Industrial Safety Programs for Power Engineers PDF

Describe industrial safety programs in which Power Engineers may require additional training. ( GENERAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMS The following specialized safety trainings are usually provided by external certifying organizations. However, this training is often followed up with company-based tr...

Describe industrial safety programs in which Power Engineers may require additional training. ( GENERAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMS The following specialized safety trainings are usually provided by external certifying organizations. However, this training is often followed up with company-based training to further reinforce the sldlls and competency of the employees. Listed below are some of the common specialized trainings for a plant site. 1. Confined Space Entry (CSE) The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations SOR 86-304 (federal regulations) define a confined space as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: a) Is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work b) Has restricted means of access and egress c) May become hazardous to any person entering it due to: i. its design, construction, location or atmosphere ii. the materials or substances in it iii. any other conditions relating to it Power Engineers are likely to encounter confined spaces such as: • • • • • Deaerators Condensate Tanks Boilers Air Receivers Expansion tanks • Ducting • Stacks • Other vessels that are used in operations These vessels are regularly shut down for maintenance and possibly unscheduled events that involve entry for inspection and repair. A written and documented confined space entry program is required, outlining entry requirements and procedures including the use of a CSE Permit. 2. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) WHMIS is a Canadian hazard communication system. The key components of WHMIS are: • Hazard classification • Labelling requirements • Safety data sheets (SDS) • Worker training and education programs Additional training is required for all workers dealing with potential hazardous products at a work site. ( Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety Plant Safety Programs • Chapter 2 == WHMIS has transitioned from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 2015 incorporates the OBJECTIVE 2 Globally Harmonized System (GHS}. Please consult with a qualified training provider for upto-date training and information. 3. Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TOG) Transport Canada first developed the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act in 1992. It also enforces these safety acts and regulations. The focus of the TDG regulations is on the safe transport of goods. It does not address how goods are used in the workplace. Proper packaging is important in order to maintain the safety of those moving and handling the goods. The TDG Acts and Regulations are under Canadian (federal) jurisdiction, and are adopted by all provinces and territories. The employer, and therefore the Power Engineer, will receive hazardous goods transported to the worksite according to TDG regulations. Part of the TDG regulations is that anyone transporting, shipping, or receiving dangerous goods covered by the regulation must have proper training. A Power Engineer may be required to receive or ship dangerous goods in the form of fuels, chemicals, or other goods for the plant. Employers must ensure workers who ship or receive dangerous goods are trained and certified. 4. Fall Protection If a worker is at risk of falling at a height of 3 metres or more, fall protection equipment must be worn and additional training will be required. (Please note: some companies and jurisdictions have more restrictive height requirements. If in doubt, always chose the stricter standard.) Fall protection is usually in the form of an approved harness and securing device. In the event that the employee is required to work where this is not practical, the employer will endeavor to provide all means necessary to reduce the possibility of a fall. This could include: Performing job safety analysis • Proper training • Hazard elimination, if possible 5. Fire Safety Canadian national, provincial and many municipal governments require building and industrial facility owners to develop a fire safety plan for each building and plant. A fire safety plan's main purpose is to enhance and maintain the safety of a facility or plant with respect to potential fire threats by assessing a site for fire risks, developing measures to address potential fire issues, and formalizing responses to fire-related incidents. The list of required measures will vary by jurisdiction but a fire safety plan may be required to include some combination of the following list required by Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal for Industrial Occupancies ( 0FM-TG-02-2000) which recommends a ten step process: 1. Conduct a fire safety audit 2. Appointment and organization of supervisory staff 3. Develop site specific emergency procedures 4. Fire drill procedures and training 5. Maintenance of building facilities and fire protection equipment 6. Alternate measures for temporary shutdown of fire protection equipment or systems 7. Control of fire hazards 8. Fire department access for fire fighting and related fire suppression information 9. Preparing schematic diagrams and site plans 2-6 <(-------------------------------4-t_h_C_Ias_s_E_d_it_io_n_3• P _a _n __A 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 2-7 Unit A-4 • Introductionto Plant and Fire Safety 10. Posting emergency procedures and emergency phone numbers 6. H2S Awareness The Canadian Center of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) describes hydrogen sulfide ill as a very dangerous gas. It is prevalent in varying concentrations in: • Oil and gas fields • Septic tanks • Manure pits • Anywhere bacteria can break down organic matter in an oxygen deficient environment Coal miners refer to the H2S found in coal mines as "stink damp:' In Western Canada, H 2S is produced and liquefied for use in the nuclear power industry for the production of heavy water. H2S is shipped to Eastern Canada in pressurized tank cars in its liquid state. H2S is a byproduct of many industries. For example, it can be produced when sulfuric acid is accidentally mixed with black liquor in pulp mills. Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely poisonous substance. It is normally encountered as a gas or vapor. Numerous deaths have occurred over the years as a result of exposure to H 2S. Some deaths were caused by falls sustained when workers were overcome by gas. Other deaths resulted from suffocation by brief exposure to the gas. Proper training is required for employees worldng in areas that have the potential of H 2S exposure. Training must be either the minimum H2S Aware, or the H2S Alive which includes rescue procedures and the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 7. Ground Disturbance There are many surprises in the ground, and they can show up when digging trenches or foundations. Provinces and territories have implemented programs regarding the importance of reducing hazards related to ground disturbance. Specialized ground disturbance training and certification is necessary. Below are examples of what could be buried under a proposed excavation site. • Natural gas service lines • Oil pipelines • Electrical wires • Telecommunication wires • Water lines As well, workers in a trench face the hazard of engulfment. There are a number of related municipal, provincial, and federal regulations. A Safe Work Permit for trenching and digging work must also include a Ground Disturbance Permit. The Ground Disturbance Permits are only issued to qualified workers with the appropriate training. 8. First Aid Program According to the Canadian OH&S Regulations, every employer shall establish written instructions that provide quick first aid to an employee with an injury, occupational disease, or illness. These instructions must be kept up to date. a) If there are six or more employees (four in some provinces) worldng at the same time, the employer will ensure that there is a first aid attendant. At least one of the employees must have the necessary training to provide resuscitation by mouth to mouth, cardiopulmonary, or an equivalent direct method. b) Qualified first aid attendants will be available for employees during their work hours. These attendants are in charge of first aid cases, and cannot be overruled by others. 2-8 <(-------------------------------4 -th__C s_s_E_d_ft__n_3•_ P-arl A ( Plant Safety Programs • Chapter 2 ====== c) == The first aid room will be stocked with supplies. The room should be comfortable and well lit. d) Signs will be posted to direct employees to first aid stations and rooms. The information ca n also be available on phones for the employees to access services. e) Eyewash facilities and showers will be provided if there is a risk of injury from hazardous substances. (There can be numerous chemicals in a plant.) f) The employer has to ensure that transportation to a medical treatment facility is available if needed. This would include an ambulance, which is accessible in a city, or a helicopter in a remote region. g) In most plants, all Power Engineers are trained in first aid to some level. Power Engineers usually work shifts, and there may not be a trained First Aid attendant available to help with emergencies except on day shift. 9. Asbestos Abatement Asbestos is an excellent insulation and is found in older power plants built before asbestos regulations were implemented. Asbestos was used to cover tanks and piping, and as a part of building materials. It was applied to numerous surfaces and products regularly in the early part of the 20th century before it was discovered to be a health hazard. The fibres of asbestos can be described as having "hooks" in them that attach to the lungs when inhaled. These fibres impair the lungs and cause scar tissue, asbestosis, and other forms of pulmonary distress. As a result, asbestos abatement programs must be in place in any plant having used asbestos. If the asbestos in a plant is not considered a safety hazard, it does not require removal. In Canada, the use of asbestos is prohibited for new construction. However, plants that had it installed before the ban was implemented do not need to remove it, provided it has been rendered inert, and poses no threat in its present condition. Often, this is accomplished by painting or covering the piping or tank and "sealing in" the asbestos. The presence of asbestos must be clearly identified in a recognizable manner. • Tags affixed to the insulation • Paint • Painted symbols • Labels Any renovations, movement, or other manner of disturbing the asbestos must result in the removal of that asbestos. Any small areas damaged, or any detected wear or abrasions to asbestos insulation during regular work operations, must be addressed immediately by government certified trained insulators. In small organizations, asbestos abatement contractors are called in. Larger plants may have some employees trained in the removal or repair of asbestos material. Plant employees must be trained to not disturb the asbestos in any way. This training must include direction regarding regular operations around asbestos. For example, care must be taken to not cause damage by abrasions while working with tools. As well, piping covered with insulation cannot be used for the placement of ropes or slings used for hoisting, or for resting ladders. Even the smallest amount of exposure to asbestos is considered a significant safety issue. As a result, when there is a possibility of exposure, serious safety steps must be taken. 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 2-9