Exam Prep Flashcards
Describe the Recognition — Evaluation — Control model as it is applied in risk assessment and hazard control in the workplace
The simplest approach to H&S issues.
Recognize a problem, evaluate it, control it.
Recognition:
- Own professional experience/education
- Stastistics
- Consultation with workers, supervisors, managers
- Regulations, guidelines, standards
Evaluation:
May be simple or more involved.
(evaluating need for guard on sawblade is fairly simple)
(evaluating chemical exposure hazards can be more involved)
Control: Order of preference (the control toolbox) 1, Prescribed regulation 2, Required standards 3, Best practices 4, Other control practices
Explain the rationale behind the hierarchy of controls: Engineering — Administrative — Personal Protective Equipment
Most to least effective controls.
Training is essential for controls to be effective.
Outline the method for selecting appropriate hazard controls given either prescriptive or performance-based OHS regulations
Order of preference (the control toolbox)
1, Prescribed regulation
2, Required standards
3, Best practices
4, Other control practices
————————————————————————————
Identify required controls. Then Look at published best practices. In the absence of sufficient controls from the above, look elsewhere such as professional training and professional organization recommendations.
Due diligence requires that these all be considered when developing controls.
Define the term hazard.
A condition or situation that exists within the working environment that is capable of causing an unwanted release of energy resulting in physical harm, property damage, or both. More simply, a workplace hazard is a dangerous condition, whether potential or existing, that can cause physical harm.
Define the term risk
The likelihood or possibility of hazardous consequences; the probability of a loss producing event. Therefore, a work process can be at once both highly hazardous and very low risk, if it has been correctly recognized and the hazard effectively controlled.
What is a standard?
A “standard” is a document that is written by a group of experts in the subject matter. The standard is then a consensus document of the standard way in which something should be done according to those who should know best.
What are the three categories of engineering controls?
Elimination
Reduction
Ventilation
Explain significance of maintaining workplace sanitation.
Unclean facilities can be a health hazard to workers (food health etc.).
Poor sanitation is an indicator of employers safety attitude. Good sanitation demonstrates value to workers.
Unclean workplaces are a red flag to OHS regulators suggesting fundamental OHS management problems.
Discuss importance of personal facilities (showers, change rooms) in preventing movement of workplace contaminants outside the workplace.
Many studies demonstrate measurable levels of chemical/biological agents in the homes of workers. These are usually transported on clothing and in hair.
OHS regulations generally include provisions that when employer supplied clothing is provided, the following must also be provided:
1, Suitable location for storage of street clothes.
2, Suitable facilities for changing in/out of street clothes.
3, Special storage/change arrangements for contaminated work clothing.
Where contaminated work clothes are an issue, the following is a common setup:
Antiroom - remove contaminated clothing
Washroom - shower
Clean room - put on street/clean clothes.
Discuss regulatory and standard requirements for emergency showers and emergency eyewash stations.
There are no Canadian standards for emergency showers. Regulation usually references American standard.
Emergency showers must:
- Have simple controls that can be operated by a semi-incapacitated worker.
- Be close to work processes, and able to resist environmental factors (prevention of freezing if in cold climate)
- Immediately provide adequate water at appropriate temperature for a guaranteed length of time.
There are no Canadian standards for eyewash stations. American standard is usually referenced in regulation.
Self-contained 1L eye wash stations fail to meet ANSI standard (1.5L/min for 15 minutes)
List three reasons an OHS professional should spend an appropriate amount of time dealing with sanitation and basic maintenance.
- Workers see basic housekeeping and it will impact their impression of the workplace and employee-management relations
- A good indicator of systemic OHS problems. Often used as an indicator for inspectors
- Important for hygiene. Worker food safety, and prevention of contaminants taken home.
What are common reasons workers may not take precautions seriously with regards to sanitation and bringing contaminants (eg lead) home?
- Facilities not available
- Facilities not readily available
- Not enough facilities
- Unclean facilities
- Workers not aware of benefit
Why should lunchroom sanitation be maintained?
- Risk of foodborne illness. This is a compensable disease
- Encourages overall concern for sanitation and maintenance
- Possible risk of contamination by workplace chemicals/hazards
- Worker-employer relationship. Condition of lunchroom demonstrates value of workers.
What does an ANSI-compliant emergency shower require
- High flow rate
- Instant method to turn on and remain on
- Hands free operation
- Immediately available tempered water
What should be checked as part of monthly eyewash inspection?
- Access
- Signage
- Water availability & flow rate
- Water temperature
- Unit must be flushed to ensure sanitation
Describe the US National Safety Council’s model for safety through design.
US National Safety Council - NSC
1, Design for minimum risk
2, Incorporate safety devices into design
3, Provide warning devices
4, Develop safe work practices and procedures
5, Use PPE
List the model Canadian national codes that would be of interest to the OHS professional.
CCBFC (Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes) a division of the National Research Council of Canada develops and maintains:
- 1, National Building Code of Canada
- 2, National Fire Code of Canada
- 3, National Plumbing Code of Canada
4, National Farm Building Code of Canada
5, National Housing Code of Canada
6, Model National Energy Code of Canada for Houses
7, Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings
Note: model codes are not law. Provincial jurisdiction. These are guides that a federally produced for provincial consideration.
Discuss the process by which model codes and design standards become law in provinces and territories.
Province/territory considers model codes (such as written by CCBFC or CSA).
Model code can be adopted, or modified/enhanced.
Examples: Electrical installation and equipment design Elevators Boilers and pressure vessels Pressure piping
The province then develops method of enforcement. BC has Technical Safety BC operating under Safety Authority Act and Safety Standards Act:
- electrical installation
- Elevating devices
- Natural gas installations
- Boilers and pressure vessels
- Mechanical refrigeration systems
What sections of the National Building Code of Canada (2015) are most important to OHS professionals?
Part 1: General Requirements
Part 3: Fire Protection, Occupant Safety, and Accessibility
Part 4: Structural Design
Part 6: Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning
What is the modern role of each layer of government in safety through design?
Federal - develops model codes
Provincial - adopts laws, often based on model codes
Municipal - usually inspect and enforce provincial laws
Define light
Light is a form of nonionizing radiation. It is in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye.
Define Lamp
Any device that transforms electricity into light.
