SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK PRESENTED BY S. G.

ZAMBA

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

Definition: -Step by step procedure for carrying out a task safely. It takes into account the following. risks and control measures the equipment needed the environment emergencies competence and skills of workers (training)

Key elements of safe systems of work (SSW)

Plan systems in advance of the work Develop systems for all tasks including isolated and non routine tasks. Consider the disability or experience of individual workers. consider behaviours (unsafe acts) of worker. Establish instructions and training for workers. Enforce all work instructions and procedures.

Developing Safe System of Work

Apply the following techniques to develop safe system of work. 1. Job safety Analysis Conduct Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Apply MEEP concept Identify all possible hazards in each tasks Analyze the hazards Develop safe procedures for each task Implement and enforce safe procedures Monitor compliance with safe procedures

2. Risk Assessment Conduct Risk Assessment to evaluate all other risks e.g. Criminal attack Arson Violence Rape Drunkenness etc.

3. Permits To Work (PTW) - Documented control system requiring written confirmation. - Ensures that control measures (activities) have been put in place before carrying out high risk jobs/work.

Examples of High Risk Jobs/Activities Maintenance work on machinery Work on electrical systems Entry into confined places Excavation work in areas where there are buried services (power cables, gas pipe lines, cranes, etc)

Examples of High Risk Jobs/Activities Hot work involving flames, sparks in areas where there are flammable materials. Work on or near overhead power cables,

Contd

Operation of a Permit -to-Work An effective permit-to-work system will require: issue of the permit by a competent authorized person.
receipt of the permit by a competent worker. clearance of the permit by the competent worker and, cancellation of the permit by the competent authorized person.

Issue
This should: describe the task to be performed, e.g. entry into a confined space.

indicate the duration and validity, e.g. time limit. identify the isolations that need to be made, e.g. disconnection and locking off of electrical, mechanical and chemical services to a confined space.

Issue Contd Identify additional precautions required, e.g. testing and monitoring of the confined space atmosphere, any restrictions on types of activity, equipment, etc., emergency and rescue requirements, etc., and provide details and signature of the person authorizing the work.

The permit issuer should then communicate the hazard and precautions to those involved in the work activity.
Receipt

The individuals who will be carrying out the work should sign to confirm that they fully understand the work required and will comply with the restrictions and the precautions to be taken.

Clearance/ Return to Service When the work is completed recipient/s, should: sign to that effect confirming that operations may be returned to normal service, and

the

return their copy of the permit-to-work to the issuer.

Cancellation
The permit issuer should: check that the work is complete; ensure that operations may be returned to normal service, e.g. all isolations have been removed and the equipment is safe to operate; and Sign the permit off.

Confined Space Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a specified risk of various injury from hazardous substances, conditions within or nearby. Hazards Associated with Confined Space flammable gases flood water welding fume electricity cellars (underground room) deep excavations

Example of Confined Space enclosed drains sewers silos, e.g. a grain store storage tanks (open or closed) combustion chambers in furnaces, etc ductwork open-topped chambers unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms, and vats (large containers)

HAZARDS CONTROL TECHNIQUES IN CONFINED SPACE Avoid Entry Avoiding entry is the most effective way of reducing risk. It may include the following: modify the confined space itself so that entry is not necessary, have the work done from outside: - blockages can be cleared in silos by use of remotely operated rotating flail devices, vibrators or air purges; - inspection and sampling operations can often be done from outside.

Safe Work Procedures in Confined Spaces 1. Avoid Entry modify the confined space so that entry is not required.
Carry out the work outside in open space e.g. clear blockages in silos by use of remotely operated rotating flail devices, vibrators or air purges. Inspect and collect samples from outside.

2. Entry into Confined Space - Appoint experienced and trained worker - consider worker with right physique - Avoid workers with the following defects.

claustrophobia lack of sense of smell Lack of fitness to wear P.P.E Medical problems.

3. Appoint Supervisor 4. Isolate all equipment mechanical, and electrical

5. Check size of entrance

6. Purge any gas contained inside

7. Clean before entry. 8. Test and monitor the atmosphere

Other Safe Systems of Work

Emergency Procedures Provide communications Provide Rescue and Resuscitation equipment Provide and train capable Rescuers Provide first aid facilities Establish first aids procedure Establish contact with Local Emergency Services e.g. Police, Fire Services, NEMA etc.

9. Provide special tools and lighting

10. Use portable gas cylinders and internal Combustion Engines 11. Provide appropriate PPE 12. Arrange communications 13. Limit working time 14. Use Permit to work (PTW) Procedure.

THANK YOU