People warning signals

Danger is always present in the work situation (as in all other situations). The task of the individual is to keep it under control to avoid errors which provoke an increase in danger and to detect and avoid or recover from danger increasing from other reasons. Much of this activity occurs at the skill- and rule-based levels by more or less routine reaction to warning signals. Only occasionally do people in their normal work situations need actively to contemplate danger. However these occasions are vitally important when they do occur. Examples of such activities are ... 

People with hearing impairment may not have a clear perception of some types of conventional (audible) warning signals... 

Visual alarm systems - visual alarm systems (beacons) are used to supplement audible warning signals in situations where an audible system is likely to be ineffective, for example where the ambient noise levels in the building would make it difficult to hear an audible signal. Beacons must be provided where ambient noise levels exceed 90 dB(A), or in areas where hearing protection is worn or people with hearing impairments may be present. 

Fire alarm warning signals for people with impaired hearing may also be provided as portable equipment, for example a radio pager or other system using radio communication. 

Safety-belt reminders. Safety-belt reminders are a lesson in how easy it is to ignore activators. How often do you notice the audible safety-belt reminder in your vehicle 1 have found many people imable to describe the sound. Is it a continuous tone, a beeping signal, or a pleasant chime How long does it last Is it the same soimd used for other warning signals in your vehicle ... 

Carbon dioxide gas is an asphyxiant, a potent respiratory stimulant, and both a stimulant and depressant of the central nervous system. Fatalities have occurred after people have entered enclosures where air has been largely displaced by CO2. Therefore, fixed, automatic CO2 systems require a time delay pre-evacuation alarm period (often 30 seconds), warning signs, and an alarm signal incorporated into the system design to allow sufficient time for personnel evacuation prior to CO2 release. Verification of the oxygen level must be made prior to reentry. 

Alarms and signals are one form of warnings and instructions. They are integral parts of procedures. Sensors (sometimes human) must detect a problem and teU people about it. In particular, they must tell people where there is a danger. They should tell people how to act or proceed following the alarm. 

One of the earliest uses of telemedicine was by villagers who used smoke signals to warn people to stay away from their village when serious disease struck. 

The solution lies in aiding people to make diagnoses more critically (e.g. defensive driving courses) and in supporting their decisions with warnings about signals they may have missed. 

Organizations have been encouraged for many years to employ workers with disabilities and to ensure that their premises provide suitable access for such people. From a health and safety point of view, it is important that workers with a disability are covered by special risk assessments so that appropriate controls are in place to protect them. For example, employees with a hearing problem will need to be warned when the fire alarm sounds or a fork lift truck approaches. Special vibrating signals or flashing lights may be used. Similarly workers in wheelchairs will require a clear, wheelchair friendly, route to a fire exit and onwards to the assembly point. Safe systems of work and welfare facilities need to be suitable for any workers with disabilities. 

---