1.0 Purpose
The company’s and government’s Primary objectives are to ensure the safety and health of the Employees, and to protect property.
1.1 Safety Rules have been developed with input from Supervisors and Employees. While held to a minimum, the rules address behaviors and work practices that can lead to accidents and injuries.
1.2 Each Employees should become familiar with and follow General and Departmental Safety Rules. Supervisors must enforce Safe Work practices through strict adherence to Safety Rules.
1.3 Most accidents can be prevented if everyone uses assigned safety equipment and follows the established safety rules. To operate a safe and successful business, we must work as a team to:
“THINK SAFE, WORK SAFE, AND BE SAFE”
2.0 Communication of Safety Rules
Communication of safety rules is accomplished by:
• Discussion during New Hire Orientation
• Published in the New Hire Orientation / Company Handbook
• Posting throughout the facility
• Annual refresher training
• On-the-spot corrections and reinforcement by supervisors
3.0 Additional Operating Safety Rules
The Company has additional safety rules for specific operations and departments that apply to those engaged in hazardous work areas or operations. Examples of these rules are contained in other safety manual chapters and standard operating procedures such as those for:
• Lockout-Tagout
• Confined Space Entry
• Welding Safety
• Forklift Safety
4.0 Posting of General Safety Rules
General Safety Rules will be posted in conspicuous areas at all locations.
5.0 GENERAL SAFETY RULES
5.1 Report all work injuries and illnesses immediately.
5.2 Report all Unsafe Acts or Unsafe Conditions to your Supervisor.
5.3 Use seat belts when on Company business in any vehicles.
5.4 Firearms, weapons, or explosives are not permitted on Company Property.
5.6 Use, possession, sale or being under the influence of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription drugs and/or alcohol is not permitted on Company Property or while “on duty”.
5.7 Only authorized and trained Employees may repair or adjust machinery and equipment. Lock and Tag Out Procedures must be followed before removing any machine guards or working on powered machinery and equipment. Re-place/fix all guards when the job is completed.
5.8 Only qualified and trained Employees may work on or near Exposed Energized Electrical Parts or Electrical Equipment. Follow Electrical Safety Rules when working with electrically powered machinery and equipment.
5.9 Only authorized and trained Employees may enter a posted Confined Space. All confined spaces will be posted Confined Space – Permit Required. Entry is allowed only after permits are properly issued.
5.10 Only authorized and trained Employees may dispense or use chemicals. It is your responsibility to know where SDS’s (Safety Data Sheets) are located and that they are available for your use and review.
5.11 Keep work areas clean and aisles clear. Do not block emergency equipment or exits.
5.12 Wear and use the prescribed Personal Protective Safety Equipment. This includes foot protection, head protection, gloves, etc.
5.13 Smoking is permitted only in the designated “Smoking Areas”.
6.0 Store combustible materials properly
When not stored properly, these combustible materials are serious fire hazards. They can put everyone’s safety at risk. Make sure these materials are stored in areas with proper ventilation.
6.1 Any spills made while working with these sorts of materials should be properly cleaned right away.
6.2 Every workplace that handles flammable and combustible materials needs to do so in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety rules and regulations, depending on the state in which the business resides.
6.3 All materials need to be properly labelled, based on GHS – the globally harmonised system for the classification and labelling of chemicals.
GHS defines a flammable liquid as a liquid having a flash point of no more than 93°C. The chemicals are further classified according to their flash points.
7.0 The person who runs the business is responsible for the following:
7.1 Creating and conducting all emergency planning.
7.2 Ensuring everyone on site has personal protective equipment.
7.3 Dealing with risks from flammable solvent vapors, including the places where it exceeds 5% of the lower explosive limit.
7.4 Managing fire and explosion risks.
7.5 Keeping the amount of flammable and combustible substances at the lowest practicable quantity.
7.6 Providing a manifest and site plan if there is too much of one substance on site.
7.7 Ensuring storage areas are properly labelled and signs are visible
Containing and managing leaks and spills.
7.8 Making sure containers, pipework and attachments are damage-free.
7.9 Providing appropriate fire protection systems.
7.10 Managing all risks associated with storage and handling systems and equipment.
8.0. Training of employees
8.1 Ensure proper training when handling equipment or machinery.
Any employee tasked to handle tools, equipment, or machines should go through proper training first. Anyone who isn’t trained should never be assigned to handle heavy machinery and should stay away from it.
8.2 Training is not enough for high risk work involving heavy equipment and machinery.
9.0 Appropriate Licences to work
9.1 Workers need to have appropriate licences to work in certain conditions and handle certain machinery and/or equipment. Once acquired, this licence needs to be renewed when stated.
9.2 The licence is categorized and you need to make sure your employees are eligible for the category your business needs.
9.3 A Licence to Perform High Risk Work is for handling different machinery and equipment such as:
— Cranes
— Reach stackers
— Elevating platforms
— Hoists
— Boilers
— Scaffolds
9.4 You need to have proper First Aid Kits and trained personnel who can administer it properly.
10.0 Proper clothes appropriate for tasks.
10.1 Employees who will be using power tools should wear proper workwear when operating machinery. Have them wear the right shoes and protective equipment for the task. Only use gloves that fit right and that are appropriate for the task.
10.2 Different industries require different uniforms and protective gear.
For example, medical personnel need uniforms that will prevent them from being contaminated with bacteria while enabling them to move comfortably.
10.3 Industrial workwear needs to provide UV protection, protection from fire and other hazards. Of course, it all depends on the industry. Naturally, you will opt for sturdier fabrics if you need to equip workers in the automotive industry. On the other hand, those that work with open fire and flames need fire retardant fabrics.
10.4 Food processing garments don’t have to be that special, but they need to be made from antibacterial fabrics to prevent bacteria contamination.
11.0 Clearly label designated hazardous zones
Areas, where dangerous equipment is stored should be clearly labelled and the walkways should be highlighted with the necessary signage.
11.1 The Sign Shed General warning signs
It also helps to mark the hazardous zones with tape or black and white stripes painted on the floor. This keeps employees aware of dangerous surroundings and helps them avoid accidents that may cause serious injuries.
11.2 It’s important to make sure the signs are properly made and positioned.
Regulatory signs warn about actions and measurements required by law. They are subdivided as follows:
a. Prohibition signs
b. Mandatory signs
c. Limitation or restriction signs
11.3 Hazard signs that warn about dangers and hazards. They are subdivided as follows:
a. Danger signs – warning of a particular hazard that can be life-threatening.
b. Warning signs – warning of a hazard that is not likely to be life-threatening.
11.4 Emergency information signs include directions to emergency-related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities, including fire signs.
11.5 Free Danger Signs
Free Caution Signs
Free Mandatory Signs
12.0 Provide first aid training
Providing employees with first aid stations goes a long way towards safety and is a practical way to deal with emergencies. These wall-mounted stations must be fully stocked with a first aid kit that has all the medicines and supplies needed to handle the most commonly encountered situations in the industry/office.
13.0 Fire Protection system
13.1 Fire protection systems include fire suppression, sprinklers, smoke detectors, and other fire protection equipment that works in tandem to protect against fire should be in place and in perfect working condition.
13.2 Proper training of employees/fire fighting team in operating/testing of fire protection system. Regular checking and keeping the fire protection system in perfect working condition. Frequent fire drill to be undertaken to keep employees ready to face fire emergency.
13.3 It is best to work with a fire protection company that understands the needs of your property/industry and provides a variety of integrated protection systems.
14.0 The first step toward creating a safer workplace is to undertake a professional workplace risk assessment. This will identify all the potential risks that lurk in your workplace. Once that is done, you can go on and take all the necessary precautions.
Ajit Kumar Hyderabad 