Bcrsp applied safety fundamentals study guide 2014 edition

Canadian Registered Safety Professional Applied Safety Fundamentals Study Guide Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals 6700 Century Avenue Suite 100, Mississauga, ON L5N 6A4 Tel: (905) 567-7198 Toll free: 1-888-279-2777 E-Mail: info@bcrsp.ca Web: www.bcrsp.ca

Last Revision: 2014

BCRSP Guide to RegistrationŠ Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF)

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Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF) This domain was developed by Mary D. Smith, CRSP, Oakville, ON. Originally Developed: 2002

Last Revision Completed: 2014

Table of Contents Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 New Addition ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Appendix ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Description of the Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF) Domain ........................................................... 2 Scope............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Learning Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 3 Part I Inspections and Investigations ............................................................................................................ 3 Part II Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Part III Facilities Management ...................................................................................................................... 3 Part IV Safety Operations ............................................................................................................................. 3 Part I Inspections and Investigations ....................................................................................................... 4 ASF 1 Workplace Inspections ................................................................................................................ 4 ASF 2 Incident Investigations ................................................................................................................ 7 PART II Analyses ......................................................................................................................................... 8 ASF 3 Statistical Analysis (mean, percentage, standard deviation, Time Weighted Average) ............. 8 ASF 4 Hazard Analyses/Risk Analyses/Job Task Analyses/Job Safety Analyses .............................. 10 ASF 5 Material/Process Flow Analyses ............................................................................................... 13 ASF 6 Process Hazard Analyses (Fault and Event Tree).................................................................... 14 Part III Facilities Management .................................................................................................................. 16 ASF 7 Facility Safety; Design, Construction and Maintenance ........................................................... 16 ASF 8 Design and Procurement of Tools, Equipment and Materials .................................................. 19 Part IV Safety Operations ......................................................................................................................... 21 ASF 9 Chemical, Explosives, & Radioactive Materials (WHMIS/GHS) ............................................... 21 ASF 10 Safeguarding Machinery (point of operation, light curtains/pressure pads, interlocks ............. 23 ASF 11 Personal Protective Equipment................................................................................................. 25 ASF 12 Electrical Safety (Bonding, Grounding, Circuit Interrupters) ..................................................... 26 ASF 13 Materials Handling and Storage................................................................................................ 29 ASF 14 Hoisting and Conveying Equipment: Cranes, Ropes, Chains and Slings ................................ 30 ASF 15 Powered Mobile Equipment (forklifts, bucket trucks, scissorslifts, vans, fleet safety) .............. 33 ASF 16 Hand and Portable Power Tools ............................................................................................... 34 ASF 17 Shop & Metalworking Machinery (lathes, saws, drill presses) .................................................. 36 ASF 18 Hot Work (Welding, Cutting) ..................................................................................................... 41 ASF 19 Control of Hazardous Energy & Harmful Substances............................................................... 43 ASF 20 Automated Systems or Processes (Robotics, Remote Starts, Nanotechnology) ..................... 45 ASF 21 Process Safety (chemical & manufacturing etc.) ...................................................................... 48 ASF 22 Confined Space Entries ............................................................................................................ 51 ASF 23 Hazards & Controls related to Elevated Work .......................................................................... 53 ASF 24 Laboratory Safety & non-destructive testing of metals ............................................................. 55 ASF 25 Working Alone or Remotely ...................................................................................................... 61 APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................................. 65 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and National Standards (CAN) ................................................... 65 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) ................................................................................................... 68 Standards Council of Canada (SCC) .......................................................................................................... 68 Health Canada ............................................................................................................................................ 68 American National Standards Institute: ANSI ............................................................................................. 68 American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME ................................................................................... 68

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Preface The National Safety Council’s (NSC) series, Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry, is the preeminent choice for the primary reference text of the Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF) Domain since this Domain was inaugurated in the BCRSP Examination Blueprint 2015. The NSC’s 13th Edition has been reviewed and revised with new material added to the text of Administration and Programs as well as the Engineering and Technology Manuals. The 13th Edition benefits from the volunteer experts from many disciplines who have contributed their knowledge and experience to make this NSC series an important resource in safety programs and education. For this review of the ASF Domain, Chapters of the 13th Edition have been referenced in all 25 Competencies.

In this revision of the ASF Domain, the emphasis is on the importance of the ASF as a pan-Canadian study paper; the CRSP should refer to Canadian Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Statutes, Regulations, Standards and Codes regarding the relevant subject matter in their jurisdiction.

The environment identified in the Blueprint for the Canadian Registered CRSP Examination for the ASF is slanted toward industrial/manufacturing venues. This identification is not meant to exclude those CRSP candidates involved in construction, retail, mining, laboratories, logging, education and public sector as well as other places of employment. The candidate should approach the ASF Domain material with a positive view citing the commonalities of various safety hazards present in many, if not most, workplaces.

The rationale for this view is that workplaces have many hazards in common and that a broad stroke should be recognized by CRSPs. Examples of cross pollination, but not limited to this list, are; ladders, machinery with moving parts, ventilation, maintenance shops, fire prevention, mechanical rooms, roof access, contractor safety, emergency preparedness, PPE and often construction or renovations, etc.

New Addition The Canadian Standards Association released Standard Z12885-12 Nanotechnology – Exposure Control Program for Engineered Nanomaterials in Occupational Settings.

The study of nanotechnology in the workplace is an emerging field and the Standard will be reviewed and updated as new information evolves. This CSA Standard outlines the requirements necessary to establish and implement a comprehensive, managed program to control exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace. It is organized in clauses on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model and is designed to be consistent with CAN/CSA-Z1000 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). This approach is intended to help integrate a nanomaterial exposure control program into an organization’s existing occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). The Standard includes five Annexes that are not a mandatory part of the Z12885-12 but will be of interest to the CRSP who is developing a management program. (See ASF 20)

Appendix The Appendix lists many Canadian and American Standards and Codes. The list cannot be inclusive and it should be noted that the absence of a Standard or Code does not mean that it is not relevant. It is incumbent on the practicing CRSP to refer to all Statutes, Regulations, Standards and Codes that may apply to the work in each jurisdiction. The list includes some Standards that are under development and may have been published by the time this review is released; the candidate is urged to check the source for the latest information.

Description of the Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF) Domain Applied Safety Fundamentals has twenty-five facets or Competencies; unlike the single subject Domains each Competency is an independent unit. The theory and operational content will provide the CRSP with a basic knowledge of the hazards that may be encountered in the workplace. Where other risks are identified, there will be a brief paragraph to include additional information.

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Scope The study module for Applied Safety Fundamentals (ASF) will provide sufficient information to allow the CRSP candidate to assess the individual Competencies without overlapping the other Domains.

Learning Objectives The learning objectives for the ASF Domain are incorporated into each Competency.

Part I Inspections and Investigations 1. Workplace inspections 2. Incident investigations

Part II Analysis 3.

4.

5.

6.

Statistical analyses (mean, percentage, standard deviation, Time Weighted Average) Task/Job Hazard/Job Safety analyses Material/Process Flow analyses Process Hazard Analyses (Fault and Event Tree)

Part III Facilities Management 7. Facility safety; design, construction, maintenance 8. Safety in the design and procurement process for tools, equipment and materials

Part IV Safety Operations 9. Safe use, handling, storage, disposal and risks associated with chemicals, explosives, radioactive materials and nanomaterials in the workplace (WHMIS/GHS) 10. Safeguarding machinery (point-of-operation, light curtains, interlocks etc.)

11. Personal Protective Equipment 12. Electrical Safety (bonding, grounding, circuit interrupters, etc.)

13. Safe Material Handling and Storage 14. Hoisting and Conveying Equipment, including Conveyors, Cranes, Ropes, Chains and Slings 15. Powered Mobile Equipment (Industrial trucks, forklifts, scissorslifts, bucket trucks, vans and fleet safety, etc.)

16. Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety 17. Shop & Metalworking Machinery (lathes, table saws, drill presses etc.)

18. Hot work (welding, cutting, brazing etc,) and metalworking (turning, boring, milling, planing and grinding) 19. Control of hazardous energy and/or substances (lockout/tagout of hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, mechanical, electrical or pressure hazards) 20. Automated systems, equipment and processes (robotics, remote starts, computer controlled systems and nanotechnology) 21. Process safety (chemical, manufacturing etc.)

22. Hazards and controls related to confined space entry and work environment 23. Hazards and controls related to elevated work (fall protection, ladders, platforms, scaffolds, etc.)

24. Laboratory Safety and non-destructive testing of metals 25. Hazards associated with working alone or remotely.

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Part I Inspections and Investigations ASF 1

Workplace Inspections

Workplace inspections form an integral part of a successful health and safety program and are essential for hazard assessment and control in the workplace. Supervisors, health and safety committee members, the CRSP or external parties may perform inspections. Inspections may be regulatory, continuous, intermittent or used as a follow-up for corrective action.

The CRSP will be able to adopt a system safety approach to identifying, monitoring and controlling hazards in the workplace through regular inspections. The CRSP will be able to design training for supervisors who are responsible for continuous inspections.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and types of inspections; including regulatory, internal, continuous or interval Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the regulatory inspector, the supervisor and the worker Demonstrate an understanding of the advantages of computerization to record keeping.

Demonstrate an understanding of privacy requirements under the law, internet security, capacity and storage of information on the system.

The most effective philosophy is that of a fact-finding mission to identify and locate potentially hazardous conditions that can adversely affect health and safety. Analyzing inspection reports, particularly noting repeat items, can provide the supervisor and the CRSP with warning signs that system failures are present.

The purpose of inspections is to determine conditions that need to be corrected or improved in order to meet acceptable standards from a health and safety and operational viewpoint. Types of inspections vary widely. Some inspections are formal, thorough and systematic and the intervals may be periodic, intermittent or planned. Informal continuous inspections should be part of a supervisor’s and worker’s daily and weekly routine.

The role of the CRSP is one of educator, leader and expert advisor. The CRSP needs to be aware of the potential hazards that may be present in the workplace but should be wary of the tendency to usurp the responsibility of the supervisor to continuously inspect the workplace. The decision regarding who will conduct inspections remains largely an internal one; jurisdictional legislated requirements may involve a variety of persons.

Planning for inspections is an effective model that highlights four requirements and five questions that should be answered when planning inspections.

Requirements: • Knowledge of the facility and the work being performed • Knowledge of relevant Regulations, Standards and Codes • Systematic inspection steps • Method of reporting, evaluating and using the data collected.

Questions: • What needs to be inspected?

• What aspects of each item need to be examined?

• What conditions need inspection?

• How often should items be inspected?

• Who will conduct the inspections?

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A hazard control inventory is the foundation upon which a program of planned inspections should be based. Checklists are an effective tool for any inspection; however, the list should be a guideline only as items may change or new conditions may exist that could be overlooked. The CRSP will recognize that many models are based on United States (US) regulatory data and should be read in context with Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial Statutes and Regulations. It should be pointed out that legislated requirements are often set to minimum standards. To comply with company policy to ensure a safe working environment management must often exceed the regulatory standards.

Conducting inspections: the inspection team should meet to discuss the route, the checklist, the prior incident reports, and the previous inspection reports for that area. There is an expectation that the supervisor or manager should be part of the inspection team. The inspection team should note any items of concern on the report and indicate whether it was corrected at the time of the inspection.

Suggestions for conducting inspections include: • Use all your senses • Look at the big picture, seeing the layout, aisles, exits etc.

• Observe the work activity in general • Focus on the details of the work in progress • DON’T RUSH; take all the time needed • Ask questions about any operation; request information about unfamiliar machines/equipment • Take detailed notes • Ask to see written safe operating procedures • Ask whether and when the operator has received training; are records kept?

The CRSP should be aware that regulatory requirements and manufacturers’ recommended inspection frequency and content must be complied with.

Where toxic or corrosive materials are present the occupational hygienist should be part of the inspection team; if the company does not have a hygienist, the CRSP should obtain training regarding the hazardous properties of substances used or stored in the workplace and methods of control, including supply and local exhaust ventilation where required or contract external expertise.

The relationship between the supervisor and the inspection team can be maintained if the parties remain objective and project an attitude that is firm, friendly and fair. Worker concerns should be accurately documented and emphasis should remain on fact finding rather than faultfinding.

Finally, the follow-up on corrective action is possibly the most important part of the inspection report. The responsibility for follow-up varies between jurisdictions; however, the recommendations forthcoming from an inspection report should be guided by four rules: • • • •

Where possible immediately correct the cause of the problem Report the concern\conditions to the immediate supervisor or person in authority Inform management of the condition and suggest solutions Take immediate action as needed as the hazard should not be ignored. Temporary measures to isolate the hazard such as roping off an area, lockout/tag-out and posted warnings.

Inspection Report Forms WHMIS requirements are regulated therefore the inspection should include questions on training received, records of training and current Safety Data Sheets, location and availability.

An Inspection Report form should illustrate columns identifying the hazard or concern, risk classification, description, specific location, corrective action recommended and corrective action taken with a completion date attached. The value of this information cannot be over emphasized. The inclusion of the supervisor’s name is useful but may change between inspections and/or corrective action being completed.

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Storing Reports Records supply the information required by the CRSP to analyze the incidents and trends in the workplace that may be contributing factors in the overall health and safety of workers. Without clear and concise records, the health and safety program may be ineffective.

Record keeping can be manually handled and incorporate incident reports, first aid, lost time compensation, investigations, as well as periodic reports to management. The type location, retention and maintenance of reports may be mandated by legislation.

Computerized information systems require planning and selection of available software or developing a system in-house. There are advantages to a computerized database, improved communication and quality of the data; however, the disadvantages may include the old phrase ‘garbage in garbage out’. The CRSP must have a working knowledge of computers and be able to articulate the required output of information required to the software designers.

Keeping useful records is the lifeblood of a safety program. The safety department records of incidents and injuries are just as important to the business as records of production, costs, sales and profits.

A good record keeping system will assist the CRSP in these ways: • Provide an objective means of evaluating the incident records as a measurement of the overall effectiveness of the safety program • Identify high incident rates in various plants, departments or facilities so that extra effort can be directed to those areas • Provide data for an analysis of the incidents reported • Provide supervisors and safety committees with hard data about the safety issues • Measure the effectiveness of specific countermeasures and determine if they are doing the job they were designed to do.

Computerized Record Keeping: Better availability of data, elimination of duplication, improved communications, improved accuracy and analytical capabilities plus the advantage of reduced cost are all dependant on the selection of the right type of computerized system for the organization.

Computerization ranges from the stand-alone PC to the mainframe application in a large company supported by an IT department. The stand-alone allows the same record keeping, but the reports must be manually distributed.

The CRSP has been on a frustrating learning curve regarding computerization of OH&S information.

Outlining what information they require to the vendor of software can be as difficult as explaining to management that the company IT system does not fulfill the needs of OH&S. Every system should have a manager who is responsible for the security of the system data as well as all aspects of problem solving, changes to the system, and archiving of the data collected.

Storage and privacy of records are regulated in most jurisdictions; the CRSP must be aware of the various laws and Regulations that may apply to record keeping. **For more information see Chapter 9 & 11 Administration and Programs NSC 13th Edition

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Incident Investigations

An incident is defined as an undesired event that may cause personal harm or other damage.

An accident is defined as an occurrence in a sequence of events that produces unintended injury, death or property damage.

The different definitions emphasize the reality that accidents are not random events but rather preventable events. All incidents should be investigated regardless of the severity of the injury or property damage.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of why accidents and incidents are investigated Demonstrate an understanding of who should investigate and what to look for. The CRSP will be able to follow an investigation through the queries; who, what, where, why, when and how Demonstrate an understanding of incident cause analysis and estimation of costs Demonstrate an understanding of how to improve an existing incident investigation form.

Incident investigations determine the direct cause and uncover contributing causes, document facts and promote safety, associated costs, calculation of incident-related costs and the financial effects of off-thejob incidents.

Fundamental activities • Assess all working areas to detect, eliminate or control hazards that contribute to incidents • Review all practices and administrative controls • Education, instruction, training and enforcement of procedures in place to minimize factors that contribute to incidents • Investigation and causal analysis of every incident resulting in injury and near misses to determine contributing circumstances • Implementation of programs to change or control any hazardous conditions, procedures and practices • Follow-up and evaluation to ensure that the programs achieve the desired control.

The persons who may be involved in an investigation vary with the complexity of the incident, the jurisdiction and legislation. Usually, a supervisor is, or should be, instrumental in the investigation. The CRSP advises and guides the supervisor. Education, instruction and training of supervisors in incident investigation are an important aspect of a CRSP’s activity.

Incident investigation reports follow a prescriptive format that reflects the core of investigation.

• Who was injured?

• What equipment/machinery/condition was involved? What was the nature of the injury, if any?

• Where did the incident occur?

• Why did the incident happen?

• When did the incident occur?

• How did the incident happen, how can a re-occurrence of the incident be prevented?

The extent of the investigation should reflect the potential for injury or property damage.

The primary purpose of an incident report is to obtain accurate, objective information about the causes of incidents in order to prevent incidents from reoccurring. It is emphasized that gathering information through record collection is of little use if not shared with management and staff. The CRSP should be familiar with the requirements in the relevant jurisdictions in Canada.

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Records are required to be kept for workers’ compensation, government agencies having jurisdiction over occupational health and safety, incidents/injuries of workers, insurance and various internal company policies. **For more information: see Chapter 9 & 10 Administration and Programs NSC 13th Edition

PART II Analyses ASF 3

Statistical Analysis (mean, percentage, standard deviation, Time Weighted Average)

The effective use of analytical data is important in incident investigations to assist in pinpointing incident problems, identify causes and reveal the need for engineering changes or correcting administrative inefficiencies. The data will enable management to target safety efforts and evaluate the safety program’s effectiveness. Analyses can be used to compare current incident rates with prior years’ experience and with rates for the industry as a whole.

The CRSP will: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the use of statistics in occupational health and safety management Demonstrate an understanding of analyses using mean, median, percentage and standard deviation Demonstrate an understanding of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and related exposure levels deemed acceptable.

*Descriptive statistics provide simple summaries about the sample and about the observations that have been made. Summaries may be either quantitative or visual, i.e. simple-to-understand graphs. The summaries may either form the basis of the initial description of the data as part of a more extensive statistical analysis, or they may be sufficient in and of themselves for a particular investigation. **For example, the shooting percentage in basketball is a descriptive statistic that summarizes the performance of a player. This number is the number of successful shots divided by the number of shots taken. For example, a player who shoots 33% is making approximately one shot in every three. The percentage summarizes multiple discrete events. Consider also the grade point average; the single number describes the general performance of a student across the range of their course experience. ***The ‘mean’ is arithmetic and taken to represent an average of the sample, the ‘median’ is the numerical point separating the upper half of the data sample and the lower half.

Standard deviation is a statistic that describes the status of a selection of data; for example a low ‘standard deviation’ indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the mean or average; a high ‘standard deviation’ indicates that the data points are spread out over a large range of values.

The inspection report will indicate what incidents have occurred; if the numbers of cases in a category are small enough, the CRSP or analyst can review the report to determine common causal factors and recommend corrective action. The design of the information gathered should be by location/department/building e.g. number of similar incidents, types of injury/illness, equipment involved, initial/repeat incident.

The report should contain enough information to identify some of the incident characteristics as well as who, what, when, where and how. The statistical evidence revealed in analyses can guide corrective action to the most effective path providing evidence to support budget requests, training programs and other safety activities. The resulting analysis can be used to determine corrective action that may be designed on the basis of frequent patterns of occurrence. The CRSP or investigator can examine a

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group of similar occurrences for patterns. Statistical analyses can show which corrective actions have been more effective than others.

When analyzing a small number of reports, hand sorting and tabulating is effective as the CRSP or analyst is using original records with all the reference information at hand. Classifying data on a group of incidents into various categories is one statistical method of analyses. If the number of cases in a category is too large then additional cross tabulations should be applied; location versus activity or activity versus occupation. A computer is best for large numbers of cases in a category. Systems safety stresses a broader view – interrelationships between various events leading to an incident. This approach can point to more than one place in the system where corrective action/s should be introduced resulting in implementation before incidents occur i.e. new operation.

It is acknowledged that design deficiencies are a contributing factor in incidents causing injury and property damage. The CRSP who is analyzing incidents reports and ‘near misses’ can often spot deficiencies based on the past performance at a workstation. An example of a near miss might entail a near collision between forklift trucks at an aisle intersection. The intersection may have been the scene of other near misses in the past; it is only a matter of time when the near miss will result in an incident possibly causing injury and/or property damage. The CRSP may make recommendations to alter procedures, safety devices, and training etc. based on past performance to avoid the escalation of a near miss into a lost time injury and/or property damage.

Team effort is required to control hazards in a loss control program. The engineering and maintenance departments have a large role to play in designing and maintaining facilities and equipment. Purchasing departments can ensure that safety standards are an integral part of the equipment and materials purchased. An effective loss control program has similarities to a health and safety program: • • • • •

hazard identification and evaluation hazard ranking management decision making establishment of preventive and corrective measures, and evaluating program effectiveness.

The worker-equipment-environment interrelationship is an important factor to allow the CRSP to gather information from operators on past performance in their area of work.

Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) developed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) refer to levels of airborne concentrations of toxic substances that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. This method using statistical data has been adopted in many Canadian jurisdictions.

The values were developed as guidelines and were never intended to be used as a line between safe or dangerous concentrations. TLVs’ adequacy to protect workers is controversial and a lower company action level maybe desirable. Time weighted average (TWA) exposure levels were established using the average of the airborne concentrations of a biological or chemical agent determined by air samples of the concentrations to which a worker is exposed in a work day or week. Three types of TLVs for chemical substances are defined: 1. Threshold Limit Value - Time weighted average (TLV-TWA): average exposure on the basis of a day/week work schedule 2. Threshold Limit Value - Short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL): spot exposure for a duration of 15 minutes 3. Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling limit (TLV-C): absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time.

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Costs In most Canadian jurisdictions insured costs are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance or by some employers who are self insured (e.g. government employers). Not all employers pay into workers' compensation; this depends on each Province/Territory's legislation.

Workers' Compensation Boards/Commissions (WCB/C) are funded by employers; who are charged a certain dollar amount per dollar of payroll. This amount is known as the "assessment rate" or "premium".

The money collected from employers goes into a fund. In general, monies from this fund go toward: • • • •

Providing wage loss benefits to workers injured on the job who are unable to work due to an injury Providing medical aid and rehabilitation to workers injured on the job; and the General administration of the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission, and Incident prevention activities.

In some jurisdictions there is an average provisional assessment rate and an employer pays an individual rate based on: (a) industry or Class assessment rate, dependent on the inherent occupational risk for every job/industry (b) individual employer’s assessment rate may be increased or decreased based on how many work related injuries/diseases have occurred at the employer’s place of business.

The methods can be modified in accordance with different record keeping systems.

Investigation, analysis and cost estimates for off-the-job incidents can be handled in the same way as onthe-job incidents. The results can be used by the CRSP to gain management support for worker education and training and wellness programs *For more information see Chapter 6, 10 and 23 (Statistics on Office disabling injuries) Administration and Programs, and Chapter 1 Engineering and Technology NSC Edition 13 * ** ***Information from Wikipedia Free Encyclopaedia; Statistics & Robert Niles’ Statistics Guide

ASF 4

Hazard Analyses/Risk Analyses/Job Task Analyses/Job Safety Analyses

System safety is an attempt to find patterns of operation that lead to safer, more predictable results; the system can only function with the cooperation of everyone in the workplace. System safety includes hazard identification and analysis, risk identification and analysis, job safety analysis and incident investigation.

Hazard Analyses: are performed to identify and evaluate hazards in order to eliminate or control them. A detailed assessment of the workplace should be conducted to ensure that hazards inherent in the system are identified.

Risk Analyses: will combine the identification of probable hazards and the analysis of risks inherent to each job/facility.

Job Task Analysis (JTA) also known as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA): Each task to be analyzed should be broken down into its component parts. What effort, movement, force etc. does the operator use? The CRSP is referred to the Domain on Ergonomics, where appropriate, in order to prevent duplication.

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The CRSP will: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the methods to control and manage losses, rank hazards by risk and understand risk assessment and analysis Demonstrate an understanding of who should participate in a JSA/JTA and use the process effectively Demonstrate an understanding of the design of a hazard assessment to identify potential hazards, potential risk, and the development of solutions.

Hazard analysis will locate hazards that are probable and/or that can have the most severe consequences. The analysis can uncover hazards that have been overlooked in the original design or setup of a particular process, operation or task. It can identify hazards in new equipment or processes before an employee is exposed to them.

What factors need to be identified and analyzed?

• Frequency of incidents • Potential for injury • Severity of injury • New or altered equipment, processes and operations • Excessive waste or damage to equipment.

Hazard/Risk Assessment Process 1. Establish manageable parameters – task (operation, maintenance, start-up) 2. Identify the potential hazards (technology or activity producing risks) 3. Consider failure modes 4. Determine frequency and duration of exposure 5. Assess potential severity or harm 6. Determine occurrence probability 7. Define the risks 8. Rank the risks in priority 9. Develop remediation proposals 10. Follow up action 11. Document results.

There are numerous Risk Assessment matrices and the CRSP should understand that definitions of the terms used for incident probability and severity and for risk levels vary greatly in the many matrices in use. The CRSP should create and obtain broad approval for a risk assessment matrix that is suitable for the hazards and risks with which they are dealing.

Table 1A. Risk Assessment Matrix Table 1-A is an adaptation from the US Dept of Defence Std Practice for System Safety.

Occurrence Catastrophic Serious Marginal Negligible Probability Frequent High High Serious Medium Probable High High Serious Medium Occasional High Serious Medium Low Remote Serious Medium Medium Low Improbable Medium Medium Medium Low

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Table 1B. Risk Assessment Matrix; Numerical Grading Table 1-B is a composite of matrices that include numerical values for probability and severity levels that are transposed into risk scores. Taken from the NSC Engineering & Technology 13th Edition. Very high risk 15 or greater; high risk 9-14; moderate risk 4-8; low risk under 4.

The numbers are arrived at judgmentally and are qualitative.

Severity & Values Frequent (5) Likely (4) Occasional (3) Seldom (2) Unlikely (1) Catastrophic (5) 25 20 15 10 5 Critical (4) 20 15 12 8 4 Marginal (3) 15 12 9 6 3 Negligible (2) 10 8 6 4 2 Insignificant (1) 5 4 3 2 1

Table 1C. Risk Assessment Matrix Table 1-C is an adaption from Risk Estimation Matrix in ANSI B11.TR3-2000 Severity of Harm Occurrence Catastrophic Serious Moderate Probability Very likely High High High Likely High High Medium Unlikely Medium Medium Low Remote Low Low Negligible

Minor Medium Low Negligible Negligible

Job Safety Analysis is closely associated with a Job Task Analysis insofar as the subject jobs are selected as a result of several factors; frequency of accidents, disabling injuries, potential for severe consequences or newly created jobs. The selected jobs should be broken down into steps and sequenced in a logical manner. The potential hazards should be identified and there should be recommendations for action or procedures.

The CRSP performing the analysis should be trained to observe and record the steps noting what is being done, how it is accomplished and the key safety points should be noted on the report. A variety of forms are available that may be modified for a particular use; e.g. Physical Demands Analysis/Job Safety Analysis and Hazard Analysis forms.

What jobs should be selected for a JSA? Suitable jobs are those that require several steps or activities to accomplish a work goal. Jobs that can be narrowly defined such as turning on a switch, tightening a screw, pushing a button are not suitable for a JSA. Jobs should not be selected at random, those with the highest injury frequency should be analysed first: • • • •

Injury frequency Disabling injuries Severity potential New process.

The CRSP should analyse the job activity and be familiar with the task to be able to suggest new or safer procedures in consultation with the supervisor and worker. Once completed, a JSA has benefits that are gained from developing the analysis jointly. Supervisors learn more about the job they supervise noting what is being done and how it is accomplished, as well as noting the key safety points.

Participating workers expand their knowledge of safety and as a JSA is worked out, safer and better job procedures and conditions are developed.

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The principal benefits of a JSA include: • • • • • • •

Reducing injury frequency and severity Providing information to develop effective training programs Instructing a new worker on the job Giving instructions on irregular jobs Reviewing job procedures after incidents occur Studying jobs for possible improvement in methods Identifying hazards and potential incident causes.

The final step in the JSA is to develop a recommended ‘safe job procedure’ to prevent the occurrence of incidents by recommending: • • • •

a new way to do the job changes to the physical conditions that create hazards changes to the work procedure reducing the frequency.

A systems review at the design level should be undertaken. To eliminate hazards in the design process one would assess the severity of consequences. When hazards are not eliminated at this stage the assessment should look at probability and severity.

Taking action in a prescribed order is both feasible and practical and is the most effective means to achieve risk reduction; note the following hierarchy of controls introduced in the reference text: • • • • • •

Eliminate or reduce risks in the design and redesign processes Reduce risks by substituting less hazardous methods or materials Incorporate safety devices/guarding Providing warning systems Apply administrative controls Providing personal protective equipment.

The risks may not be eliminated entirely through administrative controls, engineering or technology but risks can be reduced to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and tolerable through good safety management. **For more information: see Chapters 6, 9, 26 Administration and Programs, and Chapter 1 Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 5

Material/Process Flow Analyses

All raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and the end product form what is called the material flow.

An analysis of material flow may find that safety considerations have not been designed into the process.

From the loading dock receiving raw material to the outgoing finished product, the safety of the workers may have been largely overlooked by design architects and engineers.

Material and goods may be received, stored, transported and delivered to a variety of workplaces including but not limited to; construction sites, institutions, mines, hospitals, laboratories, retail establishments, etc. In any of these situations, storage and transportation may present hazards to the workforce; i.e. congested halls and storage facilities, transportation of hazardous substances and reduced aisle dimensions as a result of overflow storage.

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The CRSP will: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of deficiencies in design, storage, processes, Codes and Standards and be able to recommend improvements for safety and efficiency Demonstrate an understanding of the storage and flow of raw material from the receiving area through the production process to the finished product Demonstrate an understanding of process work flow applying to workplaces other than manufacturing,

The study of material flow should commence at the pre-operational design stage whenever the process is modified or changed in any way, or when the CRSP is new to a particular environment.

The entire life cycle of the raw material, process and product must be analyzed to reduce or eliminate hazards to workers through the complete cycle. The philosophy can be applied to workplaces other than manufacturing plants if one extrapolates the knowledge and applies it to other workplaces. For example; the patient being admitted to a hospital is the material and the processes involved after the patient is examined, treated, admitted, operated on, recovery, rehabilitation, etc. include a number of related issues such as patient transportation, nursing, food services, sterilization (instruments, carts, trays, linens), infection control, waste disposal, housekeeping, plant services and maintenance etc.

Design for Safety Designing for safety emphasizes the need for knowledge of material and process flow before a CRSP can make suggestions for improving existing methods or influence the design. The size, shape, location, construction and layout of buildings and facilities should permit the most efficient and safe use of materials, processes and methods. The human factor has not generally been taken into consideration at this point in the design.

Facility Layout The CRSP should aim for maximum employee safety in the workplace. A detailed flow sheet is useful for laying out the material flow. The nature of materials and the processes used at each stage of the manufacturing (or retail, warehousing, construction, health care, mining, etc.) before the process can be assessed.

Space for storage of finished or raw materials should be estimated on the basis of maximum production requirements. The CRSP should examine congested areas to anticipate and avoid this occurrence wherever possible taking into consideration seasonal shipping, shortages and quantity purchases. The flow of material needs to be analysed from start to finish, including storage and disposal of waste material. **For more information: see Chapter 1& 2 Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 6

Process Hazard Analyses (Fault and Event Tree)

The fault tree is a method developed from the decision tree theory; the positive tree shows requirements for success that can result in a list of “should do” items that may not be applicable to the circumstances or hazards that are being identified. Whereas the choice of fault tree reasons backwards from a series of conditions resulting in some undesired event and indicates where troubles are likely to occur. Analyses form part of every hazard assessment; examining a system or equipment for probable hazards with the most severe consequences and developing controls to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence.

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The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the different methods of tree analyses Describe five questions the hazard control specialist will want to answer before selecting an analytical method Demonstrate an understanding of the advantages to using an analytical tree method Demonstrate an understanding of several different analyses for process hazards that include fault and event tree analysis among the selections.

Analytical tree analyses can be used in a preventative manner before new or modified equipment is placed in service or after the fact when frequency or severity of incidents indicates. Analytical trees have been described as “structured common sense”. Trees are of two major types; objective or positive trees that emphasize how a job should be done and fault trees that chart things that can go wrong to produce a specific failure. A third type is referenced in the NSC text as MORT (Management Oversight and Risk Tree) an orderly and logical safety program having three branches; First branch deals with specific oversights and omissions at the site; Second branch deals with a management system establishing policies that makes the entire system go, and a Third branch that assumes risk; recognizing that no activity is completely risk free and that risk management functions must exist in any well managed organization.

MORT is a logical expression of functions needed to manage risks effectively. The emphasis is on ‘what’ rather than ‘how’ allowing MORT to be applied to different industries. MORT reflects a philosophy which holds that the most effective way of managing safety is to make it an integral part of business management and operational control. For a complete description of the MORT tree; go to www.nri.eu.com/ the manual was updated by the 2nd Edition 2009.

Because system safety attempts to find patterns and predictable results it must function with the cooperation of everyone in the system in order to: • • • • •

Identify hazards Assess risks Develop and evaluate controls Implement control measures and Evaluate effectiveness of control measures.

Conducting a hazard analysis can be expensive, so before a method is chosen it is important to determine what information is needed and how important it is: • • • • •

What quantity and quality of information is required?

What information is already available?

What is the cost of setting up and conducting analyses?

How much time is available before decisions must be made and action taken?

How many people are available to assist in the hazard analysis and what are their qualifications?

Process Safety Management: The risk and hazard analysis techniques designed and used in the chemical and petroleum industry are effective and proven.

The ‘What if…? Scenario is useful when conducting an analysis of facility or pre-start-up health and safety reviews. Pre-Start-up health and safety reviews are a mandatory requirement in some jurisdictions when new or modified equipment or processes are introduced into the workplace.

The “What if…? Questions can be utilized with a pre-developed checklist that is specific to an operation or process. The method works by asking a series of questions to review potential hazard scenarios and

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the possible consequences after the incident. No matter what method of hazard analysis is used the following should be included: • • • • • •

Process location and listed potential hazards Identification of any prior incidents with potential for catastrophic consequences Engineering and administrative controls applicable to the hazards Controls and application of detection methodology to provide early warning Consequences of human factors, facility location, and failure of controls Consequences of safety and health effects on workers within the areas of potential failure.

**For more information: see Chapters 9 Administration and Programs NSC 13th Edition and Chapter 26 Engineering & Technology NSC 13th Edition and the MORT; Noordwijk Risk Initiative Foundation revisions 2nd Edition Oct 2009 ***NOTE; use the link to the NRI site: use of document is predicated on acknowledgement of the Foundation’s authorship.

Part III Facilities Management ASF 7

Facility Safety; Design, Construction and Maintenance

In a perfect world, the CRSP is asked by architects and engineers to conduct a health and safety review of the proposed facility, modification or pre-start-up review of equipment in the design stage. However, as the world is not perfect, the CRSP should suggest to senior management that they be included in the design review.

The facility design is often constrained by lot size, location of utilities, and maximizing cost efficiencies.

The design should ensure that all relevant Standards and Codes are adhered to and that adequate storage is available at various points in the process. The advantages of ‘just in time’ delivery can enhance the safety of the operation both during construction, operation and maintenance.

Some knowledge of construction and maintenance safety hazards should be an integral part of a CRSP’s ‘need to know’. A general understanding of the risks associated with construction and maintenance of facilities and equipment is an essential part of the requirements for a safety practitioner. The CRSP needs to know where to access reference material should the occasion arise; Canadian Standards, Building and Fire Codes and H&S Regulations are a good place to start. It is of little use to acquire an extensive text library, as the material is under review and revision at various times. The CRSP will know that the Internet allows access to the necessary information regarding Laws, Regulations, Standards and Codes.

‘Construction’ defined in some Regulations governing health and safety includes: building additions, renovations, roof repairs, boiler removal and installation, ventilation renovations, and demolition, etc.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of hazard assessment tools to ensure that outside facilities, storage, shipping and receiving areas and hazardous processes have been adequately designed for safety Demonstrate an understanding of hazards involving temporary bracing, flooring and temporary electrical connections, heating equipment and propane handling and storage Demonstrate an understanding of excavation hazards, construction, and shoring Demonstrate an understanding of physical plant maintenance; foundations, structural members including roof repairs and replacement, fixed ladders, platforms and loading docks, heating and ventilation systems, etc.

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Management of Change An analysis of change should ensure that • New hazards are not created by the change • The change doesn’t affect previously resolved hazards • The change doesn’t make the potential for harm more severe.

Site location, outside facilities including loading docks, confined spaces that may be identified; facility layout, lighting and the use of signage are all important information. It is at this stage that the CRSP needs to have the entire picture; the flow of material, processes, equipment and workers is an important aspect of the planning and review process.

Protection of Workers and Equipment Isolation of the construction work from the occupied portion of the building is an important consideration.

Various Canadian jurisdictions have Regulations regarding the re-entrainment of dust, contaminants and other toxic elements into the occupied workspace during construction or demolition.

Managing safety for workers in retail, service and warehouse facilities is sometimes overlooked. Effective management of safety, health and environmental risks will not only reduce injuries and incidents but increase the quality of services.

Service and retail facilities invite the public into their facilities and may have a high exposure to risk in terms of both customer and employee injuries. One example of a widely used management system is the ISO Continual Improvement Model, “Plan, Do, Check, Act” that includes the following elements: • • • • •

Management leadership and employee participation Planning, risk assessment and prioritization Implementation and operation Evaluation and corrective action Management review.

During the design stage, the CRSP should consider health and the human factor; they should help outline safe and efficient ways for workers and supervisors to communicate. Considerations should also be given to: • Illumination • Noise and vibration control • Ventilation to include supply and exhaust • Temperature and humidity control.

Other factors to consider include: • Buildings, processes, and personnel facilities • Aisles • Storage • Space requirements including shipping and receiving • Waste collection and disposal • Confined spaces • Outside lighting • All aspects of fire safety and emergency preparedness.

Building Structures: Structures are designed and built to regulatory Standards and Codes in effect at the time of construction; however, it is important to know that modifications and additions may have been made that infringe on the current design standards: changes to meet current standards and codes may be required to ensure compliance with the current laws.

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The CRSP should review the contract documents to ensure compliance with the applicable jurisdiction in Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial Regulations and Codes. Building and Fire Codes prevail in all jurisdictions.

Construction safety is of vital concern to a CRSP; the hazards are multiple and a well established safety program and training are essential. Prequalification of construction contractors is one way of reducing risk and liability. Once the contract has been awarded the performance of the construction superintendent/manager will be of importance to the CRSP; an effective safety program will involve a construction superintendent who knows how to motivate people to work safely. The superintendent should know what has to be done, who is to do it and when and how it should be done. The company planning and coordinating contracted work should be cognisant of the risks inherent in construction if there is to be a project free of injuries.

Regulatory requirements may crossover between industrial and construction. Review the regulations on excavations, erecting steel, formwork and falsework in sufficient detail to feel comfortable in questioning contractors when safety deviations are suspected.

The following are particular points that may provide assistance to the CRSP as a quick reference guide; however, the CRSP should always refer to Regulations, Standards and Codes in each jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the law.

Structural Steel: The construction site should have a designated signed area for loading and storing steel beam and columns.

Formwork & Falsework: The CRSP should determine that a registered Professional Engineer has designed or approved any formwork plan and that the blueprints are on site. For worker protection, no attempts should be made to re-shore damaged, weakened or displaced formwork while the concrete is in a fluid state; the risk of collapse is high.

Excavations: Numbers are provisional based on the various jurisdictional Regulations.

• Excavations inside buildings are crowded and frequently require vertical walls deep enough in previously disturbed soil to require shoring • Excavations should be sloped to an angle of repose [above the maximum height regulated in each jurisdiction for vertical unsupported walls] that usually translates to a 1’ slope for every 1’ vertical in stable soil conditions • Where sloping is not an option, trench shoring is mandatory over a prescribed depth and a Professional Engineer must design and stamp all manufactured systems • All wood fabricated shoring must comply with construction grade lumber specifications, undressed and of nominal thickness.

Prequalification of a contractor who specializes in excavations should be recommended.

Grounds Maintenance and Crews Maintenance workers must be trained in the particular job responsibilities including • grounds maintenance tools and machines • handling and operating electric and gasoline powered equipment.

Management should select maintenance workers on the basis of their experience, alertness and mechanical abilities and provide training in incident prevention.

Maintenance workers should be trained to use PPE and tools appropriate for the job and know the safety procedures and practices applicable to the work.

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Design deficiencies based on past performance The engineering and maintenance departments have a large role to play in designing and maintaining facilities and equipment. The use of records can be an important tool for the CRSP. When reviewing incidents in the workplace, records can provide a clear snapshot of possible design deficiencies.

Team effort is required to control hazards in a loss control program. The engineering and maintenance departments have a large role to play in designing and maintaining facilities and equipment. Purchasing departments can ensure that safety standards are an integral part of the equipment and materials purchased. An effective loss control program has similarities to a health and safety program: • • • • •

hazard identification and evaluation hazard ranking management decision making establishment of preventive and corrective measures, and evaluating program effectiveness.

The worker-equipment-environment interrelationship is an important factor to allow the CRSP to gather information from operators on past performance in their area of work. **For more information see Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition and Chapter 6 & 21 NSC Administration and Programs

ASF 8

Design and Procurement of Tools, Equipment and Materials

Safety through design is the integration of hazard analyses and risk assessment methods early in the design and redesign process and taking steps necessary to ensure that risks of injury or damage are at an acceptable level. This concept encompasses facilities, hardware, equipment, materials, layout and configuration, energy controls, environmental concerns and products. The same ‘system design’ adapted to safety management will ensure that the project meets the safety expectations.

The role of the CRSP is often the driving force in the company to include safety decisions during the design stage. No specific standard describes the principles for designing safety nor are the goals identified that should be achieved. The CRSP should work to make safety through design a part of an organization’s philosophy and standard operating procedures. This can only be achieved through the cooperation of several departments and directed by the company executive.

The CRSP should recommend that the purchasing department be included in the safety design review.

The logical extension of addressing potential hazards and lowering risk is to have safety specifications included in purchase orders and contracts. This clarifies the safety specifications to the suppliers and vendors and reduces the risk that hazards will be brought into the workplace.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of how the purchasing department/buyer can lower the owners’ liability in awarding contracts to supply labour, equipment, material etc.

Demonstrate an understanding of integrating safety into the design of tools and equipment to emphasize safety as forethought rather than an afterthought Demonstrate an understanding of Regulations, Codes and Standards that should be consulted prior to start-up of a new process or machine Demonstrate an understanding that acquired products, machinery and equipment from off-shore do not necessarily meet legal requirements e.g. guarding, electrical content etc. in each jurisdiction.

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General Principles Safety through design results in easier and less costly safety implementation and avoids expensive retrofitting in the build, operation, maintenance and decommissioning periods. Benefits of this integration include: • • • •

Reductions achieved in injuries, illnesses, damage to the environment Productivity will be improved Operating costs will be reduced Expensive retrofitting to correct design shortcomings will be avoided.

The hierarchy of controls, or steps, listed in a ranking order to use every available means of eliminating or reducing risks include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Eliminate or reduce risks at the design or redesign stage Substitute less hazardous methods or materials Incorporate safety devices Provide warning systems Apply administrative controls (work methods, training, scheduling etc.)

Provide PPE.

In some situations, all of the controls may be applied.

The reference to ergonomic principles is particularly striking, ‘companies can benefit greatly by designing work that is not error provocative’. Organizations should consider the strengths and limitations of its workforce when designing the workplace and work methods. Design characteristics which may, among other issues: • • •

Require performance beyond what an operator can deliver Induces fatigue, or Is unnecessarily dangerous.

Three critical points of intervention are cited in the reference manual: • • •

Pre-operational, in the design process, where opportunities are greatest and the costs are lower for hazard and risk avoidance, elimination or control Operational mode; where hazards are to be eliminated or controlled and risks reduced, before they are activated or incident can occur Post incident; as investigations are conducted of hazard related incidents.

Over time, the level of safety achieved will relate directly to the calibre of the initial design of facilities, hardware, equipment, tooling, operations layout, the work environment and their redesign as continuous improvement is sought.

Contracted Service A CRSP is rarely involved in the writing and awarding of contracts. The knowledgeable CRSP can assist by reviewing contracts to ensure that safety is addressed and the employer’s liability is held to a minimum. The well-designed prequalification of contractors is the CRSP’s strongest tool. The CRSP should not be directly involved in supervising the contractor’s workers, merely acting as a liaison to ensure that the safety procedures required by law and the contractor/building/company owners, are being complied with.

There is an ever-present tendency to maintain only what needs fixing. Preventative maintenance and the emphasis on inspection and monitoring are a practical, safe and cost-saving procedure.

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Facility maintenance includes: • • •

long-term care of structures, grounds and equipment routine care to maintain service and safety repair work required to maintain or improve service and safety.

The CRSP should alert management that maintenance has an important bearing on the safety program.

The CRSP should not hesitate to point out when equipment and structures need repairs, modifications or replacement. There should also be a regular inspection program of the facility and grounds.

Computerized predictive maintenance (CPM) can reduce workers’ exposure to hazards, decrease equipment downtime and make the most of maintenance expenditures. **For more information see Chapters 1, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition & Chapter 21, NSC Administration and Programs 13th Edition

Part IV Safety Operations ASF 9

Chemical, Explosives, & Radioactive Materials (WHMIS/GHS)

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) published an Occupational Health and Safety Management Standard in 2006 and in 2007 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)(USA) stated that prevention through design and redesign contributed to the prevention or minimization of work related hazards and risks associated with the construction, manufacture, use, maintenance, and disposal of facilities, materials and equipment. Canada and the US are poised to join the Global Harmonization System (GHS) to align our hazardous materials system with the USA and other trading partners.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of hazards surrounding chemical, explosive or radioactive material use, storage and handling Demonstrate an understanding of Regulations, Codes and Standards that should be consulted prior to start-up of a new chemical process Demonstrate an understanding of aspects of site location with regard to exhaust, prevailing winds, re-entrainment of contaminants and supply air ventilation Demonstrate an understanding of the Workplace Hazardous Material System (WHMIS) and the Global Harmonization System (GHS).

The CRSP should determine that current inventories of chemical, explosive or radioactive sources are in place and maintained by the organizational head of the department, unit, building where the hazardous materials are used, handled or stored.

A CRSP will: • • • • •

Manage manufactured liquids that contain flammable liquids using the same precautions as would be established for a pure or concentrated product.

Refer to safety data sheets (SDS) or other information sources to determine flash points and boiling points so that the products can be classified and handled safely Precautions for handling and using the liquids will vary by flash points, boiling point and concentration of flammable liquid in the mixture Toxicity should be evaluated, by referring to the current product SDS Ensure that all containers have correct labels, and/or placards.

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Radioactive Sources Companies that use radiation sources are required to institute a radiation safety program to protect workers and to comply with the Canadian Nuclear Safety and Control Act and applicable regulations. The basic objective of any effective radiation control program is to reduce unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

A radiation safety program should use some or all of the elements discussed in the next paragraph. The exact mix of these elements will depend on the size and number of the radiation sources and the exposure potential during their use.

A radiation safety program includes compliance with Regulations for the use, storage, disposal and transportation of radioactive materials in each and every jurisdiction.(WHMIS, GHS, TDG) To facilitate the compliance the following points should be considered: • • • • • • •

appointment of a radiation safety officer training implemented and maintained for all staff who may be using, handling, storing, or near radioactive material exposure and contamination control use of radiation detection instrumentation inventory control transporting radioactive materials and radioactive waste disposal.

WHMIS & GHS The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is currently Canada’s hazard communications standard under the Federal Hazardous Products Act and the Controlled Products Regulations.

It is expected that the Global Harmonization System (GHS) will be in place in Canada by 2015; the following is an excerpt from Health Canada on some of the GHS elements that will impact workplaces across Canada and are seen as improvements to WHMIS. The GHS contains many elements that represent improvements on the current WHMIS, for example the System • criteria are more comprehensive and detailed than those currently in WHMIS Material Safety Data Sheets, (now identified as Safety Data Sheets, SDS) which improves the ability to indicate the severity of hazards • identifies and addresses hazards not currently addressed in WHMIS (e.g. specific target organ toxicity — single exposure and aspiration hazard) • hazard definitions and classification criteria are consistent with other hazard communication systems already in use in Canada (e.g. the physical hazard criteria with respect to the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) are already harmonized with the GHS) • provides for specific language to convey hazard information, and, as a result, employers and employees are given the same core information on a chemical regardless of the supplier, and the standardization of the language would improve the understanding of the hazard information • some of the GHS pictograms are more easily understood and are anticipated to improve hazard communication, particularly for workers who are not literate in the language used on the label • requiring the standardized GHS format would help to ensure that information is easier for users to find as it would be presented in a consistent manner across all SDS and the information that employees and emergency responders need most appears in the beginning of the document for easy identification and reference, and • standardized GHS SDS information requirements are more comprehensive and therefore provide employers and employees with a broader scope of information related to a workplace hazardous chemical, which improves employers’ ability to train and educate workers.

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Storage of hazardous substances in the workplace is enforced through regulations in each jurisdiction and generally falls under the following; (see ASF 24) Do not store incompatible material together; dangerous combinations include: • Acids and Bases • Flammable and Oxidizers • Water Reactive and Solutions with water.

Ensure that: • Inventories of hazardous materials are kept up to date • All stored materials are correctly labelled.

Compressed Gas Cylinders are stored; • In an upright position securely fastened to a wall or rack • Empty cylinders are stored separately, clearly marked “empty”. **For more information see Health Canada WHMIS and GHS and Government of Canada Justice Laws Website, Radiation Protection Regulations modified 2014-7-02

ASF 10

Safeguarding Machinery (point of operation, light curtains/pressure pads, interlocks)

A CRSP should approach all guarding with an open mind; observe the machine in operation to ensure that the guards and enclosures are appropriate and adequate. Technology is changing rapidly; the CRSP should stay current with new safeguarding Codes and Standards. Manufacturer’s safeguards may not be adequate with respect to legislation that may apply in each jurisdiction. The equipment may originate offshore and may not comply with health and safety guarding regulations.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of point of operation guards and various applications Demonstrate an understanding of various mechanical motions that may endanger a worker Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between pullbacks and wrist restraints and where they may be used effectively Demonstrate an understanding of energy isolation of equipment and machines during maintenance.

The CSA Z432-04 (R2014) Safeguarding of Machinery is a comprehensive document covering the principles of machine safety, classification of mechanical hazards, machine design, classification and selection of guards, ergonomics, inspection and maintenance and warning signs and labels among other subtopics.

The CSA Standard outlines the principles of machine safety: ‘Safety measures are a combination of measures incorporated at the design stage and measures required to be implemented by the user. A close, responsible, cooperative attitude from both the manufacturer and the user is therefore required to implement the methodology.’

Some definitions found in the resource manual and commonly used include; • Safeguarding: any means of preventing or controlling workers from coming in contact with the moving parts of machinery or equipment that would potentially cause harm.

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Device; a control designed for safeguarding at the point of operation. Devices include pressuresensing, movable barrier, holdback or restraint, pull-back (out); two hand trip, two hand control and light barriers.

Guard: a barrier designed for hazard control at the point of operation as well as the power transmission. Guards include; die enclosures, fixed barrier, interlocked barrier, and adjustable barriers.

Enclosure: fixed barriers mounted on or around the machine to prevent access to the moving parts. Enclosures may be interlocked by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or a combination of types.

Fencing: locked fence or rail enclosure that restricts access to a machine to authorized workers.

Point of operation: area of a machine where material is positioned for processing or where work is performed on the material.

Power transmission: includes all mechanical parts – gears, camshafts, pulleys, belts, clutches, brakes and rods that transmit energy and motions from a source of power to equipment or a machine.

Shear point; a hazardous area created by the cutting movement of a mechanical part past a stationary point on a machine

Interlocks used as a safety device must be made fail-to-safe. They should have an automatic back-up in case of mechanism failure. Interlocks should meet the following criteria: • Equipped with fail-to-safe state features when the circuit is interrupted • When power is restored, system requires a manual reset • Have a visible disconnect, or opening, in the primary power circuit • Have a locking arrangement that makes attempts to circumvent the interlock impractical • Meet all Regulations, Standards or Codes of the electrical authority in each jurisdiction.

Point-of-Operation Protective Devices: All machines are not alike; purchasers of the same model may use it differently; it may be used for different production purposes; and the use of the machine may change during its lifetime. For all these reasons a manufacturer cannot always install an effective point of operation guard. The CRSP should take this into consideration when any new or retrofitted equipment is being installed. The health and safety pre-start-up review, legislated in many jurisdictions, should include a review of all point-of-operation guards installed or required. Another important consideration is the knowledge that any modification to the manufacturers’ guards should be designed and stamped by a Professional Engineer.

Point-of-Operation Safeguards: Characteristics of point-of-operation safeguards include: • Integrated as part of the machine • Well designed, constructed, durable • Wired to category identified in the hazard analysis • Accommodate machine feeding and ejection • Provides protection • Easy to inspect and maintain • Light curtain or floor sensors that stop the machine action when worker crosses the curtain or steps on the pressure pad • Adding additional guarding must not create a secondary hazard.

If any part of a worker or his/her clothing has access to the moving part, the machine is not adequately guarded.

The CRSP will obtain valuable information from the various CAN/CSA Standards on the following subjects. A list of many of the Standards is available in the Appendix.

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Guarding power transmission: All mechanical action or motion is hazardous to workers to a varying degree. Actions or motions may be classified as follows: • Rotating, reciprocating and transverse motions • In-running nip points • Cutting actions • Punching, shearing and bending actions.

Robotic hazards: Robots are machines that have mechanical manipulators powered by electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic means. Principle hazards include; • Struck by moving part while within the robot’s operating envelope • Entrapment between robot’s moving parts and other machinery or objects • Struck by objects or tools the robot dropped or ejected.

Various safeguarding methods are discussed ranging from programming, mechanical stops, barriers and point of operation emergency stop panels or pendants. More on Robotic Hazards will be introduced in ASF 20.

During maintenance and servicing of equipment or machines, prevent unexpected, injury-causing movement by using energy isolation through lockout/tagout. The program must provide employee protection, training, reinforcement, and periodic inspections. Lock-out/tag-out procedures should be reviewed in ASF19 with regard to the maintenance and servicing of machinery and equipment. **For more information see Chapter 6, Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 11

Personal Protective Equipment

In some cases PPE is the only practical control in the workplace due to the nature of the hazards, and provides no protection for others who may not be workers. The hazard is still present in the environment.

Good engineering technology and administrative controls are the desirable practices to protect workers and others e.g. external inspectors, visitors etc. in the workplace. The CRSP can assist management in evaluating all the hazards that may be present in the workplace and assessing the need for controls. If the controls are implemented and a failure occurs, personal protective equipment may be the only alternative for maintenance crews to make repairs.

The CRSP will: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of a respiratory protection plan including selection, fit, training, maintenance, and inspection of the respirators and filtration systems chosen Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of various types of personal protective equipment for the protection of a worker Demonstrate an understanding of special work clothing that provides personal protection for a worker that may apply in each jurisdiction.

The CRSP will ensure that PPE requirements meet regulatory standards in each Canadian jurisdiction.

Take particular note of the CAN/CSA standards for PPE referred to in the Appendix. The OSHA PPE (USA) can also be referred to as an appropriate International standard. Selection of PPE must reflect the hazards of the individual workplace.

Many factors must be considered when selecting PPE to protect employees from workplace hazards..

Although not regulated, a written PPE program is easier to establish and maintain as company policy and is easier to evaluate than an unwritten one. The use of checklists can be an effective aid to complying with this policy.

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Following a comprehensive hazard assessment to determine the needs for PPE the following steps should be taken: • Create a policy on the use of PPE and communicate it to workers and visitors • Select the correct type of equipment • Implement a training program for workers and supervisors in the fit/use/care of the equipment • Training to be carried out by a competent person • Enforce the Policy on the use of PPE. The PPE program should include the following: • assessing the workplace to identify equipment, operations, chemicals, and other workplace components that could harm employees (areas that should be covered include use and care of eye and face, head, foot and leg, hand and arm, body, and hearing) • implementing engineering controls and work practices to control or eliminate identified or potential hazards as reasonably achievable • selecting appropriate types of PPE to protect employees from hazards that cannot be eliminated or controlled through engineering controls and work practices (PPE includes such items as goggles, face shields, safety glasses, hard hats, safety shoes, gloves, vests, hearing protection • respirators and rubber insulating equipment [gloves, sleeves, blankets] are also considered PPE. PPE is the least desirable method for controlling exposure to potential harm. Engineering controls are designed to prevent contact with harmful substances or other hazards. Administrative controls include devising appropriate worker and supervisor training among other measures. When PPE is the primary control measure the hazard is still present; the PPE provides a barrier between the hazard and the worker; improper use or failure of the PPE means the worker is exposed to a threat to health and safety.

Protective gloves Selection of protective gloves has always been a controversial subject. The CRSP can now select an appropriate glove material through available software programs and most manufacturers can provide information regarding the rate and permeability of chemicals through the glove material. Special glove protection is required for workers working on energized or high voltage equipment. **For more information see Chapter 7, Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition and Chapter 4, Administration and Programs

ASF 12

Electrical Safety (Bonding, Grounding, Circuit Interrupters)

Electricity is one of the most versatile forms of energy and the harnessing of that energy one of the exciting advancements in the past 100 years. Electricity provides light, heat, communications and motive power to millions of people. Taken for granted it can also cause fires, electrical burns and death.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of various common electrical definitions Demonstrate an understanding of double-insulated tools Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between bonding and grounding Demonstrate an understanding of when a static spark poses the greatest danger.

The CRSP should be familiar with the Electrical Code that is enforced in each jurisdiction under the Statute for that Province or Territory in compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code.

Certification organizations apply to the Standards Council of Canada [SCC] for accreditation to certify electrical equipment to the CSA Safety Standards for Electrical Equipment. For example, when the electrical equipment is certified by the CSA, the SCC requires that the "CSA" monogram must be applied to the equipment. When the same electrical equipment is certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) to a relevant CSA Part II standard, the "cUL" mark must be shown on that equipment. In accordance with

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the SCC requirements the “c” must be located at 8 o’clock to the registered trademark "UL." This small "c" signifies that the equipment is, indeed, certified by the U.S. based Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to the CSA Safety Standards for Electrical Equipment.

Some basic electrical terms may assist the CRSP in their understanding of electricity.

•

• • • •

Current is like a volume of water flowing past a certain point in a given length of time. Current is measured in amperes (I), amperes can be expressed in units indicative of the amount of current: amps or milliamps. The measurement used in referring to electric shock is milliampere (mA, 0.00l amp) Circuit is current flowing through a complete path from the source and back is a complete circuit.

If the path is not complete the circuit is ‘open”.

Voltage is like the pressure in a pipeline. Voltage is necessary to provide current flow.

Resistance is like a partial blockage or friction in the pipe. It is measured in Ohms. The friction will cause heat in the circuit; if too much resistance is present the flow of electricity will stop. (a fuse or circuit breaker will blow) Watt is the quantity of electricity that is used or consumed. It is determined by multiplying volts (V) times amps (I). (V x I = W)

See Welding ASF18 and Hazardous Energy Control in ASF19 Electric shock can be very slight, between 1 & 2 milliamps; it is referred to as the ‘threshold of sensation’.

The sensation increases through mild to painful between 3 & 8 milliamps. At 10 or 12 milliamps the victim cannot release the conductor because of muscle cramps. (The numbers are estimates and the severity varies between individuals) The severity of the electrical shock is determined by the: • • •

amount of current that flows through the body length of time the body receives current, and parts of the body that are involved with the flow of current.

Typical current paths for heart risk are; head to foot, hand to opposite foot and hand to hand. Deadly current flow can easily be received on contact with low-voltage sources of the ordinary lighting or power circuit.

Low voltage can be misunderstood depending on one’s knowledge of terminology commonly used. Low voltage applies to any system 600 volts or less. High voltage equipment is generally located in a locked facility and signed ‘High Voltage’ and only workers trained on high voltage service should perform any work in that area. In each jurisdiction there are Regulations dictating what certification is required by workers performing electrical work. The CRSP will be familiar with the applicable legislation in each jurisdiction.

Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a fast acting device that is sensitive to very low levels of electrical current flow to ground. The device only operates on line-to-ground faults such as insulation leakage or a current flow during accidental contact with a “hot” wire of a 120-v circuit.

GFC Interrupters come in several forms, the common one being the individual receptacle; if several receptacles require GFC protection and the electrical panel is easily accessed, then a GFCI breaker may be the appropriate choice. GFCIs are regulated widely across jurisdictions for use in wet locations and include domestic, industrial, construction, laboratories, hospitals etc.

Electrical injuries include: • Internal; including asphyxiation, contraction of heart muscles and haemorrhages, and destructive tissue burns along the path of the current

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External; skin and eye; burns, etc.

Falls; from one level to another, muscle contraction causing loss of balance.

Because electrical shock can stop the heart and lungs, it is recommended that workers involved on or near live electrical systems are trained in CPR and rescue procedures.

Static electricity Static electricity is a common source of ignition for combustible and flammable materials. Static electricity is caused when there is a difference in electrical potential between two bodies and a spark can occur because no electrical path exists between them. Grounding and bonding are two methods of controlling static electricity during fluid transfer.

Bonding; allows an electrical charge to flow freely between objects and eliminates a difference in the static electrical charge potential between the objects. However, bonding will not eliminate a difference in charge potential unless one of the objects has an adequate conductive path to the earth (ground).

Grounding; acts as a bridge and eliminates a potential difference between an object and ground (earth). If the ground is adequate it will continuously discharge a charged, conductive body.

• •

• •

• •

When transferring flammable liquids, including waste liquids, bond the containers to each other and ground (to earth) Nonconductive liquids, including many flammable liquids, can build up a static charge when they flow or move through piping or during stirring or splashing. The principal hazard of the static charge is the ignition of flammable or explosive vapours. Such potential may be present at the outlet of a fill pipe or a tank truck fill opening or a barrel bunghole. If a transfer system is properly bonded and grounded the potential for static discharge usually drains off immediately. However, rapid flow rates in the transfer lines can create very high static electricity potential on the surface liquids negating the viability of the bonding and ground. This would create the possibility of ignition of a flammable air-vapour mixture. The high static charge can be controlled by reducing the flow rate of the transfer Reduce the risk of splashing by ensuring that the transfer pipe reaches the bottom of the receiving tank Some materials such as some plastics do not allow a static charge to be dissipated to permit adequate bonding or grounding. This increases the risk of fire and requires caution in selecting plastic containers to transfer flammable liquids. Use only containers specifically approved for this usage by cUL. To protect against sources of stray voltage and ground faults, ground motor frames, starting or control boxes, conduits and switches (see Hazardous rooms identified in various jurisdictions under the applicable Fire Code) Use spark-resistant tools in any area subject to static electrical charges.

Hazardous Locations When electrical equipment is used in, around, or near an atmosphere that has flammable gases or vapours, flammable liquids, combustible dusts or ignitable fibres, there is always a possibility or risk that a fire or explosion might occur. Those areas where the possibility or risk of fire or explosion might occur due to an explosive atmosphere and/or mixture is called a hazardous (or classified) room/location/area.

To isolate that section of the facility classified as a hazardous location, positively confine the arc, heat, and explosion within the ‘explosion-proof’ electrical fittings. These fittings are constructed to contain the dangerous arcing, intense heat, and subsequent explosion so that the dust/gas-laden air outside the fitting does not become ignited. The CRSP should be aware that there are different classifications for electrical equipment depending on the atmosphere in the hazardous location. **For more information see Chapters 10, 12, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

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Materials Handling and Storage

Materials are handled in virtually all workplaces. The effort required to move an object requires an analysis regarding lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying. Is the object moved by manual labour or are mechanical methods utilized for safety and efficiency? Are workers using the mechanical aids trained in the use of the aids? Storage facilities range from small cupboards to warehouse size buildings.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the physical considerations that are related to all materials handling Demonstrate an understanding of mechanical aids available for handling the material Demonstrate an understanding of the storage requirements for hazardous material Demonstrate an understanding of areas that may be improved by safety in design when the storage facility is built or modified.

The candidate should refer to the Ergonomics Domain in the Study Guide for references to soft tissue injuries common to manual material handling.

Preventing common injuries: • Handling of material accounts for 20 to 45% of all occupational injuries • To minimize these statistics employers should reduce the amount of manual handling of material as much as possible.

Guidelines for lifting • Physical differences make it impractical to establish safe lifting limits for all workers • Some jurisdictions have established limits and the CRSP should research any available restrictions applicable in their jurisdiction.

Accessories for manual lifting include: • Hand tools (hooks, crowbars and rollers), jacks, hand trucks and rolling carts.

Storage of specific materials • Temporary or permanent storage should be neat and orderly to eliminate hazards and conserve space • Rigid containers such as metal and box pallets, fiberboard/cardboard boxes, barrels and kegs, rolled product (paper, steel) should be stored in organized aisles and limited to a safe height (e.g. two high) • Hazardous liquid and combustible materials stored in containers require special handling and attention to WHMIS requirements to ensure worker safety and health.

Cryogenic liquids (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, etc.)

• Stored only in containers designed for the particular material • Most cryogenic liquids cause freezing when in contact with skin and displace breathable air in an enclosed space • The greatest hazard is the handling of hazardous products in transit. Cryogenic liquids include some common elements stored and handled in many sectors. Regulations across Canada require training for workers who use, handle, or store hazardous products in the workplace.

Shipping and Receiving • Supervisors of shipping and receiving areas must be aware of Transportation of Hazardous Goods Regulations and labelling (TDG)(GHS) • Workers should receive training in the use of dock plates, machines and tools and all manner of boxes, cartons, barrels, reels etc. that they may be required to handle

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Personal protective equipment must be used and worn as protection for hands, feet and eyes.

The retail/service/warehouse/industrial/distribution sectors have the greatest risk of injuries resulting from material handling; however all sectors have material handling issues. Most jurisdictions have adopted Regulations or Standards that require all employers using powered industrial trucks or equipment to establish a program that includes written procedures for operation, limiting the use of powered equipment to trained operators and ensuring that training is provided. In most jurisdictions the operation of a forklift or high-lift and similar motorized equipment requires a certification and refresher training before operating this equipment. See ASF 15 **For more information see Chapters 15, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition and Chapter 21 Administration and Programs

ASF 14

Hoisting and Conveying Equipment: Cranes, Ropes, Chains and Slings

Hoists have been used for hundreds of years to lift and lower loads. For the CRSP, the common element is the understanding that all hoists are lifting devices and in many jurisdictions are governed by various Regulations and Standards. The lifting device is not limited to the actual hoist or crane; all parts of the lifting device must be taken into consideration when assessing load capacity, the block, tackle, rails or trolleys, chains or ropes, load hooks and slings, etc.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of types of hoisting apparatus and the applicable safety rules Demonstrate an understanding of the certification requirements for crane operators Demonstrate an understanding of various hazards in the design and operation of Portable Elevating Work Platforms, also known as personnel lifts Demonstrate an understanding of maintenance operations on a crane that might endanger workers.

Hoisting apparatus must display a maximum load capacity on the body of the machine. Load capacity must also be on the hoist, hook, block or controls and be visible from the floor. In addition the load capacity of the supporting structure for the hoist should be certified by a Professional Engineer. The load rating for the hoist is directly proportional to the load capacity of the supporting structure. The standard commercial hoist does not have a secondary means of support in order to lift or transport workers. See Aerial Baskets below.

Hoists may be operated: • By hand with rope, chain • Electrically • Pneumatically.

No hoisting device should suspend a load over persons/workers below.

Cranes may be fixed, mobile, overhead, travelling and tower (climbing); just to name a few. Cranes must be designed by a Professional Engineer, constructed and installed under the direction of a Professional Engineer and have regular, prescribed inspections.(see ASF 24 non-destructive testing) Logs of all inspections, maintenance and modifications are usually required to be available. As with hoists, all cranes must have the rated load and directional markers plainly marked on each side of the crane or load block.

If the crane has more than one hoisting unit, each unit must have its rated load and direction marked and clearly visible.

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All machinery operating on rails, tracks or trolleys shall have physical stops or limit switches to prevent overrunning the safe limits All points requiring lubrication shall have fittings accessible without hazardous exposure to the worker maintaining the crane All access to platforms, steps or the cab shall have safe footing and access ways.

In each jurisdiction there may be legislated requirements for crane operators to be certified or otherwise trained.

For example; certification may be required to lift a load of a prescribed weight, anything under that weight may only require proof of training. The reference material cites Ontario statistics suggesting that one in five construction fatalities are crane related. In general, 90% of mobile crane injuries are attributed to operator error.

The characteristics of travelling cranes is of interest to any CRSP in heavy manufacturing; the cranes may be elevated or ground travelers; they may have a short moving span or a long, elevated and cantilevered rail.

Several types of overhead cranes use electromagnets with crane hoists handling and moving iron and steel products. All switches controlling the power to the electromagnet must be clearly labelled DANGER – DO NOT OPEN SWITCH – POWER TO ELECTROMAGNET. • • • • •

The magnet switch must have a means of discharging the inductive load of the magnet The metal body of the electromagnet must be grounded The magnet’s power supply circuit should have a battery backup system Never move a load suspended by a magnet over workers All switchboard, wiring and other electrical equipment must comply with electrical Standards and Codes in each jurisdiction.

Maintenance logs are required for each crane and may include non-destructive tests (ASF24) on various parts of the crane body/frame on a specific schedule. These can include: • • • • •

Magnetic particle or penetrant Inspections Ultrasonic methods Triboelectric method Electromagnetic tests Radiography.

Aerial baskets are in common use on truck-mounted booms in both construction, industrial and maintenance operations. All baskets used to lift workers are designed to a greater safety factor and in most jurisdictions require the design to be stamped by a Professional Engineer. The maximum load is fixed to the basket and boom. Where workers are lifted in an approved basket each jurisdiction regulates the independent lifeline that must be attached to an approved fixed support. Workers are required to be trained and use fall arrest equipment. In many jurisdictions cranes used for hoisting equipment may not be used to hoist workers in a basket. The CRSP should ensure that the legislated requirements are met in each Province or Territory having jurisdiction.

Conveyors are designed to move or transport bulk material, packages or objects along a predetermined path. The conveyor has points of loading and discharge. There are many types of conveyors including belt, slat and apron, chain, screw, bucket, pneumatic, aerial, portable and gravity among others.

Emphasis is placed on enclosing many of the conveyors for the safety of workers and on lockout/tagout of power sources before removing a guard.

•

Loading points must be clearly marked with safeguards along the entire length

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Maintenance workers must lock out all power before working on a conveyor Operators must stand clear of moving conveyors; avoid pinch points areas where hands or fingers can get caught. (See ASF 20 for more information on Conveyors)

Fibre & Wire rope; Manila or nylon ropes give the best uniform strength and service. Natural fibre rope loaded to more than 50% of breaking strength will be permanently damaged; synthetic at 65%, and should be removed from service. Wire rope is used more widely because it has greater strength and durability in severe working conditions. Broken wire strands both on the exterior and interior of the rope/sling can be detected by inspecting the sling before and after use. The rigger will run gloved hands down the length of the sling to detect any broken exterior strands and locate any bulges in the rope that indicates interior damage.

Slings; In many shops and factories the alternative to the old block and tackle using fibre rope is the chain hoist.

• Chains used in slings must have all components, master link and chain body and hooks carefully matched to the load limit. The inspection process on chains includes checking for any deformed links; inspection daily by rigger and bi-annually by a trained professional.

• Synthetic web or metal mesh used as a sling should be matched to the load limit and identified.

Inspection should be daily by rigger and bi-annually by a trained professional • Initial inspection for new and repaired slings is to ensure that the correct type and rated capacity has been delivered undamaged by shipment • Periodic inspections; a semi-annual or more frequent inspection by a trained professional based on frequency of use, severity of service conditions and knowledge about the service life of slings used in similar conditions • Damaged slings must be removed from service.

Rigging; 15 – 35% of crane accidents may involve improper rigging. Supervisors and riggers must know the load capacity of the rope/chain or sling they are using to lift a load. Riggers must be trained by a competent person to: • Know the weight of the load • Judge distances of the lift • Correctly select tackle and lifting gear • Direct the crane operator.

Properly maintaining, storing, and protecting the rigging gear (slings) will increase the sling’s life and safety.

• Store rope and synthetic web slings away from grease, oil or other contaminants • Keep all slings out of the path of vehicular traffic • If a sling is run over by any vehicle, the sling should be removed from service and examined by a trained professional. **For more information see Chapters 16 and 17, 25(non destructive testing) NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

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Powered Mobile Equipment (forklifts, bucket trucks, scissorslifts, vans, fleet safety)

Powered industrial trucks include vehicles that push, pull, lift, stack and tier material in many diverse workplaces. The forklift truck is as common in a health care or educational setting as it is in a factory or warehouse.

The operators of industrial trucks require specialized training for the protection of the operator as well as other workers. Safe work procedures should be developed for the operation, maintenance and inspection of all powered equipment.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the types of powered trucks and state whether they are ridden or otherwise controlled Demonstrate an understanding of the safety principles for pickup trucks, vans & fleet safety Demonstrate an understanding of the frequency of inspection and maintenance of powered vehicles Demonstrate an understanding of the training required for forklift operators.

Training for drivers of company trucks, vans and other vehicles should include valid Class driver’s licence without infractions/de-merits; where indicated; the CRSP may recommend additional training e.g. skid school and winter driving. Fleet safety would include risk analysis of incidents and near misses; scheduled maintenance on all vehicles and records kept for each vehicle. Highway trucks, trailers, and railroad cars should have their brakes set and their wheels securely blocked while they are being loaded or unloaded by powered industrial trucks.

Industrial trucks Industrial trucks may be powered by electrical storage batteries, gasoline, LP-gas, or diesel fuel. The decision to lease or buy various industrial powered vehicles should be based on safety factors that include, adequate ventilation for internal combustion engines, ventilation and maintenance for LP-gas and ventilation and location of battery charging stations. LP-gas powered trucks are in common use and properly adjusted engines produce substantially less carbon monoxide (CO) than a gasoline powered truck. Only air sampling can prove whether the CO concentration is below the maximum allowable limit permitted in the particular jurisdiction of operation.

Various rider driven trucks exist in a variety of workplaces. Some of the rider trucks are high-lift and some low-lift; only raising the load enough to clear the ground. Some, order-picker trucks raise the operator to the desired level. The other category of powered trucks is the motorized hand truck controlled by a worker walking behind it, or riding on a low platform. The hand truck may be high-lift or low-lift. In some workplaces an electronically controlled truck runs without an operator. The vehicle is controlled by frequency sensors, light beam or induction tape that is outlined on or under the floor.

Forklift truck operation and safety are discussed regarding manoeuvring, grades, load capacity, loading and unloading pallets. Lift trucks should have overhead protection designed to prevent injury to the operator.

In many Canadian jurisdictions, the raising and lowering of workers on a fork mounted platform may only be done if the platform has been designed and stamped by a Professional Engineer, the maximum load is established, the guardrails and toe-boards are in place and the platform is secured to the forks and the mast. The worker being lifted would be required to wear a fall restraint system securely fastened to the lift truck mast.

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Powered Industrial Trucks including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance and Operation are regulated in many jurisdictions. The CRSP should review CAN/CSA B335-04 (R2012) Lift trucks.

Users are not permitted to modify trucks without the written approval of the manufacturer. Pertinent identification and reference information must include the weight of the truck, its rated capacity, and the model and serial numbers.

Operator training is of great importance in all jurisdictions. Many jurisdictions have Regulations or Standards governing the training of lift truck operators. Should this not be the case, the CSA Safety Standard for Lift Trucks should guide the CRSP. The forklift operator should be required to complete the prescribed or recommended training and testing that may exist in Canadian jurisdictions. Powered forklift trucks have some basic differences from that of a highway vehicle. The operator should realize that a lift truck is: • • • •

Generally steered by the rear wheels Steers more easily when loaded than empty Driven in the reverse direction as often as in the forward Often steered with one hand—the other hand being used to operate the controls.

Elevated Work Platforms; Elevated rolling platforms are used to position personnel, along with tools at overhead locations. They are pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric or fuel operated. The safety issues include: • • • • • • • •

operator training emergency procedures exceeding the manufacturer’s posted load failure to extend and secure outriggers [where provided] prior to elevating the platform fall protection refraining from moving the unit while elevated with personnel on platform platform with guardrail, mid-rail and toe-board pinch-point/crush hazard at scissors, [where present].

Maintenance personnel should thoroughly inspect powered industrial trucks on a regular basis and give them a complete overhaul after regular periods of operation. Operators should make daily inspections of controls, brakes, tires, outriggers and other moving parts. They must do this at the start of each shift in multi shift operations. They should record conditions requiring correction and keep a detailed schedule of inspections and repair records for each vehicle **For more information see Chapters 18, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

ASF 16

Hand and Portable Power Tools

Hand and portable power tools frequently receive abuse from dropping and improper use or storage. The operator must always take personal responsibility to perform a visual inspection prior to use. Operators must receive appropriate training in the use and care of hand and portable power tools prior to using.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of prevention of incidents related to the use of power tools Demonstrate an understanding of safety issues related to the repair and maintenance of power tools Demonstrate an understanding of personal protective equipment that should be utilized when using hand and power tools Demonstrate an understanding of the variety of hand/portable electrical tools available.

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Work methods should cause a minimum of stress to workers. Consider the following: • • • • •

Force needed to hold and use a tool Direction of the force Weight of materials Number of repetitions of an activity Worker posture while using a tool.

Safety practices in the selection and use of hand and power tools.

• • • • • • • •

Protective equipment, used or worn; enforce the use of PPE Selection of the right tool for the job Ensure that the tool is in good condition and maintained in good condition; electrical connections, plugs, including limited use of extension cords Correctly grounded Use the tool as designed Store tools in a safe manner Guards used on grinders and saws Moveable guards operate freely.

and include a safety program that ensures workers and supervisors are trained in the safe selection and use of hand and portable power tools.

Maintenance and repair of hand tools is particularly relevant in the redressing of tools. Improperly redressed tools can render the instrument useless or dangerous. In addition, if a power grinder is used, safety issues should be addressed; for example, eye protection and correct positioning of the tool rest.

Redressing tools should be done by a competent person familiar with the dressing information for a particular tool, e.g. hatchets, chisels cold or hot, punches, screwdrivers, files etc.

Soldering and solder have appropriate recommendations for adequate local exhaust ventilation at the source and good hygiene practices e.g. no consumption of food in work area. Fumes from soldering can be toxic and/or irritating. Lead oxides and chlorides are released from lead-tin solder and zinc-chloride flux. Lead oxides and aldehydes are released when soldering with rosin-core solder. The hazards from different types of solder and flux should be identified before beginning work. Air sampling at the source is the appropriate way to determine if hazardous amount of contaminants are present.

Portable power tools encompass five primary groups; electrical, pneumatic, gasoline, hydraulic and powder actuated. Manufacturer operating procedures for each tool [where available] should supplement, not replace, the employer’s written safety procedures. Hydraulic tools are used mainly for compression work and powder-actuated tools are used exclusively for penetration work. The portable tool presents hazards that are similar to stationary machines performing the same function, therefore appropriate PPE must be provided and the use enforced. Safe practices include: • • • • • •

Store power driven tools in a secured place Keep work areas clean and well lit Secure, or clamp work pieces Wear appropriate clothing for the job Never use a tool with a malfunctioning switch or part Only use manufacturer recommended accessories.

Powder actuated tools The use of powder actuated tools (also called explosive actuated fastening tools) should be limited to trained and qualified operators under close supervision. The CRSP should question any supervisor of workers using the equipment to ascertain what training has been provided and by whom. Each jurisdiction may have Regulations pertaining to the use of explosive actuated tools.

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When using powder-loaded equipment the correct colour coded loading charge should be used and eye, face, ear and head protection should be worn.

Double-insulated tools are permanently marked “double insulated”. Units designated in this category have been tested and listed by a recognized testing lab such as cUL and marked with a symbol to denote double insulation. The “square within a square” is recognized nationally and internationally. This means that the unit’s switch and gripping surface is non-conductive and requires no further grounding. It also means that the unit must be treated with care in handling and storage to ensure that the integrity of the insulation is maintained. Frequent inspection testing with an insulation-resistance tester and thorough maintenance are needed.

Chain saws are used in a wide variety of industries and construction, not just forestry and logging. The single biggest cause of chain saw injury is a kickback. A kickback is the sudden violent upward movement often caused by the chain striking wood or other objects on the tip of the bar or it can be caused by pinching or binding in the cut. There are various types of anti-kickback devices, a safety nose or guard, a safety chain or a chain brake. Other hazards are associated with the use of chain saws and include: • • • • • • • •

Falling while using the saw Cut by contact with the chain Injures from falling trees or snags and rolling logs Sprains and strains from working with a heavy saw Head injury when not wearing head protection Eye face injury from flying particles Hearing loss White finger disease (Reynaud’s Syndrome) from vibration.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes specialized equipment such as ballistic nylon leg patches for chain saw operators as well as eye, head, and foot protection. Training should be mandatory for workers using chain saws; the use of adequate PPE should be enforced. *For more information see Chapter 20, Engineering & Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 17

Shop & Metalworking Machinery (lathes, saws, drill presses)

Shop equipment is used in all manner of workplaces and each piece of powered equipment presents unique hazards. All powered equipment should be guarded against access to the moving part or cutting blades. Written safety procedures should be developed and enforced for each different piece of equipment to supplement manufacturers’ operating instructions and comply with Regulations and company safety procedures.

No worker should be permitted to operate powered machinery without prior documented training.

Supervision should be vigilant where novice operators are working with machines.

The CRSP will: • • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the health and safety hazards resulting from wood dust and flour produced in woodworking operations Demonstrate an understanding of the ventilation requirements for fume/vapour/dust producing equipment Demonstrate an understanding of the general safety rules that should be part of a metalworking operation Demonstrate an understanding of turning, boring milling, planing and grinding machines Demonstrate an understanding of the cold forming presses that are classified as metalworking equipment

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Guarding woodworking machinery has always been difficult, most particularly to convince the operator that the task can be accomplished with adequate safeguards in place. All belts, shafts, gears or other moving parts must be guarded as well as all rotating cutting blades. Point of operation guards must accommodate the wood stock, be balanced and strong enough to protect the operator. In most jurisdictions, an interpretation of ‘adequate guarding’ might be described as follows; if any portion of a worker’s body or clothing can gain access to a moving part of a machine that can cause injury, the machine is not adequately guarded’.

Electric equipment that might start automatically following an electrical power failure and present a hazard to workers should be equipped with a magnetic start switch. Machines with a long coasting time such as table saws require an electronic motor brake to reduce exposure at the point of operation. A warning of possible hazards connected with table saw guarding could be ascertained by querying the tasks used in the operation. If one table saw is used to rip stock as well as rabbeting and dadoing, the point of operation guards and the jigs used will be constantly changed. This leads to the temptation to save time and not replace the required guards. If both tasks are done frequently there should be a minimum of two table saws, one dedicated to ripping the other to specialized work.

Emergency STOP buttons should be mushroom type and be readily accessible and identified by color [usually red]. START buttons (usually green) should be recessed or protected by a collar to prevent accidental contact. Work spaces should be assessed to provide ample space around each machine.

Personal protective equipment including, safety goggles, safety glasses with side shields, face shields, protective footwear, and hearing protection should be used or worn.

The reference text provides a summary of Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Woodworking Tools with permission from Power Tool Institute Inc. Modified selected text from the summary follows; Management can minimize the hazards posed by shop equipment by (1) training operators, (2) ensuring all machines are guarded, and (3) enforcing safety procedures.

Table Saw • Ensure guards are in place; do not defeat guard • Use face and eye PPE • Use clean sharp blades, check before use for damage • Use correct blade for tool and job • Keep the fence parallel to the blade, push work piece through the cut, set the blade no higher than 1/8th to ¼ inch greater than thickness of the work piece, and do not cut ‘freehand’.

Circular Hand Saw • Allow guard to move freely, do not tie guard back • Use eye PPE • Never use saw with work piece held in your hand or over your knee • Keep blade parallel to rip fence or straight edge • Grip saw with both hands to keep hands away from blade • Keep cord clear of blade.

Band Saw • Ensure all guards are in place and adjusted to work piece; do not defeat guards • Use eye PPE • Always check maximum speed established for blades against band saw speed • Do not make curved cuts with too small a radius for the width of the blade; this can cause binding and possible blade breakage.

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Jointer/Planer • Always keep cutter blades sharp and clean • Use eye PPE • Operate the tool with the cutter blade cover securely in place • Never joint or plane wood narrower than ¾” , thinner than ¾” or shorter than 12” • Never feed the work piece in the direction of the cutting blade rotation • Use push blocks to hold down the work piece.

Sander (portable and stationary) • Wear eye protection • Abrasive belts should be the width recommended by the manufacturer • Hold portable sander with both hands and never lock ON position • Adequate ventilation is required; if sander is equipped with a dust bag, empty it frequently; a stationary sander should be connected to a powered dust collector (see below).

Extensive use of local exhaust systems and regular cleaning and maintenance will minimize the hazard of a build up of dust particles to explosive proportions. Woodworking equipment that are high dust producers should be either totally enclosed or equipped with local exhaust to prevent dust from accumulating in the general work area.

Operators of powered woodworking equipment should use and wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses or face shields and safety footwear and consider respiratory protection if working on exotic woods.

Metalworking machinery can be classified into five major groups; turning, boring, milling, planing and grinding. Other classifications include; electro discharge, electrochemical, laser and machining tools.

Perhaps no other area should be the focus of a hazard assessment as acutely as the metal working area.

Safety by design should be incorporated into the layout, enclosures, possible automation, and guarding when a new or renovated shop is contemplated for the workplace. In addition to the list of metalworking machinery, power presses and shears perform many types of cold forming metalworking operations and present unique and multiple hazards.

The hazards in metalworking environments include; entrapment, cuts (often critical from metal swarf), eye, skin (dermatitis) and electrical, fire and explosion hazards in electro discharging operations. Safety of power presses and shears depends on adequately safeguarding the point of operation; adequately trained operators, setup and maintenance workers and enforcing safe work procedures. Hazards include; in-running nip, crushing, severing digits or hands, cuts etc.

General Safety Rules include electrical lockout, operating instructions, safe removal of chips, shavings and cuttings and personal protective equipment. Metal working operations are areas where the level of housekeeping is a good indication of the safety of the operation. The potential hazards are both physical and health related. In addition each machine should have a disconnect switch that can be padlocked in the OFF position and tagged to isolate the machine from the power source. Chips, shavings and cuttings should be removed when the equipment is locked out by workers’ wearing leather palm gloves using a hooked tool. When purchasing new or modified equipment ensure that the machine specifications meet all applicable Standards, Codes, and Regulations pertaining to electrical safety and safeguarding.

Personal Protective Equipment: PPE should include eye protection not only for the operator but also anyone in the immediate area of the running machines. Safety footwear should be required as operators may be handling heavy pieces of stock or machine parts. Operators should be required to remove loose fitting sleeves, neckties, rings, bracelets and long hair should be covered where there is a hazard of the items being caught in the moving parts of a machine. Hearing protection is likely to be necessary in any metal working shop with equipment generating excessive noise.

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Spinning lathes risks included at least one fatality when a worker failed to install a chip cutter to reduce the swarf to small particles instead of allowing it to build up into a long coil. The worker was nearly decapitated; the reference text does not mention the location of the accident; however, one similar fatality did occur in a Canadian province. Another common injury in metalworking shops is being struck or tangled in protruding revolving parts. Written operating procedures and worker training in the safe work habits are essential in this trade.

The rotating heads of lathes should be covered as completely as possible by hoods or shields. Lathe operators must be selected and trained with care to use, inspect, and maintain their equipment and to wear protective equipment including eye/face shields.

Boring and milling machines; making adjustments while the machine is running is a hazard as is removing chips and swarf with the hands instead of a tool or brush. Personal protection for machine tool operators include safety glasses with side shields, close fitting clothing to avoid entrapment, and minimizing exposure to cutting oils by the use of barrier creams and good hygiene practice. Causes of injury include: • Failure to securely clamp the work • Leaving the cutter exposed • Reaching to remove chips while machine is in motion • Callipering the work while the machine is in motion • Using a rag to clean excess oil while the cutter is turning.

Electrical discharge machines emphasize the need for qualified electricians designated to work on the machine tool circuits or set-up the machine. The safety precautions for the operator include: • Ensure that machine is grounded • Check that all exposed electrical systems are correctly covered • Place all selector switches in the OFF (disengaged) position • Check that the machine’s push buttons, limit switches or controls are set for a safe setup • Check that the doors of the main electrical cabinet are closed and the main disconnect switch is in the OFF position.

Grinding machines operations and associated hazards include the necessity of operating abrasive wheels and disks at manufacturer’s recommended speeds. If a wheel or disk should fracture, the rpm sends the particles spraying like fragmentation grenades. Abrasive wheels should be enclosed as closely as possible by guarding to allow work; and be well maintained, balanced and dressed on a regular basis.

Grinding wheels should be stored in dry locations and not subjected to freezing or thawing.

Power presses are used in conjunction with metalworking operations. Many small shops use kick presses and foot operated shears that are manually operated. Guard machines to prevent access to the shear knife from the front, side and rear of the machine. Metal sheers and brake presses are also used in metalworking operations.

Safeguarding devices can be divided into three types; 1. Press-controlling devices 2. Operator-controlling devices 3. Devices that control both the operator and the press.

There are four main types of guards used for safeguarding power presses at the point of operation: • Fixed, die-enclosed guards • Fixed barrier guards • Interlocked press-barrier guards • Adjustable barrier guards.

Complete safety of power presses depends on adequately safeguarding the point of operation, training press operators and setup/maintenance workers, and enforcing safe working procedures.

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The discussion about guarding presses is a complex one that cannot be covered adequately in this study guide. Suffice to say that guarding full revolution clutch power presses and partial revolution power presses must start with a description of the presses.

A full-revolution clutch press is one whose stroke cannot be interrupted or controlled through its entire cycle. A correctly installed two-hand tripping device can be both press activator and safeguard.

Full-revolution press guards include: • Fixed enclosure guard • Fixed barrier guard • Adjustable barrier guard.

Guarding devices for operator for full revolution presses • Restraints, correctly adjusted • Pull-backs, correctly adjusted • Two handed tripping device located at a distance that exceeds the safe distance from the particular press.

A partial revolution clutch press has a stroke that can be interrupted during the closing or opening of the stroke. Safeguarding systems include: Guards • Fixed die-enclosed guard • Fixed barrier guard • Adjustable-barrier guard • Interlocked press-barrier guard.

Choose from the operator-controlling devices for SINGLE stroke operations; • Restraints adjusted • Pullbacks adjusted.

Use pressure sensing machine controlling devices for partial-revolution clutch power presses.

• Two hand control.

When determining point-of-operation safeguards, consider all hazards in the die space that may crush, cut, punch, sever or otherwise injure workers.

Power press brakes provide a primary function in cold-forming angles, channels and curved shapes.

There are mechanical, hydraulic, general-purpose and special-purpose press brakes. Methods for providing point-of-operations safeguarding for press brakes include: • Fixed barriers, die guards so as to not allow access to the point of operation • A device, such as presence-sensing, gates or movable barriers, pull-backs, restraints, and twohand controls • Safe-distance methods when guards and/or devices cannot be used.

Personal protective equipment should be used or worn by all operators, maintenance and set-up workers in the power press operations, including hearing protection safety glasses and safety footwear. *For more information see Chapters 11, 21, 23 & 24 Engineering & Technology NSC 13th Edition

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Hot Work (Welding, Cutting)

Welding presents two separate issues; physical hazard resulting from fire, explosion, radiation, electric shock etc. and occupational illness as a result of the inhalation of toxic fumes, vapours and gases.

Mechanical engineering design for ventilation systems, local exhaust at the point of operation being the preferred method, is required in most welding operations. Cutting and welding that is taking place outdoors would keep the contaminants within acceptable levels as long as the precautions are taken to keep the welding plume away from the welder’s breathing zone.

The CRSP will: • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the health hazards from airborne and other toxic substances relating to welding and cutting operations Demonstrate an understanding of the physical hazards related to welding and cutting including fire and combustible materials, purging drums, tanks and closed containers prior to cutting or welding Demonstrate an understanding of ventilation requirements for cutting and welding operations including outdoors (natural), indoors (mechanical), local (at the point of operation).

Health hazards associated with welding and cutting operations should convince the reader that the work should be considered potentially hazardous without adequate exhaust ventilation. The health hazards include the metal fumes, gases, vapours and particulates and also the welding electrodes, metals, filler wires, fluxes and cleaning compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons and asbestos associated with welding and cutting. Five health effects that may affect welders exposed to gases, vapours, fumes and particulates generated during welding: • • • • •

Inflammation of the lungs (chemical pneumonitis) Pulmonary oedema (swelling and accumulation of fluid in the lungs) Emphysema (only a small percentage of cases are caused by occupational exposure) Chronic bronchitis Asphyxiation.

There is reference in the Chapter to substances that have low Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Many Canadian jurisdictions have Regulations controlling worker exposure to hazardous substances using the US exposure limits. Some jurisdictions have included their own limits that may be higher or lower than the US. The CRSP should refer to the appropriate Regulations including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)(GHS) Safety Data Sheets listing the minimum exposure levels for many hazardous products of welding.

Separate categories of pulmonary irritants or toxic inhalants; these materials include cadmium, chromium, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, vanadium, zinc, and the fluorides.

The amount of outside air recommended (2000 cubic feet/minute per welder) for general ventilation in an enclosed area would not be practical or economical. The combination of good general ventilation (to keep adjoining areas below permissible levels) and local, high velocity, low volume exhaust to protect the welder is the most practical.

Personal protective equipment is required where the gases, vapours, dusts or fumes cannot be kept below the applicable exposure limits or TLV. Respiratory protection includes positive ventilation, local exhaust, approved respiratory equipment and or a combination of these precautions. Goggles, helmets and shields that give maximum eye protection should be worn by operators, welders and helpers.

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Welding generates heat and protective clothing should be worn; including flame resistant gloves, aprons, leggings, long sleeve shirts, boots or safety shoes and head protection. Dark clothing, particularly a dark shirt, is preferable to light-coloured clothing in order to reduce reflection to the operator’s face underneath the helmet. Wool clothing is preferable to cotton because it is more resistant to deterioration and is not readily ignited.

Oxy-fuel and Oxygen cutting Operations The sections on compressed gas cylinders, manifolds, regulators, hoses and connections and torches have important safety points: • • • • • • • •

Oxygen regulators have a right hand thread to reduce the hazard of cross contamination with Acetylene regulators that are equipped with a left hand thread When the regulators are attached but not in use the pressure adjusting valves should be released as the cylinder valves should never be opened until the regulator is drained of gas Testing (with soapy water) for leaks in connections, hoses and torches Anti-flashback devices should be installed between the torch and the hose connection Empty cylinders should have the valves closed and the protection caps installed Store all cylinders secured in an upright position, in a well ventilated area Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that welders have received appropriate training in all aspects of the assigned task Welders should inspect their equipment regularly to ensure that all parts are in good working order.

For welding and cutting operations outdoors; it is likely that a portable unit comprising oxy-acetylene tanks and torches would be utilized and transported upright and attached to a rolling cart equipped with an appropriate fire extinguisher. In addition oxy-acetylene welding is the most common in small to medium operations where the equipment receives the toughest treatment.

Resistance Welding Normally resistance welding equipment is permanently installed. Hazards should be minimized if the equipment has been correctly designed and safe operating procedures are established and enforced.

Resistance welding is a metal-joining process whereby welding heat is generated at the joint by the resistance in the flow of electrical current.

Suffice to say that the servicing of the equipment has resulted in permanent injury and several fatalities in the USA; the abuse of line-disconnecting switches (lock-out) before opening enclosures and abuse of cables for resistance welding is severe. Special attention to automatic-resistance welding machines installed in a workplace requires a risk assessment conducted by a knowledgeable person. Risks associated with resistance welding can be eliminated by safeguarding equipment, using protective clothing and strictly enforcing operating procedures.

Arc Welding and Cutting The power supply and welding structures should be grounded and insulated to prevent shock hazards. All cables, connectors and electrode holders should be well insulated.

Note: New heat sources for welding and cutting require safeguarding and safe practices to protect workers from high-frequency sound waves and laser light beams. With physical hazards such as welding flash and sparks, dark goggles are used because no other vision protection controls are effective; short of automating the operation.

Production of ultraviolet radiation is high in gas-shielded arc welding. For example, a shield of argon gas around the arc doubles the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation, and, with the greater current densities required (particularly with a consumable electrode), the intensity may be 5 to 30 times as great as with non shielded welding such as covered-electrode or gas-shielded metal arc welding.

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Infrared radiation has only the effect of heating the tissue with which it comes in contact. If the heat is not enough to cause an ordinary thermal burn, there is no harm. Exposure to certain intensities of infrared radiation is associated with the development of cataracts.

Whenever possible, arc-welding operations should be isolated so that other workers will not be exposed to either direct or reflected radiation. Portable flameproof screens painted that is non reflective to ultraviolet radiation or flameproof curtains should also be provided. *For more information see Chapters 22, 23, 25 Engineering & Technology 13th Edition NSC

ASF 19

Control of Hazardous Energy & Harmful Substances

The term zero energy state or energy isolation describes machines with all energy sources neutralized.

Types of energy include electrical, pneumatic, steam, hydraulic, chemical, gravity and thermal. Energy can also take the form of potential from suspended parts or springs and include residual energy from capacitors, hydraulic systems and air, gas, steam or water pressure. All potential energy must be dissipated or restrained through grounding, blocking or bleeding. Boilers and unfired pressure vessels have many hazards in common as well as hazards that are unique to the specific operation.

Pressure vessels and piping contain gases, liquids, vapours and solids at various temperatures and pressures.

Safety devices vary because the vessels are used to process a great variety of materials. All safety valves approved in the USA and Canada are rated and stamped by ASME/NB and are used on vessels containing air, steam, gases and liquids that will not solidify as they pass through the valve’s discharge. Other safety devices include, rupture disks, vacuum breakers, vents and regulating or reducing valves.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the term ‘potential energy’ and identify where it may apply Demonstrate an understanding of pressure gauges, pressure relief valves and other safety devices Demonstrate an understanding of when a machine must be locked and tagged out Demonstrate an understanding of the safety procedures for various pressure vessels including but not limited to boilers, autoclaves, steam-jacketed vessels, gas cylinders, fire extinguishers etc.

When maintenance and servicing of machines and equipment is required, isolate the energy sources and implement a lockout/tag out procedure. The following sample is a minimum lockout procedure providing a basic guide to the process. With a procedure goes the responsibility to provide supervisor and worker training, enforcement of the procedure and rigorous periodic risk assessments.

Purpose This procedure establishes a minimum requirement for the lockout of energy isolating devices before workers perform any servicing or maintenance where the unexpected energizing or start up of the equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury. These requirements do not cover the full scope of Regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction.

Scope • All workers must comply with the restrictions and limitations imposed by the use of the lockout.

• Only trained and authorized workers will perform the lockout in accordance with the procedure.

• No worker will attempt to start, energize or use the locked out equipment or machine.

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Sequence of Lockout • Notify all workers when servicing or maintenance is required and that the equipment must be shut down and locked out • A qualified and authorized worker will: refer to the procedure, identify the type of energy source, understand the hazards and shall know the methods to control the energy • The machine will be shut down by the normal method (e.g. press STOP button, open switch or close valve) • Deactivate the energy-isolating device(s) • Lock out the energy-isolating device(s) with assigned lock(s).

Potential energy • Stored or residual energy (such as capacitors, springs, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, air, gas, steam or water pressure) must be dissipated or restrained by grounding, blocking or bleeding down • Verify disconnect from the energy source. Check that no workers are exposed. Operate the START button to ensure that the equipment will not operate. Return controls to neutral or OFF position after verification • The equipment is now locked out.

Control of hazardous energy sources Other requirements Individual locks are assigned to applicable individuals. Lock out and tag out devices shall be durable, marked, color coded or otherwise identified for each facility and supplied to authorized workers. Tags must state, at a minimum, DO NOT START, DO NOT OPERATE, OR DO NOT OPEN and must state who placed the tag, the date placed and the reason. If a group of workers are locking out a piece of equipment or power source each worker shall have an individual lock and shall apply the lock to the group locking device.

Restoring equipment to service The authorized and trained worker shall • Check the machine or equipment and the immediate area to ensure that the equipment components are operationally intact • Check the work area to ensure that all workers are safely positioned or removed from the area • Verify that the controls are OFF or in neutral • Remove the lockout devices (for multiple locks remove in order of application) and reenergize the machine or equipment • Sign tag or applicable form to indicate who restored the energy source, date and time completed • Notify workers that the servicing or maintenance is complete and ready for operation.

Boilers are fired closed vessels in which water is heated by combustion of fuel or heat from other sources. The heat forms steam, hot water, or high-temperature water under pressure.

The common causes of explosions in pressure vessels should be anticipated and avoided: • Errors in design, construction and installation • Improper operation and inadequate training of supervisors and operators • Corrosion or erosion of construction materials • Mechanical breakdown, failure, or blocking of safety devices or automatic control devices • Failure to inspect thoroughly and frequently • Lack of planned preventive maintenance.

Cleaning and maintenance entry into pressure vessels should be considered dangerous confined spaces as the hazards can include: • Toxic materials already in the confined space or introduced later • Insufficient oxygen • Heat from fire, hot gases or liquids

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Start up of agitators.

In high-pressure systems, supervisors should make sure that the system is kept clean and is inspected frequently. Hazards of high-pressure systems occur from failures caused by leaks, pulsation, vibration and overpressure. Operators should be carefully selected and trained to operate pressure vessels safely, understand emergency procedures, and to use checklists to inspect and maintain equipment.

High-temperature water [HTW] High temperature water is safer than steam but incidents still happen.

The CRSP is cautioned that there should not be a false sense of security on the part of design engineers and operators. Incidents can be fatal if enough of the workers’ body is exposed to the temperatures of 80ºCelsius. HTW is kept in a closed system under high pressure so that it remains a liquid instead of turning into steam. For general safety, restrict areas where high pressure systems operate to all but necessary personnel.

Unfired pressure vessels [CSA definition]; ‘pressure vessels are unfired, closed vessels used for containing, storing, distributing, transferring, distilling, processing, or otherwise handling, gas, vapour or liquid exceeding the service and size limits determined by the regulatory body having jurisdiction’.

Compressed air tanks, steam-jacketed kettles, digesters and other vessels storing many gases under pressure including fire extinguishers are all included in the classification. The vessel should be provided with safety devices that will adequately protect it against overpressure, chemical reaction or other abnormal conditions. The inspection and maintenance is emphasized; hydrostatic or pneumatic testing should be conducted at prescribed intervals. *For more information see Chapters 5 6, 15 Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

ASF 20

Automated Systems or Processes (Robotics, Remote Starts, Nanotechnology)

Robots: Everyone knows what a robot is, R2D2; however the Robotic Industries Association describes a robot as a; • Handling device with manual control, or • Automated handling device with predetermined cycles, or • Programmable, servo-controlled robot with continuous point-to-point trajectories, or a • Robot capable of type C specifications, which also acquires information from the environment for intelligent motion.

Robots have three basic parts; a manipulator, a power supply and a system for controlling the robot. The robotic envelope describes the area in which the robot can reach; the robot generally has three axes of motion, a vertical stroke, a horizontal reach and a swing or rotation around the robot base.

Remote Start: applies to any machine, system or process that can be put into operation without the operator having visual contact with workers in the vicinity of the operation.

Nanotechnology: Nanoscience is the creation, manipulation, and study of materials at the nano (one billionth of a meter) scale, sometimes called the “near-atomic” scale. Nanotechnology is the collection of technologies dealing with materials science on the nanometre scale. Nanotechnology includes materials in the length scale of 1 to 100 nanometres in any one direction.

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The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the safety precautions for workers in automated food processing production lines Demonstrate an understanding of the hazards associated with robots and procedures that can be used to control the hazards Demonstrate an understanding of remote starts and safety controls that may be utilized to overcome the associated risks Demonstrate an understanding of the newly emerging technology of particles in the nano scale; and be familiar with the CSA standard on ‘engineered nanomaterials in occupational settings’.

Automated production lines Automated food processing is a complex industry; workers can be exposed to a multitude of harmful chemicals used in this production including sodium hydroxide (caustic) and phosphoric and hydrochloric acids. Even though the facilities will have in-line pH meters and automatic mechanisms for chemical agents, workers who handle chemicals for process preparation and feeding must wear PPE. Employers must ensure that ventilation is adequate for worker safety.

Robots Robots present unique safety issues; the following statements best capture this: If the robot is motionless, don’t assume it will remain so—many programs have delays or waits, when the robot “sits” until told to do something.

If the robot is repeating a pattern, don’t assume it will continue to do so—the program could be modified automatically and the path will change and might trap a worker when it moves in an unexpected direction.

When safeguarding workers from robotic machinery, focus should be on: • Manufacturing and/or rebuilding of robots • Robot installation • Safeguards for workers exposed to hazards around robots • Hazard analysis including pre-start-up reviews, checklists, preliminary analyses, operating procedures and strategies to improve safety performance.

Robot Safeguarding Methods • Install an amber warning light on the robot, conspicuous from all sides signifying that it is “live,” even during periods when the robot is not moving • Place fixed guards around the perimeter of the robot movement zone • Allow sufficient clearance between fixed guarding and the robot movement zone so operator cannot be trapped • Interlock access gates to interrupt main drive power should gates be opened during automatic cycle of the robot • Place warning signs around the robot at points of access • Program the robot so that closing the interlock gate cannot initiate automatic cycle • Provide locking disconnects for all sources of energy to the robot • Provide a means to release stored energy before servicing the robot air and hydraulic accumulators, springs, counterweights, flywheels, or the load held by the robot • Shield all solid-state electronic devices associated with controlling the robot from possible radiofrequency.

Protecting the Robot teacher • Only the teacher should be in the restricted space; if more than one person is present, only the teacher should control robot’s motion • The second person in the restricted space should hold a dead-man-switch to stop robot motion in an emergency

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Check the TEACH pendant’s EMERGENCY STOP and motion controls EMERGENCY STOP hard wired into the drive-power stop circuit, not interfaced through a computer input/output register All workers must leave restricted space and restore all safeguards for automatic operation before starting the robot’s AUTOMATIC mode.

Protecting the Maintenance/Repair Personnel • Trained to follow manufacturers’ instructions for specific robots • Rebuilt or previously owned robots should have all modifications documented and available to maintenance workers • Provide manuals, procedures, and schematics to workers who maintain or repair robots • Workers should use correct lockout/tagout procedures for shutting off and locking out power • Workers should release or block any sources of stored hazardous energy before servicing robot such as air and hydraulic accumulators, springs, counterweights, flywheels, or loads held by the robot • When the maintenance is complete, return and restore any bypassed safeguards to their active state before the robot is energized • Users of robots and robotic systems should establish and document an effective inspection and maintenance program. The program should include any preventive maintenance recommended by the robot’s or system’s manufacturer.

Safeguarding Remote Starts • Written procedures should be developed for each specific ‘remote start’ and the workers who are responsible for initiating a remote start should be trained in the safeguarding procedures • Visible or audible warning devices to alert workers that the operation has started and is in motion or is energized; such as flashing amber light, bells, horns or electronic beepers • Warning signals must be inspected often to make sure that they are operating correctly • Management of change, emergency preparedness, documentation, evaluation & corrective action, and management review and continual improvement.

Nanotechnology Aside from the description of Nanoscience given above; the subcategories of nanomaterials include those that are engineered for particular purposes, those that arise naturally, and those that are incidentally present in or with a fibre or other material. Since the studies on nanomaterials in the workplace are still evolving this ASF 20 competency will focus on the CAN/CSA Standard Z12885-12 developed in 2012, released in 2013 that focuses on ‘engineered nanomaterials in occupational settings’.

To give a sense of this scale in comparison, a human hair is of the order of 10,000 to 100,000 nanometres (nm). The term “nanotechnology” is a multidisciplinary grouping of physical, chemical, biological, engineering, electronic processes, materials, applications, and concepts in which the defining characteristic is size.

The occupational health and safety effects of new engineered nanomaterials are mostly unknown. The ability to accurately predict the impact of some nanomaterials exposures on worker health is limited at this time. In particular, the ability to measure nanomaterials in the workplace is limited by current technologies. Nanotechnology presents new challenges as the properties of nanomaterials relevant to worker health include size and shape as much as the more conventional factors of chemical structure and composition.

Within this realm of unknowns, employers are still responsible for: • ensuring the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace through the implementation of the hierarchy of controls • providing safety instruction and training • making sure that employees are aware of hazards in the workplace and

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ensuring that employees have the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to do their jobs safely.

The Standard outlines the requirements necessary to establish and implement a comprehensive managed program to control exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace. The Standard provides additional assistance through five Annexes that do not form part of the Standard but provide assistance for designing a Program to manage manufactured nanomaterials in the workplace.

The general plan is designed around the CAN/CSA Standard Z1000 for Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and ISO 12885 under the following headings: • • • • •

•

•

Commitment, leadership & participation Responsibility, accountability and authority Senior management, management, worker participation Nanomaterials inventory (Reference to Annex A types of nanomaterials & manufacturing processes; for example, engineered nanomaterials encompasses nano-objects and nanostructured materials) Characterization and identification of hazards (Reference to Annex B for information and guidance; for example, the greater surface area per mass of nanoparticles compared to larger particles is a fundamental contributor to greater chemical reactivity and to the utility of nanoparticles for industrial, commercial, and medical applications, but it also raises concern about the potential for adverse health effects in workers exposed to nanoparticles) Risk assessment process (Reference Annex C & D) for monitoring & exposure information as well as methodologies; Annex C for example cites that there is insufficient information to determine suitable occupational exposure limits (OELs) and/or reference values for most engineered nanomaterials. There will be a focus on the nanomaterials emissions assessment approach to guide users in determining if there is a potential for exposure from such emissions.

Annex D focuses on risk assessment for production and processing of nanomaterials in occupational settings, e.g., production plants, pilot plants, or laboratories, but not for consumer product or environmental safety) Procedures, preventive & protective measures, training, and disposal of nanomaterials (reference Annex E), for example; the control of emissions containing nanoparticles in occupational settings is not a new subject. Controls are well established for preventing and controlling exposure to, for example, welding fumes and diesel emissions, which contain incidental nanoparticles. What is new is the need to control exposure to engineered nanomaterials in an increasing number of workplaces.

Canada, the USA and International bodies are all conducting research into nanoscience and the results will be made available as they evolve. The CRSP would do well to explore various internet sites for OSHA, NIOSH, CSA, WHO, ILO etc. to keep on top of the information as it is released. *For more information see CAN/CSA Standard Z12885-12 and ISO12885 and Chapters 6.14, 25 Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 21

Process Safety (chemical & manufacturing etc.)

The processes may be complex in a chemical processing plant or defined, as in a plating operation. One method used by the chemical industry is to produce a “cookbook” known as a Chemical Process Manual.

The manual forms a fundamental part of the workers’ job training including the parameters for the safe operation of the facility processes and mechanical systems and is an essential part of the training of supervisors and workers.

Pre-start-up reviews provide that all aspects of process safety management are in place before the process, equipment or facility is put into operation.

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The CRSP will: • • • •

Have an understanding of chemical process safety planning and operation Have an understanding of a plan of a risk analysis and hazard survey for the application of process safety in a manufacturing environment Have an understanding of pre-start-up reviews (also called pre-start health and safety reviews) Have an understanding of a training plan for supervisors and operators in a chemical process plant.

Chemical Process Safety: The risk and hazard analysis techniques designed and used in the chemical and petroleum industry are effective and proven.

The ‘What if…? scenario is useful when conducting an analysis of a facility or pre-start-up health and safety reviews. Pre-start health and safety reviews are a mandatory requirement in some jurisdictions when new or modified equipment or processes are introduced into the workplace.

The “What if….? Questions can be utilized with a pre-developed checklist that is specific to an operation or process. The method works by asking a series of questions to review potential hazard scenarios and the possible consequences after the incident. No matter what method of hazard analysis is used the following should be included: • • • • • •

Process location and listed potential hazards Identification of any prior incidents with potential for catastrophic consequences Engineering and administrative controls applicable to the hazards Controls and application of detection methodology to provide early warning Consequences of human factors, facility location, and failure of controls Consequences of safety and health effects on workers within the areas of potential failure.

A chemical process manual should contain all the required process safety information. The model has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and is similar to that adopted by the Canadian Petroleum Industry (CPI). There should be: • • • • • • • •

An assessment of the hazards posed by materials used or handled Toxicity information Permissible exposure limits Physical data Thermal and chemical stability data Reactivity data Corrosives data Data on hazardous effects of inadvertently mixing chemicals.

Process and mechanical design information must be included in the process manual. The first list includes requirements that are similar to WHMIS requirements and Safety Data Sheets. Hazard and Risk analysis, with the emphasis on establishing risk assessments, are critical in this industry. Automated chemical processes create particularly acute safety responsibilities because many operations involving chemicals are handled by workers. Safety can be improved by the communication of process safety information to workers, conducting ongoing hazard and risk analyses, pre-start reviews and auditing processes.

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Hazards/Risk Analysis may include many methods including surveys, process checklists, hazards and operability procedures (HAZOP) studies and safety reviews. The person in charge must always ask the three “whats” • • •

What can go wrong?

What is the probability that something will go wrong?

What would be the consequences if something does go wrong?

Management of Change Changes must be consistent with established process technology. This means management must establish requirements for all modifications before their implementation.

Training of all supervisors and workers should take into account the complexity of the information and the language and literacy abilities of the workers being trained. All elements of a process safety management program should be in place and running before beginning the warm-up phase of facility operation. Pre-start reviews should be conducted whether it is a new facility or a new process being introduced into the facility.

Manufacturing processes One approach to automation-related safety concerns is to ensure that safety factors are a primary consideration during the design process prior to the purchase or modifications of automated equipment.

Because automated manufacturing processes often require workers to interface with more than one system component, such as a computerized program, terminal, machine, materials-handling system, or a robot, workers need to understand other parts of the system besides their own. Automated manufacturing systems require that operators, maintenance workers, and supervisors develop many skills to work safely.

Hazard identification and control should be reviewed for insight into the potentially hazardous chemicals used in many automated food-processing plants as an example. In this industry there are inhalation, burn, radiation and pinch/crush hazards. It is an example of automated industry where hazards can be greatly reduced/controlled by; (1) Careful identification of hazards and (2) By the development of strategies to control the environment where the processes are taking place.

The strategies include training programs addressing the specialized safety precautions required.

Just in time methods of manufacturing philosophy; • Inventories are reduced • Lead times are shorter • Quality control problems are uncovered as they occur • Manufacturers can react faster to demand changes.

Because this philosophy produces a flexible workforce, where workers are trained to operate different machines it does cause some significant health and safety implications for the CRSP. • •

Is adequate training provided before a worker commences a new task?

Is enough time and resources allocated to maintenance?

If the machines, lines are interdependent with little or no provision to back up any two stations, and if one automated element malfunctions, for example a robot and a line are shut down; there may be substantial pressure to fix the robot and move the line again. If the robot is not synchronized with the rest of the line before production resumes, worker safety may be compromised.

Safety in automated manufacturing processes will be enhanced by hazard assessments and appropriate strategies and training to control the hazardous environment.

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Warning signs, barriers, interlocks, and controls to protect workers from hazards of automated equipment or systems Preventive maintenance programs and procedures following manufacturer and industry/government standards equipment and processes Components of many automated manufacturing systems or cells include materials-handling and transport systems (automated guided vehicles) and robots Workers must be trained in proper safety procedures and practices to operate equipment safely.

*For more information see Chapters 26, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition and 26 Administration and Programs NSC 13th Edition

ASF 22

Confined Space Entries

A confined space is generally considered to be one that due to its size, construction, location, contents or work activity within, the accumulation of flammable, combustible or explosive agents or the creation of an oxygen deficient or enriched atmosphere may occur. In addition the space may cause the accumulation of contaminants, including gases, vapours, fumes, dusts or mists that could result in acute health effects posing an immediate threat to life or interfere with a worker’s ability to escape unaided from the confined space. It is generally accepted that there must be easy egress from all parts of the space to which a worker has access.

The possibilities of a space being designated as ‘confined’ are endless and may include, underground vaults, sewers, tanks [including septic], storage bins, vessels, silos, steam tunnels, boilers etc. It is also widely accepted that a confined space includes a fully or partially enclosed space that is not designed or constructed for continuous human occupancy.

The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of potential confined spaces by means of hazard assessment and process safety tools Demonstrate an understanding of precautions required prior to entering a boiler or furnace with regard to confined spaces Demonstrate an understanding of rescue techniques and personal protective equipment required in rescue systems below ground Demonstrate an understanding of the design and location of tanks that are considered confined spaces.

The CSA Z1006 Standard specifies requirements for; • establishing and maintaining a confined space management program in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) principles • the roles and responsibilities of the management representative, entry team, and emergency response team • management of external service providers • identification and designation of confined spaces • design and engineering of confined spaces • hazard identification and risk assessment relating to work in confined spaces • management and control of hazards and risks associated with work in confined spaces • general safety procedures for confined spaces • personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment used for work in confined spaces • emergency plans for rescuing workers in confined spaces • training for work in confined spaces; and determining fitness for work in confined spaces.

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Confined space legislation differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in Canada. It is the CRSP’s responsibility to determine how this Standard relates to applicable legislative requirements in each jurisdiction.

The study guide will consolidate some of the requirements of confined space referenced in one Canadian jurisdiction.

A written Co-ordination document must be prepared by the employer to protect contracted workers who may be required to perform work in a confined space identified in the written program.

A written Program developed and maintained to provide for the identification of each confined space that may exist in a workplace and contain a method for assessing the hazards and for developing plans for the control of the hazards. The program will also contain a method for the training of workers and an entry permit system that sets out the procedures to be followed when work is to be performed in a confined space.

A written Hazard Assessment considering the hazards that may exist or may develop while work is done inside the confined space and the document should be signed and dated by the qualified person making the assessment.

A written Plan including all procedures for the control of the hazards identified in the assessment. The plan would have provisions for the following: • • • • • • • • • •

Adequate training for any worker entering a confined space On-site rescue procedures Rescue equipment Personal protective equipment and devices Isolation of energy sources and control of movement of materials Attendant(s) in constant communication with workers in the confined space Adequate means of entering and exiting the confined space Atmospheric testing and purging hazardous contaminants, before and as often as necessary while a worker is in the confined space Identify the qualified person performing the tests who should use calibrated instruments in good working order and appropriate for the hazards identified in the assessment Ventilation to maintain an acceptable atmospheric level in the confined space.

An Entry Permit issued for each time work is to be performed in a confined space before any worker is allowed to enter. The permit should contain: • • • • • • • •

The location of the confined space Description of work to be performed Description of the hazards and control measures to be taken Time period to which the Permit applies Name(s) of the attendant(s) A record of each worker’s entries and exits Results obtained in atmospheric testing signed by the person performing the test Information regarding the type of work to be performed, inspection, cold work, hot work etc. with appropriate requirements for each condition.

On Site Rescue equipment would be made readily available and appropriate for the particular confined space. The equipment should be regularly inspected by a person with adequate knowledge, training and experience. The inspections should be recorded in the Entry Permit. The employer should appoint a number of workers trained in on-site rescue procedures, First Aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation [CPR] and in the use of the rescue equipment available.

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Communication between the attendant(s) and the workers in the confined space should be constant and the attendant(s) should be provided with a method of summoning an adequate rescue response. The attendant(s) should be trained and directed not to enter the confined space at any time.

Retention of records by the employer for all assessments, plans, co-ordination document, training and entry permits for a specified timeframe.

Precautions for entering boilers or furnaces are detailed citing confined space procedures, lockout/tagout procedures, interconnected lines between boilers, ventilation, lighting and personal protective equipment. Observe rules for working in confined space including checking the atmosphere with a calibrated combustible gas indicator and check that oxygen content is at atmospheric levels for life support before allowing anyone to enter. Provide portable blowers operated outside the boilers that have canvas tubes leading in through the access doors.

• • • • • •

Provide positive blanking or double-block-and-bleed valve arrangements Check all closed valves for leakage Lines that interconnect between boilers must be positively sealed off at both ends and locked out Workers should wear hearing, head, eye, hand and foot PPE. Workers in the confined space should wear a lifeline and be under constant observation by an attendant(s) A PPE hazard assessment should be conducted to ensure the correct PPE is used.

Fall Arrest Systems in below ground situations. Personal protective equipment should emphasize the stipulations connected with permitting a rescue worker to enter a confined space; for example testing the confined space for explosive levels, or oxygen deficiency and continuous purging of the space or the wearing of SCBA. A manual or air-operated winch attached to a steel cable retracting life line with an anchorage point provided by a 7 or 10 foot tripod should be available before work is started. If the access to below ground situation is 10 feet or deeper fall protection is required.

The CRSP would be advised to consult the Regulations in the respective jurisdiction for details on confined space definition, entry procedures and restrictions. Tanks made available for cleaning can be exceptionally dangerous; the tank may have contained volatile or corrosive material. The procedure for entering a tank for complete cleaning of toxic chemicals may also require specialized PPE. Many chemicals can easily permeate protective clothing and be absorbed through the skin. For example, aromatic liquid nitro compounds and amines are solvents for rubber and absorbed through rubber gloves.

Creosols are also absorbed through the skin. PPE should be made of an inert synthetic rubber or plastic including gloves, aprons, boots and respiratory and eye protective equipment. *For more information see Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 & 15 NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

ASF 23

Hazards & Controls related to Elevated Work

Falls causing injury to workers are one of the most common workplace hazards. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Regulations offer varying definitions and rules governing where fall protection must be provided. The critical point to remember is that a fall on a level surface or, a fall from the first rung or step of a ladder can cause a serious workplace injury. A guardrail and mid-rail should guard all openings in floors or roofs including perimeters to which a person has access. Openings can be temporarily covered over on a construction site with a material strong enough to support any load to which it may be exposed.

Stairs must be provided with handrails.Where workers must be protected from falls from areas that cannot be provided with a physical barrier, personal fall arrest systems must be worn. Additional protection may be required in specialized situations and may include retractable life lines, safety nets, warning lines or static lines attached to a structural support.

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The CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the different aspects of fall arrest and work positioning, restraint systems Demonstrate an understanding of the aspects of fall protection for various types of ladders Demonstrate an understanding of fall protection necessary for various powered personnel lifts Demonstrate an understanding of various fall arrest systems and their application and maintenance.

The CRSP should have a clear understanding of the difference between fall prevention and fall arrest systems. An employer may protect the worker by training and ensuring that fall potential is reduced or eliminated by good design. Where engineering and administrative programs cannot ensure the safety of workers from the hazard of falling, a fall arresting system or program must be implemented.

Passive fall arrest consists of components and systems, such as nets, that do not require any action on the part of the worker. A properly designed passive fall arrest system, installed correctly, will protect the worker 100% of the time. Another example is that of a guardrail and mid-rail installed at a prescribed height on a structure, temporary or permanent or on a machine.

Active fall arrest is a system that requires some manipulation by the worker to make the protection effective. The systems include full body harnesses, lanyards with shock absorbers as well as component parts such as rope-grabbing devices, lifelines and self-retracting lifelines. Active fall arrest equipment does not work alone; it must be used and connected by the worker to be protective. The purpose of the system is to ensure that the energy gained by the body during the fall is distributed to prevent the worker from being injured.

Ladders are normally intended to provide access from one level to another. Ladders that may require a worker to perform a task other that climbing up or down or for inspection should be assessed as to the associated risks. Fall protection may be required or a platform ladder should be considered. A fixed ladder on a tower, water tank or chimney may require a landing platform at legislated distances and may allow alternate safety devices other than cage guards. These devices allow a worker to attach a body harness via a D ring to a sleeve that travels along a rail or cable anchored to the ladder. The sleeve is designed to lock and suspend a worker who slips and starts to fall. The CRSP should consult the Regulations regarding ladders in each jurisdiction.

Fall protection on temporary structures, scaffolds, is of significant interest. During the building of a scaffold the worker should wear a safety harness and lanyard anchored to the adjacent structure where possible or to a completed, fully braced section of the scaffold. A completed scaffold platform with access climbing ladder should have a fully covered floor, toe boards, guard railings and cross braces. Unless Regulations in the various jurisdictions require it, the use of fall protection would not be required while working from a fully protected scaffold platform.

Modern fall protection has become a multidisciplinary science of its own. In many cases the system has to be specially designed for a particular application. In such cases, a structural engineer or other competent person, has to take into account not only the performance of every component of the system including adequate anchor points but also the geometry of the workplace including the method of post-fall rescue if required.

Safety belts and lanyards: In some jurisdictions, safety belts may be worn to prevent or position a worker from falling; for example a safety belt with front mounted D ring can be attached to a fall arrest system on a vertical ladder. Safety belts with lanyards are not acceptable fall arrest systems as serious injuries or death can occur when the worker falls due to the internal injuries to the body.

The CRSP must ensure that the fall distances, weights and forces are consistent with Canadian Regulations and Standards. All systems selected must be consistent with one another; limits for anchors, lanyards and body harnesses must match or be equivalent to the regulated permissible strengths.

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Most jurisdictions prohibit the use of a personal fall arrest system once a fall arrest has occurred; the system must be removed from service. Please refer to Appendix: CAN/CSA Standard Z259 for fall protection.

Scaffolds: Scaffolding types include commonly used scaffolds, construction grade wood fabricated, aluminum tube and coupler, and welded frame scaffold [steel].

• •

• • • •

Ensure that all footings, base plates, fittings [including pins and locking devices to attach frame legs to one another], braces, toe-boards, guardrails and mid-rails, where required, are installed Aluminum tube and coupler scaffolds require horizontal braces in addition to the diagonal braces on the base unit and at intervals thereafter, per the manufacturers’ instructions. Aluminum tube scaffolding must be equipped with outriggers where the height of the platform exceeds 3X the least lateral dimension of the end frame Scaffolds on wheels must have brakes applied Platforms must extend the full width of the scaffold; if constructed with construction grade planks, the planks must extend over the end frames, as prescribed, to allow cleats to be installed to prevent movement Manufactured platforms designed to clip over tubular scaffold must comply with maximum load requirements in the appropriate Regulations A rule of thumb for all scaffolds is to require tying off where a platform exceeds 3X the least lateral dimension of an end frame. Example; scaffold as erected with two end frames and diagonal bracing measures 8’L X6’H X5’W and is three frames high. The upper platform is located at 15’. If an additional platform is added the scaffold should be tied off as prescribed thereafter. Scaffolds constructed over a prescribed height must be designed or approved by a Professional Engineer. Regulations in some Canadian jurisdictions prescribe the maximum height to be 50’.

*For more information see Chapters 4, 7, NSC Engineering and Technology 13th Edition

ASF 24

Laboratory Safety & non-destructive testing of metals

lab·o·ra·to·ry n. pl. lab·o·ra·to·ries 1.

a) A room or building equipped for scientific experimentation or research. b) An academic period devoted to work or study in such a place.

2.

A place where drugs or chemicals are manufactured.

3.

A place for practice, observation, or testing.

The definition is valuable as the understanding of what constitutes a laboratory (lab) is widely misunderstood. The scale of lab hazards is broad including chemical, biological, radiation, lasers, metallurgy and physical destruct labs to test the strength of materials and examine items for potential failure.

In general, safe lab practice uses few engineering controls excepting ventilation, supply and exhaust, relying heavily on the technical training of lab staff to develop and follow administrative controls specific to the work.

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The CRSP will: • • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of where laboratories (labs) are likely to be found, in what workplaces Demonstrate an understanding of the hazards present in modern labs Demonstrate an understanding of biological agents and pathogens Demonstrate an understanding of chemical safety practices Demonstrate and understanding of non-destructive testing of metals with radioactive material and high frequency radar waves.

Laboratories Labs can be found in many industries for example; tire manufacturing, food production, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and of course research institutions. The mining industry has assay labs; the construction industry contracts companies to perform non-destructive testing required at intervals on various tower cranes to ensure that there is no metal fatigue leading to a catastrophic failure. All are conducted in laboratories. After all this we haven’t even touched the nuclear industry; but that is another subject for another day.

Laboratories are specifically designed to protect workers from the particular hazard identified by the work to be carried in the facility.

•

The protection includes lab design, PPE, general ventilation and exhaust, fume hoods, emergency eyewashes and showers, etc.

•

Equipment hazards include heating devices; uncontrolled devices such as Bunsen burners must not be left unattended. Hot plates and heating mantles should be equipped with thermal shutoffs

•

Laboratory glassware, beakers, flasks, tubes, bottles, etc. regularly examined for cracks and wear

•

Electrical equipment grounded and with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) where equipment is in a wet environment

•

Compressed gas cylinders; some contain highly flammable or explosive gases, some displace the oxygen in the room or are cryogenic (freezing skin on contact) and all should be stored upright and secured in place

•

Portable fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the environment, available, unobstructed and inspected on a set schedule

•

Emergency eyewashes and showers should be readily accessible within 10 seconds to reach, capable of producing a tepid flow of water for at least 15 minutes.

Biological Hazards A biological safety program involves • Training in compliance with National and International Standards and procedures.

• Risk assessment of biological practices in labs.

The development of the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines (CBSG) 1st Edition 2013 has been released to streamline various biosafety practices into a single set of Canadian standards and guidelines for stakeholders regulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). These Standards and Guidelines will combine and update (2013) the: • • •

Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines 3rd Edition (2004) Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities 1st Edition, (1996) Containment Standards for Laboratories, Animal Facilities and Post Mortem Room Handling Prion disease Agents (2005).

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The CBSG is divided into two distinct parts, (Part I – The Standards) and (Part II – The Guidelines) for handling or storing human or terrestrial animal pathogens or toxins. The standards in Part I provide the physical containment requirements (i.e., structure and design components) and the operational practice requirements. The guidelines in Part II provide information on how to achieve the physical and operational biosafety and biosecurity requirements outlined in Part I, and address the development and maintenance of a risk-based biosafety management program.

Biological labs work with specific biological agents; the hazards are rated as biosafety levels on a scale of one to four.

1 is an agent not known to cause illness in healthy humans and 4 represents an agent that can be transmitted from person to person with no known cure.

For example: Containment Level 2 (CL2) (moderate individual risk, low community risk) Human blood is a Level 2 agent, which means it can cause illness in healthy people if the person comes into contact with mucous membrane or injection of the material and a disease is present.

Containment Level 4 (CL4) (high individual risk, high community risk) Any pathogen (biological agent) that usually produces very serious human disease, often untreatable, and may be readily transmitted from one individual to another, or from animal to human or vice-versa, directly or indirectly, or by casual contact.

The World Health Organization's Laboratory Biosafety Manual states that "no biosafety cabinet or other facility or procedure alone guarantees safety unless the users operate with safe techniques based on informed understanding."

Radiation and other physical hazards (see ASF 9) Radiation from x-ray devices and other electrically powered radiation sources is a concern when the units are in operation; many are permanently located in a specific room or area that are designed to control these and other hazards such as strong magnets, lasers of class 2 or higher and high voltage electricity.

Where radiation is an issue the standard requirements include; • Dose limits for workers and members of the public • Monitoring and labelling radioactive materials • Use or wear protective equipment • Posting radiation areas • Reporting the theft or loss of radioactive material.

Non-destructive testing Visual observation, even with magnification, cannot locate all small, below-the-surface defects in cast and forged metals, or in welds, such as found in pressure vessels, boilers, and nuclear components.

Non-destructive testing, however, reveals all such defects without damaging the parts being tested. Nondestructive testing methods locate the following defects: • • •

defects that are inherent in the metal, defects that result from processing, in-service defects.

The types of testing most commonly used for forged and cast metals are the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

magnetic particle inspection (most widely used for forged material) penetrant inspection ultrasonic methods triboelectric method

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5. electromagnetic tests (alternating current in a coil or probe used less frequently, high-frequency radar waves) 6. radiography (uses x-rays and gamma-rays) Lasers Hazards from lasers are classified as Classes 1-4 (least to most hazardous) and include beam and nonbeam hazards. Beam hazards affect the skin and eyes and non-beam hazards include electric shock, heat, toxic by-products, noise, dust and explosion of high-pressure flash lamps.

Autoclaves Autoclaves are used to steam-sterilize equipment and materials that are potentially contaminated. They are used extensively in laboratories, health care facilities and hospitals and can present significant hazards to workers. PPE should include eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and aprons worn when loading and unloading a hot autoclave. The machines should be equipped with audible alarms that indicate when the chamber is flooded and the steam and pressure parameters are within acceptable limits. Safety interlocks should prevent the machine cycling if the door is not closed and locked and steam pressure locks to prevent operators from opening a door while the chamber is under positive pressure.

Operators should not open the autoclave until the machine has cooled down.

In some environments Ethylene oxide (EtO) may be used as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies. EtO is both flammable and highly reactive. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis.

Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization. A risk assessment should be conducted to ensure that supply and exhaust ventilation is adequate and maintained.

Chemical Safety A successful chemical safety program requires ongoing assessment and evaluation of the risks of the chemical processes being used; • Housekeeping • Storage • Handling • Disposal • Correct use and maintenance of equipment and PPE • Training and compliance appropriate to the hazards involved.

Chemical Properties Flammable: Any solid, liquid, vapour, or gas material that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. This is a chemical that when in liquid form will have a flash point of < 100ºF (37.7ºC). A flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or volatile solid gives off vapours that will ignite when exposed to an ignition source.

Combustible: Solids that are difficult to ignite and burn relatively slowly, and liquids having a flash point between 100ºF (37.7ºC) and 200ºF (93.3ºC).

Toxic: A substance that can cause damage to living tissue, impairment of the central nervous system, severe illness, or death when ingested, injected, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.

Corrosive: Any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance that burns, irritates, or destructively attacks organic tissue. Chemicals with a pH value less than 4.0 (acidic) or greater than 10.0 (basic) are considered to be corrosive substances.

Oxidizer: A compound that supplies its own oxygen and heat (ignition source) when in contact with organic compounds. These are chemicals that can react vigorously and explode, Reactive.

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GENERAL CHEMICAL STORAGE GUIDELINES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to determine how the chemical should be stored Ensure that current SDS for all chemicals being used are readily available Ensure that all containers are labelled and in good condition. Date chemicals when purchased, especially those that form peroxides Segregate incompatible chemicals according to guidelines below Storage areas must be dry and well ventilated Do NOT store chemicals near heat sources or in direct sunlight Minimum quantities of hazardous chemicals should be stored.

Dispose of chemicals that are no longer required through an approved chemical disposal company Flammables must be stored in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets, or in an approved explosion-proof refrigerator Secure gas cylinders in an upright position away from heat sources Do NOT store chemicals on the floor or under a lab bench Chemical storage shelves should have a raised lip to prevent containers from falling Secondary containers or bins should be used to limit spills should they occur Shelves should not be overloaded, and must be secured against tipping Do NOT store liquid or corrosive chemicals above eye-level Chemical containers should be checked on a regular basis for leakage All containers must have tightly sealed caps when not in use Store chemicals close to work areas to minimize transport distance. When transporting glass containers, use secondary containment receptacles to minimize breakage and spillage if the container is dropped Prevent access to storage areas by unauthorized persons Do NOT store chemicals in fume hoods. This will reduce the effective ventilation of the hood and increase the risk of spills and interaction of incompatible chemicals.

NOTE: Segregate chemicals into like hazards. Some chemicals have multiple hazards and therefore require further segregation.

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Chemical Storage Guidelines Material

Storage Conditions

Examples

Flammables: flash point below 37.70ºC

*Store in grounded flammable liquid storage cabinet *Separate from oxidizing materials *Store in flammable cabinet *Separate from oxidizing materials

Acetone Ethanol Glacial acetic acid etc.

Carbon tetrachloride Ethylene glycol etc.

Acids

*Store in Acid Storage cabinet *Separate oxidizing acids, organic acids and mineral acids *Use plastic bins to provide separate areas in same cabinet *Separate Perchloric acid from all other acids using ceramic, glass or clay bins *Separate from caustics, cyanides, sulphides

Nitric acid Hydrochloric acid Sulphuric acid etc.

Caustics

*Store in cabinet, dry separate area *Separate from acids

Water reactive chemicals

*Store in cabinet of non-combustible material *Separate from aqueous solutions

Sodium hydroxide Ammonium hydroxide Potassium hydroxide etc.

Sodium Potassium Lithium etc.

Oxidizers

*Store in cabinet of non-combustible material *Separate from flammable and combustible materials

Sodium hypochlorite Benzoyl peroxide Potassium permanganate etc.

Non-volatile, Nonreactive solids

*Store in cabinets or open shelves with edge guards

Poisons

*Store separately from all other chemicals and secure from unauthorized access

Agar Sodium Chloride Sodium bicarbonate Arsenic Beryllium Cadmium Lead & Mercury etc.

Non-flammable solvents; flash point above 37.70ºC

*Laurentian University & University of Vermont

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Chemical Waste Chemical waste is regulated in the various jurisdictions. Ensure that an assessment of laboratory waste collection and disposal meets the legislation in the various jurisdictions. Transportation of Dangerous Goods is regulated across Canada (see TDG and GHS in ASF 9). *For more information see Chapter 24, Administration & Programs, and Chapter 26, Engineering and Technology NSC 13th Edition

ASF 25

Working Alone or Remotely

In Canada, not all Provinces have specific legislation concerning working alone; if available it is frequently attached to existing health and safety regulations. No Province or Territory in Canada prohibits working alone. Jurisdictions that have specific provisions regulating working alone include Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Northwest Territories/Nunavut.

Throughout Canada employers have a general duty to take all reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of workers.

A CRSP will: • • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the legislation regarding working alone in their jurisdiction if present Demonstrate an understanding of the various risks facing workers in remote locations Demonstrate an understanding of steps that have been taken in other jurisdictions to address the problem Demonstrate an understanding of the possible breakdown in communications between an employee and the employer.

Workers who work alone can be grouped into five broad categories, workers who: • • • • •

handle cash; including convenience store clerks, retail and food outlet workers and taxi drivers travel away from base offices to meet clients; including home care workers, social services workers and bylaw enforcement officers do hazardous work but have no routine interaction with customers or the public, including workers in the logging, oil and gas industries travel alone but have no routine interaction with customers or the public; including truck drivers and business people in transit are at risk of a violent attack because their work site is isolated from public view; including security guards and custodians.

All the jurisdictions that have provisions for working alone or remotely use a regulatory code that includes the requirements to: • • • •

conduct a hazard assessment to identify existing or potential safety hazards in the workplace associated with working alone implement safety measures to reduce the risk to workers from the identified hazards ensure that workers have an effective way of communicating with their employer, immediate supervisor or another designated person in case of an emergency situation regularly contact the worker at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.

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Alberta attached working alone to the existing OHS Code, Part 28, Working Alone as follows: EXAMPLE 1 Section 393 Application (1) This part applies if (a) a worker is working alone at a worksite, and (b) assistance is not readily available if there is an emergency or the worker is injured or ill.

(2) Working alone is a hazard for the purposes of Part 2.

Section 394 Precautions required (1) An employer must, for any worker working alone, provide an effective communication system consisting of; (a) radio communication, (b) landline or cellular telephone communication or (c) some other effective means of electronic communication that includes regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work.

(1.1)

Despite subsection (1), if effective electronic communication is not practicable at the worksite, the employer must ensure that (a) the employer or designate visits the worker, or (b) the worker contacts the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) EXAMPLE 2

WORKING ALONE POLICY

1. Purpose 1.01 To provide for measures to protect the health and safety of, and minimize risk to, any worker working at a workplace who is the only worker of the employer at that workplace, in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of an injury, ill health or emergency. Strict adherence to this policy will help to meet health and safety legal requirements and demonstrate due diligence in work alone situations.

2. Application 2.01 This policy applies to all employees who are working alone.

3. Definitions 3.01 Working Alone means a worker working at a workplace who is the only worker of the employer at that workplace, in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of injury, ill health or emergency.

4. Policy 4.01 Deputy Heads are responsible for ensuring a procedure for assessing working alone situations and site specific working alone plans are developed, implemented, communicated and enforced.

4.02 Employing Authorities shall review each worksite under their control to identify employees who work alone.

4.03 Employing Authorities shall consult with the workplace occupational health and safety committee or representative and with the employee who will be working alone to assess the conditions under which the employee is working, determine potential hazards and ways to minimize them; establish a means and schedule for communication with a contact person and provide for assistance in an emergency situation.

The activities the employee will be doing need to be assessed for their level of risk; higher risk activities require shorter times between communication with the contact person. The result will be a written plan for

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working alone in a specific site.

4.04 The working alone plan shall be signed and dated by both the Employing Authority and the employee who is required to work alone.

4.05 The Employing Authority shall give a copy of the plan to each employee who is required to work alone, and that employee’s supervisor.

4.06 The Employing Authority and the employee shall comply with the plan.

EXAMPLE 3: (Prince Edward Island)

Working Alone Procedure Template

Working alone in certain circumstances, situations, or environments can increase the risk to the health and safety of the worker. Special arrangements must be made to minimize this risk, especially after normal working hours, as these circumstances pose an additional risk to life and property.

Where a worker is working alone, the employer shall develop and implement written procedures to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of the worker from risks arising out of, or in connection with, the work assigned.

1

Written procedures developed shall include the following information: (a) the name, address, location and telephone number of the workplace; (b) the name, address, location and telephone number of the employer; (c) the nature of the business conducted at the workplace; (d) identification of the possible risks to each worker working alone that arise from or (e) in connection with the work assigned; (f) the steps to be followed to minimize the risks identified in (d); (g) details of the means by which a worker who is working alone can secure, and the (h) employer can provide assistance in the event of injury or other circumstances that may endanger the health or safety of the worker.

2

The steps referred to in 1(e) shall • specify the time intervals for checking on the worker. Higher risk activities require shorter time intervals between communications with the contact person; • specify the person responsible for contacting the worker and recording the results of the contact • outline the process to be followed if the worker cannot be contacted, including provisions for an emergency rescue; and • provide for checking with the worker at the end of the worker’s shift.

• It is strongly recommended that handling of hazardous substances or performing hazardous activities be prohibited when the worker is working alone.

• Work involving entry into confined spaces must never be conducted alone.

3

Communicate the site-specific Working Alone Policy to all workers under their jurisdiction and ensure understanding and compliance with the policy.

4

Maintain documentation of the site specific Working Alone Plans and requirements within each department.

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Working Alone Plan Template Worker’s Name: Worker’s Phone (Office): Worker’s Job Title: Supervisor: Supervisor’s Phone (Office/Other): Contact Person: Contact Person’s Phone #(s): Department: Worksite (Name, Address, Location): It is the responsibility of the supervisor to identify any hazardous agents or activities which arise from the conditions and circumstances of the worker’s work.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OR PERFORMING HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES BE PROHIBITED WHEN A WORKER IS WORKING ALONE. WORK INVOLVING ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACES MUST NEVER BE CONDUCTED ALONE. What are the conditions or circumstances under which the employee is required to work alone: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Types of duties to be conducted stating limitations/prohibitions: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Identify hazardous activities the worker may perform while working alone: Cash Handling Duties; Heavy Physical Labour Use Ladders, Scaffolding Work with Animals Work at isolated areas

Work with Hazardous Substances “ Work with Heavy Machinery Work with High Electrical Currents Work with Power Tools Work with Equipment under Pressure or Vacuum

Other activities not listed above: Personal Protective Equipment required: Is the employee trained in the proper use of appropriate person protective equipment and work procedures?

Yes ___ No ___ Schedule for contacting the employee: Plan to assist the employee in case of an emergency: The working alone plan must be complied with by both the Employing Authority and the Employee. The working alone plan must be reviewed annually or more often if necessary.

Records must be maintained of contact times and a check at the end of the work shift must be done.

SIGNATURE OF EMPLOYING AUTHORITY

SIGNATURE OF WORKER

DATE *For more information see Chapter 19 Workplace Violence NSC Programs and Administration 13th Edition *NOTE: the NSC concludes that workplace violence includes the same high risk factors as working alone or remotely.

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APPENDIX *This Appendix contains references to Standards that may be of value to the CRSP

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and National Standards (CAN) CSA Z1000, Occupational Health and Safety management CSA Z1001-13 Occupational Health and Safety Training will provide the essentials of managing a health and safety training program and a way to recognize OHS training practices. The Standard will help organizations evaluate potential training programs and assist with the selection and evaluation of training providers.

CSA Z1002-12 Occupational Injury Risk Management (under development) CSA Z1006-10 Management of work in confined spaces This Standard specifies requirements for (a) establishing and maintaining a confined space management program in accordance with OHSMS principles; (b) the roles and responsibilities of the management representative, entry team, and emergency response team; (c) management of external service providers; (d) identification and designation of confined spaces; (e) design and engineering of confined spaces; (f) hazard identification and risk assessment relating to work in confined spaces; (g) management and control of hazards and risks associated with work in confined spaces; (h) general safety procedures for confined spaces; (i) personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment used for work in confined spaces; (j) emergency plans for rescuing workers in confined spaces; (k) training for work in confined spaces; and (l) determining fitness for work in confined spaces. *At the time of publication, confined space legislation differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in Canada. It is the user's responsibility to determine how applicable legislative requirements relate to this Standard.

CAN/CSA-Z12885.12 Nanotechnologies — Exposure control program for engineered nanomaterials in occupational settings The CSA Technical Committee published the Standard in 2013. See ASF20 for more information.

CSA Z432-04 (R2014) Machine Safeguarding Describes varies requirements for safe operation for machines. Some machines included are suspended equipment, power presses, and power forging machinery. Safeguarding of machinery identifies Categories in hazard analysis.

CAN/CSA-Z460-13 Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout Specify requirements and performance objectives for procedures, techniques, designs, and methods to protect personnel from injury from the inadvertent release of hazardous energy.

Z462-12 Workplace electrical safety Z463-13 Maintenance of electrical systems (under development) Describes safe work procedures, use of energy control systems, and personal protective equipment around the hazardous electrical equipment Z316.5-04 (R2014) Fume Hoods and Associated Exhaust Systems Describes safe work procedures using chemicals in exhaust fume hoods CSA Z142-10 Power Press Operation A Code for health, safety and guarding requirements

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CAN/CSA Z434-03 (R2013) Industrial robotics The standard applies to the manufacture, remanufacture, rebuild, installation, safeguarding, maintenance and repair, testing and start-up, and personnel training requirements for industrial robots and robot systems. * New edition coming soon* CAN/CSA B335-04 (R2012) Lift trucks The CSA standard covers lift truck safety and how to minimize the risk of injuries to workers. Elements of a lift truck safety program and areas such as lift truck design, construction, maintenance, inspection, safe operation.

B167-08(2014) Overhead travelling cranes Overhead travelling cranes and other equipment having like characteristics are used to lift and move materials. The CSA standard covers design, inspection, testing, maintenance, and safe operation of these devices.

CAN/CSA Z248-04(R2009); Z150-11; Z150.3-11; including Tower, mobile, articulating boom cranes The CSA crane standards cover machines used in construction to raise and lower loads that are suspended from a boom. Depending on type, cranes may be mobile or fixed in position.

Z969 Sign crane trucks (under development) Agricultural Machinery 45 different standards Various Standards on Agricultural Equipments such as ROPS, Mining Machine, Tractors, Towed Equipment, Front-end Loader and Wheeled Tractors.

CSA B51-09 Boiler and Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code This code applies to all boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping and fittings. Provincial and Territorial legislation will prevail.

Forestry Equipment 6 standards are listed Standards in the forestry equipment program apply to machinery that is used not only in the forestry but also for earthmoving and for agricultural tractors.

CAN3-Z11-12 Portable ladders This Standard cover single-section, multiple section and combination ladders but does not cover special purpose ladders or ladder accessories such as levellers, stabilizers or stand-off devices, ladder jacks or ladder straps or hooks that may be installed on or used in conjunction with ladders.

Z797-2014 Scaffolding The purpose of this Standard is to provide criteria for the erection, use, and inspection of scaffolds and for the training of workers and users of such equipment to prevent personal injuries and accidents.

Elevated Work Platforms 4 standards are listed under CAN/CSA-B354.1-04(2011): B354.2-01(2013): B354.4.02 (2013) and B354.5-07(2011) Portable elevating work platforms, self-propelled elevating work platforms, self-propelled boom supported elevating work platforms, mast-climbing work platforms and CAN/CSA-Z271-10 for suspended platforms.

The CSA elevating work platform standards cover units that are used indoors or out; are manual or powered; and remain stationary or can travel with the platform in the elevated position.

CAN/CSA-C225-10 Vehicle mounted aerial devices Aerial devices are used by workers to control the risks of working at height and proximity to live electrical equipment. This equipment is used to construct and maintain electrical distribution.

CAN/CSA-Z731-03 (R2014) Emergency preparedness and response Z1600-08 Emergency management and business continuity programs Integrates emergency management and business continuity programs and helps organizations, business and other private and public entities develop an emergency management program.

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Z795-03 (R2013) Coding of injury and disease information It provides a consistent method of recording and classifying information about work related injuries and diseases. It sets out a coding structure for information about the nature of an injury and a disease. This information may be used to make comparisons, identify trends, and help determine issues for further study. The standard establishes a coding system about injuries and diseases related to employment; provides guidance on using statistical information, making comparisons and identifying trends.

CAN/CSA-Z259 Fall Protection This section contains standards and guidelines on fall protection devices and systems. It also addresses engineering advice for the design and installation of fall protection systems There are 13 standards and Codes under the broad description of fall prevention, restraint, arresters, lifelines, self retracting devices, descent devices, body harnesses, energy absorbers, lanyards, etc.

CAN\CSA Z259.16-04 (R2009) Active Fall Protection; CAN/CSA Z259.11-05 (R2010) Energy absorption and Lanyards, CAN/CSA Z259.13-04(2009) Flexible horizontal lifeline systems.

Z94.3-07(2014) Eye and Face Protectors This Standard applies to eye and face protectors used in all occupational and educational operations or processes involving hazards to the eyes or face. This Standard applies to eye and face protectors used in all occupational and educational operations or processes involving hazards to the eyes or fact. Typical hazards include flying objects and particles, splashing liquids, molten metal and ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation. It does not include X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy particulate radiation, radioactive materials, lasers, or masers.

Z195.1-02 Protective footwear This Standard deals with new protective footwear and includes requirements for two grades of toe impact resistance, special requirements for sole plate performance, metatarsal protection, electric-shock protection, sole flex durability, conductivity and chainsaw protection.

CAN/CSA-Z94.2-02 (R2011) Hearing Protection Devices, performance, selection, care and use CAN/CSA-Z180.1-00(R2010) Respirators CAN/CSA-Z94.4-11 This Standard sets out requirements for the proper selection, use, and care of respirators and for the administration of an effective respiratory protection program in the workplace CAN/CSA Z434-03(R2013) General safety requirements Industrial Robots (New Edition coming soon) Clearly outlines the requirements for industrial robot manufacture, remanufacture, and rebuild.

• Includes safeguarding methods to enhance the safety of personnel • Includes robot system integration/installation • Provides guidance on personnel training requirements CAN/CSA-Z94-1-05; Industrial protective headwear This Standard applies to protective headwear for industrial, construction, mining, utility, and forestry workers. This standard does not apply to bump caps, firefighting helmets, rescue helmets, crash helmets, sports and recreation helmets and riot control helmets.

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Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines (CBSG) 1st Edition 2013

Standards Council of Canada (SCC) Laboratory Accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025 medical testing laboratories to ISO 15189 and proficiency testing providers to ISO/IEC 17043.

Health Canada The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Canada has worked with other countries to harmonize existing hazard communication systems on chemicals in order to develop a single, globally harmonized system to address classification of chemicals according to their hazards and communicate the related information through labels and safety data sheets.

After more than a decade of work, the global system, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), was adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2003.

This GHS system is ready for worldwide implementation. Many countries, including Canada, are beginning the task of harmonizing existing regulatory regimes within the GHS framework. In Canada, various working groups have been meeting since 2003 to design the framework of the GHS which will affect WHMIS, Pesticides, Transportation of Hazardous Goods, Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Products Regulations. Health Canada is coordinating the Canadian efforts.

See ASF 9 for more detail.

American National Standards Institute: ANSI American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME ANSI/AIHA/ASSE Z10-2012 Occupational health and safety management systems ANSI/ASME B.20.1 Safety Standards for Conveyors and related equipment ANSI B11.TR3-2000 Risk assessment and reduction associated with machine tools ANSI B11.1 – 2009 Mechanical Power Presses ANSI B11.2 – 2013 Hydraulic Power Presses ANSI B11.3 – 2012 Power Brake Presses ANSI B11.4 – 2003 (R2013) Shears ANSI B56.5 – 2003 Guided Industrial Vehicles and Automated Manned Industrial Vehicles ANSI Z358.1- 2004 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code 2013 design, fabrication, testing and installation of boilers and unfired pressure vessels, Laws, Rules and Regulations in States, Cities, Counties and Provinces of the United States and Canada.

NBIC National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors Code 2013 governs the inspection, repair and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels after they are placed into service in 50 States, and all Canadian Provinces.

Code of Federal Regulations (US) CFR (Standards – 29) Part 1910.147 OSHA– Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (lockout/tagout)