RULES FOR SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS

1. Know the hazards and characteristics of the chemicals you use, and how to   deal with them. Consult the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of each chemical.

2. Segregate all incompatible chemicals for proper storage of chemicals for hazard class codes. In other words, store like chemicals together and away from other groups of chemicals that might cause reactions if mixed.

3. Flammable materials should be stored in an approved, dedicated, flammable materials storage cabinet or room.

4. Label and date all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of all chemicals properly.

5. Liquids should be stored in unbreakable or double-contained packaging, or the storage cabinet should have the capacity to hold the contents if the container breaks.

6. Wear proper personal protective equipment like aprons, lab coats, gloves, safety goggles and face shield when handling hazardous chemicals.

7. Be aware of all emergency procedures including spillage, fire fighting and building evacuation plans.

8. Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin or eyes. Use emergency eyewash and/or shower whenever necessary immediately.

9. Chemicals should be stored no higher than eye level and never on the top shelf of a storage unit.

10. Shelf assemblies should be firmly secured to the walls to prevent any kind of collapsing or tumbling.

11. Look for unusual conditions in chemical storage areas, such as:

    * Improper storage of chemicals

    * Leaking or deteriorating containers

    * Spilled chemicals

    * Temperature extremes (too hot or cold in storage area)

    * Lack of or low lighting levels

    * Blocked exits or aisles

    * Lack of security

    * Waste accumulation

    * Smoking or open lights or matches

    * Fire equipment blocked, broken, missing or due for service

    * Lack of safety signs (e.g. No Smoking, Flammable Liquids, Corrosives, etc.)

Inspections of chemical storage areas on a routine basis will help to correct deficiencies and prevent accidents. Any hazardous conditions or anomaly found should be corrected immediately.

KEY FACTS ABOUT CONFINED SPACES

What Is A Confined Space?
A confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning. 

A confined space exhibits these types of characteristics:

1. Is large enough and configured such that an employee can bodily enter and perform work

2. Has limited openings for entry and exit;

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy;

4. Has the potential for a hazardous atmosphere that may include the lack of or too much oxygen, and/or the presence of toxic or explosive vapors or gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane; and/or 

5. Has physical safety hazards such as machinery, sources of electrical shocks, liquids (drowning or fires), steam (burn hazard), or loose, unstable materials that can cause employees to be trapped, crushed, or buried.  

Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to: fuel tanks, manholes, water reservoirs, sewer pipes, pumping stations, boilers, silos, storage bins, tunnels, ballast tanks, grit chambers, utility tunnels, crawl spaces under floors, holding tanks, pits, and sumps.

Why Are Confined Spaces Deadly?

Confined Space Entry is one of the most dangerous jobs around. Confined spaces are deceiving and often appear to be harmless. Danger signs are often not apparent and the space may have been entered before without incident. Never assume that conditions have not changed and that the space is safe for entry at all times.

Entering a confined space without following all required procedures and having an effective emergency rescue plan can result in serious injuries or death.  More than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers. 

When is Atmospheric Testing Required?

Atmospheric testing is required using a multi-gas tester every time an employee enters a permit required confined space containing, or having the potential to contain an atmospheric hazard. 

Confined or enclosed spaces should be tested for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants to ensure that the parameters are within defined safe limits before entry permit is approved.

Regulations on confined space require all employers to have:

i. A written confined space plan, including recognizing and marking all confined spaces on site

ii. Procedures to test and monitor the air inside confined spaces before and during all employee entries

iii. Procedures to prevent unauthorized entries and to have an attendant outside the space at all times

iv. Effective controls of all existing atmospheric or safety hazards inside the confined space

v. Employee and supervisor training on safe work procedures, hazard controls, and rescue procedures

          vi. Effective emergency rescue procedures

SAFETY TIPS FOR A NIGHT OUT

- Always plan your going out with people you know and stay in the company of trusted friends.

- Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from a stranger. If a drink tastes unusual or smells odd do not drink it. Keep your thumb over your bottle neck between sips.

- Keep your possessions, mobile phones and other devices securely in your pocket or handbag.

- Don’t be pressured into drinking, especially if you are to drive back home. If you must drink, then know your limit and stay within it. Don’t get drunk, your judgement would be impaired.

- On the road, try not to draw attention to yourself by looking lost.

- Don't walk home alone. Stick to the main roads and try to avoid shortcuts and dark areas.

- Be aware of what’s happening around you and don’t use your earphones on the way home.

- Always make sure you have enough money for a taxi home, don’t spend it on that last drink of the night.

- When you get out of the taxi, always check the seat where you’ve been sitting, something precious could be left behind.

- Remember to lock all doors behind you on your way in – it’s easy to forget.

THE BENEFITS OF RISK ASSESSMENT

1. Optimal Productivity- If a positive safety culture exist in an organisation where hazards eliminated and employees are provided with proper workings tools to safely complete tasks, productivity and the quality of the work completed will be higher. Employees should be properly trained on how to do their jobs safely in order to ensure optimal productivity.

2. Creating Awareness - Assessment of risk would enhance health and safety awareness and minimise risks. Working practices can be changed or updated in line with modern developments to make them safer and minimise risks. The assessment might indicate the need for more relevant training to update the skills of employees.

3. Employees Satisfaction- Providing a safe, healthy and stress-free workplace will result in positive employee attitudes, and a stronger commitment to the goals of the company. Safety at work is a major concern for employees.

4. Competent Employees- When people make their decisions regarding where to work, organisations that are known for their commitment to safety in the workplace are likely to be more attractive options for employees.

5. Cost Saving - Fewer injuries lead to fewer costs. Fewer incidents lead to a lesser chance of law suits, fines or penalties from regulatory authorities. Accidents and ill-health inflict significant costs, often hidden and underestimated.

6. Positive Image- Staying away from negative publicity will put you in the good books with the public, but it also increases opportunity for your company. When an organisation is seen as committed to safety, other businesses will want to be associated with your brand.

The Benefits of Training for Employees

Safety Culture

When new employees join a company, they should be given an immediate sense that the organisation places a high priority on maintaining a positive safety culture in the workplace. One way to do this is to have everyone, from low to senior level workers, participate in safety orientation programmes. Employees should also learn about safety training through detailed policies and procedures laid out by the company.

Addressing Weaknesses

Most employees have some weaknesses in their workplace skills. A training programme allows you to strengthen those skills that each employee needs to improve. A development program brings all employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and knowledge. This helps reduce any weak links within the company who rely heavily on others to complete basic work tasks. Providing the necessary training creates an overall knowledgeable staff with employees who can take over for one another as needed, work on teams or work independently without constant help and supervision from others.

Improved Employee Performance

Employees who receive the necessary training are better able to perform their jobs. They become more aware of safety practices and proper procedures for basic tasks. The training may also build the employees confidence because they have a stronger understanding of the industry and the responsibilities of their job. This confidence may push them to perform even better and think of new ideas that help them excel. Continuous training also keeps your employees on the cutting edge of industry developments. Employees who are competent and on top of changing industry standards help your company hold a position as a leader and strong competitor within the industry.

Consistency

A structured training and development programme ensures that employees have a consistent experience and background knowledge. The consistency is particularly relevant for the company's basic policies and procedures. All employees need to be aware of the expectations and procedures within the company. This includes safety, discrimination and administrative tasks. Putting all employees through regular training in these areas ensures that all staff members at least have exposure to the information.

Employee Satisfaction

Employees with access to training and development programmes have the advantage over employees in other companies who are left to seek out training opportunities on their own. The investment in training that a company makes shows the employees that they are valued. The training creates a supportive workplace. Employees may gain access to training they wouldn't have otherwise known about or sought out themselves. Employees who feel appreciated and challenged through training opportunities may feel more satisfaction toward their jobs.

MAKING MOCKERY OF SAFETY SLOGANS

NOT ABIDING BY YOUR GOAL!

NOT A GOOD WAY TO BEGIN!

NOT THINKING AT ALL! 

ARE YOU SURE?

STRESS - INTERESTING FACTS AND HOW TO MANAGE IT

Stress is the human body’s natural response to any change in the environment that requires an action, reaction, or adjustment to what’s normal. How a person handles it very much defines stress for that person.

Here are interesting facts about stress:

1. According to an opinion poll, the major cause for stress in nearly all countries surveyed is money.

2. Bringing up a family in a highly developed and urbanized city – where everyone has to put up with the high costs of living, rising crime rate, traffic congestion and air pollution, is highly stressful.

3. Stress is one of the main factors causing insomnia and other sleep disorders. When stressors are present, the body naturally heightens its response system, thus, leading to wakefulness.

4. Stress causes chest pain, high cholesterol, cardiac problems, depression, and a host of assorted problems. It is not the culprit that causes gray hair; but it does cause hair loss.

5. A stressor, the stimulus that causes stress which can be real or imagined, can affect a person in a short term (acute) or over long periods (chronic).

6. Stress poses a great threat for diabetes and heart attack by altering blood sugar levels. This can cause fatigue, impulsive mood changes, and hyperglycemia.

7. Reaction to stress makes the blood thicker and more viscous which can lead to a blood clot. Powerful hormones, intended for urgent situations only, flood the brain and can kill healthy brain cells.

8. Stress triggers blood vessels to close, thereby reducing profuse bleeding from a flesh wound. The term stress means to draw tight, which originated from the Latin word stringere.

9. Extremely loud noises can cause acoustic stress that can spark off a spell of Long QT Syndrome – a heart disorder.

10. Stress is interconnected with the topmost causes of death globally: accidents, cancer, heart disease, suicide, lung disorders, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Managing Stress

1. Laughter is usually the best natural medicine. It lowers levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine, which are stress-aggravating hormones; and it releases feel-good hormones, such as, dopamine. 

2. Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.

3. Eat healthy. Avoid too much sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

4. Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

5. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

6. Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

7. Ask yourself what you can do about the sources of your stress. Think through the pros and cons. Take action where you can.

8. Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

9. Chewing gum eases, not only the jaw, but stress as well. Ancient Mayans and Greeks chomped on resin gum; stress sure had been around a long time.