In a recent incident, a worker was deployed to rectify a fault reported during the operation of a tower crane boom. The crane operator was in his cabin waiting for the repair work to be completed. When the cabin fan stopped unexpectedly, the operator looked out and saw the worker lying motionless on the platform in front of the control panel box.
Investigations showed that the worker was probably trying to measure or check the electrical installation inside the control panel box using multi-meter probes (an electrical measurement tool). The burnt marks and strands of hair found stuck on two of the connectors inside the control panel box suggest that he could have been electrocuted and died on the spot.
1. Conduct risk assessment: Prior to the start of any work, risk assessment must be carried out by employers and workers to identify potential hazards. Appropriate actions should then be taken to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. Control measures and safe work procedures must be established, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of the workers involved. Some of the hazards relevant to this incident include:
a. Exposed wires/connectors/terminals that are still energized and “live”
b. Working at height while troubleshooting the fault
2. Live testing precautions: Before performing any electrical work, one should ensure that the work can be done without the system being energised. Work on or near live conductors should be avoided. Should live testing be necessary to trace a malfunction of the equipment, suitable safety precautions should be taken, including putting temporary insulating neoprene or polythene sheets over live components and/or applying insulation to parts that are at earth potential. These temporary insulating sheets can also help to prevent the risk of accidental short circuit from tools, components and conductors.
3. Use of dry rubber insulating mat: Where there is the possibility of electrocution, workers should be asked to use dry rubber insulating mats. The rubber mat insulates the floor on which the person stands, reducing the risk of the flow of electrical current through the person. Other electrical insulation methods such as rubber blankets, gloves, sleeves, properly designed and rubber-soled boots may also be used.
4. Provision of adequate training: All workers should be adequately trained in the identification and control of hazards in their workplace. Specialized electrical safety training must be provided to those who may need to work with or around exposed components of electric circuits. The training should include, but not be limited to, basic electrical theory, proper safe work procedures, hazard awareness and identification, proper use of personal protective equipment, proper lockout/ tagout procedures, first aid including CPR, and proper rescue procedures. Provisions should also be made for periodic re-training.
5. Buddy system: For certain electrical works, it is recommended to implement a buddy system. In an emergency, the buddy (i.e. a co-worker) could switch off the electrical supply immediately and render assistance on site.
6. Lock-out procedures: Lock out procedures must be established and implemented for the inspection, repair and maintenance of any machinery or equipment. All energy sources to the relevant machinery or equipment should be isolated, disconnected or discharged to prevent any part of the machinery or equipment from being inadvertently activated or energised.
7. Personal protective equipment: Those who are potentially exposed to live components should be provided with appropriate protective clothing and equipment, such as electrical protective resistance glove for measurement and testing work. Such equipment should be inspected regularly by a competent person. Those working at height (e.g. on platform) must also be provided with a proper fall protection system, incorporating safety harness and secured anchor points to reduce the risk of falling.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Safety Guidelines for use of Gondolas
There were two recent accidents involving the use of gondolas, resulting in one worker injured and another killed.
Three key learning points are highlighted on the safe use of gondolas:
(i) Ensure the gondolas are properly designed, installed and tested
(ii) Ensure the regular inspection and maintenance of gondolas in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
(iii) Provide adequate fall protection measures for workers on gondolas
Three key learning points are highlighted on the safe use of gondolas:
(i) Ensure the gondolas are properly designed, installed and tested
(ii) Ensure the regular inspection and maintenance of gondolas in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
(iii) Provide adequate fall protection measures for workers on gondolas
Fatigue Attributed to the Death of a Prime Mover Driver
In this incident, a Terminal Prime Mover (TPM-2) in a container port swerved and collided onto the rear of another TPM (TPM-1) travelling in the opposite direction. As a result of the collision, the driver of TPM-2 was thrown out of the cabin and subsequently died in hospital.
Summary of Findings:
Investigation revealed that the incident occurred primarily due to Man (driver of TPM-2), with Management as a contributory factor. The driver did not take care of his own safety and health by adhering to the "Compulsory Short Break" (CSB) as required by the Management. He also did not fasten his seat belt, and the fatigue arising from long hours of work might have caused him to lose control of his TPM, and prevent him from applying the emergency brake in time.
Management contributed to the incident by not having a well designed work schedule for the drivers. Although Management instituted a good concept in CSB, it was inadequate for the drivers to recuperate sufficiently.
Summary of Findings:
Investigation revealed that the incident occurred primarily due to Man (driver of TPM-2), with Management as a contributory factor. The driver did not take care of his own safety and health by adhering to the "Compulsory Short Break" (CSB) as required by the Management. He also did not fasten his seat belt, and the fatigue arising from long hours of work might have caused him to lose control of his TPM, and prevent him from applying the emergency brake in time.
Management contributed to the incident by not having a well designed work schedule for the drivers. Although Management instituted a good concept in CSB, it was inadequate for the drivers to recuperate sufficiently.
Fall from Height
In a recent accident, a worker fell to his death while climbing the turntable ladder to the crane cabin of a tower crane. The lifeline was terminated at the top mast, and the worker had removed his safety harness when climbing from the turntable to the cabin. While he was ascending the turntable ladder, the worker slipped and fell onto the mast platform 6 m below.
Recommendations*
1. Conduct risk assessment before starting any work: Identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. For this incident, the hazards include the failure to don proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The risk assessment should also include non-routine or emergency situations so that measures can be adopted to minimise the risks for such situations.
2. Put in place an effective workplace safety and health management programme: Employers should establish and implement a Safety and Health policy, and safety management system with proper control measures and safe work procedures. This includes a fall protection plan for any work that may involve workers falling from a height. The safety and health programme must be clearly communicated to all levels of personnel, such as through refresher courses or daily tool box meetings.
3. Safe access on tower cranes: To prevent falls, employers must provide safe access for crane operators and other persons who need to carry out inspection and maintenance work on a tower crane. Safe access (ladders with hoop guards) to the operator’s cabin should include rest-landings at every interval not exceeding nine metres of the mast. If a mast has a continuous vertical ladder for access, an effective fall-arrest system that does not require the person to constantly hook on and off must be provided.
4. Issue appropriate PPE: Workers must be issued the appropriate PPE, such as full body harness that is securely anchored (through lanyard, shock absorbers and hook) at all times to protect against accidental falls. Additional lifeline should be employed specifically for the turntable to prevent falls. The workers must be trained on the safe and proper use of the PPE.
5. Ensure proper supervision: Employers should ensure that workers adhere to the established safe work procedures, e.g. by ensuring that workers follow the fall protection plan when working at height and disciplining workers who exhibit unsafe acts and do not comply with the safe work procedures.
Recommendations*
1. Conduct risk assessment before starting any work: Identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. For this incident, the hazards include the failure to don proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The risk assessment should also include non-routine or emergency situations so that measures can be adopted to minimise the risks for such situations.
2. Put in place an effective workplace safety and health management programme: Employers should establish and implement a Safety and Health policy, and safety management system with proper control measures and safe work procedures. This includes a fall protection plan for any work that may involve workers falling from a height. The safety and health programme must be clearly communicated to all levels of personnel, such as through refresher courses or daily tool box meetings.
3. Safe access on tower cranes: To prevent falls, employers must provide safe access for crane operators and other persons who need to carry out inspection and maintenance work on a tower crane. Safe access (ladders with hoop guards) to the operator’s cabin should include rest-landings at every interval not exceeding nine metres of the mast. If a mast has a continuous vertical ladder for access, an effective fall-arrest system that does not require the person to constantly hook on and off must be provided.
4. Issue appropriate PPE: Workers must be issued the appropriate PPE, such as full body harness that is securely anchored (through lanyard, shock absorbers and hook) at all times to protect against accidental falls. Additional lifeline should be employed specifically for the turntable to prevent falls. The workers must be trained on the safe and proper use of the PPE.
5. Ensure proper supervision: Employers should ensure that workers adhere to the established safe work procedures, e.g. by ensuring that workers follow the fall protection plan when working at height and disciplining workers who exhibit unsafe acts and do not comply with the safe work procedures.
Dust Control at Demolition Sites
Demolition work involves hacking, crushing, and cutting, which can generate large amount of dust and debris. If poorly managed, the clouds of dust can contain particulate emissions that may be hazardous to human health. They may also reduce visibility, delay demolition activities and cause property damage.
Working Safely with Electrical Equipment
Electricity is part and parcel of our daily lives, but it can cause significant danger or harm if mishandled. Accidents can be caused by electrical hazards such as defective equipment, damaged electrical cords, exposed wires, overloaded circuits and wet conditions. It is therefore important for all staff working at or near electrical equipment to understand basic electrical safety and adopt the necessary precautionary measures.
Flash Fire in Confined Space
In this incident, a team of 6 workers was doing roller painting in a confined space when a flash fire occurred. All the workers managed to climb out of the confined space. 4 of the workers sustained burns while 2 others were unhurt. One of the injured workers died later due to complications arising from inhalational injury and extensive burns.
Summary of Findings:
Investigations revealed that the flash fire was caused by the accumulation of flammable vapours and the use of poorly maintained non-flame proof lighting in the confined space. The preparation of the paint mixture in the confined space had accelerated the accumulation of flammable vapours, which could not be effectively diluted by the forced ventilation provided. There were no established procedures for eliminating the risk of vapour accumulation, and for the continuous monitoring of flammable vapour levels. Properly maintained flame proof lighting was also not provided.
Summary of Findings:
Investigations revealed that the flash fire was caused by the accumulation of flammable vapours and the use of poorly maintained non-flame proof lighting in the confined space. The preparation of the paint mixture in the confined space had accelerated the accumulation of flammable vapours, which could not be effectively diluted by the forced ventilation provided. There were no established procedures for eliminating the risk of vapour accumulation, and for the continuous monitoring of flammable vapour levels. Properly maintained flame proof lighting was also not provided.
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