Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 22

HSE Manual

6285 Riyadh 12836 – 3638


Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966 (11) 2911108
E-mail: info@tru-east.com
www.Tru-East.com
Drilling: (Safe Work Procedure)

Diamond and Percussion Drilling:

Drill sites are regulated by the Health and Safety standards set
out in the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines (HSRC).

Furthermore, Safety and Workplace


Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) binders
should be supplied to the Project Manager and available at the
work site.
Regular safety meetings are mandatory and should involve
drill crew and geological staff. In addition, it
is important that the driller and the driller’s helper are always
aware of a visitor’s presence at a drill site. Be sure to report any
hazard to the driller or project supervisor.

Principal Hazards:

• Loose clothing caught in the drill, particularly when rotating


steel is unguarded, can cause serious or fatal injuries. All
rotating equipment must be guarded.
• Lack of fitness, particularly with drill helpers, can lead to
serious injuries.
• Slippery floors in the drill shack can cause serious falls.
Ensure good footing. Report slippery floors to the driller.
• Noise can cause serious ear damage. Wear hearing
protection at the drill site. Some drills such as reverse
circulation drills may require double protection (i.e. ear plugs
and muffs).
• Falling objects from the drill mast or upper deck. Hard hats
must be worn in the close vicinity of the drill shack.
Drilling8
• Sampling in dusty environments, particularly around
percussion rigs, can cause breathing problems. Wear a well-fitting dust mask in these
environments. Always wear safety glasses.
• Licking core without knowing what drill additives are used
is a health risk, as several additives are poisonous. Water is available at the drill site to wet
the core for examination.

|Page1
Drilling/Rigging:

When drilling for underground gold, use appropriate gas detectors and blowout
preventers/diverters as recommended by a qualified professional. All personnel should be
trained in their use and understand the emergency response procedures.

Drilling Procedures:

• The driller is responsible for everyone’s safety at the drill


site – follow the directions of the driller and get his or her
attention prior to entering the drill site. If you are not familiar
with the rig, ask for an orientation or have the foreman
escort you. If necessary, have the driller temporarily shut
down to discuss work progress.
• Avoid exposure to hazards - do not wait or stand around
without an intended purpose.
• Ensure that rotating equipment such as the drill stem and winch lines is guarded.
• Stay away from sump pits, and ensure these are clearly
marked, fenced-off and filled in at the end of the drilling.
• Store Diesel in diesel storage area with required fire extinguishers and barricade

the drilling area with warning signs.

All work other than initial Drilling and evaluation in


underground workings must be under the supervision of the
holder of a valid “Drilling Shift boss” (HSRC).

Prior to Entry:

Before beginning Drilling of any type of underground


workings, a “Notice to Start Work” must be sent to the MA'ADEN
Inspector of Mines. No work should commence until approval
has been granted. The MA'ADEN Inspector may be able to provide
information on the present conditions of the workings, including
if they have been inspected recently. Furthermore, old mine
plans may be available.

|Page2
Heat Stress: (Safe Work Procedures)

Purpose:

This describes minimum requirements for recognizing, evaluating and


preventing heat-related illnesses at work locations.
Site Management, Supervisors, and Foremen

A. When the potential for heat-related illness exists, monitor environmental


conditions (e.g., air temperature, relative humidity) and communicate the
current heat stress danger category and corresponding control measures to
relevant TRUE-EAST and contactor employees.

B. Document heat stress mitigation measures in the specific work plan, which
shall specify the specific work practices to be implemented at the site to
avoid heat-related illness during periods of high heat stress potential and
may include:
• Scheduling the most strenuous work during the coolest times of the day
(e.g., early morning and evening/night).
• Minimizing work time in direct sunlight as much as possible.
• Not allowing employees to work alone.
• Rotating workers in and out of hot areas, as possible.
• Communicating locations of designated break/recovery areas,
emergency reporting procedures and nearest medical facilities to
workers.
• Scheduling work/rest rotations for workers according to the current
heat index, which is based on temperature and relative humidity.
• Minimizing high-intensity manual work activities (e.g., use
mechanical/powered equipment to replace manual labor), as practical.

C. Do not let schedule or productivity demands supersede heat stress


awareness or controls used to prevent heat-related illness.

D. Conduct periodic (e.g., weekly) safety meetings/talks during hot weather


emphasizing heat stress hazards and precautions, with added emphasis on
this risk during Ramadan if it occurs in summertime.

E. Display educational information related to heat stress conditions,


illness/symptoms and preventive measures etc. In addition, distribute heat
stress information at safety meetings/talks, etc., in a form suitable for
workers.

F. Schedule heat stress training and monitor new workers and workers
returning from vacation to ensure they acclimatize at a progressive,
controlled rate to the change in environmental conditions.
G. Provide drinking water stations (e.g., coolers with chilled or ice water) for
workers and remind them to drink plenty of water even if not thirsty.

|Page3
H. Replenish drinking water supplies as needed to ensure availability and
provide more frequent collection of sanitary waste water from portable toilets.

I. Provide personal water bottles or insulated containers (2 liter capacity) to


workers as needed (e.g., during high heat stress danger categories).

J. Provide designated shaded and cool areas for periodic “cool down” breaks
and recovery from minor heat-related illness. Where possible, these areas
are to be air conditioned.

K. Monitor the heat-related health condition of employees, as well as the


effectiveness of any engineering/administrative controls and personal
protective equipment (PPE) being used.

L. Be able to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and


take appropriate action to prevent serious heat illness.

M. Respond appropriately to any heat-related illness.

N. Be knowledgeable of emergency reporting and response procedures,


including the location of the nearest medical facility with a qualified
medical doctor who can provide proper treatment for a victim of severe
heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Employees:

A. Follow instructions for controlling heat stress, including taking periodic


“cool down” breaks and drinking enough water Begin early in the day.

B. Wear appropriate clothing (e.g., light colored, lightweight, breathable,


loose clothing is best).

C. Know and be alert for signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses in


themselves and others.

D. Take appropriate action upon developing symptoms of heat cramps, heat


exhaustion or heat stroke.

During periods of high heat stress potential (i.e., danger category).


At the work site, the following measures shall be implemented as applicable to
control heat stress. As with any hazard, feasible engineering controls are the primary
control measure, followed by administrative (work practice) controls and personal
protective controls, in that order of preference.

|Page4
Engineering Controls
Shade
Designated shaded break/rest areas shall be provided at a distance
not
greater than 100 m (330 ft) from personnel working in direct sunlight
A.
for
extended periods of time. When feasible, shade is to be provided for
work
areas, including single shades to accommodate flagmen, etc.
Local Ventilation
When the air temperature is less than 37 °C (99 °F), fans or portable
air
B.
movers may be used to reduce heat stress by increasing the air flow in
the
work area.
Portable Air-Cooling Systems
Portable blowers with built-in air chillers shall be used as needed
C. enclosed
Work areas have ambient temperatures
exceeding 43 °C [110 °F]) to provide cooling for enclosed work areas.

Administrative Controls:

A. Scheduling
Schedule work for the cooler times of the day, especially during the month
of Ramadan if it falls in the summer.

B. Acclimatization
Deliberate acclimatization shall be used to expose new employees to work
in a hot environment for progressively longer periods. New employees in
jobs where heat levels may produce heat stress shall be exposed to 20% of
normal exposure on day one, with a 20% increase in exposure each
additional day.

C. Water Replacement (Hydration)


Workers shall be encouraged to drink plenty of water prior to the start of
each shift. Ample supplies of cool drinking water shall be located within
100 m (330 ft) walking distance of each worker and in all designated
break/rest areas. Workers shall drink small amounts of water on a frequent
basis based on the actual heat index at the work site.
Sports drinks, juices and electrolyte replacement/rehydration mixes may
also be made available to workers in order to help maintain the body’s
water and salt levels. However, workers shall not consume more of these
drinks than plain water.

|Page5
D. Work/Rest Rotations
Work and rest rotations shall be based on the actual heat index at the work
site. Work rotations shall be established for workers
performing remote activities in high heat stress exposures.
Workers shall be allowed additional break time and water as they deem
necessary for their health.

E. Personal Monitoring and Buddy System


Employees shall work in pairs or teams and shall observe each other for
signs of diminished capacity and heat-related illness
• Workers shall be provided a minimum of 10 minutes of break time
after every 20 minutes of work (i.e., 20:10 minute work: rest periods).
• Workers shall be advised to drink one cup of water every 10 minutes.
Each worker shall be provided with his own personal water
bottle/insulated container (2 liter capacity) and have it with him at all
times. A “no water, no work” policy shall be strictly adhered to.
• No person shall work alone while a red heat stress danger category
condition exists at the work site.

Recovery:

Any employee experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness


shall immediately stop work and report to his supervisor. The
victim shall be allowed to fully recover in an appropriate recovery area
before returning to work. Recovery areas shall be shaded, cool and
supplied with water. Victims of severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke shall
be immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility with a qualified
medical doctor who can provide proper treatment. Such incidents shall be
properly reported.

Administrative Controls:

Heat stress awareness training shall be provided just before and during the
hot summer months to all applicable personnel (e.g., who work outdoors)
and those who manage personnel and have responsibilities for establishing
heat stress mitigation measures.
Heat stress awareness training shall include the following elements:
• Hazards of heat stress.
• Recognition of signs and symptoms of heat stress.
• First aid procedures for heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
• Employee responsibilities in avoiding/responding to heat-related illness.
• Supervisor responsibilities in avoiding/responding to heat-related illness.
• Dangers of the use of drugs, including prescription and over-the counter medicines,
In hot work environments.
• Measures employees can take to minimize the effects of heat stress
(hydration, work pace, use of wet towels, good nutritional habits, etc.).
• Personal monitoring and buddy system controls.

|Page6
Heat Cramps:

Note: This table is adapted from “Heat Stress: Improving Safety in the Arabian Gulf Remote Area.
(Desert) in Drilling Industry” from
Professional Safety: Journal of the American Society of Safety Engineers, August 2008
Although heat cramps are not dangerous, they are an early warning sign for heat exhaustion
and that the body’s ability to cope with heat is being exceeded.

Causes:

• Occurs when the body loses too much salt through sweating.
• Attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.

Symptoms include:

• Painful cramping of the muscles (e.g., arms, legs, or stomach).


• Hot, moist skin.
• Slightly elevated body temperature.
Treatment includes:
• Stop all activity.
• Rest in a cool, shaded area (e.g., designated break/recovery area).
• Loosen clothing.
• Drink water.
• If symptoms persist, seek medical aid.

Another early indication that heat stress conditions may be present is the appearance of
heat rash, which is an itchy rash that occurs when the skin becomes swollen and plugs the
sweat glands. This is not a life-threatening condition.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt by sweating.
Heat exhaustion poses a higher risk to older employees and those with coronary artery
disease or emphysema (a lung condition causing breathing impairment).

Causes:
• Occurs when the fluids and/or salt lost in sweating are not replaced.
• Enlarged surface blood vessels.

Symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating.
• Intense thirst and cool, moist skin.
• Weakness and dizziness.
• Headache and blurred vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pale or flushed appearance.
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
• Rapid pulse.
• Fainting.

|Page7
Treatment includes:

• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area (e.g., designated break/recovery area).
• Call for medical help.
• Loosen the victim’s clothing.
• Remove unnecessary clothing.
• Shower or sponge the victim’s skin with cool water.
• Have the victim drink water or sport drinks that have electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade).

Heat Exhaustion:

1. Heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke if not properly treated. People
suffering from heat exhaustion must not be expected to take care of themselves because
they may lack coordination and become confused. Heat exhaustion requires fast response to
prevent worsening heat stress problems.
2. Remember that sweating only cools the body if the sweat evaporates. If it cannot
evaporate, it cannot cool. Thus, even under moderate or cool working conditions, it is
possible to suffer heat stress if you are inside protective clothing that interferes with your
body’s cooling or working in high-humidity conditions.

HEAT STROKE:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and death or permanent tissue damage may occur if
treatment is not given promptly. Collapse is often misinterpreted as a heart attack or head
injury.

Causes:

• Occurs when the body no longer sweats and holds so much heat such that the body’s
system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature reaches dangerous levels.
• Body depleted of salt and water.

Symptoms include:

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating.


• High body temperature (above 40°C [103°F]).
• Strong, rapid pulse.
• Chills.
• Weakness, nausea, vomiting.
• Mental confusion.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Collapse, loss of consciousness.

|Page8
Treatment includes:

• Immediately call or arrange for professional medical help.


• Cool the victim down as much as possible while waiting for medical help:

o Move the victim immediately to a cool, shaded area.


o Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
o Have the victim lie flat with feet elevated.
o Fan and mist the victim’s body with water.
o Monitor the victim’s breathing.
o Have the victim drink water or sport drinks that have electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade). Do not
give fluids if the victim is unconscious.

Notes:
1. Sometimes, heat stoke occurs after the person has already developed heat exhaustion,
but heat stroke can also strike suddenly with little warning.
2. Regardless of the worker’s protest, no person suspected of being ill from heat stroke shall
be sent home or left unattended unless/until a medical doctor has specifically approved
such an action.

|Page9
Risk Assessment for Cast Drilling Pipes Rigging

1. DEFINITION:

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting our workers and our business, as well as
complying with the client procedures. It helps us focus on the risks that really matter in our
workplace – the ones with the potential to cause harm. In many instances, straightforward
measures can readily control risks, for example, ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly
so people do not slip or cupboard drawers kept closed to ensure people do not trip.

It is fact that all risks can’t be eliminated, but we are required to protect people as far as is
‘reasonably practicable’. This guide tells us how to achieve that with minimum fuss for our
cast iron soil pipes installation activities.

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in our work, could cause harm to
people, so that we can weigh up whether we have taken enough precautions or should do
more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused
by a failure to take reasonable control measures. We are required to assess the risks in our
workplace so that we put in place a plan to control the risks. Below is our risk assessment
plan to control the potential risks involved in cast iron soil pipes installation work.

2. RISK ASSESSMENT STEPS:

is not the only way to do a risk assessment, there are other methods that work well,
particularly for more complex risks and circumstances. However, we believe this method is
the most straightforward for this particular activity.

Below are our five (05) steps to risk assessment:

1. Identify the hazards


2. Decide who might be harmed and how
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precaution
4. Record findings and implement them
5. Review the assessment and update if necessary

A hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, working from
ladders, an open drawer, etc.; and

The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other
hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be.

| P a g e 10
3. RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

| P a g e 11
| P a g e 12
| P a g e 13
TRUE-EAST MINING SERVICE COMPANY

BREIF OUT LINE OF HSE TOOL BOX TALK

Toolbox Talk: Manual Handling

More than a quarter of reported accidents involve manual handling and it is essential that
due care and consideration is given to all lifting and moving activity.

There is no safe maximum for any load being lifted or moved, an assessment must always be
carried out. You should ask yourself the following questions:

Can a mechanical aid be used?

Can the load be reduced I-e, by dismantling?

Where manual handling cannot be avoided, the following rules and questions should be
applied:

1. Size up the load - Are you capable of carrying out of the task?
2. Do I need others to help me with this load?
3. Look around. Is the area by the load obstruction free?
4. Look at the rout of travel is it clear of obstruction?
5. Make sure the final destination point is ready to receive the load.
6. Is the load stable? Will it shift when lifted?
7. Wear safety footwear to protect toes from falling loads.
8. Do I have gloves to protect hands and improve grip?
9. Place feet apart to provide stable base, face direction of travel and bend at the
knees.
• Get a good grip and lift, remembering to:
• raise the head
• keep a straight back
• Do not twist at the trunk and keep load close to body. Use your leg
muscles
• lift smoothly do not jerk
10. Do not carry loads that obscure the vision & fall down on others.
11. Lifting to height should be done in stages.
12. Lowering the load should be done with the same care as for lifting.

Remember, a back injury can be for life & falling materials on someone can be jail forever

| P a g e 14
Toolbox Talk: Substances hazardous to health

Many operations involve the use of materials that could harm our health unless precautions
are taken. Common substances such as cement, plaster, adhesives, solvents, cleaning
materials, etc. all pose a risk.
The UK Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), place duties on
employers and employees. They set out a sensible step by step approach for the control of
hazardous substances and for protecting people exposed to them.
COSHH in operation

1. Substances have to be assessed: categories include very toxic, toxic, harmful,


irritant, corrosive, flammable, non-hazardous.
2. Manufacturers and suppliers must provide information, when asked, to enable
assessments to be done using the COSHH Assessment sheet.
3. Employers have to introduce control measures appropriate to the assessment.
4. Best control measure is – use something else which is less hazardous.
5. Last resort control measure is – provide PPE, i.e. gloves, goggles, overalls, etc.
6. Employers must inform and instruct employees about the risks and provide training
on the precautions to be taken. The assessment must be available during use, i.e. in
site hut, not at head office.
7. Employers must monitor the use of the substance and check that controls are
adequate and, if necessary, arrange medical checks for workers.
8. Employees must:

• Use any control measures provided;


• Use any PPE provided, in the way it was intended;
• Use any washing, changing, eating accommodation provided, in the way it
was intended.

9. Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and of others. Follow the
instructions carefully.
10. Tell your supervisor immediately if you are unsure about a substance or if you have
a health problem.

| P a g e 15
Toolbox Talk: The Use of Diesel

Diesel is a potentially dangerous substance and has the potential to cause those people who
use it long term health problems if it is not used correctly.
The following rules should be adhered to for the normal use of diesel throughout the day.

This relates to such tasks as transferring diesel form containers to machines and generators
etc.

1. Rubber gloves must be worn at all times.


2. Glasses must be worn at all times when handling diesel to avoid accidental splashes
in to eyes.
3. Overalls should be worn to prevent skin contact.

• If overalls get diesel on them, they need to be changed.


• Diesel on overalls is the same as having diesel on your skin.

4. Ensure sufficient ventilation. – I.e., complete refueling outside.


5. No smoking when using diesel
6. Do not eat or drink when using diesel.
7. Does not inhale vapor from diesel.
8. Wash hands after each time you use diesel.
9. Only use containers specified for diesel.
10. Use hand pumps or electric pump where possible to avoid the chance of spillage.
11. Store pumps or equipment used in plastic containers.
12. Tell your supervisor immediately you spill diesel.
13. This is kept you safe.

| P a g e 16
Toolbox Talk: Hand Tools

The correct selection, maintenance and proper manner of use is essential to avoid accidents
occurring when using hand tools.

Always use the right tool for the job - never improvise, e.g., the length of a spanner
is specifically designed to suit the size of nut.

Choose the right spanner to fit the nut. Where adjustable spanners are used take extra care
as they slip more easily.

• Tools must be fitted with handles. Severe hand injuries can occur from the
exposed tang of a handle less tool.
• Never use a file as a punch or for levering as they break easily.
• Chisels and punches with mushroomed heads must be ground down to
prevent splinters of metal flying off, but do not forget PPE.
• Replace damaged handles - never wire or tape up.
• Check that hammer heads are tightly wedged on their shafts.
• Keep cutting edges sharp. Blunt tools need more pressure and are more
inclined to slip.
• Always make sure hands are behind the cutting edge when working and be
very careful with screwdrivers when used for fixing hand-held materials.

• Now go and check your personal hand tools and all others issued for your
use. If they are not fit to be used then do not use them.

| P a g e 17
Toolbox Talk: Team Work

Safety is not a matter for someone else to deal with. We all have a duty to act in a
responsible manner and to endeavor to maintain a safe working environment.

With a teamwork approach and everyone being active in identifying and preventing
hazardous situations, your chances of avoiding a serious accident could be considerably
improved.

1. If you are competent to deal with a hazardous situation that is within your scope
of control, do so immediately. Never wait until it is too late to act and an
accident has occurred.
2. Report any hazardous situation you cannot safely deal with to your line manager
without delay.
3. Keep a watching brief on employees working under your control, especially
young or inexperienced persons and anyone else you have not known long
enough to have established their attitude to safety.
4. Horseplay is dangerous for everyone, whether participating or not, and must be
discouraged.
5. Prevent situations arising where others could be distracted - noisy radios are a
typical example of this problem.
6. Never leave work unattended if it could be hazardous to others. If the work
cannot be rendered safe, consider the use of a barrier or warning notice.
7. Lead by example, always work safely and, most important, remain alert and
aware of how easy it is to create a hazardous situation when common sense
rules are disregarded.
8. A good team talks to each other and discusses the issues and safety problems.
Make your team a better team by communicating with each other and your up-
line managers.
9. Teams that are consistently better than others will be rewarded and highlighted
as examples of best practices.

Work as a team and look after each other as well as yourself

| P a g e 18
Toolbox Talk: Housekeeping

Good housekeeping not only improves the working environment and makes work tasks easier
to accomplish, a tidy site has less accidents than a site where good housekeeping is not
practiced.

1. Clear up waste and scrap - don't leave it lying around as a tripping hazard.
2. Put your rubbish in the appropriate skip and / or return scrap to stores as soon
as possible - don't leave it for others to deal with.
3. Always return Hazardous substances to the stores for secure and correctly
disposal. This includes empty containers.
4. Always carefully stack materials awaiting installation in a position where they
will not create an obstruction or tripping hazard.
5. Never leave materials or tools on stairways or in poorly lit areas.
6. Keep access routes clear of all obstructions; you never know when an
emergency may arise.
7. Cables and hoses carelessly draped across access routes will create a tripping
hazard.
8. Never leave tools or materials where they could fall and injure any person below
(in particular, on the top of a pair of steps).
9. Low level services should be clearly marked and/or padded to prevent injuries
caused by people inadvertently bumping into them.
10. Never leave sharp edged materials or other dangerous items (e.g., nails sticking
out of timber), lying around, or protruding from the work face.
11. Mess facilities should be kept clean and tidy - uneaten food will attract vermin.
12. Always report any hazards you may notice to your supervisor, e.g., slippery
surfaces, unprotected holes, insecure/inadequate guardrails, obstructed access
routes, piles of flammable waste accumulating, etc.
13. A tidy site that looks good is an organized site. Everyone wants to work in a
clean environment so make sure you are not the person who lets everyone else
down.
14. Failure to maintain a clean and tidy worksite will lead to disciplinary action.

Tidiness is not someone else's business it is your business.

| P a g e 19
Toolbox Talk: Skin Care

Dermatitis is a common and serious hazard within the construction industry. Different
people react differently to various substances. It is not therefore possible to be specific
regarding which substances should be avoided. Thus, the following general rules should be
applied.

1. Implement and follow COSHH assessments.


2. Avoid skin contact with substances whenever possible.
3. ESPECIALLY Avoid repetitive or prolonged skin contact with substances.
4. Avoid contact with irritant or allergic substances if you are known to suffer from
eczema or allergy rashes. 8+o
5. Wear protective clothing, in particular suitable gloves.
6. Do not wear dirty or contaminated clothing.
7. Keep your workplace clean, clean up spilt substances.
8. Do not allow resins or glue to harden on your skin.
9. Personal hygiene is most important, always wash after using substances.
10. Never use petrol or de-greasing solvents to clean hands, they are harmful to the skin
and carry a fire risk.
11. Barrier creams have limited value. Some are water soluble and therefore of no use
for wet work and others are quickly removed during manual handling.
12. Skin conditioning creams for after work application can be beneficial.
13. Always seek medical attention should you notice a rash develop.
REMEMBER - You can protect your skin by

• Wearing appropriate PPE


• Maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness
• Think before you let substances come in to contact with your skin.

| P a g e 20
Toolbox Talk: Noise at work

Excessive noise from plant and tools can, over a period of time, cause progressive and
Irreversible damage to your hearing.

If you need to shout where you are working, then noise exposure levels should be assessed.
Report the situation to your supervisor who will ascertain

• whether noise levels are unacceptable


• means of reducing noise at source
• need to remove operatives from area
Where employees must continue working in a noisy area, hearing protection may be
required and the following rules must be observed:

1. Only use hearing protection approved by your supervisor.


2. Never enter noisy areas without hearing protection.
3. Wear ear protectors at all times when exposed to noise.
4. Do not use cotton wool, it is not effective.
5. Make sure ear plugs are a good fit and properly inserted.
6. Use disposable ear plugs for a maximum of a day before changing them.
7. Hands should be clean when handling ear plugs.
8. Ensure ear muffs are worn the correct way round.
9. Ear muffs should be a good fit to the head around the seals.
10. Make sure the muffs are in good condition.
11. Do not alter the pressure of ear muffs by bending the head band.

Remember - there is no satisfactory treatment for noise induced hearing loss.

Protect your hearing – It is Precious

If you see this sign, you should have ear protection

| P a g e 21

You might also like