Energy hazards

Hazard

defined as a source of danger that could result in a chance event such as an accident/incident

Danger

It is a potential exposure or a liability to injury, pain or loss.

Risk

is the possibility of loss or injury/illness or the degree of the possibility of such loss.

Energy

It is either potential or kinetic energy

Potential Energy

is known as the stored energy

Weight and Height

Two components of potential energy

Kinetic Energy

energy in motion

Mass

amount of matter making up an object

Kinetic Energy

is a function of an object’s mass and its speed of movement or velocity

Sources of Energy

Thermal, Pressure, Biological, Chemical, Electrical, Nuclear, Light

Pressure Energy

refers to the stored energy within pressurized systems—such as compressed air, gases, or liquids—that can be unexpectedly released, posing significant risks to workers. This type of energy is often found in pneumatic and hydraulic systems, pressure vessels, or pipelines

Sources of Pressure Energy

- Pressurized Vessel- Caisson Work- Explosives- Noise- Compressed Gases- Steam Source- Liquified Gases- Air Under Pressure- Diving- Confined Space

Explosion

occur when pressurized gases or vapors are suddenly released, often due to equipment failure or ignition of flammable substances. The rapid expansion can cause blasts, flying debris, and significant structural damage

Confined Spaces

can trap or hold pressurized gas, vapors, or liquids especially in sealed or poorly ventilated areas. Built-up pressure can cause serious harm specially when it is released. It could lead to explosions, flying debris, or asphyxiation.

Diving

exposes individuals to significant pressure changes, which can lead to various hazards such as decompression sickness and barotrauma.

Decompression Sickness (The Bends)

Occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the bloodstream and tissues, leading to joint pain, dizziness, or even paralysis.

Barotrauma

Damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between air spaces in the body and the surrounding water, affecting ears, sinuses, and lungs

Biological Energy

refers to the release of energy by biological substances that pose a threat to human health in the workplace. These hazards are typically associated with living organisms or their byproducts and can lead to various health issues, ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious infections or poisoning.

Sources of Biological Energy

Allergens, Biotoxins, Pathogens, Poisonous Plants

Chemical Energy

refers to the potential danger posed by the release of energy during chemical reactions. This form of hazardous energy can result in fires, explosions, or the emission of toxic substances, leading to serious injuries or fatalities if not properly managed

Sources of Chemical Energy

- Corrosive Materials- Flammable/Combustible Materials- Toxic Chemicals- Compressed Gases- Carcinogens- Confined Spaces- Oxidizing Materials- Reactive Materials- Poisonous Chemicals and Gases- Explosives- Acids and bases- Oxygen deficiency atmosphere- Fuels- Dusts or Powder

Electrical Energy

refers to the potential hazards associated with the use and presence of electrical power systems and equipment. The release of electrical energy can pose significant risks to workers, including electric shock, burns, electrocution, fires, and explosions

Sources of Electrical Energy

- Capacitors- Transformers- Energized circuits- Power lines- Batteries- Exposed Conductors- Static Electricity- Lightnin

Capacitors

Hazard: Can suddenly release high voltage, causing shocks or burns

Transformers

Hazard: Risk of electric shock, fire or explosion if damaged or mishandled

Energized Circuits (Live Circuits)

Hazard: Direct contact can cause electric shock or electrocution

Power Lines

Hazard: Can cause fatal shocks if touched or if someone gets too close, especially during storms or accidents

Batteries

Hazard: Can explode or leak harmful chemicals if overcharged, short-circuited, or damaged

Exposed Conductors ( Exposed Wires)

Hazard: Direct contact can lead to electric shock, fires, or burns.

Static Electricity

Hazard: Can cause sparks that ignite flammable substances or damage sensitive electronics

Lightning

Hazard: Can cause electrocution, fires, structural damage, and power surges.

Light Energy

refers to the risks associated with both insufficient and excessive lighting in the work environment. While light is essential for visibility and productivity, improper lighting can lead to various health and safety issues

Sources of Light Energy

Intense Light, Lasers, Infrared sources, microwaves, sun, ultraviolet light, welding, radio frequency fields, radio frequency

Nuclear Energy

refers to the potential hazards associated with exposure to ionizing radiation and radioactive materials due to the release of nuclear energy, particularly in industries such as nuclear power generation, medical radiology, nuclear weapons production, and research laboratories. These hazards can pose significant risks to workers' health and safety if not properly managed

Sources of Nuclear Energy

- Alpha particles - Beta particles- High-energy Nuclear particles- Neutrons- Gamma Rays- X-ray

Thermal Energy

refers to hazards associated with exposure to the release of thermal energy which results in high temperatures or heat sources, which can lead to serious injuries such as burns, scalds, and heat-related illnesses. These hazards are prevalent in environments where workers are near hot surfaces, steam, molten materials, or operate equipment that generates significant heat.

Thermal Energy

Chemical reactions, combustible materials, cryogenic materials, fire, flames, flammable materials, friction, hot processes, hot surfaces, molten metals, steam, solar, weather phenomena, welding