Industrial Housekeeping and Safety

Housekeeping in Industries

• In industries ensures facilities, equipment, work areas, and access routes are kept in good condition.
• The primary goal of industrial housekeeping is to reduce dangerous dust particles, fumes, and other emissions within a facility.
• Success in workplace safety housekeeping involves stocking and maintaining PPE's.
• Success in workplace safety housekeeping involves mitigating slip, trip, and fall accidents .
• Success in workplace safety housekeeping involves addressing fire hazards, managing dust and waste, and stopping hazardous materials transfer.
• OSHA checklists are used for safety culture inspections.
• Regularly evaluate and maintain walkways, surfaces, lighting, storage, and sanitation facilities.
• A checklist covers the storage, maintenance of tools/equipment, materials handling, and proper waste disposal.

Workplace Safety Policies and Procedures

• Policies and procedures are the foundation of a compliant workplace providing a clear framework for decision-making and guiding employee behavior.
• Implementing OHS/WHS policies ensures all employees follow clear guidelines for consistency, reducing confusion and promoting harmony.
• Compliance with policies and procedures helps stay ahead of regulatory requirements, avoiding fines, legal issues, and stress.
• Efficiency is achieved through well-defined procedures that streamline operations, save time, and boost productivity.
• WHS policies and procedures manage hazards, prevent accidents and protect businesses from costly downtime.

Workplace Safety Training

• Workplace safety training provides the workforce with the knowledge and skills to perform their work safely.
• The training includes hazard recognition, proper use of equipment, emergency response procedures, and promoting a safety culture.
• Training involves instructing workers on hazard control concepts and techniques, including the hierarchy of control.
• Proper use of work practices and administrative controls are part of training.
• Training includes when and how to wear required personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• PPE refers to protective clothing for the eyes, head, ears, hands, respiratory system, body, and feet.
• PPE protects individuals from injury and infection by minimizing exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
• PPE serves as the final line of defense when engineering and administrative controls are insufficient in reducing or eliminating risks.
• Basic PPE includes glasses/goggles for eye protection.
• Basic PPE includes ear muffs for hearing protection.
• Basic PPE includes safety/water boots for foot protection.
• Basic PPE includes hard hats for head protection.
• Basic PPE includes respirators for respiratory protection.
• Basic PPE includes chemical/body suits for body protection.
• Basic PPE includes face shields for face protection.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

• Establish clear communication protocols for emergency situations.
• Promptly inform all individuals about the need for immediate evacuation using alarms, intercoms, or other systems.
• Establish a predetermined emergency exit route.
• Clearly mark designated emergency exits.
• Ensure individuals know the locations of exits and escape routes.
• Display evacuation maps and signage in easily visible locations.
• Provide visual aids to guide individuals through evacuation routes and highlight assembly points.
• Training an emergency response team coordinates evacuations.
• Designated individuals guide others, conduct head counts, and communicate with emergency services.
• Conduct regular drills to familiarize occupants with procedures.
• Simulate emergency scenarios to test evacuation plans and identify areas for improvement.
• Evacuation routes must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, providing alternate routes and assistance options.
• Strategically select the Assembly Point outside the premises for easy access away from hazards, with ample space for head counts.

First Aid Procedure

• Understanding basic first aid is essential for a safe workplace.
• Trained employees can respond quickly and appropriately to workplace injuries or medical conditions.
• First aid is the necessary temporary assistance an injured person needs until professional medical care can be provided.
• The three primary goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.

OSHA Compliant Regulations

• Standards are set and enforced to reduce workplace hazards, providing training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees.
• Employers must provide a safe workplace, comply with standards, and protect employees from harm and injury.
• Part of the employer responsibilities involves providing a workplace free from serious known hazards.
• Employer responsibilities involve examining workplace conditions to ensure they conform to applicable OSHA standards.
• Employer responsibilities include ensuring employees have and use safe tools and equipment, meeting reporting requirements and maintaining records.
• Employee responsibilities involve submitting to OSHA inspectors.

Employer Responsibilities

• Employers must identify and eliminate serious recognized hazards, conducting regular safety assessments and implementing measures to address risks.
• Employers must adhere to OSHA's specific safety and health standards which vary by industry, covering fall protection, hazardous materials, machine safety, and ergonomics.
• Ensure that all tools, machinery, and equipment used in the workplace are safe and properly maintained, with employees trained in their proper usage to prevent accidents.
• Employers must maintain accurate records of workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents
• Required to report serious injuries, fatalities, or significant workplace hazards to OSHA within specified time frames.
• Employers must cooperate with OSHA inspections, which can be conducted to ensure compliance or investigate accidents, complaints, or reports of unsafe conditions.
• Employers should prepare for these inspections by keeping all safety documentation and protocols up to date.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Classes of Fire and Description is important in safely and properly extinguishing different sources.

Water Extinguisher

• Used for Class A fires involving solid combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth.
• Water extinguishers cool burning materials by removing the heat needed for combustion, and they're unsuitable for electrical or liquid fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher

• Used for Class B fires, which are flammable liquids like petrol, oil, and paint, in addition to electrical fires.
• CO2 extinguishers displace oxygen, smothering the fire and leave no residue and are ideal for use on electrical equipment.

Dry Powder Extinguisher

• Used for Class A, B, and C fires which include flammable gases like propane or butane
• Extinguishers create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen or by interrupting the chemical reaction, but can cause mess and visibility issues.

Wet Chemical Extinguisher

• Used for Class F fires which are cooking oils and fats, e.g., in kitchens.
• Extinguishers cool the fire and form a soapy layer over the burning fat, preventing re-ignition.

Foam Fire Extinguisher

• Used for Class A and B fires.
• Extinguishers smother the fire and prevent re-ignition by creating a foam layer, and are effective on both flammable liquids and solid fires.