EHS 2: Occupationnal safety

How does occupational safety differ from process safety?

Occupational safety deals with individual risks (like PPE, trips, or electrical work, vessel entry, vehicle movement, tripping hazards), while process safety addresses rare but catastrophic system failures (like explosions). Their prevention strategies differ: behavior-based vs. system-based.

What is the main goal of behavior-based safety (BBS)?

To reduce safety incidents by identifying and changing unsafe behaviors.

How are process safety events different from occupational safety events in terms of frequency and complexity?

Process safety events occur rarely but can be catastrophic and are often complex, requiring the simultaneous failure of systems and safeguards. Occupational safety events occur more frequently, are generally simple, and easier to understand.

Name two indicators used to measure progress in process safety.

1. Occurrence of catastrophic events (such as fatalities or major environmental issues) 

2. Spills from primary containment = first line of defense (even if secondary containment= backup was effective)

Name three regulations/standards related to emergency showers and eyewashes.

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c): Medical Services and First Aid

• ANSI Z358.1: Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

• EN 15154: Emergency Safety Showers (for labs and industrial sites)

List four metrics used to measure occupational safety performance. 

1. Fatalities 

2. Days away from work 

3. Recordable injuries 

4. Recordable illnesses

Name three examples of rules found in a Safety Manual.

• No mobile phone use while driving company vehicles.

• Report injuries, accidents, and unsafe conditions immediately.

• Mandatory attendance at safety meetings.

What information should be included in a serious incident report? 

- Name of the company where the event occurred 

- The location of the incident 

- The time of the incident 

- The number and severity of injuries 

- A description of the incident (level of detail depends on the report's audience)

Define a 'near miss' and explain its importance in safety management. 

A near miss is an event that could have caused harm but didn’t. It’s important because it helps identify hazards early, preventing actual incidents.

What is the Five-by-Five policy and when is it used? 

 The Five-by-Five policy is used before maintenance work. The worker takes five steps back and spends about five minutes mentally walking through the job, considering tools, PPE, people in the area, competence, and escape routes.

 Explain the 'Take Two' policy and what the acronym TAKE stands for. 

The 'Take Two' policy encourages workers to take two minutes to think through a job before starting. TAKE stands for: 

T—Talk: Have I talked with everyone involved? 

A—Action: Do I know the proper actions? 

K—Knowledge: Do I have the proper knowledge? 

E—Equipment: Do I have the proper equipment, including PPE?

List two safety guidelines for lone workers.

• Carry a radio tuned to the control room for regular check-ins.

• Inform the control room of your location and planned activities; supervisors should log this information.

What is the minimum flow rate and spray pattern diameter for a safety shower? 

The spray pattern should have a minimum diameter of 500 mm at 1.5 m above the surface, and the flow rate should be 115 liters or 30 gallons per minute.

What is the purpose of alarms on emergency showers and eyewash stations?

To alert control rooms and nearby personnel when the unit is used, ensuring a quick emergency response.

What is a high-temperature bleed valve and why is it used in safety showers?

It automatically drains hot water when temperatures exceed a safe limit, ensuring cooler water is available to prevent scalding during emergency use.

How long should a person stay in a safety shower after contamination?

 at least 15 minutes

Where should eyewash stations be located in relation to potential hazards? 

Eyewash stations should be reachable within 10 seconds from a potential leak source, and if strong caustic or acid is present, immediately adjacent to the hazard.

How often should safety showers be tested according to ANSI Z358?

at least once a week to ensure proper operation, flow rate, temperature, and alarm function.

What is the primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)? 

PE protects workers from hazards like fire, chemicals, or impacts when other safety controls aren't enough. It is the last line of defense.

List three types of PPE that workers may be required to wear routinely.

1. Hard hat 

2. Full cover shoes with nonslip soles (often with steel toe caps) 

3. Safety glasses with side shields

Name two key standards for eye and face protection in the workplace.

 1. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1: Eye and Face Products 

2. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133: Eye and Face Protection

What are some types of protective gloves mentioned in OSHA 3151 guidance? 

- Leather, canvas, or metal mesh gloves 

- Fabric and coated fabric gloves 

- Chemical- and liquid-resistant gloves

Why should normal clothing worn under flame-resistant clothing (FRC) be made from natural materials? 

Natural materials like cotton or wool do not melt and are safer under FRC, while synthetics like nylon or polyester can melt and cause injury.

What is the minimum acceptable Thermal Protection Factor (TPP) for FRC, and what should be done if it is between four and six?

A TPP of less than four is unacceptable. If TPP is between four and six, a layer of clothing should be worn under the FRC for supplemental protection. Six or greater is optimum.

When should impervious clothing be used, and what is a key risk for workers wearing it?

Impervious clothing should be used for protection from splashes of hazardous or flammable liquids. A key risk is heat stress, so workers should take breaks and work only for short periods.

What is the purpose of heat-reflecting proximity suits, and who should use them? 

Heat-reflecting proximity suits are used for actions near fires, such as closing critical valves. Only properly trained persons should use them.

What is bunker gear and who should wear it? 

Bunker gear is firefighter protective clothing worn by all members of fire teams. Only properly trained individuals should wear it, especially for fighting fires beyond the incipient stage.

Describe the construction of a hard hat and how it protects the wearer.

Hard hats are made of rigid plastic, sometimes with a midline reinforcement ridge. Inside is a suspension system that spreads the helmet's weight and provides a 30 mm space between the shell and the head, reducing impact transmission.