ECS Health Safety and Environmental Assessment 09

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Questions and Answers

Why may a confined space be dangerous to work in?

There may not be sufficient working space

Air in the space may be unbreathable due to poisonous gas

All of the hazards mentioned (correct)

Temperature and poor ventilation may affect the worker

What must be considered first when planning to carry out work in a confined space?

Has sufficient manpower been allocated

Has the job been priced properly

Have the correct tools been arranged

Can the work be done from the outside (correct)

When working in a confined space, such as a sewer, what danger may occur?

Boredom

Build-up of harmful gases (correct)

Getting wet through

Not enough time for the job to be done

To determine the safety of the atmosphere in an excavation, which of the following is essential?

Using a gas detector Signup and view all the answers

Before entering an excavation to start work, it must first be:

Inspected by a competent person Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a permit to work system?

To help ensure safe system of work Signup and view all the answers

Why are young people more at risk on site?

They are inexperienced and may not recognize danger Signup and view all the answers

You have to enter a manhole in which you know there are toxic gases. You have all the PPE but there is no appear to be a rescue plan in place what should you do?

Do not enter the manhole until rescue plans and rescue equipment are in place Signup and view all the answers

You have to enter a manhole in which you believe there could be toxic gases. You have not been provided with any Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). What should you do?

Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working Signup and view all the answers

While digging a trench, you uncover a length of yellow marker tape at a depth of about 150mm. What does the presence of the marker tape mean?

There is a buried electrical cable and further excavation must be carried out with care Signup and view all the answers

When exposing underground power cables, which method of excavation should you use?

Hand digging Signup and view all the answers

A Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T.) and a Genny (generator) can be used successfully to locate underground cables by whom:

A competent person after training Signup and view all the answers

When working alone:

Make sure someone responsible knows where you are Signup and view all the answers

When do special precautions need to be taken when working near overhead electric power lines?

Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines Signup and view all the answers

A mobile plant operator can let you ride in the machine:

If it is designed to carry passengers Signup and view all the answers

You have to walk across a site several times a day, but have to dodge a lot of site traffic. The first thing you should do is:

Tell your supervisor about the danger Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confined Space Safety

Confined spaces are dangerous due to potential hazards like insufficient space, poisonous gases, temperature extremes, and poor ventilation. All these factors can pose risks to workers.
Planning confined space work must start with determining if the job can be done from outside the space. This will avoid the risks.
When working in confined spaces, like sewers, workers need to be aware of the risk of harmful gases building up.
Detecting atmospheric safety in excavations is crucial; using a gas detector is vital to determine if the atmosphere is safe.
Before entering an excavation, it must be inspected by a competent person to assess hazards, especially wall collapse.

Permit to Work Systems

Permit to Work systems are written procedures to control certain hazardous work types. They ensure work starts only after site procedures are clarified and understood.

Young Workers in Confined Spaces

Young workers may be at greater risk due to their inexperience and lack of practical experience. They might not recognize dangers as readily as experienced workers.

Entering Manholes with Toxic Gases

If there's a chance of toxic gases, enter the manhole with a plan in place, including a rescue plan and adequate rescue equipment readily available.
If respiratory protective equipment (RPE) isn't provided, immediately inform your supervisor.
Never enter a confined space without a rescue plan in place and the correct safety equipment.

Trench Excavation and Marker Tape

Yellow marker tape at a depth of approximately 150mm in a trench signals the presence of buried services (e.g., cables). Proper excavation procedures must be modified.

Cable Avoidance Tools

Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) and generators (gennys) are used to locate buried services; usage is restricted to trained individuals. Always ensure the operator has received relevant training.

Excavation Methods and Power Cables

When uncovering power cables during excavation, proper methods involving a technique like hand-dug excavation or a 360-degree rubber-tyred excavator are recommended.

Overhead Electric Power Lines

Working near overhead electric power lines demands caution as contact (even close proximity) can lead to electric shock hazards. Work areas that could be near or beneath the power lines need special precautions.

Working Alone vs Teams

Working alone, especially in potentially hazardous scenarios, requires clear communication with a responsible person to know your location, particularly periodically.

Site Traffic

When navigating through sites with heavy traffic, prioritize safety by identifying pedestrian routes and keeping well away from vehicles; clear communication with site supervisors can help.

Mobile Plant Rides

Rides in mobile plant machinery should only be given when there is suitable safe seating provided. Rain or if the machine is not designed to carry passengers are reasons why it should not be utilized.

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Section 09