Health and Safety considerations for LIT

Hello everyone!

Today I am going to share a project I did on Health and Safety considerations for LIT.
Introduction:

This report is about health and safety considerations for the Limerick Institute of Technology.

Part 1 method statement, hazard identification and safety statement. In part 1 Limerick Institute of Technology assigned a general refurbishment project:

1.       Change the light bulbs of the roof-hanging the lighting system of the main space of the student’s canteen.

2.       Paint the exterior facades of the Student Union building.

The proposal as follows are:

1.       Method statement for the different hazards.

2.       Identify different hazards, based on the method statement.

3.       Safety statement setting out how the workers will be kept safe during the above-mentioned tasks.

Part 2 Risk Assessment is done on Microsoft Excel Sheets 2 (Risk Assessment for changing bulbs in LIT Canteen) & 3 (Risk Assessment for painting exterior of the Student Union).

Part 1 Method Statement

Changing the light bulbs of the roof-hanging lighting system.

Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 Part 4: Work at Height

Requirements for working at height Part 4 of the General Application Regulations requires employers to carry out a risk assessment for all work conducted at height and to put in place arrangements for:

• Eliminating or minimising risks from working at height;

• Safe systems of work for organising and performing work at height;

 • Safe systems for selecting suitable work equipment to perform work at height;

• Safe systems for protecting people from the consequences of work at height.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 95: Organisation, planning and risk assessment

95. (1) An employer shall ensure that— (a) work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health, and

 (b) in planning work at height

(iii) a plan is prepared for emergencies and rescues, without prejudice to section 11 of the Act.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 96: Checking of places of work at height 96

An employer shall ensure that the surface and every parapet, permanent rail or other such fall protection measure at every place of work at height is checked visually prior to use and at appropriate intervals during use.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 98: Avoidance of risks from work at height 98

Taking account of the general principles of prevention in Schedule 3 to the Act, an employer shall— (a) ensure that work is not carried out at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely and without risk to health otherwise than at height,

 (b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), ensure that work is not carried out at height unless it is reasonably practicable to do so safely and without risk to health,

(c) where, having regard to paragraphs (a) and (b), it is necessary to carry out work at height, take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent an employee falling a distance liable to cause personal injury, including— (I) ensuring that the work is carried out— (I) from an existing place of work, or (II) in the case of obtaining access or egress, by using an existing means of access or egress, in compliance with this Part, where it is practicable to do so safely and Work at Height Regulations 2007 13 Work at Height: Layout 1 30/11/2007, and (ii) where it is not practicable for the work to be carried out in accordance with subparagraph (i), ensuring that suitable and sufficient work equipment, in compliance with Regulation 100, is provided to prevent a fall occurring,

(d) where the measures taken under paragraph (c) do not eliminate the risk of a fall occurring— (i) provide sufficient work equipment, in compliance with Regulation 100, to minimise the distance of a potential fall and the risk of personal injury, and (ii) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (c), provide such additional training and instruction or take other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is practicable, any employee falling a distance liable to cause personal injury

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 100: Selection of work equipment for work at height

Give collective measures priority

 As well as taking an account of the risk assessment in selecting the most suitable equipment, collective prevention and arrest measures, e.g. guard-rails, should take precedence over personal measures. In principle, this means that equipment such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), scaffolding and cradles should be used in preference to personal fall protection systems.

(HSA, 2019)

Choosing the right equipment for the task

The choice of equipment involves “reasonable practicability” and must comply with Regulation 98(c) to prevent a person falling or, to the extent that cannot be achieved, to mitigate the distance and consequences of such falls.

Falls above two metres

Where the fall height is two metres or more, appropriate action must be taken to prevent falls. When selecting work equipment, the expectation is that guardrails and working platforms will be used. These are always the preferred measures to Work at Height Regulations 2007 19 Work at Height: Layout 1 30/11/2007 protect from falls unless a risk assessment clearly identifies other equipment as providing better protection given the nature and duration of the task. These Regulations do not reduce the pre-existing standards for work at height above two metres. When a working platform (e.g. scaffolds or mobile platform) is used for construction work where there is a risk of falling more than two metres, the equipment must be inspected before use and every seven days.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 101: Condition of surfaces for supporting structures

 Any surface which is intended to support a supporting structure must be capable of carrying and dispersing the load of the structure and any load placed on the working platform.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 102: Stability of supporting structure as amended by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 732 of 2007)

Supporting structures are subjected to a wide range of loading during erection, use and dismantling. A supporting structure should support its own dead load and live loads, including shock and wind loads during erection, use, alteration and dismantling. In the case of mobile structures, devices are required to prevent inadvertent movement during use.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 103: Guard-rails, toe-boards, barriers etc.

Guard-rails may be required to make a work platform or other place of work safe by preventing falls. The criteria set out in Regulation 103 applies to all guard-rails, whether permanent structures or work equipment, and the principles that lie behind the criteria are that whenever a person is working at height in a place that is protected by guard-rails, the rails should not allow the person to fall over, under or between them. To the extent that any permanent rails do not prevent this from happening, there will need to be temporary measures, such as the erection of scaffolding, to ensure that falls are prevented. The Regulations set the minimum height for guardrails for construction work to be at least 950 mm. The Regulations also require an intermediate guard-rail to be provided. The gap between the top rail and intermediate rail, and also the gap between the intermediate rail and the toe-board, must not exceed 470 mm. The height of the toe-board should be at least 150 mm.

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 105: Safety on working platforms 105

 An employer shall ensure that a working platform— (a) is of sufficient dimensions to permit the safe passage of employees and the safe use of any plant or materials required to be used, and provides a safe working area, having regard to the work being carried out there, (b) possesses a suitable surface and, in particular, is so constructed that the surface of the working platform has no gap— (i) through which an employee could fall, (ii) through which any material or object could fall and injure an employee

Stability, safety and loading of working platforms and supporting structures Working platforms are defined in Regulation 94 as “any the platform used as a place of work or as a means of access to or egress from a place of work…”. In considering whether a platform is suitable for work at height, employers need to ensure that it is:

• Of sufficient dimensions to allow safe passage and safe use of equipment and materials;

• Free of hazards that could cause trips, or allow people’s feet to pass through the flooring;

• Constructed to prevent feet and objects passing over the edge, i.e. toe boards or edge protection are in place;

 • Kept clean and tidy, e.g. do not allow mud and debris to build up on platforms;

• Secure; and

 • Capable of carrying the load.

(HSA, 2019)

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)

MEWPs may provide a safe means of working at height if used properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Employers and others responsible for the use of MEWPs should assess the risks of users falling from or being thrown from the basket and take precautions to eliminate or control those risks. The precautions for safe work from a MEWP include:

 • A guard-rail and a mid-rail round the edge of the basket to stop the user falling;

• A slip-resistant floor;

• Toe-boards round the edge of the platform; Work at Height Regulations 2007 25 Work at Height: Layout 1 30/11/2007

• Deadman controls clearly marked to show their method of operation;

• Use of stability devices, e.g. outriggers, provided to make the machine stable, which are interlocked such that the MEWP will not operate unless they are fully extended

(HSA, 2019)

Regulation 117: Danger areas

Regulation 117 requires that where workers are adjacent to an area where there is a danger of falling (e.g. near fragile surfaces) or being struck by an object, the employer needs to make sure, so far as practicable, that people whose presence is not necessary are prevented from entering the area. It also requires that clear indication of this area is given, for example through notices. This will alert those who may need to access the site to recover objects or carry out maintenance work to take suitable precautions, such as attaching themselves to fall protection systems or wearing head protection.

(HSA, 2019)

Light Bulb Changing – Risks and Responsibilities

(bulb, 2019)

Rule number one when changing the light bulb is to turn off the power as this may lead to electric shock etc.

(Change a Light Fixture, 2019)

7 Key Steps Towards Electrical Safety at Work

1. Workers, supervisors and facility/ business owners must follow safety requirements defined by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code & the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

2. Written safety procedures are required where anyone is working on electrical equipment.

3. Supervisors and owners must communicate potential shock and arc flash hazards to workers as defined by an electrical equipment hazard analysis.

4. Safety procedures and requirements must be followed by anyone working on electrical equipment.

 5. Workers should Lock-out & Tag-out electrical systems and equipment when doing electrical maintenance work.

 6. Electrical equipment should be tested to ensure it is de-energized - the use of a multi-meters with fused leads is recommended.

7. Written procedures should include requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

Part 1 List of Hazards & Solutions

Changing the light bulbs of the roof-hanging lighting system.

Below is a list of hazards & solutions when changing the light bulb in the canteen/ restaurant area.

Sprain, Strain, Muscular Tears Hazards:

 · Injury resulting from awkward posture and incorrect lifting technique.

Solutions:

· Avoid awkward postures. Use appropriately sized and placed ladders or scaffolds to provide safe access to the work.

· Follow correct methods for lifting with your legs and not with your back.

· Ask for assistance when an item may be too heavy, large, or awkward.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards:

· Injury resulting from working at heights spilled liquids or foods on the surfaces, obstacles on the floor, or uneven surfaces.

 · Injury resulting from a fall after being shocked when working on an energized fixture.

Solutions:

· Only use ladders and/or scaffolds after receiving training. Ladders and scaffolds must be inspected prior to each use by a competent person.

 · Only use ladders that are appropriate for the job.

· Only replace a bulb if the fixture is de-energized.

· Inspect the floors around the work area before beginning. Remove or clean up any spills or obstacles that may create a slip or trip hazard as soon as possible.

· Store equipment out of pedestrian walkways and door openings where they will not create tripping hazards.

 · Wear slip-resistant shoes.

Lacerations, Cuts, Fractures, and Bruises Hazards:

· Cuts resulting from sharp edges and broken bulbs.

· Hand/fingers caught in equipment pinch points or between the load and other objects.

Solutions:

 · Visually inspect the bulb and fixture for damaged or exposed components. Do not attempt to remove broken bulbs.

· Do not apply excessive force to remove bulbs.

 · Consider wearing gloves suitable for the application.

· Walk the route before using the equipment. Make note of obstacles and floor conditions. Remove obstacles were permitted and possible.

 · Be mindful of pinch points or similar situations.

Flying Objects Hazards:

 · Injury resulting from debris, a broken bulb, or fixture components.

· Potential contamination of food or food-related equipment.

Solutions:

· Always wear eye protection when using ladders, scaffolds, and performing any task associated with a bulb change.

· Never change a bulb over food or operating food preparation equipment. Methods to minimize the risk to process may include removing the food ingredients/equipment under the fixture and/or covering it with a clean sanitary plastic cover.

Electric Shock Hazards:

· Injury resulting from being shocked when working on an energized fixture.

Solutions:

· Only replace a bulb if the fixture is de-energized according to the guidelines included in the Proper Setup and Use section of this procedure.

 · Always use fiberglass ladders.

Burns Hazards:

· Injury resulting from contact with a hot bulb or fixture.

Solutions:

 · Turn off the light fixture and wait for it to cool down before attempting to remove it.

A person falling on to another person.

Limitations

 · This procedure is for bulb changing in complex environments with a variety of hazards such as fall and electric shock.

· Do not test or attempt to change a fixture’s ballast.

· Bulb changing is permitted by qualified workers when all of the following conditions are present:

  The fixture and bulb are not damaged.

There are no exposed electrical connectors.

 The fixture only has one power source from a single pole light switch (or properly identified circuit breaker) that is under the custody and control of the worker (visible and within the same room).

Part 1 Method Statement

Painting the exterior facades of the Student Union building.

Before starting painting exterior of the building make sure that the ladders and scaffolds are safe and working fine.

Wear appropriate clothing, eye protection is required, face masks etc.

Do not climb onto or use rolling-type scaffolds unless wheels are fully locked.

Make sure that planks or ladder stages are long enough to extend well beyond the supports.

Protect the working area with traffic cones, warning flags and traffic lines.

When working on the exterior of the building have adequate barricades and signs to detour traffic.

Safety check on equipment.

Health and Safety Advice for Painters & Decorators

Don’t use a MEWP or working platform unless you have received adequate training and keep a lookout for overhead cables.

Do not start any work at height if cables are near until you have reported and received further instruction.

Health problems can occur through inhalation of certain chemicals and ingestion, some areas of the painting & decorating industry can expose workers to skin conditions such as dermatitis, work-induced skin irritation of the hands, arms, face, and lower extremities are the most common affected areas.

Step Ladders are not banned but they should only be used for a short duration of work and used with caution, look at other alternatives but if you use a step ladder follow common-sense rules for using them safely.

Inspect the ladder:

• Take time to check the condition of the ladder both before and after use.

• Check that the ladder is sufficiently robust to support your weight.

• Make sure the steps are free of oil, wet paint, mud, or any other potentially slippery substance.

(Health and Safety, 2020)

Climbing the ladder:

• Wear suitable shoes – no heels, barefoot is not good, nor are most sandals.

• Never climb onto wet or slippery steps, make sure they are dry.

• Never overstretch – do not climb beyond the last three steps of a ladder.

• Keep your shoulders between the rails and don’t over-reach – move the ladder instead.

• Always keep 3 point contact with the ladder.

(Health and Safety, 2020)

Mobile elevated working platforms (MEWP)

Always inspect a machine before use:

 • Log and report faults to your supervisor

• Make sure you are trained and authorized to use the machine

• Wear a harness when using the machine (see reference ‘working over water’)

• Make sure you have received instruction on wearing a harness

• Read your operators manual for safe use

 • Stay clear of overhead power lines

• Do not use in windy conditions use a hand-held anemometer for measuring wind speed (Beaufort scale)

• In windy conditions roof sheets can act like a sail

·         Always tidy the work area.

Part 1 List of Hazards & Solutions

Painting the exterior facades of the Student Union building.

Below is a list of hazards & solutions when painting the exterior of the building.

Falls from height hazards:

 •  These include work from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms. If a worker falls from a height of two or more meters, they are likely to sustain a serious injury, permanent disability or die.

(Height, 2020)

Solution:

 ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.

(Solution for height, n.d.)

Exposure to electricity. Overhead and underground cables hazards:

 • Contact with live parts causing shock and burns.

(Electricity, 2020)

Solution:

 Turn off all the electricity and treat it as life.

Climbing steps and working platforms hazards:

• Because stairway accidents can cause severe injury and even death, building codes for stairs and ramps are justifiably very rigorous.

Solution:

 Good design can substantially reduce the potential for misstepping by providing us with the means to retrieve our balance, but even the best design cannot eliminate falling hazards entirely. 

(Stairs, 2020)

Risk of vehicle overturning, Struck my machinery hazards:

 •  One could suffer serious or even fatal injuries from vehicles and machines on-site – particularly when they are reversing.

Solution:

 Make sure that you only walk to your work area on a safe agreed route.

 Report to your supervisor if this route becomes blocked.

 Wear your High visibility vests at all times.

Never use your mobile phone on or near a route provided for vehicles or plant as you could be struck or run over.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

 Risk of eye injury from flying particles and dust hazards:

• Too much dust of any kind can adversely affect one’s health. Breathing in dust has been known to cause the development of respiratory ill health, in particular, damage to the lung tissue which can result in serious breathing difficulties, depending on the extent of exposure.

Solution:

Working with certain materials can cause fragments and dust to enter the eye and cause severe eye injuries. Goggles should be worn at all times to prevent dust particles entering the eye, and the correct type of dust mask to prevent dust from entering the body.

 Proper dust extraction equipment should be used, hire companies can provide details on the latest equipment such as wet systems or methods available to prevent dust exposure.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

 Slips trips and falls due to untidy work area hazards:

• Contaminated floor surfaces, for example, liquid or grease​, poor housekeeping, for example tripping or falling over something left in a walkway.

(slips,trips, 2020)

Solution:

Keep walking surfaces clean and free of clutter. By keeping walkways clear, you can quickly reduce the potential for injury.

 Lighting
Proper lighting inside and outside of the workplace can help illuminate areas that may be common places for employees or customers to trip or fall.

Signage
Using clear, well-placed signage can help call attention to a potential problem areas.

Manual handling activities, Risk of pain or injury from performing repetitive tasks hazards:

• Make sure you have been trained correctly as you could suffer from a back injury and long-term pain if you regularly lift or carry loads.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

Solution:

All loads if possible, to be transported and lifted to scaffold or work area using lifting equipment such as a telescopic Handler etc.

The provision of lifting/loading bay agreed.

Trolley to be used if possible, for moving loads around the scaffold or work area.

 Check for any loads over 20kg and make lifting arrangements.

Any loads over 20kg should be positioned using suitable lifting equipment used by trained persons.

Avoid awkward postures or repetitive tasks or take frequent breaks.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

Dermatitis hazards:

• Painters endure greater exposure to chemicals and skin damage than some other trades. The symptoms of Dermatitis are:

1.       Affected skin gets red, sore, itchy, scaly and blisters

2.       If it gets worse, the skin can crack, and bleed and dermatitis can spread all over the body (it often starts on the hands)

 It is a very painful condition, but it is not infectious. If left untreated the condition can cause workers to lose their jobs, but it is preventable, and if spotted early it can be cured.

Solution:

Employers:

 Employers must assess the risks of work which could cause dermatitis,

Ensure washing facilities are provided,

Prevent employees coming into contact with them as far as reasonably practicable,

Provide those workers with regular health checks.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

Struck by falling objects, Hand and foot injury hazards:

• Make sure you are provided with PPE if it is required, PPE should always be the last resort in preventing accidents as it is always better to remove the risk completely, but where this is not possible PPE should be worn.

PPE could be hard hats for head protection, high visibility vests or jackets, ear protection such as full earmuffs or if suitable plugs, safety boots or shoes, overalls, etc

Falling objects can cause injury to your head, body and feet, and to someone working in the area below you, or members of the public passing close to the site. Make sure no debris falls from height, place objects in a safe place and use a suitable Shute for materials going into a skip.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

Solution:

Make sure all necessary precautions are taken as follows.

 Brick guards kept in position on scaffold lifts.

 Waste materials removed from scaffolding and placed in the skip.

Protective footwear (with steel toe caps & mid-soles) supplied and worn at all times.

Safety helmets to be worn and chin strap used when required.

Encourage other workers to wear safety hats, protective clothing, and footwear.

(Health and Safety for painters, 2020)

Ladders hazards:

• Step ladders are very often both a central part of a paint job, but also a key danger area.

Solution:

Inspect the ladder:

Take time to check the condition of the ladder both before and after use.

Check that the ladder is sufficiently robust to support your weight.

Make sure the steps are free of oil, wet paint, mud, or any other potentially slippery substance. Erecting the ladder:

Make sure the floor is even and stable. Avoid wet or slippery surfaces.

Always support the ladder at four points.

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