Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)

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Questions and Answers

What are the elements required for combustion to take place?

Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen (correct)

Metal, Wood, and Plastic

Water, Sand, and Air

Steam, Gas, and Carbon Dioxide

What is the definition of a fire?

A fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air, typically giving out bright light, heat, and smoke.

Electric shocks below 110 V are always fatal.

False

The classification of fires is based on the type of __________.

fuel Signup and view all the answers

Match the Class of Fire with its description:

Class A = Normal combustibles like wood, paper, cloth Class B = Involves flammable and combustible liquids and gases Class C = Involves energized electrical equipment Class D = Involves combustible metals Class K = Involves cooking oils and greases Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of ergonomics?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

List two examples of common ergonomic symptoms.

Burning, Numbness Signup and view all the answers

Excessive exposure to radiation cannot damage living tissues.

False Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to extreme cold can cause __________.

hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

Match the following environmental hazards with their effects:

Temperature = Rash; Cramps Radiation = Burns Vibration = Fatigue Noise = Interferences Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of having an ergonomic program for employees and employers?

Provide Comfort, Reduce Worker’s compensation costs, Increase Productivity, Minimize Errors Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of protection against radiation mentioned?

Engineering, Administrative, PPE Signup and view all the answers

What are the early signs and symptoms of exposure to vibration?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Employees shall be trained on vibration exposure limit values and action levels, signs and symptoms of vibration related injuries, and the process for reporting and getting __________.

treatment Signup and view all the answers

Noise exposure above 90 dBA can lead to hearing loss.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of protection with their examples:

Engineering = Vibration reduction equipment Administrative = Job rotation PPE = Ear plugs Signup and view all the answers

When should hearing protection be worn according to OSHA guidelines?

When noise level exceeds 90 dBA Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'trip' in the context of common fall hazards.

When personnel's foot catches on or in something Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Hazard

In 2022, UAE Civil defence teams responded to over 3,000 incidents, including 2,169 building fires, with the majority occurring in residential areas.
UAE Legislation on Fire Safety includes the Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice 2018, also known as the "Civil Defense Fire Code", which governs life safety and fire safety requirements.
Fire is a chemical reaction that combines substances with oxygen, typically producing light, heat, and smoke.
Fire Triangle: three prerequisites for a fire to occur - Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat.
Fire stages: not specified in the text.
Causes of Fire:
- Electrical problems (e.g. overloading electrical circuits, damaged or frayed wiring, misuse of extension cords and power strips, outdated electrical systems)
- Smoking (improper use and disposal of smoking materials)
- Human error (e.g. unattended cooking or heating appliances, improper storage of flammable materials, inadequate training on fire safety procedures)
- Combustible dust (e.g. in food processing, chemical manufacturing, wood processing, and metalworking industries)
- Arson (intentional fires set by employees or outsiders)
- Heating equipment (e.g. space heaters, central heating systems, boiler and furnace malfunctions)
- Poor housekeeping (e.g. accumulation of clutter, waste materials, and debris)
- Mechanical friction (e.g. overheated machinery, equipment, or components)
- Flammable liquids and gases (e.g. gasoline, solvents, paints, propane, and natural gas)
- Negligence (e.g. failure to follow safety protocols, failure to report potential hazards)

Classes of Fire

Fires are classified based on the type of fuel:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (e.g. wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics)
- Class B: Flammable and combustible liquids and gases (e.g. gasoline, alcohols, and propane)
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metals (e.g. magnesium, sodium, titanium, powdered aluminum, potassium, and zirconium)
- Class K: Cooking media (e.g. fats, oils, and greases)

Controlling Fire

Starving: removing or separating fuel from the fire
Smothering: inhibiting or displacing oxygen to a volume of below 15%
Cooling: absorbing heat with water or other coolants
Controlling the Chain Reaction: introducing chemical agents to inhibit the chemical chain reactions

Fire Extinguisher

Using the "PASS" system: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep at the fire

Electrical Hazard

UAE Legislation on Electrical Safety includes the OSHAD Code of Practice (COP 15) - Electrical Safety
Electrical Principle: Voltage, Current, Conductors, Insulators, Earthing, and Short Circuit
Electrical Hazards and Injuries:
- Electric shock
- Electric burns
- Electric fires and explosions
- Arcing
- Portable electrical equipment
- Secondary hazards (e.g. falls, trips, noise, and vibration)
Electric Shock: can vary from a slight tingling sensation to death, depending on the size of the current and voltage
Electrical fires and explosions: 25% of all fires have an electrical origin, caused by short circuits, overheating, and ignition of flammable gases and vapors

OSHAD COP 15 - Electrical Safety

No Work On or Near Live Conductors
Working Space, Access, and Lighting
Temporary Electricity Supplies: 110 volts
Inspection and maintenance strategies
Protective systems: fuse, insulation, isolation, reduced low-voltage systems, residual current devices, and double insulation
Lock-out/Tag-out system: a protection system against unintentional exposure to hazardous energy from equipment and machinery

Ergonomic and Working Environment

Ergonomic issues: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a major concern, accounting for 33% of injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
Definition of Ergonomics: The science of fitting jobs to people, designing the workplace to ensure safe and efficient worker use.
Ergonomic design: The application of knowledge to design the workplace, tasks, equipment, and environment for safe and efficient worker use.
Good ergonomic design: Makes the most efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring job demands do not exceed those capabilities.
Common ergonomic symptoms: Discomfort, burning, pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, loss of motion/flexibility, spasticity, stiff joints, and paralysis.
Common work-related MSDs: Affect the back, arms, elbows, shoulders, neck, hands, wrists, fingers, knees, ankles, and feet.

How Ergonomic Injuries Happen

Overexertion of the body from lifting or carrying
Bodily reaction to stimuli
Repetitive motion during work
Working in awkward postures or same postures for long periods
Localized pressure into the body part
Prolonged vibration from equipment

Ergonomic Control Methods

Engineering controls: Work station design and setup, ergonomically designed tools, equipment, and load weight reduction.
Examples of proper work practices: Proper lifting techniques, team lifts, stretching, work rotation, task variety, and increasing rest breaks.
Examples of PPE: Gripping gloves, knee pads, vibration gloves, thermal gloves, lifting straps, shoulder harness, and lifting braces.

Benefits of an Ergonomic Program

Towards employees: Provides comfort, reduces fatigue, prevents injuries, increases job satisfaction, and decreases boredom and stress.
Towards employers: Reduces worker's compensation costs, increases productivity, minimizes errors, and maintains product quality.

Environmental Hazards and Controls

Types of environmental hazards: Temperature, vibration, radiation, and noise.
Effects of exposure to physical hazards: Rash, cramps, exhaustion, stroke, hypothermia, frostbite, and hearing loss.
Protection against heat: Engineering controls (air conditioning, ventilation, cooling fans), administrative controls (emergency plan, acclimatization, work/rest cycles), and PPE (insulated PPE, thermal clothing).
Protection against cold: Engineering controls (heaters, shielded work areas), administrative controls (warm liquids, buddy system, monitoring), and PPE (layered clothing, hat, gloves, insulated boots).
Protection against radiation: Engineering controls (enclosure, shielding, interlocked doors), administrative controls (clear marking, minimizing exposure time), and PPE (RF/MW protective suits, safety glasses).
Protection against vibration: Engineering controls (vibration reduction equipment, dampeners), administrative controls (proper positioning, job rotation, limit duration), and PPE (anti-vibration gloves).
Protection against noise: Engineering controls (low-noise tools, barriers), administrative controls (increasing distance, altering work schedule), and PPE (ear plugs, ear muffs, hearing bands).

OSHAD Regulations and Guidelines

OSHAD COP 14: Manual Handling and Ergonomic: Employees shall be trained on procedures to request an ergonomic worksite assessment, early warning signs of an ergonomic injury or illness, and reporting procedures.
OSHAD COP 11: Safety in the Heat: Employees shall be aware of the hazards of working in heat, maintaining good hydration, recognizing signs of heat illness, and prevention measures.
OSHAD COP 3: Occupational Noise: Employees shall be trained on noise risk assessment, hearing conservation program, hazard communication, and audiometric tests.
OSHAD COP 3.1: Vibration: Employees shall be trained on vibration exposure limit values, risk assessment, signs and symptoms of vibration-related injuries, and control measures.
OSHAD COP 23: Working at Heights: Employees shall be trained on preventing falling object injuries, emergency and rescue planning, PPE and fall arrest, public protection, guardrail/protection, and risk assessments.

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Description

Learn about fire hazards, the fire triangle, and firefighting measures. Understand the importance of fire safety in the context of environmental, health, and safety regulations.