Safety Precautions and Requirements for Demonstration Work

Demonstration work, like any other work activity, requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. This includes conducting thorough hazard assessments, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishing clear emergency procedures. The following sections outline the key safety precautions and requirements for demonstration work.

Hazard Assessment

A comprehensive hazard assessment is crucial before commencing any demonstration work. This assessment should identify potential hazards associated with the equipment, materials, and environment involved in the demonstration.

Key steps in the hazard assessment process:

1. Identify potential hazards: This includes identifying hazards related to the equipment being used, the materials being handled, the environment where the demonstration is taking place, and the personnel involved.
2. Assess the risks: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential injuries or illnesses associated with each identified hazard.
3. Develop control measures: Implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize the identified risks. These control measures may include engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Document the hazard assessment: Record the findings of the hazard assessment, including the identified hazards, assessed risks, and implemented control measures. This documentation should be readily available to all personnel involved in the demonstration.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The appropriate PPE must be worn by all personnel involved in demonstration work to protect against potential hazards. The specific PPE required will depend on the nature of the hazards identified in the hazard assessment.

Examples of PPE that may be required include:

• Eye protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields should be worn to protect against flying particles, splashes, or other eye hazards.
• Hand protection: Gloves should be worn to protect against cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, or other hand hazards.
• Foot protection: Safety shoes or boots should be worn to protect against foot injuries from falling objects, punctures, or other foot hazards.
• Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be worn to protect against excessive noise levels.
• Head protection: Hard hats should be worn to protect against head injuries from falling objects or other head hazards.
• Respiratory protection: Respirators should be worn to protect against inhalation of hazardous substances.
• Appropriate clothing: Wear appropriate clothing to protect against skin exposure to hazardous materials or environmental conditions.

Emergency Procedures

Clear and well-defined emergency procedures are essential to ensure a prompt and effective response in the event of an accident or other emergency during demonstration work.

Key elements of emergency procedures:

• Emergency contact information: Post emergency contact information, including phone numbers for emergency services, supervisors, and other relevant personnel, in a readily accessible location.
• First aid: Ensure that a first aid kit is readily available and that personnel are trained in basic first aid procedures.
• Emergency evacuation plan: Develop and communicate an emergency evacuation plan that outlines the procedures for evacuating the demonstration area in the event of a fire, explosion, or other emergency.
• Spill control procedures: Establish procedures for containing and cleaning up spills of hazardous materials.
• Fire safety: Implement fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms, and ensure that personnel are trained in fire safety procedures.

General Safety Practices

Before servicing any machinery, it is important to read the entire Maintenance Procedure Section and familiarize yourself with all the safety precautions. Pay close attention to all safety alert symbols and ensure you understand all procedures. Remove rings and jewelry and wear appropriate personnel protective equipment. Move the machine to a safe level workplace. Lower the boom and support all raised equipment. Shut down the machine and remove the key from the ignition. Be careful not to spill fuels and lubricants. Do not fill or refuel the tank while the engine is running or hot, as this could cause a fire or explosion. Do not smoke while refueling or working with fuel to avoid a fire or explosion. Always clean up spilled fuel and/or lubricants to avoid polluting the earth. [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 should unexpectedly drop. Before any work is performed in the danger area, the boom must be completely lowered and the forks must be resting on the ground. [2]

Seat Belt Use

Always wear a seat belt while operating the machine to reduce the risk of personal injury. [2]

Safe Maintenance Practices

Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair safety, machine function, and/or affect machine life. Always use a safety support or brace when working on, under, or around the machine or forks. Do not adjust or lubricate the machine while it is in motion. Shut off the engine and lockout the ignition while working on the machine unless 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. [2]

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