powerpoint to accompany section 1 occupational health and safety

PowerPoint

to accompany

Section 1

Occupational health and safety

Copyright ©2011 Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) – 9781442523258/Hampson/Electrotechnology Practice/2nd edition

Occupational health and safety fundamentals

Reference must be made to the state or territory legislation referring to occupational health and safety (OH&S) in the relevant state in which the electrical worker resides. In Australia OH&S is watched over by the National Occupation Health and Safety Commission.


Responsibilities, rights and obligations

The OH&S legislation in Australia and New Zealand places an absolute duty on employers and controllers of workplaces (including directors and managers) to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors to the workplace.


Health and safety committees

Health and safety committees are set up in workplaces to help resolve health, safety and welfare issues that arise in the workplace.


Safety inspectors

A workplace health and safety inspector may enter any workplace and exercise their powers while they are in a workplace.


Safety observers

Safety observers must receive specific instructions in their duties from the licensed electrical worker or workers on potential risks associated with the work to be performed.


Housekeeping

Housekeeping is not just cleanliness, it is a significant factor in creating a safe, healthy workplace for workers.


Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to garments, equipment or barrier substances designed to be worn by a person to protect them from exposure to risks of injury or illness.


PPE for electrical work

Clothing

Flame-resistant clothing (100% cotton clothing) that covers the whole body (neck to wrists and ankles) must be worn by all electrical workers involved with de-energised electrical work activities.



Insulated gloves

Insulated gloves for working on low-voltage equipment are to be rated to the highest voltage expected when performing the task.



Safety footwear

Safety shoes/boots must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 210.2:2000 Occupational protective footwear – Requirements and test methods.



Face shields

Safety face shields are to cover the full face and have no exposed metal parts and have an electrical rating suitable for the task being performed.


Personal protective equipment

All PPE must be checked regularly for condition, cleanliness and use-by dates and the storage of PPE must be appropriate.

If electrical workers do not use the correct PPE they will continue to be involved in accidents and they will suffer injuries.


Work environment

Worksite

A worksite means the place of employment, base of operation or location of workers.

It includes all of the employer’s buildings or facilities located within the same building and their parking facilities.


Work environment

Induction

Induction is a legislative requirement.

The Workplace Health and Safety Act states that a manager has an obligation to protect the health and safety of workers and others by ensuring that they are not exposed to risks to their health and safety arising from their employment and that they have enough information, training and supervision to stay safe.


Work environment

The work environment

In today’s changing times safe premises, buildings and security addresses not only natural disasters but also crime, violence in the workplace and acts of terrorism.

Security means the protection of the premises, the employees working there, visitors and assets.


Work environment

Standard work procedure

Standard work means implementing specific, efficient plans of action for each task or process undertaken in a workplace.

It starts with identifying the generally accepted safe and sound practice (best way) to perform a particular task, then developing methods and procedures.


Work environment


Work environment

Hazards at the worksite

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001 define a hazard as ‘anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person’.


Work environmentHazards can be classified into five broad areas:

1. physical: noise, radiation, light, vibration

2. chemical: poisons, dusts, lead, solvents

3. biological: viruses, plants, parasites, vermin, insects, mites, wood and other plant material (allergies), infections (tuberculosis), viruses (from needlestick injuries)

4. mechanical/electrical: slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment

5. psychological: fatigue, violence, bullying, stress.


Work environment

Six levels of control measures, in order of priority.

1. Elimination—stop whatever is causing the hazard.

2. Substitution—use a lower hazard alternative.

3. Isolation—separate use from the rest of the workplace.

4. Engineering controls—install equipment that will reduce exposure or risk.

5. Safe work practices—change the way people work.

6. Personal protective equipment (PPE)—gloves, goggles, ear plugs and respirators, for example, can reduce worker contact and exposure to the hazard.


Occupational environment safety signs

The aim of occupational environment safety signs is to regulate and control safety-related behaviour, to warn workers and members of the general public of health and safety hazards and to provide emergency information, including fire protection information.


Occupational environment

Prohibition signs

Prohibition signs indicate that an action or activity is not permitted.



Mandatory signs

Mandatory signs indicate that an instruction must be carried out.



Restriction signs

Restriction signs place a numerical or other defined limit on an activity or use of a facility.



Danger signs

Danger signs warn of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life threatening.



Warning signs

Warning signs warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening.



Emergency information signs

Emergency information signs indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency-related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities.



Fire signs

Fire signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment.


Fires

Fire protection in the workplace requires appropriate means of extinguishing local fires in all locations where workers are employed.

These locations should have adequate safety notices to instruct, warn and guide workers about possible fires.


Fires

For fire to exist, four elements must be present at the same time:

1. some sort of fuel or combustible material

2. oxygen to sustain combustion

3. heat to raise the combustible material to its ignition temperature

4. a chemical reaction.


Fires


Fires

To use a fire extinguisher properly all you have to remember is PASS.

P—Pull the safety pin

A—Aim at the base of the fire

S—Squeeze the trigger

S—Sweep at the base of the flame from side to side


Fires

Fire blankets extinguish fire by smothering the surface of the fuel to remove the oxygen element of the fire.


Workplace emergencies

A workplace emergency is a situation that threatens workers or the public, disrupts or shuts down workplace operations or causes physical or environmental damage.



Emergencies may be naturally caused or man-made and can include the following:

cyclones

floods

fires

explosions

chemical spills

toxic gas releases

workplace violence



An emergency action plan:

1. A method for reporting fires and other emergencies.

2. An evacuation policy and procedure.

3. Emergency escape procedures.

4. Emergency phone numbers of designated persons.

5. Actions for designated workers who stay.

6. Rescue and medical duties for workers.


Manual handling

The term ‘manual handling’ is used to describe any activity requiring the use of the hands or bodily force applied by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, heave, carry, move, support or restrain an object, person or animal.


Manual handling

Manual handling injuries

Injuries most frequently associated with manual handling include:

back injuries—spine, joints, ligaments, muscles and intervertebral discs

fractures—to the fingers, hand, feet and toes

lacerations—to the hands and fingers

crush injuries—to the fingers

(See text for other injuries)


Manual handling


Manual handling

Examples of actions that may cause manual handling injuries are:

sudden, jerky or hard to control movements such as hammer drilling.

bending, reaching or twisting such as installing cables.

where a long time is spent in the same posture or position such as working in confined spaces within ceilings.


Manual handling

Further examples of actions that may cause manual handling injuries are:

Activities that are fast and repetitious such as coil turns placement in stator slots.

Activities where heavy equipment has to be lifted and carried manually, for example air-conditioners and stoves.

Activities where force is needed to carry out a task such as when using screwdrivers or spanners.


Manual handling

Procedures for lifting

Assess the risk factors according to the load including:

type of load—glass, drum, etc.

weight of load

size of load

distance the load has to be carried or moved

route

placement requirements


Manual handling


Manual handling

Alternative materials-handling aids

Alternative materials-handling aids for carrying or moving loads should to be used whenever possible to minimise lifting and bending activity.

These alternative materials-handling aids include use of lift truck, scissors lift truck, pallet truck and other mechanical devices—levers, crowbars, gloves.


Chemicals in the workplace

The word ‘chemicals’ includes substances such as paint, glue, cleaning agents, fuel, pesticides and solvents.



It is important to know which dangerous goods produce toxic gas;

which are highly flammable;

which are dangerous when wet; or

which are dangerous when they come into contact with air.


Material safety data sheets

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and labels indicate whether or not the chemical substance or material is considered a hazardous substance.



MSDSs contain information such as:

a statement indicating whether it has been classified as hazardous to health in accordance with NOHSC criteria

the contents

what it should be used for and how to use it safely

its health effects

first aid instructions

advice about safe storage and handling.



MSDSs are the primary source of chemical hazard information and must be readily accessible to workers.

They should contain all pertinent physical and health hazard information, exposure limits, precautions for safe handling and use and applicable control measures including PPE use requirements.



Storage procedures

When storing chemical substances:

1. Make a register of every chemical substance to be stored. The register must contain details of all dangerous goods and hazardous substances currently used, stored or handled on the premises.

2. Obtain from the supplier an MSDS for each chemical substance.



Labelling

If you transfer chemical substances into a secondary container, ensure that the new container is properly labelled.



Storage

Manage your stock—only keep minimum amounts.

Label shelves and storage cabinets with a segregation scheme so that chemical substances can be put away in the right place quickly.

Refer to MSDSs for specific chemical substance incompatibilities.

Ensure that the storage cabinets are locked.

Do not store liquids above solids



Storage (cont.)

Limit the size of containers where possible to ≤ 5 L/kg.

Always store corrosives on spill trays—kitty litter trays are ideal.

Do not overload shelves.

Do not store containers on the floor.

Dispose of outdated chemical substances including all portable LPG cylinders that are not in test (i.e. 10 years).


Working at heights

Not all electrical installation work can be done on the ground floor or at floor level.

To perform installation work above these levels ladders or scaffolding is required.


Working at heights

Ladder hazards

Ladder accidents are usually caused by inappropriate selection, lack of maintenance or unsafe use.

Some of the more common hazards involving ladders, such as unsteadiness, falls and electric shock, can be foreseen and prevented.


Working at heights

Hazard prevention

Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.

Ascend or descend one rung at a time.

Always have three limbs (two arms and one leg or one arm and two legs) on the ladder rungs at one time.

Never hand-carry equipment or tools on a ladder—use tool belts.


Working at heights

Hazard prevention (cont.)

Never over-reach in order to carry out a task; move the ladder.

Always place the ladder on firm or level ground.

Ensure that the support for the top of the ladder is secure.

To prevent a ladder from slipping use non-skid feet, spurs, tie off the top and bottom or have another person place their foot against the base.

Do not stand on the ladder’s top three rungs.


Working at heights


Check the ladder for a damaged side rail which may cause one side of a ladder to give way.

The base of a single or extension ladder should be at a slope of 4:1 (1 m high, 250 mm out) away from the structure it leans against.

Ladders used to reach a walking surface or roof must extend at least 1 m beyond.

Extension ladders need both locks holding to prevent overloading a rail.


Working at heights


Do not use wet wooden or fibreglass ladders as electrical shock can occur. Not only is the shock itself hazardous, but its effect can also cause a fall resulting in injury.

Never leave ladders unattended.

Only one person may be on a ladder at any one time.

Never ‘walk’ a ladder to an adjacent location by standing on the ladder and lifting a stile.


Working at heightsLadder types

The safety inspection of ladders should look for the following:

stiles: broken, split, cracked, decayed

rungs or treads: missing, broken, split, cracked, decayed, corroded, worn, dirty

fittings: broken, worn, loose, faulty

spreaders and ropes: broken, worn, decayed

safety feet: broken, worn, faulty


Working at heights

All ladders used by electricians should have the following information permanently marked on the ladder:

manufacturer’s name

load rating (in kg)

working length of the ladder


Working at heights

Step ladders are used when installing lighting points, ceiling fans and other electrical equipment.


Working at heights

Single-length and extension ladders

Before working at height, identify all hazards, assess their risks and prepare a safe work procedure.

Fall-arrest equipment will be essential for some tasks.


Working at heights


Working at heights

Scaffolds

A scaffold is any temporary elevated platform and its structure which is used for supporting workers or materials or both.

Regulations govern the safe use of scaffolds and these vary from state to state.


Working at heights

Scaffolds must be erected by a construction worker called a scaffolder on construction sites.


Working at heights

Elevated work platforms

An elevated work platform (EWP) consists of a telescoping device, scissor device, boom lift or articulating device used to raise or lower workers, equipment and material to and from a work location above the EWP’s support surface.


Working at heights


Working at heights

Elevated work platforms: Risks to workers can arise from:

Lack of training in proper use.

No pre-planning for activities to be carried out.

Not using additional safety equipment.

Over-reaching by operators from the worker box.

Lack of suitable maintenance or repair.

Use on unstable ground or in extreme weather conditions such as wind and storms.


Confined spaces

A confined space is an enclosed, or partly enclosed, area which is not planned, or intended, principally as a place of work.

In addition, a confined space may have a restricted means for entry and exit.


Confined spaces

Confined spaces may include the following:

Open spaces—drains, trenches and pits

Tunnel-type spaces—sewers, pedestrian tunnels, ductwork, shafts and lift wells

Building space—unventilated ceiling space, basements and cold rooms, storage rooms, closets, plant rooms and crane cages

Moving space—lifts

Tanks and vessels—storage tanks, pressure vessels, vacuum vessels, boilers and silos


Confined spaces


Confined spaces

Portable gas detectors

Without appropriate gas detection hazardous atmospheres within confined spaces may significantly affect the health of any entry person.

Many airborne contaminants cannot be detected by smell or vision and can only be sensed with special detectors.


Physical and psychological hazards

Industrial noise

Noise is defined as unwanted sound.

Industrial noise for workers can become a major industrial disease which threatens the quality of life. Unpleasant health effects of industrial noise include hearing loss, sleep disturbances, job performance reduction and frustrated communication responses (some sounds are still loud, others are not heard and this makes speech difficult to understand).



There are two basic types of personal protection for noise.



Vibration

Vibration motion can be in one or more directions—up and down, side to side, front to rear or rotational.

A worker who regularly and frequently is exposed to high levels of vibration can suffer permanent injury.



Vibration

The extent of damage vibration causes to the human body depends on:

the length of time of exposure

the frequency (motion) at which the vibration occurs

the amplitude of vibration



Ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, skin ageing and eye damage and may affect the body’s immune system.

Therefore it is essential that all workers exposed to UV radiation at work should be given training so that they understand the risks associated with UV exposure.



Overuse syndrome

Occupational overuse syndrome (OS) is a form of injury which affects tendons, joints and muscles in the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.

It is caused by repetitive movements or an uncomfortable working stance stressing the body parts beyond their physical limit.

OS is also known as repetitive strain injury, or RSI.



Stress

Workers experience work-related stress when they feel that they are unable to cope with the working environment demands placed upon them.



When a worker is exposed to constant, extended work-related stress, they may experience physical and emotional symptoms such as:

frequent headaches

feeling frustrated and irritable or angry

loss of energy and motivation

changes in appetite and weight

sleep difficulties

generally feeling worn out or run down



Drugs and alcohol

The rights of persons to drink and take drugs socially are acknowledged, but when work performance suffers or fellow workers are endangered then some action must be taken.



Drug and alcohol abusers in the workplace can be difficult to identify but there are some signs that indicate possible drug and alcohol problems. These include:

regular and often unexplained absences

involvement in workplace accidents

unreliable work patterns and reduced productivity

lack of concern with respect to personal hygiene

overreaction to real or imagined criticism


Working with electricity

The physiological effects of current

When working on or near electric circuits capable of delivering high power, electric shock becomes more of a reality and pain is the least significant outcome of electric shock.

Electric shock is a general term for the excitation or confusion of the purpose of nerves or muscles caused by the passage of an electric current.



Body resistance

The resistance of the body from hand to hand or from hand to foot is variable and depends upon the area of electric contact and whether that area is dry, moist or wet.



Physiological sensations of current

Practically speaking, the fault current can neither be predetermined nor discovered after an electric shock.

The physiological values of current are suitable only for research on deciding on permissible leakage currents for electrical devices.



Effect of voltage frequency

It is unfortunate that mains voltage is generated at a frequency of 50 Hz, because at this frequency voltage finds resonance with the nerve endings within the human body, producing maximum excitation and therefore control of the nerves.



Burns

There are five possible burns that a person who has suffered electric shock could experience.

1. The first is point of contact and exit burns that are local and can be just white skin or deep, reaching to the bone.

2. The second is arc burns that can be very extensive especially if the person experiences a high-voltage flashover. Arcs are extremely hot. The person will be badly scarred from the experience and may lose limbs.



Burns (cont.)

3. The third type of burn concerns radiation similar to sunburn from the intensity of the arc.

4. Fourthly, burns from the vaporised metal of a conductor can saturate the face or hands.

5. Finally, high voltage allows a fault current to flow with impunity into the body of a person, causing contact burns that can punch through the layers of the skin destroying tissue below. Burns caused on the body of a person are sterile and heal very quickly.



The fundamental principles

The Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring rules ‘Protection for Safety’ lists 10 fundamental principles for protection against the physiological effects of current.

The carrying out of these 10 principles is intended to ensure the safety of persons, livestock and property against dangers and damage that may arise in the reasonable use of electrical installations.



Causes of electrical accidents

Risks for systems electricians arise in a work situation because it is sometimes difficult to find faults or malfunctions in electrical equipment when the equipment is not operating.



Some common causes of electrical accidents in fault finding or repair include:

exposed live terminals

terminals or conductors being live under different conditions of operation of the equipment

loose or disconnected leads becoming live

test equipment conducting the potential closer to the systems electrician

test equipment being the wrong class for the task (particularly test probes)



Some further common causes of electrical accidents in fault finding or repair include:

inadequate test points

incorrect or poorly maintained testing instruments

inadequate knowledge of equipment or causes of faults

equipment located in hazardous areas, which often include bolt-on or screw-on covers

working alone on live equipment or installations



Permit-to-work system

A permit-to-work system is a formal written system using a systematic disciplined approach to assessing the risks of a task and specifying the precautions to be taken when performing live work, hot work (work involving welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating, grinding and other fire-producing or spark-producing operations), roof access, excavation, elevated work (a permit is required for all forms of mechanical work platforms and scaffolding), high-voltage work and/or working in a confined space.



Clearance certificates

A clearance certificate is a permit for entry for workers required to undertake installation or maintenance work in hazardous locations such as laboratories, animal houses, glasshouses, chemical stores and flammable fluid stores.



Isolation permissions

It is the responsibility of all workers and contractors performing work within a worksite to ensure the safety of themselves as well as other occupants of the building or work area.



The following items must be planned in advance prior to commencing isolation work:

The time for the isolation to start.

The extent of the isolation to ensure the electrical equipment to be worked on is removed from all sources of supply.

The operation of control devices which may inadvertently energise the installation or equipment to be worked on.

Information provided in a formal written system.


Protective measures

Fuses and circuit breakers are intended primarily for the protection of conductors and equipment.

They prevent overheating of conductors that might otherwise create hazards for installations.

They also open the circuit under certain hazardous earth-fault conditions in an MEN (multiple earth neutral) system.

Second, these protective devices may protect persons against electric shock.


Protective measures

Fuse

This device will open a circuit when a predetermined excess of current flows.

It may be able to be rewired or alternatively may incorporate a wire embedded in insulating powder within a cartridge case.


Protective measures

Circuit breaker

This is a form of switch which opens automatically if the circuit is overloaded;

it may operate on either a thermal or magnetic principle.


Protective measures

Earthing

The external metal casing of electrical equipment, cables and conduit must be earthed.

The reason for this is to prevent the metal rising to dangerous voltage because if an earth fault such as high-resistance earth occurred, the touch voltage could be quite high.


Protective measures

Separated extra-low voltage (SELV)

This is a means of protecting persons against electric shock. SELV is defined as not more than 50 V ac or 120 V ripple-free dc, measured between conductors or to earth.


Protective measures

Residual current device

A residual current device (RCD) or safety switch is a device that immediately trips out the electricity supply in the event of a fault to earth (current leaking to earth).


Protective measures

Isolation of electrical supply

Without isolating the electricity source, the systems electrician would be working on a live circuit.

The systems electrician would be vulnerable to electrical hazards including electric shock, electrical flashover and short-circuit.


Protective measures

Low-voltage systems

Low voltage is defined as voltage exceeding 50 V rms ac or 120 V ripple-free dc but not exceeding 1000 V rms or 1500 V dc.


Protective measures

Clearance is defined as the shortest distance between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and the outer surface of an enclosure, when the distance is measured through air.

Creepage is the shortest path between the two conductive parts or between the conductive part and the outer surface of an enclosure, when the path is measured along the surface of the insulation.


Common electrical hazards

There are three categories of common electrical hazards:

electric shock

arcing

toxic gasses associated with the arcing hazard.



Electric shock

Low-voltage contact can cause severe shock and burn injuries and even death. The shock experience can be received by direct contact with a live part, arcing (if the neutrals are connected at a common terminal, as can exist with some equipment, when the circuit being worked on is isolated another circuit may be alive allowing the disconnected neutral to become live when disconnected at the common terminal) or tracking (equipment leakage currents associated with appliances such as ranges).



Arcing

A short-circuit fault can cause an intense, determined and rapidly intensifying arc of electrical energy to be established within a very small interval in time.

This energy when released suddenly will result in terrible burns on anyone within the arc’s range.



Toxic gasses

The arcing and burning associated with a low-voltage electrical fault may cause toxic gasses to be emitted which can have an adverse effect on a target organ.

The effect may be severe if carcinogens are present.



Other low-voltage electrical hazards include:

wiring not in conformance with the Standards

exposed electrical parts

contact with overhead supply

defective/inadequate insulation

improper earthing of equipment

overloaded circuits (can produce heat or arcing)

damaged power tools, equipment and testing devices



Controlling low-voltage hazards

Most incidents involving low-voltage hazards are preventable.

The most effective are those which eliminate or reduce the consequences of the hazard.



Extra-low voltage

Extra-low voltage is defined as voltage not exceeding 50 V rms ac or 120 V or less ripple-free dc. Voltages at these levels are usually not hazardous but hazards may exist under certain conditions.



High currents

Systems electricians need to be aware that if working on live circuits, fault current of up to 20 times the rated current of the supply can flow during fault conditions.

High current means greater damage to the body as a result of heating within tissues.



High-voltage hazards

The term ‘high voltage’ applies to electrical equipment that operates at more than 1000 V ac rms or 1500 V dc. The state or territory Electrical Safety Act, regulations, AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring rules and codes of practice and HV isolation and access procedures manuals must always be consulted when any high-voltage work is intended to be undertaken.



Electrical safety audit checklist

A well-planned and executed electrical safety audit can bring out many hazards and safety omissions that could reduce dangers to persons and equipment.

Audits are an important part of a control system because they ensure that persons are working in a safe manner.


Rescue from a live situation

When working on or near live electrical equipment, a fully equipped low-voltage rescue kit must be at or near the worksite.

The items in the rescue kit must be ‘in test’ before starting installation work.



Low-voltage rescue kit

A rescue kit should contain the following equipment and be inspected every six months to ensure all items are present, in good condition and gloves are ‘in test’.

1. fibreglass-insulated crook

2. 1000 V rated insulating gloves

3. ‘Isolate Here in Emergency’ sign

4. Burn dressings and fire blanket

5. Fire extinguisher

6. Torch



Rescue from low-voltage equipment

The steps for rescuing a victim from live low-voltage equipment after receiving an electric shock are:

Call 000 first. (For mobile phones only, dial 112)

Assess the scene for danger before trying to assist the casualty.

Put on insulating gloves.

Isolate the supply.



Steps (cont.)

Free the casualty using the insulated crook.

Extinguish flames if required.

Drag the casualty to a safe area.

Assess the casualty’s condition.

Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if required.

Place the casualty in the recovery position and await medical professionals.

Remain with the casualty.


Life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation

First aid

First aid is the emergency treatment of an injury or illness at an initial level until skilled medical assistance arrives.



The priority action plan

The priority action plan as suggested by the St John Ambulance is a step-by-step strategy for managing the emergency incident.

The acronym SRABCS (safety, response, airway, breathing, circulation and severe bleeding) is used as guidance for the action plan.



Emergency procedure at an accident

When approaching an accident scene:

Look around for dangers.

Check casualties and their response.

Call 000 (112 from mobile phones).

Care for injuries.



One of the most common and intense emotions at the time of a medical emergency for some first aiders is fear (fear of death, fear of failure and fear of negative consequences), which can quickly result in panic.


Legal and ethical issues

The following information does not represent legal advice and all first aiders should seek legal advice from a law practitioner.

For the most part, it is reasonable to assume that a person experiencing an emergency incident wants to have aid provided to help recover or survive.

However, for a conscious person consent needs to be obtained before commencing any intervention.



Duty of care

Duty of care is based on the principle of reasonableness, and is founded in the law of negligence.

A person has to conduct themselves in their working life in a way that is considered reasonable for someone in their position to do.


Legal and ethical issues Negligence occurs when there is a failure to

exercise a degree of reasonable care under the circumstances. Four important issues must be proven in court:

1. That there existed a duty to act on the part of the defendant towards the plaintiff.

2. That the duty was breached.

3. That the circumstances that led to the breach were foreseeable.

4. That the breach of duty was the proximate cause of an actual injury to the plaintiff.



Reasonably prudent individual

Upon re-creation of the events that took place during the administering of first aid, the behaviour of the first aider will be compared to what the reasonably prudent person in similar circumstances would have done.



Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan doctrine is a legal principle that prevents a first aider who has voluntarily helped a victim in distress from being successfully sued for ‘wrongdoing’ with respect to the administration of first aid only.

Its purpose is to keep people from being reluctant to help a stranger in need for fear of legal repercussions if they made some mistake in treatment.


First aid information

Casualty examination

Determine the casualty’s level of consciousness via gentle touching and loud talking.

Do not shake the casualty.



COWS

This is used to remind first aid providers of some simple steps that will help to determine a casualty’s ability to respond. These are:

Can you hear me?

Open your eyes.

What’s your name?

Squeeze my hands.



Checking vital signs

If a person is unconscious the first step is to check their mouth for any items blocking the airway.

These items could include their tongue, food or vomit.



Rescue breathing

The term ‘rescue breathing’ has replaced ‘expired air resuscitation’ (EAR).

The guidelines now recommend that full CPR be given to all those requiring resuscitation.



Chest compressions

When there are no signs of life present (the casualty is unconscious, unresponsive and not moving) then the rescuer should commence CPR.

When engaging in chest compressions:

The compression ventilation ratio is 30:2 (30 compressions to two ventilations) for infants, children and adults.



Level of consciousness

Level of consciousness is a term used to describe a person’s alertness and understanding of what is occurring in their surrounds.



Levels of consciousness

An AVPU scale is used to determine levels of consciousness.

A = Alert

V = responds to Voice

P = responds to Pain

U = Unresponsive



Clinical shock

Clinical shock is brought on by the body’s circulatory system failing to deliver a sufficient supply of blood to all parts of the body following severe injuries.



Treatment for shock involves the following:

1. Lay the casualty down.

2. Elevate the legs by 30 cm to return the blood supply to the brain.

3. Control any bleeding (if necessary).

4. Loosen the casualty’s clothing and cover the casualty to maintain body temperature.

5. Only moisten the casualty’s lips with water.

6. Comfort and reassure the casualty.



Bleeding

Bleeding is frequently the most serious risk to an injured person's life.

When treating any minor cut or laceration, you must stop the bleeding.

In most cases a minor wound will begin to clot with steady pressure applied for about 15 minutes.



Broken bones

Broken bones, also called fractures, are among the most common orthopaedic injuries.

If you're not sure what bone is broken or you think the neck or back is broken, do not try to move the injured person.



Burns

Burns are often categorised as first-, second-, or third-degree burns, depending on how badly the skin is damaged.

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness and swelling.

Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause pain, redness, swelling and blistering.

Third-degree burns extend into deeper tissues. They cause white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.


END

powerpoint to accompany section 1 occupational health and safety

Documents

safety slide

workplace health

safety committees health

safety commission

electrical workers

healthy workplace

safety fundamentals

national occupation