Safety Survival Programs for Collection System Operators

Question 1

What skill most marks the professionalism of the collection system operator?

Answer 1

The skill that most marks the professionalism of collection system operator is the operators ability to carry out work assignments safely. Page 341

Question 2

What are the three common factors that are important to prevent accidents?

Answer 2

The three common factors that are important to prevent accidents are:
* Awareness.
* Responsibility.
* commitment.
Page 341

Question 3

What is the overall objective of this chapter?

Answer 3

The overall objective of this chapter is to make operators aware of the hazards of working in the collection system environment. Page 342

Question 4

List of Hazards discussed in this section that might be encountered by collection system operators in the performance of routine daily tasks and work assignments.

Answer 4

Hazards encountered by collection system operators in the performance of routine daily tasks and work assignments include:
Slips.
Falling objects.
Infections and diseases. Lacerations and contusions. Falls.
Explosions.
poisonous or toxic gases. Page 342

Question 5

Where and under what condition are operators most likely to slip and fall?

Answer 5

Slips and Falls are most likely to occur when working in or around wet Wells and metering flumes where slime can accumulate and surfaces are wet. When working in Northern climates snow ice Frost and below freezing temperatures demand extra caution in the winter time. Page 342

Question 6

Can AIDS be in contracted from working in the Wastewater industry?

Answer 6

The scientific evidence today indicates that A.I.D.S cannot be contracted through occupational exposure associated with Wastewater collection treatment.
Page 344

Question 7

How can an explosion in a sewer be set off when the mixture of air and gas is within explosive limits?

Answer 7

Explosion in a sewer can be set off by spark from an automobile and improper tool or even a shoe nail as well as the more obvious Open Flame or cigarette when the mixture of Air Gases within explosive limits. Page 345

Question 8

What gas is the most dangerous and most likely to be encountered in Wastewater collection systems?

Answer 8

The number of toxic gases are found in the Wastewater collection system. Hydrogen sulfide is the most dangerous and most likely to be encountered because it is generated during the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter and it is heavier than air and tends to concentrate near the bottom of enclosed spaces. Page 346

Question 9

When might an operator encounter oxygen deficient atmosphere?

Answer 9

Operator might encounter oxygen deficient atmosphere during the new construction inspection. Inside pipelines and any time an operator is working inside confined spaces such as manholes sewer lines and wet Wells. Page 347

Question 10

Why are traffic mishaps a high-risk area for collection system operators?

Answer 10

Traffic mishaps are a high-risk area for collection system operators because access to a collection system is frequently from streets and roadways. Page 347

Question 11

Where will collection system operators most likely find black widow spiders and scorpions?

Answer 11

Collection system operators are most likely to find black widow spiders and scorpions in collection system facilities and structures such as manholes metering enclosures and electrical control enclosures. Page 347

Question 12

List two sources of equipment noise which can result in permanent hearing loss?

Answer 12

Permanent hearing loss can result if an operator is in exposed to engine driven pumps standby power generators large ventilation blowers air compressors jackhammers concrete cut-off saws or High Velocity cleaners over a period of time unless adequate hearing protection is worn. Page 347

Question 13

What are the major types of accidents and injuries in collection system work?

Answer 13

The major types of accidents and injuries in collection system work are:
*sprains and 
*strains. 
*Being struck by object 
*falling. 
Page 346

Question 14

What should be the basis for a safety survival program?

Answer 14

The basis for a safety survival program should be; Safe operation shall take precedence over expediency or shortcuts. Page 354

Question 15

List the three levels of structure within an agency for a safety program?

Answer 15

Typically the structure within an agency for a safety program consists of the following levels: Administration department which states “we will have a safety program”.
Safety department which “says we will help with the resources.”
Safety Committee which is “where the corrective action is”
Page 354.

Question 16

What are the responsibilities of top Administration for a safety survival program?

Answer 16

The responsibilities of top ministration for a safety survival program include:
Promote the concept.
Approve policies and procedures.
Require adherence to safety procedures.
Ensure adequate budget resources.
Monitor the effectiveness of the program and communicate with regulatory agencies as required.
Page 354

Question 17

List the responsibilities of the safety department staff for a safety survival program

Answer 17

The responsibilities of the safety department staff for a safety survival program include:
Coordination and distribute safety requirements and regulations.
Provide safety resources. Coordinate safety activities with regard to Agency Insurance programs.
Provide facility safety inspections.
Provide support for training and programs.
Conduct ongoing evaluation of safety procedures with revisions as required.
Page 354

Question 18

Supervisors and managers are responsible for what aspects of a safety survival program?

Answer 18

Supervisors and managers are responsible for the following aspects of a safety survival program:
Being aware of safety rules and regulations.
Ensuring the safety of other Personnel who work in or pass through the area of supervision.
Providing job safety instruction and new employee orientation.
Conducting safety training within their area.
Identifying safe unsafe practices and conditions and take corrective action. Investigating injury producing accidents and property damage accidents. Maintaining a firm commitment to a safety survival program. Promoting and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment.
Page 354 355

Question 19

What are the responsibilities of operators in the field with regard to a safety survival program?

Answer 19

What are the responsibilities of operators in the field with regard to a safety survival program include. Understanding and following all safety procedures and policies.
Making the commitment to the safety survival program. Assuming the responsibility to make the program a part of their daily routine. Page 355

Question 20

How do monthly safety meetings differ from tailgate sessions?

Answer 20

Monthly safety meetings are more comprehensive than tailgate safety sessions. Monthly meetings can last up to an hour or more depending on the topic as compared to 10 minutes for tailgate safety sessions. Page 355

Question 21

Who can conduct safety programs?

Answer 21

Safety programs can be conducted either by operators or by employees of outside agencies. Page 355

Question 22

Who should be on a Safety Committee?

Answer 22

A Safety Committee could consist of representatives from each area of the collection system such as office Personnel
electrical mechanical maintenance
operators.
If the collection system Staff is small the committee consists of representatives from other department such as Street water parks and other areas which share some of the main safety survival programs.
Page 356

Question 23

What should the Safety Committee do if an accident results from an unsafe Act use of the wrong tool or improper use of a piece of equipment?

Answer 23

If an accident resulted from an unsafe Act, use of the wrong tool or improper use of a piece of equipment the training procedures need to be changed to correct the safety hazard.
Page 356

Question 24

How frequently should operators be trained using personal protective equipment PPE?

Answer 24

Frequency of training requirements for personnel protective equipment PPE include.
Prior to use or changes
Annual training is advisable
Page 357

Question 25

What are the core elements of a utility’s safety and health program?

Answer 25

The core elements of a utility’s safety and health program include:
*Management leadership and employee participation.
*Hazard identification and assessment.
*Hazard prevention and control.
* Information and training.
* Evaluation of program effectiveness.
Page 357

Question 26

If there are permit required confined spaces in the workplace what information must employers provide to exposed employees?

Answer 26

Employers must inform employees who are exposed to permit required confined spaces of the existence, location and danger posed by the confined spaces.

Question 27

What is the order sequence for testing the internal atmosphere of a confined space?

Answer 27

Before an employee enters the internal atmosphere of a confined space must be tested in the following order:

• Oxygen content.
• Flammable gases and Vapors. *Potential toxic air contaminants.

Question 28

What happens to a confined space entry permit signed by the entry supervisor and verifying the pre-entry preparations have been completed and the space is safe to enter?

Answer 28

A confined space entry permit signed by the entry supervisor and verify the space is safe to enter must be posted at entrances to the space or otherwise made available to entrants before they enter the permit space.

Question 29

When do operators who work in confined spaces require additional training?

Answer 29

What operators work in confined spaces additional training is required:
*The job duties change.
*There is a change in permit space program or the permit space operation presents a new Hazard.
When an employee’s job performance shows deficiencies.

Question 30

What is the definition of work on Machinery or equipment used by lockout

Answer 30

The definition of work on Machinery or equipment used for a lockout policy is:
Maintenance.
Inspection.
Cleaning.
Adjusting.
Servicing.
Or cleaning of blocked or jammed Machinery or equipment.

Question 31

What information must be included in a energy control procedure?

Answer 31

Energy control procedure must outline the:
scope
purpose
authorization
rules and techniques that will be used to control hazardous energy sources as well as the means that would be used to enforce compliance.

Question 32

What is the purpose of an energy isolating device?

Answer 32

The energy isolating device is a mechanism that prevents the transmission or release of energy and to which all locks or tags are attached.
This device guards against accidental machine or equipment startup or the unexpected, re-energization of equipment during service or maintenance.

Question 33

What training must employees have before doing work that requires use of personal protective equipment PPE?

Answer 33

Before doing work that requires use of personal protective equipment employees must be trained to know when personal protective equipment is necessary; what type is necessary; how is it to be worn; and what its limitations are, as well as its proper care, maintenance, useful life and Disposal.

Question 34

When is eye and face protection equipment required by OSHA?

Answer 34

I and face protective equipment is required by OSHA Whenever there is a reasonable probability that it will prevent injuries.

Question 35

Hard hats can protect employees from what source of potential hazards?

Answer 35

Hard hats are extremely versatile and can protect employees from a multitude of potential hazards, including, impact to the Head, electrical shocks, splashes, spills, and drips, and flammatory and hair risks.

Question 36

Why should an accident report be prepared after every accident?

Answer 36

An accident report must be prepared by the supervisor after every accident to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

Question 37

What information should be included in an accident report?

Answer 37

Information that should be included in an accident report include.
Identification of injured person. Nature of the injuries. Circumstances at the time of the accident.
First aid or medical referral given.
List of witnesses who saw the accident.
Corrective action taken to prevent similar accidents.

Question 38

What are the color codes and risk levels for the u.s. homeland security advisory system?

Answer 38

The color codes and risk levels for the U.S.. homeland security advisory system include:
Red severe risk of terrorist attacks
Orange high risk of terrorist attacks
Yellow significant risk elevated condition
Blue General risk guarded condition and
Green low risk of terrorist attacks.