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Menjanailmupengetahuansertakemahiranuntukkecemerlanganpengajarandanpembelajaran.Silahubungihishambinhashim@yahoo.comuntukmaklumatlanjut.

PAUTAN LAMAN UTAMA

Monday, June 3, 2013

SMARTMASTERTRAINERMUKAUTAMA
AKTIVITIPROGRAMVTO

SAFETYANDHEALTHACT(OSHA)
PURPOSE:

Blog Archive

This information sheet will provide information pertaining to Policies, Regulations, Occupational Safety

2013(12)
August(5)

and Health Act (OSHA). It will help the student understand the purpose of Policies, Regulations,

June(7)

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and method of implication of Safety and Health Act and

PENGENALANKEPADASISTEMOPERASI
PENGURUSAN

Regulationrequirement.

SAFETYANDHEALTHACT(OSHA)
A:PENGENALANKEPADASISTEM
OPERASIPENGURUSAN

INFORMATION

RANCANGANPERNIAGAAN(RP)
STRATEGIMEMULAKANPERNIAGAAN

OCCUPATIONALSAFETYANDHEALTHACT(OSHA)

PENGENALANKEUSAHAWANAN
JURULATIH

1.SectionRelatedInOSHAWhichCoverInTheInformationSheetAreAsFollow:
Section15.

About Me

hishamhashim
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GeneralDutiesofEmployersandSelfemployedPersonstoTheirEmployees.

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(1)Itshallbethedutyofeveryemployerandeveryselfemployedpersontoensure,so
farasispracticable,thesafety,healthandwelfareatworkofallhisemployees
(2)Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofsubsection(1),thematterstowhichtheduty
extendsincludeinparticular
(a)theprovisionandmaintenanceofplantandsystemsofworkthatare,sofar
asispracticable,safeandwithoutriskstohealth
(b)themakingofarrangementsforensuring,sofarasispracticable,safetyand
absenceofriskstohealthinconnectionwiththeuseoroperation,handling,
storageandtransportofplantandsubstances
(c) theprovisionofsuchinformation,instruction,trainingandsupervisionasis
necessarytoensure,sofarasispracticable,thesafetyandhealthatwork
ofhisemployees
(d)sofarasispracticable,asregardsanyplaceofworkunderthecontrolofthe
employerorselfemployedperson,themaintenanceofitinaconditionthat
issafeandwithoutriskstohealthandtheprovisionandmaintenanceofthe
meansofaccesstoandegressfromitthataresafeandwithoutsuchrisks
(e) theprovisionandmaintenanceofaworkingenvironmentforhisemployees
thatis,sofarasispracticable,safe,withoutriskstohealth,andadequateas
regardsfacilitiesfortheirwelfareatwork.

(3)Forthepurposesofsubsections(1)and(2)
(a)employeeincludesanindependentcontractorengagedbyanemployerora
selfemployedpersonandanyemployeeoftheindependentcontractorand
(b)thedutiesofanemployeroraselfemployedpersonundersubsections(1)
and ( 2 ) extend to such an independent contractor and the independent
contractors employees in relation to matters over which the employer or

selfemployedperson
(i)hascontrolor
(ii)wouldhavehadcontrolbutforanyagreementbetweentheemployeror
selfemployedpersonandtheindependentcontractortothecontrary.

Section16.
DutytoFormulateSafetyAndHealthpolicy
Except in such cases as may be prescribed, it shell be the duty of every employer and
everyselfemployedpersontoprepareandasoftenasmaybeappropriatereviseawritten
statement of his general policy with respect to the safety and health at work of his
employeesandorganisationandarrangementforthetimebeinginforceforcarryingout
that policy, and to bring the statement and any revision of it to the notice of all his
employees.

Section17.
General Duties of Employers and Selfemployed Persons to Persons Other Than Their
Employees.
(1)Itshallbethedutyofeveryemployerandeveryselfemployedpersontoconduct
hisundertakinginsuchamannerastoensure,sofarasispracticable,thatheand
other persons not being his employees, who may be affected thereby are not
herebyexposedtoriskstotheirsafetyorhealth.
( 2 ) It shall be the duty of every employer and every selfemployed person, in the
prescribed circumstances and in the prescribed manner, to give to persons, not
beinghisemployees,whomaybeaffectedbythemannerinwhichheconductshis
undertaking,theprescribedinformationonsuchaspectsofthemannerinwhichhe
conductshisundertakingasmightaffecttheirsafetyorhealth.
Section18.
DutiesofAnOccupierofAPlaceofWorktoPersonsOtherThanHisEmployees.
(1)Anoccupierofnondomesticpremiseswhichhasbeenmadeavailabletopersons,
notbeinghisemployees,asaplaceofwork,orasaplacewheretheymayusea
plant or substance provided for their use there, shall take such measures as are
practicable to ensure that the premises, all means of access thereto and egress
there from available for use by persons using the premises, and any plant or
substanceinthepremisesorprovidedforusethere,isoraresafeandwithoutrisks
tohealth.
(2)Apersonwhohas,byvirtueofacontractorleaseorotherwise,anobligationof
anyextentinrelationto
(a)themaintenanceorrepairofaplaceofworkoranymeansofaccessthereto
oregresstherefromor
(b)thepreventionofriskstosafetyandhealththatmayarisefromtheuseofany
plantorsubstanceintheplaceofwork,
shall for the purpose of subsection ( 1 ) be deemed to have control of the matters to
whichhisobligationextends.
Section19.
Penaltyforonoffenceundersection15,16,17,or18.
Apersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsection15,16,17,or18shallbeguiltyofan
offenceandshell,onconviction,beliabletoafinenotexceedingfiftythousandringgitorto
imprisonmentforatermnotexceedingtwoyearortoboth.
Section24.
GeneralDutiesofEmployeesatWork
(1)Itshallbethedutyofeveryemployeewhileatwork

(a)totakereasonablecareforthesafetyandhealthofhimselfandofother
personswhomaybeaffectedbyhisactsofomissionsatwork
(b)tocooperatewithhisemployeroranyotherpersoninthedischargeofany
duty or requirement imposed on the employer or that other person by this
Actoranyregulationmadethereunder
(c) towearoruseatalltimesanyprotectiveequipmentorclothingprovidedby
the employer for the purpose of preventing risks to his safety and health
and
(d)tocomplywithanyinstructionormeasureonoccupationalsafetyandhealth
instituted by his employer or any other person by or under this Act or any
regulationmadethereunder.
(2)Apersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofthissectionshallbeguiltyofanoffence
and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand ringgit or to
imprisonmentforatermnotexceedingthreemonthsortoboth.

Regulation

OccupationalSafetyAndHealth(EmployersSafetyAndHealthGeneralPolicyStatements)
(Exception)Regulations1995
Inexerciseofthepowersconferredbysections16and66oftheOccupationalSafetyandHealthAct
1994,theMinistermakesthefollowingregulations:
1.Citationandcommencement
TheseregulationsmaybecitedastheOccupationalsafetyandhealth(EmployersSafetyand
HealthGeneralPolicyStatements)(Exception)Regulations1995andshallbedeemedtohave
comeintoforceonthe25thFebruary1994.
2.Exception.
Section16oftheActshallapplytoeveryemployerandeveryselfemployedperson
exceptthosewhocarryonanundertakingwithnotmorethanfiveemployees.
Madethe22ndFebruary1995
DatoLimAhLek
MinisterofhumanResources

SAMPLEOFSAFETY&HEALTHPOLICY

Section30
EstablishmentOfSafetyAndHealthCommitteeAtPlaceOfWork
(1)Everyemployershallestablishasafetyandhealthcommitteeattheplaceofwork
inaccordancewiththissectionif:
(a)therearefortyormorepersonsemployedattheplaceofworkor
(b)theDirectorGeneraldirectstheestablishmentofsuchacommitteeatthe
placeofwork.
(2)Thecompositionofsafetyandhealthcommitteeestablishedundersubsection(1),
theelectionorappointmentofpersonstothecommittee,thepowerofthemember
softhecommitteeandanyothermatterrelatingtotheestablishmentorprocedure
ofthecommitteeshallbeasprescribed.
( 3 ) Every employer shall consult the safety and health committee with a view to the
makingandmaintenanceofarrangementwhichwillenablehimandhisemployees
to cooperate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the
safety and health at the place of work of the employees, and in checking the
effectivenessofsuchmeasures.

( 4 ) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an

offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand
ringgitortoimprisonmentforatermnotexceedingsixmonthsortoboth.
Section31
FunctionOfSafetyAndHealthCommittee
Thesafetyandhealthcommitteeestablishataplaceofworkpursuanttosection30:
( a ) shall keep under review the measures taken to ensure the safety and health of
personsattheplaceofwork
(b)shallinvestigateanymatterattheplaceofwork:
(i)whichamemberofthecommitteeorapersonemployedthereatisnotsafe
orisarisktohealthand
(ii)whichhasbeenbroughttobetheattentionoftheemployer

(c)shallattempttoresolveanymatterreferredtoinparagraph(b)and,ifitisunable
todoso,shallrequesttheDirectorGeneraltoundertakeaninspectionoftheplace
ofworkforthatpurposeand
(d)shallhavesuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprescribed.

2. EstablishmentOfSafetyAndHealthCommittees

2.1TheLawrequireseveryemployertoestablishaSafetyandHealthCommitteeatthe
placeofworkwhereforty(40)ormorepersonsareemployed.
a.FormationoftheSafetyandHealthCommitteewithManagement/Employees
/Unionrepresentatives.
b.Electedappointmentsofpersonstothecommittee.
Maincommittee
SubCommittee,i.e.plantandnonplant.
c.Powersofthemembersofthecommittee.
d.Proceduresforthecommittee.
e.Termsofreferenceforthecommittee.
f. Employers focal point on all safety and health matters in promoting and
developingmeasurestoensurethesafetyandhealthattheplaceofwork.
2.2Function
a. Thecommittee shall keep under review the measures taken to ensure the
safetyandhealthofpersonsattheplaceofwork.
b.Toinvestigateanymatterattheplaceofwork:
i) When a member of the Committee or a person employed thereat
considersisnotsafeorisarisktohealth.
ii)Whichhasbeenbroughttotheattentionoftheemployer.
iii)Shallattempttoresolveanymatterreferredtotheemployer.
iv) TorequesttheDirectorGeneralofOccupationalSafetyandHealth
Departmenttoundertakeaninspectionoftheplaceofwork.
v)Shallhavesuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprescribed.

2.3SafetyCommittee
TheSafetyCommitteecomprisingthefollowingorderwouldbemosteffectualand
idealsituation
ChairmanTheManagerDirector
DeputyChairmanADeputyChairmanshouldbeappointedtotake
overwhentheChairmanfindsitimpossibleto
attendameeting.
SecretarySafetyAdviser/SafetyOfficerThepersonwho
exercisestheSafetyfunctionsintheorgansiation.

MembersPlantManager

(Supervisor)MaintenanceManager/WorkManager
HRManager
TrainingManager
MaterialsManager
QualityController
SecurityManager
SafetyRepresentativesLineFunctions
UnionRepresentatives,etc.

Committee should not be too large about fifteen members is a desirable maximum. The
larger the committee the more difficult it is to get full attendance. The participation of
Supervisorsisveryimportant.Theyarethekeypersonnelasregardstosafetyaswellas
production and their active cooperation is therefore essential. It is a must that the
SupervisoriskeptcontinuouslyintouchwiththeCommitteework.
2.4SafetyCommitteesFunctions,AuthorityAndDuties
Takingthelongviewoftheirbroadobjectivesthecommitteeshouldlaydownasetoftasks
which will lead to their achievement. The list must be realistic, bearing in maid that
committeememberhavefulltimejobstodo.Itmustbelongterm,takingintoaccountthe
factthatdaytodaysafetymattersaredealtwithbymanagement,thesafetyadviserandthe
safety representatives. And it must be within the resources of the committee and the
capabilitiesofitsindividualmembers.
2.5SpecificFunctions
Thesafetycommitteeshouldbeinvolvedineverypossiblewayindevelopingthemeansof
bringingemployeesmoreintoOccupationalSafetyandHealthissues.Itshouldbeinvolved
in,forinstance:
1. Makingthecontentsofthesafetypolicyandtheextenttowhichthepolicyis
beingappliedknowntoalltheemployees
2.Thedevelopmentofworksafetyrulesandsafetysystemsofwork.
3. Publishing agreement and rules for the provision and wearing of protective
clothingandequipment.
4.Studyingreportsandconsideringpublishingtheircontents.
5.ReviewofalllosttimeaccidentandappraiseSafetyandHealthaspectsofplant
operationsbasedonaccidentreportsandstatistics.
6. To provide directions in safety aspects with respect to plants operation e.g.
broadguidelinesonsafetypolicies.
7.Tocreate,andmaintainsafetyconsciousnessamongemployees.
8. To supervise the functioning of safety Operations Committee by reviewing
minutesandprovideguidance.

a. FrequencyOfMeeting

Thefrequencyofmeetingswilldependontheworkwhichthecommitteehastodoandthis
inturndependsonthecircumstancesoftheindividualestablishment,thesizeofthesizeof
theworkforce,thekindofworkandthedegreeofinherentrisk.
Toofrequentmeetingwillwastetimeonmattersalreadydiscussedbecausetherehasbeen
insufficienttimebetweenmeetingstotakethenecessaryaction.Moreover,busypeoplefind
itdifficulttoattendmeetingtoooften,problemwhichcanresultindisruptionoftheirworkor
insufficientnumbertoformaquorum,sothatdecisionshavetobepostponed.

Ontheotherhand,ifmeetingarespacedtoofarapartthepeoplewhohavebeendeputed
totakeactionwillfindthemselvesworkinginisolationwithoutsufficientguidancefromthe
committee,whiletheothercommitteememberswillfeelremotefromtheactionandtendto
losetouch.
RecommendedtimingtoconveneSafetyCommitteeMeetingsatlistonceinthree(3)
months.

The Safety Committee programme should be arranged well in advance and notice of the
datesofmeetingpublishedwhereallemployeescanseethem.
NotlessthenaweekbeforethemeetingoftheSafetyCommittee,eachmembershouldbe
sentacopyoftheagenda,drawnupbytheCommitteeSecretary.

3.0SafeSystemofWork
Asafesystemofworkisaformalprocedurewhichresultsfromsystematicexaminationofa
taskinordertoidentifyallthehazards.Itdefinessafemethodstoensurethathazardsare
eliminatedorrisksminimised.
3.1WhenIsASafeSystemNeeded?
Manyhazardsareclearlyrecognisableandcanbeovercomebyphysicallyseparating
peoplefromthem,e.g.byusingguardingonmachinery.
Asafesystemofworkisneededwhenhazardscannotbephysicallyeliminatedand
some element of risk remains. You should apply these principles to routine work as
wellastomorespecialcasessuchas:
Cleaningandmaintainingoperations
Makingchangestoworklayouts,materialsusedorworkingmethods
Employeesworkingawayfrombaseorworkingalone
Breakdownsoremergencies
Controllingactivitiesofcontractorsonyourpremises
Loading,unloadingandmovementsorvehicles

3.2AssessingTheTask
Assess all aspects of the task and the risks which it presents. Hazards to health as
wellastosafetyshouldbeconsidered.
Takeaccountof:
what is used, e.g. the plant, the substances, potential failures of
machinery, toxic hazards, electrical hazards, design limits, risk of
inadvertentlyoperatingautomaticcontrols.
Whodoeswhat,e.g.delegation,training,foreseeablehumanerrors,
shortcuts,abilitytocopeinanemergency.
Wherethetaskiscarriedout,e.g.hazardsintheworkplace,problems
caused by weather conditions or lighting, hazards from adjacent
processesorcontractors,etc.
Howthetaskisdone,e.g.theprocedures,potentialfailuresinwork
methods,lackofforesightofinfrequentevents.
3.3IdentifyingTheHazards
Whenyouhaveassessedatask,youshouldsportitshazardsandweighuptherisks.
Wherepossibleyoushouldeliminatethehazardsandreducetherisksbeforeyourely
uponasafesystemofwork.
3.4DefiningSafeMethods
Yoursafesystemofworkmaybedefinedorally,bysimplewrittenprocedureorin
exceptionalcasesbyaformalpermittoworkscheme.
Considerthepreparationandauthorisationneededatthestartofthe
job.
Ensureclearplanningofjobsequences.
Specifysafeworkmethods.
Includemeansofaccessandescapeifrelevant.
Considerthetasksofdismantling,disposaletcattheendofajob.

Involvethepeoplewhowillbedoingthework.Theirpracticalknowledgeofproblems
canhelpavoidunusualrisksandpreventfalseassumptionsbeingmadeatthisstage.
In those special cases where a permit to work system is needed, there should be a
properlydocumentedprocedure.Itisimportantthateveryoneunderstandswhichjobs
needaformalpermittowork.Permitstoworkshould:
1.definetheworktobedone
2.sayhowtomaketheworkareasafe
3.identifyanyremaininghazardsandtheprecautionstobetaken
4.describecheckstobecarriedoutbeforenormalworkcanberesumed
and
5.Namethepersonresponsibleforcontrollingthejob.
Jobslikelytoneedapermittoworksysteminclude:
workinginconfinedspaces
hotworkonplantcontainingflammabledusts,gasesorresiduesof
these
cuttingintopipeworkcontaininghazardoussubstances
workonelectricalequipment

3.5ImplementingTheSystem
Yoursafesystemofworkmustbecommunicatedproperly,understoodbyemployeesand
appliedcorrectly.Theyshouldbeawareofyourcommitmenttoreduceaccidentsbyusing
safetysystemsofwork.
Ensure that supervisors know that they should implement and maintain those systems of
workandthatemployees,supervisorsandmanagersarealltrainedinthenecessaryskills
arefullyawareofpotentialrisksandtheprecautionstheyneedtoadopt.
Stresstheneedtoavoidshortcuts.Itshouldbepartofasystemofworktostopworkwhen
facedwithanunexpectedproblemuntilasafesolutioncanbefound.

3.6MonitoringTheSystem
Monitoringmeansperiodicallychecking:
thatemployeescontinuetofindthesystemworkable
thattheprocedureslaiddowninyoursystemofworkarebeingcarried
outandareeffectiveand
thatanychangesincircumstanceswhichrequirealterationstothe
systemofworkaretakenintoaccount.

FIVESTEPSTOASAFESYSTEMOFWORK
ASSESSTHETASK
IDENTIFYTHEHAZARDS
DEFINESAFEMETHODS
IMPLEMENTTHESYSTEM
MONITORTHESYSTEM

4.GoodHousekeeping
Good housekeeping is a basic requirement of safe working. Keeping the workplace clean
andtidydependsuponeveryoneplayingapart.
4.1ActionPoints

4.1.1Access
a. Passageway, work areas, stairways must be kept clear of litter and
obstructions.
b.Safetysignsmustbeclearandundamaged.
c. Any damaged or dangerous floors, passageways, shelves or steps
throughuncleanspillagesshouldbereportedatonce.Theycouldbea
health,firetrippingorslippinghazard.
d.Duringfloorcleaningwarningnoticesmustbekeptprominentlyinview
notrailingorunmarkedelectricleadsorcablesacrossaccessways.
4.1.2ClearingUp
a. Aworkbenchisaplacetoworkat,notastoragebinorpersonalclock
room.Anyequipmentormaterialswhennotinuseshouldbeputaway.
b.Allscrapandwastemustbeputintotheappropriatebinsorsacksand
removeddaily.
c.Thejobisnotfinisheduntilyouhaveputthetoolsalwaysandtidedup.
4.1.3Fire
a.Fireappliancesandescaperoutesunobstructed,andfiredoorsmustbe
keptshut.
b. Combustibles must be properly stored, not put on open shelves or
benches.
c.Rubbishmustnotbeleftlyingabout.
4.1.4Monitoring
Report to your supervisor any hazard you observe but cannot deal with
yourself,orwhichmayrecur.
4.1.5Conclusion
Eliminate50%ofrisksatworkbymakingtidinessahabit.

5.UnderstandingOfSafetySigns

6.ToolsAndEquipment
6.1Differenttypeoftools
Every year there are many industrial accidents resulting from the use of tools and
equipment.Theseincludemanualandpowerdriventools.
Manyindustrialinjuriesresultfromtheuseofequipmentnotsuitedtotheparticular
purpose.Someexamples:adjustablespannersbeingusedinsteadofringoropen
endedspannerstotightennutstinsnipsofplierswiththehandlesbenttowardeach
other at the ends pipe wrenches with worn jaws hammers with cracks in the
handles,etc.
POINTTOREMEMBER
Youcanpreventaccidentsbyusingtherighttoolsforthejob.Theyshouldbe
ofgoodqualityandwellmaintained.Replacetoolsbeforetheywearout.
Impacttools(hammers,chisels,sledgehammers.etc.)shouldbemadeofironof
thecorrecthardness.Burrs,whichcanflyoffandcauseinjury,shouldberemoved.
Sharpedgedtools(knives,axes,saws,etc.)shouldbekeptsharp.Theriskofinjury
isgreaterfromblunttoolsthanfromsharpones.Toolswhicharecarriedaroundmust
becarriedinsuchawaythattheycannotcauseinjury.
Powerdriven hand tools involve greater risks than handoperated or stationary
tools. Guards protecting saw blades and grinders must never be removed or

swivelledoutoftheway.
6.2Regularinspection
Alltoolsandworkequipmentmustbeinspectedregularly.Thesupervisorshouldbe
responsible for this continuous inspection. Inspections should be carried out
accordingtotheinstructionsfromthesupplieroftheequipment.Thesecantakethe
formofachecklist.

7.ElectricityAndItsRisks
7.1Accidentsinvolvingelectricity
Electricitycancauseaccidentandfires.
Accidents can occur when people touch part of a unit carrying live current. Even
contact with part of a unit which does not normally carry live current can lead to
serious accidents if the insulation becomes faulty. Where electric arcs are formed,
there is a high risk of burning and damage to eyesight. We usually distinguish
between:
oAccidentsduetodirectcontactwithelectricity
oAccidentscausedbytheformationofanelectricarc
Electriccurrentcanalsocauseburns.Iftheinsulationisfaultyandthereisashort
circuit,intenseheatcandevelop,leadingtothepossibilityofaseriousfire.
Accident involving electricity are often caused by failing to ensure that the safety
systemisworkingorbyfailingtofollowtheestablishedsafetyrules.
Allelectricinstallationsshouldbeservicedonlybyqualifiedelectricians.
POINTTOREMEMBER
If an accident is caused by contact with electricity, switch off the current
immediately!Failuretodosocanresultindeath!Electricity
cankillandshouldbedealtwithbyelectriciansdonotattempttodealwith
powercableproblems!
Theriskofaccidentsismuchgreaterwhenusingportablemotorsorinstruments.
The insulating material used on such appliances is often subjected to heavy wear.
Wiresandcablesareeasilydamaged,whichcanleadtoshortcircuiting.
Shouldshortcircuitingoccurinornearacontainerwithahighlyexplosivemixtureof
gasandair,theresultscouldbeverydangerous.
Using spirits to clean an electric motor, and then starting it up immediately after
cleaningcanalsocauseanexplosionorfire.
Acommoncauseoffatalaccidentsistheattachmentofelectriccabletogastubes.
Wiresandcablesshouldnotbehungoverstructuralelementssuchasnailsorother
metal hooks, as these can wear through the insulating cover around the wire and
cables.
Draggingandcoilingcableandwirescanalsodamagetheinsulatingcovering.

7.2Handlamps
Hand lamps are among the most dangerous portable appliances in any workplace.
Wherever possible, their use should be limited and they should be replaced by
permanentlamps.
Where they must be used, it is important that the lamps used are of an approved
design and that they are of the best quality. An electric hand lamp should have a
frameworkandahandgripmadeofinsulatingmaterial,andhaveaprotectivebasket
aroundthebulb.
Handlampseasilybecomewornandshouldbecheckedregularlytoensurethatthey
aresafe.

8.ChemicalRisksToHealth
8.1Inspectionandcontrolofchemicals
The inspection, control and handling of chemicals must be ongoing in order to
protectworkersfrominjury.
Wemustincreaseourknowledgeofthechemicalrisksintheworkplace,inparticular
with regard to the possible longterm effects of chemicals. Many current cases of

occupationalcancerhavetheiroriginsinworkingenvironmentstwoormoredecades
ago.
This section will look at how different chemicals and different methods of handling
themcanaffectus,andexaminewhatmeasuresshouldbetakentoensureeffective
protection.
8.2Chemicalsandtheirrisks
Weareexposedtochemicalsindifferentways,forexample:
Ourbodyhasaconsiderablecapacitytopurifydangeroussubstances.Itisprimarily
the liver and kidneys which do this work, but if the body is exposed to a chemical
over a long period of time our defences can no longer render it harmless. The
substanceisthenstoredinthebodyandcancausevariousmedicalproblems.Lead
and cadmium are examples. It takes a long time for the body to brake down lead
and,inthecaseofcadmium,thereisnobreakdownatall.
8.3Liquidsandvapours
8.3.1Solvents
One of the most common risks to health in working life is caused by vapours and
splashes from solvents. Solvents have the ability to dissolve other substances,
particularlygreasesandfats.Furthermore,theyevaporaterapidly.
Whenasolventevaporates,thevapourbecomespartoftheairthatweinhale.Itthen
travels through the blood to the internal organs, e.g. the brain and liver. Because
solvents can dissolve substances they can also affect mucous membranes and the
skin.Somesolventscanevenbeabsorbedthroughtheskin,thoughthemajorityare
inhaled.
Thegreaterasolventsabilitytodissolvegreasesorfats,thegreatertheeffectitwill
haveonthecentralnervoussystem.
Dizziness, headaches, tiredness, reduced comprehension and prolonged reaction
timesaresomeofthesymptomsofshortexposuretosolvents.Althoughtheseeffects
maydisappearquicklytheyincreasetheriskofaccidents.
Foralongtimeithasbeenknownthatsolventswhichareabsorbedandstoredinthe
bodyhavethesameeffectsasananaesthetic.Infactmanysolventswerepreviously
usedasanaesthetics,intoxicatingpeopleandputtingthemtosleep.Inextremecases
theeffectoftheanaestheticislossofconsciousnessanddeath.Someofthemhave
a very low viscosity, and the concentration in the work premises can easily rise to
veryhighlevelifthesolventisnothandleproperly.
Vapours from solvents containing chlorine can produce phosgene and hydrogen
chloridewhentheycomeintocontactwithhotobjects.
PointToRemember!
Theabilityofasolventtocauseinjuryincludesthefollowingfactors:
theviscosityofthesolvent:
lowviscositysolventsspreadmorerapidlyinenclosedareas
theconcentrationintheair:
theamountofsolventinthe
atmospherecanbecheckedbyusingmeasuringdevices
exposure
time:the
longertheexposuretime,thegreatertherisksofinjuriouseffects

8.3.2Acidsandalkalis
Acidsandalkalisarecorrosivesubstanceswhichcandamagetheskinandeyesoncontact.
Acorrosivemistcanfromaboveacidsanddamagetherespiratorytractandlungs.Especially
dangerousacidsincludehydrochloric,sulphuric,chromicandnitricacids.
Contactwiththeskincancauseseriousburnsunlesslargeamountsofwaterareusedtorinse
thesubstanceoff.

QUESTIONS
1.Section16.dutytoformulateSafetyandHealthPolicyshallapplytoeveryemployerandself
employedpersonexceptthosewhocarryonanundertakingwith

2.Everyemployershallestablishasafetyandhealthcommitteeattheplaceofworkin
accordancewithsection30if:
3.WhatistheFunctionofsafetyandhealthcommittee?
4.WhereareProperplacetoexhibitSafetySignage?
5.Whenacidsorotherstrongliquidsareusedinanymanufacturingprocessorcleaningwhat
instructionsaregiventotheworkers?

REFERENCES:

1.FactoryandMachineryAct1967(Act139)
2.OccupationalSafetyandHealthAct1994(Act514)
3.SafetyatWork,CompiledandEditedbyBadrieAbdullah,PublishedbyAliranPusakSdnBhd
4.SafetyHealthandWorkingConditionsTrainingManualISBN9175221152
PostedbyhishamhashimatMonday,June03,2013

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