Chapter 15
CHAPTER NO.15 SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Industrilization has resulted in establishment of
inmmerable smaller and larger industrial units across the world. Millions of
people work in these industries and handle varied jobs involving opera-tion,
production and maintenance activities. While discharging their duties, they
encounter the pos-sible danger of major and minor accidents. Generally, these
accidents are the result of unsafe work-
ing environment, human carelessness, unsafe actions
and different (physical, chemical, mechanical,electrical, biological, radiation
and psychological) occupational hazards. Every year a large mumber of
industrial workers suffer death or disability due to these accidents.
Now-a-days serious attention
is being paid to prevent industrial accidents and
control different types of hazards at work place.Industrial safety has been
recognized as an important aspect of industrial management. If an organi-zation
does not undertake appropriate saftey measures, there are chances of industrial
accidents. On
the other hand, a safe work environment not only
reduces causalties but it also proves as a great motivating factor for workers.
It enchances the productivity of an industry. In this concem, adequate
light, ventilation, cleanliness and good
housekeeping should be regarded as important components of a safe work
environment.
ADEQUATE LIGHT
As a form of energy, light stimulates sensory cells
of our eyes and produces vision. While performing any activity an individual
worker depends more on sight than on the other senses of the
body. Inadequate light at work place makes a man
partial blind and may result in causalties, Hence,in order to ensure a safe
work environment, all walkways and work areas in an industrial plant
should be properly illuminated, The effect of light
depends both upon its intensity and quality, Inten-sity of light should be
sufficient to enable the workers to operate machines, handle different tools
and move freely without experiencing any eye strain. Human eye is unable to
accommodate sudden
changes in light intensity, It is desirable that the
intensity of light should be somewhat uniform at
different adjacent sites in an industrial plant. A contrasting difference of
intensity at two neighbouring sites may interfere with normal vision and thus prove
fatal. Natural light from the sun is preferred.
Lights should be positioned at proper sites and
light switches should be easily accessible. Misadjusted
reflectors or other reflecting surfaces may produce
glare that may lead to an accident, Unshaded light sources installed directly
in line of vision also produce strong glare. Exposure of fluorescent lights
should be avoided. These lights produce headache, eye strain, eye irritation,
stress and fatigue. Ex-posure to very strong fluorescent lights may result in
skin cancer and allergies. Similarly, flickering lights may cause hyperactivity
and eye strain. A poor arrangement of lighting system can also cause electric
shocks, burns, fires and slips from elevated surfaces. The defective lights,
light fittings, and
cabling should be immediately repaired or replaced.
An industrial unit may have to have a sudden power supply cut or failure of
lights due to some technical faults. Under such conditions, provision of
VENTILATION
The major aim of ventilation is to keep the air
inside an enclosed space or room fresh and pure.Different work areas inside an
industrial plant or office should be well ventilated. Proper ventilation is
very essential if the manufacturing process in an industry gives rise to smoke,
dust, fumes etc. In lack of sufficient ventilation, the level of carbon dioxide
inside an enclosed work place increases due to
respiration or other processes. At the same time,
the heat generated by machines is not dissipated and the temperature of the
work place starts rising. Moisture, smoke, impurities, dust and posionous fumes
released furing manufacturing processes also accumulate in the work area. All
these factors
make the work area uncomfortable and unsafe. This
reduces the working efficiency of the employees and may also lead to serious
health hazards. The employees may become victims of air borne disor-ders,
particularly, those of the respiratory system. Proper ventilation reduces the
fatigue of workers by creating a comfortable and safe work environment. It
provides adequate supply of oxygen or air
for respiration and also prevents accumulation of
heat, fumes, dust, impurities, moisture etc. There
are two main methods of ventilation i.e. natural and
artificial. Natural ventilation is brought about by
air entering through windows and other openings. If
it does not serve the purpose, artificial or forced
ventilation should be provided. The air inlets
should be sited at suitable positions in such a manner that incoming air is
free of impurities. In case of air conditioning system, the air should be
filtered before recirculation and some fresh air may also be added it. In order
to increase the efficiency of a
ventilation system, it must be regularly cleaned and
maintained. There should be no obstructions to air flow, near the ventilation
system.
CLEANLINESS
General cleanliness helps in creating and maintaning
a safe work environment. It increases con-centration and efficiency of workers
by providing them health friendly surroundings. Daily, weekly or monthly cleaning
procedures should be adopted for work area, rest areas, furniture, machines and
tools. Cleanliness should be considered as an integral part of the performance
duties of the staff.Bathrooms, canteen counters, dishes, floors, work tables,
small water containers, telephones, key-
boards, display monitors, control panels of machines
etc. should be cleaned on a daily basis. Paper,rubber pieces, cardboard,
plastic pieces, discarded files, tissue papers etc. should not be thrown here
and there. to litter the surroundings of a work place. There should be
sufficient number of waste
containers located at appropriate sites in canteens,
staff lounges, rest rooms and other places. To avoid injuries due to falls and
slips on wet floors, liquids spilled on the floors should be wiped up
immediately. The staff members of an industry should not consume the eatables
at their work places on dirty desks. Improper light conditions, scattered food
items, dirty bathrooms, dishes and kitchen countres may result in rapid mutliplication
of disease causing micro-orgaisms. It ultimately leads to absenteeism due to
allergies and other forms of illness. Use of disinfectants such as phenols,
acids,
alkalis, hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde can
prevent the growth and multiplication of disease causing agents. Workplaces
should be kept free from harmful insects and rodents to ensure a safe work
environment. Cleanliness of tools, machines and other equipments reduces damage
and helps
in safe handling.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping plays an important role in
preventing injuries and accidents. It is not simple cleanliness, but rather, an
orderly arrangement of things at their suitable places. Scattered
papers,products, tools and other materials at work place create a frightening
and purposeless work environ-ment. Clutter at work places, rest areas, walk
ways and storage sites results in improper use of space, whereas, good
housekeeping provides more efficient use of space and time in an office or
industry. Projecting nails, metal scraps, glass pieces, wires etc. may cause
injuries to hands or other
body parts. Poorly stacked materials may also fall
off the shelves. Misplaced toxic, reactive or inflammable materials (LPG
cylinders, diesel, kerosene, petrol etc.) may result in serious industrial
disasters, leading to severe loss of life and
property. A well planned good housekeeping coupled with general cleanliness
provides a safe, comfortable and efficient work environment. It lowers the
chances of exposure to different occupational hazards at work place.
SAFETY AWARENESS AND MANAGEMENT
The common work places include homes, laboratories,
workshops and worksites. In view of rising trend of industrial accidents,
safety awareness among workers, their family members, supervi-
sors, contractors, industrial security persons and
general public is a must for reducing casualties at these work places. In the
same concem, the National Safety Council was established on March 04,1966 at
Mumbai with an objective to generate, develop and sustain a voluntary movement
of health,safety and environment at the national level.
SAFETY PRECUATIONS AT HOME :
If necessary safety precautions are not observed at
home, certain common instruments and prac-tices may become a cause of serious
injuries. Falls from stairway and slips from wet floors may
easily result in fractures of body parts, leading to
death or disability. An injured person never retums to the earlier state of
independence. Stairways should be free of scattered objects. Liquids spilled
over the floor should be promptly wiped up. Necessary supervision and support
must be provided to elders and youngsters, while they climb up or down the
stairs. Gas stoves should be used with adequate caution. A regular inspection
of gas supply line may prevent leakage and subsequent losses
due to fire. To avoid pollution of the indoor
environment caused by chemicals sprays, smoke, dust,etc, an efficient natural
or artificial ventilation system must be introduced. If indoor pollution is not
controlled properly, it may lead to certain allergies and other health
problems. All these preventive measures make a home a safe place for working
and living.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN A LABORATORY :
Different types of laboratories in academic institutions, research centres,
hospitals and industries are places of potential accidents or hazards.
The student and employees handle different poisons,
salts, explosives, electrical equipments, glass-
ware, mnicro-organisms etc.at these work places. If
suitable safety precautions are not adopted in a laboratory, fire accidents,
toxicity, exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation may take place. One must
wear suitable apron or mask, as a protective clothings to avoid injury rising
out of radiation,acids, alkalis or heat exposure. Bottles containing different
chemicals must be labelled and located at their appropriate places (Fig 15.1)
The inflammable substances must be stored in a
separate cabinet. Fire fighting materials such as
fire extinguishers or sand filled buckets must be
kept at easily approachable points. For ensuring
proper ventilation, exhaust fans should be
installed. In a clinical diagnostic laboratory, samples of blood, sputum,
urine, semen etc. must be handled with great caution. Use of gloves, masks and
aprons is highly recommended in these laboratories,
otherwise the investigators themselves may be-
properly insulated. There should be no obstructions
in drainage system of a laboratory. Display charts conveying ‘Dos & Donts’
may also be hanged at different points in a laboratory. A first aid-box
confaining some much needed materials must be provided in laboratory.
SAFETY PRECUATIONS IN A WORKSHOP :
A workshop is a room or building where things are
made or repaired using tools and machines.Human carelessness, unsafe
activities, mechanical factors and unsafe environmental conditions are
major factors responsible for accidents occurring in
workshops. Safety precautions help in minimiz-ing frequency and magnitude of
these accidents. Periodic inspection of machines and tools is very essential to
reduce the losses due to mechanical factors. Similarly, proper conditions of
light, ventila-tion, temperature, moisture and space play a key role in
creating a safe work environment inside a workshop. In addition to these
factors, certain safety precautions must be followed by the employ-ees. They
should wear mechanical safeguards such as safety clothing, shoes, goggles,
helmet etc. for protection of different parts of body. Loose dresses should be
avoided. While operating different
machines, standard instructions should be followed
and shortcuts should not be tried. Tools should be placed at their suitable
places after use (Fig. 15.2). Misplaced hammers, screwdrives, chisels,
electric drill machines, spamners etc. may fall off
and cause injuries.
Safety covers and wire meshes fitted over moving
parts of a machine should not be removed. Elec-trical connections and
insulation should be checked at regular intervals. It should be made sure that
safety switches and limit switches of different machines are in working
condition. Power supply
should be switched off before repairing a machine.
Workers in a state of intoxication, illness and extreme fatigue should not be
allowed to work on machines. Attempts to do work at an exceedingly high speed
may prove dangerous. In order to provide prompt treatment to a worker who
suffers an
injury, a first-aid-box must be made available in a
workshop.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AT A WORKSITE :
Worlksites are places where the construction of
dams, buildings, bridges, roads etc. and activities like
mining work are in progress. At these sites both
skilled manpower and labourers work together.Poor quality of construction
material (cement, ispat, bricks, wood etc) may result in collapsing of bridges
and buildings, even before completion of construction work. In this regard,
certain standards
need to be followed. Before triggering a blast at a
dam or road construction site, the passers-by and other people working nearby
that area must be informed. If needed, labourers may be provided with body
protection devices. Regular survey of construction site, machinery engaged and
activities being
caried out is very essential to identify the
potential hazards. Crane elevator cables used for lifting heavy loads should be
regularly inspected and replaced when required. Installation of instruction
boards such as ‘Men at Work’ or ‘Work in Progress’ at suitable points also
helps in reducing accidents at worksites. Excessively long duration of work,
excessive overtime and inadequate rest
periods should be prevented. For avoiding electric
shocks and fires, electrical supply lines should be
checked to identify faulty connections and worn out
insulation. Rubber gloves and rubber mats should be used while working with
live wires. Workers should be instructed not to touch any electrical
installation in wet skin condition. There must be an adequate arragement of
first-aid and medical
facilities at a remote worksite.
SAFE HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT AND
MATERIALS :As already mentioned, no electrical
equipment or installation should be touched in wet skin condi-tion. Rubber
gloves and mats should be used while handing these equipments. Similarly, in
case of corrosive, reactive or toxic chemicals, protective clothing such as apron,
goggles and masks must be
used. Industrial activities such as welding,
grinding, chipping etc. warrant very serious attention. Heavy load handling
crane cables, winches, pulleys, ropes etc. should be regularly inspected and
main-tained. Appropriate position and posture should be taken while handling
different equipments and
materials, For safe handling of materials, there
should be no clutter or obstructions on work areas.
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
A hazard is something dangerous and likely to hurt
or damage. It can cause injury, death,disease, economic loss or environmental
deterioration. People working at home or other work places,
face many types of hazards. However, by adopting
suitable safety precautions at a work place, these hazards can be minimized to
a considerable extent. The major occupational hazards are briefly de-scribed
here :
PHYSICAL HAZARDS:
These hazards are associated with environmental
conditions such as light, hunnidity, ventilation,suspended particulate matter
(SPM), noise level etc. Improper illumination may result in slips on floors and
falls from elevated surfaces. Unfavourable conditions of temperature and
humidity de-crease the working efficiency of employees. Accumulation of
different types of pollutants like smoke,metal particles, dust and other
contaminant induce several health disorders, more particularly of the
respiratory system. Suspended particulate matter entering the lungs may cause
bronchitis, asthma,
cardiovascular diseases etc. Some of the air
pollutants accumulated at work place may damage the vital organ of human body.
High level of noise can cause stomach disorders and high blood pressure.It may
lead to partial or complete loss of hearing capacity and permanent damage to
brain.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS :
In Industries associated with manufacturing of
paper, fertilizers, fire crackers, pesticides, paints,
pharmaceuticals etc., the workers face a mumber of
chemical hazards, The occupational activities in these industries include
preparation and handling of toxic, explosive, highly reactive and corrosive
chemicals in their solid, liquid or gas form. Exposure to these chemicals may
cause eye irritation, skin burns, toxicity and respiratory disorders.
Generally, the workers of a chemical industry suffer head-ache, cough, allergies
and pain in chest. Accidental leakage of toxic chemicals may cause death and
disability on a large scale. Human carelessness,
unsafe activities and unsafe storage of inflammable
substances may become a cause of deadly fies.
MECHANICAL HAZARDS :
These hazards are attributed to unsafe mechanical
conditions and unsafe acts, deviating from the normal practices. Use of old,
poorly maintained machinery and tools may prove hazardous.Unguarded machines
lacking proper covers and wire meshes over their moving parts can cause
serious injuries to operators. Removing,
disconnecting of niisadjusting the parts of a machine makes the entire
operation unsafe. Failure to use body protection devices such as aprons,
helmets, goggles
and shoes, while working on a machine may result in
death or disability. Overloading, overheating and operating the machines at an
unsafe speed may prove fatal. Loose mechanical installations at worksites also
threaten the life of workers.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS :
Electrical hazards include short circuits,
electrical sparks, loose connections, wom out insula-tion, improper earthing of
machines, lack of proper guards and fencing around high voltage equip-ment,
unsafe installations of poles and transformer etc. Electrical shocks may result
in bums, disabil-
ity or death. Many a times, the fire hazards in an
industry are associated with electrical short circuits.It may prove very
dangerous, if the workers do not use proper safety devices like rubber
gloves,mats and insulated tools while repairing or operating electrical
equipments. In case of electrocution,
lack of adequate safety awareness among workers
further increases the magnitude of problem. It generally happens that while
rescuing a person, the rescue workers themselves become victims. By
following proper safety precautions, electrical
hazards can be avoided.
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS :
People working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinical
diagnostic laboratories, hotel laundry and sanitation services encounter
biological hazards at their work place. The biowaste items such as
discarded syringes, used cotton, plasters, needles,
surgical instruments, bandages, body fluid samples etc. produced from hospitals
and clinical laboratories, are considered very hazardous. If proper safety
measures are not adopted, the associated workers may get serious infections of
disease caus-
ing bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and worms.
Hospital solid waste is bumt at high temperature in incinerators. Incinerations
reduces the volume of this hazardous waste. Biological hazards thrive in poor
sanitary conditions. Use of protective clothing of safe handling of materials,
good sanitary con-
ditions, vaccination and proper management of
hazardous biowaste play a major preventive role against biological hazards.
RADIATIONAL HAZARDS :
Nuclear power plants, research laboratories, weapon
factories, radiological laboratories, hospi-
tal etc. are important sites which pose potential
radiational hazards. Exposure of body to high dose of ionizing radiation from
these sites has a number of dangerous effects. It may cause cancer of different
body parts such as bone, skin, lung and breast. The other effects include
damage to brain,
eyes, intestinal lining, blood cells and
reproductive organs. It may produce mutations in genetic ma-terial, producing
birth defects, mental retardation and genetic disease in future generations.
Incorpo-tation of safety features in the structural design of nuclear reactors,
sound technical understanding and safety precations can help in mitigating
radiational hazards.
PSYCHOLOGICAL HAZARDS ;
Work related stress is a major psychological hazard
that can lead to serious health disorders atu) psychological disturbances. It
gives rise to depression, nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, irritation,imbalanced
behaviour etc. A number of external and internal factors contribute towards
work related stress, Unfair distribution of work, inadequate welfare
facilities, unsafe work environment, pending
assignments, nature of job, financial crisis, poor
management of organization, family problems and inter-personal disputes are
major stress generating factors. Unmarried workers feel more stressed than
married workers. In comparison to male workers, female workers feel less
stressed. Stress
ultimately leads to poor performance, thus reducing
the productivity of an organization. A safe and comfortable work environment,
consultative management approach, genuine wark targets and proper employee
welfare policies are helpful in coping work related stress.
EXERCISE
(A) Very short answer type questions (1
mark each) :
1. Whatis the significance of safe work environment?
2. Write two important causes of industrial
accidents.
3. Name important components of a safe work
environment,
4. What is the harm of flickering lights at a work
place?
5. How does natural ventilation take place?
6. Write the major objective of good housekeeping.
7. Whatis a workshop?
8. What do you mean by a hazard?
(B) Short answer type questions (2
marks each) :
1, What are the effects of fluorescent lights at a
work place?
2. Whatis ventilation?
3. Why should inflammable materials not be stored
near electric outlets?
4, Why should an operator wear an apron?
5, Enlist major types of occupational hazards.
6. How can radiation exposure effect the future
generations?
(C) Short answer type questions (4
marks each):
1. Write a short note on role of adequate light in
creating safe work environment.
2. Discuss briefly the need of proper ventilation.
3. How does good housekeeping reduce the chances of
industrial accidents?
4. Enlist some safety precautions that should be
followed at home.
5. How can the workers in a workshop prevent
injuries?
6, What safety precautions should be taken at a
worksite?
7. Make a brief mention of some electrical hazards.
(D) Long answer type questions: (5
marks each):
1, Discuss adequate light and proper ventilation as
components of safe work environment.
2. How does cleanliness and good housekeeping help
in creating a safe work environ-ment?
3. Discuss some common safety precautions that must
be followed at different work places.
4, Make an account of different types of
occupational hazards.
