Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Workshop Safety
Workshop Safety
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WORKSHOP SAFETY
DEFINATIONS OF TERMS
DANGEROUS OCCURANCE: It is any incident that could have resulted in an accident “Near
miss”.
WELFARE: The provision of facilities at workplace to maintain the health and well-
being of an individual at the work place.
MEANING OF RISKS
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PRECAUTIONS IN WORKSHOP
PURPOSE
DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS
DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES
1. To take reasonable care of the health and safety of himself or herself, other workers, and
the general public.
2. To observe the provisions of the ACT wherever applicable to him/her or matters under
his/her control.
3. To co-operate with his employer in complying with the Act.
4. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in
the interests of health, safety or welfare to meet the legal requirements of the act.
5. To read the warning labels on materials.
6. Follow the instructions and warnings very carefully.
7. To use common sense when working with hazardous materials.
8. To take time to learn how to use protective materials.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The four hazardous materials which can cause harm to a person’s wellbeing, or pollute the air,
land and water.
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1. Flammable – flammable materials easily catch fire or explode.
2. Corrosive – corrosive materials are so caustic that they can dissolve metals and burn the
skin and eyes.
3. Reactive – reactive materials will become unstable (burn, explode, or give off toxic
vapours) if mixed with air, water, heat, or other materials.
4. Toxic – toxic materials are those materials which can cause illness or death after being
inhaled or upon contacting the skin.
The industrial act contains basic provisions to ensure health working conditions and
these are:
Many regulation and safety rules are laid down and should be observed when one is on the
workshop rules to keep away from danger and prevent accidents, because accidents cost life, loss
of time, money etc.
2. GOOD HEALTHY
2.1 Be of sound mind and healthy when operating or working on the machine.
2.2 Stop day-dreaming
2.3 When you are not well do not operate or work on the machine
2.4 Do not operate the machine when you are under the influence of strong drugs
(under medication) or on the influence of beer.
2.5 Workers must be prevented from inhaling harmful dust and fumes.
2.6 Have every injury treated however small it may be.
2.7 Never eat or drink near to poisonous substances.
2.8 Operator must be protected from excessive noise.
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3. DUST AND FUMES
4. INDUSTRIAL DERMATITIS
CAUSES OF DERMATITIS
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN
a) The use of mechanical aids such as tongs, scrapers and splash guards should be
encouraged.
b) Wearing protective clothing, this should be regularly cleaned and kept apart from
other clothing.
c) Using washing facilities with hot water and clean towels.
d) Using the appropriate barrier creams.
e) Having first-aid treatment for every injury, however trivial.
5. TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Toxic or poisonous substances can be solid, liquid or a gas given off as fumes or vapour.
a) Industrial solvents are flammable and also give off fumes or vapour.
The common solvents are paraffin, petrol, turpentine, trichloroethylene and
carbon tetrachloride.
The vapour can be inhaled into the lungs.
Physical contact, through the skin or through the mouth.
b) Some metals give off toxic vapours when heated, for example when molten or during
welding. These include;
i) Aluminium – Inhalation of fumes causes the lungs condition known as
Aluminosis.
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ii) Cadmium – Industrial poisoning is caused by inhalation of fumes during the
pouring of molten metal or when welding cadmium-plated articles.
iii) Chromium – In the chromium-plated industry, contact affects the skin and
inhaling fumes affects nasal membranes and lungs.
iv) Lead – Serious risk from fumes, dust or vapour, can be fatal.
v) Mercury – Acute poisoning usually results from swallowing or through
exposure to vapour; contact can cause dermatitis.
vi) Nickel – In nickel plating can cause dermatitis (known as ‘nickel itch’)
vii) Zinc – used in galvanizing, inhaling Zinc-oxide fumes results in ‘Metal-fume
fever’.
viii) Cyanide salts- used in industrial heat-treatment and electroplating process are
extremely dangerous and kill quickly and painfully. They can be absorbed
through the skin, by inhaling fumes, or through the mouth if contaminated
food is eaten.
6. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping is essential in the prevention of accidents. More accidents are caused
by people falling or burning into and stepping on things that are caused by Machinery. A
tidy factory and workplace reduces the risk of accident.
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5. If oil, water or grease is spilled, wipe it up immediately.
6. Wear safety shoes – shoes are available with anti-slip soles and with metal toe-caps to
protect the feet from falling objects.
7. Never use unstable piles of boxes, inadequate scaffolding, or unsecured ladders for
working at heights.
8. Always check ladders for damage before use.
9. Always position ladders on a firm base at the correct angle-the height of the top
support should be about four times the distance out at the base.
10. Ensure the ladders are long enough.
7. HAND TOOLS
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Lifting and moving objects by manual effort are a major cause of injury, usually resulting
in back strain. To avoid injury, the following precautions should be observed;
8.1 Lifting with the legs – not with the back.
8.2 Do not try to lift too heavy a load – get help.
8.3 Check for sharp edges, splinters, projecting nails, or other objects and sharp wire,
or other objects and wear protective gloves if necessary.
8.4 Before lifting, check that your path is clear, that you can see over or round the
object, and that there is sufficient space to put the object down.
8.5 Follow the correct procedure for lifting;
8.5.1 Stand close to the object with your feet slightly apart, facing the direction in
which you intend to move.
8.5.2 Bend the knees, keeping the back straight but not necessarily vertical.
8.5.3 Position your elbows close to your body, so that the body takes the weight
instead of the fingers, writs, and arm shoulder muscles.
8.5.4 Grip using the palm and the roots of the fingers – not the finger tips (using the
finger tips means more effort and more chance of dropping the object).
8.5.5 Straighten the knees, allowing the thigh muscles to do the work – not your
back.
8.5.6 Reverse the procedure when setting the object down.
9. MACHINERY
Equipment with moving parts is always a source of danger. This could be as a result of;
a) Operator’s attention may be disturbed.
b) Operator’s concentration may be distracted or affected.
c) Fault tools could affect the work output.
To avoid many accidents, the following precautions must be followed;
9.1 Ensure that you know how to switch and stop the machine before you set it in
motion.
9.2 Maintain your concentration while the machine is in motion.
9.3 Take care not to distract or startle other machine operators.
9.4 Never leave your machine unattended to while it is in motion.
9.5 Never clean a machine while it is in motion – always isolate it from the power
supply first.
9.6 Never use compressed air to clean a machine – it may blow in your face or
someone’s and causes an eye injury.
9.7 Never clean away swarf with your bare hands – always use a suitable rake, which
should be provided.
9.8 Keep hair short or under a cap – it can become tangled in drills or rotating shafts.
9.9 Avoid loose clothing – wear snug-fitting boiler suit, done up, and ensure that any
neck wear is tucked in and secure.
9.10 Do not wear rings or wrist watches at work.
9.11 Always ensure that all guards are correctly fitted and in position.
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Do your employees know the different types of machine guards and the differences between
then? You can use the following to present key information on this topic.
1. Fixed guards
2. Interlocked guards
3. Adjustable guards
4. Self-adjusting guards
Fixed guards are probably the most common because of their simplicity and effectiveness.
Fixed guards are attached permanently to equipment and can only be removed with
considerable effort. They usually cover power transmission units and can also be found
on band saws.
Interlocked guards are designed to be removed or opened to allow access to the hazard zone
—for example, to insert or remove material from the point of operation. Once the guard
is opened, however, the machine shuts down automatically, effectively eliminating the
hazard.
Adjustable guards allow a machine to handle a wide variety of material sizes while still
protecting the unused portion of the blade or the point of operation. These guards must be
adjusted manually. An example is the guard over the point of operation on a band saw.
Self-adjusting guards, typically found on saws, are pushed away from the point of operation
when material is fed into the machine. But they only open enough to allow the material
into the cutting zone, thus keeping the remainder of the blade covered.
Think about the types of guards on the machinery you use on the job. Machine safeguarding
is a crucial part of our machine safety program. But guards alone won’t keep you safe.
You also have to use your knowledge and experience about machine safety every day on
the job to be absolutely safe from amputation hazards.
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10.8 Sharpening a tool on a grinding wheel.
10.9
11.1 Think before doing anything, have knowledge of what you want to do.
11.2 Think about your friend’s safety
11.3 It is important to learn or have first aid knowledge, to be able to help in
emergency
15.1 Know how to fight any danger of explosions e.g. Oxygen – acetylene gas
welding.
15.2 Know where the nearest fire alarm is located
15.3 Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located
15.4 Have knowledge of how to operate and use the fire extinguishers
15.5 Know what type of extinguisher for each type of fire
15.6 Keep the fire extinguisher in good operating condition
15.7 Know the position of fire ream hoses
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16. INFLAMABLES
Keep safety inflammable liquids and gases
Wipe up every oil spills
Adhere to workshop or safety working signs and posts
INTRODUCTION
Every year there are many industrial accidents resulting from the use of tools and equipment.
1. Smoking while handling dangerous materials such as gasoline or solvents which can
cause fire or explosion.
2. Careless or incorrect handling of gasoline, alcohol solvents or other inflammable fluids
Care must be taken when replacing tank, fuel gauge, filters during body and other
services.
A hand operated valve controls weather pumping the handle pumps fuel in or out of
vehicle fuel tank avoid touching ground wires to prevent sparks that might cause fire.
Keeps areas around exit doors and passage way leading to exits free of all
obstructions.
If they ran explosion or fire, a blocked exit could mean serious injury or death.
4. Spilled oil or anti-freeze not cleaned up, serious injuries can result if some slips and falls
in the shop.
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Lack of shop exhaust system or failing to connect the system to the tail pipe of a
vehicle with running engine.
This is a hazard to everyone in the shop
Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO) and other poisonous materials like
sulphur.
5. Allowing dangling hair ties, sleeves or jewelleries to fell into the engine fan, drive belt, or
any other moving parts, injury may occur.
6. Workshop accidents claim by far too many victims. Approximately 70% of the accidents
are caused by neglect or carelessness on the part of the workman.
8. Tools and components are not to be left where someone may fall over them and they
must not be allowed to obstruct gangways or passage.
10. A tidy bench reflects a tidy, methodical business like mind, which the basis or accidents
prevention.
1. The vice must be properly fastened before securing clamps the work in it.
2. A long component projecting beyond the edge of the bench must have a coloured piece of
material tied to the projecting end.
3. Always use the correct size, type and length of spanner for the job.
4. Before using a hammer make sure the head is firmly fixed to the handle
5. On no account should a file be used without a handle which be of the correct size.
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OPEN PITS AND FALLING OBJECTS
2. Someone working from above the vehicle must avoid dropping tools or components to
someone working underneath.
3. A hydraulic hoist must be ascertained to be in good working order before put to use.
5. Observe the safe working load limit when using any jack, hoist or crane
6. Block unjacked wheels and place stands beneath the jacked axle.
COMPRESSED AIR
1. Compressed air should not be used for blowing off dust from one’s clothing’s.
WELDING PRECAUTIONS
4. The oxygen cylinders and fittings must be kept free of oil or grease
1. Trailing cables from portable tools must be kept away from sharp edges
2. All portable electric tools must have a three wire system i.e.
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c) Earth (Green/Yellow)
TIDINESS
1. A good mechanic detests untidiness and the accumulation of dirty that always goes with
it.
2. Vehicle repairing is never clean work, but a good mechanic does not have to be dirty
himself should he allow tools and equipment to remain dirty longer than necessary.
3. Tidiness entices working to a logical and definite system during each task.
4. The job can progress smoothly from one stage to the next with fewer efforts and with few
delays.
TIME KEEPING
Time lost or wasted costs the workshop charging time – money which should be coming in.
2. Work must start and finish on time throughout the working day
Apart from ill feeling and time wasted caused, it always results in someone being hurt or
equipment being damaged.
Workshop rules vary between garages and are often never written down.
Mechanics are expected to understand the conditions and also behave in a responsible and
reasonable manner
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1. In correct safety guarding of moving machinery. The guard should be placed around the
belts and pullies on the shop air compressor because if the fan and its blades are exposed
they will cause injuries.
2. Asbestos dust from brakes and clutch linings. Before working on brakes, dust collected
from brake mechanisms and wheels should be removed (use a special vacuum cleaner
with a high efficiency particulate air cleaner filter.
CAUTION
High pressure air directed at an open wound can send air into the blood stream, this can cause
death.
1. Flexible electric cord that is worn or spliced. Flexible cord should not run through holes
in the wale or be tacked into the wall. Any of these could cause fire, shock or
electrocution.
Do not store gas cylinders near room heaters or other heat sources.
Never store cylinders in an unventilated lockers or closets.
They must not stand free and must have at least 20 feet (6.1 metres between
stored oxygen and acetylene cylinders)
A chain must be used to secure them.
CAUTION
Never use cylinders as a support or roll them to move another object. Cylinders can explode.
1. Hand electric tools not properly ground (held). They must have a separate ground lead or
double insulation to guide against electric shock.
2. Automotive lifts not properly used. Never raise a vehicle with passengers on it.
To prevent damage – first close the door, hoot and the trunk lid.
o If the lid has a mechanical locking device engage it before going under the
vehicle
o Do not use a hydraulic lift that jumps, jerks or settles slowly when it
should not.
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Both work and tool must be securely clamped
Do not remove turnings and swarf by hand. Use a brush or metal scraper
Never feel for a burr round the edge of component
When using a grinding machine, make sure the glass vision is in position or wear
safety goggles.
2. All traces of fuel must be removed before applying heat to the fuel tank
3. Every possible access to the inside of the tank must be open filter caps, drain plug and
outlet connection.
6. A strong alkaline e.g. caustic soda should not be allowed in cleaning aluminum or
aluminum alloy tanks.
7. Fill the tank with water before commencing to welding or soldering. Allow a small air
space.
REMEMBER
CAUTION
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Always place jacks and safety stands so that they support the vehicle or
components
If a jack or safety stand slips, damage or injury may result
Safety regulations (OSHA) require all the dynamic (Spinner Type) wheel balancer
to have the hood.
It protects someone if a stone or other objects flies out of the spinning wheel or
type threading.
This can cause damage to the lids, topple the tester and injure someone
Sudden start of an electric fan for the engine cooling system
To protect oneself, disconnect the lead connector before working around the
engine
Otherwise, if the engine is still hot the fan could start running and injure you.
Playing with a fire extinguisher is dangerous because the liquid or spray discharge
may stick on the floor.
Someone may slip and fall and injure himself
Someone may have eyes damaged from being hit by the discharge
1. Any grease and oil tools are difficult to use and handle
3. The hardened steel is brittle and can shatter from heavy blows – slivers may fly out and
enter the hand or an eye
SPECIAL INFORMATION
They are other hand tool hazards to watch out for. These are:-
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1. Hammers with broken or cracked handles
2. Files without handles
Never use a tool that is poor in condition or not for the right job
1. Before using a machine make sure you can control it and that you know the quickest way
of stopping it
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2.3. Fibre Rope Slings
These are generally used for lifting light articles, particularly those with machined
surfaces.
3. Know the safe Working Load (SWL) of lifting tackle in use. Chain slings and wire rope
slings always have the SWL marked on them.
Always:
1. Ensure that the SWL of the block is adequate for the load to be lifted.
2. Attach the head fitting to a suitable anchorage.
3. Pull the operating chain to determine the hoisting and lowering sides of the chain.
4. Attach the load to the hook using the correct slings and/or shackles.
5. Pull down the relevant side of the operating chain to hoist or lower the load.
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6. Jig Cranes
Jig cranes are marked with the safe working load. Check the SWL of the hoist: it may
differ from that of the jig, if so work to the lower figures.
7. Hydraulic Lifts
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MODULE166 -01A: WORKSHOP SAFETY
ASSIGNMENT
DATE GIVEN:
DATE DUE:
QUESTION1
QUESTION 2
QUESTION 3
QUESTION 4
QUESTION 5
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FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL
FIG. 1
INTRODUCTION
This lecture is intended to educate students in how fires burn and how best they can be
extinguished using the right fire fighting appliances. The fires we are mostly concerned
with are not the fires under control or under controlled burning, but fires which threaten
life and property.
It follows therefore that for any fire to burn, there must be three factors involved namely:-
1. Oxygen
2. Heat
3. Fuel
PRECAUTIONS
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e) Reduction of fire spread.
f) The means of fire escape.
g) Action to be taken in the event of fire.
h) Fire fighting.
DUTIES
Duties are placed on a responsible person who is:-
a) The employer in a workplace, to the extent they have control.
b) Other person who has control of the premises or
c) The owner of the premises.
Hence;
1. Fire fighting should only be attempted if it is safe to do so and that an escape route is
safe and available.
2. A fire requires fuel, oxygen and heat. If one element is removed so is the fire.
3. The extinguishing of a fire is generally brought about by depriving the burning
substances of oxygen and by cooling them to a temperature below which the reaction
is not sustained.
4. By far the most important extinguishing agent, by reason of its availability and
general effectiveness, is water. It is more effective than any other common substance.
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HEAT – Sources of ignition.
1. Naked flames – from smoking materials, cooking appliances, heating appliances, and
process equipment.
2. External sparks - from grinding metals, welding, impact tools, and electrical switch
gear.
3. Internal sparking – from electrical equipment (faulty and normal), machinery, and
lighting.
4. Hot surfaces – from lighting, cooking, heating appliances, process equipment, poorly
ventilated equipment, faulty and/or badly lubricated equipment, hot bearings and drive
belts.
5. Static electricity – causing significant high voltage sparks from the separation of
materials such as unwinding plastic, pouring highly flammable liquids, walking across
insulated floors, or removing synthetic overalls.
OXYGEN
Oxygen is of course provided by the air all around but this can be enhanced by wind, or by
natural or powered ventilation systems which will provide additional oxygen to continue
burning.
Cylinders providing oxygen for medical purposes or welding can also provide an additional
very rich source of oxygen.
In addition some chemicals such as nitrates, chlorates, chromates and peroxides can release
oxygen as they burn and therefore need external source of air.
CONTROL MEASURES
1. Reduce the amount of dangerous substances to a minimum.
2. Avoid or minimize release.
3. Control release at source.
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4. Prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere.
5. Use a method such as ventilation to collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe
place.
6. Avoid adverse conditions (e.g. exceeding the limits of temperature or other control
settings) that could lead to danger.
7. Keep incompatible substances apart.
MITIGATION MEASURES
CLASSES OF FIRE
1. CLASS – A: these are fires involving solid materials normally of an organic nature
(compounds of carbon) in which combustion generally occurs with the formation of
glowing embers. Class – A fires are the most common and the most effective
extinguishing agent is generally water in form of a jet.
2. CLASS – B: these are fires involving flammable liquids, such as oils, spirits, alcohol,
petrol, grease and certain plastics. This class of fire is best handled by using Foam,
Vapourising liquids, carbon dioxide and dry chemical powders.
3. CLASS – C: These are fires involving flammable gases such as methane, propane,
butane, acetylene and also live electrical equipment and wiring. Foam or dry chemical
powder can be used to control fires involving shallow liquid spills. Water in the form of
spray is generally used to cool the container.
4. CLASS – D: these are fires involving metals. Extinguishing agents containing water are
ineffective and even dangerous; carbon dioxide may also be hazardous if applied to most
of the metal fires. Powdered graphite, powdered tale, soda ash, limestone and dry sand
are normally suitable for class D fires.
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effect. Cover the
whole flaming
liquid surface.
For Electrical 1. Motors Carbon dioxide
Equipment. Put 2. Appliances Halogenated
out a class C fire 3. Wiring agent
by shutting off 4. Fuse Box Standard dry
C – BLUE power as 5. Switchboards chemical
quickly as Purple dry
possible and try chemical
always using a Multipurpose
non-conducting dry chemical
extinguishing
agent to prevent
electrical shock.
For combustible 1. Aluminium Dry powder
metals. Put out a 2. Magnesium extinguisher
class D fire of 3. Potassium and agents
D - YELLOW metal chips by 4. Sodium only.
smothering or 5. Titanium
coating with a 6. Zirconium
specially
designed
extinguishing
agent
FIG. 3
ELECTRICAL FIRES
It is not considered, according to present day ideas that electrical fires constitute a class,
since any fire involving or started by electrical equipment, in fact could be fire of class
A, B, or D. The normal procedure in such circumstances is to cut off the electricity and
use an extinguishing method appropriate to what is burning. Only when this can be done
with certainty with special extinguishing agents be required which are non-conductors of
electricity and non-damaging to equipment, although the latter’s cooling and
condensation may affect sensitive electronic equipment.
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TYPES OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGISHERS
FIG. 4A FIG.4B
1. Water Type
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– The powder cools the fire by absorbing heat and also displaces oxygen to extinguish
the fire.
– They are suitably used on flammable liquids.
4. Carbon dioxide
– (Colour coded Black).
– This is suitable for all types of fires with special emphasis on class B and C type of
fires. Also ideal for electrical hazards.
– This extinguisher consists of a heavy pressure cylinder which contains compressed
carbon dioxide.
– When directed at a fire, the gas rapidly cools the burning materials to below
combustible temperature to extinguish the fire quickly.
5. B.C.F
- There are painted yellow.
- The chemical is discharged as a fine mist to blanket the fire.
- They can be used on electrical fires effectively.
6. Soda-acid
- It is red in colour.
- It contains a mixture of soda and water.
- It has a small container of acid.
- When the container is inverted, the stopper comes out of the acid container to allow
the acid to mix with the soda and water.
- The mixture of acid, soda and water causes a chemical reaction which produces a
pressure to force the liquid from the nozzle of the extinguisher hose.
- It is used to extinguish general fires.
- The liquid should be directed at the base of the flame.
- It is not suitable for petrol or electrical fires.
7. Carbon Tetrachloride
- It is a small brass extinguisher with a T- shaped pump handle on top and a nozzle at
the bottom.
- The brass cylinder contains the chemical which is sprayed from the nozzle by the
action of the handle.
- This extinguisher is portable and often carried in commercial motor vehicle.
- It can be used on liquid or electrical fires.
- Caution: This type of extinguisher should not be used in confined spaces; the gas
given off from the chemical is poisonous and should not be inhaled.
8. Sand and fire blankets
- These are also used to cover the fire.
- Blankets are made of special materials to resist the heat.
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FACTORIES ACT: CAP 514 – section 40, subsection 1, 2, and 3
THE LAW OF ZAMBIA
1. States that; in every factory, there shall be provided and maintained appropriate means
for fighting fires, which shall be so placed as to be readily available for use, and persons
trained in the correct use of such shall be present during all working periods.
2. The minister may by regulations prescribe for any class or description of factory or part
thereof specified means for fighting fire and any such regulations may provide for
fighting fire and any such regulations may provide for the testing or examination of the
means so specified and for the recording of particulars of the tests or examinations and of
any defects found and action taken to remedy the defects.
3. The minister may make regulations requiring means to be provided in any class or
description of factory for notifying the fire brigade in case of fire and requiring employed
persons to be made familiar with their use.
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FACTORIES ACT CAP 514, SECTION 41
1. Every factory shall be provided with adequate means of escape routes in case of fire
breaking, for the persons employed therein and all such means shall be properly
maintained and kept free from obstruction.
2. The contents of any room in which persons are employed shall be so arranged or
disposed that there is a free passage-way for all persons employed in the room to a means
of escape in case of fire.
PLAN OF ACTION
Each person should know what to do in case of fire. In each factory there should be a practice
and carefully considered plan, the details of which will vary according to the
circumstances, but it should normally cover the points listed below:-
1. Sound the alarm.
2. Inform the fire brigade.
3. Evacuate the premises.
4. Assemble at the fire assembly point. *
5. Carry out a roll call. *
6. Fire fighting pending the arrival of the fire brigade.
7. The stopping of machinery and certain processes and if necessary,
the isolation of power supplies.
The duty of informing the fire brigade immediately the alarm is sounded must be specifically
allotted to a particular person or persons. Facilities must be made available at all times
when persons are on the premises.
EVACUATING OF PREMISES
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It is of the utmost important for everyone to be able to escape from danger. In most premises
personnel who do not have specific duties to carry out should start to leave the building
as soon as the alarm sounds unless instructions have been given to the contrary.
Personnel should leave in an orderly manner by the most direct route. Departure must not be
delayed by personnel collecting belongings from any other building.
ASSEMBLY POINTS
ROLL CALL
Due to the numbers involved and lack of suitable assembly points being available, for the
larger factory premises the following is suggested:-
1. A reasonable member of the staff in each section or department (with a deputy to cover
absences) should answer for the safe and complete evacuation of that department or
section.
2. On an evacuation signal being sounded, these officials should search their departments or
section, checking with the official of any upper floors and report their findings to person
in charge of the factory at that time.
FIRE FIGHTING
Persons who are required for firefighting should make their way to an appointed place
immediately the alarm is sounded, (usually the central call point), from which they can be
directed to the outbreak of fire.
STOPPING OF MACHINERY
These tasks should be carried out by those persons who have been designated to carry out
duties when a fire breaks out, which will ensure the safety of all concerned.
The emergency plan will only work effectively if everyone has had clear instructions and
been given any necessary training. This will necessitate repeated practices in the form of
regular fire drills until a good standard of efficiency has been attained. Four minutes is
the maximum evacuation time to be aimed at in the case of the largest premises.
FREQUENCY OF DRILLS
The extent of the necessary instruction and training will vary according to the degree of risk
i.e. the liability of the first and the size, construction and layout of the premises. Premises
can therefore be classified into three groups.
1. GROUP 1 – LOW RISKS
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Premises in which there are little or no combustible materials stored and even though they
may be multi-storied, are of fire resisting construction.
Drills should be held every six to twelve months.
Premises in which the fire is likely to remain localised or will spread vary slowly or where
there is little risk of the structure of the premises taking fire.
Drills should be held four times per year.
Premises where a fire once started is likely to spread rapidly and persons may have to escape
from a number of floors.
FIRE ON A VEHICLE
The following is a suggested daily maintenance outline which can help reduce the risk of fire
on your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Take care during vehicle maintenance, cleaning, or welding. To avoid unintentionally setting
off the system and the discharge of agent, do not cut, pinch, or apply heat exceeding 200
°F (93 °C) to the detection lines of the system.
1. Check all oil, hydraulic fluid and gas lines for cuts, abrasions or undue wear.
Replace as needed.
2. Inspect all oil, hydraulic and gas line fittings for tightness
Clean off all residues and tighten.
3. Inspect and clean engine area. Depending upon the operation of the vehicle, use water or
steam to clean it.
4. Schedule cleaning for the end of the work shift when heat build-up may occur after the
engine is shut down.
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5. Check braking system for proper adjustment – especially if brakes overheat when not
engaged.
6. Check all possible ignition points (engine block, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, etc.).
Make sure oil, hydraulic fluid and gas lines are not in contact with these ignition points.
7. Clean vehicle of all combustible debris – dry vegetation, grain particles, coal dust, etc.
Also, remove any oil and fuel drippings.
8. Check all electrical lines and connections for tight fit, wear or abrasion. Replace any
defective electrical equipment or wiring.
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switches and so flames
forth
Requires a non Soda, acid Ok for A, not Soda acid: Direct
conducting agent bicarbonate of for B C stream at a base
soda solution of flame
and sulphuric
acid
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