. The depth and complexity of the investigation will vary with the circumstances and seriousness of the accident. The Supervisor or other individual responsible for operations involved in an accident should ensure that an investigation is conducted and that when appropriate, corrective actions are taken.
Program Description
The first priority whenever an accident occurs is to deal with the emergency and ensure that any injuries or illnesses receive prompt medical attention. The accident investigation should begin immediately thereafter. This ensures that details of what occurred will be fresh in people’s minds and that witnesses don’t influence one another by talking about the accident. It also minimizes the likelihood that important evidence is not moved, lost, taken, destroyed, or thrown away before the scene has been thoroughly inspected.
Types of Accidents
Accidents fall into two categories, serious and non-serious. Non-serious accidents do not cause lost workdays even though the worst that could happen did happen. Examples of these include paper cuts, minor scratches or abrasions, or system failures that have minor consequences, such as a low-pressure hose that ruptures and sprays cool water. Serious accidents include both those which did involve lost workdays and those which might have. This second type of serious accident is called a "near miss." Examples of near misses with serious injury potential include:
A worker twists an ankle in a fall from a low scaffold (this could easily have been a broken leg or worse);
A worker tips back in a chair and topples backward (backward falls are always serious because head injury might result);
A worker turns on a machine and gets a slight shock (shock from voltage potential greater than 75 volts DC or 40 volts AC is considered serious).
After an accident or near miss occurs, supervisors should contact EHS. All serious accidents, those involving lost workdays or near misses, should be investigated with the same thoroughness.
Who Should Investigate
Supervisors should note initial details of the incident and contact EHS to schedule an interview with the injured employee. Regardless of the type of investigation, the supervisor should be involved for the following reasons:
Supervisors have a responsibility to provide their workers with a safe and healthful workplace;
Supervisors know the workers and their work better than anyone else and are in the best position to gather the facts and find a practical solution to the problem;
The supervisor’s involvement can help promote better relations with workers by demonstrating concern for their safety and attention to accident prevention.
Accident Investigate Approach
As with most other tasks, skill in conducting effective accident investigations improves with experience. A good basic approach is to find out what caused the accident and what can be done to prevent or minimize the chances of a similar accident occurring. Some suggestions that may help supervisors get the facts and reach a conclusion include:
Maintain objectivity throughout the investigation. Its purpose is to find the cause of the accident, not to assign blame for its occurrence.
Check the accident site and circumstances thoroughly before anything is changed.
Discuss the accident with the injured person, but only after first aid or medical treatment has been given. Also talk with anyone who witnessed the accident and those familiar with conditions immediately before and after it occurred.
Be thorough. Small details may point to the real cause.
Reconstruct the events that resulted in the accident, considering all possible causes. Determine unsafe conditions or actions that separately or in combination were contributing factors.
What To Do With The Results
Supervisors should take action to control or eliminate the conditions that caused the accident once these have been conclusively identified. EHS can provide assistance in determining the level of action that may be necessary, such as the following:
When equipment changes or safeguards are necessary, supervisors should discuss specific recommendations with Department management;
When an operation can be changed to eliminate the hazard, supervisors should make the change if it is within their authority, or seek the necessary approval from Department management;
If unsafe acts by workers are involved, ensure that the worker is properly trained and that training is followed. All others involved in similar operations should be trained as well.
Roles and Responsibilities
Department
Ensure accidents involving their operations or workers are investigated.
Ensure corrective actions are taken.
Supervisors
Participate in incident investigations.
Take corrective actions.
EHS
Investigate incidents promptly and thoroughly.
Issue accident investigation reports.
Provide training in investigation methods and techniques when requested.
Individual
Cooperate with supervisors and others during investigations.
http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/healthsafetyguide
Enviromental Safety
Enviromental Safety
Environment, Safety & Health
Here's a step-by-step guide describing what happens at each stage of the treatment process and how pollutants are removed to help keep our waterways clean. This information is courtesy of the Greater Vancouve
1. Screening:Wastewater entering the treatment plant includes items like wood, rocks, and even dead animals. Unless they are removed, they could cause problems later in the treatment process. Most of these materials are sent to a landfill.2. Pumping:The wastewater system relies on the force of gravity to move sewage from your home to the treatment plant. So wastewater-treatment plants are located on low ground, often near a river into which treated water can be released. If the plant is built above the ground level, the wastewater has to be pumped up to the aeration tanks (item 3). From here on, gravity takes over to move the wastewater through the treatment process.3. Aerating:One of the first steps that a water treatment facility can do is to just shake up the sewage and expose it to air. This causes some of the dissolved gases (such as hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs) that taste and smell bad to be released from the water. Wastewater enters a series of long, parallel concrete tanks. Each tank is divided into two sections. In the first section, air is pumped through the water.As organic matter decays, it uses up oxygen. Aeration replenishes the oxygen. Bubbling oxygen through the water also keeps the organic material suspended while it forces 'grit' (coffeegrounds, sand and other small, dense particles) to settle out. Grit is pumped out of the tanks and taken to landfills.4. Removing sludgeWastewater then enters the second section or sedimentation tanks. Here, the sludge (the organic portion of the sewage) settles out of the wastewater and is pumped out of the tanks. Some of the water is removed in a step called thickening and then the sludge is processed in large tanks called digesters.5. Removing scum:As sludge is settling to the bottom of the sedimentation tanks, lighter materials are floating to the surface. This 'scum' includes grease, oils, plastics, and soap. Slow-moving rakes skim the scum off the surface of the wastewater. Scum is thickened and pumped to the digesters along with the sludge.Many cities also use filtration in sewage treatment. After the solids are removed, the liquid sewage is filtered through a substance, usually sand, by the action of gravity. This method gets rid of almost all bacteria, reduces turbidity and color, removes odors, reduces the amount of iron, and removes most other solid particles that remained in the water. Water is sometimes filtered through carbon particles, which removes organic particles. This method is used in some homes, too.6. Killing bacteria:Finally, the wastewater flows into a 'chlorine contact' tank, where the chemical chlorine is added to kill bacteria, which could pose a health risk, just as is done in swimming pools. The chlorine is mostly eliminated as the bacteria are destroyed, but sometimes it must be neutralized by adding other chemicals. This protects fish and other marine organisms, which can be harmed by the smallest amounts of chlorine.The treated water (called effluent) is then discharged to a local river or the ocean.R. Wastewater Residuals:Another part of treating wastewater is dealing with the solid-waste material. These solids are kept for 20 to 30 days in large, heated and enclosed tanks called 'digesters.' Here, bacteria break down (digest) the material, reducing its volume, odors, and getting rid of organisms that can cause disease. The finished product is mainly sent to landfills, but sometimes can be used as fertilizer.
http://dunia-limbah.blogspot.com/
Environment, Safety & Health
Here's a step-by-step guide describing what happens at each stage of the treatment process and how pollutants are removed to help keep our waterways clean. This information is courtesy of the Greater Vancouve
1. Screening:Wastewater entering the treatment plant includes items like wood, rocks, and even dead animals. Unless they are removed, they could cause problems later in the treatment process. Most of these materials are sent to a landfill.2. Pumping:The wastewater system relies on the force of gravity to move sewage from your home to the treatment plant. So wastewater-treatment plants are located on low ground, often near a river into which treated water can be released. If the plant is built above the ground level, the wastewater has to be pumped up to the aeration tanks (item 3). From here on, gravity takes over to move the wastewater through the treatment process.3. Aerating:One of the first steps that a water treatment facility can do is to just shake up the sewage and expose it to air. This causes some of the dissolved gases (such as hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs) that taste and smell bad to be released from the water. Wastewater enters a series of long, parallel concrete tanks. Each tank is divided into two sections. In the first section, air is pumped through the water.As organic matter decays, it uses up oxygen. Aeration replenishes the oxygen. Bubbling oxygen through the water also keeps the organic material suspended while it forces 'grit' (coffeegrounds, sand and other small, dense particles) to settle out. Grit is pumped out of the tanks and taken to landfills.4. Removing sludgeWastewater then enters the second section or sedimentation tanks. Here, the sludge (the organic portion of the sewage) settles out of the wastewater and is pumped out of the tanks. Some of the water is removed in a step called thickening and then the sludge is processed in large tanks called digesters.5. Removing scum:As sludge is settling to the bottom of the sedimentation tanks, lighter materials are floating to the surface. This 'scum' includes grease, oils, plastics, and soap. Slow-moving rakes skim the scum off the surface of the wastewater. Scum is thickened and pumped to the digesters along with the sludge.Many cities also use filtration in sewage treatment. After the solids are removed, the liquid sewage is filtered through a substance, usually sand, by the action of gravity. This method gets rid of almost all bacteria, reduces turbidity and color, removes odors, reduces the amount of iron, and removes most other solid particles that remained in the water. Water is sometimes filtered through carbon particles, which removes organic particles. This method is used in some homes, too.6. Killing bacteria:Finally, the wastewater flows into a 'chlorine contact' tank, where the chemical chlorine is added to kill bacteria, which could pose a health risk, just as is done in swimming pools. The chlorine is mostly eliminated as the bacteria are destroyed, but sometimes it must be neutralized by adding other chemicals. This protects fish and other marine organisms, which can be harmed by the smallest amounts of chlorine.The treated water (called effluent) is then discharged to a local river or the ocean.R. Wastewater Residuals:Another part of treating wastewater is dealing with the solid-waste material. These solids are kept for 20 to 30 days in large, heated and enclosed tanks called 'digesters.' Here, bacteria break down (digest) the material, reducing its volume, odors, and getting rid of organisms that can cause disease. The finished product is mainly sent to landfills, but sometimes can be used as fertilizer.
http://dunia-limbah.blogspot.com/
Monday, 25 February 2008
issues on health safety
Issues on health safety
Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are given to you by law, and generally can't be changed or removed by your employer. The most important rights are:
· as far as possible, to have any risks to your health and safety properly controlled
· to be provided, free of charge, with any personal protective and safety equipment
· if you have reasonable concerns about your safety, to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined
· to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have
· to get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in Northern Ireland the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), or your local authority if your employer won't listen to your concerns, without being disciplined
· to have rest breaks during the working day, to have time off from work during the working week, and to have annual paid holiday
Your most important responsibilities as an employee are:
· to take reasonable care of your own health and safety
· if possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery
· if you have long hair or wear a headscarf, make sure it's tucked out of the way (it could get caught in machinery)
· to take reasonable care not to put other people - fellow employees and members of the public - at risk by what you do or don't do in the course of your work
· to co-operate with your employer, making sure you get proper training and you understand and follow the company's health and safety policies
· not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare
· to report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of doing your job (your employer may need to change the way you work)
· to tell your employer if something happens that might affect your ability to work (eg becoming pregnant or suffering an injury). Because your employer has a legal responsibility for your health and safety, they may need to suspend you while they find a solution to the problem, but you will normally be paid if this happens
· if you drive or operate machinery, to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you drowsy - they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/
Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are given to you by law, and generally can't be changed or removed by your employer. The most important rights are:
· as far as possible, to have any risks to your health and safety properly controlled
· to be provided, free of charge, with any personal protective and safety equipment
· if you have reasonable concerns about your safety, to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined
· to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have
· to get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in Northern Ireland the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), or your local authority if your employer won't listen to your concerns, without being disciplined
· to have rest breaks during the working day, to have time off from work during the working week, and to have annual paid holiday
Your most important responsibilities as an employee are:
· to take reasonable care of your own health and safety
· if possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery
· if you have long hair or wear a headscarf, make sure it's tucked out of the way (it could get caught in machinery)
· to take reasonable care not to put other people - fellow employees and members of the public - at risk by what you do or don't do in the course of your work
· to co-operate with your employer, making sure you get proper training and you understand and follow the company's health and safety policies
· not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare
· to report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of doing your job (your employer may need to change the way you work)
· to tell your employer if something happens that might affect your ability to work (eg becoming pregnant or suffering an injury). Because your employer has a legal responsibility for your health and safety, they may need to suspend you while they find a solution to the problem, but you will normally be paid if this happens
· if you drive or operate machinery, to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you drowsy - they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/
advantages and disadvantages of manual and automated safety
Advantages and Disadvantages of manual and automated safety
INTRODUCTION 1 this document contains internal guidance which has been made available to the public. This guidance is considered good practice (rather than compulsory) but you may find it useful in deciding what you need to do to comply with the law. The guidance may not be applicable in all circumstances and any queries should be directed to the appropriate enforcing authority. It is particularly aimed at users of the equipment. However, designers, manufacturers and refurbishers may also find it useful. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 2 The welding process involves a sequence of operations which includes presenting the workpiece to the welding device (or vice versa), creating relative motion between the workpiece and the welding device, controlling the welding process, eg speed, direction, current, etc, and re-positioning the workpiece for the next weld. For the purposes of this document, automated welding is defined as automatically controlling the relative movement between the welding head and workpiece. Automatic welding is used with variety of welding process including metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG) and submerged arc welding (SAW). 3 The main benefits attributed to automated welding are improved economy derived from faster cycle times and consistent quality due to reduced level of weld defects from a more precise control of the welding process. On the down side, welding geometry tends to be restricted to simple straight lines, and setting time is increased. 4 Automated welding equipment may be divided into 2 types: (1) the welding head moves over a stationary workpiece; or (2) the workpiece is moved under a stationary welding head. Moving head devices 5 These include column and boom manipulators and industrial robots. (This document does not deal with industrial robots, guidance on the safeguarding of industrial robots is given in HSG43 Industrial robot safety). As its name implies, a column and boom manipulator consists of a welding head fastened to the end of a horizontal boom supported on a vertical column. The height of the boom is adjusted to position the welding head directly above the workpiece. The boom extends or retracts to enable the welding head to traverse at a controlled speed along the workpiece. Typically, column and boom manipulators are used to weld the longitudinal seams of cylindrical vessels. The head can be positioned both externally and internally to accommodate welding from both sides of the weld. A typical installation is shown at Appendix 1 Figure 1. When used with a device to rotate the workpiece, a column and boom can be used to complete the circumferential weld of a cylindrical vessel as shown at Appendix 1 Figure 2. Column and boom range in sizes often reaching several metres in height. Workpiece moving devices 6 Appendix 1 Figure 2 depicts a typical turntable positioner. This positioner consists of a chassis and a rotating turntable, that can be swivelled from the horizontal position to the vertical. When the turntable is arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis, the welding head is normally located at the 12 o'clock position. During the production of a circumferential weld, this corresponds with flat welding. For fillet welds, the rotational axis is often deployed at 45°. Turntables are also used during manual metal arc (MMA) welding to position the workpiece in a convenient position for manual welding. 7 Another method of rotating the workpiece is to use rotators or turning rolls. Rotators consist of at least 2 sets of rollers, one of which is driven and the other is an idler. They are used for circumferential welding of large diameter cylindrical workpieces. Care must be taken to avoid any tendency for the workpiece to move axially. A typical rotator arrangement shown in conjunction with a column and boom is shown at Appendix 1 Figure 3. Rotators can be self aligning or conventional. Safeguards 8 The dangerous parts of all equipment listed in paragraphs 4-7 should be safeguarded where practicable to prevent injury, the term ‘safeguarding’ to include both guards and devices such as photoelectric (PE) guards and hold-to-run devices. In addition to the safety of the machine operator, employers should ensure that those persons engaged during setting and maintenance work are suitably safeguarded. Motors are usually fitted with overload protection such that in the event of the component being too heavy for the machine, the motor will cut out. Alternatively, some manufacturers protect the machine using a shear pin. 9 This document does not deal with dangerous parts of the equipment in detail. Advice on specific safeguarding methods is given in relevant British and European standards, eg British Standard BS EN 292: Safety of Machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design, the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SMR) and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1994. British Standard BS 5304 1988: Code of practice for the safety of machinery, which is now obsolescent, will remain available for purchase to provide guidance on the safeguarding requirements of older machines, with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) detailing the legal requirements. 10 All nip points between counter rotating meshing gears should be properly safeguarded. However, on turntables fitted with hold-to-run controls, guards are not usually required at the intermeshing point between tilt gear teeth and machine frame due to the slow speed. Where a hold-to-run control is not fitted then this point should be guarded. 11 Further general guidance on the law applicable to machinery safeguarding is contained in the HSE publication entitled Work Equipment (see list of references at para 51 of this document). Stability, and rated loading 12 All 3 types of positioning equipment have the generic problem of stability associated with all load carrying equipment. Design ratings should not be exceeded. Manufacturers and suppliers should clearly mark on the equipment either the design rating or display a table showing its safe working range. A typical chart is shown at Appendix 2. 13 To ensure stability of the positioning equipment themselves they should be located on a firm level base and bolted to the floor where possible. In practice, it is recognised that rotator sets may remain free standing, because creep can be counteracted by manually changing the angle of rollers. 14 Column and boom positioners should be mechanically restrained or carry a counterbalance to ensure their stability. Some bases are rail mounted to permit long welds, Where this is a feature, an appropriate means of ensuring stability should be employed. Users of this equipment should ensure that the balance of the column and boom is not affected by the addition, removal, or replacement of originally supplied equipment (see also para 27). Electrical safety 15 Under most circumstances it is preferable to provide a reliable bond to earth for the workpiece during welding. Earthing bushes are fitted to the machines for this purpose. Not only does it provide operator protection, it also protects the equipment’s electrical control system. Manufacturers state that machines are frequently repaired for this reason. 16 Electrical equipment should be housed and located in enclosures suitable for the working environment. The standard of protection for equipment should be to that specified in BS EN 60529: 1992 Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code). This document does not cover design and construction of electric arc welding equipment. Readers who require guidance on relevant European product safety legislation, namely the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (EES), SMR and/or, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 1992 (EMC) should contact their local office of the Health and Safety Executive. (See also paragraphs 45-49). Further sources of information are contained in the DTI publications listed at paragraph 51. Machine clearance zone 17 To prevent the risk of trapping the operator between the workpiece and adjacent plant or equipment adequate separation should be allowed. It is recommended that a minimum distance of one metre should be left clear around the positioner/workpiece. Operator access 18 Operators should only ride on the equipment from attachments designed for the purpose. Lay troughs or seats should have a safe means of access to and from them, and operators should be restrained in their seats etc by the use of a harness or other suitable device
http://www.hse.gov.uk/
INTRODUCTION 1 this document contains internal guidance which has been made available to the public. This guidance is considered good practice (rather than compulsory) but you may find it useful in deciding what you need to do to comply with the law. The guidance may not be applicable in all circumstances and any queries should be directed to the appropriate enforcing authority. It is particularly aimed at users of the equipment. However, designers, manufacturers and refurbishers may also find it useful. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 2 The welding process involves a sequence of operations which includes presenting the workpiece to the welding device (or vice versa), creating relative motion between the workpiece and the welding device, controlling the welding process, eg speed, direction, current, etc, and re-positioning the workpiece for the next weld. For the purposes of this document, automated welding is defined as automatically controlling the relative movement between the welding head and workpiece. Automatic welding is used with variety of welding process including metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG) and submerged arc welding (SAW). 3 The main benefits attributed to automated welding are improved economy derived from faster cycle times and consistent quality due to reduced level of weld defects from a more precise control of the welding process. On the down side, welding geometry tends to be restricted to simple straight lines, and setting time is increased. 4 Automated welding equipment may be divided into 2 types: (1) the welding head moves over a stationary workpiece; or (2) the workpiece is moved under a stationary welding head. Moving head devices 5 These include column and boom manipulators and industrial robots. (This document does not deal with industrial robots, guidance on the safeguarding of industrial robots is given in HSG43 Industrial robot safety). As its name implies, a column and boom manipulator consists of a welding head fastened to the end of a horizontal boom supported on a vertical column. The height of the boom is adjusted to position the welding head directly above the workpiece. The boom extends or retracts to enable the welding head to traverse at a controlled speed along the workpiece. Typically, column and boom manipulators are used to weld the longitudinal seams of cylindrical vessels. The head can be positioned both externally and internally to accommodate welding from both sides of the weld. A typical installation is shown at Appendix 1 Figure 1. When used with a device to rotate the workpiece, a column and boom can be used to complete the circumferential weld of a cylindrical vessel as shown at Appendix 1 Figure 2. Column and boom range in sizes often reaching several metres in height. Workpiece moving devices 6 Appendix 1 Figure 2 depicts a typical turntable positioner. This positioner consists of a chassis and a rotating turntable, that can be swivelled from the horizontal position to the vertical. When the turntable is arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis, the welding head is normally located at the 12 o'clock position. During the production of a circumferential weld, this corresponds with flat welding. For fillet welds, the rotational axis is often deployed at 45°. Turntables are also used during manual metal arc (MMA) welding to position the workpiece in a convenient position for manual welding. 7 Another method of rotating the workpiece is to use rotators or turning rolls. Rotators consist of at least 2 sets of rollers, one of which is driven and the other is an idler. They are used for circumferential welding of large diameter cylindrical workpieces. Care must be taken to avoid any tendency for the workpiece to move axially. A typical rotator arrangement shown in conjunction with a column and boom is shown at Appendix 1 Figure 3. Rotators can be self aligning or conventional. Safeguards 8 The dangerous parts of all equipment listed in paragraphs 4-7 should be safeguarded where practicable to prevent injury, the term ‘safeguarding’ to include both guards and devices such as photoelectric (PE) guards and hold-to-run devices. In addition to the safety of the machine operator, employers should ensure that those persons engaged during setting and maintenance work are suitably safeguarded. Motors are usually fitted with overload protection such that in the event of the component being too heavy for the machine, the motor will cut out. Alternatively, some manufacturers protect the machine using a shear pin. 9 This document does not deal with dangerous parts of the equipment in detail. Advice on specific safeguarding methods is given in relevant British and European standards, eg British Standard BS EN 292: Safety of Machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design, the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SMR) and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1994. British Standard BS 5304 1988: Code of practice for the safety of machinery, which is now obsolescent, will remain available for purchase to provide guidance on the safeguarding requirements of older machines, with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) detailing the legal requirements. 10 All nip points between counter rotating meshing gears should be properly safeguarded. However, on turntables fitted with hold-to-run controls, guards are not usually required at the intermeshing point between tilt gear teeth and machine frame due to the slow speed. Where a hold-to-run control is not fitted then this point should be guarded. 11 Further general guidance on the law applicable to machinery safeguarding is contained in the HSE publication entitled Work Equipment (see list of references at para 51 of this document). Stability, and rated loading 12 All 3 types of positioning equipment have the generic problem of stability associated with all load carrying equipment. Design ratings should not be exceeded. Manufacturers and suppliers should clearly mark on the equipment either the design rating or display a table showing its safe working range. A typical chart is shown at Appendix 2. 13 To ensure stability of the positioning equipment themselves they should be located on a firm level base and bolted to the floor where possible. In practice, it is recognised that rotator sets may remain free standing, because creep can be counteracted by manually changing the angle of rollers. 14 Column and boom positioners should be mechanically restrained or carry a counterbalance to ensure their stability. Some bases are rail mounted to permit long welds, Where this is a feature, an appropriate means of ensuring stability should be employed. Users of this equipment should ensure that the balance of the column and boom is not affected by the addition, removal, or replacement of originally supplied equipment (see also para 27). Electrical safety 15 Under most circumstances it is preferable to provide a reliable bond to earth for the workpiece during welding. Earthing bushes are fitted to the machines for this purpose. Not only does it provide operator protection, it also protects the equipment’s electrical control system. Manufacturers state that machines are frequently repaired for this reason. 16 Electrical equipment should be housed and located in enclosures suitable for the working environment. The standard of protection for equipment should be to that specified in BS EN 60529: 1992 Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code). This document does not cover design and construction of electric arc welding equipment. Readers who require guidance on relevant European product safety legislation, namely the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (EES), SMR and/or, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 1992 (EMC) should contact their local office of the Health and Safety Executive. (See also paragraphs 45-49). Further sources of information are contained in the DTI publications listed at paragraph 51. Machine clearance zone 17 To prevent the risk of trapping the operator between the workpiece and adjacent plant or equipment adequate separation should be allowed. It is recommended that a minimum distance of one metre should be left clear around the positioner/workpiece. Operator access 18 Operators should only ride on the equipment from attachments designed for the purpose. Lay troughs or seats should have a safe means of access to and from them, and operators should be restrained in their seats etc by the use of a harness or other suitable device
http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Thursday, 14 February 2008
communication rules on safety
communication rules on safety
In any line of business, effective communication is essential. In a single day, an employee may have to communicate with half a dozen different people, including clients, co-workers, employers, and suppliers. It is worthwhile, therefore, to take some time to consider the importance of effective communication and the ways to achieve it. Here are six tips for successful communication in the business world. 1. Be clear. In the modern world, language is often veiled in false complexities, double-speak, and vagaries—all to protect the speaker form having to defend his or her own words. But this kind of communication is no communication at all. Unless we are direct, neither our clients nor our coworkers will be able to understand us, and it will be difficult for them to accomplish any of our expectations. So when speaking with a client or fellow employee, be as clear as possible. As the poet William Butler Yeats once said, "Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people." 2. Get to the point. "Many attempts to communicate," wrote Robert Greenleaf, "are nullified by saying too much." You value your time; it is only right that you should take pains to value the time of others. Clients and fellow workers will be more responsive if you are direct and concise. They will be more likely to focus on your words if they know you are not inclined to wander off onto unhelpful tangents. If you say too much, your listeners may tune out, and as their minds wander, they could miss your most crucial points. 3. Be personal Getting to the point, however, does not mean you should communicate in a cold, cursory manner. Let your audience know you care about them as individuals as well. Let your communication take their concerns into account. They will know, then, that their input is important to you. 4. Listen Communication is not a one way street. You have to be willing to listen as well as to speak. As James the apostle once said, "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak." 5. Think Before You Speak James's quote has another important implication. It reminds us not to rush into words, but to think about what we say before we say it. If we do this, we can avoid misunderstandings, and, in moments of annoyance, we can avoid saying something we might later regret. For, in addition to being swift to hear and slow to speak, we should, advises James, "be slow to wrath." 6. Don't Be Overly Negative It is necessary to expose and tackle problem situations in order to solve them, but we must also take time to accentuate the positive. By being overly negative, you can destroy a person's desire to achieve or assist. But by pointing out one or two positives to balance every negative, you can encourage others to achieve their full potentials. Communication isn't always easy, but effective communication makes your everyday life easier. So be clear, get to the point, be personal, listen, think before you speak, and avoid extreme negativity.
Safety Guidelines
INTRODUCTION
This handbook provides a quick reference to important safety information.
For more detailed safety information concerning your workplace, consult
your supervisor and/or the appropriate University department listed on the
inside front cover of this handbook.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Northwestern University’s ability to address emergencies depends on the
cooperation and participation of all members of the community. Three key
components of the University’s efforts to better prepare for an emergency
have been reviewed and updated since September 11, 2001. The first of
these components is the Emergency Response Plan, which identifies
key decision makers and their roles during a campus emergency. The plan
also describes procedures that will be utilized during specifically identified
severities of emergency.
The second component is the Building Emergency Plan. Each building
on both campuses has a designated building manager who is responsible for
developing an emergency plan and making sure that all employees working
in the building have a complete understanding of the evacuation process.
The building manager is also responsible for coordinating an evacuation
drill with the Office of Risk Management.
The final component is this document. The Emergency Response Plan
calls upon all employees to be familiar with the Employee Safety Handbook.
Before an emergency occurs
• KNOW the established emergency procedures for your building
and work area
• KNOW the hazards of any materials or equipment in your building and
work area and the precautions to take to avoid or minimize associated risk
• KNOW two means of egress from your area
• KNOW the locations of fire alarm pull stations
• KNOW the locations of portable fire extinguishers and how to use them
• KNOW the location of the nearest first aid kit
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Each department is required to develop an individual emergency evacuation
plan. This plan is supplemental to this handbook and provides buildingspecific
information. The evacuation plan must contain the following
information:
• emergency telephone numbers
• evacuation personnel duties
• designated meeting point
• building information such as whether the building has an automatic
sprinkler system, smoke detection, and/or manual alarm pull stations
For every building on campus there is a designated building manager
who serves as the key communication contact during an emergency.
In high-hazard buildings, where several departments coexist, there are
safety committees to ensure that all departments work together during
an emergency evacuation.
Fire
If you discover a fire, an explosion, or smoke in a building, activate the fire
alarm system immediately at the nearest fire alarm pull station to evacuate
the building (see "Evacuation Procedures" below).
After sounding the fire alarm, call 911 from a safe location. Provide
the building name, address, floor, room number, and any known special
hazards at the location. Do not assume that someone else has called.
If the fire is in an unoccupied room, try to close the door to retard the
spread of smoke and heat; do not take any unnecessary risks in doing this.
Only if the fire is small and you have received University training
in fire extinguisher operation should you attempt to extinguish the fire;
do not take any unnecessary risks in doing this.
When University Police and/or fire fighters arrive, direct them to
the fire.
Evacuation Procedures
• When a fire alarm sounds, evacuation is required.
• Walk, do not run, to the nearest stairway exit and proceed to ground level.
Close doors as you leave. Shut down equipment while evacuating.
• Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.
• If the fire alarm stops, continue the evacuation and warn others who may
attempt to enter the building.
• Leave the building and move away from it, keeping walks and drives open
for arriving firefighters. Proceed to your prearranged rally area as defined
in your Building Emergency Plan.
• Everyone must follow the orders of the fire and police departments.
Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities must study and remember the features of each
building they are in, including stairways, exits, phone locations, and elevator
procedures. At certain times, assistance from others may be needed.
Prior to an emergency situation persons with disabilities should develop
an escort system in their daily environment.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers can be found throughout a building in hallways, laboratories,
mechanical rooms, and other areas, either in cabinets or mounted
on wall brackets. Make sure you know the location and type of the nearest
fire extinguisher. Report missing, discharged, or damaged fire extinguishers
to Facilities Management as soon as possible. If you use a fire extinguisher,
do not return it to its cabinet or bracket. Report the use of the extinguisher
immediately to the Office of Risk Management and call Facilities Management
to have it replaced.
Only individuals trained by the University in using fire extinguishers
should use them. Information and training on fire extinguishers are available
from the Office of Risk Management.
Fire Doors and Stairways
Fire doors are specially constructed doors and frames that will withstand
fire for a specific length of time. They are found at stairways, in corridors,
and at openings in fire walls to prevent the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
If fire doors are to be effective, they must always be kept closed. Some fire
doors are held open by magnetic devices that release the doors to close
when the fire alarm is activated. These doors can be left open, provided
they are not obstructed.
Stairways are a place of refuge and a means of egress during a fire, and
stairway doors must not be propped open. An open door can cause the stairwell
to act as a flue and spread a fire more quickly. Fire regulations require
stairway doors to automatically close and latch. If a door does not close
completely and latch, promptly report it to Facilities Management.
In some buildings the stairway doors are locked from the stairway side.
Once inside the stairways, exit may be possible only at the street level. This
is more common in the Chicago campus buildings. Be sure to check your
egress routes!
Clothing Fires
If your clothing is on fire, do not run. If a safety shower is immediately
nearby, get under the shower and let the water flow over the burned
area until medical help arrives. Otherwise, the universal instruction is
stop, drop, and roll. Immediately drop to the floor and roll repeatedly
to extinguish the flames, holding your hands over your face to protect
it from flames.
Hazardous Material Release
If you discover a hazardous biological, chemical, or radioactive release or
spill, immediately evacuate the area. If the spill creates a risk of or causes
fire, explosion, or injury, call 911. All hazardous material releases should
be reported to University Police by calling 456 and asking them to contact
the Office of Research Safety.
Power Outage
In the event of a power outage most University buildings have generators
or batteries that will provide power for the fire alarm system and emergency
lighting. However, it may be difficult to see well enough to maneuver.
Consider keeping a flashlight where it can be easily found in the dark or
using a plug-in battery-operated emergency light.
Elevators
Each elevator is equipped with an emergency telephone, which is directly
connected to University Police. If you are trapped in an elevator, use the
emergency telephone. You do not need to dial; it will ring automatically at
University Police. To help locate you and restart the elevator, some elevator
cabs have been numbered; the number is located on the panel above the
telephone. If you become trapped in an elevator, notify University Police
and tell them the number of your elevator cab or describe your location as
clearly as possible.
If an elevator does not seem to be operating properly, call Facilities
Management during business hours. For emergency problems and after business
hours, call University Police, and they will page the engineer on duty.
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
A tornado watch is when conditions are favorable for tornadoes. You
may continue normal activities, but supervisors should assign someone
to monitor the situation and notify others in the building if storm conditions
deteriorate.
A tornado warning is when a tornado is occurring in the area. Seek
shelter immediately! If you are inside a building, go to an interior hallway
or other enclosed area on a lower floor and away from windows. Avoid
auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other large rooms where roof collapse may
be more likely. Seek shelter if you are outside or in a vehicle.
A severe thunderstorm watch is when conditions are favorable for
severe thunderstorms. You may continue normal activities, but supervisors
should assign someone to monitor the situation.
A severe thunderstorm warning is when severe thunderstorms are
occurring in the area. Be prepared to move to a place of shelter if threatening
weather approaches. Stay indoors away from windows until the storm
passes. If large hail begins to fall, seek shelter.
Earthquake
In the event of an earthquake there is little time to react. When you first
feel shaking, immediately take cover under something sturdy — your desk,
for example. If you cannot reach cover, brace yourself in an interior doorway
or crouch in an interior corner away from windows, shelves, or cabinets.
Do not try to get outside. If you are outside at the time of the earthquake,
move away from the sides of buildings, overhead wires, or other hazards.
If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses
and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Bomb Threat
Take any bomb threat seriously, and report it immediately to University
Police. University Police will determine what corrective action to take.
If you receive a written bomb threat, do not handle it any more than
necessary. Place it in an envelope to preserve possible fingerprints. If you
receive a telephoned threat, note the exact time of the call and attempt
to write down the exact words of the caller. Ask the caller to repeat information.
Get as much information as possible by asking when the bomb is
set to explode, what kind of bomb it is, where it is located, and what it
looks like. If possible, signal another person and write a note explaining
the call is a bomb threat. The other person can then alert University
Police. Give all of the information you obtain to University Police when
you talk with them.
Theft and Missing Property
Theft or missing property should be reported immediately to University
Police. An officer will take a report of the loss and of the circumstances
surrounding the loss.
Suspicious Persons
If you see suspicious persons in your building or on your property, report
them to University Police immediately. You should provide a complete
description of the person, what he or she was doing, his or her last known
location, and his or her direction of travel (if known). University Police
will respond and require identification from the suspicious person. If circumstances
warrant, University Police will remove unauthorized persons
from the premises, issue them trespass warnings, or arrest them.
SECURITY
All employees should heed the following steps to ensure their personal
safety.
While working
• Keep all valuables locked away and/or lock your office door when you
leave your office, even if you are away for only a short period.
• Ask unescorted visitors entering your office to identify themselves and
whom they are meeting.
• Request identification from persons who wish to repair or remove property.
• Call University Police if a person entering your office area appears to
be suspicious, won’t identify him- or herself, or asks for a person who
does not work in your area.
• Secure computers and other valuable equipment. Facilities Management
can provide lockdown devices for most computers. Keep records of all
serial numbers on equipment. Consider engraving "Northwestern University"
and the name of your department on all equipment.
While working after hours
• Lock all doors to the outside.
• Keep your office door closed and locked.
• Never prop open a door for someone who will be joining you or allow
strangers to enter with you.
• Never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
• Remove valuable items from your desktop and close and lock file drawers,
windows, and doors when leaving your office for the day.
When walking at night
• Walk with someone you know, use the shuttle service, or call the
Student Escort Service (1-7000 from any campus phone).
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Plan the safest route to your destination, and use the same route
every time.
• Walk briskly and confidently in the center of the sidewalk.
• Avoid dark areas and shortcuts.
• If you think you are being followed, head quickly for a lighted area,
a group of people, or, if you are on campus, an emergency phone.
• Consider carrying chemical spray or a personal alarm.
• Be careful when walking to or from public transportation, and do not
ride the train, el, or bus alone late at night.
• Have your car or house keys in hand as you approach your vehicle
or home.
• Do not hitchhike.
Laboratory Security
Laboratory security is related to but different from laboratory safety. Security
refers to measures used to control access to the laboratory in order to prevent
theft of materials or equipment from the lab. Take specific actions to
prevent unauthorized entry to your lab. Secure highly hazardous materials
such as infectious agents, toxins, radioactive materials, acutely toxic chemicals,
carcinogens, teratogens, explosive or reactive chemicals, and compressed
gases against theft. Diversion of even small quantities of hazardous
materials can have serious consequences when they are used for criminal
or terrorist purposes. Bioterrorism regulations require compliance with
stringent risk-based security requirements. One easy way to increase security
is to make sure that your laboratory door is locked whenever the lab is left
unattended, even for a few minutes.
Security Suggestions
• Assess your laboratory for hazardous materials and security risks.
• Develop and implement security procedures for your laboratory group.
• Train your laboratory group on these security procedures and assign
responsibilities.
• Control access to areas where hazardous materials are used and stored.
• Close and lock laboratory doors when no one is present.
• Do not leave hazardous materials unattended or unsecured at any time.
• Lock freezers, refrigerators, storage cabinets, and other equipment where
hazardous materials are stored when they are not in use.
• Know who is in your laboratory area.
• Limit laboratory access to those individuals who need to be in the lab.
• Restrict off-hours access to individuals authorized by the principal
investigator.
• Escort guests to and from the laboratory. Approach people you do not
recognize and ask if you can help direct them.
• Know what hazardous materials are being ordered and shipped to your
laboratory.
• Get rid of unneeded hazardous materials.
• Take periodic inventory of all highly hazardous chemicals, biological
agents/toxins, radioactive materials, and controlled substances.
• Report any missing inventory or suspected unauthorized access immediately
to the Office of Research Safety and University Police.
Safety Inspections
Periodic and annual inspections are made by the Office of Risk Management,
the Office of Research Safety, and the Evanston or Chicago
Fire Departments for compliance with safety regulations. Keep your
space orderly.
MEDICAL TREATMENT PROCEDURES
Whenever you encounter a person who is ill or injured, follow these steps:
• Keep the victim as comfortable as possible.
• Do not move the victim any more than is necessary for his or her safety.
• Never administer liquids to an unconscious victim.
• Do not remove objects that may be embedded in the victim’s skin.
Life-Threatening Injuries and Illnesses
Life-threatening conditions include severe chest pains, gunshot wounds,
severe burns, hemorrhaging, severe head injuries, and open (compound)
fractures, among others.
In the event of a life-threatening medical situation, call 911. Fire
department paramedics will respond for treatment and transportation to
a hospital emergency room.
Other Injuries and Illnesses
In you encounter an injured or ill person, help that person seek medical
attention and notify your supervisor of the incident.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Employees who are exposed to human blood, body fluids, and other potentially
infectious human materials in the course of their work — including
employees who draw blood, work with human tissues, or provide first aid
— are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Bloodborne pathogens include
HIV, Hepatitis B virus, and Hepatitis C virus. Exposure can occur via a
percutaneous injury, such as a needle stick or cut with a sharp object, or
by contact of mucous membranes or nonintact skin with blood, tissue, or
body fluids that are contaminated with visible blood.
The Northwestern University Exposure Control Plan and the OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard are available for review by all employees.
Observing universal precautions is the single best strategy to reduce
the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This involves treating all
human blood and potentially infectious human material as if it were known
to be infectious. Initial and annual training of all employees who have
occupational exposure is required. This training must be job specific and
should include information about personal protective equipment such
as gloves and safety glasses, the use of safety devices on needles and intravenous
equipment, specialized waste disposal, and how to obtain the hepatitis
B vaccination. Vaccination is available at no cost to the employee.
If exposure should occur, the following steps should be taken:
• Thoroughly wash and/or irrigate the exposure site.
• Employees on the Evanston campus should seek prompt evaluation from
Occupational Medicine Evanston/Glenbrook Association (OMEGA) at
847-657-1700; after normal working hours, they should seek attention
at the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare emergency room and identify
themselves as OMEGA patients.
Employees on the Chicago campus should call the Northwestern
Memorial Hospital Employee Health HOT-LINE pager at 6-8282.
Employees who are off campus can call 312-926-8282.
• If the exposed individual is an employee, the claims manager in the
Office of Risk Management should be notified at 1-5582.
• Report all exposures immediately to the employee’s supervisor and to the
Office of Research Safety for review through an incident report form.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Knowing and understanding the hazards of the chemicals you use is one
of the first steps in ensuring a safe workplace. The term chemical applies
not only to laboratory chemicals, but also includes all industrial chemicals
(e.g., paints, oils, welding rods) and office products (e.g., toners).
Every chemical poses an inherent hazard that must be respected.
When the hazards of the chemical are defined, listed, and understood,
proper safety measures may be instituted to protect your health and safety.
A chemical is considered to be hazardous if it poses either a health or
physical hazard or both on exposure. Health hazards are illnesses or health
problems that may develop in the event of overexposure to the hazardous
chemical. These may range from acute health effects such as headaches,
dizziness, and skin irritation to chronic health effects such as cancer and
organ damage. Physical hazards may result from the improper handling of
the chemical or product. Examples of physical hazards include fires, explosions,
and sudden releases of pressure. Therefore, a hazardous chemical is
any substance or mixture of substances having properties capable of producing
adverse effects on your health and safety.
The University’s Hazard Communication Program is designed to
alert you to the hazards of the chemicals in the nonlaboratory workplace
by providing you with access to information on the health and physical
hazards of chemicals, safe handling precautions, and emergency and first
aid procedures. The program is based on the OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard.
The Hazard Communication Program provides you with the right
to know
• what chemical substances are present in your workplace
• what health hazards may be caused by overexposure to the chemicals
in your workplace
• what physical hazards may result from improper handling
• what precautions or safety measures must be instituted to protect your
health and safety
The Hazard Communication Program consists of the following
elements:
Hazard Evaluation
Manufacturers, importers, or distributors of chemicals are required to assess
the health and physical hazards of their chemical products. Information
concerning a chemical’s hazards must be supplied on the product label and
material safety data sheet (MSDS).
Labeling
The manufacturer, importer, or distributor must label all containers of
hazardous materials. The label must provide the following information:
• the identity of the hazardous chemical(s)
• hazard warnings in words, pictures, or symbols
• the name and address of the manufacturer, importer, or distributor
The hazardous material container’s label must not be removed or
defaced. If the hazardous material is transferred from its original container
to another, the new container must be labeled with the identity of the
hazardous chemical(s), hazard warnings, and the name and address of the
manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
If you transfer the hazardous chemical from a labeled container to a
portable container intended for your use that same day, the container does
not need to be labeled as previously described. If, however, you leave some
of the hazardous chemical in the portable container at the end of the day,
you either have to label the container or return its contents to the original
labeled container.
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