Compressed Gas-Safe Handling and Use

Compressed gases are dangerous must be handled and used only by trained employees. Employers must inform employees about chemical hazards through a hazard communication program, labels, and other forms of warnings. Always consult the gas manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for specific information.

 

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• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are clearly identified. Labels must not be defaced or removed. Do not accept or use containers whose content labels are not legible. Instead, separate the containers and return them to the supplier. Do not use the container’s color to identify the cylinder’s content and do not repaint the container. All gas lines leading from a compressed gas supply must be clearly labeled or identified in compliance with the standard requirements.

 

• Leave valve protection caps in place (if provided) until cylinders are secured and connected for use. Some types of gas cylinders have valve outlet caps and plugs that form a gas-tight seal. Keep the device on the valve outlet except when containers are secured and connected.

 

• Keep cylinder valves closed except when the cylinder is being used. Closing the valve isolates the cylinder’s contents from the surrounding atmosphere and prevents corrosion and contamination of the valve. When opening a cylinder valve, stand so that the valve outlet is pointed away from yourself and all other employees. Open valves slowly.

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• Never tamper with or alter cylinders, valves, or safety-relief devices. Do not tighten connections or leaking fittings or attempt other repairs while the system is under pressure.

 

• Do not subject cylinders to artificially low temperatures or temperatures above 125 F. Do not place them next to heat sources or allow a flame to contact any part of the cylinder.

 

• Do not place cylinders where they become part of an electric circuit or use them as a ground during electric welding.

 

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• Transferring compressed gases from one cylinder to another should be performed only by the gas supplier or by personnel familiar with the hazards. They must be trained and qualified to use the proper trans fill equipment and must have detailed written operating procedures that include equipment inspections and maintenance procedures. Non-refillable cylinders cannot be refilled.

 

• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders. Do not lift cylinders by the caps. Firmly secure the cylinder and move with a suitable hand truck, lift truck, with a cradle or platform. Do not use lifting magnets. Slings, ropes, or chains are acceptable if the cylinder is equipped by the manufacturer with lifting attachments. Never drop cylinders or strike them against one another or other surfaces.

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WORK SAFELY IN EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHES

Excavating or trenching work is one of the highly dangerous work in the construction industry and it may lead to death or severe injuries if not carried out safely.  The various hazards presented by this work include burial, falls from height or being struck by objects falling into the excavation, drowning, striking underground services (e.g. gas, electricity and water), as well as asphyxiation or poisoning caused by fumes entering the excavation.

To reduce these risks, adequate precaution measures should be taken to include:

• Checking for underground services before work commences with proper preplanning of the excavation work

• Shoring of the excavation sides or ensuring they are at a suitable angle to prevent the sides collapsing or material falling onto workers in the excavation or trench. Shoring to be done as per the standard requirements.

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Measures to prevent persons, materials or objects falling into the excavation or trench or the inrush of water into the excavation / trench.

• Maintaining an atmosphere fit for respiration

• Measures to enable workers to leave the excavation or trench safely. Ensure employees are trained on the emergency preparedness and required resources in place.

• Avoiding vehicular traffic near the excavations or trenches or ensuring it is kept to a minimum. Provide the hard barricading in the area, ensure safe traffic management.

The sides of the excavation or trench should be supported by timbering or other suitable means or sloped and battered back to a safe angle of repose to prevent a collapse. The type of support necessary and angle of repose will depend upon the type of excavation, the nature of the ground and the groundwater conditions.

To avoid the risk of workers falling into the excavation or trench, suitable barriers (double guard rails) should be erected to prevent falls. Place required signage to alert the workers for the hazards exist.

ATTENTION: Shoring or other means of supporting excavations and trenches should be conducted under the supervision of a competent person. The removal of any supporting mechanisms should also be conducted under the supervision of a competent person.

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Before beginning an excavation:

• All work should be planned and the method of excavation and the appropriate type of support identified. Risk assessment to be done with the team and all team members should aware of the hazards and control measures to be implemented.

• The stability of the ground should be verified by a competent person

• A competent person should check that the excavation will not affect adjoining buildings, structures or roadways.

• The position of all the public utilities such as underground sewers, gas pipes, water pipes and overhead electrical powerline conductors should be verified

• If necessary, the gas, water, electrical and other public utilities should be disconnected or rerouted. The workplace general arrangement drawing to be checked and verified with the workplace.

• If underground pipes, cable conductors, etc., cannot be rerouted or disconnected, they should be fenced, supported and adequately marked or otherwise protected. The checking to be done with the required tools to ensure the safe condition.

• If necessary, land should be cleared of trees, boulders and other obstructions

• An analysis of possible contamination of the land by harmful chemicals or gases, or by any hazardous waste material such as asbestos should be made

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The collapse of the sides can result from:

• An angle of inclination greater than the natural angle of slope

• An increase in weight due to overloads in the areas bordering the ridges of the slope

• Infiltration of water

• Vibrations due to machinery or vehicles

• Existence of overloads in neighboring areas

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To avoid the collapse preventive measures should be taken:

• Change (decrease) the slope of the sides of the excavation

• Prevent water from infiltrating (drainage systems)

• Install blankets to protect the embankment structures (mortar / concrete)

• Avoid vibration and overloads

• Regularly inspect the slope and the surrounding areas

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Electrical Safety Do’s & Don'ts

Do’s

Do plug power equipment into wall receptacles with power switches in the OFF position.

Do unplug electrical equipment by grasping the plug and then pulling. Do not pull or jerk the cord to unplug the equipment.

Do check the receptacle for missing or damaged parts.

Do check for defective cord clamps at locations where the power cord enters the equipment for the attachment plug.

Isolate the electrical power supply and do the LOTO before starting the electrical works.

Ensure the electrical tools are double insulated.

Ensure the cable insulation are in good condition.

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Ensure the healthiness of electrical tools and instruments before the use.

Use electrical measuring instruments are calibrated by the competent agency.

Engage only authorized electrical personnel for the electrical works.

Maintenance personnel should know the location of electrical circuit breaker panels that control equipment and lighting in their respective areas. Circuits and equipment’s disconnects must be identified.

Use all the required Personal Protective Equipment like Electrical Insulating Gloves, Safety Shoe and Helmet etc

Use a danger tag on any electrical equipment which causes shocks or has high leakage.

Use the tools confirming the national/international standards. Do not buy low quality electrical tools and instruments.

Provide the Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) for the Human Safety. Ensure the working condition by periodic inspection.

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Don’ts

Do not overload the circuits.

Do not drape power cords over hot pipes, radiators or sharp objects.

Do not plug equipment into defective receptacles.

Do not use damaged tools and instruments.

Do not work without the required PPE.

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Do not use non standard plugs, extension cords with junction box receptacle ends or other unsafe equipment.

Do not use consumer electrical equipment or appliances if not properly grounded.

Do not engage unauthorized persons in electrical works.

Do not work in live electrical supply.

Do not store materials temporarily or permanently within 3 feet of any electrical panel or electrical equipment.

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Causes of Cave-ins

Soil properties often vary widely from the top to the bottom and along the length of a trench. Many factors such as cracks, water, vibration, weather, and previous excavation can affect trench stability. Time is also a critical factor. Some trenches will remain open for a long period, then suddenly collapse for no apparent reason.

The main factors affecting trench stability are soil type, moisture, vibration, surcharge, previous excavation, existing foundations, and weather.

 

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Moisture content

The amount of moisture in the soil has a great effect on soil strength.

Once a trench is dug, the sides of the open excavation are exposed to the air. Moisture content of the soil begins to change almost immediately and the strength of the walls may be affected.

The longer an excavation is open to the air, the greater the risk of a cave-in.

Vibration

Vibration from various sources can affect trench stability.

Often trench walls are subject to vibration from vehicular traffic or from construction operations such as earth moving, compaction, pile driving, and blasting. These can all contribute to the collapse of trench walls.

 

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Surcharge

A surcharge is an excessive load or weight that can affect trench stability.

For instance, excavated soil piled next to the trench can exert pressure on the walls.

Placement of spoil piles is therefore important. Spoil should be kept as far as is practical from the edge of the trench. Mobile equipment and other material stored close to the trench also add a surcharge that will affect trench stability. One meter from the edge to the toe of the spoil pile is the minimum distance requirement. The distance should be greater for deeper trenches.

Previous excavation

Old utility trenches either crossing or running parallel to the new trench can affect the strength and stability. Soil around and between these old excavations can be very unstable. At best it is considered Type 3 soil — loose, soft, and low in internal strength. In some unusual circumstances it may be Type 4 — wet, muddy, and unable to support itself. This kind of soil will not stand up unless it is sloped or shored.

 

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Existing foundations

Around most trenches and excavations there is a failure zone where surcharges, changes in soil condition, or other disruptions can cause collapse.

When the foundation of a building adjacent to the trench or excavation extends into this failure zone, the result can be a cave-in. Soil in this situation is usually considered Type 3.

Weather

Rain, melting snow, thawing earth, and overflow from adjacent streams, storm drains, and sewers all produce changes in soil conditions. In fact, water from any source can reduce soil cohesion. Frozen soil does not mean that you can have reduced shoring or that a heavier load can be supported. Frost extends to a limited depth only.

 

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SAFETY HINTS FOR HOT WORK ON TANKS & DRUMS

It is assumed that you are already familiar with the correct procedures for welding, brazing or gas cutting. If you are in any doubt, you should obtain training from Occupational Safety & Health Officer on Welding Safety.

Here are the main safety rules to observe in Welding:

CLOTHING

•        Always wear industrial overalls and eye protection during welding and cutting work. Keep overalls fastened up to your neck and round your wrists.

•        Wear safety footwear if you are handling heavy drums or tanks. Wear gloves or gauntlets while arc welding to protect against shock, burns and radiation burns.

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EQUIPMENT

•        Make sure all equipment is in good order.

•        Make sure flashback arrestors are fitted to gas welding gear.

•        Beware of leaking hoses and connections which are not gas tight.

•        Check insulation of all cables on electric arc welding gear.

•        Do not arc weld in wet conditions.

•        Use an isolating transformer with all portable electrical equipment.

•        Make sure welding screens are erected to protect others from ultraviolet radiation.

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VENTILATION

•        Make sure your work area is well ventilated. The ultraviolet light from welding converts oxygen in the air around you to ozone, which initiates the lungs. There are also toxic substances in fluxes, filler rods, coatings and cleaning agents. Other poisonous fumes are produced by welding or cutting metal coated with paint, resin or varnish.

BURNS

•        Always cool down hot metal or mark it with chalk if there is a chance someone could accidentally touch it.

FIRE PREVENTION

•        Keep a fire extinguisher handy, particularly when working on containers with a coating of flammable material such as paint.

•        Keep the work area free of flammable liquids and wastes or piles of rubbish in which sparks could smolder.

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ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

•        Severe explosions and fires may occur when welding, cutting, brazing or soldering is carried out on fuel tanks, drums and similar vessels that have previously held flammable materials.

•        Many substances not usually thought of as explosive, or flammable may be dangerous.

•        The only way for hot work to be done safely is for the vessel to be thoroughly cleaned by washing, boiling or steaming as appropriate and the interior carefully checked for residual traces of the substance.

•        As an additional precaution, the tank should be inert by filling it with water, steam or an inert gas.

•        Hot work has its own set of hazards. Make sure you know and follow the safety rules at all times.

•        Always wear and use the protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the task.

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•        Avoid hot work on potentially dangerous drums wherever possible, e.g. by using mechanical tools.

•        If one compartment of a two-compartment tank has to be repaired or cut, both compartments need to be made safe. The common example is a tractor fuel tank, which contains a main compartment for oil and a small one for petrol.

•        Never use an empty drum, tank or container as a work platform or as a support for hot work. The torch flame or sparks may ignite vapors or solid residues inside it. Either use a proper support or clean the container first as described in this booklet.

•        As well as the explosion risks described here, you should also remember the risk of fires. A sudden spurt of flames from filler pipes or other openings can obviously be dangerous.

Another danger is that burning material, e.g. flammable liquids may be sprayed on to the clothing of people nearby.

•        Never enter a tank or vat to carry out cleaning or hot work. Any work in confined spaces is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by inexperienced people. 

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