Control Established Risk measures

Learner`s Objective

After reading and understanding the information sheet, the participants must be able to:

 Prevent injury and damages

 Understand how to control and eliminate hazard
 Determine the possible solution of the encountered unsecure activity

Introduction

The control measures are designed to reduce the risks or eliminate them completely, with
the latter obviously being preferred for work and actions that are taken in response to a risk
factor that has the potential to cause accident or harm in the workplace. 

 Control measures follow a hierarchical pattern, with each step being worked through and
implemented to control and minimise the risk identified.

Risk Elimination (Most Preferred)

 Risk elimination is at the top of the hierarchy, being the most preferred option to control
an identified risk. It will obviously not be possible to completely remove all risks, but this should
be the first option considered and assessed as it offers the greatest protection by removing the
risk completely. An example of risk elimination could be rerouting cables to remove a trip
hazard in walkways.

Rerouting cables

Steps of how to eliminate hazards

There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by
electricity, including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices.
Users can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions:
 Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed
electrical cords immediately.
 
 Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used.
 
 Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker
panels. Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or
electrocution.
 
 Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then only
for short periods of time. In all other cases, request installation of a new electrical
outlet.
 
 Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.
 
 Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with
electrophoresis devices) behind shields.
 
  Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical
equipment.
Insulation
 All electrical cords should have sufficient insulation to prevent direct contact with
wires. In a laboratory, it is particularly important to check all cords before each
use, since corrosive chemicals or solvents may erode the insulation.
 
 Damaged cords should be repaired or taken out of service immediately, especially
in wet environments such as cold rooms and near water baths.
Any of the following circumstances requires that the user immediately take the
equipment out of service:

 Experiencing shocks, even mild shocks, upon contact

 
 Abnormal heat generation
 
 Arcing, sparking, or smoking from the equipment
Users must label the equipment, “Do Not Use” and should arrange for equipment
repair either through the equipment manufacturer or through their department support as
appropriate.

 
Guarding
 
Live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 Volts or more must be guarded
against accidental contact. Plexiglas shields may be used to protect against exposed live
parts.
 The purpose of lockout tag out:
 Protect trainee from exposure to
uncontrolled hazardous energy.
 This is accomplished by the use of
locks and tags to protect trainees

Lockout Tag out – Authorized person

Authorized person are persons who:
 Maintain equipment.
 Perform maintenance on equipment.
 Perform detailed inspections of equipment.

It is critical that Authorized person are fully trained in LOTO, and have a strong
understanding of the LOTO procedures that are specific to their equipment.

Authorized Persons Responsibilities

 Place energy isolating locks and tags on equipment.
 Inform affected employees of the lockout tag out operation.
 Ensure that all energy sources are isolated.
 Test the equipment to verify energy is dissipated.
 Repair equipment as needed.
 Remove LOTO devices when completed and restart equipment.

Isolation Devices
There are more different type of isolation devices:
 Locks
 Valve Covers
 Chains
 Blocks
 Ball valve covers
 Piping Blanks

Isolation devices requirements

 Durable
 Tags and locks must be tough enough to withstand the environment they are
placed in.
 Standardized
The company needs to use the same equipment
Across the business.
 Substantial
The equipment must be large enough to be recognizable.
 Identifiable
The equipment must be recognizable by trainee

Accident Prevention Tags and Signs

 Tags or signs must be used in addition to locks
 They must contain:
 The reason for the lockout.
 Name of the employee working on it and how to reach them.
 Date and time tag was put in place.
 Tags may not be re-usable, and must be able to withstand 50 pounds of pull. The
tags or signs must be placed on both the power sources and the operating controls.