Solar installation and

maintenance
Unit ID 1641
Apply safety rules and regulation in a solar energy installation environment
Level : 1

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Occupational Health and Safety
Topic overview.
Renewable energy technology workplaces, such as
construction ,installation or manufacturing sites of photovoltaic
arrays are not much different to conventional industries when it
comes to health and safety. The health and safety of employees at
the workplace is a fundamental issue which cannot simply be left to
self- regulation by the parties involved. In South Africa, occupation
health and safety is regulated by common law and statute. The
occupational health and safety Act (OHSA, Act 95 of 1993,an the
included cd) outlines a series of regulations to protect the safety of
works. The OHSA not only outline the employer’s obligation to
provide a safe working environment , but also stresses the health and
safety obligation of employees. Consequently , it is highly important
for both employers and employees to know and understand their
respective occupational health and safety obligation and rights.
Thus , this topic aims to inform you on the relevant safety obligation
of both employees and employers. 2
Safety rules and regulation in
the solar
installation environment.
Unit 1 objectives .
At the end of this unit students must be able to :
1. Perform and practice health and safety procedures in
workshop and workplaces.
2. Be able observe fall and tripe safety prevention procedures
3. Be able to demonstrate and perform the uses of ladders.
4. Be able to demonstrate and perform the safety lifting
procedures.
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1.Safety practices
Occupational health and safety is relevant to all working industries
and all aspect of work, before more discussion on health and safety,
lets look at most basic technical terms:
Keywords :

 Accidents
 Controls
 Danger zone
 Injury
 Risk
 Safety
 Task
 Work practices
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Definition of the terms
 Accidents
An accident can be defined as an unplanned and uncontrolled event
caused by unsafe acts or unsafe conditions, resulting in physical harm to
a person or damage to property
 Controls
Controls those are measures designed to eliminate or reduce hazards or
hazardous exposure.
 Danger zone
These are areas or location where the probability of health risks or
injuries is high.
 Hazards
Is the potential of any machine, equipment , process, material or
physical factors to cause harm to the people or damage to property or
the environment.
 Injury
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Any damaging physical force which is applied to a human body leaving a
person harmed or weakened in any way.
 Risk
Risk is the probability of a worker being injured and suffering from a
workplace related incident.
 Safety
Safety is the state of being free from any danger, risk or harm.
 Task
A set of actions or sequence that makes up a discrete part of a job or
an informational instruction of a specific assignment.
 Work practices
Those are procedures for carrying out specific task which , when
followed, will ensure that a worker’s exposure to hazardous situations,
substances or physical agents is controlled by the manner in which the
work is carried out.

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1.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE can be defined as all equipment , including clothing
that protects against the weather, which is intended to be
worn or held by employees and which protects the from
risky situation that threaten their health and safety.
Employer’s must provide workers with PPE wherever there
are risks to health and safety that cannot adequately
controlled in other ways. Example of PPE are:
1. Safety helmets
2. Ear protection
3. Respiratory aids
4. Hand protection
5. Footwear / safety boots
6. Protective clothing
7. Face and eye protection

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Example of PPE
Safety hamlet Safety Ear protection

Respiratory aids Hand protection

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Footwear/ safety boots Protective Clothing

Face and eye protection.

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1.Safety helmets / Head protection
Safety helmets / head protection are worn when working in an area exposed to sharp and/or heavy falling objects. E.g construction areas exposed to falling objects.

Safety helmets signs

2. Ear (Noise) Protection

Ear protection are worn where high levels of noise are present. There are two main of ear protection
a) Airsoft ear plugs b)High-attenuation earmuffs c) safety symbol

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3.Respiratory aids
Respiratory aids are worn when you are in a vicinity of fumes
and particles that are not appropriate to inhale. They prevent
inhaling dangerous fumes and particles. Some common
respiratory equipment are:
a) Dust mask (disposal mask)
b) standard single half mask respirator.

a) Dust mask b)standard single half mask respiratory

c) Safety symbol

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4.Hand protection
There are types of gloves to protect your hands. We have three common different types
of gloves namely rubber gloves, leather gloves and insulating gloves.
A) Rubber gloves should be worn ,used when working with dangerous liquids such as
acids.

B) Leather gloves should be worn when working with hot or sharp object e.g grinding
and welding.

C) Insulating gloves should be worn when working on live conducters. e.g when
working on live circuits and overhead lines.

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Symbol of hand protection

5 Footwear /Safety boots

Safety boots must be worn at all the times in the workshop are when working
on site. Safety boot have steel cap to prevent damage to toes from falling
objects.
Safety boots symbol of safety boots

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6.Protective clothing
Protective clothing must be worn at all times in the workshop and on
working sites. The protective clothing can vary depending of different
working conditions e.g an electrician PPE and ,mine workers PPE. There are
two main types of overalls : the two piece continental and the boiler suit.

A)two piece overalls B)boiler suit

C)Protective wear symbols

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7.Face and eye protection
face or eye protection must be worn during all grinding, drilling, handling of chemicals
and welding you must wear welding safety goggles to protect your eye and face. We
have three common face and eye protection devices namely clear,anti-scratch safety
goggles, Safety goggles and clear face masks.
a) Clear, anti-scratch safety goggles b) safety goggles

c) Face mask for welding d) safety symbol

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EXERCISE 1.
1. Briefly explain in your own words what do you understand by the term Safety?
2. Mention and define five basic technical terms
4. Define PPE?
5. Mention any six safety gears.
6. Mention
8. When are leather gloves must be worn?
9. When are safety hamlets must be worn?
10. Identify following PPEs
A B c

a b c
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1.2. Safety working procedures

Safe work practices are generally written methods outlining how to perform a
task with minimum risk to people, equipment, materials, environment, and
processes. Safe job procedures are a series of specific steps that guide a
worker through a task from start to finish in a chronological order
1.2.1. General safety precautions to bare in mind in a workplace.
Personal safety is the responsibility of every employee in the workplace and
negligence and unsafe working habits cannot be blamed on employer, hence each
employee is responsible of his/her own safety. Here are some precaution to always
bear In mind:
 Your safety is your personal responsibility.
 Always follow the correct procedures.
 Never take shortcuts.
 Take responsibility and clean up if you made a mess.
 Be alert and awake on the job
 Horseplay in workshop is not allowed at all
 Wearing of loose long clothing and jewelleries is not allowed17in workplaces
1.2. Safety signs and symbols in workplace

Safety signs and symbols are important safety communicating tools, they help to indicate
various hazards that present in plant site or workplace. At the same time, they warn workers
to always keep watching out for those hazards by giving required information and safety
instructions.
A standard SABS symbolic safety signs consist of a geometric shape, colour and a
picture(pictogram)

1.2.1.Safety signs
a) Warning signs (Triangle)
Black border with a yellow centre and a picture. Warning against hazards
such as electricity ( e.g live conductors),explosive substances, poisonous
substances and flammable substances.

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b) Prohibit sings (circular with diagonal )
Red ring with a red diagonal line and a white centre with a picture inside.
Prohibit certain acts or things such as smoking, open flames, or lights, the use of
water as fire extinguisher agent (in the vicinity of live conductors) and drinking
from water supply.

c) Mandatory or compulsory sign. (blue disc)

Blue disc or circle without a border with a picture inside. When workers enters
certain areas or perform tasks they must wear or use certain protective
equipment against certain hazards. Examples are eye protection, hand protection
ect…

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d) informative-direction and location sign(Green square no border with
condition)
Green square without a border with a picture inside. Indicates general
information such as the location of things, e.g first aid equipment, emergency
exits, telephone etc…

e)Informative- location of equipment ( white square with a thin red botder)

White square with a thin red border and a picture inside. Indicates the location
of things such as fire-fighting equipment etc…

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1.2.2 Workshop colour coding.
Colour coding is a guide to activity and workplace identification. The use of
colour coding and symbolic signs as a means of identification and warning of
hazards is a useful method of promoting safety. In countries where many
languages are spoken, they also form means of communication.

A colour code chart should be displayed in a strategic places for example, a

yellow lines can be to mark walkways, floor spaces can be painted grey,
stacking spaces blue, and or walkways painted brown and keep clear zones
green.
Fire fighting areas and surroundings spaces can be painted red with with lines
where appropriate.

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1.2.3. housekeeping

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1.2.4. Machine safety and equipment guarding.
Machine guarding is very important to be adhered to in a workshop, rotating and
moving machines which can cause injury must be made safe with suitable safety
guards. Machines which are supplied with guards (e.g. driving belts, grinding
machine) or tool rest machines (e.g. bench grinder and etc.) must be not be
used if they are not in good order, not securely fixed or not in place.

What are the safety measures you need to follow while working inside the
machine workshop?
 Do not attempt to oil, clean, adjust or repair any machine while it is running.
 Ensure that all machine guarding is in place and functioning properly.
 Do not leave machines running unattended.
 Do not try to stop the machine with your hands or body. 23

 Always keep hands, hair, feet dry and free from oil.
EXERCISE 2.
1. Define the term safe guarding.
2. Mention 4 safety precaution to bear in mind when in the workplace.
3. Mention 4 reasons why safety signs are important?.
4. Make a neat sketch of symbolic sign that servers as mandatory (compulsory)
warning .
5. Make a neat sketch of symbolic sign that servers as warning signs.
6. Make a neat sketch of symbolic sign that servers as prohibiting warning signs.
7. Define colour coding.
8. Mention 3 importance of workshop colour coding.
9. Mention 4 benefits of good housekeeping.
10. Mention 3 safety aspects regarding machine guarding.
11. Name three safety measures when working with machine in the workshop.

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1.2.5. Chemical safety and dangerous substances.
Chemical safety is the practice of handling chemicals in a safe manner,
minimizing the hazard to public and personal health.
Dangerous substances are any liquid, gas or solid that poses a risk to workers'
health or safety and can be found in nearly all workplaces. Across Europe,
millions of workers come into contact with chemical and biological agents that
can harm them.

General Chemical and dangerous substance Safety Guidelines

 Maintain an organized and orderly facility.
 Communicate hazards to everyone in the facility.
 Follow basic safety procedures.
 Use engineering controls.
 Use PPE as needed or required.
 Follow requirements for high hazard chemicals.
 Prepare for accidents and emergencies.
 Never use a container that had chemicals or dangerous substances for personal
use e.g. acidic empty containers to carry drinking water. 25
1.2.6 Fire
Fire is a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air
and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning.
Open flames, faulty electrical apparatus, carelessness and burning of cigarette
butts carelessly discarded are the major causes of fires.
Fire risks can be greatly reduced by adhering to all safety regulations and SABS
10142,using common sense and regular and efficiently maintenance.

Fire fighting
Fire fighting procedures will vary according to the circumstances but following are the
general rules:
 In case of a fire, keep calm and cool head is very important.
 If the is a manual fire alarm, it must be set off and or/ if possible send for help.
 Any electrical supply should be switched off and isolated if possible
 Before trying to extinguish a fire, one must consider ones safety and safety for other.
 If possible ensure the you have back-up assistance
 Care must be taken to not become trapped by the fire or be overcome by smoke and
fumes
 Always plan an escape route and only specific designed fire extinguisher must be
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used for that type of fire.
Types of fire. The table below illustrate the types of fire and extinguisher to
be used

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1.2.7. Environmental and prevention practices.
1. Accessible Equipment
Make sure all of your fire protection equipment (ie fire extinguishers, control
panels, etc.) are easily accessible. Also don’t block the fire sprinklers or fire alarms
with anything, such as dust, debris or paint. You don’t want to hinder the
functionality of your equipment.
2. Proper Disposal
Discard of any hazardous waste in a metal container that has a lid. Hazardous waste
can include anything from oils to chemicals. Even flammable and combustible
materials should be properly disposed of in order to prevent fire hazards.
3. Regular Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance services for all of your fire protection equipment to
make sure everything is up to code. It’s also smart to make sure any machines in your
building are properly maintained in order to prevent overheating or sparks created
from friction.
4. Safe Storage
If you have chemicals, flammable materials or other hazardous substances in your
building, you will want to make sure they are stored in a safe place. Make sure they
are in a dry, secure closet or room that has adequate ventilation. It’s also a good idea
to keep fire protection equipment for flammable substances near 28the storage area
just in case.
5. Clean Environment
There are many reasons that you should keep your building neat and tidy. One of
the main reasons is because when there’s a lot of clutter, especially flammable
materials such as paper, boxes, etc., then a fire can spread faster. The clutter
could also block exits and make it harder to escape if there is a fire. So make
sure to keep the inside of your building clean and clutter free.
6. Precautionary Measures
Fire safety demonstrations can go a long way when it comes to the safety of your
building. Make sure to teach building occupants how to react to a fire and how to
use a fire extinguisher, along with the other fire protection devices. This can help
to prevent a fire from spreading if one does occur in your building.
7. Designated Smoking Area
There should be a designated smoking area that’s a safe distance away from the
building. Also make sure to provide ashtrays or other safe options for people to
properly extinguish and dispose of their cigarettes. This will help keep your
building safe from accidental fires caused by lit cigarettes.
8. Emergency Plan
Emergency and evacuation plans are important to prevent further damages or
issues if there’s a fire. It’s important that if someone needs to call for help, they
know what to do, how to easily find the building address, and what 29 the next steps
should be. Fire prevention is just as important after a fire has already started
because it can reduce the risk of it spreading, which can lead to more damages.
9. Adhere to safety Guidelines
Today there are safety standards and regulations put in place to help businesses
better prevent fires in the workplace. Both OSHA and NFPA provide a set of rules
and guidelines to ensure fire protection and safety. You’ll want to make sure that
you meet all of their requirements to remain up to code and secure.

Exercise 3
1. Mention 4 general safety guidelines when working with chemical and dangerous
substances
2. Define fire
3. Mention types f fires and give example on each.
4. Mention 3 general fire fighting procedures.
5. Mention two safety aspect with regards to fire and environmental practices.
6. Fill in the missing

fires Combustible material Extinguisher type

Class b
Class c
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Class d
2.Observing workshop hazards and prevention.
Effective arrangements of the work area can eliminate some workplace hazards
and help a get a job done safely and properly.
Poor arrangements can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that
cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills sis accepted as
normal, then other more serious health and safety may no be noticed at all
Hazards.
Workshop hazards is anything that has the potential to cause harm to a person
e.g. spills on floor, unguarded machinery, unattended wire cables etc.
There are various types of Hazards namely:
 Safety hazards
 Work organisation hazards
 Biological hazards
 Chemical and dust hazards
 Ergonomic hazards
 Physical hazards
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2.1.1. Safety hazards.
Safety hazards those are most common hazards and will be present in most of
workplaces at one time or another. they include unsafe conditions that can cause
injury, illnesses and death.

Safety hazards include :

1. Spills on floors or tripping hazards
2. Working at heights
3. Unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts
4. Electrical hazards like fried cords, missing ground pins, improper wiring
5. Confined spaces
6. machinery- related hazards.
Control measures to reduce safety hazards
1. Eliminate the hazard
Elimination of the hazard is not always achievable though it does totally remove
the hazard and thereby eliminates the risk of exposure.
2. Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk
Substituting the hazard may not remove all of the hazards associated with the
process or activity and may introduce different hazards but the overall harm or
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health effects will be lessened.
3. Isolate the hazard
Isolating the hazard is achieved by restricting access to plant and equipment or in the
case of substances locking them away under strict controls.
4. Use engineering controls
Engineering Controls involve redesigning a process to place a barrier between the
person and the hazard or remove the hazard from the person, such as machinery
guarding etc..
5. Use administrative controls
Administrative controls include adopting standard operating procedures or safe work
practices or providing appropriate training, instruction or information to reduce the
potential for harm and/or adverse health effects to person(s).
6. Use personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) include gloves, glasses, earmuffs, aprons, safety
footwear, dust masks which are designed to reduce exposure to the hazard.

Safety hazards illustrated

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2.1.2.Work organisation hazard.
These are the hazards associated with workplace issues such as workload, lack of
control and/or respect etc. these are hazards that can cause stress and strain(long
term effect)

Work organisation hazards include:

1. Workload demands
2. Workplace violence
3. intensity and /or pace
4. control or say about things
5. social support/ relations
6. Sexual harassment

Control measures to reduce work organisation hazards.

1.Talk about the importance of work ethics.
2.Keep employees adequately informed about issues that impact them.
3.Uphold promises and commitments to employees and stakeholders.
4.Acknowledge and reward ethical conduct.
5.Hold accountable those who violate standards, especially leaders.
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2.1.3.Biological hazards.
These are hazards usually associated with working with animals, people or
infectious plant materials. e.g schools, colleges, laboratories.

Biological hazards include.

1. Blood and other bodily fluids.
2. Fungi/ mold
3. bacteria's/ viruses
4. infectious plant materials
5. insect and animal bites
6.Animal and bird droppings

Control measures to reduce biological hazards.

1.Procedures for safe use, handling, storage and transport of biological agents and
hazards, sharps, maintenance of equipment,
2. Reducing numbers of exposed persons, duration of exposure and quantities to
the minimum,
3.Controlling the working environment,
4. Requiring that safety equipment be used and worn,
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5. Regular cleaning of the workplace
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2.1.4. Chemical and dust hazards.
Chemical hazards are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workshop in any form (solid, liquid and gas). Workers
who are sensitive can suffer from skin cancer, breathing problem, and other illness caused by chemicals.

Chemical Hazards include:

1. unlabelled containers containing chemicals
2. Vapours and fumes that come from welding or exposure to harm.
3. Gases like acetylene propane, carbon monoxide and helium.
4. Flammable materials like gasoline, solvent, and explosive chemicals.
5. Pesticide
Control measures to reduce chemical hazards.
1.Follow all established procedures and to work precisely as you've been trained.
2. Be cautious and plan ahead.
3. Always use required PPE—and inspect it carefully before each use to make
sure it's safe to use.
4.Make sure that all containers are properly labelled and that38the material is
contained in an appropriate container.
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2.1.5. Ergonomic hazards.
Ergonomic hazards occurs when the type of work, body position and working condition put strain on
your body. These are hardest hazards to spot since they don’t appear immediately but have a serious
impact harm to the body.

Ergonomic hazards includes:

1. Improperly adjusted workstation and chairs.

2. Frequent lifting
3. Poor posture
4. Awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive.
5. Repeating the same movement over a prolonged period of time.
6. Having to use a lot of force, especially if you have to do it frequently.
7. vibration.
Control measures to reduce ergonomic hazards.
1. Adjust the height of working surfaces to reduce long reaches and awkward postures.
2. Put work supplies and equipment within comfortable reach.
3. Provide the right tool handle for the worker.
4. Vary tasks for workers (e.g., employ job rotation). 40

5. Encourage short rest breaks.

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2.1.6. Physical hazards.
Physical hazards are factors within the environment that can harm the body even
without direct contact.
Physical hazards includes.
1.Radiation; including ionising, non ionising (microwave, radio waves etc).
2.High exposure to sunlight/ ultraviolet rays.
3. Temperature extremes.
4. Constant loud noise.
Control measures to reduce physical hazards.
1. Eliminate the hazard.
2. Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk.
3. Isolate the hazard.
4. Use engineering controls. (protect workers by removing hazardous conditions or
by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard.)
5. Use administrative controls. (work practice controls)
6. Use personal protective equipment. 42
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2.2.Fall and trip safety prevention.
Many workers are injured annually due to falls on walking and working surfaces. These
injuries account for a significant percentage of lost-time injuries. Not only are slips, trips,
and falls an economical loss, they also account for a lot of pain and suffering and
sometimes even death.
Fall can be defined as process of moving from a higher to a lower level, typical rapidly
and without control.
Fall protection can be defined as the measures that can be taken or practiced to
eliminate or rather prevent falling.

Fall protection system can be defined as a personal fall arrest system is a

system used to safely. stop (arrest) a worker who is falling from a working level. It.
consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness.
There are generally four main categorised that are accepted by the OHS standard
and are all aimed for the safety of employees based of their working environment
and they are namely: fall elimination, fall prevention, fall arrest and administrative
controls.
Scaffolds, handrails, barriers and movable platforms can be constructed to protect
workers employed at heights. Where these devices are impractical, personal fall
protection equipment such as full body harnesses, lanyards and retractable lifelines
may be used.
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What fall protection measures could you implement in
your job?
Practicable to provide a fall prevention device or a work positioning system.
In some cases a combination of control measures may be necessary, for
example using a safety harness while working from an elevating work
platform. Control measures are needed where there is a risk of injury
irrespective of fall height.

Treatment of a fallen victims on workplace.

It is very important during accidents to be very calm to be able to offer
proper assistance.
If someone has fallen and they don't seem badly hurt, help them find a
comfortable position. Treat minor bumps and bruises by elevating the
injured area and applying an ice pack for about 10 minutes. If you notice
signs of serious bleeding, bruising, or swelling, help them get emergency
medical care.

NB: Never give food or water to victim in that situation.

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Steps on proper wearing of safety harness.
Step 1: Untangle safety harness. Hold the harness by the D-ring on the
back strap.
Step 2: Check safety harness for damage.
Step 3: Put on the harness.
Step 4: Connect and tighten the leg straps.
Step 5: Buckle and adjust the safety harness.
Step 6: Make sure the safety harness is snug but not restrictive.

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Exercise 4.
1.Define the term Hazard.
2. Mention 4 different types of hazards to be avoided in the workplace.
3. Define the following terms:
a. Safety Hazards
b. Work- organisation hazards
c. Biological hazards
d. Physical hazards
4. Define fall protection.
5. Define fall protection system.
6. Mention 3 aspects to be constructed to protect workers employed at heights
sites.
7. Mention 6 steps of wearing safety harness.

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3. Ladders.
Before using a ladder it must be checked for safety. The rungs must be in good condition and in the
case of a wooden ladder it must be checked for cracks and to ensure that all reinforcement parts
are in place and properly fixed. In the case of a step ladders, the hinges and support straps must be
checked.

We have some basic types of ladders, include step ladders, platform ladders, extension ladders and
leaning step ladders (a must-have specialty item which saves pros on OSHA fines).
The list can go on with specialty ladders such as attic ladders, step stools, rolling ladders as well as
accessories that make your ladder do more. The principal safety measures to be taken in mind when
using a ladder is similar to all ladders.

Ladders must be placed on a solid surface to prevent it from slipping,e.g

someone holding the ladder at the bottom.
Ladders should be placed at a suitable angle to the vertical. A good general rule
is that the base of the triangle formed by the ladder, the ground and the
vertical(wall, pole, building) should be about one third of the vertical height.
There is no maximum height for using a ladder. However, where a ladder rises 9
metres or more above its base, landing areas or rest platforms should be
provided at suitable intervals. 49
3.1. Requirements of selecting a ladder.
When selecting a ladder there are four important aspect to bear in mind
and they are as follows:

1.HEIGHT
A common mistake is thinking your ladder will reach higher than it does.
Your needed reach height determines the right ladder size.
2.PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
Consider job demands and load capacity. Account for all users that may
use the ladder. What is the frequency of use? Will you be hauling heavy
materials up the ladder?
3.MATERIALS MATTER
Choose what's best for you. FIBERGLASS: Maximum safety and durability.
ALUMINUM: Lightweight and strong.
4.UNIQUE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS
Discover styles designed to keep you safe. Are you comfortable on
traditional ladders? Is storage & transportation a concern? Will you be
working on uneven ground?

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Fig 1. Placing an extension ladder Fig 2. Stepladders erection
over a building roof.

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3.2.The main types of ladder accidents.

1. Selecting the Wrong Type of Ladder

Each ladder is designed to support a maximum weight limit and if the
climber exceeds that limit the ladder could break and cause the user to
fall or become injured.
2. Using Worn or Damaged Ladders
Damaged ladders are extremely dangerous as they can easily break while
being used and cause serious injuries. To protect yourself from damaged
or broken ladders, make sure to thoroughly inspect each ladder before
using.
3. Incorrect Use of Ladders
Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a
ladder in any other way than what the manufacturer intended it to be
used for. Also, do not lengthen or alter a ladder in any way.
4. Incorrect Placement of Ladders
Make sure that when positioning a ladder, the ground you place it on is level and
firm. Ladders should never be placed in front of a door that is not locked, blocked,
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or guarded
What do you do after you fall off a ladder?
The first thing you should do after falling off a ladder is stay calm, take things
slow, and assess if you're in any pain. It can take up to a few minutes to feel any
sort of pain or discomfort, so play it safe and remain cautious while you feel out
the situation.
It is very important to see a doctor if perhaps you don’t feel any pain at that
moment as it may result severe injury if suffered internal bleeding.
To assist a person who felt you should follow all first aid procedures to be able to
save the life of the victim.
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Exercise 5.

1. Briefly explain the important aspect to consider before using a ladder.

2. Why should ladders be placed at solid surfaces?
3. What are the requirements to be considered when selecting a ladder?
4. Mention 3 ways to avoid hazards related when using a step ladder.
5 . Mention any 6 parts that form part of the step ladder.
6. Mention 4 causes of ladder accidents.
7 . In the event of ladder accidents, what actions can be taken to rescue the
victim.

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4.Lifting safety procedures.
Almost 34% of workplace injuries occur as a result of lifting and lowering objects. Add
this to the fact that 75% of people in the workplaces experience lower back pain at
some point in any given year and safe lifting training becomes a priority.

Safe lifting training is exactly what it sounds like. It teaches employees how to safely
lift and move objects of varying sizes and dimensions. even something as light as a
box of paper towels, light objects lifted improperly, can lead to injury.
4.1 Safe lifting requirements (OHSA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have specific safe
lifting requirements in terms of how much weight a person may lift (or how often).
Instead, they worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) to develop a mathematical formula that predicts the risk of injury when
lifting.
This safe lifting formula considers factors like:
1.How often you lift something
2.If you need to bend or twist when lifting or carrying
3.The height an object is lifted
4. Where the object is being lifted from
5.How long the object is held or carried
6.How close the object is held to your body
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Safe Lifting Techniques in the Workplace.
It is very important to considers safe lifting techniques before doing any
lifting work in the workplace.
Here are techniques to bear in mind when perfuming lifting:

1.Assess the Load, Before lifting anything, consider its size and
dimensions. Is it too heavy or bulky to lift without help? if so ask for help.
2.Warm-Up, Warming up prior to lifting a heavy load is one of the most-
overlooked safe lifting techniques in the workplace, because people feel
self-conscious stretching.
3.Protective Gear, Before lifting put on appropriate protective gear, such
as gloves and back braces.
4.Get in Close, The further away you are from the load when you start to
lift, the greater the force on your back.
5.Lower Yourself Properly, keep your back straight and use your knees
and hips to lower yourself into position.
6.Get a Firm Grip. Get a firm grip on the load with both hands.
7.Lifting, when lifting Keep the load close to your body as you move to
your destination. When Lowering the load keep your back straight,
bending at the knees and keeping the load close to your body.
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Recovering or prevention of lifting accidents.

Work-related low back pain and injuries are the most common musculoskeletal
disorders caused by manual handling. About a fourth of European workers suffer from
back pain, which tops the list of all reported work-related disorders

When lifting items that are very heavy, you should wear steel-toed safety shoes or
boots to protect your feet and toes. Lift Properly – Use proper lifting techniques: bend
at your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and
straighten your legs to lift.

Lifting procedures are crucial

important to keep in mind when
performing lifting.

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Exercise 6
1. Briefly explain what you understand by the term safety lifting procedures.
2. Mention 4 safe lifting techniques
3. Fill in the table the dos and don’ts when performing lifting.

Do Don’ts

4.Briefly explain what to consider before preforming any lifting in the workplace.

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