Handling safe operating practice

Many accidents occur because the operator or maintenance person does not understand the hazards involved or has not been instructed on the precautions to be taken. The policy document should identify the main hazards within the company with advice on which rules must be obeyed while carrying out a hazardous task. General rules should also be included to cover items such as untidy work areas, replacement of guards, the use of protective cloth-ing/equipment where appropriate, safe working practices in handling goods and materials, etc. It is essential that on the introduction of new products, processes, operations or plant and equipment that any hazards associated with these are brought to the attention of all concerned. 

Safety is important in any chemical laboratory but is not normally considered a formal part of quality assurance procedures, unless the lack of safety also imperils the quality of the work. The relevance of safety is based on it being part of good operating practice within a laboratory and this in turn needs to be optimized in order to produce good quality results. Many of the chemicals used, and some of the samples encountered in a laboratory, are dangerous and certain rules should be followed to ensure that they can be handled safely. Most countries have a list of substances which have to be controlled carefully and the maximum level to which workers can be exposed. 

The prime responsibility of the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) is the encouragement of safe practices in chemical activities. The CCS serves as a resource for chemical professionals mainly in the United States in providing advice and counsel on the handling of chemicals, and it seeks to ensure safe facilities, designs, and operations by calling attention to potential hazards and stimulating education in safe chemical practices. The CCS also provides advice to other ACS units on matters related to chemical safety and health. A variety of publications are available free on its Web site. ... 

The risk of cold injury can be minimized by proper equipment design, protective clothing, and safe work practices. For work performed below the freezing point, metal handles and bars should be covered by thermal insulating material. Also, machines and tools should be designed so that they can be operated without having to remove gloves. 

Safe work practices cover operating, maintenance, and material handling risks. Generally, work in this area would fall under the category of occupational safety. Many of the best practices are described in API 76, Improving Owner and Contractor Safety Performance. Human factors are included in this topic. 

The management prt ram should establish and implement safe work practices. These practices should be designed to minimize the risks associated with operating, maintenance, and modification activities and the handling of materials and substances that could affect... 

In addition, procedure and/or administrative cotnrols will be provided to ensure safe operation for the fuel building overhead crane and spent fuel handling machine, and to control the safe load path and safe lifting practice. 

Most bagging operations create dust when fine particles are handled. Safe practices require that personnel who are bagging and shipping phosphate fibers should wear protective clothing, and use approved respiration and ventilation equipment. At the product s destination it is also required that safe practices be observed. All dust must be considered undesirable when breathed, and phosphate fiber is no exception in this case. 

Routine personnel changes are handled through other elements of SEMS, including operating procedures, safe work practices, and training. 

Safe Work Practices Y Safe work practices for the handling and use of paint and solvents should be incorporated into the Operator safe work program. All employees should be trained in the Operator s Safe Work Practices. 

Safe handling practices are essential at all stages of production, from the laboratory to the manufacturing operations. The safety committee should inspect and advise on processing equipment and be responsible for providing personal protection, eye wash fountains, safety showers, etc. 

Code of Practice No. 4, Safe and Satisfactory Operation of Propane-Fired Bitumen Boilers, Mastic Asphalt Cauldrons/Mixers, and Hand Tools Code of Practice No. 7, Storage of Full and Empty LPG Cylinders and Cartridges Code of Practice No. 9, LPG-Air Plants Code of Practice No. 10, Recommendations for Safe Handling of LPG in Small Trailer Mounted Vessels, Skid Tanks and Small Bulk Storage Vessels Permanently Attached to Mobile Gas-fired Equipment... 

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