Domestic Data Entry Operator
Domestic Data Entry Operator
4.7 CONTROLLING AND EXTINGUISHING FIRE
Isolating or removing any of three factors illustrated in Fig , will control and extinguish fire. There are
three basic ways of achieving this.
Starving the fire of fuel To remove the fuel which is burning or cut further
supply of fuel to the fire.
Smothering To stop the supply of oxygen to the fire by blanketing the fire with
foam, sand etc.
Cooling To reduces the temperature of the fire by spraying water and thus
cooling the fire.
By any one of the above three methods, fire can be first controlled and then
extinguished.
For the purpose of determining the best method of extinguishing different types of fires, fires are
classified under four main classes based on the type of fuel as given in Table
Classification of Fire Fuel involved Precautions and
extinguishing
Class A Fire Wood, paper cloth etc.
Solid materials
Most effective method is
cooling with water.
Jets of water should be
sprayed on the base
Class B Fire Flammable liquids &
liquefiable solids
Should be smothered. The
aim. is to cover the entire
surface of the burning liquid.
This has the effect of cutting
off the supply of oxygen to
the fire.
Water should never be used
on burning liquids
Foam, dry powder or C0
2
may be used on this type of
fire
Class C Fire Gas and liquefied gas Extreme caution is necessary
in dealing with liquefied
gases. There is a risk of
Explosion and sudden
outbreak of fire in the entire
vicinity. If an appliance fed
from a cylinder catches fire -
shut off the supply of gas.
The safest course is to raise
an alarm and leave the fire
to be dealt with by trained
personnel.
Dry powdered extinguishers
are used on this type of fire.
Class D Fire Involving metals The standard range of fire
extinguishing agents is
inadequate or dangerous
when . dealing with metal
fires.
Fire in electrical equipment:
Carbon dioxide, dry powder,
and vaporizing liquid(CTC)
extinguishers can be used to
Deal with fires in electrical
equipment.
Foam or liquid (e.g. water)
extinguishers must not be
used on electrical equipment
at all.
4.8. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Different fire extinguishing agents should be used for different types of fires as listed in Table Using a
wrong type of extinguishing agent can make things worse.
A fire extinguishing agent is the material or substance used to put out the fire. These extinguishing
materials are usually (but not always) contained in a container called the 'fire extinguisher' with a
mechanism for spraying into the fire when needed.
There is no classification for electrical fires as such as these are only fires in materials where electricity is
present. To control electrical fire in a building the electrical supply should be cut off first.
4.9TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Many types of fire extinguishers are available with different extinguishing agents to deal with different
classes of fires as shown in Figure 4.2 Always check the operating instructions on the extinguisher
before use
Figure 4.2
4.9.1.Water-filled extinguishers
In water-filled extinguishers, as shown in Fig 4.3 there are two types based on the method of operating
the extinguisher.
a) Cartridge type
b) Stored pressure type
Figure 4.3
A) GAS CATRIDGE TYPE (B) STORED PRESSURE TYPE
In both the methods of operation, the discharge can be interrupted as required. This is to conserve the
contact area and to prevent unnecessary damage to the material due to water.
4.9.2.Foam extinguishers
These may be stored pressure or gas cartridge types as shown in Figure 4.4
Figure 4.4
Most suitable for:
Flammable liquid fires
Running liquid fires.
Not to be used in fires where electrical equipment is. Involved.
4.9.3. Dry powder extinguishers
Extinguishers fitted with dry powder may be of the gas cartridge or stored pressure type as shown in
Figure 4.5 Appearance and the method of operation is the same as that of water-filled one. The main
distinguishing feature is the fork-shaped nozzle. Powders have been specially developed to deal with
Class D fires
Figure 4.5
4.9.4. Carbon dioxide (C02)
This type is easily distinguished by the distinctively shaped discharge horn as shown in Figure 4.6 . These
extinguishers are suitable for fires on flammable liquids and liquefiable solids. Best suited where
contamination by deposits must be avoided. Not generally effective in the open air
Figure 4.6
4.9.5. Halon Extinguishers
Carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and Bromochlorodinuoromethane (BCF). They may be either gas cartridge or
nonconductive. Shown in figure 4.7
Figure 4.7
The fumes given off these extinguishers are dangerous especially in confined space.
4.10. GENERAL PROCEDURE TO BE ADOPTED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
Raise a loud alarm by using any of the following.
Adopt any one method of giving an alarm signal for fire breaking in your
institute/ workshop.
o Raising your voice and shouting Fire! Fire! Fire!
... To call the attention of others.
o Running towards the fire shouting Fire! Fire! and actuate fire alarm/bell/siren. This
alarm/bell/siren. to be actuated only in case of fire.
o Any other means by which the attention of others can be called and are made to
understand there is a fire break out.
On receipt of _the fire alarm signal, do the following:
o stop the normal work you are doing
o turn off the power for all machinery and equipments
o switch off fans/air circulators/exhaust fans
o Switch off the mains if accessible.
If you are not involved in fire
o evacuate the working premises
o close the doors and windows, but do bolt
o assemble at a safe open place along with the others
o If you in the room/place where the fire has broken out, leave the place calmly through the
emergency exit.
If you are involved in the fire fighting team,
o Take instructions/give instructions for an organized way of fighting the fire.
If you are taking instructions
o Follow the instructions systematically. Do not panic.
o Do not get trapped in fire or smoke in a hurry.
o If you are giving instructions,
o Assess the class of fire (class A,B,C or D)
o Send for sufficient assistance and fire brigade
o Judge the magnitude of the fire. Locate locally available suitable means to put-out the fire.
o Ensure emergency exit paths are clear of obstructions. Attempt to evacuate the people and
explosive materials, substances that can serve as further fuel for fire within the vicinity of
the fire break.
o Allot clear activity to persons involved in firefighting by name to avoid confusion.
o Control and extinguish the fire using the right type of fire extinguisher and making use of the
available assistance effectively.
After fully extinguishing the fire, make a report of the fire accident and the
measures taken_ to put out the fire, to the authorities concerned.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL
5.2.1Introduction
Employers have a duty to ensure, as far as practicable; that employees are not exposed to hazards at the
workplace. There is a specific requirement for employers to carry out a risk management process. It
involves a three-step process to:
Identify hazards;
Assess risks; and
Control risks.
To assist in carrying out the risk management process, consideration should be given to:
Previous injuries, near miss incidents or accidents which have occurred at the workplace or
other similar workplaces;
Relevant codes of practice and guidance notes;
Consultation with employees, safety and health representatives (if any) and safety and health
committees to find out any problems associated with performing tasks or jobs;
Encouraging employees to report work-related injury or illness symptoms;
Walk-through inspections of the workplace. Consider using checklists; and
Records or statistics that could indicate potentially unsafe work practices.
5.2.2. Identifying Hazards
The first step in the risk management process is identifying hazards. This involves recognizing items that
may cause injury or harm to the health of people.
There are a number of ways to identify items or potential situations that may cause an injury or harm.
Choosing an appropriate process or procedure for identifying hazards will depend on the nature of the
work environment and hazards involved.
Hazard identification processes or procedures may include:
Developing a hazard checklist;
Examining records of past incidents and injuries at the workplace;
Examining data for similar workplaces;
Carrying out inspections of the workplace (consider using checklists);
Consulting relevant codes of practice and guidance notes;
Encouraging employees to report work-related symptoms;
Consulting employees and safety and health representatives and committees (if any); and
Talking to industry associations and other similar businesses.
A hazard identification process or procedure may range from simple checklists for specific equipment,
such as workstations, to a more open-ended appraisal of a group of related work processes. Generally, a
combination of methods will provide the most effective results.
5.2.3. Common hazards at office
The safety and health hazards at office may include (but are not limited to):
An inadequate physical working environment increasing the risk of injury or harm;
Inadequate workstations increasing the risk of muscle and soft tissue injuries;
inadequate work organization increasing the risk of muscle and soft tissue injuries, as well as
work-related stress symptoms and fatigue including vocal and visual fatigue;
Acoustic incidents and background noise increasing the risk of an acoustic injury occurring; and
Inadequate headset hygiene increasing the risk of infection.
These hazards can be associated with overcrowding, poor workstation design, non-adjustment of
workstations to suit the individual, repetitive work, work overload (such as when demand suddenly
increases), insufficient time out, abusive customers, long spread of hours, faulty telephone equipment,
hot disking and sharing headsets
5.2.4Controlling Risks
The third step is to implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of people being injured
or harmed and ensure the measures are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. There is a
preferred order of control measures ranging from the most effective to the least effective in eliminating
or reducing the risks of injury or harm. This is outlined in the following manner.
Elimination removing the hazard or hazardous work practice from the workplace.
For example:
o Modifying workstation design;
o Modifying work organization with task analysis and job redesign;
o Modifying work shifts;
o Replacing faulty equipment; and
o Preventing mobile phones being used inside the office.
Substitution substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous work practice with a less hazardous
one.
For example, replacing equipment and workstations with better designed ones.
Isolation isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work practice from people involved
in the work or people in the general work area. For example:
o Locating fax machines in specifically designated areas away from employees; and
o Ensuring noisy work areas, such as printers and photocopiers, are located away from
employees.
Engineering controls if the hazard cannot be eliminated, substituted or isolated, an
engineering control is the next preferred measure. For example:
o Repairing and maintaining equipment;
o Promptly repairing network faults;
o Installing acoustic shock prevention devices in telephone sets;
o Reducing background noise levels;
o Providing more space between operators/operator groups or installing acoustic barriers;
and
o Adjusting lighting to reduce glare.
o Administrative controls this includes introducing work practices that reduce the risk,
such as implementing measures to ensure procedures, instruction and training are
provided,
For example:
o Implementing acoustic incident reporting and action plans;
o Implementing or improving customer contact and dispute resolution procedures; and
o Implementing job rotation.
5.3. Workstation Layout and ergonomic Guideline
5.3.1Signs and symptoms of injury
You may notice pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness while on the job.
Sometimes these sensations are signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Other times, they
are just part of the normal human condition, and can be ignored.
Signs and symptoms may be associated with:
Repetitive movements
Awkward postures (for example neck bent forward or wrist bent backward)
Static postures (holding body parts in one position for extended periods of time)
The risk of injury increases the longer you perform repetitive movements or work with awkward or
static postures. The risk of injury also increases if more than one of these factors is present while you
are working.
Signs and symptoms of injury may appear suddenly, or they may appear gradually over a period of
weeks, months, or years. Sometimes signs or symptoms are worse when you move in certain ways at
work or at home. We all experience discomfort in our lives at work and at home. Some discomfort may
be relieved by adjusting your workstations.
Symptoms may indicate certain conditions such as those affecting muscles, nerves, and tendons.
Consider the following examples:
Muscles are prone to fatigue and strain when overworked.
Compression of a nerve by inflamed surrounding tissue can cause Irritation.
Recurring irritation of tendons can lead to tendinitis or tenosynovitis.
5.3.2. Aches and Pains
5.3.3Suggested Workstation Dimensions and adjustment Ranges
5.3.4. Adjust your chair
The chair position may be uncomfortable for you as a result of one or more of the following:
Seating that doesnt adequately support your back may increase fatigue and contribute to poor
posture.
Seating that is too high or too low may result in symptoms in your neck, shoulders, back, or legs.
Seating that is too low may require you to use awkward arm postures to reach up to the work
surface, or may cause you to sit with your knees raised, increasing the stress on your lower back.
Sitting for long periods without varying your posture increases fatigue.
When you begin to feel discomfort, you may have held a position too long. Avoid fatigue and discomfort
by varying your posture regularly throughout the workday. You can do this by adjusting your chair and
standing or walking occasionally. Your chair controls should be simple to use so its easy for you to
adjust your chair, while seated, regularly during the workday
5.3.5.Rearrange your workstation layout.
Your computer workstation should be arranged so that you can use comfortable postures when working
with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, documents, and other items.
Monitors
If you work with a computer, you should have your eyes tested about every two years, or more
frequently if you are experiencing problems with your vision. Keeping your screen at the optimal height
and viewing distance will help prevent or reduce eye strain and muscle tension in your neck, shoulders,
and upper back.
Screen height
The top line of text on your computer screen (not the top of the monitor) should be at eye level, as
shown on page 6. Most of the screen will be slightly below eye level. If you dont have an adjustable
monitor support, adjust
the monitor height by placing stable, stackable materials underneath the monitor to bring the top of the
screen to eye level. An adjustable monitor support is handy if you share a workstation because it makes
adjusting the height of the monitor quick and easy.
Viewing distance
The distance between your eyes and the screen when sitting in a typing position should be about arms
length. Your ears should be in line with your shoulders when you view the monitor.
Prescription eyewear
Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work.
Prescription lenses can be made to maximize vision and comfort when working at a computer, either as
glasses specifically for computer use or as bifocal or multifocal glasses. To determine your visual needs
for working with a monitor, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will need the following information:
Measurements from your eyes to the monitor screen, work documents, and keyboard for
more accuracy, have someone else take these measurements.
The size of the screen Measure diagonally across the screen, and add on approximately 23
cm (1 in.).
A description of your job tasks Describe your daily routine at the computer and how much
time you spend each day at different tasks.
A description of the programs used Mention whether you use text or graphics programs, and
describe typical type sizes and screen background colours.
Type of lighting describe the lighting you work under (for example, natural light, fluorescent
light, or lights under a cupboard or shelf).
Dual monitors
Consider the following when setting up a dual-monitor workstation:
Place both monitors at the same optimal height as for a single monitor.
Make sure both monitors are no closer than arms length away to avoid excess neck rotation. If
necessary, increase the font size so you can place each monitor at least an arms length away
from you.
Position your main monitor so it is straight in front of you and in line with your keyboard and
chair. Position your second monitor right next to the main monitor.
If you use both monitors equally, place them side by side and adjust your body, keyboard, and
mouse so your body and neck are straight.
Increase your mouse speed to reduce the amount of movement required to move the cursor
across both screens.
Keyboards
If your keyboard is adjusted properly, you will be able to keep your wrists straight while typing. This is a
posture that may decrease the potential for injury. To obtain the optimal keyboard height, follow these
guidelines:
Adjust the keyboard surface up or down so that your wrists are straight
When your fingers are on the middle row of keys.
If your keyboard surface doesnt adjust this way, raise or lower your chair until you can hold
your wrists straight while touching the middle row of keys. Your work surface should be just
below your elbows, and your forearms should be parallel to the floor, with your elbows at your
sides.
You can also make a slight adjustment to the keyboard angle and height by folding the small legs, found
on the underside of most keyboards, in or out. In most cases, you will need to keep the legs folded in to
keep the keyboard flat and prevent bending of your wrists.
Palm or wrist supports
Do you tend to drop your palms or wrists while typing? If so, you could develop sore wrists. A palm or
wrist support can provide support during rest periods from typing. When typing, do not rest on the
support. Rest your wrists occasionally when you stop typing or mousing, by placing your palms (not your
wrists) on the support. The support should be similar in thickness to your keyboard and narrow in depth
so that it only touches the palm, not the wrist. It should be made of a soft, smooth, rounded material.
Dont bend your wrists up
(as illustrated) or down while typing.
If your wrists are straight while typing, you decrease the risk of injury.
The mouse and other pointing devices
Like your keyboard, if your mouse or other pointing device is at the proper height, you will be able to
keep your wrists straight, shoulders relaxed, and elbows by your sides. This is typically a comfortable
position that may decrease your risk of injury.
The mouse
Consider the following guidelines for using a mouse:
Keep your mouse at the same height and as close to your keyboard as is practical. Dont reach
further than necessary to use your mouse. Move it closer, if possible, or use the mouse in your
opposite hand.
Some computer furniture doesnt provide enough room to place the mouse in the preferred
position you may have to get an extension to the keyboard surface for your mouse. Make
sure you have enough space to move the mouse freely.
Keep your wrist straight while using the mouse. Avoid bending your wrist back or to either side.
Use a full arm motion from the shoulder when guiding the mouse.
Relax your hand over the mouse. Dont hold it too tightly.
Take your hand off the mouse when you are not using it.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your hand or wrist, try increasing the mouses pointer
speed.
If you are having difficulties with your mouse, consider these options:
Use the mouse with your non-dominant hand.
Move the mouse closer to you.
Use a keyboard that has the number pad on the left side, or one without a number pad.
Use a different type of pointing device. Shown in figure 5.5
Figure 5.5
Dont bend your wrist from side to side while using the mouse. Instead, try to move your whole arm
to keep your wrist straight
Other pointing devices
Other pointing devices such as styluses, tablets, and trackballs should also be within a comfortable reach
if you use them often or for long periods of time. These devices are often used by graphic artists,
draftsmen, engineers, and others involved in specialized computer work such as computer-aided
drawing. Keep your wrists straight and your upper body relaxed when using these devices.
To obtain the optimal working posture for using a pointing device, follow these guidelines:
Adjust the work surface up or down so that your wrists are straight when you are using it.
If your work surface doesnt adjust this way, raise or lower your chair until you can hold your
wrists straight
5.3.6.Laptops or notebook computers
Laptop or notebook computers can be very convenient because they can take up less room and are
easier to transport than conventional desktop computers. However, laptops can be more difficult to
adjust to allow for good working postures. Consider using separate components (peripherals) when you
are using your laptop computer at your workstation. For example, you can use the laptop screen as your
monitor, and attach an external keyboard and mouse. Using separate components allows each one to be
independently adjusted. If you have visual difficulties, plugging the laptop in to a larger external monitor
may be helpful.
If you are unable to use external components, consider the tasks you will be working on, and adjust your
laptop accordingly:
When reading lengthy documents, raise the screen to eye level to avoid bending your head
downward.
When typing intensively, lower the keyboard so that your elbows just clear the top of the work
surface, your arms are by your sides with about a 90-degree angle at the elbow, and your wrists
are straight.
Take a break from your laptop. Do other jobs that dont involve using a computer. It is better to
take several short breaks, where you can change your posture, rather than one long break.
Multi-user and multi-task workstations
Workstations used by more than one person or for a variety of tasks should be height adjustable. If you
work at a multi-user or multi-task workstation, you should be able to adjust it quickly to suit you and the
task at hand. Adjustable workstation components such as monitor stands, keyboard supports, and work
surfaces allow you to do this. Adjustable chairs and footrests are key components for multi-user
workstations they help each user obtain the optimal working height. You should also receive training
in how to adjust the equipment and how to determine the correct posture for different tasks
Documents
Poor placement of the documents you look at while typing may lead to muscle discomfort or eye strain.
Figure 5.6
Poor placement of documents while typing can lead to awkward postures
To reduce the need for these movements, place the documents as close as possible to the screen, with
the documents at the same height and viewing distance as the screen. See Placement of documents. If
your work is mostly data input, move the monitor to one side and place the document in front of you, at
the same height and viewing distance as the monitor. If the document is too heavy or large for a
standard document holder, you can improve the viewing angle and distance by using a binder or some
other object on your desk to prop the document up. You can also purchase stands designed for large
documents.
Placement of documents: If you need to look back and forth from the screen to the documents, place
your hard copy on a document holder, close to and at the same height and viewing distance as the
monitor. Shown in figure 5.7
Figure 5.7
For data input, move the monitor to one side and place the documents in front of you
5.3.7.Exercises to reduce muscle tension and eye strain
Daily stretching exercises arent a substitute for a proper workstation or equipment, or a cure for
persistent pain or discomfort. However, they can help reduce muscle tension and eye strain.
The stretches described in this section take about five minutes to complete. Repeat each stretch three
to five times. You can do all of these exercises or select specific ones to relieve tension in particular
muscles or areas of your body. If you do an exercise that stretches one side of the body, you should also
do it on your other side to balance your exercise routine.
Before starting to exercise, see your health care provider if you have a medical condition or injury in a
part of the body involved in any of the exercises
Body Part Exercise or Stretch
Shoulders Squeeze your shoulder blades
together with your elbows lifted
away from your body. Imagine you
have a pencil between your
shoulder blades and you are trying
to trap it and then release it.
Back Hold your arms straight in
front of you, and stretch
them forward. Raise your arms
above your shoulders, and
stretch them upward.
Sit relaxed, feet flat on the floor.
Imagine a cable attached to the
top of your head pulling you up.
Hold for a count of three, and then
relax. Repeat three times
Wrists and hands Clench your fists, then release
them, spreading out your
fingers. Hold each position for a
count of three.
In a sitting or standing posture,
drop your arms to your side.
Gently shake out your arms and
hands.
Lower limbs Lift your lower leg from a
seated posture, leaving your
knee bent slightly. Rotate your
ankle slowly. Point your toes and
then pull them toward your shin.
Stand up and take a short walk
QUESTIONNAIRE:
MANAGING HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
OBJECTIVES:
On completion of this lesson you shall be able to:
How to prevent from office accidents
Layout of your office for safe working
Controlling hazards in your office
Action plan taking in emergency
6.1. INTRODUCTION
Historically, the office has been considered a relatively safe and healthy place to work. Increasingly,
however, office workers have expressed concerns about the office environment and their working
conditions. These concerns are also reflected in complaints of discomfort, anxiety, irritation and general
job dissatisfaction and can be measured in terms of sick leave, absenteeism and job turnover. This
chapter discusses major areas of concern related to health and safety in the office.
Accidents that occur in offices are frequently due to poorly designed office environments and improper
office procedures. The rate of office accidents declines when office workers are informed of potential
hazards and safe work practices. Training regarding general safety precautions for work in an office
reduces both the number and severity of accidents.
Office workers are increasingly sensitive to the effects of computer video display terminals (VDTs) upon
their health and safety. Individuals who use computers with VDTs commonly report stress-related and
musculoskeletal disorders. If such disorders are to be reduced, computer workstations must
accommodate the needs of office workers.
Concern over air quality in offices has generated various health-related symptoms that are known
collectively as the sick building syndrome. Indoor air pollution and inadequate ventilation are
presently subjects of intense study.
The ambience of interoffice surroundings has caused problems for office workers. Such factors as
improper temperature, inadequate humidity, and even colors of walls and furnishings are now known to
be sources of discomfort. These are situations that should be considered in creating a safety, healthful
and efficient office environment.
6.2. GENERAL OFFICE SAFETY
Concern for safety is not a typical concern for the office worker because the office is not generally
perceived as a hazardous environment. As this book shows, potential safety hazards do exist in the
office and, if not corrected, can result in decreased productivity and possible serious injury.
6.3. TYPES OF OFFICE ACCIDENTS
The most common office accident is falling. Falls account for the greatest number of disabling injuries.
They result in the most severe injuries and the highest percentage of lost workdays due to such injuries.
Falls from chairs occur when workers lean back to tilt their chairs, place their feet on a desk, sit down
without looking, and rise from or move around in a chair. Falls on stairs also occur, but more precaution
is usually exercised on stairs because the fall hazard they pose is recognized. Slips, trips and falls can
result from poor housekeeping such as wet sur- faces, electrical cords improperly placed and walkways
obstructed by trash. Falls also occur when workers stand on chairs or other office furniture to reach
elevated objects.
Injuries from strain and overexertion frequently occur when office workers attempt to move or
improperly lift heavy objects. Office workers sustain muscular and back injuries by carrying or moving
books, office furniture, equipment and supplies without assistance. They may exacerbate such injuries
by the stretching, twisting and bending required by the office routine.
Office workers are injured when struck by objects. File drawers may fall from the cabinet when pulled
too far, type- writers can fall from a rolling table, or doors opened from the side opposite the worker
may strike the employee. Similarly, injuries occur when workers strike objects. Employees bump into
doors and desks. File cabinets inadvertently left open are a source of injury.
Infectious cuts are caused by sharp objects normally found in office environments, such as staples and
pens. Fingers can get caught under the knife edge of a paper cutter.
6.4. OFFICE HAZARD CONTROL
The process for controlling hazards in the office is similar to that for controlling hazards in industrial
settings. The preferred means of hazard control is to eliminate the hazard (engineering controls).
Another means is minimizing exposure to the hazard (administrative controls). Office-related hazards
are controlled by carefully considering the office environment and by following office safety procedures.
6.5. OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
The layout of an office should incorporate the principles of work flow, taking into consideration safety
and health, efficiency, and convenience. Recommended that handrails for stairs are required to be
located 30 to 34 inches above the tread surface.
Standards enforced under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina (OSHANC) also
address stairs. Generally speaking, enclosed stairways with four or more risers and less than 44 inches
wide require a handrail on one side. Enclosed stairways wider than 44 inches require a handrail for both
sides. Regardless of stair width, there must be a stair railing for each open side. An intermediate stair
railing is required for stairs wider than 88 inches.
Doors that open into a passageway can pose a hazard to oncoming traffic. Guardrails can be used to
minimize that hazard or the floor can be painted to mark the swing area. Exits should be unobstructed
and well illuminated. Emergency lighting is required for exit hallways or paths.
Inadequate illumination caused by glare or shadows that interfere with vision can contribute to
accidents. Illumination levels should be consistent to reduce visual fatigue created when one moves
from bright surroundings into dark ones. The office layout should not require employees to face
windows, unshielded lamps or other sources of glare
6.6. HAZARDS FROM ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Using only proper equipment.
Arranging electrical extension cords to avoid tripping hazards.
Installing proper receptacles.
Electrical appliances such as coffee makers, radios and lamps can become sources of fire or electrical
shock. Appliances should be equipped with electrical plugs that have a ground prong, or the appliance
should be marked double insulated by the manufacturer.
Electrical extension cords must never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. When extension
cords are a temporary necessity, they should be taped down, clipped to the back of desks or covered
with a rubber passageway if they cross the floor.
All fuses and circuit breakers must be identified. This is easily accomplished by placing a label on each
fuse or circuit breaker switch and a corresponding label on each receptacle and light switch. This
practice will reduce the time needed to identify a specific fuse or circuit breaker when there is a need to
turn it off.
Floor surfaces should have a slip-resistant finish. Tripping hazards can be minimized by immediately
replacing defective tiles and carpet or worn floor mats. Slip-resistant floor wax can give polished floors a
higher coefficient of friction. Floor mats and runners offer a more slip-resistant protection for stairways
or lobby entrances.
Offices should have an area specifically designed for storing supplies. Materials should be neatly stacked
in stable piles with the heaviest pieces on the bottom. Office equipment should not be placed on the
edge of a table or desk.
6.7. OFFICE SAFETY PROCEDURES
Following safe work procedures in the office can prevent many accidents. Running in offices must be
prohibited. Those walking in a passageway should keep to the left. Accidents result when persons stand
in front of doors, so employees should stand clear of the door swing path. Employees should not
attempt to carry stacks of materials that are high enough to obstruct vision. If an elevator is available, it
should be used instead of carrying stacks of material up flights of stairs.
Proper attention should be given to the act of ascending or descending stairs. Stairways should not be
areas for congregation. Those using the stairs should not crowd or push. Falls on stairs occur when
people are distracted through conversation or by turning to another person while descending.
Individuals should not stand near doors at stairways.
Fall hazards can be prevented through good housekeeping in the office. Spilled liquids should be cleaned
up promptly, and loose objects and broken glass should be removed when first noticed. Broken glass
should be immediately vacuumed or swept and the fine pieces should be picked up with a damp cloth.
Poor sitting habits can also lead to falls. Rolling in ones chair across the floor, leaning sideways in a chair
to pick up objects from the floor, and leaning back in the chair with feet on the desk are excellent
examples of poor office safety procedures.
Filing cabinets can be a major cause of accidents and should be used with care. When using filing
cabinets, follow these safety tips:
Close all file drawers immediately after use.
Close the file drawer with the drawer handle and not using feet.
Open only one file drawer at a time to avoid toppling the cabinet.
Never leave an open drawer unattended and never open a drawer if someone is
underneath it.
Never climb on open file drawers.
Remove small stools (used to access upper file cabinet drawers) from
passageways and safely store them.
Wear finger guards to avoid paper cuts.
Other unsafe office procedures include storing pencils with points upward, placing scissors or knives
with the point toward the user, using paper cutters without proper guards, and placing glass objects on
a desk or table edge.
Employees using lounges and eating areas should follow good housekeeping and safe operating
procedures to prevent exposure to microwaves and burns from hot plates and coffee makers.
Check your progress:
1) Write the types of office accidents:
2) Write these point of office safety procedures :
6.8. EMERGENCY Action Plan
As a general recommendation, employers should develop an emergency action plan to address
emergencies that the employer can expect in the workplace. Examples of such foreseeable emergencies
are fire, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and floods.
Some of the key components of an emergency action plan are the following:
Emergency escape procedures and escape routes for employees to follow in the event of an emergency.
These procedures should include floor plans that indicate the appropriate evacuation routes.
How to account for all employees following evacuation.
The rescue and medical duties for those employees, if any, who are to perform
them.
The preferred means of reporting fires and other emergencies.
Names or regular job titles of people responsible for the emergency action plan.
Employers are required to have both an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan when
portable fire extinguishers are provided, even though they are not intended for employee use. The
elements of a fire prevention plan are:
Identification of the major workplace fire hazards and their proper handling and
storage.
Potential ignition sources (e.g., smoking) and their control procedures and the
type of fire protection equipment or systems that can be used to control a fire.
Names or regular job titles of personnel responsible for fire suppression
equipment or systems.
Names or regular job titles of personnel responsible for controlling fuel source
hazards
Choose the correct option.
1) Which of the following health related problems can occur if one does not maintain good
personal hygiene?
a. Bad breath
b. Smelly feet and shoes
c. Head Lice
d. All of the above
2) Which of the following is a type of office accidents?
a. Vehicle accident
b. Striking of vehicle with any pedestrian
c. Falling from the chair
d. None of the above
3) One should not wash hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food and
after going to the toilet?
a. True
b. False
4) First-Aid required for the patient to get medical aid as soon as possible?
a. True
b. False
5) An inadequate physical working environment can increase the risk of injury or harm?
a. True
b. False
Note: Write answers of following questions in 50 words.
Question 1 Write the common cause of accidents
Question 2 Write the types of artificial respiration.
Question 3 Write the types of wounds
Question 4 What do you mean by ABC of first aid?
Question 5 What is first aid for burn injury?
Question 6 Write the Types of injury?
Note: Write answers of following questions in 30 words.
Qu No. 01- Write the meaning of symbols given be
low.
Qu no. 2-Write the common cause of accidents:
.
Qu no.3- write the types of wounds:
Qu no.4 write all immediate precaution needs to be taken if a person suffer from extensive burn :
Qu no.5 Write down the main causes of injuries.
Qu no.6 write down the Basic steps of safe lifting and handling:
Short answer type questions (Give answers of following questions in 30 words)
1. How to Shifting of working tables
2. Write the MANUAL lifting technique?
3. How to Shift electronic equipments/instruments?
4. Write the Types of injury?
5. What is the basic way of controlling fire?
6. What are the four classes of fire?
7. What is the general procedure to be adopted in the event of a fire?
8. Write down some action and treatment for electric shock.
9. Write the Effects of electric shock.
10. How we can identify Hazards.
11. Write the types of office accidents:
12. Write down point of office safety procedures
13. How to control office hazard?
14. How to control Hazards From Electrical Equipment?
15. What are the types of office accidents?
16. How we maintain food safety?
17. How we control body order?
18. What action we take when something stuck in someone throat?
19. How we prevent accidents?
20. What areas at Home which have a High Potential for Accidents?
21. What are the most common food borne illness?
22. What is Traceability systems?
23. Write the methods of Preventing from fire.
24. Outline the safety measures to be adopted in excavation work in order to avoid
accidents.
25. Mention some of the main aims of ventilation.
26. What are the safety consideration in plant layout?
27. What are various methods in controlling outdoor and indoor noise?
Write short note on
28. Internal transport and safety
29. Housekeeping and maintenance
30. Plant layout
31. Environmental Control
32. Fire Escape
33. Fire Towers
34. Exits
35. Fire Control and Fire Fighting
36. Industrial toxicology
37. Personal Protective Equipment
38. Breathing Aparatus
39. Mechanical Hazards
40. Machine Guard and Safety devices
41. Hand tool and Power tool
42. Lifting Equipment
43. Pressure Hazards
44. Adverse effect of noise
45. Safety Campaign
46. Safety and Productivity
47. Safety Audit
48. Temperature hazards
49. Safety Leadership
50. Role of Communication in Safety Management
Question Bank on Personality Module of NSDC
1. Communication skills
a. List communication skills in your profession
b. You like to communicate by meeting / writing / over the phone / messages
c. How effective are you as a communicator?
d. Do you take feedback of your communication?
2. Receive feedback
a. Why is feedback important?
b. You like what type of feedback formal, informal; written / verbal?
c. You like to get feedback on your works?
d. Do you give others feedback on their work / approach?
3. Teamwork
a. Do feel comfortable working with others or like to work alone?
b. How many people do you have in your team?
c. What is the benefit of working in a team?
d. How do you share works in your team?
4. Professional skills
a. What is the importance of having professional skills?
b. List some important professional skills in your profession.
c. How often you revise / upgrade your skills?
d. Do you have any professional development plan in your organization?
5. Reflective Thinking
a. What is reflective thinking?
b. How is reflective thinking useful in working?
c. Are you given some training on reflective thinking?
d. How often do you do reflective thinking?
6. Soft skills
a. Name some soft skills
b. Which soft skills do you have?
c. Is there provision for soft skills training in your organization?
d. How soft skills help in working professionally?
7. Behavior skill
a. How do express your disagreement?
b. How do you express strong objection to a point?
c. How often there is a dispute, chaos among colleagues in your organization?
d. Is there a formal training / orientation of behavior expected of employees
in your organization?
8. Etiquette and manners
a. What is the difference between etiquette and manners?
b. What is mannerism?
c. Name some e mail etiquette
d. List some party manners
9. Decision making
a. Do you think decision making skills are necessary to lead a successful
professional life?
b. Name some decision making skills?
c. How often you take decisions independently?
d. Do you research, analyze your past decisions?
10. Motivation
a. How do you know if someone is motivated?
b. How do you get motivated?
c. What is done in your organization to motivate employees?
d. What is done in your organization to appreciate the motivated employees?
11. Time management
a. How often you find that time is less for the task assigned to you?
b. Do you do your works on time?
c. What is done in your organization to check that employees come on time?
d. Are you given works with expected time limit to complete it properly?
12. Stress management
a. Do you often feel tired at work?
b. Do feel you have more works than you can handle comfortable?
c. How often do you or people in your organization shout, speak ill, use foul
language?
d. Do you often have to take office work home or stay late hours at office?
13. Leadership
a. Is the leadership line clear in your organization?
b. Is your work well defined and you know whom to report?
c. Do you usually take decisions in good time or you postponed taking
decisions?
d. Do you review your decisions?
14. Team building
a. What is the importance of a long term team?
b. In your organization, do you see team works, same people doing same
works over a long period of time?
c. Do have professional friends outside your current organization with whom
you team up?
d. Can you name any corporate team outside your organization?
15. Letter writing
a. Do feel comfortable writing letters formal, informal on e mail or on
paper?
b. Do like to receive letters?
c. How often do you write letters and of what types?
d. Do have to handle lot of mail as a part of your working?
16. Situational communication
a. How do you communicate emergencies?
b. How comfortable you feel in discussing problems with the boss?
c. How comfortable you feel in addressing opposite gender colleague or boss?
d. Are comfortable in discussing pay raise, leaves, other benefits?