NUS OFFICE SAFETY TRAINING - inetapps.nus.edu.sg · NUS OFFICE SAFETY TRAINING . ... Derived from two Greek words: “Nomoi” meaning natural laws “Ergon” meaning work What is

Risk Assessment Application Training 2011

NUS OFFICE

SAFETY TRAINING


• Have a copy of the course handouts;

• Keep your mobile in silent mode;

• Answer all calls outside the training venue;

• Do not use laptop; and

• Know where are the emergency exits and assembly area in the event of an emergency

Before we start……

Office Risk Assessment Training


Note:

Who Should Attend:

• Administrative Officers, Management assistants

• Staff Working in the Office Environment

• Individuals involved in the establishing,

implementing and maintaining of Office Risk

Assessment.

Before we start…… (Con’t)



Note:

• After the training, a certificate of attendance will be issued to all participants;

• The certificate shall not be used as proof of competency to conduct risk assessment outside NUS

• Participants will be able to receive their certificates within 3 – 4 weeks time.

Before we start…… (Con’t)



Objectives

• Understand Roles and Responsibilities under the new

Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) legal requirement;

• Understand the Risk Assessment concepts and be able to

perform risk assessment on various works/activities in the

office Environment;

• Understand the various hazards in the office;

• Know how to evaluate risks;

• Know how to apply the Risk Assessment Checksheet



Course Outline

•Faculty Safety Policy

•WSH Background

•Risk Management Concepts & Legal Requirements

•Roles and Responsibilities

•Hazards identification

•Office Environment Safety

•Conduct Office Risk Assessment

•Record Keeping



Office Risk Assessment Training: S & H Policy at FoE as an example


FoE Safety Policy (example)

Committed to provide a safe and health-risk free

workplace for its staff, students and visitors….

Comply with all statutory safety and health

requirements, and other standards and guidelines….

Eliminate hazards or adopt reasonably practicable

means to reduce the risk of injury to its staff,

students and visitors to an acceptable level…..

Resources are made available for the implementation of

OSH policies and programs….



The primary tool to effect the new framework

• WSH Act was enacted on 1 March 2006

• An Act relating to the Safety, Health and Welfare of persons at work in workplaces

• Key legal instrument to effect the principles of the new WSH Framework in Singapore

Workplace Safety & Health Act

It requires stakeholders to take

reasonably practicable measures to

ensure the safety and health of

workers and other people that are

affected by the work being carried

out.


1,223,100 (~43%) 1st March 2008

• Healthcare & Veterinary Activities • Hotels • Restaurants, bars, canteens (F&B) • Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Mgt • Landscape care & Maintenance Services • Services allied to Transportation of goods

Phase 2

Phase 1: All factories were included in WSH Act

Phase 2: Six new sectors were added in WSH Act

Phase 3: All workplaces covered by WSH Act

Coverage of Workplace Safety and Health Act

1st March 2006 • Factories • Construction • Shipyards • Ship in Harbour • Airport • Docks, Wharf, etc • Laboratories

Phase 1

1st September 2011

All the remaining workplaces Including education, business services and public services.

Phase 3 1,600,000 (~57%)


Key subsidiary legislations gazette with the WSHA

Name of Regulations Application Remarks

1. WSH (General Provisions)

Regulations

2. WSH (Registration of

Factories) Regulations

3. WSH (First Aid) Regulations

4. WSH (Incident Reporting)

Regulations

5. WSH (Risk Management)

Regulations

All workplaces

All workplaces New

Provisions

from Factories

Act &

subsidiary

legislations

with some

refinements

All workplaces

All workplaces

All workplaces



Meanings of “workplace” and “factory”

5.—(1) In this Act, “workplace” means any premises where a person is at work or is to work,

for the time being works, or customarily works, and includes a factory.

(2) Subject to this section, “factory” means any premises —

(a) within which persons are employed in any of the following processes:

(i) the handling, sorting, packing, storing, altering, repairing, construction, processing or

manufacturing of any goods or product;

(ii) the handling, sorting, packing, storing, processing, manufacturing or use of any hazardous

substances;

(iii) the repair, construction or manufacturing of any vessel or vehicle;

(iv) any building operation or work of engineering construction;

(v) the operation or maintenance of any facility or system related to the provision of any

public utility; and

(b) which is specified in the Fourth Schedule of WSH Act.

WSH Act (Chapter 354A), Section 5, Subsection 1 & 2



Subsidiary legislation Applicable workplaces

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations Factories

WSH (General Provisions) Regulations All workplaces

WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 All worksites

WSH (First Aid) Regulations All workplaces

WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations All workplaces

WSH (Risk Management) Regulations All workplaces

WSH (Exemption) Order Premises owned by the SAF and

domestic premises

WSH (Composition of Offences) Regulations All workplaces

WSH (Transitional Provision) Regulations -

WSH (Offences and Penalties) (Subsidiary Legislation under Section 66(14)) Regulations -

WSH (Registration of Factories) Regulations 2008 Factories

WSH (Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing) Regulations 2008 Shipyards and ships in harbour

WSH (Workplace Safety & Health Committees) Reg 2008 Factories

WSH (Abrasive Blasting) Regulations 2008 All workplaces

WSH (Explosive Powered Tools) Regulations 2009 All workplaces

WSH (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 All workplaces

WSH (Safety & Health Mgmt Sys & Auditing) Reg 2009 Factories

WSH (Noise) Regulation 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011 All workplaces

WSH (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 All workplaces



Factories (Asbestos) Regulations

Factories (Certificate of Competency - Examinations) Regulations

Factories (Persons-In-Charge) Regulations

Factories (Registration and Other Services - Fees and Forms)

Factories (Safety Training Courses) Order

Factories Act subsidiary legislation



Roles and

Responsibilities



Occupiers Employers Principals

Erectors &

Installers Manufacturers

& Suppliers Persons at

Work

Duty Holders Under WSH Act

Duty Holders under Workplace Safety and Health Act


Employers

Occupiers

Physical workplace Means of access and egress and any machinery, equipment, plant, article or substance kept in the workplace

Work Processes

Occupier –

A person who has charge, management or control of the premises. (In a factory – Factory occupier ; In a worksite – Main contractor)

Duty Holders under Workplace Safety and Health Act

Employers - provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment;

ensure adequate safety measures are taken in respect of any machinery, equipment, etc used by workers;

ensure persons are not exposed to hazards arising from the workplace or areas under the employer’s control;

develop and implement emergency procedures;

provide adequate instructions, information, training and supervision to employees.

Employer - Any person who employs another person to perform work under a contract of service.


• Volunteers

• Employed under a contract of service

• Person who is on the job training (or to gain

work experience)

• Interns

Who can be deemed as Employees?

• Use Personal Protective Equipment and other safety means provided

• Cooperate with employers in respect to safety and health

• Not to endanger the safety and health of himself and others through willful, reckless or negligent act

Duty Holders under Workplace Safety & Health Act

Persons at

Work

Persons at Work


Risk Management

Concepts



What is Risk Management?

• New safety and health management framework

underpinned by the new Workplace Safety and

Health Act (WSH Act).

• Entails:

– Risk assessment of any work activity;

– Control and monitoring of such risks; and

– Communicating these risks to all persons

involved.



What is Risk Assessment

• An integral part of risk management

• It is the process of

1. Identifying safety and health hazards associated with work, (Hazard Identification)

2. Assessing the level of risks involved, (Risk Evaluation)

3. Prioritizing measures to control the hazards and reduce the risks (Risk Control)

A guide to WSH (Risk Mgt) Reg by MOM

Hazard

Identification Risk

Evaluation Risk

Control



Definition - HAZARD

“anything with the potential to cause bodily injury, and

includes any physical, chemical, biological, mechanical,

electrical or ergonomic hazard”

- Workplace Safety & Health (Risk Management) Regulations

Definition - RISK “likelihood that a hazard will cause a specific bodily

injury to any person”

- Workplace Safety & Health (Risk Management) Regulations

Measured in terms of:

Severity and Likelihood



Why Risk Assessment?

• Comply with Workplace Safety & Health (Risk

Management) Regulations;

• Prevent incidents and injuries;

• To assess if a work process is safe to proceed; and

• To assess the adequacy of the existing control

measures

• Protect Ourselves from injuries



WSH (Risk Management)

Regulations (Con’t.)



Hazards Identification



Objectives

• Spot hazards;

• Brainstorm on all the possible types of accidents, incidents and/or ill-health that can occur due to the hazards; and

• Identify potential victims or persons-at-risk

Hazards can only be controlled if they are identified.



Examples of Safety issues


Overloading of

Socket? Overloading of

Extension Cord?


Examples of Office Environment Safety? • Ergonomic issues

• VDT (Video Display

Terminals)

• Computer Mouse,

Keyboard

• Lighting

• Pushing & Pulling

Motions

• Prolonged working in a

sitting/ standing

position

• Housekeeping

• Manual Lifting

• Human Factors

• Chemicals

• Slips, trips, falls

• Stacking & Storage

• Electrical Hazards

• Electrical cords &

equipment

• Hand & powered

tools & equipment

• Office machines (copiers, paper

cutters, shredders,

computers, etc.)



Ergonomics

Work

Environment

Job Task

Tools

&

Equipment

People



Definition:

An interdisciplinary approach towards adapting the manmade environment, rather than man around the environment.

Derived from two Greek words:

“Nomoi” meaning natural laws

“Ergon” meaning work

What is Ergonomics?



Ergonomic issues in the Office?

• Video Display Terminals

• Computer Mouse, Keyboard

• Lighting

• Pushing & Pulling Motions • Manual Handling

• Sliding carton boxes

• Opening of doors

• Prolonged working in a sitting/ standing

position


Risk Assessment Application Training 2011 Office Risk Assessment Training

• Strain: fibers of a muscle; minor tear in ligament or tendon

• Sprain: fibers of a ligament are overstretched/torn

• Low Back Pain (LBP)

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: arteries and nerves going from neck to arms are compressed

• Tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon

• Tenosynovitis: inflammation of synovium that surrounds a tendon

•Epicondylitis: inflammation of an epicondyle

- Lateral: tennis elbow

- Medial: golfer’s elbow

•DeQuervain’s Syndrome: inflammation of tendons & their sheaths. Causes pain at base of thumb and inside the wrist

•Ganglion Cysts: swelling that appears around joints and tendons of the hand

•Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): compression of median nerve by swelling of tendons in carpal tunnel

•Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc): tear in outer fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc.

•Eye Fatigue

Types of Ergonomic-related

injuries


Examples of Ergonomic issues in the Office?

What is the problem?

o Laptop screen & keyboard display not aligning

with your eyes. (Laptop controlling you?)

o Keyboard and mouse is fixed to the laptop.

Movement of your hands/forearms is

restricted.

What should we do?

Use a laptop riser or an external monitor to raise

the screen closer to eye level.

If desk is too high, use a keyboard tray or raise the

chair and/or use a footrest

Use an external keyboard and mouse whenever

possible!


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BFO320.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BFO320?vi=tech-data&h=500&w=500&sz=20&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=VAV0yVk40GqqnM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&prev=/images?q=Logitech+LX5+Mouse&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&sa=G


Video Display Terminals (VDTs)

What should we do?

Use a laptop riser or an external monitor to

raise the screen closer to eye level. (A)

Use an external keyboard and mouse

whenever possible! (B)



Computer Mouse, Keyboard

Good technique of using Keyboard and mouse reduces

Stress on the wrists, arms and elbows

minimizes static loads on the shoulders.

What should we do?

Place your mid-forearms on chair armrest or work surface and float

hands while typing

Use a padded forearm rest



Ideal ergonomically position while on the PC



• Areas that are not lit adequately, or are lit too much, can

cause headache, strain, and fatigue.

• Color plays a big role in eye fatigue.

• Use adjustable task lighting for tasks that require

greater illumination.

• Eliminate glare & Reflection

• If possible, take visual “breaks” every 20 minutes.

• It is recommended to get regular eye examination.

• Code of Practice (CP) for Indoor lighting (SS531-2006,

Part 1)

• Should have at least 500 lux

Lighting



Stacking and Storage • Light objects stored on top and heavy objects at the bottom.

And also in the filing cabinets.

• Boxes, files and other heavy articles must not be stacked on

top of the cabinets, cupboards or window sills.

• Keep passageway clear and fire fighting equipment un-

obstructed.

• Use step ladder or step stool when reaching for objects

stored on top or out of reach


Courtesy of Workplace Safety & Health Council


Slips, Trips and Falls Hazard Scenarios

• Filing cabinets left open

• Cords, Cables improperly wired

• Telephone outlets, personal belongings exposed

• Furniture blocking walkways

• Slippery floors


Slips, Trips & Falls Control Measures

• General Housekeeping

• Cupboards, Filing Cabinets

- Always close the drawers

- Do not open all the drawers at the

same time.

- Use the handle to close the drawer

• Proper housekeeping of cords, cables,

wires

• Telephone outlets properly kept

• Personal belongings stored properly

• Furniture not blocking walkways

• Maintain dry flooring, use of anti-slip mats



• No lifting over 15 kg on an occasional basis (NIOSH)

Obtain assistance!!

• Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy for you!

• Plan the lift.

• Stand with your feet apart, alongside the object to be lifted.

• Bend at the knees, not the waist!

• Get a good grip on the object.

• Keep the object close.

• Center the weight over your feet.

• Avoid twisting.

Manual Handling



Human Factors

• Fatigue

• Stress

• Lack of concentration

• Lack of skills

• Not fit for job

• Attitude problem



• It can help you do work safely

• It can make you more comfortable

• It can prevent injuries

How does ergonomics affect you?



Housekeeping


Reduced handling to ease the flow of materials

Fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work

areas

Decreased fire hazards

Lower worker exposures to hazardous substances (e.g. dusts, vapours)

Better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies

More efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance

Better hygienic conditions leading to improved health

More effective use of space

Reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance

Less janitorial work

Improved morale

Improved productivity

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 2012

Benefits of Good Housekeeping….


Effective Housekeeping Program Tips

Dust and Dirt Removal

Employee facilities need to be adequate, clean and well-maintained

Smoking, eating or drinking in the work area should be prohibited.

Keep floors in good order. Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously,

such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring.

Clean light fixtures can improve lighting efficiency significantly.

Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles

comfortably and safely. Keep aisles and stairways clear. Stairways

and aisles also require adequate lighting.

Clean any spill immediately. Used absorbents must be disposed of

properly and safely.

Maintenance of building and equipment facilities

Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming

material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 2012


• Hot Water Thermos

• Kettles

• Toasters

• Sandwich Toasters

• Microwaves

University of New South Wales, 2010

Office Pantry Equipment


• Hot surfaces

• Hot water

• Superheated food and liquids

• Electrical

• Cleaning products/ Hazardous substances

• Leaving uneaten food out

• Leaving food in refrigerators past the used

by date

• Leaving dirty dishes in the sink for long

periods

• Not cleaning up food or liquid spills


Office Pantry Hazards


Preventing Injuries/Illnesses in Office Pantries

• Area should be kept clean and tidy

• All spills should be cleaned up immediately

• All electrical appliances are tested and affixed with SAFETY MARK

• Caution signs are placed on hot surfaces/ water

• Signs are in place on the refrigerator to remind staff

to throw away their items if they are out of date



Electrical Safety


Electrical Safety • Shut off electrical

equipment not in use!

• Properly equip with

grounding prongs.

• Electrical cords should be

visually inspected on a

periodic basis to identify

frayed and worn cords.

• Maintain electrical cords

in areas out of walkways

and passageways.

• Avoid extension cords in

office areas.

• Surge protectors may not be

overloaded. Not used as an

“extension cord” for other

office equipment.

• Don’t overload outlets and

surge protectors!

• Combustible material, (e.g.,

paper), may not be stored on

or in close proximity to

electrical outlets and

connections.



Acceptable and Non-Acceptable Main Plugs


From: Singapore Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Information Scheme

To ensure that the products meet specified safety standards requirements and are safe for use by

consumers. Its objective is to protect consumers from death or injury and/or prevent damage to

private property caused by fire; explosions and electrocutions.

CEE 7/7 Plug (French

& German Standard)

NEMA 1-15 (North

America Standard)

NEMA 5-15 (North

America Standard) Europlug EN50075


Examples of Poor Electrical Management



Examples of Poor Cable Management



Points to note when dealing with main plugs

3 types of common mains plugs that you can

find in Singapore



2.5Amp 2 round-pin • Generally used for

electronics appliances

such as TV, DVD and

audio sets. Such

appliances do not rely

on earth as a form of

protection and therefore

only 2 pins are needed.

One for the ‘Live’ and

the other for the

‘Neutral’.


15-Amp 3 round pin

• Generally for air-conditioners

and washing machines

EN50075

BS546


13-amp 3pin fused

• Used for electrical appliances such as refrigerators, washing

machines and microwave ovens. As these appliances have

metal body, the body must be grounded so that in the event

of electricity leakage to the metal body, there is no risk of

electrocution.


BS1363


Summary of common plugs used in Singapore



Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations

• 13-AMP and 15-AMP mains plugs are controlled goods

• Electrical plugs must be affixed with the SAFETY MARK.

• SAFETY Mark comprises of a safety logo enclosed in a square on the left and the word “SAFETY MARK” enclosed in a rectangle on the right.

• Logo below has a

unique certification

number traceable to the

supplier. Look for

SAFETY Mark when

purchasing controlled

goods. Access

www.safety.org.sg for

details



Office Chemicals

• Cleaning Agents

• Toners & Developers

• Inks, Cleansers,

• Solvents

• Paints

• Whiteboard markers

• Purchase non-toxic markers.

• Toxic markers emit noxious smells when

uncapped. Harmful toxins are

released.(Xylene or Toluene ??)



First Aid Box

• Make sure you know where is the first aid

box.

• Know who is your First Aider.

• Ensure that a First Aider is available.

Names of first aiders and contact numbers

should be placed on the box

• First aid box has to be well stocked.



Fire Safety


CLASSES OF FIRE

Class A

Ordinary combustibles materials like wood, paper, cloth, furnishing,

plastics and rubber

Class B

Flammable liquids, solvents, oils, paints, thinner and flammable gases

Combustible liquids such as kerosene and petroleum

Class C

Live electrical equipment like electrical mains, transformers and electrical

appliances (extinguishing medium must be electrically non-conductive)

Class D

For fires originated by sodium, titanium, magnesium, potassium, uranium,

lithium, plutonium and calcium metals

Fire Safety in Office


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Class_D_fire_icon.svg


Types of Fire Extinguisher

Water Extinguisher

- Used on Class A fires

- 6 or 9 liters, pressurized gas is air or nitrogen

- Operating pressure is 10 bar

- Use cautiously to avoid scattering lightweight materials with pressurized

water and spreading the fire

Dry Chemical (ABC)

- Effective for Class A, B and C fires

- 1 to 12 kg, pressurized gas is air or nitrogen

- Operating pressure is 7.5 to 15 bar

Carbon Dioxide

- Used for Class B and C fires

- Filled with liquid CO2 to two-thirds, one-third is evaporated gas

- Comes with discharge horn to stop entrainment of air with CO2.



How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher

Has four main components: A hose or nozzle, a carrying handle

and lever, a pressure gauge and the cylinder

Use a simple procedure called

P - Pull (the Pin)

A - Aim (Base of Fire)

S - Squeeze (Handle)

S - Sweep (From side to side)



Responding to a Fire

Just Remember the three A’s

• ACTIVATE the building alarm or notify Campus Security (1616) /

SCDF (995) Or, have someone else to do it for you.

• ASSIST any persons in immediate danger, or those incapable to

move on their own, to exit the building.

• Only after these two are completed should you ATTEMPT to

extinguish the fire without risk to yourself.

Always inform the Fire Wardens !!



Fire Safety Training at NUS

Fire Safety Coordinator Training: for Staff Members

who have been designated as fire safety coordinators or

assistant fire safety coordinators of the respective

buildings.

Fire Safety Education: All staff members (excluding

Operations Associates).

• Mandatory for laboratory-based staff; staff holding the

appointments of fire warden and assistant fire warden

Fire Safety Education Refresher: for trainees who

attended the Fire Safety Education training; every 2

years

Can reserve these trainings via Staff Portal---In House Training


How do conduct

Risk Assessment in

the Office

Environment?





Check-sheet based Approach



Record Keeping



• All Check-Sheet based Risk Assessments should be

properly recorded in a Risk Assessment File.

• All relevant information must be made available for

inspection.

• Keep record for at least 3 years.

Record Keeping



You Tube Ad on Office Dangers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0fwUO4Mj4Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0fwUO4Mj4Y


Spot the Hazard

Assess the Risk

Fix the Problem

Evaluate Results

Let’s be SAFE in the Environment we work in



References:

• Workplace Safety & Health Act –

• Risk Management Regulation 2006 (Ministry of

Manpower)

• CP on WSH Risk Management (WSH Council)

• NUS OSHE website:

http://www.nus.edu.sg/osh

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION













Any…



THANK

YOU!


NUS OFFICE SAFETY TRAINING - inetapps.nus.edu.sg · NUS OFFICE SAFETY TRAINING . ... Derived from two Greek words: “Nomoi” meaning natural laws “Ergon” meaning work What is

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