Secondary Technical School

SECONDARY TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (O&HS)

EME510

GRADE 10

TERM1

Pages: 1 – 53 Revision: 3 Dated: August 2018

STS, U.A.E. A.A

 CONTENTS
Acknowledgements iv
Learning Outcomes v
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definitions 1
1.2 Resonsibilities 1
1.3 Good housekeeping 3
2.0 The Workplace
2.1 Factors required for a safe and healthy workplace 3
3.0 Slips and trips
3.1 Basic requirements to prevent slips and trips 8
3.2 Causes of slips and how to prevent them 8
3.3 causes of trips and how to prevent them 9
4.0 Fire safety
4.1 The Fire Triangle 12
4.2 Sources of fuel, oxygen and ignition 12
4.3 Fire extinguishers 13
4.4 Other types of fire fighting equipment 14
4.5 Ways that fires can start 14
4.6 Measures to take to reduce risk or prevent fire 15
4.7 Action to be taken when discovering a fire 15
4.8 Action to be taken on hearing a fire alarm 16
5.0 Working at height
5.1 The term “working at height” 16
5.2 Hazards caused by working at height 16
5.3 Scaffolds 16
5.4 Ladders and stepladders 16
6.0 Confined spaces
6.1 What is meant by confined spaces? 19
6.2 Hazards working in confined spaces 19
6.3 Precautions 20

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7.0 Machinery safety
7.1 Hazards associated with moving machinery 20
7.2 Measures to reduce risk of injury 22
7.3 Isolating and locking off machinery 24
8.0 Manual handling and lifting
8.1 What is meant by manual handling 25
8.2 Hazards associated with manual handling and lifting 25
8.3 Ways to reduce the risk of injury when manually
handling and lifting 25
8.4 Good lifting techniques 26
9.0 Noise
9.1 Hazards caused by noise in the workplace 30
9.2 Noise problems in the workplace 30
9.3 How noise is measured 30
9.4 Methods of hearing protection 31
10.0 Electrical safety
10.1 Three main hazards of electricity 32
10.2 Methods to reduce the risks from electrical hazards 32
10.3 The steps to take if someone receives an electric shock 35
11.0 Harmful, flammable and explosive substances
11.1 Hazards associated with harmful substances 36
11.2 Three ways in which chemicals can enter the body 36
11.3 Ways to reduce the risks from harmful substances 36
11.4 Hazards associated with flammable and explosive substances 36
11.5 Ways to reduce the risks from flammable and explosive
substances 37
12.0 Safe ways of working
12.1 Safe systems and procedures 37
12.2 Permit to work 37
12.3 Symbols and signs 38
13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
13.1 What is PPE? 42

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 13.2 Hazards to parts of the body 42
13.3 Typical PPE for parts of the body 42
14.0 Accidents and emergencies 46

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Acknowledgements

Essentials of health and safet at work,HSE (UK) 2006

Easy Guide to Health & Safety, Phil and Liz Hughes 2008

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this unit and associated tasks, the student will be
able to:
State, in simple terms, the definitions of the terms: health, health and safety,
1.1
hazard and risk.
1.2 State the basic responsibilities of employers and employees with regard to OHS.
1.3 State why good housekeeping is important in the workplace.
2.1 Discuss the factors required for a safe and healthy workplace.
3.1 State the basic requirements for preventing slips and trips.
3.2 List the causes of slips and how to prevent and deal with them.
3.3 List the causes of trips and how to prevent and deal with them.
4.1 State the component parts of the fire triangle.
4.2 List sources of fuel, oxygen and ignition.
4.3 For a given type of fire select the correct fire extinguisher.
4.4 List other types of fire fighting equipment.
4.5 Discuss different ways that fires can start.
Discuss measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce the risk and effects of
4.6
fire.
4.7 Describe the action to be taken when discovering a fire.
4.8 Describe the action to be taken on hearing a fire alarm.
5.1 Define the term “working at height”.
5.2 List possible hazards caused by “working at height”.
5.3 Describe the use of scaffolds.
5.4 Describe the use of ladders and step ladders.
6.1 Define the term confined space.
6.2 List possible hazards caused by working in confined spaces.
6.3 Describe possible precautions to take when working in confined spaces.
7.1 List the hazards associated with moving machinery.
List measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of injury when using
7.2
machinery.
7.3 Describe the process of isolating and locking of machinery.
8.1 Define manual handling.
8.2 List the hazards associated with manual handling and lifting.
8.3 List ways to reduce the risk of injury when manually handling and lifting loads.

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8.4 Describe good lifting techniques.
8.5 Demonstrate good lifting techniques.
9.1 List hazards caused by noise in the workplace.
9.2 Describe typical noise problems in the workplace.
9.3 Describe how noise is measured.
9.4 List 2 methods of hearing protection.
10.1 List the 3 main hazards of electricity.
10.2 List methods to reduce the risks from electrical hazards.
10.3 Describe the steps to take if someone receives an electric shock.
11.1 List the hazards associated with harmful substances.
11.2 State the 3 ways in which chemicals can enter the body.
11.3 List ways to reduce the risks from harmful substances.
11.4 List the hazards associated with flammable and explosive substances.
11.5 List ways to reduce the risks from flammable and explosive substances.
12.1 Discuss safe systems and procedures.
12.2 Define the term permit to work.
12.3 Identify symbols and signs.
13.1 Define the term personal protective equipment.
13.2 List the hazards to various parts of the body.
13.3 List typical PPE for various parts of the body.
Describe the actions to take if there is an accident in the
14.1
classroom/laboratory/workshop/workplace.
Describe the emergency procedures in the
14.2
classroom/laboratory/workshop/workplace.
State the location of first aid boxes in the
14.3
classroom/laboratory/workshop/workplace.
Describe the initial actions to take if someone requires first aid in the
14.4
classroom/laboratory/workshop/workplace.

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1.0 Introduction to OHS

1.1 Principles of OHS

Millions of workers die, get injured or fall ill every year as a result of workplace
hazards including falling down stairs, slipping on wet floors, hitting or being hit by
objects, breathing in dangerous fumes, getting an electric shock and getting burnt or
killed in a fire.
Improving occupational health and safety is in the best interests of all employers and
workers.
1.2 Definitions
Health – The general condition of a person’s mind, body and spirit, meaning
to be free from illness, injury or pain.
Health and Safety – The protection of the safety, health and welfare of
people.
Hazard – Anything that might cause harm.
Risk – The chance of harm being done.

1.2 Health and safety responsibilities

Health and safety at work is everyone's responsibility.

Employers have responsibilities towards you.

You have responsibilities towards your employer and your co-workers.

Your employer is responsible for making sure that the workplace is safe, and that
your health and safety are not at risk.

You are responsible for looking after your own health and safety. You must also
take care, do not put other people at risk.

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You could put other people at risk by:

 Acting in an unsafe manner.

 Not following agreed safe work practices.
 Not reporting a situation which could result in hurting someone.

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, you must know the correct safety
procedures at your place of work.

You must:

 Listen very carefully to safety information provided by your employer.

 If you're not sure about how to perform any task safely - ASK.

Employers must:

 Protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.

o Provide and maintain equipment and work systems which are safe
and healthy.

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 o Deal with substances, such as chemicals safely.
o Provide information, instructions, training and supervision.
o Maintain safe and healthy workplaces with the necessary facilities.
o Ensure that visitors and members of the public are not put at
unnecessary risk from the workplace activities.

Employees must:

 Take care of their own health and safety at work.

 Take care of the health and safety of others.
 Co-operate with their employer.
 Not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes.

1.3 Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work?

Good housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards. Poor housekeeping can
contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries.
Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and
ordered; maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removing
waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas
Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.

2.0 The Workplace

A safe place of work
A safe place to work:
 Buildings that are in good repair.
 The workplace and any equipment is
maintained.
 Has enough space for safe movement
and access.
 Safe glazing, if necessary.
 Floors, corridors and stairs are free from obstruction.
 Weather protection for outdoor workplaces.

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Lighting
Lighting should include:
 Good light, using natural light where possible.

 Good level of local lighting at workstations.

 Suitable forms of lighting, some fluorescent tubes flicker and can be

dangerous with some rotating machinery

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  Special fittings for flammable or explosive atmospheres.

 Well lit stairs and corridors.

Movement
To safely move around the premises there needs to be:
 Safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles.

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  Level, even surfaces.
 Hand rails on stairs and ramps where necessary.

 Safe doors, vision panels in swing doors and sensitive edges on power doors.

 Surfaces which are not slippery.

 Well-lit outside areas.

Workstations
Workstations should:
 Along with seating, fit the worker and the work.
 Have backrests that support the back.
 Have foot rests if necessary.
 Have work surfaces at suitable heights.
 Have easy access to controls on equipment.

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Display Screen Equipment
 The screens should be at the correct height and angle for the operator.
 Breaks should be taken to rest the eyes.
Comfortable Conditions
Work conditions should include:
 A reasonable working temperature.
 Local heating or cooling to maintain a reasonable working temperature.
 Good ventilation.
 Heating systems that do not give off dangerous fumes in the workplace.
 Enough space to work.
Toilets and Washing Facilities
The facilities should include:
 Clean, well-ventilated toilets.
 Wash basins with hot and cold water.
 Soap and towels (or hand driers).
 Showers for dirty work.

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3.0 Slips and Trips
3.1 Basic Requirements for Preventing Slips and Trips
 Floors must not have holes or slopes or be uneven or slippery.
 Floors in the workplace must be kept free from obstructions and any article or
substance that may cause a person to slip or trip.
3.2 Causes of Slips and How to prevent and Deal with Them

 Wet or contaminated floors.

o Maintain equipment to prevent leaks.
o Keep floors dry.
o Control process to prevent splashes and spillages.

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  Walkway contamination.
o Stop water and dust getting walked in.
o Have messy activities away from walkways.
o If floor contamination happens deal with it.
 Poor grip.
o A floor gets its grip from its surface roughness.
o If required treat floors with non-slip paint or similar.

 Unsuitable footwear.
o If required wear non-slip footwear (PPE).
o Wear sensible shoes/boots.

 Poor lighting.
o Poor lighting, shadows and glare make it difficult to see where you are
going.

3.3 Causes of Trips and How to prevent and Deal with Them

 Damaged floor surfaces.

o Look out for damaged or uneven floor surfaces. Report them to your
supervisor.

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 Trailing cables and pipes.
o Look out for trailing cables or pipes. Report to your supervisor if you
can not deal with it yourself.

 Obstructions in walkways. Move them or report to the supervisor.

 Slippy and damaged carpets and mats. Report them to your supervisor.

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 Running. Do not run in the workplace, stop people if you see them running.

CRASH

 Poor lighting. Report broken or

unserviceable lights.

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4.0 Fire Safety
4.1 The Fire Triangle

Take away one element and fire will not happen.

4.2 Sources of Fuel, Oxygen and Ignition

Fuel: Oxygen: Ignition:
Flammable liquids Air around us Heaters
Petrol Oxidising materials Lighting
Paint Oxygen cylinders Naked flames
Wood Electrical equipment
Paper Welding
Plastic Grinding
Rubber Smoker’s materials
Foam
LPG
Packaging materials
Waste rubbish
Furniture

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4.3 Fire Extinguishers

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4.4 Other Types of Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire extinguisher Fire blanket Hose pipe

4.5 Ways a fire can start

What would you do to reduce the risk of fire?

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4.6 Measures to prevent or reduce the risk of fire

Did you get the same?

4.7 Action to be taken on discovering a fire
Unless you have been trained to operate fire extinguishers do not fight the fire.
The actions to take vary from country to country. Below is typical of the UK.

What actions should you

take where you are?

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4.8 Action to be taken on hearing a fire alarm
The actions to be taken depend on where you are. You should get training on the
actions to take.
Do you know what the fire alarm sounds like?
Where is the assembly point?

5.0 Working at Height

5.1 Definition
“Work in any place, including a place at or below ground level and obtaining
access to or egress from such a place at work where a person could fall a
distance liable to cause personal injury.:
5.2 Possible hazards caused by working at height
The list is based on common sense and is not exhaustive.
 Falling from height even very low level.
 Falling tools or equipment.
 Injury caused by not wearing PPE.
5.3 Scaffolds
Scaffolds provide the safest work platforms but they must be erected and dismantled
by trained personnel.
5.4 Ladders and Stepladders
Ladders
 Ladders should only be used for low risk tasks of short duration. Less
than 6 metres high, light work, no significant sideways movement and
keep a secure handhold.
 Position the ladders so the bottom will not slip outwards (1 in 4 rule).
 Secure ladders to prevent movement.
 The top of the ladder should be rested against a solid surface.
 Always grip the ladder when climbing.
 Do not stand on the top 3 rungs.
 Do not carry heavy items.
 Carry tools in a shoulder bag or holster so both hands are free to hold
the ladder.
 Do not overreach.

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You do not want this to happen.

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 Stepladders
 Use stepladders on a firm, horizontal base.
 Ensure they are long enough for the task.
 Open the legs out fully.
 Avoid side-on working.
 Do not overreach.

Wrong way Right way

Stepladder too short Steps at right height

Hazard overhead No nee to overreach
No grip on ladder Good grip on handrail
Sideways on to work Working front on
Foot on handrail
Wearing slippers Wearing flat shoes
Uneven soft ground Firm level base

What is wrong in this

picture?

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6.0 Confined Spaces
6.1 Definition of a confined space
Some confined spaces are easy to identify for example: tanks, vessels and sewers.
Others are less obvious but may be just as dangerous, such as closed and
unventilated rooms. Confined spaces exist in all areas of industry.
A confined space is:
“an area which is enclosed with limited access which make it dangerous.”

6.2 Possible hazards when working in confined spaces

 Breathing difficulties caused by fumes.
 Poor lighting.
 Lack of oxygen.
 Flammable and toxic vapours.
 Overheating.

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6.3 Possible precautions to take when working in confined spaces
 Stop dust, fumes or hazardous substances getting in.
 Test the atmosphere.
 Ensure there is ventilation and enough fresh air.
 Use safe lighting.
 Use non-sparking tools.
 Do not use petrol or diesel equipment inside the confined space.

7.0 Machinery Safety

7.1 Hazards associated with moving machinery
Moving machinery can cause hazards in many ways.
 Hair or clothing can become entangled and drag a person into rotating parts
and parts of the body can be drawn into or trapped between rollers, belts and
pully drives.

 People can be crushed both between parts moving togethern or towards a

fixed part of the machine, a wall or other object.
 People can be struck and injured by moving parts of machinery or ejected
material.
 Sharp edges can cause cuts and severing injuries. Sharp pointed parts can
cause stabbing or puncturing.
 Parts of the machine, materials and emissions (steam and water) can cause
burns or scalds.
 Electricity can cause accidents.

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21 A.A
7.2 Measures that can be taken to minimise the risk from injury when
using machinery
 Using guards.

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 Machine operation.
People operating any machinery should be trained. The machine should have
adequate lighting.

 Machinery maintenance.
If the machines are maintained, then checks on all the guards and safety
precautions should have been carried out. Check to make sure it has.

 Machine controls.
Clearly marked control switches and emergency stop buttons.

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7.3 Isolating and locking off machinery.
A way of stopping machinery from starting during maintenance. A lock is attached to
the machine switch so it can't be turned on. The person working with the machine
should hold the only key to the lock. A lock must only be removed by the person who
put it on.

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8.0 Manual Handling and Lifting
8.1 Definition of manual handling and lifting

“Any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down,

pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force”.

In effect, any activity that requires an individual to lift, move or support a load, will
be classified as a manual handling task.

8.2 Hazards associated with manual handling and lifting

There are several factors that make manual handling hazardous, and increase the
risk of injury.

Manual handling can result in:

 Fatigue.

 Cuts, bruises, fractures etc, due to sudden, unexpected events such as

accidents.

 Damage to the musculoskeletal system of the body (muscles, tendons,

ligaments, bones, joints, blood vessels and nerves) as a consequence of
gradual and cumulative wear and tear through repetitive manual handling.
These injuries are called ‘musculoskeletal disorders’
o Neck and upper limb disorders.
o Lower limb disorders.
o Back pain and back injuries.

8.3 Ways to reduce the risk of injury when manually handling and lifting
loads
 Does the job have to be done at all?
 Use a lifting aid.
 Reduce the amount of twisting, stooping and reaching.
 Try to avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height.
 Reduce carrying distance.
 Avoid retentive handling.
 Push rather than pull.
 Remove obstructions for free movement.
 Avoid steps and ramps.

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8.4 Good lifting techniques
Recommended weights.

Practical tips for good lifting technique.

Think before lifting/handling.

 Plan the lift.
 Can handling aids be used?
 Where is the load going to be
placed?
 Will help be needed?
 Are there any obstructions?

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Keep the load close to the waist.
 The load should be kept close to the
body.
 Keep the heaviest side of the load next to
the body.

Adopt a stable position.

 The feet should be apart with one leg slightly
forward to maintain balance. You should be
ready to move your feet during the lift to
maintain balance.

Get a good hold.

 Where possible the load should be
hugged as close to the body as possible.

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Start in a good posture.
 At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and kness is preferable
to stooping or squatting.
Don’t flex the back any further while lifting.
 This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the
load.

Avoid twisting the back or

leaning sideways especially if
the back is bent. Shoulders
should be kept level and facing
the same way as the hips.
Turning by moving the feet is
better than twisting and lifting at
the same time.

Keep the head up when handling.

 Look ahead, not down at the load once it
has been held securely.

Move smoothly.
 The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep

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 control and can increase the risk of injury.

Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed.

 There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely
lift.

Put down then adjust.

 If precise positioning of the load is necessary,
put it down first, then slide into the desired
position.

1. Check suitable clothing and

assessload, heaviest side to
body.
2. Place feet apart, bend
knees.
3. Firm grip – close to body,
slight bending of back, hips
and knees at the start.
4. Lift smoothly to knee level
and then waist level. No
further bending of back.
5. With clear visibility move
forward without twisting.
Keep load close to the waist.
Turn by moving feet and keep
head up, do not look at the
load.
6. Set load down at waist
level or to knee level and then
floor.

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9.0 Noise
9.1 Hazards caused by noise in the workplace
 Loud noise at work can damage your hearing and interfere with
communication.
 The hearing damage is usually gradual so it is not noticed for some time.
 Hearing can be damaged immediately by sudden, extremely loud noise.
 Tinnitus may develop, this is a distressing, whistling, ringing, buzzing or
humming in the ears.
9.2 Typical noise problems in the workplace
 Intrusive noise like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant
for most of the working day.
 You have to raise your voice to carry out a normal conversation when about 2
metres apart from someone for at least part of the day.
 Using noisy powered tools or machinery for more than 30 minutes each day.
 Working in a noisy industry, eg: construction, demolition, engineering, general
fabrication and aviation.
 Impact noise due to hammering, pneumatic impact tools, guns.
9.3 How is noise measured?
 Noise is measured in decibels (dB).
 Because of the way our ears work you might just notice a 3dB change in noise
level. However every 3dB doubles the noise, so although the difference in
numbers migh seem small, they can really be quite significant.
 Noise action levels are defined in terms of daily noise exposure (the average
over the working day) and peak noise exposure (sudden noises).
 The limits which must not be exceeded are 87dB for daily exposure and 140dB
for peak noise.

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Examples of typical noise levels.

9.4 Methods of hearing protection

 Hearing protection is usually earmuffs and earplugs
The protectors must be worn correctly.

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Employers should try to control the noise to protect the hearing of employees.

10.0 Electrical Safety

10.1 Three main hazards of electricity
 Contact with live parts. Causes electric shocks and burns.
 Fire. Caused by poor electrical installation and faulty electrical equipment.

 Explosion. Caused by electrical apparatus or static electricity igniting

flammable vapours or dusts.

10.2 Methods to reduce the risks from electric shock

 Only operate electrical machinery if you are trained to do so.
 Switch off the on/off switch before removing a plug from a socket.
 Equipment should be regularly maintained by qualified personnel.
 The most common problems are with leads and plugs and sometime the
equipment. Faults and damage can be discovered by a visual inspection after
the equipment has been disconnected. Points to look for include:
o Damage to the cable covering (cuts and scratches).
o Damage to the plug (cracked casing, bent pins).
o Taped joints in the cable.
o Overheating shown by burn marks and staining.
o The coloured insulation of internal wires showing.
o The outer covering of the cable not being gripped at the point where it
enters the equipment or plug.
o Loose parts.
o Loose screws.
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 o The outer casing of the equipment being damaged.
 If the equipment has a moulded plug the fuse should be checked for the
correct rating for the equipment. For all other plugs remove the cover and
check:
o That a fuse is being used, not a piece of metal or foil.
o There is no internal damage.
o There is no evidence of liquid getting inside.
o There is no dust or dirt inside it.
o The terminal screws are tight.
o The wires are fitted to the correct terminals and none of the wires are
bare except at the terminals.

What is wrong in this

picture?

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Could result in this!

What is wrong in this picture?

10.3 Steps to take if someone recives an electric shock

 Switch off the power.
 Call for assistance.
 If the power cannot be switched off, push or pull the casualty clear of the
electrical source, using any dry non-conductive material (wooden brush
handle) to safeguard yourself.
 Check for response – if no response open the airway and remove any
obstructions in the mouth.
 Carry out emergency resuscitation treatment. (Below is an example, you need
to check local regulations.)

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11.0 Harmful, Flammable and Explosive Surfaces
11.1 Hazards asscociated with harmful substances
 Many materials that people work with contain substances that can harm their
health.
 Dust, gases or fumes that you breathe in.
 Liquids or powders that come into contact with your eyes and skin.
 The harmful effects can either be immediate such as dizziness or stinging eyes
or can takes years to develop such a damage to your lungs.
11.2 Three ways in which chemicals can enter the body
 Coming into contact with the skin or eyes either directly through the skin or
into cuts or through clothing.
 Breathing in dusts, gases and fumes which quickly enter the bloodstream
through the lungs.
 Swallowing contaminated food or drink or even worse drinking a chemical
improperly labelled or in a normal drink container.

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11.3 Ways to reduce risks from harmful substances
 Have control measures.
 Change the process.
 Containment.
 Training for personnel.
 Local and general ventilation.
 Provision of PPE.
 Have good changing and washing facilities.
11.4 Hazards associated with flammable and explosive substances
 Some gases, liquids and solids can cause explosions or fire.
 Common materials may burn violently at high temperatures in oxygen rich
condition, eg: when a gas cylinder is leaking.
 Some dusts form a cloud which will explode when ignited.
 Some flammable liquids and substances are also corrosive or toxic.

11.5 Ways to reduce the risks from flammable and explosive substances
 Do the job another way.
 Have good storage that will keep all chemicals, flammable liquids, flammable
solids and gases etc away from each other.
 Have good control measures.

Why should these items be

stored in isolation?

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12.0 Safe Ways of Working
12.1 Safe systems and procedures
Safe systems and procedures include the following:
 Employees are well trained or skilled and understand the hazards and risks of
the work they have to do.
 Procedures for routine work are in place.
 Written procedures for work that is done less often or high risk.
 Procedures for emergencies eg: fire, spillages etc.
 Supervision to make sure people are following the safe systems of work and
procedures.
 Action is taken when instructions, rules or procedures are not being followed.
12.2 Permit to Work
Simple instructions or procedures are adequate for most jobs but some require extra
care. A permit to work states:
“Exactly what work is to be done and when, and which parts are safe.”
A responsible person should assess the work and check safety at each stage. The
people doing the job sign the permit
to show that they understand the
risks and precautions necessary.

Examples of permits to work.

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12.3 Safety signs and symbols
A safety symbol indicates the presence of information or instructions about health or
safety at work .
The colours, shapes and symbols of safety signs have different functions.
RED – is a safety colour and must be used for any:
 Prohibition sign concerning dangerous behaviour (eg: the safety colour for a
no-smoking sign).
 Prohibition signs are round with a black pictogram on a whitebackground with
red edging and a red diagonal line.
 Danger alarm concerning stop, shutdown, emergency cut-out devices (eg the
colour of an emergency stop button).
 Fire fighting equipment.

YELLOW – is a safety colour and is used for any warning sign concerning the need
to be careful or take precautions, eg: flammable material, electrical danger.
Warning signs must be triangular with a black pictogram on a yellow or amber

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background with black edging.

BLUE – is a safety colour and must be used for any mandatory sign requiring
specific behaviour or action, eg: safety helmets must be worn signs.
Mandatory signs must be round with a white pictogram on a blue background.

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GREEN –is a safety colour and is used for emergency escape signs and first aid
signs.
Escape and first aid signs must be rectangular or square with a white pictogram on a
green background.

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13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
13.1 Definition of PPE
“Specialized clothing or equipment worn by employees for protection against
health and safety hazards.”

13.2 Hazards to parts of the body

Eyes – Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.
Head and neck – Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping,
hair entanglement, chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature.
Ears – Impact noise, high intensity (even if short duration), pitch (high and
low frequencies).
Hands and arms – Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures,
impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin irritation, disease or contamination.
Feet and legs – Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build up, slipping,
cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash,
vehicles.
Lungs – Oxygen deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours.
Whole body – Heat, cold, bad weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from
pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration,
excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.

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13.3 PPE for parts of the body
Eyes – Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors.
Head and neck – Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets, firefighter’s
helmets.
Ears – Earplugs or earmuffs.
Hands and arms – Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving which
covers part or the whole of the arm.
Feet and legs – Safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and
penetrant-resistant mid-sole, wellington boots and specific footwear, eg:
foundry boots and chainsaw boots.
Lungs – Respirators, breathing apparatus.
Whole body – Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons,
chemical suits, thermal clothing.
Examples of PPE

Aprons Overalls

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 Safety Goggles Safety Helmet

Breathing Apparatus

Safety Gloves

Full Face Visor

.

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Safety Boots

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14.0 Accidents and Emergencies
The actions to take if there is an accident, the emergency procedures, the location of
first aid boxes and the initial actions to take if someone requires first aid in the
classroom/workshop/laboratory/workplace will be different for each location (school
campus and or workplace).
Your teacher/supervisor will provide the details for your location.

45 A.A