Bune practici de securitate şi sănătate în muncă
Controlul energiilor periculoase cerinţe de bună practică
Dr.ing.Sava Ioan Mina
Procedura LO-TO (Lockout/Tagout) - procedura de încuiere şi etichetare
În practica operaţiilor industriale şi activităţilor cu maşini sau echipamente tehnice pot să apară situaţii în care este necesar accesul omului în anumite zone, unde pot să se manifeste accidental energii periculoase,care să pună în pericol integritatea corporală sau viaţa acestuia.
Reglementările normative de securitate şi sănătate în muncă din Romania nu au recomandat o procedura standard pentru tratarea unor astfel de situaţii.
Pentru aplicarea unei proceduri ordonate de încuiere/etichetare trebuie să existe un astfel de document,elemente şi dispozitive de încuiere şi etichete de avertizare special marcate ,destinate acestui scop,precum şi persoane conştientizate şi instruite corespunzător.
Ce sunt energiile periculoase?
Acelea care pot să apară în timpul intervenţiilor la maşini, echipamente sau utilaje datorită:
• pornirii neaşteptate a lor;
• pierderilor sau punerii în libertate neaşteptate, şi care pot cauza vătămări persoanelor expuse direct
Care sunt energiile periculoase?
Electrică (tensiune, curent, statică)
Mecanică (părţi în mişcare translaţie,rotaţie)
Hidraulică (jeturi, flux de lichide)
Pneumatică (jeturi, fluxuri de gaze)
Chimică (fluxuri sau degajări de substanţe periculoase)
Laser
Termică (radiaţii, suprafeţe fierbinţi…)
Nucleară (radiaţii nucleare)
Alte
Cele 5 cauze principale ale vătămărilor LO-TO
Neoprirea echipamentelor
Nedeconectarea de sursa de energie
Nedisiparea energiilor reziduale
Pornirea accidentală
Necurăţirea locului după intervenţie
Primele sfaturi
Nu vă încredeţi niciodată în simţuri pentru a spune că într-un spaţiu al echipamentelor nu este periculos
Nu puteţi şti dacă altă persoană nu cuplează sau porneşte echipamentul în mod neaşteptat
Acei care ignoră sau minimalizează pericolul la care se expun la lucrul în spaţii unde pot interveni energii periculoase se expun la vătămări serioase sau chiar moarte
Alte aplicaţii neacoperite de definiţie
Ajustările şi reglajele uşoare care se fac în mod curent, repetat sau cu rutină la echipamentele în funcţiune la care sunt asigurate măsuri alternative de protecţie sau siguranţă
Intervenţiile la echipamentele la care este evidentă scoaterea cordonului din priza de energie electrică de către executant
Operaţiile de făcute direct la unele sisteme de transmisie energetică (gaze, abur, apă pe conducte sub presiune)
Ce riscuri trebuie să fie evaluate
La intrarea sau accesul în spaţiul în care se pot manifesta energiile periculoase pentru asigurarea condiţiilor normale de intervenţie
Legate de alte pericole sesizate şi riscurile asociate lor în spaţiu sau vecinătatea lui
Legate de condiţiile organizatorice (dispozitive de închidere şi avertizare de securitate, asigurarea cu EIP, sarcina de muncă, lipsa de instruire, starea fizică a executanţilor…)
Alte evaluări preliminare necesare
Tipul de teste şi măsurători pentru permiterea intrării dacă atmosfera din interiorul utilajului o cere
Numărul de muncitori minim necesar şi atribuirea de responsabilităţi
Dacă spaţiul a fost bine ventilat sau aerisit înaintea intrării persoanelor
Echipamentul individual de protecţie al fiecărei persoane în parte
Dispozitive, scule ,sisteme de siguranţă specifice necesare operaţiilor
Proceduri şi echipamente pentru situaţii de urgenţă
Controlul energiilor periculoase
Este necesar pentru efectuarea în siguranţă a operaţiilor de mentenanţă, intervenţie la maşini şi echipamente la care există pericolul punerii în funcţiune accidentale, neaşteptate sau unde pot scăpa necontrolate energii stocate ce pot produce vătămări persoanelor care intervin
Angajatorii trebuie să stabilească proceduri pentru izolarea maşinilor şi echipamentelor de sursele lor de energie şi să fixeze elemente de închidere sau avertizări potrivite la dispozitivele de izolare energetică
Echipamentul tehnic trebuie prevăzut cu dispozitive care să nu permită pornirea accidentală în perioada în care este în stare de repaus pentru revizii,reparaţii sau alte lucrări;
Pe perioada efectuării reparaţiilor se vor utiliza indicatoare de securitate atât pentru interzicerea cuplării la sursele de energie,cât şi pentru interzicerea punerii în funcţiune a echipamentelor tehnice la care s-a intervenit.
Echipamentul tehnic trebuie prevăzut cu dispozitive destinate separării de orice sursă de energie
Dispozitivele trebuie să poată fi identificate cu uşurinţă
Reconectarea nu trebuie să genereze riscuri pentru angajaţii în cauză
Procedura LO-TO cerinţe
• Program scris care să includă proceduri specifice scrise pentru fiecare echipament tehnic care are posibile astfel de probleme
• Instruire şi antrenare specifică salariaţilor
• Analizare şi revizuire periodică a procedurii
Responsabilităţi angajator
Stabilirea unui program de control al energiilor periculoase
Stabilire proceduri de control pentru maşinile şi echipamentele ce pot fi în situaţia de manifestare necontrolată a energiilor periculoase
Instruire adecvată pentru salariaţi
Inspecţii periodice a modului de respectare a procedurilor de control
Aplicabilitatea procedurii LO-TO
La operaţiile de service,intervenţie, mentenanţă când unui salariat i se cere să intre cu orice parte a corpului său într-o zonă sau o parte a unei maşini care poate fi pusă neaşteptat în funcţiune
În timpul funcţionării normale a unui echipament tehnic dacă:
• se cere să îndepărteze sau să bypaseze o protecţie sau orice dispozitiv de securitate
• unui salariat i se cere să intre cu orice parte a corpului său într-o zonă periculoasă a unui echipament tehnic aflat în ciclul de funcţionare
Excepţii de la procedura LO-TO
Lucrul la echipamente alimentate electric care se pot scoate din priză şi la care controlul acestei operaţii aparţine executantului
Operaţiile directe pe sistemele de transmitere sau distribuţie în funcţiune, a unor substanţe ca gaze,abur,apă sau produse petroliere sau pe conducte sub presiune unde:
• Continuitatea funcţionării este esenţială
• Oprirea sistemului este impracticabilă,sau
• Se utilizează proceduri de lucru şi metode care asigură protecţia
Operaţiile minore de schimbare scule sau ajustări care se fac cu rutină, repetat pentru funcţionarea unor echipamente la care se iau măsuri alternative de protecţie
Intervenţiile la instalaţiile electrice la care se aplică norme şi prescripţii specifice
Situaţii din construcţii,agricultură sau transport marin reglementate altfel
Alte cazuri exceptate în procedură:
• Echipamentul nu are potenţial de acumulare de energie
• Echipamentul are o singură sursă de energie periculoasă
• Izolarea sursei de alimentare cu energie asigură deenergizarea completă
• În timpul mentenanţei maşina este izolată şi încuiată
• Un singur lacăt asigură condiţia de încuiere
• Operaţia de mentenanţă nu crează pericole pentru alţii
• Nu au fost evenimente legate de punerea în funcţiune neaşteptată a echipamentului respectiv
Definiţii utilizate în procedură
Persoană autorizată: o persoană instruită cu procedura LO-TO care încuie şi pune avertizoare la maşini şi echipamente în scopul efectuării unor operaţii de service sau întreţinere
Persoană afectată: o persoană la care sarcina de muncă îi cere să opereze sau utilizeze un echipament la care serviciile de intervenţie se desfăşoară sub regimul de încuiere / avertizare
Echipamente de izolare energetică: mecanisme care pot întrerupe şi previn transmiterea sau degajarea energetică şi la care se pot ataşa elemente de încuiere / avertizare
(Includ întrerupătoarele manuale, contactoare, conectoare, ventilele, vanele, sistemele de blocare sau altele cu acest
Încuierea: plasarea unui element de încuiere la dispozitivele de izolare energetică pentru a se asigura că echipamentul controlat nu poate fi operat decât numai după îndepărtarea elementelor de încuiere
Avertizarea: plasarea unor etichete de avertizare vizuală la un element de încuiere sau de izolare energetică cu scopul de a indica starea echipamentului şi că nu poate fi operat decât după îndepărtarea elementelor de încuiere sau terminarea lucrării de intervenţie
Paşii procedurii de control LO-TO
• 1.Anunţarea şi informarea salariaţilor
• 2.Pregatirea pentru oprire
• 3.Oprirea funcţionării echipamentului
• 4.Izolarea energetică a echipamentului
• 5.Aplicarea elementelor de încuiere/avertizare
• 6.Eliberarea energiilor acumulate
• 7.Verificarea stării de izolare energetică
• 8.După terminarea lucrului îndepărtarea elementelor de încuiere/avertizare
Pentru îndepărtarea stării de LO-TO la terminarea lucrărilor:
• Inspectează zona de lucru pentru îndepărtarea celor nenecesare
• Plasează oamenii în poziţii sigure şi atenţionează-i
• Se îndepărtează elementele de încuiere/avertizare de către persoana care le-a pus
Îndepărtarea elementelor de încuiere/avertizare dacă persoana autorizată nu este disponibilă?
• Se verifică dacă persoana autorizată se află în întreprindere
• Se fac eforturi rezonabile de informare a acesteia
• Asiguraţi-vă că aceasta ştie de îndepărtarea elementelor înainte de repunerea în funcţiune
De-energizarea Echipamentelor
Se opreşte maşina sau echipamentul
Se izolează maşina sau echipamentul de la sursele de energie
Se aplică elementele de încuiere şi etichetele de avertizare la dispozitivele de izolare energetică
Se eliberează cu grijă orice acumulare energetică potenţial periculoasă sau energie reziduală
Se verifică încă odată dacă echipamentul este perfect izolat energetic înainte de începerea lucrului
Re-energizarea Echipamentului
Se asigură că toate părţile componente sunt intacte operaţional
Se asigură că au fost îndepărtate persoanele care au intervenit de la echipament sau se află în poziţie sigură
Se asigură că dispozitivele de încuiere şi elementele de avertizare sunt îndepărtate de la fiecare loc de amplasare de către persoana care le-a pus
Altă cerinţă
In cazul în care un dispozitiv de izolare energetică nu are posibilitatea tehnică de a fi încuiat , programul de încuiere/avertizare prevede utilizarea unui sistem de avertizare vizuală bine stabilit şi măsuri de restricţionare a accesului neautorizat
Utilajele construite după 1990 trebuie să fie prevăzute cu posibilitate de încuiere la dispozitivele de izolare energetică
Reguli de securitate pentru executanţi
Nu intra în spaţii de lucru periculoase fără permisiune
Convinge-te că atunci când intri eşti în siguranţă
Urmează toate procedurile şi instrucţiunile de securitate
Pleacă imediat de acolo dacă experienţa îţi spune că eşti în pericol şi raportează situaţia sau dacă te-ai vătămat
Testează pericolele după prima funcţionare a utilajelor sau aparatelor folosite în interior
Stai în alertă tot timpul nu considera că eşti protejat
Concentrează-te asupra sarcinii ce o ai şi manipulează totul cu grijă, ca să scurtezi timpul de stat în SL
Să ai echipamentele de intervenţie de urgenţă la îndemână (stingătoare, furtunuri cu apă, trusa de prim ajutor
Comunică mereu cu supraveghetorul
Cerinţe pentru elemente de încuiere/avertizare
Durabile: Elementele de încuiere avertizare trebuie să fie rezistente la mediul în care sunt montate, maximum de timp (coroziune,umiditate)
Standardizate: Se cere standardizarea după culoare,formă sau mărime pentru a fi uşor recunoscute
Rezistente : elementele de încuiere şi avertizare trebuie să fie solide pentru a minimiza posibilitatea de distrugere sau îndepărtare accidentală
Identificabile: fiecare element de încuiere trebuie să permită identificarea persoanei care le-a montat sau a persoanei autorizate
Personale: elementele de încuiere au regim controlat şi se atribuie numai persoanelor autorizate conform procedurii LO-TO, care:
Păstrează cheile
Nu înstrăinează cheile sau cifrul sub nici un motiv
Răspund de aplicarea şi îndepărtarea lor
Avertizoarele sunt etichete care trebuie să semnalizeze starea de PERICOL şi cuprindă interdicţii ca
Nu porni
Nu deschide
Nu închide
Nu pune sub tensiune
Nu lucra
Nu opera
Nu îndepărta lacătul
Etichetele avertizoare trebuie să semnalizeze starea de PERICOL şi să fie:
Standardizate prin tipărire după mărime,format mesaj şi culoare
Sunt Ne-reutilizabile
Rezistente la intemperii
Destul de solide ca să nu poată fi rupte sau îndepărtate prin smulgere/tragere
Inspecţii Periodice
Angajatorul va inspecta periodic, cel puţin anual modul de aplicare a procedurii încuiere/avertizare
Controlul îl va face o altă persoană autorizată diferită de cele care aplică procedura LO-TO la locul inspectat
Se identifică deviaţiile sau nerespectările de procedură
Unde se utilizează elemente de încuiere inspecţia se face în prezenţa persoanelor autorizate care le-au aplicat
Inspecţia avertizoarelor aplicate se face şi în prezenţa persoanelor afectate
Antrenare şi comunicare
Fiecare persoană autorizată va fi instruită pentru:
• Recunoaşterea surselor de energie periculoase aplicabile în activitatea lui
• Tipurile şi mărimea energiilor întâlnite la locul de muncă
• Metodele şi modurile de lucru necesare pentru a face izolarea energetică şi controlul ei
• Cunoaşterea locurilor unde se face izolarea energetică şi aplicarea elementelor de încuiere/avertizare
• Tipurile de elemente de încuiere/avertizare folosite,modul de aplicare
Fiecare persoană afectată trebuie instruită cu conţinutul şi respectarea procedurii de control a energiilor periculoase
Ceilalţi muncitori se instruiesc referitor la interdicţia pornirii sau alimentării energetice a echipamentelor care se află sub regimul de încuiere/avertizare
Angajatorul va certifica şi consemna această instruire sub semnătura fiecărei persoane
Închidere/avertizare de către un grup
Există situaţii în care pentru creşterea siguranţei unui grup care intervine să se ceară o încuiere multiplă
Responsabilitatea primară pentru grupul de persoane care va lucra în condiţiile procedurii de încuiere/avertizare, o are persoana autorizată care a verificat izolarea energetică
Celelalte persoane autorizate să lucreze pot fixa şi propriul lacăt la un dispozitiv de încuiere multiplă
Personalul extern
Dacă se lucrează cu personal extern (contractanţi,subcontractanţi) la activităţi care necesită regim de încuiere/avertizare, contractorul va informa pe fiecare despre procedura de încuiere/avertizare aplicabilă acolo
Tipuri de încuietori
Lacăte
Încuietori pentru ventile cu bilă
Încuietori pentru rozete
Elemente de încuiere multiplă
Specifice Electrice
Elemente auxiliare de legare încuiere (lanţuri, cabluri, bride…)
Referinţe:
• www.doa.state.wi.us/dsas/risk
• Paul Schlumper, CSP, PE Georgia Tech Research Institute E-mail:paul.schlumper@gtri.gatech.edu
• Guidelines for controlling hazardous energz during maintenance and servicing, NIOSH sept,1983 USA
• The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR) Part 1910.147
• Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR) www.cpwr.com, NIOSH www.cdc.gov/niosh or OSHA www.osha.gov or http://www.elcosh.org/.
Să discutăm despre Evaluarea riscurilor în general și despre evaluarea riscurilor de SSM în particular
marți, 19 octombrie 2010
miercuri, 16 iunie 2010
Ce spun Australienii despre evaluarea de riscuri
Identifying hazards in the workplace
A guide for hazards in the workplace
Contents
Introduction
Executive summary
The four step risk management process
1. Identify the hazards
2. Assess the risks
3. Control the risks
4. Monitor and review
Glossary
Contacts
Meeting the standard (chart) insert
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer
Publication Details
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Introduction
Comcare has produced this booklet to help program managers and supervisors with responsibility for occupational health and safety (OHS). The book covers the use of risk management in occupational health and safety through a structured process.
Section 16. (2) (c) of the OHS (CE) Act says the employer must "ensure the safety at work of, and the absence of risks at work to the health of, the employees...".
Workplace injury and disease impacts heavily on the human and financial resources of Commonwealth agencies. Apart from our legal obligation to provide a healthy and safe workplace, it is good business sense for us to effectively manage health and safety hazards.
Recent studies show the indirect cost of workplace injury is between 7 and 20 times higher. Indirect costs include such things as absenteeism, loss of productivity, retraining, position backfilling, labour turnover, loss of skill and experience, and decreased morale.The information in this booklet may help you to understand the principles of risk management, and practise effective risk management in your workplace. Adopting a risk management program can lead to better practice and continuous improvement in OHS performance.
Introducing a risk management program can
• reduce costs
• increase productivity
• raise morale
• improve workplace relations.
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission has produced this booklet through its prevention program. The prevention program aims to ensure safe and healthy Commonwealth workplaces where
• managers and employees recognise and acknowledge their respective responsibilities and accountability for occupational health and safety
• occupational health and safety is an integral component of management systems and daily work practices
• the performance and outcomes of occupational health and safety achieve a standard of best practice.
Executive Summary
Workplace injury is a major cause of concern for all involved in occupational health and safety.
The factors which cause workplace accidents and occupational illnesses are called hazards. The need for systematic management of OHS hazards and their attendant risks applies to all organisations and all activities and functions within an organisation.
It is important to distinguish between hazard, risk and exposure when undertaking risk management.
Hazard is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an employee's health. Anything which may cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard.
Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace. The level of risk increases with the severity of the hazard and the duration and frequency of exposure.
Exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with a hazard.
Risk management is a four step process
1. identify the hazard
2. assess the risk associated with the hazard
3. control the risk
4. review the process.
The first and most important step in reducing the likelihood of an accident is hazard identification. This means identifying all workplace situations or events that could cause injury or illness.
The second step is an assessment of the level of risk of the hazards you have identified. This step involves collecting information and making decisions. It is important you consider the extent of the harm or consequence from a hazard and the likelihood of harm occurring. If your assessment is that an unacceptable risk to health and safety exists, you must introduce controls to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
There are three categories of control measures you might take. You can
• eliminate the hazard
• minimise the risk
• introduce `back-up' controls (when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted).
The third step in effective risk management is to establish and maintain systems which give opportunity for regular evaluation and review procedures.
Evaluation means examining control measures to ensure risks are eliminated or reduced and have not caused new hazards presenting unacceptable risk. The review system applies to the overall risk management process and checks the process is working effectively to identify hazards and manage risks.
Risk management is an organisational issue and a successful program requires the commitment and cooperation of all. All program managers and their staff need to recognise the fundamental importance of occupational health and safety risk management for it to work. Best practice is embedding occupational health and safety risk management into daily usage at all levels of an organisation. Achieving best practice is how you can integrate risk management principles and practices into everyday business practice.
The four step risk management process
1. Identify the hazards
Hazard identification
The first step in reducing the likelihood of an accident is hazard identification. Hazard identification is identifying all situations or events that could cause injury or illness. Eliminating or minimising workplace hazards needs a systematic approach. It is essential to try and anticipate all possible hazards at the workplace - known as the `what if?' approach.
Hazards defined
A hazard is a source or potential source of human injury, ill health or disease. Anything which might cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard. While some hazards are fairly obvious and easy to identify, others are not - for example exposure to noise, chemicals or radiation.
Classes of hazard
Hazards are classified into five different types. They are
• physical - includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling), excessively loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold, radiation, poor lighting, ventilation, air quality
• mechanical and/or electrical - includes electricity, machinery, equipment, pressure vessels, dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists
• chemical - includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and those that could lead to fire or explosion, cleaning agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding
• biological - includes bacteria, viruses, mould, mildew, insects, vermin, animals
• psychosocial environment - includes workplace stressors arising from a variety of sources.
Note that some physical and chemical hazards can lead to fire, explosion and other safety hazards.
Methods for identifying hazards
The first step in control of a hazard is to identify and list them. There are many methods which are useful for identifying hazards, including
• injury and illness records - review your workers' compensation data and check the incidence, mechanism and agency of injury, and the cost to the organisation. These statistics can be analysed to alert the organisation to the presence of hazards
• staying informed on trends and developments in workplace health and safety, for example via the internet or OHS publications
• reviewing the potential impact of new work practices or equipment introduced into the workplace in line with legislative requirements
• doing walk-through surveys, inspections or safety audits in the workplace to evaluate the organisation's health and safety system
• considering OHS implications when analysing work processes
• investigating workplace incidents and `near hits' reports - in some cases there may be more than one hazard contributing to an incident
• getting feedback from employees can often provide valuable information about hazards, because they have hands-on experience in their work area
• consulting with employees, health and safety representatives and OHS Committee members
• benchmarking against or liaising with similar workplaces.
Summary of key points
• Conduct regular, systematic inspections of the workplace.
• Observe what hazards exist in the workplace and ask, `what if?'
• Listen to feedback from the people performing work tasks.
• Maintain records of the processes used to identify hazards.
• Talk to your health and safety representatives.
2. Assess the risks
Assessment of risks
When you identify a hazard, do a risk assessment. A risk assessment process means you
• gather information about each identified hazard
• consider the number of people exposed to each hazard and the duration of the exposure
• use the information to assess the likelihood and consequence of each hazard
• use a risk assessment table to work out the risk associated with each hazard.
Factors for consideration
You should consider the following factors during the risk assessment process
• the nature of the hazard posing the risk
• combinations of hazards
• types of injuries or illnesses foreseeable from exposure
• the consequences of duration and exposure to the hazard
• workplace and workstation layout
• working posture and position
• work organisation
• the introduction of new work processes
• skill and experience level of employees
• personal characteristics of employees exposed to the risk (colour blindness or hearing impairment)
• existing control measures in place such as the use of clothing and personal protective equipment.
Risk assessment table
One method of assessing risks is to use a risk assessment table. Record the risk rating for each hazard you have identified. To construct an assessment matrix, you can
• establish a specialist risk assessment team
• get expert or specialist advice
• brainstorm within the workplace, particularly with employees, health and safety representatives and OHS committee members - they are often a valuable source of information and experience.
Before introducing new or changed work practices, substances or plant - review your original assessment. It is good management to do regular reviews.
Risk assessment table
Using a risk assessment table
Assessments of likelihood and consequence can be translated into levels of risk using a risk assessment table. Areas of high risk can be given first priority for elimination or control in the workplace.
Consequence, or extent of the injury or ill health were it to occur, can be rated in the following way
• Fatality.
• Major or serious injury (serious damage to health which may be irreversible, requiring medical attention and ongoing treatment). Such an injury is likely to involve significant time off work.
• Minor injury (reversible health damage which may require medical attention but limited ongoing treatment). This is less likely to involve significant time off work.
• Negligible injuries (first aid only with little or no lost time). Unlikely to involve more than 1 day off work.
Likelihood, or the chance of each of the situations or events actually occurring, can be rated in the following way.
• Very likely (exposed to hazard continuously).
• Likely (exposed to hazard occasionally).
• Unlikely (could happen but only rarely).
• Highly unlikely (could happen, but probably never will).
This classification would be used very rarely.
Acting on the findings
The possible conclusions you might draw from your risk assessment process and the actions you might take are listed below.
1. Risks are not significant now and not likely to increase in future.
Actions
• end current assessment and record assessment details
• review assessment if situation changes or in 2 years
• provide induction and ongoing training
• follow safe working procedures.
2. Risks are significant but already effectively controlled. Could increase in the future.
Actions
• determine precautions to maintain controls and minimise chances of higher exposure occurring
• determine additional measures for regaining control if a high risk event occurs, despite precautions
• determine if monitoring or health surveillance is required to check effectiveness of controls
• review assessment if situation changes or in 2 years
• provide induction and ongoing training
• ensure that safe working procedures are followed.
3. Risks are significant now, and not adequately controlled.
Actions
• identify and implement immediate measures for preventing or controlling exposure
• consider stopping the process
• commence review of longer term control requirements
• re-evaluate exposures when the upgraded control measures are in place
• determine if monitoring or health surveillance is required
• provide induction and ongoing training
• ensure that safe working procedures are followed.
If you are still uncertain about risks and do not have enough information, or are uncertain about the degree of exposure, consider the actions listed below.
• Get more information. Apply good practice to minimise exposure until more information is available.
• Get specialist advice if necessary.
• Arrive at conclusion 1,2 or 3 and take the appropriate actions.
Summary of key points
Assess all reasonably foreseeable workplace hazards which may affect the health or safety of employees or other persons at work. Ask yourself
• how serious could it be?
• what is the likelihood of its occurrence?
• what is the significance of the risks?
• are risks assessed following the hazard identification exercise?
• are risks to others considered?
• are records of assessment maintained?
• which identified hazards create a significant risk?
3. Control the risks
Control measures
The correct course of action once a hazard is identified is to use control measures. These generally fall into three categories. You can
• eliminate the hazard
• minimise the risk
• use `back-up' controls when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted.
The best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it. The elimination of a hazard is the first choice in a system called the `hierarchy of controls'.
Hierarchy of controls
There is an order of priority in hazard control.
• Eliminate the hazard from the workplace entirely. This is the best way to control a hazard. An example of elimination is to remove a noisy machine from a quiet area.
• Substitute or modify the hazard by replacing it with something less dangerous, for example, by using a paint which does not contain asthma-encouraging agents.
• Isolate the hazard by physically removing it from the workplace or by cordoning off the area in which a machine is used.
• Use engineering methods to control the hazard at its source. Tools and equipment can be redesigned, or enclosures, guards or local exhaust ventilation systems can be used to close off the source of a hazard.
• Use administrative controls. These are management strategies which can be introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees. Administrative procedures can reduce exposure to hazardous equipment and processes by limiting the time of exposure for example by job rotation or varying the time when a particular process is carried out.
• Introduce personal protective equipment (PPE) as an interim measure, to reduce exposure to a hazard.
Elimination
Where no hazard exists, no risk of injury or illness exists. For example
• remove trip hazards in a cluttered corridor
• dispose of unwanted chemicals
• eliminate hazardous plant or processes
• repair damaged equipment promptly
• increase use of email to reduce excessive photocopying and collation
• ensure new equipment meets the ergonomic needs of users.
Minimising the risk
This may entail
Substitution
If it is not possible to eliminate the hazard, substitute it with something - preferably of a lesser risk - which will still perform the same task in a satisfactory manner. For example
• substitute a hazardous chemical with a less dangerous one
• replace telephone handsets with headsets where there is frequent use of telephone
• substitute a less hazardous material to control a vapour hazard
• substitute a smaller package or container to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries such as back strain.
Modification
Change the plant or system of work to reduce hazards. For example
• redesign plant to reduce noise levels
• use a scissors-lift trolley to reducing bending while lifting
• install forced ventilation in photography darkrooms to remove vapours.
Isolation
Isolate the problem from staff. This is often done by using separate, purpose-built rooms, barricades, or sound barriers. This moves the hazardous process away from the main work area to a site where emissions can be controlled. For example
• isolate and store chemicals properly by using a fume cupboard
• isolate copying equipment and other machinery in soundproof rooms to reduce fumes and noise
• use security measures to protect staff.
Engineering controls
If you cannot eliminate a hazard of make a substitution to eliminate it, then reduce the chance of hazardous contact. Redesign equipment, work processes or tools to reduce or eliminate the risk. For example
• ensure proper machine guarding is in place
• use anti-glare screens on computer VDUs
• use mechanical aids to minimise manual handling injuries
• use ventilation to remove chemical fumes and dusts and using wetting down techniques to minimise dust levels
• change bench heights to reduce bending
• ensure ergonomic factors are taken into account.
`Back-up' controls
These controls are a `back-up' to the other categories. They should not be relied upon as the primary method to control risk - until all options to eliminate the hazard or minimise the risk have been exhausted. Sometimes `back-up' controls should be used as the initial control phase while elimination or minimisation is being evaluated and applied. Some examples of `back-up' controls are listed below.
Administrative controls
Training, job rotation, maintenance of plant and equipment, limitation of exposure time, provision of written work procedures. For example
• regularly maintain plant and equipment
• re-design jobs
• use team lifting
• limit exposure time to a hazard through staff rotation
• train and educate staff to
- identify and assess risks
- use methods of control
- apply legislative requirements
- implement safe manual handling techniques
- safely use mechanical aids and equipment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should only be used as a last resort. PPE is for short term solutions only. PPE protects an employee's body from hazards. PPE must be provided free of charge and maintained by the employer. Employers are also required to ensure that workers are trained in the proper use of PPE.
Employees have a responsibility to use PPE in accordance with their training and safe usage requirements. For example
• wear earplugs in noisy areas
• wear eye protection when working with hazardous chemicals
• wear gloves to protect against infection.
Specific controls to reduce risks
Select controls from as high up the hierarchy table as you can. The `elimination' method is the safest solution. In many cases you may need a combination of controls to reduce the level of risk. For example
• workplace design changes or task modification
• substituting an extremely hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one
• using a fume cupboard when handling the chemical
• ensuring exposure time is limited
• providing PPE to employees.
Reducing risk to an acceptable minimum will ensure optimum risk reduction for all.
Summary of key points
When you have completed the assessment process, take action to control the risks. Remember
• to eliminate the hazard as a first priority
• if the hazard cannot be eliminated - minimise the risks by
- substituting with something safer
- modifying the plant or system of work
- isolating the hazardous aspects of plant or systems
- introducing engineering controls
- to introduce `back-up' controls by
- implementing administrative controls and safe work practices
- supplying personal protective equipment (PPE).
Effective hazard control involves human, financial and physical resources.\
4. Monitor and review
A cyclical process
Risk management programs are cyclical, once current workplace hazards are successfully controlled the process does not stop. Systematic monitoring and reviews must be implemented because of the potential for new hazards to be introduced into a workplace. These hazards can be due to
• the use of new technology, equipment or substances
• the introduction of new work practices or procedures
• a change in work environment (moving to a different office, staff reduction)
• the introduction of new staff with different skill/knowledge levels.
Planning
Effective forward planning is an integral part of monitoring and reviewing risk management. You must address all issues before introducing new equipment and work procedures. For example, planning allows you to include OHS compliance into tender specifications for new equipment or services.
Record keeping
Record keeping is an important part of monitoring and review. Systematic records will help to identify hazards and review the effectiveness of risk controls. Keep records which show
• details of workplace inspections
• worksheets/checklists used to identify hazards
• methods used to assess risks
• control measures implemented
• reviews of workplace systems of work, or health and safety audits
• any action that has been taken to fix particular hazards
• instruction or training done to ensure staff competency
• health surveillance of staff
• maintenance of plant and equipment.
Achieving the desired results
It is important to keep checking that solutions to your workplace hazards are achieving the desired result. You can only ensure your control methods are working by regular monitoring and review.
Meeting best practice
Good hazard management will result in compliance with set performance indicators. This is a positive sign that your agency is on the way to OHS "best practice". Achieving best practice in OHS risk management results in
• increases in staff morale
• decreases in workers' compensation costs
• promotion of a `safety-conscious' culture in the workplace.
Summary of key points
• Has the program achieved its purpose?
• Does it work?
• Is it being adhered to?
• What has been done to control the hazard and what remains to be done?
• Are new hazard control measures required?
A guide for hazards in the workplace
Contents
Introduction
Executive summary
The four step risk management process
1. Identify the hazards
2. Assess the risks
3. Control the risks
4. Monitor and review
Glossary
Contacts
Meeting the standard (chart) insert
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer
Publication Details
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Introduction
Comcare has produced this booklet to help program managers and supervisors with responsibility for occupational health and safety (OHS). The book covers the use of risk management in occupational health and safety through a structured process.
Section 16. (2) (c) of the OHS (CE) Act says the employer must "ensure the safety at work of, and the absence of risks at work to the health of, the employees...".
Workplace injury and disease impacts heavily on the human and financial resources of Commonwealth agencies. Apart from our legal obligation to provide a healthy and safe workplace, it is good business sense for us to effectively manage health and safety hazards.
Recent studies show the indirect cost of workplace injury is between 7 and 20 times higher. Indirect costs include such things as absenteeism, loss of productivity, retraining, position backfilling, labour turnover, loss of skill and experience, and decreased morale.The information in this booklet may help you to understand the principles of risk management, and practise effective risk management in your workplace. Adopting a risk management program can lead to better practice and continuous improvement in OHS performance.
Introducing a risk management program can
• reduce costs
• increase productivity
• raise morale
• improve workplace relations.
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission has produced this booklet through its prevention program. The prevention program aims to ensure safe and healthy Commonwealth workplaces where
• managers and employees recognise and acknowledge their respective responsibilities and accountability for occupational health and safety
• occupational health and safety is an integral component of management systems and daily work practices
• the performance and outcomes of occupational health and safety achieve a standard of best practice.
Executive Summary
Workplace injury is a major cause of concern for all involved in occupational health and safety.
The factors which cause workplace accidents and occupational illnesses are called hazards. The need for systematic management of OHS hazards and their attendant risks applies to all organisations and all activities and functions within an organisation.
It is important to distinguish between hazard, risk and exposure when undertaking risk management.
Hazard is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an employee's health. Anything which may cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard.
Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace. The level of risk increases with the severity of the hazard and the duration and frequency of exposure.
Exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with a hazard.
Risk management is a four step process
1. identify the hazard
2. assess the risk associated with the hazard
3. control the risk
4. review the process.
The first and most important step in reducing the likelihood of an accident is hazard identification. This means identifying all workplace situations or events that could cause injury or illness.
The second step is an assessment of the level of risk of the hazards you have identified. This step involves collecting information and making decisions. It is important you consider the extent of the harm or consequence from a hazard and the likelihood of harm occurring. If your assessment is that an unacceptable risk to health and safety exists, you must introduce controls to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
There are three categories of control measures you might take. You can
• eliminate the hazard
• minimise the risk
• introduce `back-up' controls (when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted).
The third step in effective risk management is to establish and maintain systems which give opportunity for regular evaluation and review procedures.
Evaluation means examining control measures to ensure risks are eliminated or reduced and have not caused new hazards presenting unacceptable risk. The review system applies to the overall risk management process and checks the process is working effectively to identify hazards and manage risks.
Risk management is an organisational issue and a successful program requires the commitment and cooperation of all. All program managers and their staff need to recognise the fundamental importance of occupational health and safety risk management for it to work. Best practice is embedding occupational health and safety risk management into daily usage at all levels of an organisation. Achieving best practice is how you can integrate risk management principles and practices into everyday business practice.
The four step risk management process
1. Identify the hazards
Hazard identification
The first step in reducing the likelihood of an accident is hazard identification. Hazard identification is identifying all situations or events that could cause injury or illness. Eliminating or minimising workplace hazards needs a systematic approach. It is essential to try and anticipate all possible hazards at the workplace - known as the `what if?' approach.
Hazards defined
A hazard is a source or potential source of human injury, ill health or disease. Anything which might cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard. While some hazards are fairly obvious and easy to identify, others are not - for example exposure to noise, chemicals or radiation.
Classes of hazard
Hazards are classified into five different types. They are
• physical - includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling), excessively loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold, radiation, poor lighting, ventilation, air quality
• mechanical and/or electrical - includes electricity, machinery, equipment, pressure vessels, dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists
• chemical - includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and those that could lead to fire or explosion, cleaning agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding
• biological - includes bacteria, viruses, mould, mildew, insects, vermin, animals
• psychosocial environment - includes workplace stressors arising from a variety of sources.
Note that some physical and chemical hazards can lead to fire, explosion and other safety hazards.
Methods for identifying hazards
The first step in control of a hazard is to identify and list them. There are many methods which are useful for identifying hazards, including
• injury and illness records - review your workers' compensation data and check the incidence, mechanism and agency of injury, and the cost to the organisation. These statistics can be analysed to alert the organisation to the presence of hazards
• staying informed on trends and developments in workplace health and safety, for example via the internet or OHS publications
• reviewing the potential impact of new work practices or equipment introduced into the workplace in line with legislative requirements
• doing walk-through surveys, inspections or safety audits in the workplace to evaluate the organisation's health and safety system
• considering OHS implications when analysing work processes
• investigating workplace incidents and `near hits' reports - in some cases there may be more than one hazard contributing to an incident
• getting feedback from employees can often provide valuable information about hazards, because they have hands-on experience in their work area
• consulting with employees, health and safety representatives and OHS Committee members
• benchmarking against or liaising with similar workplaces.
Summary of key points
• Conduct regular, systematic inspections of the workplace.
• Observe what hazards exist in the workplace and ask, `what if?'
• Listen to feedback from the people performing work tasks.
• Maintain records of the processes used to identify hazards.
• Talk to your health and safety representatives.
2. Assess the risks
Assessment of risks
When you identify a hazard, do a risk assessment. A risk assessment process means you
• gather information about each identified hazard
• consider the number of people exposed to each hazard and the duration of the exposure
• use the information to assess the likelihood and consequence of each hazard
• use a risk assessment table to work out the risk associated with each hazard.
Factors for consideration
You should consider the following factors during the risk assessment process
• the nature of the hazard posing the risk
• combinations of hazards
• types of injuries or illnesses foreseeable from exposure
• the consequences of duration and exposure to the hazard
• workplace and workstation layout
• working posture and position
• work organisation
• the introduction of new work processes
• skill and experience level of employees
• personal characteristics of employees exposed to the risk (colour blindness or hearing impairment)
• existing control measures in place such as the use of clothing and personal protective equipment.
Risk assessment table
One method of assessing risks is to use a risk assessment table. Record the risk rating for each hazard you have identified. To construct an assessment matrix, you can
• establish a specialist risk assessment team
• get expert or specialist advice
• brainstorm within the workplace, particularly with employees, health and safety representatives and OHS committee members - they are often a valuable source of information and experience.
Before introducing new or changed work practices, substances or plant - review your original assessment. It is good management to do regular reviews.
Risk assessment table
Using a risk assessment table
Assessments of likelihood and consequence can be translated into levels of risk using a risk assessment table. Areas of high risk can be given first priority for elimination or control in the workplace.
Consequence, or extent of the injury or ill health were it to occur, can be rated in the following way
• Fatality.
• Major or serious injury (serious damage to health which may be irreversible, requiring medical attention and ongoing treatment). Such an injury is likely to involve significant time off work.
• Minor injury (reversible health damage which may require medical attention but limited ongoing treatment). This is less likely to involve significant time off work.
• Negligible injuries (first aid only with little or no lost time). Unlikely to involve more than 1 day off work.
Likelihood, or the chance of each of the situations or events actually occurring, can be rated in the following way.
• Very likely (exposed to hazard continuously).
• Likely (exposed to hazard occasionally).
• Unlikely (could happen but only rarely).
• Highly unlikely (could happen, but probably never will).
This classification would be used very rarely.
Acting on the findings
The possible conclusions you might draw from your risk assessment process and the actions you might take are listed below.
1. Risks are not significant now and not likely to increase in future.
Actions
• end current assessment and record assessment details
• review assessment if situation changes or in 2 years
• provide induction and ongoing training
• follow safe working procedures.
2. Risks are significant but already effectively controlled. Could increase in the future.
Actions
• determine precautions to maintain controls and minimise chances of higher exposure occurring
• determine additional measures for regaining control if a high risk event occurs, despite precautions
• determine if monitoring or health surveillance is required to check effectiveness of controls
• review assessment if situation changes or in 2 years
• provide induction and ongoing training
• ensure that safe working procedures are followed.
3. Risks are significant now, and not adequately controlled.
Actions
• identify and implement immediate measures for preventing or controlling exposure
• consider stopping the process
• commence review of longer term control requirements
• re-evaluate exposures when the upgraded control measures are in place
• determine if monitoring or health surveillance is required
• provide induction and ongoing training
• ensure that safe working procedures are followed.
If you are still uncertain about risks and do not have enough information, or are uncertain about the degree of exposure, consider the actions listed below.
• Get more information. Apply good practice to minimise exposure until more information is available.
• Get specialist advice if necessary.
• Arrive at conclusion 1,2 or 3 and take the appropriate actions.
Summary of key points
Assess all reasonably foreseeable workplace hazards which may affect the health or safety of employees or other persons at work. Ask yourself
• how serious could it be?
• what is the likelihood of its occurrence?
• what is the significance of the risks?
• are risks assessed following the hazard identification exercise?
• are risks to others considered?
• are records of assessment maintained?
• which identified hazards create a significant risk?
3. Control the risks
Control measures
The correct course of action once a hazard is identified is to use control measures. These generally fall into three categories. You can
• eliminate the hazard
• minimise the risk
• use `back-up' controls when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted.
The best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it. The elimination of a hazard is the first choice in a system called the `hierarchy of controls'.
Hierarchy of controls
There is an order of priority in hazard control.
• Eliminate the hazard from the workplace entirely. This is the best way to control a hazard. An example of elimination is to remove a noisy machine from a quiet area.
• Substitute or modify the hazard by replacing it with something less dangerous, for example, by using a paint which does not contain asthma-encouraging agents.
• Isolate the hazard by physically removing it from the workplace or by cordoning off the area in which a machine is used.
• Use engineering methods to control the hazard at its source. Tools and equipment can be redesigned, or enclosures, guards or local exhaust ventilation systems can be used to close off the source of a hazard.
• Use administrative controls. These are management strategies which can be introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees. Administrative procedures can reduce exposure to hazardous equipment and processes by limiting the time of exposure for example by job rotation or varying the time when a particular process is carried out.
• Introduce personal protective equipment (PPE) as an interim measure, to reduce exposure to a hazard.
Elimination
Where no hazard exists, no risk of injury or illness exists. For example
• remove trip hazards in a cluttered corridor
• dispose of unwanted chemicals
• eliminate hazardous plant or processes
• repair damaged equipment promptly
• increase use of email to reduce excessive photocopying and collation
• ensure new equipment meets the ergonomic needs of users.
Minimising the risk
This may entail
Substitution
If it is not possible to eliminate the hazard, substitute it with something - preferably of a lesser risk - which will still perform the same task in a satisfactory manner. For example
• substitute a hazardous chemical with a less dangerous one
• replace telephone handsets with headsets where there is frequent use of telephone
• substitute a less hazardous material to control a vapour hazard
• substitute a smaller package or container to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries such as back strain.
Modification
Change the plant or system of work to reduce hazards. For example
• redesign plant to reduce noise levels
• use a scissors-lift trolley to reducing bending while lifting
• install forced ventilation in photography darkrooms to remove vapours.
Isolation
Isolate the problem from staff. This is often done by using separate, purpose-built rooms, barricades, or sound barriers. This moves the hazardous process away from the main work area to a site where emissions can be controlled. For example
• isolate and store chemicals properly by using a fume cupboard
• isolate copying equipment and other machinery in soundproof rooms to reduce fumes and noise
• use security measures to protect staff.
Engineering controls
If you cannot eliminate a hazard of make a substitution to eliminate it, then reduce the chance of hazardous contact. Redesign equipment, work processes or tools to reduce or eliminate the risk. For example
• ensure proper machine guarding is in place
• use anti-glare screens on computer VDUs
• use mechanical aids to minimise manual handling injuries
• use ventilation to remove chemical fumes and dusts and using wetting down techniques to minimise dust levels
• change bench heights to reduce bending
• ensure ergonomic factors are taken into account.
`Back-up' controls
These controls are a `back-up' to the other categories. They should not be relied upon as the primary method to control risk - until all options to eliminate the hazard or minimise the risk have been exhausted. Sometimes `back-up' controls should be used as the initial control phase while elimination or minimisation is being evaluated and applied. Some examples of `back-up' controls are listed below.
Administrative controls
Training, job rotation, maintenance of plant and equipment, limitation of exposure time, provision of written work procedures. For example
• regularly maintain plant and equipment
• re-design jobs
• use team lifting
• limit exposure time to a hazard through staff rotation
• train and educate staff to
- identify and assess risks
- use methods of control
- apply legislative requirements
- implement safe manual handling techniques
- safely use mechanical aids and equipment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should only be used as a last resort. PPE is for short term solutions only. PPE protects an employee's body from hazards. PPE must be provided free of charge and maintained by the employer. Employers are also required to ensure that workers are trained in the proper use of PPE.
Employees have a responsibility to use PPE in accordance with their training and safe usage requirements. For example
• wear earplugs in noisy areas
• wear eye protection when working with hazardous chemicals
• wear gloves to protect against infection.
Specific controls to reduce risks
Select controls from as high up the hierarchy table as you can. The `elimination' method is the safest solution. In many cases you may need a combination of controls to reduce the level of risk. For example
• workplace design changes or task modification
• substituting an extremely hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one
• using a fume cupboard when handling the chemical
• ensuring exposure time is limited
• providing PPE to employees.
Reducing risk to an acceptable minimum will ensure optimum risk reduction for all.
Summary of key points
When you have completed the assessment process, take action to control the risks. Remember
• to eliminate the hazard as a first priority
• if the hazard cannot be eliminated - minimise the risks by
- substituting with something safer
- modifying the plant or system of work
- isolating the hazardous aspects of plant or systems
- introducing engineering controls
- to introduce `back-up' controls by
- implementing administrative controls and safe work practices
- supplying personal protective equipment (PPE).
Effective hazard control involves human, financial and physical resources.\
4. Monitor and review
A cyclical process
Risk management programs are cyclical, once current workplace hazards are successfully controlled the process does not stop. Systematic monitoring and reviews must be implemented because of the potential for new hazards to be introduced into a workplace. These hazards can be due to
• the use of new technology, equipment or substances
• the introduction of new work practices or procedures
• a change in work environment (moving to a different office, staff reduction)
• the introduction of new staff with different skill/knowledge levels.
Planning
Effective forward planning is an integral part of monitoring and reviewing risk management. You must address all issues before introducing new equipment and work procedures. For example, planning allows you to include OHS compliance into tender specifications for new equipment or services.
Record keeping
Record keeping is an important part of monitoring and review. Systematic records will help to identify hazards and review the effectiveness of risk controls. Keep records which show
• details of workplace inspections
• worksheets/checklists used to identify hazards
• methods used to assess risks
• control measures implemented
• reviews of workplace systems of work, or health and safety audits
• any action that has been taken to fix particular hazards
• instruction or training done to ensure staff competency
• health surveillance of staff
• maintenance of plant and equipment.
Achieving the desired results
It is important to keep checking that solutions to your workplace hazards are achieving the desired result. You can only ensure your control methods are working by regular monitoring and review.
Meeting best practice
Good hazard management will result in compliance with set performance indicators. This is a positive sign that your agency is on the way to OHS "best practice". Achieving best practice in OHS risk management results in
• increases in staff morale
• decreases in workers' compensation costs
• promotion of a `safety-conscious' culture in the workplace.
Summary of key points
• Has the program achieved its purpose?
• Does it work?
• Is it being adhered to?
• What has been done to control the hazard and what remains to be done?
• Are new hazard control measures required?
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