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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