Hazards mechanical handling

With regard to the hazard concern from physical and mechanical handling, the expl nature of the materials can pose a special problem. For example, during pneumatic transfer of samples in fast neutron activation, the polyethylene vials containing the expl approach speeds of 15m/sec and come to rest against a metal stop at both irradiation and count stations. However at PicArsn (Ref 13), in over 1000 irradiations and pneumatic transfers with up to 2.3g of shock-resistant secondary expls such as TNT, HMX,... 

Werley, B. M., ASTMSpec. Tech. Publ., 1983, (812), 108-125 The hazards arising from presence of oil films in oxygen-handling systems are reviewed, with consideration of cleanliness specifications, film flammability, film migration and hazard mechanisms. 

Mechanical Stabilization. Four methods may be considered for stabilizing heterogeneous fuels mechanically. The use of the metals in the form of sols is not practical because the powders, when subdivided to the required degree, are expensive and hazardous to handle. If they are allowed to become coated with the metal oxide, to eliminate their pyrophoricity, their metal content is reduced to an unacceptable level. Another approach involves the use of a liquid whose density equals that of the solid phase. Such an approach is also impractical because there are few liquid materials that have appropriate densities, and those that do are inappropriate as fuel components for chemical or thermodynamic reasons. Furthermore, the density equivalence is lost at reduced and elevated temperatures, causing settling or floating of the solid phase. 

Mechanical handling should present fewer hazards, provided that the goods are palletised and are properly stacked, stable and secure, and in good condition for their purpose. 

Features for fire prevention were the mechanical properties of some metal material containers and radioactive material form to prevent or reduce the release, and sprinkler fire suppression systems to prevent or delay ignition of combustible materials. In addition, administrative operating procedures, hazardous materiai handling training and packaging requirements could also help prevent or mitigate a fire caused by an electrical wiring short or overheat. 

Noise. May be prompted by machinery, flares, ejectors, vents, pressure releases, sirens, or mechanical handlings. Noise above a certain decibel is considered a hazard. Immediate consequence temporary loss of hearing, nuisance. 

Chapter 24 Engineering science (J.R. Ridley) 479 Chapter 25 Fire precautions (Dr P. Waterhouse) 500 Chapter 26 Machinery hazards (Professor R. T. Booth) 555 Chapter 27 Mechanical handling (K. G. Pearson) 577 Chapter 28 Electricity (E. G. Hooper) 603 Chapter 29 Statutory engineering inspections (E. S. Long) 622 Chapter 30 Safety on construction sites (A. Pinder) 650 Chapter 31 Safe use of chemicals (S. Bradley) 679... 

Mechanical moving parts Flow path of any source of energy Hazardous material handling Fire and explosion Gas/fuel leakage Nuclear/other radiations (EM)... 

There are four elements to mechanical handling, each of which can present hazards. These are handling equipment, the load, the workplace and the employees involved. 

Elimination by the removal of the hazard itself to ensure that injury or damage will not occur. Many injuries occur each year from manually handling objects. By changing the work method and employing mechanical handling, the hazards from manual handling are eliminated. Boxes... 

Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. 

Attention to the basic science of health and safety issues not only provides an insight into the current understanding of a complex and broad-ranging subject, but also helps to eradicate misconceptions. For example, seeing is not believing where air pollution is concerned, nor is exhaust extraction a comprehensive solution to pollution control. Dust does not cease to be a problem when it settles on the floor and fully vulcanized rubber is not necessarily free of toxic hazard. The case where settled dust reduces pedestrian friction can be contrasted with that where mechanical handling creates air pollution. Without doubt the interactions of this science are complex and some procedures designed to solve one problem may merely serve to introduce another. 

Mechanical handling techniques have improved efficiency and safety, but have introduced other sources of potential injury. Cranes and hoists, and powered trucks and fork-lifts are the primary means for mechanical handling on site. In all circumstances the safety of the equipment can be affected by the safety of operating conditions, site hazards and the operator. 

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