General Workplace Safety Practices

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Chapter : Workplace Safety 

Safety Article 

General Workplace Safety Practices 

The goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers. The recommended practices use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health.

To ensure a safe workplace, always prioritize wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), report any unsafe act, conditions or injuries immediately, and always use equipment properly, while also being aware of your surroundings and taking regular breaks.

Regularly check following workplace safety practices:- 

Body Mechanics

• Use proper muscle groups and distribute the workload.
• Both hands are used to pick up heavier objects.
• Lifting heavy objects alone is avoided. Help is requested.
• Pushing is preferred to pulling.
• Leg muscles are used to lift heavy objects rather than back muscles.
• Bending and unnecessary twisting of the body for any length of time is avoided.
• Work is done at the proper level.
• Two people carry long pieces of materials.
• Do not lift heavy loads above shoulder level.

Personal Protection 

• Confine long hair so that it is not exposed to machinery and does not interfere with vision.
• Require the wearing of safety goggles, glasses, or other eye protection when there is a danger of eye injury.
• Provide respirators for use where harmful dusts or fumes exist (see WISHA rules). ** Respirator use requires appropriate certification, fit testing, and supervision to insure that there is proper fit, training, and inspection are all taking place.
• Determine the physical defects and limitations of all students so that they will not be assigned tasks detrimental to their health or physical condition.
• Prohibit the wearing of loose clothing in the laboratory and shop areas.
• Require students to remove rings and other jewelry while working in the laboratory and shop areas.
• Where noise levels are excessive over long periods of time, ear protection should be worn.
• Protective apparel, including safety shoes, aprons, shields, and gloves, are worn properly as required by the nature of the task.
• Provisions are made for cleaning and sterilizing respirators, masks, and goggles.
• Head protection is worn in all areas where there is danger of falling and/or flying objects.

Facility Conditions

• Aisles, machines, benches, and other equipment are arranged to conform to good safety practices.
• Stairways, aisles, and floors are maintained, clean, dry, and unobstructed with no protruding objects.
• Walls, windows, and ceilings are clean, maintained in good repair, and free of protrusions.
• Illumination is safe, sufficient, and well placed.
• Ventilation and temperature controls are proper for conditions.
• Fire extinguishers and other necessary fire equipment are properly selected, adequately supplied, properly located, inspected, and periodically recharged as required.
• Exits are properly identified and illuminated.
• Lockers and drawers are clean, free of hazards, and doors kept closed.
• Personnel know the procedures for notification of fire and evaluation of premises.
• Laboratories and workplaces are free from excessive dust, smoke, and airborne toxic materials.
• Utility lines and shutoffs are properly identified.
• Stairways, floor openings, and overhead storage areas are properly guarded with rails and toe boards and have the proper clearances.

Housekeeping Practices 

• Provide for the storage and daily removal of all sawdust, metal cuttings, rags, and other waste materials.
• Provide properly marked boxes, bins, or containers for various kinds of scrap stock and rags.
• Utilize sturdy racks and bins for material storage, arranged to keep material from falling on students and to avoid injuries from protruding objects.
• Employ a standard procedure to keep floors free of oil, water, and foreign material.
• Provide for the cleaning of equipment and facilities after each use.
• Provide regular custodial service in addition to end of class cleanup.
• Prohibit the use of compressed air to clean clothing, equipment, and work areas.
• Keep walkways and work areas free of all obstructions.
• Floor surfaces must be maintained in a “nonskid” condition.
• Tools and materials are stored orderly and safely.
• File cabinets and other tall cabinets are required to be anchored.

Equipments

• All equipment should be operated in accordance with specifications as stated in the owner’s manual.
• Machines and apparatus are arranged so that operators are protected from hazards of other machines or passing individuals.
• Point of operation zones are properly identified and guarded.
• Permanent enclosure guards properly protect pulleys, gears, and belts.
• Guards are removed only for repair purposes and then replaced immediately.
• Equipment control switches for each machine are easily available to the operator.
• Machines are turned off when the instructor is out of the room and/or if the machine is unattended.
• Proper cleaning equipment is used (avoid air for cleaning purposes).
• Nonskid areas are maintained around dangerous equipment.
• A preventive maintenance program is established for all equipment.
• Machines are guarded to comply with WISHA code.
• Cutting tools are kept sharp, clean, and in safe working order.
• All hoisting devices are maintained in a safe operating condition and specified load ratings are easily identified.
• Machines that are defective or being repaired are clearly marked and made inoperable by locking out the machine power switch.
• Machines and apparatus are marked with proper color code.
• Equipment cords and adapters are maintained in a safe working condition.
• Adjustment and repair of any machine is restricted to experienced persons.
• Ladders are maintained and stored properly.
• Machines designated for fixed location are securely anchored.

Recordkeeping

• Always keep an adequate record of accidents and report it through proper channels in your district.
• An analysis of accidents is made for the purpose of corrective action.

Hand Tools 

• Instruct students to select the right tools for each job.
• Establish regular tool inspection procedures to ensure tools are maintained in safe condition.
• Instruct students in the correct use of tools for each job.
• Provide proper storage facilities.
• Do not lay tools on operating machinery or equipment.
• Keep tools out of aisles and working spaces where they may become tripping hazards.
• Do not put sharp objects or tools in pockets. This could result in cuts or being stabbed.