Working Near Safety Hazards
Continuing on with health and safety we are covering working nearby health and safety hazards. A lot of these may seem straight forward but it is important that you know these things so that you can work safely.
I am just going to cover the main safety hazards you are likely to come across in your career. The module covered in this article can be found here under the section U6551.01
What You Need To Know
Working Near Noxious Fumes or Dust
Make sure that you are wearing the correct PPE. This includes a proper mask, gloves and eye protection. You don’t want the noxious fumes coming in contact with your bare skin.
Make sure that you allow as much ventilation as possible into the area. You’ll want to minimize the amount of fumes as possible.
Monitor the fumes. Make sure that someone is closely monitoring the fumes and making sure that the area never goes over the exposure limit.
Have an emergency plan. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan in case someone gets exposed to the harmful fumes.
Working Near Radiation
Generally, the radiation you’ll come across in the workplace is not harmful unless you are directly exposing yourself to it. It is typically encased in lead and tests are done often to ensure there are no leaks.
The radiation sources should have proper signage to alert you of the hazard. Before you work near the source make sure you have a qualified worker lock out the radiation source. They will then take readings to confirm that there is no harmful radiation present.
It may be recommended to even extract the nuclear source from the work area if you plan on working in the area for an extended amount of time.
Keep track of the time spent around the source as you will have to let the qualified worker know so he can track your exposure.
Working Near High-Intensity Light
Make sure you are wearing the proper PPE. Having safety glasses, goggles or a face shield that is suitable for high-intensity light is recommended.
Make sure you keep your skin covered to minimize the chance of getting exposed to UV radiation.
Lastly, you will want to minimize your exposure to the light as much as possible.
Working on an Elevated Platform
Most importantly you should have proper fall arrest training before you attempt to work on an elevated platform.
Now that you have your fall arrest training you should do the following before you work on an elevated platform
- Inspect your harness. Make sure to have another person check as well.
- Have an escape plan. Make sure you know what to do in case of emergency
- Have the right lanyard for the right task. Dont choose a lanyard that is longer than the distance you’ll fall
Working Near Suspended Loads
It’s best to not work near suspended loads if you can. Make sure that the rigging used is rated for the load being suspended. Inspect the rigging as well for any signs of wear and tear
You’ll also want to make sure that you have good communication the the person handling the load.
Make sure there is proper barricading that lets others know that there is a suspended load and to be cautious.
Working In Extreme Temperatures
Make sure you dress to the conditions. You’ll want to make sure that you can recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses as well as cold-related illnesses.
It’s best to not work alone. I’d recommend having a buddy system where you check in on your partner frequently and they check on you.
I’d also recommend taking breaks as needed. There is no need to push yourself to work in dangerous conditions
Working In Confined Space
Before you go into a confined space make sure to have the proper confined space training.
You will want to make sure that when you enter a confined space the following requirements are met:
- Proper Isolation. Keep in mind that a closed valve does not count as proper isolation.
- Air Quality Testing.
- Escape plan in place
- Proper paperwork in place.
- Someone monitoring on standby
Conclusion
These should cover a majority of the hazards you will find yourself working around in your career. Please make sure to follow your company’s policy for working near hazardous conditions. The above information is just advice from myself who has worked in a lot of these conditions. You should always follow company policy first.
