TEMA 2 FACTORES DE RIESGO Y SU PREVENCIÓN002.pdf

# Prevención y protección The company is obliged to implement the necessary prevention and protection measures to guarantee the safety of its workers. ## Prevention and protection measures - **Prevention measures:** - They try to avoid risks and, if inevitable, they evaluate them to reduce them...

# Prevención y protección The company is obliged to implement the necessary prevention and protection measures to guarantee the safety of its workers. ## Prevention and protection measures - **Prevention measures:** - They try to avoid risks and, if inevitable, they evaluate them to reduce them. - They act directly on the risks before they materialize into damage for people or things. - **Protection measures:** - They are designed to eliminate or reduce possible damage once the risk has materialized. ## Types of protection measures - **Collective protection measures:** - They protect a group of workers, in general. - **Barriers:** Prevent falls from different levels of people and objects. - **Safety nets:** Prevent objects from falling. - **Guards:** Physical elements that prevent contact with dangerous parts of machinery and avoid cuts, blows and entrapments. - **Platforms and wooden covers:** cover holes and prevent workers from falling. - **Differential switches:** Interrupt the current flow in case of contact between a worker and the electrical installation. - **Individual protection measures:** - They protect a single worker through **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**, specific for each risk. - Any equipment, device or accessory that, worn or held by the worker, protects them from one or several risks. ## Safety at work - **Work safety**: - In every work system, there are risks that can become damage to people, products, machines or installations. - The objective of safety is to improve working conditions to the point where it is impossible, or very difficult, to have an accident and suffer injuries as a consequence. ## Workplaces - A workplace is considered any area of the center of work, built or not, in which the worker must stay or access in relation to their work. **Workplace conditions** - Solid, resistant and stable structures, without overload. - Minimum dimensions of workspaces: 3 m high from floor to ceiling (2.5 m in commercial, service, office and office spaces), 2 m2 of free area per worker and 10 m3 of free area per worker. - Floors must be fixed, level, stable and non-slip, and areas with a risk of people or material falling must be marked and protected. Openings in floors and stairs more than 60 cm high, on their open sides, must be protected by rigid barriers of at least 90 cm high and skirting boards of 15 cm. - The closed sides of stairs and ramps will have a handrail, at a height of 90 cm, if the width of the staircase is more than 1.20 m. Platforms and stepladders must have the necessary strength and resistance to withstand the loads or efforts to which they are subjected. - Floors, hallways and stairs must be kept free of obstacles. Hallways and stairs must be at least 1 m wide; exterior doors will be 80 cm wide. - There must be specific spaces for storing materials and tools. - Access routes, exits and traffic routes must be kept free of obstacles and spills should be eliminated quickly, stains and residues of dangerous substances that could cause accidents or contaminate the work environment must be eliminated quickly. - Hand-operated ladders must be inspected periodically and maintained at an angle of approximately 75° from the horizontal. ## Equipment management - **Equipment** is any machine, tool or similar item used at work. - **Old equipment** that does not have the CE mark should be adapted to comply with regulations. **Safety recommendations for equipment management** - Use tools only for the work for which they were designed and manufactured. - Have adequate training in the use of each type of tool. - Carry out periodic maintenance (sharpening, cleaning, etc.). - Periodically review the general condition of tools (handles, coating, insulators, etc.). - Store them in adequate boxes or panels, where each tool has its place. - Portable electric tools must operate at safety voltages (24 V) or be fitted with double insulation. - Do not use compressed air to clean machinery or personal clothing. - Use goggles when there is a risk of particles being projected or gloves when handling cutting tools. Or hearing protection to protect against noise. ## Machinery management - **Machinery** is fixed elements used for carrying out a task, such as milling machines, presses, calibrators, lathes, etc. - Designed and manufacture machinery to comply with the principles of integral safety: not to be a source of danger for the user. - **Guards:** protections that prevent access to dangerous points of the machinery, such as screens, casings or covers. - **Protective devices:** stop the machine or prevent its starting if the operator is in the danger zone. They include blocking systems that make its accidental start-up impossible during maintenance or repair operations. For instance, two-handed control, pressure-sensitive pads or barriers. - **Emergency stop:** all machines, except portable ones, must have an emergency stop device that is easily visible and quickly accessible. Preferably, the emergency stop control buttons are red «mushroom» style buttons with a yellow background. - **Other measures :** use personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves ...), work according to the instruction manuals and work regulations, mark the possible risks of each machine, etc. ## Electricity - The main electrical risks are electric shock by direct or indirect contact or by a short circuit or overload, and an explosion caused by spark or electrical arc in flammable atmospheres. - The health damage that they may cause include: ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, asphyxiation, muscle tetanization, internal or superficial burns, and kidney damage. **Safety recommendations for electrical installations** - Carry out periodic reviews of the condition of the electrical installation (checking the differential switches, etc.) by specialists. - Use adequate plugs, sockets, switches and fuses. - Disconnect tools and electrical equipment before carrying out cleaning, adjustment or maintenance operations. - Disconnect the source of power. - Block the cutting tools. - Verify the absence of tension. - Ground and short-circuit all possible sources of voltage. - Delineate and mark the work area. - Power supply cables must have safe insulation, showing no signs of deterioration. - Connections should be made with standardized plugs. - Ensure that both the installation and the work equipment have double insulation, a ground connection and a differential switch. - Periodically check the correct operation of safety devices. - Disconnect the tool once you have finished working and do not pull the cable to do so. - Do not touch active parts, those that contain voltage, of a machine or installation. - Do not touch elements that accidentally contain voltage, although they should not. ## Fire - Fire is common in most workplaces. - The risk of fire is common in most workplaces. - The fire tetrahedron is composed of four elements: - **Combustible**, any substance capable of burning. It can be solid, liquid or gaseous. - **Combustible**: the normal combustible is the air, which contains approximately 21% oxygen by volume - **Heat or ignition**: providing sufficient energy for the fire to start. - **Chain reaction**: when a spark or flame begins the chemical reaction between the substance and the oxygen. **Safety recommendations for fire prevention** - Replace flammable materials with non-flammable ones or those that are less flammable. - Carry out periodic cleaning, ventilation and maintenance of flammable or combustible waste. - Use airtight containers for the maintenance, transport and storage of waste. - During cleaning and repair operations of flammable liquid tanks, use non-flammable gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide to prevent combustion. - Use agents that cover oxygen and reduce its concentration. - No smoking or bringing tools or equipment that could cause flames or sparks into places with a fire risk. - Protect flammable materials like aerosols, solvents, etc. from sunlight. - Ventilate areas where flammable vapors are produced. - Separate heat generating installations (boilers, ovens, stoves, etc.) from combustible materials. - Do not overload electrical installations and maintain them properly. **Fire protection measures** - Fire detection systems, including detection and alarm systems, and extinguishing agents, installations and equipment. - **Detection systems**: - **Human detection:** the occupier of the building observes the presence of a fire and transmits the warning by activating a button (located at a maximum distance of 25 meters from any point to it). - **Automatic detection**: devices that detect the presence of smoke and gases resulting from combustion (ionic), flames generated by fire (optical) and temperature variations (thermal), which, once detected, activate an alarm device. - **Alarm**: warning to people in the building where the fire has taken place, so they can evacuate or intervene. - **Extinguishing agents:** - **Water:** acts as a coolant and smothering agent. It can be applied in a jet form, or sprayed (in this case, it is less conductive of electricity). - **Foam:** incorporates a mixture of water and a foaming agent. It acts by cooling and smothering. - **Powder:** usually includes salts. They act by asphyxiation. - **Carbon dioxide:** extinguishing agent acts by asphyxiation. **Fire extinguishers** - **Manual extinguishers:** devices containing extinguishing agents used manually. They are classified according to the extinguishing charge/capacity, which is expressed by a number; and the type of fire on which they can act, expressed by a letter (see practical case 1). - **Fire Hydrant:** a fire extinguisher equipped with a cabinet that contains a hose with a nozzle. It is connected to a network of pipes that supplies it with water (see practical case 1). - **Sprinklers**: are automatic sprinklers distributed over the ceiling of the building, which are connected by a small network of pipes containing water. Once the fire is detected, the alarm is activated and water is released, like a shower. - **Dry standpipe**: this installation consists of water pipes with outlets on each floor and of water supply on the facade for use by qualified personnel or firefighters. **Fire hydrants**: external water outlets for the buildings, but close to them, connected to the general network, for use by firefighters. ## Hygienic environment - Hygienic environment is a set of factors that can affect the health of the worker. - These factors can be physical, chemical or biological. **Physical factors** - Noise - Vibration - Lighting - Temperature - Radiation - Humidity - Air velocity **Chemical factors** - Gases - Vapors - Fibers - Dust - Smoke - Fog **Biological factors** - Viruses - Bacteria and protozoans - Fungi - Parasitic worms ## Noise - Noise is a constant in the workplace. It is produced by machines, tools, vehicles and workers. - There are three types of noise: - **Continuous noise:** The sound level is constant. - **Intermittent noise**: The sound level changes often. - **Impact noise**: Very short sound events. **How to reduce noise** - Reduce the noise at its source: using noise-reducing machinery, maintaining equipment, etc. - Reduce the noise propagation: use soundproof booths, install panels, etc. - Reduce the worker's exposure time: the worker should take breaks away from noise. - Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against noise: earplugs, earmuffs, etc. **Effects of noise on health** - Decreased hearing - Hearing loss - Tinnitus - Noise-induced hearing loss - Psychological and neurophysiological disorders ## Vibration - Vibration is a movement that is transmitted to the human body or parts of it by solid structures capable of causing discomfort or damage to health - Vibrations can come from vehicles, platforms, machines or tools used by the worker. - **Low frequency vibrations:** Less than 2Hz, such as swings on airplanes, boats, trains. - **Medium frequency vibrations:** Between 2 and 20 Hz, such as public transport, pickup trucks, cranes. - **High frequency vibrations:** More than 20 Hz, such as jackhammers, chainsaws, polishers, riveting machines, nail guns. **Effects of vibrations on heath** - Dizziness - Fatigue - Nausea - Stomach upset - Back pain - Neck pain - Headaches - Neurological and cardiovascular disorders - Carpal tunnel syndrome **How to prevent vibrations** - Use vibration-absorbing grips, or cushioned gloves. - Use vibration-reducing tools. - Reduce exposure time. - Use PPE to protect workers from vibrations: belts, gloves, boots. ## Lighting - The light factor is present in all workplaces. It is essential because we perceive a lot of information through sight. - It is crucial to ensure that the lighting allows for the work to be carried out safely and efficiently. - The amount of light emitted by a luminous source in one second is measured in lumens. **How to prevent lighting problems** - Provide adequate lighting systems: ensure proper illumination for the task and avoid excessive contrasts. - Use natural and artificial light. - Check the lighting system regularly and adjust it if necessary. - Use PPE: glasses, visors and protective masks. ## Temperature - The sensation of temperature depends on the work environment. - Factors affecting perceived temperature include: - **Humidity:** the amount of moisture in the air - **Air speed:** how fast air moves around us. - **Clothing:** the type and amount of clothing worn. - **Physical activity:** the more active we are, the hotter we will feel. **How to prevent temperature problems** - Use air conditioning systems. - Use fans to circulate the air. - Allow workers to take breaks in cooler areas. - Make sure workers drink plenty of fluids. - Provide adequate clothing for workers. ## Radiation - Radiation is transmitted as waves or particles, and its effects on health depend on the level of exposure. - It can come from radioactive materials or electromagnetic sources. **Types of radiation:** - **Ionizing radiation:** It has high levels of energy and can be harmful to health. They include x-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet rays. - **Non-ionizing radiation**: It has low levels of energy and is typically not harmful to health. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation and visible light. **How to prevent radiation problems** - Reduce exposure time: limit the time workers spend in areas with high levels of radiation. - Provide sufficient distance between workers and the source of radiation: The further you are from the source of radiation, the less radiation you will be exposed to. - Provide proper shielding: Use materials that block radiation, such as lead or concrete. - Use PPE: Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, aprons, and protective gowns. **Effects of radiation on health** - **Ionizing radiation:** Can cause cancer, birth defects, and genetic mutations - **Non-ionizing radiation**: Can cause skin burns, eye damage, and heating of tissues. ## Chemical agents - Chemical agents can affect the worker by contact with the skin, inhalation or ingestion. **Effects of chemical agents on health** - **Corrosive:** They can cause burns and damage to organs. - **Irritants:** They can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching. - **Neumoconiotic:**They can cause lung damage. - **Asphyxiant:** They can reduce the oxygen supply to the blood. - **Narcotic:** They can cause sedation and drowsiness. - **Sensitizer:** They can cause skin irritation, allergies, and asthma. - **Carcinogen:** They can cause cancer. - **Systemic:** They can damage multiple organs. **How to prevent chemical agent problems** - Identify the characteristics of the contaminant. - Isolate products and work processes with a risk. - Measure levels to compare them with environmental limit values and permitted levels in the organism. - Implement effective extraction and ventilation systems. - Ensure adequate work area sanitation and disinfection. - Limit exposure time. - Carry out periodic medical checkups. - Use personal protective equipment (PPE). ## Biological agents - Biological agents are living organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and parasites, that can cause infection or illness. - Workers at risk: Healthcare professionals, laboratory workers, agricultural workers, and animal handlers. **Effects of biological factors on health** - They can cause infectious diseases, such as viral infections, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. - They can cause allergies. - They can cause poisoning. **How to prevent biological agent problems** - Identify the biological agents. - Limit contact with biological agents. - Provide immunization for workers. - Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, masks, gowns, and respirators. - Use proper cleaning and disinfection protocols. - Practice good personal hygiene. ## Ergonomics and psychosocial safety - **Ergonomics**: It is the science of designing and arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that people can interact with them safely, comfortably, and effectively. - **Psychosocial safety**: It is the degree to which employees feel valued, supported, and respected at work. **Factors that affect ergonomics and psychosocial safety** - **Workload**: The amount of work that employees are required to do. - **Work organization**: The way that work is structured and managed. **Ergonomic and psychosocial risks** - **Physical fatigue:** It is the weariness of the body, due to overuse. - **Mental fatigue:** It is the weariness of the mind, due to overuse. - **Stress:** It is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. - **Job dissatisfaction**: It is a feeling of unhappiness or dissatisfaction with one's job. - **Burnout:** It is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. - **Mobbing**: It is a form of psychological harassment that involves repeated bullying or intimidation. **How to improve ergonomics and psychosocial safety** - Design workplaces that are comfortable and efficient. - Provide adequate training and support to employees. - Create a positive and supportive work environment. - Promote work-life balance. ## Other factors that affect work safety and health - Stress - Fatigue - Burnout - Job dissatisfaction - Violence - Harassment - Discrimination - Bullying **Tips for improving work safety and health for employees** - Be aware of the risks in your workplace. - Follow safety procedures. - Use PPE. - Report unsafe conditions. - Take breaks regularly. - Get enough sleep. - Eat a healthy diet and exercise. - Seek help if you are experiencing stress, fatigue, or other health problems. **Tips for improving work safety and health for employers** - Conduct hazard assessments. - Implement safety procedures. - Provide training to employees. - Encourage communication between employees and management. - Promote a positive and supportive work environment. - Provide health and wellness programs for employees. **The main goal of ergonomics and psychosocial safety is to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.**