Standard Safety Procedures and Regulatory Guidelines

Ensuring a safe working environment involves adhering to established safety procedures and regulatory guidelines. These encompass a range of practices, from the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the implementation of safe work procedures and the establishment of health and safety committees. Compliance with these measures is crucial for minimizing workplace hazards and promoting the well-being of all workers.

General Safety Procedures

Seat Belt Use

Always wear a seat belt while operating machinery to reduce the risk of personal injury. [1]

Safe Maintenance Practices

Unauthorized modifications to machinery can impair safety and affect machine life. Always use a safety support or brace when working on or around machinery. Do not adjust or lubricate machinery while it is in motion. Shut off the engine and lockout the ignition before performing maintenance, unless the maintenance instructions require the engine to be running. Replace all shields and guards after servicing. Never use the machine as a platform for lifting personnel. [1]

Boom Safety

Do not enter the danger area under or around the boom when the forks are off the ground or while the engine is running. Serious personal injury could result if the boom unexpectedly drops. Before any work is performed in the danger area, the boom must be completely lowered and the forks must be resting on the ground. [1]

Welding Precautions

Any unauthorized welding can cause structural failure or possible personal injury. Do not weld on any structural member, as this will void the warranty. [4]

Hand Holds and Steps

When getting on and off machinery, always maintain three-point contact with steps and handrails while facing the machine. Do not use the steering wheel or any other controls as handrails. Never jump on or off the machine. Be careful of slippery conditions on platforms, steps, and handrails. Always shut off the engine before leaving the operator's station. [4]

Refueling

Handle fuel with care, as it is highly flammable. Do not refuel the machine while smoking or when near open flames or sparks. Always stop the engine before refueling the machine and fill the fuel tank outdoors. Prevent fires by keeping the machine clean of trash, grease, and debris. Always clean up spilled fuel. [4]

Specific Safety Procedures

Plumbers

Plumbers should adhere to recommended shift work patterns and be aware of associated hazards. They should practice safety procedures for confined space entry, working at heights, using hand and power tools, de-energizing and locking out machinery, selecting and maintaining PPE, lifting, shift work, and avoiding slips, trips, and falls, as well as heat exposure. [3]

Working Safely with Sewage

To avoid exposure to sewage, wear gloves, coveralls, rubber boots, and eye protection. Wash your hands and decontaminate your equipment after use. Do not eat or drink while working in a potentially contaminated area, and always wash your hands before meals. After working with raw sewage or soil, wash immediately with soap and water, avoiding the use of solvents. [3]

Health and Safety Committees

Each organization should establish its own terms of reference for health and safety committees, including meeting frequency and inspection protocols. The employer should respond to the committee's recommendations. Committee members should actively participate in consulting, developing, implementing, and monitoring all phases of the health and safety program. [2]

Safe Work Procedures

Organizations should exceed minimum government health and safety regulations with rules specific to their operations, equipment, and work being done. Rules should be specific to health and safety concerns, developed with the participation of the health and safety committee, and stated clearly. Rules are best stated in positive terms and should explain the reasons for the rule. Rules must be enforceable, available to all workers in written form, and periodically reviewed for effectiveness. [2]