Industrial Safety Terms and Guidelines
Industrial Safety Terms and Guidelines
MOD-1
1. Define the following terms as related to Industrial Safety: Accident, Slip, Trip, and Fall.
Accident
An accident is an unplanned, uncontrolled, and unwanted event that leads to injury, property
damage, environmental harm, or loss of life. Industrial accidents are often the result of unsafe
conditions, unsafe acts, or a combination of both. For example, under the Factories Act of 1948,
an industrial accident is defined as an occurrence in an industrial premises causing physical
injury to an employee, rendering them unfit to resume duties within 48 hours. Accidents are
caused due to negligence, lack of proper safety practices, or faulty equipment, and can result in
permanent disability or death.
Slip
A slip occurs when a person loses balance due to insufficient friction between their foot and the
walking surface. Wet or oily floors, dry floors with fine dust, and uneven transitions between
different types of flooring are common causes of slips. Slips are typically preventable by
maintaining clean and dry floors and ensuring proper footwear.
Trip
A trip happens when a person’s foot hits an obstacle, causing them to lose balance and
potentially fall. This can occur due to cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces such
as damaged flooring or misplaced cables. Proper housekeeping, adequate lighting, and the
removal of obstacles can help prevent trips.
Fall
Falls can occur when a person loses their balance and drops to the ground. Falls are classified
into two types:
1. Falls at the Same Level – These are more frequent but generally less severe.
2. Falls from Elevation – These occur from ladders, stairs, platforms, or rooftops and often
result in serious injury or fatality. Safety measures include using fall protection
equipment, installing guardrails, and conducting regular safety inspections.
2. Mention any six unsafe acts and unsafe conditions that lead to industrial accidents.
Unsafe Acts:
Unsafe acts are actions taken by employees that increase the risk of accidents. These include:
1. Operating Machinery Without Authorization – Employees using equipment they are not
trained for can lead to misuse or accidents.
4. Improper Lifting Techniques – Lifting heavy objects without proper posture increases
the risk of injury.
6. Working Under the Influence – Alcohol or drug use can impair judgment and reaction
times.
Unsafe Conditions:
Unsafe conditions refer to environmental or technical factors that pose risks. These include:
2. Poor Lighting – Insufficient visibility can lead to trips, slips, or incorrect handling of
machinery.
5. Unstable Work Surfaces – Weak platforms or uneven ground can cause falls.
6. Extreme Weather Conditions – Heat, cold, or rain can create hazards, especially in
outdoor or industrial environments.
Using ladders safely involves understanding their correct usage, maintaining their condition, and
following guidelines:
1. Ladder Selection:
Use the right ladder for the task, considering its height, material, and weight capacity.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity.
2. Positioning:
Place the ladder on a flat and stable surface, ensuring that the ground is firm and free of
obstructions. Maintain a comfortable 75-degree angle between the ladder and the base.
3. Pre-Use Inspection:
Before using the ladder, inspect it for defects such as missing or broken rungs, cracks, or
rust. Do not use painted wooden ladders as paint can hide faults.
4. Three-Point Contact:
Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one
hand) while climbing or descending the ladder.
5. Avoid Overloading:
Do not carry heavy tools or objects while climbing. Use a separate mechanism for lifting
equipment.
6. Safety Equipment:
Wear slip-resistant footwear to avoid slipping. If working at height, use a safety harness
attached to a secure anchor point.
7. Clear Surroundings:
Ensure the area around the ladder’s base and top is clear of obstacles to prevent
accidents.
8. Proper Usage:
Use ladders only for their intended purpose. Do not use makeshift ladders or climb in a
way that overextends your body or balance.
4. List and briefly discuss the eight steps for safer Lockout/Tagout programs.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) ensures dangerous machines are properly shut off and not reactivated
during maintenance. The eight steps are:
1. Detailed Procedures:
Identify equipment by location and ensure clear procedures are in place for shutting it
down and restarting.
(i) Hazard
A hazard is any condition, behavior, or practice that can cause injury, illness, or damage.
Examples include defective machinery, chemical spills, and unsafe working environments.
Hazards lead to accidents when combined with exposure.
iii) MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): An MSDS provides detailed information about hazardous
materials used in the workplace, including health effects, safe handling procedures, storage
guidelines, and emergency response actions. It's a key resource for ensuring workers’ awareness
of the risks associated with substances they handle and helps maintain workplace safety.
iv) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): OSHA is a regulatory body in the
United States that sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
OSHA also provides training, outreach, and assistance to help employers and employees
understand safety practices. Their guidelines cover a range of workplace hazards, helping reduce
accidents and ensure compliance with safety standards
[Link] a suitable case study, discuss the safety measures for lab and campus layout.
In laboratory and campus environments, safety measures are crucial to prevent accidents and
ensure a safe learning and working environment. A relevant case study is the implementation of
safety protocols in chemistry labs where handling hazardous substances is common. Key safety
measures include:
1. Proper Ventilation: Ensuring well-ventilated areas to avoid the accumulation of harmful
fumes or gases.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Students and staff must wear appropriate PPE like
lab coats, gloves, and eye protection to reduce exposure to chemicals and biological
agents.
4. Emergency Equipment: Eye wash stations, safety showers, and first-aid kits are
strategically placed to provide immediate assistance if accidents occur.
5. Clear Layout and Markings: Hazardous zones are clearly marked, and emergency exits
are unobstructed and visible.
6. Regular Training: Staff and students undergo regular training on lab safety protocols,
including handling chemicals, dealing with spills, and using safety equipment.
Such safety measures reduce the risks associated with laboratory work and ensure a safe
campus layout by emphasizing preparedness, training, and equipment readiness.
7. Explain the various risks involved in working at height using (i) Scaffolds and (ii) Ladders.
i) Scaffolds: Working on scaffolds presents various risks, particularly if the scaffolding is unstable
or improperly assembled. Risks include:
• Falls from Height: Falling from scaffolds is common and can be fatal if proper guardrails
and toe boards are not installed.
• Falling Objects: Loose tools and materials can fall from scaffolding, endangering workers
below. Netting or barriers help mitigate this risk.
• Inadequate Training: Workers unfamiliar with scaffold safety practices are more prone
to accidents. Proper training and supervision are essential.
• Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or icy conditions can make scaffolding slippery,
increasing the risk of falls.
• Slips and Falls: If the ladder is not on a stable surface or set at the correct angle, it may
tip over or slip.
• Overreaching: Extending too far while on a ladder can lead to a loss of balance and
falling.
• Defective Equipment: Ladders that are damaged, such as with bent rungs or cracked
frames, pose a significant risk of breaking under load.
• Improper Usage: Using ladders for tasks they are not designed for, such as supporting
heavy loads, can result in structural failure and accidents.
• Lack of Inspection: Regular ladder inspections are necessary to identify and fix potential
defects. Using uninspected ladders increases the risk of accidents.
Both scaffolds and ladders require strict adherence to safety practices, such as proper setup,
regular inspections, use of PPE, and following guidelines on load limits and usage protocols.
Mechanised material handling involves equipment such as cranes, forklifts, chain pulley blocks,
and hoists. Here are the safety precautions associated with each:
1. EOT/Goliath/Jib Cranes:
o Center the crane over the load so that hoisting ropes are vertical; avoid angular
pulling.
o The Safe Working Load (SWL) should be prominently marked on the crane and
never exceeded.
o Limit switches should be in place to automatically shut off the crane if it exceeds
set limits.
o Maintain at least two wraps of rope on the hoisting drum, and never lower the
hook block below the minimum wrap.
o Clear the area near lifting zones, and do not leave suspended loads unattended.
o Make sure the hand chain and load chain hang freely without knots or twists.
o Avoid jerky movements while loading and unloading; do not leave suspended
loads unattended.
o Ensure the chains are properly cleaned, dried, and coated with anti-corrosion
substances if not used for an extended period.
3. Forklift Trucks:
o Inspect the forklift before use, checking brakes, tires, hydraulic fluids, and
battery.
o Avoid sudden or jerky movements while starting, halting, raising, or lowering the
load.
o Maintain a clear front view, and travel with loads no higher than six inches off
the ground.
o Follow proper traffic rules, and ensure forks match the width of the load to
maintain balance.
o Take extra care when driving on ramps; the load should face uphill.
2. Physical Characteristics: The material's shape, fragility, and stability impact the choice of
handling method; fragile items need careful handling or cushioning.
3. Size and Shape: Large or awkwardly shaped materials may need customized handling
tools or equipment to ensure safe transportation without damage.
5. Distance to be Moved: For longer distances, powered transport like trucks or conveyors
is often required, while shorter distances may allow for manual handling.
6. Obstacles in the Pathway: Potential obstacles, such as narrow aisles or turns, can impact
the choice of equipment, requiring smaller or more maneuverable handling systems.
National Safety Council of India (NSCI): The NSCI is a premier, non-profit organization set up by
the Government of India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment on March 4, 1966. Its mission is
to foster a national movement for safety, health, and environment (SHE) awareness. NSCI
activities include:
• Providing consultancy services like safety audits, hazard evaluation, and emergency
management planning.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations,
focuses on global public health. Established on April 7, 1948, it aims to improve health equity,
reduce health risks, and promote healthy lifestyles. WHO’s objectives include:
• Coordinating global health responses, providing expertise, and setting standards for
disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency health management.
• Organizing the World Health Report, World Health Survey, and World Health Day, along
with other health campaigns.
MODULE-2
1. List the various types/classes of fire, their extinguishers, and their working principles.
The classification of fires is based on the type of combustible material involved. Each class
requires a specific extinguishing agent suited to effectively put out the fire:
• Class A Fires: These involve ordinary solid combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth,
and plastics.
o Working Principle: Water cools the fire zone and smothers the fire by reducing
the oxygen supply.
• Class B Fires: Involving flammable liquids and gases such as oils, petrol, and paints.
o Working Principle: Foam creates a blanket over the flammable liquid, isolating
the oxygen, while CO₂ smothers the fire and cools the area.
• Class D Fires: Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, and
potassium.
o Working Principle: Dry powder smothers the metal fire by creating a barrier,
isolating the fuel from oxygen.
• Class E Fires: Fires caused by gases under pressure, like LPG and acetylene.
o Working Principle: Dry powder extinguishers cover the flame, disrupting the
combustion process.
1. Protecting Human Life: Ensuring the safety of all occupants and reducing the risk of
injury or fatality.
3. Preventing Business Interruption: Safeguarding critical processes and reducing the risk
of operational disruptions due to fire incidents.
4. Complying with Regulations: Meeting fire safety codes and standards set by regulatory
authorities.
5. Creating Awareness: Training personnel on fire risks, safe practices, and emergency
response procedures.
The fire triangle represents the three essential elements required for fire to ignite and sustain:
3. Heat: The energy source that ignites the fuel, raising it to its ignition temperature.
To extinguish a fire, at least one side of the triangle must be eliminated. This can be done by
removing the heat (cooling), cutting off oxygen (smothering), or isolating the fuel (starvation).
1. Detection: Fire detectors or observers identify the fire, and alarms are sounded.
2. Notification: Information is relayed to the control room and fire safety teams.
4. Power and Fuel Shutdown: Electric power and fuel supplies to the affected areas are cut
off.
5. Immediate Firefighting: Portable extinguishers, water, or sand are used for small fires.
6. Emergency Activation: For large fires, the emergency response plan is activated, and
specialized fire teams are called in.
7. External Assistance: Nearby emergency services, such as fire brigades and ambulances,
are notified for additional support.
8. Clearance and Resumption: Once the fire is controlled, an "All Clear" alarm is sounded,
and normal operations resume.
5. Discuss the various types of fire detectors generally used in a power plant.
3. Ionization Smoke Detectors: Contains radioactive elements to ionize air; smoke reduces
air conductivity, activating the alarm.
4. Optical Smoke Detectors: Uses light scattering by smoke particles to detect and trigger
alarms.
6. Linear Heat Sensing Cables: Detects heat changes along the length of the cable,
triggering an alarm when thresholds are exceeded.
2. Open Flames: Careless handling of open flames, including welding sparks or discarded
cigarette butts.
4. Static Electricity: Discharges in environments with flammable gases or dust can lead to
ignition.
5. Equipment Malfunction: Faulty machinery or overheating parts can ignite nearby
combustibles.
7. Poor Housekeeping: Accumulation of waste materials, oil spills, or clutter can provide
fuel for fires.
Fire load classification is based on the potential energy released by combustible materials in an
area, affecting the severity of a fire. It considers:
• Low Fire Load: Minimal combustible materials; fires are expected to be small.
• Moderate Fire Load: Contains enough combustible materials for a moderate fire.
• High Fire Load: Large quantities of combustible materials, posing significant fire risks,
especially in warehouses or storage facilities.
Each classification guides the required fire protection systems, such as the type and number of
extinguishers and the need for automatic suppression systems.
8. With the help of a suitable case study, explain the cause of fire.
The Uphaar Cinema Fire (1997) is a prominent case study of a fire disaster due to negligence and
lack of fire safety measures. A transformer short-circuited in the cinema's basement parking
area, igniting flammable materials stored nearby. The fire quickly spread, and toxic smoke filled
the cinema hall, causing suffocation. Lack of clear evacuation routes and locked exits
exacerbated the tragedy, leading to 59 deaths and numerous injuries.
1. Simple Alarm System: Detects smoke/fire and sounds an alarm to notify occupants.
2. Complex System: Identifies the fire's location, sends a message to the fire crew, and
activates relevant suppression systems.
Each system provides crucial alerts and initiates emergency protocols, improving the
effectiveness of fire responses.
10. What is the significance of fire fighting systems? How can fire accidents be prevented?
Significance: Fire fighting systems, such as hydrants, sprinklers, and extinguishers, are essential
for controlling and extinguishing fires. These systems reduce the risk to human life, minimize
property damage, and allow safe evacuation. They are often installed in high-risk areas like
electrical rooms, warehouses, and storage areas for flammable liquids.
1. Design and Construction: Use fire-resistant materials and design layouts that prevent the
spread of flames and smoke.
2. Proper Storage: Store flammable materials away from heat sources and in well-
ventilated areas.
3. Good Housekeeping: Regularly clear waste and keep exit routes unobstructed.
4. Regular Maintenance: Ensure electrical equipment and fire alarms are routinely
inspected.
5. Employee Training: Educate personnel on fire risks, safe practices, and emergency
protocols.
Fire prevention is based on reducing the elements of the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, and heat)
and maintaining effective fire fighting systems to handle any incidents.
Mod 3
1. What are the safety precautions to be taken while storing a compressed gas cylinder?
o Cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and
direct sunlight.
o Store cylinders in a designated storage area, clearly labeled for their contents.
2. Securing Cylinders:
o Always store cylinders upright and secure them with chains or straps to prevent
tipping.
3. Separation of Gases:
4. Protective Caps:
o Ensure cylinder caps are securely in place when cylinders are not in use to
protect the valve from damage.
5. Temperature Control:
6. Handling Precautions:
7. Label Visibility:
o Ensure all cylinders are properly labeled, identifying their contents clearly and
legibly.
8. Inspections:
2. Discuss briefly the storage, handling, and decontamination plan for a waste drum of a
hazardous substance.
1. Storage:
2. Handling:
o Use proper drum handling equipment, such as trolleys or drum lifters, to avoid
spills and manual handling injuries.
o Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, aprons, goggles, and respirators, based
on the chemical hazards.
3. Labeling:
o Clearly label the drum with the nature of the hazardous substance, including
appropriate hazard symbols.
4. Decontamination Plan:
o Wash the drum with a neutralizing agent suitable for the hazardous substance.
1. Fire Prevention:
2. Ventilation:
o Ensure proper ventilation to remove toxic fumes and gases generated during
welding.
3. Protective Clothing:
o Wear flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and aprons to protect against heat and
molten metal splashes.
o Always use a welding helmet with appropriate filter lenses to protect against
harmful UV and infrared radiation.
4. Safety Equipment:
o Do not leave hot scraps, electrode stubs, or tools lying around to prevent
accidental burns.
5. Electrical Safety:
o Inspect all electrical cables and connections for wear or damage before starting.
o Properly ground the welding equipment.
1. Complete Emptying:
2. Cleaning:
4. Safe Storage:
o Store the container in a well-ventilated, dry area away from ignition sources.
5. Proper Disposal:
(i) PPE:
• Selection Factors: Type of hazard, ease of use, comfort, and compatibility with the work
environment.
• Purpose: Tools such as fixed guards, adjustable guards, and interlocked guards prevent
contact with dangerous parts of machinery.
• Examples: Pull-back devices for lathes, two-hand control systems, and shields for
grinding operations.
• Storage: Store upright in ventilated areas, separate gases by type, and secure with
chains.
• Handling: Use appropriate regulators and inspect cylinders for damage regularly.
(iv) Safety for Welding:
• Precautions: Use fire-resistant materials, ensure proper ventilation, wear PPE like gloves
and helmets, and keep fire extinguishers nearby.
1. Crushing Hazards:
o Occur at nip points created by rotating parts like gears, rollers, and shafts.
o Examples include rotating gears, belt and pulley systems, and chain and
sprockets.
2. Shearing Hazards:
o Examples include guillotines, shears, and presses where body parts can be
caught.
3. Entanglement:
o Loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair can get caught in rotating machinery such as
spindles, couplings, or belts.
4. Impact Hazards:
5. Puncture Hazards:
8. Failure of Guards:
9. Flying Parts:
o Loose or broken machine parts can become projectiles and cause injuries.
o These can trap body parts between moving and fixed machine elements.
7. What are the various safety tools required for lathe operation?
1. PPE:
2. Inspection:
o Inspect all parts of the lathe, including the chuck and spindle, before starting the
operation.
3. Clamping:
o Use the correct type and size of chuck for securing the workpiece.
4. Sharp Tools:
o Ensure lathe tools are sharp and properly adjusted for height and position.
5. Guards:
o Ensure all guards are in place, particularly around rotating parts like the chuck
and faceplate.
o Always feed the stock into the cutter rotation to avoid tool damage and
accidents.
o Turn off and unplug the lathe before making any adjustments or clearing debris.
8. Operational Precautions:
o Avoid using tools or materials that are not designed for lathe operations.
8. What are the various safety tools required for grinding operation?
1. PPE:
o Avoid gloves as they may get caught in the rotating grinding wheel.
o Check the speed rating of the grinding wheel to ensure it matches or exceeds
the grinder's speed.
o Adjust the tool rest to maintain a gap of 1/16 inch or less from the wheel.
o Ensure that the workpiece does not touch the wheel before the grinder reaches
operating speed.
4. Wheel Guards:
o Use wheel guards that enclose at least 75% of the grinding wheel for protection
against debris.
o Stand to one side when starting the grinder to avoid potential wheel failure.
o Bring the workpiece into contact with the grinding wheel gently to prevent
damage.
o Dress the grinding wheel to maintain its shape and remove clogs.
7. Environment:
o Allow the grinding wheel to come to a complete stop before leaving the work
area.
Mod 4
9. What are primary and secondary electric shocks? Discuss the effect of electric current on the
human body.
Primary Electric Shock:
A primary electric shock occurs when the electric current passing through the body causes direct
physiological harm.
• Effects:
• Effects:
1. Shock Mechanism:
o Can happen via contact with live wires, creating a pathway to the ground.
2. Injury Severity:
o Low currents (10-20 mA) may cause tingling, while high currents (>100 mA) can
stop the heart or cause burns.
3. Physiological Effects:
10. Discuss various safety precautions to be taken in small and residential building installations
against electrical hazards.
o Turn off the main switch and remove fuse holders during repairs.
4. Quality Wiring:
6. Earthing:
o Use three-pin plugs for all appliances to maintain secure earthing connections.
1. De-Energizing Equipment:
2. Visual Confirmation:
3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO):
o Check for induced or stored energy in phase conductors and ground them if
necessary.
5. Install Grounding Devices:
o Place warning or danger signs in the work area to alert others of the ongoing
work.
o Wear appropriate insulating gloves, safety shoes, and helmets to protect against
accidental contact.
12. Discuss various safety procedures and paperwork to be enforced while commissioning,
operation, and maintenance of electrical installations in an electrical plant.
Safety Procedures:
2. Isolation:
3. Earthing:
4. Barricading:
5. Warning Notices:
6. Trained Personnel:
7. First Aid:
8. PPE:
o Use appropriate safety devices, including gloves, shoes, helmets, and voltage
testers.
Paperwork to Be Enforced:
1. Work Permits:
o Permit forms indicating the type of work and precautions taken.
2. Access Passes:
o Records for tools and materials entering and leaving the plant.
• Use insulated tools and maintain safe distances from live conductors.
Mod 5
• Pipe Material and Condition: Confirm the material is suitable for LPG. Inspect for
corrosion, wear, or damage.
• Pipe Thickness and Diameter: Ensure they meet the operating pressure and flow
requirements.
• Piping Supports and Hangers: Verify proper installation and check for stress or
movement risks.
• Valves and Fittings: Ensure they are appropriate for LPG and inspect for leaks or
damage.
• Leak Detection: Conduct tests using soap solution, electronic detectors, or pressure
gauges.
• Safety Devices: Ensure excess flow valves, pressure relief valves, and check valves are
operational.
• Accessibility for Maintenance: Confirm that key components are easily accessible for
servicing and emergencies.
• Cylinder Inspection: Regularly inspect cylinders for damage or corrosion. Ensure they
are certified and within their testing period.
• Leakage Detection: Routinely check for leaks using soapy water on joints and
connections.
• Ventilation: Do not park vehicles in poorly ventilated areas, as gas leakage can
accumulate.
• Storage: Avoid overfilling the cylinder and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat
sources.
• Driving Practices: Avoid abrupt shocks or impacts to the cylinder and follow speed limits
to prevent accidents.
• Incident Details:
o What happened?
• Contributing Factors:
• Personnel Actions:
• Witness Accounts:
• Preventive Measures:
16. Objectives for Safety, Health, and Environment Protection of the Company.
Safety Objectives:
4. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Conduct routine checks to identify and
mitigate risks.
Health Objectives:
2. Medical Surveillance: Perform regular health check-ups for employees in high-risk roles.
Environmental Objectives: