presentation on workplace equipment

7/30/2019 Presentation on Workplace Equipment

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safety

WORK PLACE EQUIPMENT


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Workplace Equipment

Employees have strict duties

to ensure that work

equipment, in whatever form,

is properly selected, use and

maintained.

Work equipment is classed any

equipment used by an employ ee at

work

Employers must recognize that work

equipment can only be used safely if there

is adequate lighting in the workplace so that

any hazards can be clearly seen. Meanwhile,

items of hardware, such as ventilation

systems, need to be properly maintained sothat they continue to operate safely and do

not put people at risk.


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The regulations require employers to

prevent access to dangerous parts of

machinery.

Every t ime an op erator uses a machine, they shou ld check theprotect ive guards are wo rking pro per ly

Workplace Equipment


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Machinery hazards

Contactserious abrasions can occur after contact with grinding wheels,

while burns following contact with hot surfaces, or amputation following

contact with circular saws, are also possible;

Entanglementclothes, hair or limbs can become entangled in unguarded

revolving shafts, pulleys or drills, causing severe injury;

Impactsome fast-moving machines can cause severe injury if an

individual gets in the way during the machines cycle; and

Ejectionprocessing operations can result in particles or components

being thrown out of the machine.


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Machinery guarding

Since the main cause of machinery-related accidents is coming into contact

with dangerous machine parts, there are clear regulations demanding that

machinery parts are always adequately guarded.

Using fixed enclosing guards;

Using other guards or protection devices;

Fitting protection appliances such as jigs and push sticks; and

providing information, instruction, training and supervision.


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Assessing and reducing the risk

However, before any safety controls are put in place, it is essential that employers

have a clear understanding of the risks posed by every machine in the workplace.

The risk assessment should therefore look at all machinery and work equipment

used in the workplace to identify dangerous parts of equipment which could

cause injuries- such as gear wheels, rotating shafts and conveyor belts.

Typical areas that need to be looked at might include:

Whether there are components whose movements could pull limbs into a trap;

Whether there are parts which are sharp, abrasive, hot, cold or electrically live

which could injure a person if they are touched ; and

Whether hair, jewellery or clothing could become entangled in moving

machinery.


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Having identified the risks, employers must take all practicable action to

remove them at source . There are number of ways of doing this, including the

adoption of :

Better physical measuresthis might mean making the machine itself

inherently safe , perhaps by reducing its speed;Better procedural measuresthis might include implementing a permit to

work system or planning maintenance schedules ; or

Better behavioral measuresthis means providing staff with adequate training

in how to use machines safely.



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Employers should assess the risks

from all machinery , looking at

issues such as the standard of

guarding , operator training andthe hazards posed by setting up

and maintenance tasks.

It is best th at guards and other safety devices are designed

into th e machine at the start



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Mobile work equipment

Trip guards ensure that , i f the operator is

in posi t ion where they could be in jured ,the machine shuts i tse l f down

Mobile work equipmentsuch as lift trucks,

diggers and tractorsalso poses a number of safety

risks to workers. For example , certain types of

vehicle are prone to rolling on their sides or

overturning completely if operated unsafely

which can lead to the driver or nearby pedestrians

suffering serious or even fatal injuries.

Employers must assess the risks of their mobile

work equipment rolling over.


that is at risk of rolling onto

its side or overturning

completely must be fittedwith roll-over protective

devices


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This means looking at:

the nature of the mobile work equipment and any attachments that are fitted to it ;

The effects of any work being carried out on or by the mobile work equipment; and

The workplace conditions where it is used.

Measures can then be taken to stabilize the work equipment and prevent roll-over

for example, counterbalance weights can be fitted to vehicles to increase their track

width.

In addition , suitable roll-over protective structures (ROPS) should be fitted to any

mobile work equipment that is at risk from rolling onto its side or overturning it

completely. ROPS are structures , frames or cabs that , in the event of roll-over,

prevent the work equipment from crushing the people carried by it.



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The use of lifting equipment is associated with a number of hazards . For

example, a load being lifted can sometimes fall and injure someone if it is not

secured properly , while some items of lifting equipmentssuch as lift trucks and

tower cranesare at risk of overturning if they are unstable.

Therefore , employers must carry out a risk assessment of lifting equipment and

lifting operations . This must examine the selection and use of lifting equipment

and the training of the staff who operate it.

For example, employers need to consider the weight, shape and centre of gravity

of the load to be lifted ; how often the lifting equipment will be used to carry out

the task; and the risk of a load falling or striking a person or object.

Lifting Equipment


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Lifting equipment must also have adequate strength and stability for its

proposed use. There are a number of methods which can be used to improve

the stability of lifting equipment , including using an anchorage system or

counterbalancing weights. In addition , the risks from positioning and installing

lifting equipment need to be minimized and equipment must be marked to

indicate its safe working load.

Lifting Equipment


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Maintenance And Inspection

Every i tem of work equipment mus t be proper ly checked and

maintained so that i t does not p ose a r isk to those who us e i t

It is vitally important that every item of work equipment is properly checked and

maintained so that it continues to operate correctly and does not pose a risk to those

who use it .

Maintenance procedures should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturers

instructions , and should only be undertaken by competent persons who are trained to

do the work. It is important that the maintenance programme targets those parts of

work equipment where failure or deterioration could lead to health and safety risks .


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An inspection can vary from a simple visual external inspection to a detailedinspection , which may include some dismantling or testing of work

equipment. Any inspection should always look at the components and

features which are necessary for the safe operation of the equipmentsuch

as overload warning devices and limit switches.

Maintenance And Inspection


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Anyone who uses workplace

equipment must been given

adequate training and

instruction in its safe use.

Ensure that work equipment is safe ,

employers must also make sure the

equipment is being operated in a correct

manner . It is essential that managers ,

supervisors and operators are provided with

adequate training and instruction on the safe

use of work equipment and how to report any

defects.

Training And Instruction


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In general, training should cover points such as:

All health and safety aspects arising from the use of work equipment;

Any limitations on these uses;

Any foreseeable difficulties that could arise; and

The methods for dealing with them.

Training and instruction should be appropriate to the type of work equipment

being used and workers should also be given training if there is a change in the

working procedures or if any new technology or equipment is introduced into

the workplace.

Training And Instruction


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Working At HeightThe most common cause of fatal injuries to UK workersand one of the main causes

of major injuries- is falls from height .

In fact , provisional HSE figures for 2006/07 show that 45 workers were killed and

over 3,750 were seriously injured as a result of fallsfigures which make clear the

importance of selecting the correct height access equipment and ensuring workers

how to use it correctly .

Although the dangers posed by work at height are often associated with the

construction industry , workers in all sectors can be at risk of suffering serious or

even fatal falls. Another important is that even simple tasks carried out at relatively

low height can lead to injury if proper care and precautions are not taken. In fact ,

almost seven in ten of the 3,409 major fall injuries to employees and seven of the 45

fatalities to workers in 06/07 are thought to have occurred during work at a height of

no more than two meters.


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Using a ladder or a stepladder to carry out maintenance

tasks , window cleaning or shop fitting work ;

Working on a flat roof , scaffold or from a mobile

platform;

Working on the back of a lorry unloading goods or

climbing fixed structures to perform maintenanceactivities ;

Working in areas where someone could fall from an

edge ,through an opening or through a fragile surface;

and

Working at ground level close to an opening in a floor or

a hole in the ground that someone could fall into.

Employers must do

everything reasonably

practicable to prevent aworker falling a distance

liable to cause them injury.

Working At Height


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All work at height must be

properly planned ,

organized and carried out

by competent people.

Avoid work at height where possible.

Where work at height cannot be avoided, take steps to

prevent falls by using an existing safe place of work or

by choosing the most suitable work could be carried out

from a sound flat roof with permanent edge protection ,

or using access equipment fitted with guard railssuch

as a tower scaffold ; and

Where the risk of people or objects falling remains ,

take steps to mitigate the distance and consequences of a

fall should one occur. This could be achieved by using

nets or soft landing systemsor , if that is not

reasonably practicable , by using fallarrest equipment.

Working At Height


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At all stages of the hierarchy, employers must try to select collective protection

measuressuch as working platforms fitted with guard rails- that will prevent

falls and protect the greatest number of people in a passive way. These are more

effective than equipment which only minimizes the distance and consequences

of fall- such as nets or airbagsor which only protects the actual user, such as afall- arrest harness.

Working At Height

A E i T S ff ld


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Access Equipment : Tower Scaffolds

Tips for the safe use of tower

scaffolds include always ensuring

the tower rests on firm level ground

with the base plates properly

supported

Portable ladders mu st be prevented from

sl ipp ing or moving dur ing use

One option available to employers when carrying

out work at height is to use access equipment

such as tower scaffolds , podium steps or cherry

pickers.

Longer duration or regular work at height tasks

generally justify a better standard of fall

protectionwhich these type of equipment

provide due to the presence of guard railsrather

than a ladder or stepladder. The HSE says that a

ladder or stepladder may be acceptable for short

A E i t


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duration tasksfor example , replacing a light bulb when building a tower or

podium would not be reasonable because the tasks takes only a few seconds to

do. But installing several rows of light bulbs in a false ceiling refurbishment,

for example , may justify the use of a tower because the task takes longer.

The key is preventing injury from work at height is , as always, carrying out a

risk assessment to decide on the right precautions to take ; establishing safe

working methods and ensuring workers receive adequate training and

instruction.

Access Equipment

A E i t


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General tips from the HSE for ensuring the safe use of tower scaffolds include :

Make sure that the tower rests on firm , level ground with the locked castors

or base plates properly supported- never use building blocks to take the weight

of any part of the tower;

Install stabilizers or outriggers when advised to do so in the instruction

manual;

Provide a safe way to get to and from the work platformfor example , using

an appropriately designed internal ladder; and

Provide edge protection (guard rails and toe boards) on all working platforms

used for storing materials.

Access Equipment

M bil A E i t


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Mobile work equipment that

is at risk of rolling over

should include a driverrestraining system , such as a

seat or lap belt.

Mobile Access Equipment

Al l users of access equipment mu st be

trained and competent to operate i t

Another option for work at heights is mobile

access equipment , such as mobile elevating work

platforms (MEWPs) . Common types include

boom-type liftsbetter known as cherry pickers

and scissor lifts.

According to the HSE, some of the questions that

employers should ask before using an MEWP

include:

Heighthow high is the job from the ground ?

Applicationdo you have the appropriate

MEWP for the job?


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Conditions- What are the ground conditions and is there a risk of the MEWP

becoming unstable or overturning ?

Operatorsare the operators trained and competent ?

Obstructionscould the MEWP be caught on any protruding features or

overhead hazards- for example , steelwork , tree branches or power lines ? Is there

passing traffic , and if so , what do you need to do to prevent collisions ?

Restraintdo you need to use either work restraint (to prevent people climbing

out of the MEWP) , or a fall arrest system (which will stop a person hitting the

ground if they fall out)?

Checks - has the MEWP been examined , inspected and maintained as required

by the manufacturers instructions and have the necessary daily checks been

carried out?

Mobile access equipment


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The use of ladders is not banned by the Work at Height Regulations , but they

should only be used where a risk assessment shows that the use of other , safer

work equipmentsuch as a tower scaffold or podium stepsis not justified

because the task is of low risk and of short duration. They can also be used for low

risk work when there are features on site that make the use of other, safer work

equipment impossible. Such features would include restricted space preventing

other equipment from being put in place correctly or ground conditions that mean

there is no suitable area to set up alternative equipment.

Therefore , as a rule of thumb , a ladder or stepladder should only be used for short

duration work of up to 30 minutes in one position ; for light work that involves

lifting no more than ten kilograms up the ladder ; and if a secure handhold is

available .



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If ladders have to be used , they must be the correct types for the job and be in

good condition. Leaning ladders must also be prevented from slipping or moving

by securing the stiles at a suitable pointsuch as the top or bottom - or , where

this is not possible , using an effective ladder stability device.

Stepladders also require careful use , as they are not designed for any amount of

side loading and are relatively easy to overturn . As a result, stepladder users

should avoid work that imposes side-on loading (such as side-on drilling through

solid materials), by having the steps facing the work activity.


L dd l ti


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Ladders should only be used

when a risk assessment shows

that the use of safer workequipment is not justified.

Ladders : general tips

Ladder u sers should always mainta in

three points of contact

Always rest the ladder on a firm , level surface ,

and on a clean, dry and not slippery, floor. Never

rest a ladder on moveable objects, such as pallets

or bricks;

Always maintain three points of contacts with

the ladderboth feet and one hand. On a

stepladder always ensure that you have a safe

handhold available on the steps ;

Ensure the ladder or stepladder rungs or steps

are level- this can be judged by the naked eye;


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Do not overreachkeep your belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet

on the same rung throughout the task;

Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task.

Only carry light materials or toolsup to 10 kg;

Avoid holding items when climbing if possiblefor example , by using tool

belts;

If you must carry something ,always have one hand free to grip the ladder;

Never work off the top three rungs of a leaning ladderthis provides a hand

hold;

Where a leaning ladder is put up at an angle to minimize the risk of slipping

outwards , the ladder needs to be at an angle of 75 degrees , or one unit out for

every four units up;



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Make sure the top of a leaning ladder rests against a solid surface (not fragile

plastic guttering or glazing), for example, an effective spreader bar or stand-off

device may be useful for avoiding this;

Ensure a stepladder is fully open and any locking devices are engaged before

you use it;

Ensure the weather is suitabledo not use ladders in strong or gusting winds

(follow the manufacturers safe working practices on this) ; and

All ladders and stepladders should undergo a pre-use check everyday

including checking the condition of the feet , stiles and rungs . If the feet are

missing, damaged, loose or dirty this will increase the risk of slipping.


Lighting


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Artificial lighting should

achieve a uniform

illumination over the whole

working area .

Emergency l ight ing must b e tested

regular ly to ensure it works p roper ly

In general, lighting in workplace should :

allow people to notice hazards and assess risks;

Be suitable for the environment and the type of

work;

Allow people to see properly and discriminate

between colours ;

Not cause glare, flicker or stroboscopic effects;

Not result in excessive differences in illuminance

within an area or between adjacent areas; and

Be suitably positioned so that it can be

maintained or replaced, and disposed of safely.

Lighting


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