FIRE HAZARD

Light Fire Hazard: fire extinguishers no further than 75 feet apart
If your building does not contain a lot of combustible materials, it’s considered “light hazard.” These types of buildings, such as offices, classrooms, churches, hotels, etc., have a lower fire risk. In these light hazard areas, the maximum distance to travel for a fire extinguisher should be no further than 75 feet.

Ordinary Fire Hazard I: fire extinguishers every 75 feet
Buildings are said to be “ordinary hazard” if they present a slight, but not negligible, fire hazard. In these locations, such as fabric stores, there are usually a few flammable liquids. Therefore, fire extinguishers need to be placed every 75 feet.

Ordinary Fire Hazard II: fire extinguishers 30 – 50 feet apart
These locations, such as parking garages and hardware stores, house more flammable materials in closer proximity than Ordinary Fire Hazard I buildings but are not yet considered extra hazard. Depending on the location, the fire extinguishers should be placed either 30 feet or 50 feet from each other.

Extra Fire Hazard: fire extinguishers 30 – 50 feet apart
In extra hazard occupancies, there is more of a hazard than what is considered “ordinary.”As a result, these locations may need larger extinguishers and should be either 30 feet or 50 feet from each other, depending on location.

Commercial Kitchens: fire extinguishers every 30 feet
Because commercial kitchens house things like fats and cooking oils, with a large amount of heat due to cooking equipment and open flames, there should be a fire extinguisher accessible every 30 feet.

In order to make sure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher and the correct number of fire extinguishers in your commercial building or restaurant, always have a fire protection company come out to inspect the building.

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Possible Sources of Ignition and Potential fuel hazards

Possible Sources of Ignition are:-

• Defective electrical fittings and defective or misuse of electrical apparatus - light bulbs and fluorescent tubes too close to combustible materials, misuse or defective electrical extension leads and adapters, faulty or damaged wiring.
• Matches, Lighters, Candles and Smoking materials. 
• Flame or sparks from a work process such as welding, cutting, grinding or the use of a hot air gun. 
• Sources of frictional heat.
• Electrostatic discharges. 
• Ovens, kilns, open hearths, furnaces or incinerators. 
• Boilers, engines and other oil burning equipment.
• Portable heaters.
• Cooking equipment, including deep fat fryers. 
• The threat of arson must not be overlooked and the malicious firing of combustible materials. 

The above list is by no means exhaustive and is provided merely as a guide.

Potential fuel hazards:

• Any combustibles - These can be divided into two main groups; combustible fuels such as paper, wood, cardboard, etc.; and highly combustible fuels such as thinners, solvents, polyurethane foam, etc. 
• Any unsafe procedures or acts - Persons undertaking unsafe acts such as smoking next to combustible materials.
• Any unsafe conditions - These are hazards that may assist a fire to spread in your workplace, e.g. if there are large areas of hardboard or polystyrene tiles etc., or open stairs that can cause a fire to spread quickly, trapping people and involving the whole building. 
• One hazard that is often overlooked is bad housekeeping and is the easiest to correct. It is responsible for many small fires either starting or certainly spreading and involving far more of the premises than was necessary. 

An ideal method of identifying and recording these hazards, is by means of the scaled single line plan. Checklists maybe also be useful.

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Fire Prevention and Controls

Control Measures to Minimise the Risk of Fire in a Workplace:

• Elimination of, or reduction in, the use and storage of flammable and 
• Combustible materials 
• Control of ignition sources, fuel and sources of oxygen 
• Systems of work 
• Good housekeeping 

Fire Detection, Fire Warning and Fire Fighting Equipment:

• Portable Fire Fighting Equipment: siting, maintenance and training requirements
• Extinguishing Media: water, foam, dry powder, vaporising liquids, gaseous 
• Means of Escape: doors, emergency lighting, exit and directional signs, assembly points 
• Emergency Evacuation Procedures: role of fire marshals, fire drills, roll call, provisions for vulnerable people

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Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace

Fire is a chemical reaction known as combustion which occurs when fuel and oxygen are brought together with sufficient heat to cause ignition

Oxygen: Approximately 16% oxygen is required to support combustion. Normal air contains 21% Oxygen - more than enough and it is readily available. Some fuels contain sufficient oxygen with their makeup to promote combustion. 

Heat Sources: To reach ignition temperature: Open flame, hot surface, sparks and arcs, friction, chemical reaction, electrical energy, compression of gases.

• WOOD 

• PAPER 

• PLASTIC 

• POLYSTYRENE 

• PETROL 

• PAINT 

• ACETYLENE 

• BUTANE 

• MAGNESIUM 

• COOKING OILS ANDFATS 

• COOKING OILS 

• PROPANE 

• METHANE 

• TITANIUM 

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Types of Cranes

There are many types of crane and a detailed classification is given in ISO 4306. However, the vast majority of cranes used in industry can be classed as:

• Lorry Loaders, (HIABs), which are suitable for delivery purposes and routine lifting operations associated uniquely with the vehicle on which they are fitted; 

• Truck Mounted Cranes, which are suitable for short duration operations where mobility around site is important;

• Crawler Cranes, which are suitable for longer duration operations and 'pick and carry duties' and for use on some types of terrain where a wheel mounted crane would not be appropriate; 

• Tower Cranes are suitable for semi-permanent installation for covering large areas whilst taking up relatively little room at ground level.

Selection of Cranes

While economic factors may influence the choice of a crane, it is essential that the crane selected is capable of lifting ALL loads that it would be expected to handle, within its capacity and stability limits. Manufacturers supply duty charts, which show the SWLs for specific duties. 

These are a good guide but are often compromised by many factors such as the design of the structure to be constructed, the characteristics of the individual loads to be lifted and site and environmental constraints.

Ideally a procedure for the procurement of lifting appliances and equipment should be outlined detailing how it is to be done and who is authorised to do it. The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association or most lifting equipment hire centres can provide advice on the selection, suitability, inspection and testing of lifting equipment and gear.

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MOBILE ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORMS (MEWPS)

MEWPs divide into two categories;

• Boom-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (cherry pickers), and
• Scissor lifts

The most common causes of death with MEWPs are falls from height and the second most common cause of serious injuries at work. This guidance is aimed at those who use or control the operations of boom type MEWPs, used across a range of industries including construction. 

The most common accident causes were:

• Unsuitable ground conditions;
• Critical parts of the MEWP failing or malfunctioning; or 
• The MEWP being struck by another vehicle.

Consequently it is critical that these issues are eliminated or properly controlled.

Mobile elevating work platforms can provide excellent safe access to high level work. When using a MEWP make sure that:

• Whoever is operating it is fully trained and competent; 
• The work platform is provided with guard rails and toe boards or other suitable barriers; 
• It is used on firm and level ground. The ground may have to be prepared in advance; 
• Its tyres are properly inflated; 
• Any outriggers are extended and chocked as necessary before raising the platform; and 
• Everyone knows what to do if the machine fails with the platform in the raised position.

Do not:

• Operate MEWPs close to overhead cables or other dangerous machinery;
• Allow a knuckle, or elbow, of the arm to protrude into a traffic route when working near vehicles; 
• Move the equipment with the platform in the raised position unless the equipment is designed to allow this to be done safely (check the manufacturer's instructions). 

Some MEWPs are described as suitable for 'rough terrain'. This usually means that they are safe to use on some uneven or undulating ground - but check their limitations in the manufacturer's handbook before taking them onto unprepared or sloping ground.

Wearing a harness with a fall restraint lanyard attached to the platform can provide extra protection against falls, especially while the platform is in motion.

The selection and use of appropriate personal fall protection equipment used as part of a suitable personal fall protection system. A personal fall protection system is an assembly of individual components. for example, a full body harness and lanyard with or without a shock absorber pack. A variety of equipment is available to prevent a person falling (work restraint) or to save them once they have fallen (fall arrest). 

Fall protection should not be relied upon as the only means of control because if the MEWP is pushed over or falls over being attached to it by a fall protection system is unlikely to prevent you from being injured or killed. For this reason, advice on controlling the risk by ensuring safe site, safe plant and safe operator are an essential part of this guidance.

In the case of scissor lifts fall protection is not normally required, unless a person needs to lean over the guardrail. In this instance, the sections of the guidance that relate to a safe plant, safe site and safe operator is relevant to preventing falls from scissors lifts due to overturning incidents.

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CONVEYORS - TRANSPORT SAFETY

These are sometimes used to transport materials e.g. minerals, metals, slates and tiles from one place to another, for example from the ground level to the roof of the structure.

Hazards

• Nips or traps between moving parts
• Traps between moving and fixed part
• Traps and nips created by the drive mechanism
• Sharp edges of guard rails
• Entanglement
• Electricity
• Noise

Precautions

It is important to ensure the safe use of conveyor belts, and we will discuss the precise type of machine guarding required for each different type of conveyor belt after we have examined the general points to be considered to ensure the safe use of conveyor belts

Provision of arrangements for lubrication whilst allowing guards to remain in position e.g. through suitably positioned small openings for maintenance access which do not permit access to the danger zone. 

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Safety of Site personnel

On sites operating fork lifts, all personnel must be fully instructed in the safe systems of work laid down for their protection, and must observe them at all times. Some of the points which should be covered by safe systems of work are:

Everyone not directly involved in fork lift operations should keep well clear of the machine. The carrying of passengers on fork lifts should be forbidden.

Persons acting as banksmen, or guiding the driver in removing his forks from the pallet, should:

• keep a safe distance from the machine and its load
• Never stand under the elevated load of a fork lift
• Never stand between the load and any exposed floor edge, or between the load and a fixed object
• Wear conspicuous clothing, reflective jackets should be worn during poor visibility 

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Fuel and Fuelling - Transport Safety

FLT can fuelled by, diesel, gas, battery.

Depending upon the fuel type, the hazards and precautions vary, as follows;

Fuel	Hazards	Precautions
Diesel	Dermatitis, carbon monoxide poisoning fire and explosion	Training / barrier creams / gloves selection of FLT suitable for Task
Gas	Gas explosion, manual handling of cylinders	Training / lifting equipment / no smoking / carbon monoxide poisoning
Battery	Electrical explosion during charging, acid burns hydrogen build up, electrocution	Training / PPE / No smoking / charge timers, use of RCD's

Hazards

There are numerous hazards associated with the use of FLT, and they may be minimised by the use of competent staff, sound equipment, and good design of the workplace. Below are the main categories of hazard, and their causes.

Hazard	Causes
Contact with vehicles, fixed plant, racks	poor layout/operation
Collision with people and other vehicles	lack of room, poor operation, poor layout
Overturning of vehicle	operator error
Load falling	broken pallets, poor stacking, unstable loads
Mechanical failure	poor maintenance, exceeding SWL
Operator error	poor training and/or supervision
Refuelling	poor system, poor supervision

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International Diploma in OSH - GRAD IOSH

Gain recognition for health and safety expertise worldwide with BSC IDipOSH. This diploma is suitable for delegates who wish to set their long term career in Health and Safety. The course covers risk management, health and safety culture and Occupational health.

BSC IDIPOSH is recognised by IOSH, on successful completion of BSC IDipOSH, delegates fulfil the requirement to become a Graduate Member of IOSH (Grad IOSH), the first step to become a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH). 

Delegates with level 6 Diploma may also apply for full membership of (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management - IIRSM).

The syllabus comprises of Three Core units:

• Unit 1: Principles of health and safety Management.
• Unit 2: Safeguarding People's Health in the Workplace.
• Unit 3: Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture in the Workplace.

Course Modules

• Unit 1 - Element A: Fundamentals of Health and Safety Management
• Unit 1 - Element B: Applied Health and Safety Management
• Unit 2 - Element A: Occupational Health
• Unit 2 - Element B: Risks to Health at Work
• Unit 3 - Element A: Developing a Positive Health and Safety Culture
• Unit 3 - Element B: Developing the Business Case for Health and Safety

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IOSH MS Course in Chennai - POSHE

Institution of Occupational Health and Safety is a premier organisation for health and safety membership in the world and the only Chartered body for health and safety professionals with more than 45,000 members in 100 countries.

IOSH Managing Safely is designed for managers and supervisors from any domain/organization. It is specifically designed for the managers to accelerate on the ground actions they are held responsible to handle health and safety within the team. The delegates can think about what they are learning - build confidence and energy level within him and put it into practice when they are back to their workplace.

What does the course cover?

IOSH Managing safely covers the health and safety management system basics, the responsibilities of a health and safety manager and common workplace hazards and a risk assessment project based on your theory/board game/workplace.

Managing Safely covers:
Module 1: Introducing Managing Safely
Module 2: Assessing Risks
Module 3: Controlling Risks
Module 4: Understanding your responsibilities
Module 5: Identifying Hazards
Module 6: Investigating Accidents and Incidents
Module 7: Measuring Performance
Module 8: Protecting our Environment

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Electrical Safety

Approximately 30 people at work die every year as a result of electrocution. The majority of these deaths are caused by contact with overhead or underground cables.

The main hazards from electricity:

Electric shock - the effect on the body and central nervous system produced by the passage of the electric current. Common cause of death is ventricular fibrillation (spasm of the heart muscle). The vascular system ceases to function and the victim dies of suffocation. It’s the current that kills.

Burns - a current passing through a conductor (the person) produces heat. Burns can be caused by contact with hot conductors, e.g. metal, or by the passage of the electric current through the body.

Explosions - electrical short-circuiting or sparking from the electrical contacts in switches or other equipment. There needs to be combustible material, e.g. flammable vapours, dusts or gas.

Eye injuries - exposure to ultraviolet rays from accidental arcing in a process such as welding

Accumulators and batteries - hydrogen gas may be produced as a by-product of battery charging. This results in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

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Electricity - Fire Safety

Safe Systems of Work

Where work is to be undertaken on electrical apparatus or part of a circuit, a formally operated, safe system of work is essential. This commonly takes the form of a Permit to Work system, which ensures the following procedures and precautions:

• Switching off and locking out the electricity supply, i.e. isolation;
• Checking by the use of an appropriate voltage detection instrument that the circuit, that part of same to be worked on, is dead before work commences;
• High levels of supervision and control to ensure that work is undertaken correctly and that Permit to Work procedures are followed;
• Paying particular attention to the precautions where electrical installation or maintenance work is to be undertaken in wet surroundings, in external areas and in confined spaces;
• Examining appliances by a competent person on a regular basis, including the leads, and any extension leads used that may have become damaged;
• Implementing physical precautions, such as the erection of barriers and signs restricting access to the area; and
• Formal cancellation of the Permit to Work once the work is completed satisfactorily and return to service of the appliance, plant or system in question.

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Causes of Fire

Electrical equipment - arcing, sparks, hot surfaces created by defective electrical equipment.

Spontaneous ignition - when some liquids are heated or sprayed onto a hot surface, they may ignite without an ignition source being present

Spontaneous combustion - when materials react with oxygen an exothermic reaction takes place, i.e. heat is emitted. May cause the material to ignite or burst into flames

Smoking - discarded smoking materials. Smoking in dangerous areas, e.g. flammable vapours present

Sparks - act as a source of ignition. Friction between surfaces where a machine contact a fixed part or two surfaces rubbing or sliding together during machine operation, e.g. grinders

Hot work - welding, soldering, hot cutting, brazing. Source of ignition, be careful where flammable vapours are present. Permit to work system is necessary when not in a workshop

Static electricity - electrostatic charging is produced by induction or friction, the charge can be carried away from the source, accumulated charge can be a source of ignition

Vehicles - maintenance and parking areas. Diesel and petrol engines, emissions, and hot surfaces, e.g. exhaust system can be a source of ignition

Open flames - many sources, e.g. boilers, furnaces, portable heating appliances, pilot lights. Poorly maintained or incorrectly used equipment can be a source of ignition

Lightning - source of ignition, protection by direct earthing

Arson - high-risk, e.g. 75% of school fires are caused by arson

Lack of management systems - no appropriate detection systems, means of raising the alarm. Poor housekeeping, no training etc.

Chemical reactions

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Cranes - Construction Safety

Hazard: Significant and serious injuries may occur if cranes are not inspected before use and if they are not used properly. Often these injuries occur when a worker is struck by an overhead load or caught within the crane's swing radius. Many crane fatalities occur when the boom of a crane or its load line contact an overhead power line.

Solutions:

• Check all crane controls to insure proper operation before use.
• Inspect wire rope, chains and hook for any damage.
• Know the weight of the load that the crane is to lift.
• Ensure that the load does not exceed the crane's rated capacity.
• Raise the load a few inches to verify balance and the effectiveness of the brake system.
• Check all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist ropes or chains around the load.
• Fully extend outriggers.
• Do not move a load over workers.
• Barricade accessible areas within the crane's swing radius.
• Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines and maintain a safe working clearance of at least 10 feet from energized electrical lines.

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Staircase - Construction Safety - Hazards and Solutions

Slips, trips and falls on stairways are a major source of injuries and fatalities among construction workers.

Solutions:

• Stairway treads and walkways must be free of dangerous objects, debris and materials.
• Slippery conditions on stairways and walkways must be corrected immediately.
• Make sure that treads cover the entire step and landing.
• Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must have at least one handrail.

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Ladders - Construction Safety - Hazards and Solutions

HAZARDS:

Ladders and stairways are source of injuries and fatalities among construction workers. OSHA estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls on stairways and ladders used in construction. Nearly half of these injuries were serious enough to require time off the job.

Solutions:

• Use the correct ladder for the task.
• Make sure that ladders are long enough to safely reach the work area.
• Mark or tag ("Do Not Use") damaged or defective ladders for repair or replacement, or destroy them immediately.
• Never load ladders beyond the maximum intended load or beyond the manufacturer's rated capacity.
• Be sure the load rating can support the weight of the user, including materials and tools.
• Avoid using ladders with metallic components near electrical work and overhead power lines.

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Firefighting signs

Intrinsic features:
(a) rectangular or square shape;
(b) white pictogram on a red background (the red part to take up at least 50% of
the area of the sign).

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Mandatory signs

Intrinsic features:
(a) Round shape;
(b) White pictogram on a blue background (the blue part to take up at least 50%
of the area of the sign).

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Warning signs – General

Harmful or irritant material’ warning sign
(black cross on a yellow triangle warning sign)

Intrinsic features:
(a) Triangular shape;
(b) Black pictogram on a yellow background with black edging (the yellow part to
take up at least 50% of the area of the sign).

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