HSE ARTICLES: February 2017

Monday, 27 February 2017

Working at Height- Fall Hazards and Risk Control Measures

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most cause of common cause of major injuries to employees. Working at height may include work on roof, using ladders or any access platform such as scaffolds or lifting equipment. The main hazards from Working at Height are Falls i.e, Persons falling and falling equipments. The main causes of falls from height are: Failing...

Electricity Hazards and Controls

Electricity is an integral part of our life and modern day cannot be imagined without it. But with all the benefit it brings in our life it has it also carries certain hazards which we are going to look at. How the Electricity Works? For electricity to work we need a source and a conductor. The source can be a power generator and wires can be conductors which can carry current. What are Electrical...

Fire Hydrant system

A fire hydrant, (also known as fire pumps, hydrant boosters, fire water pumps)is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water supply. These are high pressure water pumps designed to increase the fire fighting capacity of a building by boosting the pressure in the hydrant service when mains is not enough, or when tank fed. A Fire Hydrant with fully-on valve , releasing pressure water. Safe...

Fire Extinguisher- All you need to know

Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often used in emergency situation. A fire extinguisher can help save lives and property by putting out small fires or containing it until fire fighters arrive. (Parts of Fire extinguisher) Types of fire extinguishers There are four basic types: 1) APW (Air Pressure Water) 2) DCP (Dry Chemical...

Fire detection and firefighting equipment

All workplaces must have arrangements for: i) Fire Detection and alarm system ii) Fire Fighting equipment i) Fire Detection and alarm systems This includes use of manual and automatic systems. Manual alarm systems are suitable for small workplaces and involve the use of following basic devices: (Manually operated electric alarm device) Rotary gong- operated by turning...

What to do in the event of fire at workplace?

There should be a comprehensive fire action plan and regular fire drills for dealing with such situation in your organisation. Here's what need to do in event of fire: Raise the alarm A person discovering fire should raise alarm manually if possible. The alarm can be electric or manually operated system such as bells or rotary gong etc. Fire alarm usually operates automatically by breaking...

Fire Risk Assessment

Steps of fire risk assessment Following are the steps of fire risk assessment; Step 1- Identifying the hazards Knowledge of fire triangle can assist to identify the hazards for potential fire situation i.e, Identify any source of ignition- such as flames or sparks from welding, cutting, grinding or use of hot air gun. Any Combustible fuels- such as paper, wood, cardboard, petrol,...

Heat Transmission and Fire spread

There are four ways in which heat can be transmitted: 1. Conduction This involves transfer of heat without transfer of molecules (usually solid). 2. Convection Convection is a process whereby heat moves through a gas or liquid and involves actual movement of molecules. Process showing conduction convection and radiation. 3. Radiation Radiation is the mode of transfer of heat (as invisible...