Module 2 - 1A Safety Hazards

Workplace Housekeeping

The routine and scheduled cleaning and management of workplace conditions.

1. Cluttered/poorly arranged work areas

2. Dangerous storage

3. Dirty floors

4. Rusty/dirty materials

5. Abandoned tools

6. Blocked aisles/exits

7. Overflowing waste bins

8. Spills/leaks

9. Overcrowded shelves

Signs of Poor Housekeeping (9)

Being hit by falling objects, tripping over loose objects, slipping on wet/dirty surfaces, striking against projecting items, puncturing skin on nails/wires, electrocution from live wires, and skin burns from unexpected fires.

Accidents from Poor Housekeeping

A deteriorating housekeeping may be the first evidence of a deteriorating safety and health program.

First Evidence of a Deteriorating Safety Program

Fire (Combustion)

A process or chemical reaction that works ONLY when three elements are present: Oxygen, Fuel, and Heat.

term: The Fire Triangle definition: The chain reaction that causes a flame, consisting of Oxygen, Fuel, and Heat (an ignition source).

Air (in an open area) and ventilation systems.

Sources of Oxygen (for Fire)

Wood, paper, cardboard, plastics, rubber, foam, textiles, building materials, and waste materials like wood shavings and dust.

Sources of Fuel: Solids

Paint, varnish, thinners, adhesives, petrol, acetone, and other chemicals.

Sources of Fuel: Liquids

Flammable gases including LPG (liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders, usually butane or propane) and acetylene (used for welding).

Sources of Fuel: Gases

Death (mostly from breathing smoke and toxic gases), destruction of buildings or properties, panic, and danger (stampedes).

Extent of Fire Incidents

Electrical Hazard

A dangerous condition where a worker can or does make electrical contact with energized equipment or a conductor.

Unauthorized/untrained workers doing electrical works, contact with overhead power lines or live circuits, not following lockout/tagout, poorly maintained extension cords, and defective power tools.

Causes of Electrocution Fatalities

Electrical shock, electrocution (death due to electrical shock), burns, and falls.

Common Types of Electrical Injuries

Current passing through the heart and lungs is the most serious.

Most Serious Pathway for Electric Shock

Low voltage does NOT mean low hazard.

Low Voltage

Machine Hazard

Occurs at the point of operation where actual work is performed; created by components that transmit energy or other moving parts.

Unauthorized persons doing maintenance or using machines, reaching into "clear" equipment, not using Lockout/Tagout, missing/loose machine guards, and lack of training.

Causes of Machine Incidents

Point of Operation, Power Transmission Apparatus, Operation Controls, and Other Moving Parts.

Basic Areas of Machine to be Safeguarded

Point of Operation

The place where work is performed on the material, such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming.

Power Transmission Apparatus

Components that transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work (e.g., shafting, flywheels, pulleys, belts, chain drives).

Hazardous Mechanical Motions

Rotating, in running nip points, reciprocating, and transversing motions.

Hazardous Mechanical Actions

Cutting, punching, shearing, and bending actions.

Rotating Motion Hazard

Motion that can grip and move clothing, hair, and body parts into danger areas. Danger increases when projections (screws, bolts, etc.) are present.

In Running Nip Points

Created when rotating parts come in contact with or are in proximity to each other, tangential parts, or fixed parts that shear, crush, or abrade.

Reciprocating Motion Hazard

Back-and-forth or up-and-down motion that creates a crushing hazard between moving and stationary parts.

Transverse Motion Hazard

Movement in a straight or continuous line that may strike or catch an employee in a pinch or shear point.

Cutting Action Hazard

Involves rotating, reciprocating, or transverse motions at the point of operation; hazards include flying chips or sparks from tools like circular saws or drills.

Punching Action

Results when power is applied to a slide in order to blank, draw, or stamp metal or other materials (e.g., Power press).

Shearing Action

Applies power to a slide or a knife in order to trim or shear metal or other materials.

Bending Action

Occurs when power is applied to a slide in order to shape, draw, or stamp materials (e.g., Press brake, Tube benders).

Materials Handling

Concerned with the loading/unloading, moving, storage, and control of materials in a process.

Manual Materials Handling

The movement of a load by human effort alone (e.g., carrying bags or materials, unpacking materials).

Mechanical Materials Handling

The use of different types of equipment and mechanisms (e.g., forklift, crane, rigging) to move materials.

Hazards of Handling and Storing Materials

Falling objects, improperly stacked/stored materials, twisting and turning, and unsupported bending.

For continued lifting, male workers shall not lift/carry over 50 kgs, and female workers over 25 kgs. Heavier weights require multiple workers or mechanical means.

OSHS Rule 1412.07: Lifting of Weights

Materials Manual Handling Injuries

Back pain (lifting is a major cause), fractures, cuts, bruises, being struck/crushed by improperly stored materials, or caught in pinch points.

Mechanical Materials Handling Hazards

Collisions involving people/equipment/loads, getting trapped in moving parts, flammable/hazardous loads, unstable loads (collapsing bales/pallets), and operator errors.

Faulty or misused electrics, flammable/combustible materials, human error, negligence, arson, discarded cigarettes, portable heaters, rubbish accumulation, and overheated machinery.

Common Causes of Workplace Fires

Open flames, smoking, welding/cutting, hot surfaces, static charges, mechanical sparks, and electrical arcing.

Sources of Ignition (Heat)

Direct burning (flame front moves through material), conduction (heat through solids), convection (hot air rises), and radiation (heat transfer without contact).

Fire Spread Methods

Overheating machinery, combustible hydraulic fluids, improper use of heat sources, industrial ovens/furnaces, combustible dusts, flammable gases, stacked combustible materials, and poorly maintained electrical equipment.

Common Workplace Fire Hazards

Electrical Shock Occurrence

Happens when the body becomes part of an electric circuit; current enters at one point and exits at another, potentially causing severe injury or death.

Touch potential (hand/hand), step potential (foot/foot), and touch/step potential (hand/foot).

Pathways of Electric Current Through Body

Respiratory failure, suffocation, heartbeat failure, and inability to release contact due to muscle contraction.

Effects of Electric Shock

Tripped breakers, blown fuses, warm tools/wires, GFCI trips, and worn/frayed insulation.

Clues of Electrical Hazards

Unsafe Work Practices (Electrical)

Includes exposed parts, overloaded circuits, defective insulation, improper grounding, damaged tools, overhead power lines, and wet conditions.

Noise, fire/explosion, electricity, heat/ventilation, vibration, biological risks, ergonomics, hazardous substances, and radiation.

Non-Mechanical Hazards