Housekeeping - Key Safety @ Workplace

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SAFETY TALK 

Housekeeping - Key Safety @ Workplace

We should regard good housekeeping at work with the same importance as ‘at home’. Do not always rely on others to clear things up, it’s just as easy to put tools away tidily as it is to leave them laying around on benches, on the floor, on scaffolding, resting on pipes or other positions where they can create a tripping hazard, fall onto a person, or be damaged in a fall. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE.

If dismantling anything / Shifting or placing materials  stack parts away neatly and tidily. Do not leave materials in gangways, they could cut off someone’s escape route or cause a tripping hazard. If dismantling anything constructed of wood, make sure all nails are removed. If this is not possible hammer nails flat; making sure that no parts are left protruding that could cause injury to fellow employees. Damaged lengths or parts of wood should be guarded as these also present hazards.

All rubbish should be placed in skips to be removed. In this way, should a fire occur, it can be confined to a small area and dealt with quickly and efficiently, thus preventing the fire spreading, especially in high winds.

If tools get damaged, get them repaired or replaced. Do not leave them lying around to cause hazards.

If you notice rubbish piling up which you cannot remove, bring this to the attention of supervisor / management who will plan to have it removed.

Should you be working at height and notice loose objects on boards or walkways, put them somewhere where they cannot be dislodged. They could fall and hurt someone.

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

1. We should regard good housekeeping at work place as same importance at “Home”. Do not always rely on others to clear things up, it is as easy to put tools away tidily than  leaving them laying around benches, or the floor, or scaffolding, resting on pipes or other positions. They can create a tripping hazard, fall onto a person or to be damaged in a fall, “A place for everything and everything in its place”.
2. If dismantling anything, stack parts away neatly and tidily. Do not leave materials in gangways, they could cut off someone’s escape route or cause a tripping hazard. If dismantling anything constructed of wood, make sure all nails are removed. If this is not possible hammer nails flat, making sure that no parts are left protruding that could cause injury to fellow employees. Damaged lengths or parts of wood should be cleared as those also present hazards.
3.  All rubbish should be placed in dust bins or skips to be removed. In this way, should a fire occur, it can be confined to a small area and dealt with quickly and efficiently, thus preventing the fire spreading, especially in high winds.
4. If tools get damaged, get them repaired or replaced. Do not leave them lying around to cause hazards.
5. When finishing the work hand over tools and equipment's to the store. Don’t just leave things hoping that they’ll be there when you return.
6. If you notice rubbish piling up which you cannot remove, bring this to the attention of your supervisor who will make arrangements to have it removed.
7. Should you be working at height and notice loose objects on boards or walkways, put them somewhere where they cannot be dislodged. They could fall and injure someone.
8.  Main access way free from obstructions and tidy

Housekeeping @ Workplace an Important Task

Housekeeping

Poor housekeeping is a common, but easily preventable, cause of accidents and it is the responsibility of every worker on the job to keep his work area clean and organised.

Important Points

• Housekeeping is an important issue on our sites because, in addition to safety purposes, a tidy job reflects the workmanship on the project.
• Each individual / sub contractor is responsible for the removal of debris and keeping their area of work clean.
• Look after your own area – clean as you go – do not leave hazards which place you or
• your workmates at risk.
• A minimum of 600mm is required on all working platforms.
• Keep all cables, hoses etc. away from walkways.
• All ropes in floors or roofs must be securely covered – DO NOT COVER ROPES WITH PLASTIC SHEETING.
• Ensure you have adequate lighting.
• De-nail timber as work progresses.
• All protruding re-bar should be cut or capped.
• The likelihood of fire on a site is increased if there is rubbish strewn about.
• Keep all access routes, especially fire escape routes clear of all debris and materials.
• Rats are attracted by food waste – use the bins provided and do not leave food on site.

Safe Access

A high number of accidents are caused by slips, trips and falls on a single or round level.

• Persons slipping, tripping or falling
• Inadequate lighting
• Falls from height
• Materials falling on persons
• Persons falling into holes, excavations
• Persons stepping on sharp objects

On Site Safety

• All persons on site must wear a safety helmet to minimise the risk of being struck by a falling object, and safety boots to protect feet from heavy objects falling onto them, and to protect them from sharp objects on the ground.
• Everyone on site is responsible for the tidiness of the site.
• Adequate lighting must be provided to all work areas
• All edges from which a person can fall or by which they can be injured must be fitted with a suitable barrier, and have toe boards fitted if persons are working below.
• All ladders on site must be securely tied or footed.
• Materials must be stacked in such a way not to pose a danger of falling on persons. All ropes must be securely covered when work is not being carried out in that area.

POOR HOUSEKEEPING CONTRIBUTES TO ACCIDENTS

• Loose objects on the floor form tripping hazards.
• Slippery materials on the floor causes slips and falls. - Loose objects overhead may fall on persons below.
• Large objects out of place form hazards that people may bump against. - Insecurely piled materials may fall on workers.
• Improperly placed tools cause people to come in contact with sharp edges. - Projecting nails may puncture or scratch.
• Dirty windows and light reflectors result in inadequate illumination. - Disorderly methods and processes contribute to all hazards.
• Loose waste materials present a fire hazard.
• Make sure that all litter, dust, and trash are kept off the floor and in trash bins.
• Keep hand tools, extension chords, hoses and so forth off the floor and in their proper storage place when not in use.
• Sloppy piling and storage of materials are big hazards.
• Flammables and all chemicals should be stored as per established procedures.
• Stocks be kept at heights that will not interfere with lights, AC , or sprinkler system.
• Acovered container should be used for disposal of oily rags.
• Oil water and any other spill should be cleaned quickly to prevent slips and falls. - Stairtways should be clear of foreign objects and should be well illuminated.
• Aisles should be kept free from clusters.
• Orderly arrangement.
• A definite place for each object. - Adequate disposal of waste.
• Cleanliness.
• Sufficient work area.                                      

HOUSEKEEPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR JOB 

Your employer is not your mother! What do I mean by that, you ask? I mean, just like when you were young, your mother had to remind you to pick up after yourself. Now that you are on your own, you still need to be told sometimes. Housekeeping is a very important part of your job. Not only does it improve the overall appearance of your shop or work area, it shows that you take pride in where you work. The best way that you can help keep your work place clean is to pick up after yourself! Don't leave it for the next shift or another craft to worry about. 

Here are some reasons to keep your work area clean: 

1. You reduce trip and fall hazards. 
2. Increased production. You won't have to waste time looking for a misplaced tool. You will always know where your tools are when you put them where they belong after you use them. 
3. If someone falls because of materials you left on the floor, you will feel guilty because you were a causal factor in the accident. Also, the injured worker may want to remind you of that! 
4. You reduce a potential fire hazard by removing unneeded combustibles from the work area. 

Here are some tips to maintain a clean work area: 

1. Plan the job. Make a list of the needed tools/materials. This will help to minimize unnecessary clutter around your work area. 
2. Develop a routine for cleaning up at the end of the shift or periodically during the shift. 
3. Do not allow employees to eat, drink or smoke in the work area, not only because of litter problems, but also because of hygiene concerns. 
4. This is not, by all means, all inclusive. The point I am trying to make is to take responsibility for yourself and your work area! Remember, a clean work area is a productive work area and also enhances safety!

If it doesn’t look right, it usually isn’t!!!