1. HAZARD CATEGORIES (20 types):
Radiation Substance abuse
Work related upper limb disorders Hazardous substances
Work equipment Confined spaces
Work related driving Fire
Manual handling Electricity
Load handling equipment Slips and trips
Movement of people and vehicles Lone working
Noise Working at height
Mental ill health Health, welfare and work environment
Vibration Work related violence
2. • Noise: It’s a physical hazard. Daily exposure to noise causes health effects.
Exposure to excessive noise causes NIHL, Tinnitus, temporary reduction in
hearing sensitivity. Examples: generator, jackhammers, electric saws,
cement mixers, drilling machine, cutting, grinding etc…
• Normal hearing exposure is 85 db. (Decibel). Beyond this exposure over an
eight hour shift is generally considered as not good.
• Noise level can be measured by sound level meter. Occupational noise
monitoring record (Noise survey) to be followed at project.
• Control measures of NOISE: Reduce noise at source, Interrupting the
pathway, Protecting the receiver
• Hearing protection: Ear defenders and ear plugs. Health surveillance to be
conducted in form of audiometry (hearing test)
3. Vibration: It’s a physical hazard. Excessive vibration causes HAVS and
WBVS, White finger disease, nerve damage, muscle weakening, joint
damage, carpal tunnel syndrome. Examples: excavators, loaders, large
trucks, rollers, compactors, etc
Control measures of VIBRATION: Reduce the vibration at source,
Interrupt the pathway, limit the duration of exposure
Hand protection: Hand gloves. Health surveillance to be conducted in
form of audiometry (hearing test)
Administrative control measures for NOISE and VIBRATION: Job rotation
& Reduce in time exposure. Signage with required levels
4. Radiation: It’s a physical hazard. Non – ionizing radiation ( UV, Visible, IT, microwave and
radio waves) and Ionizing radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, x rays, gamma rays,
neutrons. Instrument use to measure this radiation is GEIGER METER. Unit is MILLIREMS.
Radiation more than 0.75 millirem to be controlled.
Health effects of NIR: redness, sun burns, snow blindness, disability glare, internal heating,
internal organ damage,
Health effects of IR: sickness, anemia, hair loss, cancer, genetic mutations, birth defects etc.
Control measure of NIR: use of clothing, PPE, SSOW, permits,
Control measure of IR: Time, Distance and shielding
Basic radiation protection strategies: Competent person, MSRA, PTW, 24hrs notice, log
sheet, flashing amber beacon lights, sealed records, thermo luminescent dosimeter, safe
distance radiation area calculated, evacuated, barricaded with yellow/black tapes, Exposure
shall be eliminated, dose limits, IITS, Health surveillance plastic badge or ring worn by the
worker
5. Mental ill health: Stress, anxiety, depression due to Psychological, physical
and behavioral symptoms. Work related stress caused by excessive pressure
cause chronic health effects.
Causes: Demands (Work load, deadlines), control (lack of control over work with light
levels, temp), support (Lack of IITS), relationships (poor quality workplace by peer), role
(lack of clarity), change (demotion, reassignment, take over), home work interface
(separation, family illness), staying in work (prolonged absence from work)
Work related violence: abused, threatened, assaulted. Occupations like cash
handling, lone working, wearing a uniform, representing authority, hospitals,
teachers, bus drivers etc
Control: staff survey, interviewing staff, collecting and analyzing, CCTV, panic
alarms, pleasant environment, clear announcement, security doors,
trainings, visit logging with supervisor, GPS, no lone working etc.
6. Substance abuse at work: Alcohol (local bar), legal (common painkillers) or
illegal drugs (heroin, cocaine), solvents (glue sniffing)
Effects at work: late attendance, increased absenteeism, reduction in quality of work,
reduction in work rate, dishonesty, theft, potentially to found a habit, irritability and
mood swings, deterioration in working relationships, sensory impairment, skewed
perceptions, fatigue, drowsiness, un control driving of vehicle, cirrhosis of the liver
Control measure: clear policy, rule restricting access in workplace, statutory legal
requirements (drink drive laws), non statutory requirements, arrangements for any
random drugs and testing, rehabilitation and treatment programmes, disciplinary
procedures, IITS, awareness campaign
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD): chronic soft tissue injuries or disorders of muscle,
nerves, joints, cartilage, spinal discs affecting the body movement or system. Ex. Carpel
tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, muscle strain, ligament sprain, neck syndrome, back pain,
trauma, arthritis, bone fractures, painful knee joints etc.
7. WRULD’s: collective term for a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck.
Ex. Muscle strains, tears, ligament sprains, joint inflammation, numbness in fingers, arm pain,
discomfort, tingling sensations etc.
Activities causing MSD’s / WRULD’s: High task repetition, standing and sitting for long period,
forceful exertions, repetitive or sustained awkward postures, poor posture, lighting, glare,
environmental parameters, display screen equipment, keyboard operation, bricklaying, use of
keyboard, mouse, call center staff, desktop computers etc
Control measures over DSE: RA, basic work station equipment, ergonomic design, frequent
breaks, plan the work routine, free eye test, IITS, good lumbar support, adjustable seat, foot
support, screen height, space, fore arms, head set, lighting,
Manual handling: lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of a load by force.
Principles of Manual handling (RA): TILE – Task, Individual, Load and Environment
Hazards in MH: Improper lifting, Improper gripping, poor physique, age factor, Incompetency,
Overload shifting, slip, trip, fall, handling greasy/oily/irregular objects
8. Good Manual handling technique: Before lifting – check the weight, stability, plan the route of
carry, establish a firm grip. The lift – Bend the knees and use leg muscles, keep the back
upright, keep the load close to the body, avoid twisting, overreaching. Setting down – use the
same principles as when lifting, maintain good balance, set the load down and adjust its
position using body weight
Load handling equipment: ex. Crane, forklift, excavator, trucks etc.
Hazards in LHE: Entanglement, drawing in, crushing, Collapse or toppling of equipment, falls
of load from height, falling objects, standing under the suspended load, incompetent
operators, excessive wind speed, poor ground surface, stuck during movement in roads,
striking of load against the structures, failure to use guide rope, damaged lifting gears, fire,
man equipment collision, over turn, contact with live overhead cables, fuel spill, exhaust
fumes, arcing, disposal of battery etc
Control measures: MSRA, PTW, Lifting plan, Operator checklist, operator competency, equipment certificate,
lifting gears certificate, SWL, load chart, safety devices, safety guards, seat belt, securing of load, use of guide
rope or tag line, competent rigger / banksman, use of flags, whistle, health surveillance for operator / rigger etc
9. Hazardous substances (CHEMICAL): refers to any product (solid, dust, mist, vapor,
liquid, gas) or chemical that has the properties of explosive, flammable, irritant, oxidizing,
toxic, corrosive or toxic to environment. Hazardous to peoples health gives acute and
chronic effects like asphyxiation, carcinogenicity, allergy, rash, burns, breathing difficulty,
eye irritation, skin corrosion, dermatitis, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization,
asbestosis etc
Routes of entry: Inhalation, ingestion, injection, absorption
Control measure: MSDS, PPE, waste management disposal, spill kit, COSHH assessment,
Fire extinguisher, dip tray, training, RA, SSOW, chemical with identified label, safe storage of
chemicals in designated room, appointed ERT contact numbers signage, Fire retardant
room, ventilation, eye wash stations, emergency showers etc
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet contains 16 information. Provide sufficient
information, steps to ensure safe use, including transport and disposal. Shall be
communicated to site workforce
10. Occupational exposure limit (OEL): the maximum airborne concentration of a toxic
substance to which a worker can be exposed over a period of time. The purpose of OEL is to
put a limit in place so that workers will not be exposed to high concentrations of air borne
substance.
TWA (Time weighted average) calculated by measuring a persons average exposure. This can
be done from STEL (Short term exposure limit) exposed to 15 min and LTEL (Long term
exposure limit) exposed to 8 hrs.
Controls towards exposure: Eliminate or substitute, change the process, reduce the
exposure time, enclose or segregate, LEV, hoods, periodic testing, Dilution ventilation, RPE,
PPE, personal hygiene, health surveillance, Training on RPE etc.
RPE: two groups – respirators (filters the air taken from the immediate environment) and BA
(breathable air from a separate source). Respirators - Filtering face piece respirator, half mask
or ori nasal respirator, full face respirator, powered respirator etc. BA are of two types –
Compressed air line BA and Self contained BA. RPE must be selected carefully to its suitability
11. Health, welfare and work environments: Drinking water, sanitary
conveniences, washing facilities, changing rooms, accommodation, resting,
eating facilities, seating, ventilation, lighting etc.
Working at Height: place where if there were no precautions in place,
Hazards: Fall of person, fall of objects, overload, poor load distribution, damaged ladder,
incomplete scaffolding, incompetent scaffolding erector, incompetent scaffolding
inspector, incomplete guard rail, unprotected edges, wide gap between planks, improper
ground surface, adverse weather conditions, inadequate lifeline, inadequate fall
protection system, incompetent equipment certificate etc.
Control: Trained, MSRA, PTW, SSOW, Inspected ladders, Competent
scaffolding inspector, erector, checklist, standard scaffold materials, fall
protection system, weather conditions, safe storage of materials etc
12. Confined space: any chamber, tank, pit, trench, pipe. A space with limited entry and
egress and not suitable for human continuous occupancy.
Hazard: Toxic gas or fumes, fire, flammable gas, oxygen deficiency or enrichment,
inadequate illumination, inadequate ventilation, inappropriate access, Excessive heat, use of
high voltage EE, incompetent persons, no buddy system etc
Control measures: Gas testing, use of calibrated gas tester, Trained, PTW, MSRA, SSOW,
Adequate lighting with 24v, Forced ventilation, safe secured access, use of tripod, SCBA,
Barricade, PPE with signage, Buddy system, “People-in” Tally board, non sparking tools etc
IDLH Immediately dangerous to Life & Health: any condition that provides immediately or
delayed threat to life.
Oxygen – 19.5 to 23.5%, Lower flammable limit (LEL) – less than 10%, CO – less than 35 PPM,
H2S – Less than 10 PPM.
One Parts per million (PPM) – if a million particles of air by volume (ABV) contains one part
of gas
13. Work equipment: for use at work and including machinery, appliances, tools etc. Hand tools
– hammers, chisel etc, Power tools – Portable electric drills, Machinery – power press, wood
working machine, paper shredder, tractor, abrasive wheels etc, Equipment – MEWP, cherry
picker etc.
Mechanical hazard – crushing (body trapped between two moving parts), shearing (part of the body
usually fingers trapped btw two moving parts), cuts (contact with sharp edged part), lacerations, entanglement
(loose items such as clothing, hairs), drawing in (a part caught and drawn into machine), stabbing (parts of
material ejected from machine, puncture, friction (contact with fast moving surface), abrasion , high pressure
fluid injection, impact (body struck by a powdered part of a machine) etc
Non mechanical Hazard – Electricity (electric shock), noise (hearing damage), vibration (white finger),
chemicals (harmful, irritant), dusts, vibration, radiation, temperature, fire, explosion, slip, trip, fall, ergonomics
etc
Control: IITS, SSOW, Emergency controls, stop controls, machine guarding, fixed enclosed guards, interlocked
guards, adjustable guards, sensitive protection equipment (trip devices), two hand controls, dead mans handle,
pressure mats, photoelectric devices, jigs, holders, push sticks, proper maintenance etc, space considerations,
markings, warnings, lighting considerations etc
14. Fire Triangle: It’s a chemical chain reaction. Heat, Fuel and Oxygen are the three sources of
fire.
Two reasons to use – Fire prevention (keeping these three elements apart) and Fire fighting
(put off, by removing one of the elements)
Fire prevention: Removing of heat is cooling, removing of oxygen is smothering, removing of fuel is
starvation.
Fire transmission/spread: Direct burning, Convection, Conduction, Radiation
Causes of fire: Faulty electrical equipment, deliberate ignition, hot works, smoking, unsafe storage of
flammable liquid & gas, chemical reaction, mechanical heat, cooking appliances, heating appliances
How to extinguish a fire – PASS- Pull the pin, Aim at the base of fire, Squeeze the gas, Sweep to
and fro. Fire blankets, hose reels, sprinkler systems, fire extinguisher, sand bucket.
Fire door – Withstand fire for minimum 30 min, self closing device, intumescent strip, cold
smoke seal, vision panel of fire resistant glass, clearly labeled fire door
15. Classification of fire:
Class A – Combustible solid ex. Paper, wood, coal
Class B – Flammable liquids ex. Petrol, diesel, oil
Class C – Flammable gases ex. propane, methane
Class D – Metals ex. Aluminium, magnesium
Classes of fire extinguishers:
Water – Red body, used for A
Co2 – Red body with black strip, Used for B and electrical fires
DCP – Red body with blue strip, pressure gauge. Used for ABC
Foam – Cream body with pressure gauge, used for B
Fire detection and Alarm systems: Simplest system, Simple with more noise, manually operated fire alarm, interlinked
smoke alarms, automatic fire detection & alarm
Fire alarm – automatic electronic panel which will indicate when the fire occurs connected to the smoke and heat
detector.
Smoke detectors: small smoke particles
usually very sensitive. Ionizing and optical are
the two types of detectors. If used in humid,
wet, dusty can give false alarm
Heat detectors: excess heat generated by fire.
Rate of rise and fixed temperature are the two
main types
FACU – Fire Alarm Control Unit is the
controlling component of FAS
16. Electrical hazards: Faulty equipment, wet condition, overload of circuit, short circuit,
fire, improper grounding, exposed electrical parts, damaged insulation, arcing,
overheating
Protective system for electrical equipment: Fuses – weak link (prevent current overload
but MCB does not melt), Earthing – low resistance path, Isolation – Cutting the power,
Double insulation – Two layers of insulation, Residual current device 30mA – Sensitive
& fast acting trips (breaks in 40millisec), Reduced & low voltage – less current flow
Risks to health: electric shock, burns (superficial, partial thickness, full thickness),
ventricular fibrallation, cardiac arrest (60mA), tingling sensation, severe muscle
contraction,
Severity of the shock – amount of current flowing, path of the current through the
body and length of the time
Control measures of EH: competent electrical supervisor, use of protection devices,
checklist, inspection record, trip test, training, SSOW, PTW, LOTO, formal visual
inspection, Job specific PPE etc
