PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT- Part1

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Risks to health and safety may occur whenever there is exposure to chemical, physical or biological hazards.  The degree of risk depends on the severity of the hazard and the degree of exposure.  The many and varied jobs undertaken by employees and contractors worldwide present a range of risks to health and safety.  Control to an acceptable level depends on the identification and evaluation of the hazards with reference to exposure standards.

It should be noted that the term "Personal Protective Equipment" includes both clothing and equipment, but for the purpose of this Guide it is abbreviated throughout the text as "PPE" .

3.2        OPTIONS FOR CONTROL

3.2.1     Determination of Control Needs

The most effective way of determining the level and type of control needed to provide employee protection is through a step – wise evaluation procedure.  

This requires a considered judgment on:

a)       The hazards in the workplace associated with specified jobs (consider normal operations, maintenance activities and foreseeable emergencies) and,

b)       The risk to persons doing those jobs.

3.2.2     Hazards Identification

Identify the nature of the hazard, the chemical and / or physical agent, its characteristics, potential routes of entry or contact and the harmful effects of exposure to that hazard.  Criteria to be addressed would include:

AGENT (what is the hazard?)

• Direct     

o    projectile , sharp or abrasive object , ( mechanical )  moving machinery

·         Chemical   

o    irritant , carcinogen , systemic poison , sensitizer

 

·         Physical                 

o    noise , radiation , extreme temperatures , vibration , electrical , light

·         Biological 

o    bacterial , parasitic , fungal

·         PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (what from is the hazard in.?)

o gas , vapour , mist , dust , fume , liquid , solid , temperature , pressure .

·         POTENTIAL ROUTE (S) OF ENTRY OR CONTACT (how will the hazard act upon the person..?)

o Inhalation, skin contact, hearing, eyes, who or specific part of body, ingestion.

·         Effect (s) OF EVENT (what type of effect does the exposure to the hazard cause.?)

o    Physical injury, poisoning, asphyxiation, cancer, heat stroke, irritation, infection, loss of hearing, dermatitis, burns, abrasions, etc.

3.3        SELECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

The Selection of PPE takes account of risks to health based on knowledge of the hazard and assessment of the exposure.  

Consideration is then required as to the degree of protection needed and the job tasks must be analyzed to determine if there are any constraints on selection of equipment.  Foreseeable emergency situations must also be evaluated.  Equipment must be correctly fitted and adjusted for maximum comfort.  There is value in making a number of types available, thus providing individual choice and there by encouraging use.

3.3.1     TYPES OF PPE 

PPE Can Be Divided Into Two Major Classes:

·         Equipment providing protection from direct physical injuries caused by flying or falling objects, temperature extremes, abrasive and sharp edges, and

·         Equipment providing protection from direct physical (E.g. noise. Heat) or biological hazards, the effects of which are determined by the dose received.

The specification of the PPE requirements is aimed at matching the protection to the risk. 

Tables 1 and 2 give example of PPE which provide protection against direct physical hazards and dose dependent hazards respectively. 

EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL PROTECTION

Table 1. Equipment Providing Protection From Direct Physical Hazards

Nature of Threat	Body Zone to be Protected	PPE Examples
Flying Objects	Eyes	Spectacles / safety glasses, goggles, visor
Falling Objects	Head Feet	Helmets Safety shoes / boots
Abrasion	Hands	Gloves – leather
Hot Surfaces	Hands	Gloves – aluminum / glass fiber mixture, wool
Cold Surfaces	Hands	Gloves – cryogenic PVC, leather
Fire	Body, total	Gloves, helmet, fire approach suits, close – proximity suits.

Table 2. Equipment Providing Protection against Dose Dependent Hazards

Nature of Threat	Route to be Protected	PPE Examples
Toxic, corrosive or irritant gas, vapour, mist, dust or fume	Airway / Eyes	Respiratory Protective Equipment ( RPE ) , full face types only
Toxic, corrosive or irritant liquid	Eyes / Sin	Visor / face shield Chemical goggles Chemical resistant gloves
Noise	Ears	Ear plugs, muffs

3.3.2     HEAD PROTECTION

The head - and more specifically the brain - is a part of the human body that is most susceptible to disabling injury from an impact.  Such injuries are potentially extremely dangerous and severe results often persist over a long time.

Head protection can be divided into two types:

·         Safety helmets

• Bump Caps

Safety helmets are intended to give the wearer protection against impact and penetration damage and are designed so that they will not fracture when struck nor transfer the force of the blow to the wearer's skull immediately below the point of impact. Helmets should be designed for comfort in use and should be of an approved type (British Standard or equivalent) to ensure they meet the required performance.

Bump caps are unsuitable for providing impact protection.  They provide protection only against minor bumps and abrasions which makes them acceptable for only a few specific jobs.  They are not recommended for normal use in operations.

3.3.3     FOOT PROTECTION

All boots and shoes afford some protection to the feet but are not necessarily protective footwear in the safety sense. Protective footwear must protect against hazards ranging from dermatitis to crushing injuries.  Within this broad range of hazards attention must be given, for example, to the possibility of contact with chemicals, extremes of cold and heat, slippery surfaces, punctures from nails and other sharp objects, and electrical hazards (live and static).

3.3.4     EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

Equipment for the protection of the eyes and face can be divided into four groups:

(I)                   Spectacles

(II)                 Goggles

(III)                Visors/face shields

(IV)               Hoods.

This equipment is designed to protect the wearer from chemical and physical hazards such as chemical splashes, gases, vapours, foreign bodies and electromagnetic radiation in or near the visible spectrum (i.e. ultra-violet, infra-red light and microwave).

These hazards can cause damage in three main areas of the eye:

(I)                   On the surface (cornea and conjunctiva)

ii)                    Within the lens, and

iii)                   At the retina

Damage to the eye may result in permanent scarring of the surface of the eye (the cornea).  Surface damage can also be caused by ultra-violet (welding "arc eye"), infra-red light, and from high power levels of microwave radiation.  For maximum protection against eye injury, it is recommended that a mandatory program requiring the wearing of eye protection 100% of the time in hazardous areas, such as process areas, laboratories and workshops, is implemented.

3.3.4.1  CONTACT LENSES

Contact lenses are not PPE and in fact other special precautions may be necessary when they are used.  The lenses may be lost during emergency irrigation of the eye or damaged by chemical contact.  Accidental displacement can also cause temporary loss of vision.

3.3.4.2  SELECTION OF EYE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Eye protection is based upon the creation of a physical barrier to harmful agents.  Consideration should also be given to the use of suitable shields, screens or by restricting access to hazard areas, to provide protection for bystanders and passers by no single type of eye protection will be satisfactory for all situations and circumstances.  The following simple check list is suggested to assess the actual requirements.

a)       Type Of Risk

·         hot or corrosive liquids, chemicals - gases and aerosols

·         radiation

·         impact

·         flying particles

·         hot metals

b)       Conditions of use

·         temperature

·         humidity

·         wind velocity

·         cramped work area - degree of movement - clean or dirty service

c)       Types Of Use

·         continuous

·         intermittent

·         other protective equipment

d)       Required Field Of Vision

·         wide

·         narrow

3.3.4.3  LENSES

Lenses are available with varying degrees of impact resistance.  Where there is an identified risk of eye injury from impact with a foreign object, the standardization on lenses with the higher impact resistance rating is to be recommended to avoid confusion.

Plastic lenses/shields, although more readily scratched, combine strength with moderate cost.  They are considered superior to glass for resistance to impact, penetration and fogging.  Special surface treatments are available to reduce scratching and fogging.  Heat treated glass lenses should not be used in areas where impact hazards are high.

Eye and face protection equipment should be issued for the wearer's individual use.

3.3.4.4  GOGGLES

Flexible wrap-around one-piece safety goggles are suitable for a wide range of applications and can be worn over corrective spectacles.  The basic type with mesh or perforated ventilation sides is suitable for general hazards, but for chemical liquid and vapour hazards the shielded or baffled type, preferably with anti-fogging coating, should be used. Where there is a significant risk of splashing, a visor is recommended in order to provide full face protection.

3.3.4.5  SPECTACLES/GLASSES

Safety spectacles (or safety glasses) have gained wide acceptance in industry.  Although they do not provide complete protection, they do afford useful protection against a number of hazards, particularly flying particles.  For the most effective protection the safety spectacles should be provided with side shields. To ensure comfort and user acceptability spectacle frames should be tight, strong and properly adjusted to the wearer.  They should fit so that the eyes look through the centre of the lenses and be as close to the eyes as possible (for the widest possible field of vision) without contacting the eyelashes.  The nose bridge should fit comfortably.  Ideally the side pieces or temple bars should contact the head along the entire length.  The bar should hook behind the ear close to the head, contacting the ear over the full length of the hook (spreading the load).

Wearers of correctly fitted spectacles who, after a trial period, still complain of headaches and that the spectacles "hurt" should be referred to the Medical Officer or an Optician for an eye test.

For people with sight defects, safety glasses with prescription lenses can be obtained.

3.3.4.6 VISORS/FACE SHIELDS,

Visors fitted to head harnesses or safety helmets are widely used, particularly in chemical process areas. The lift-up hinged type is preferred for intermittent use. The possibility of face splashes under the visor should be considered.  Although such occurrences are rare, goggles plus face shield or moulded face shield may be needed for chemicals very hazardous to the eye.  Where exposure to irritant vapours may occur, gas/ vapour tight goggles should be worn.  Visors are resistant to fogging and can be worn together with corrective spectacle lenses.

3.3.4.7  HOODS

Hoods are less generally used except with full protective suits or as part of respiratory protective equipment.  Fire approach suit hoods are normally fitted with infra-red filters having a reflective metallic coating to reduce the radiant heat load.  Full face-piece masks of respiratory protective equipment, also provide eye and face protection.

3.3.5     HAND PROTECTION

Gloves are used to protect the hands against chemical, physical and biological hazards.  There is no one glove that suits every purpose. Conditions, processes and materials vary so much that a given situation may require its own individual type of hand protection.  The permeability and chemical resistance of the gloves to the materials handled must always be considered.  The necessary information on chemical resistance and permeation is available from the chemical supplier or the glove manufacturer.  Where tests show that penetration through a glove occurs, it may still be possible to recommend its use by also specifying procedures which include a maximum cumulative time period for wear.  This may best be controlled by a formal system of regular glove checking, cleaning and replacement. It should be noted that most gloves are not meant to provide protection during immersion in chemicals.  Although it can be practical to decontaminate and re-use gloves in certain situations, it should be noted that the cleaning process usually does not remove all the toxic material, thus reducing breakthrough time for subsequent use.  Discarded and contaminated gloves should be destroyed, in order to prevent unauthorized retrieval and use.  This is especially important for gloves that may have been in contact with very toxic substances.

3.3.5.1  SELECTION

Gloves consisting of a fabric support coated with a chemical-resistant substance, such as PVC, have better resistance to tearing, cutting .or puncturing than those made from the coating material alone.  The fabric fibers, however, may act as wicks and considerably increase the permeability, particularly if the coating is light or has been abraded in service.  Unsupported gloves have better flexibility/sensitivity but lower tear, stretch and heat resistance. Temperature seriously affects the performance of some types of glove.  Thermoplastic coatings such as PVC are particularly affected and may be unusable in cold conditions either from loss of flexibility or from cracking.  Solvents may affect the rate of penetration of other substances, occasionally decreasing, but more frequently increasing it; for example, aromatic solvents may increase the rate of penetration through some gloves" Higher temperatures may reduce glove performance with regard to abrasion, tear and puncture resistance and may result in increased permeability. Protection from extremes of temperature, both hot and cold, requires special materials.  Specially treated leather (thermo leather) has fairly good heat resistance and has been found suitable for welding, cutting and burning applications. Synthetic fiber fabrics such as high temperature nylon (Nomex), "Kevlar", flameproof rayon and aluminized wool, can be used for high radiant heat applications.  Aluminized glass fiber with insulated lining will protect against conductive heat as well as radiant heat at higher temperatures, but with poor handling sensitivity. Impervious gloves are necessary for the handling of cryogenic liquids and the vinyl coated cotton glove, foam-backed with fleecy lining, gives reasonable service although the vinyl coating tends to stiffen at the very low temperatures involved.  For small or delicate work requiring manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity the thinnest possible glove consistent with adequate protection should be selected.

Fabric or leather gloves used for physical protection will increase the exposure hazard if they become contaminated with any chemicals being handled due to' prolonged contact of the contaminated material with the skin.  Gloves should be provided in a variety of sizes.  Also, gauntlets are usually recommended for protection against liquids.  In some cases of very toxic materials it may be necessary to seal the open end of the glove to the wrist to prevent intrusion of the toxic material.

3.3.6     BODY PROTECTION

This section deals with what is usually called protective clothing and includes protection of the various parts of or the whole body as required.

The Elements Of An Effective Body Protection Program  Include:

·         estimation of likelihood of skin exposure

·         consequences of direct skin contact

·         estimation of level of protection from available clothing

·         appropriate selection and documentation of basis for selection

·         training employees in proper use

·         cleaning and maintenance of protective clothing/equipment

3.3.6.1    GENERAL WORK CLOTHING

Work Clothes:

Some protective clothing offers no more direct body protection than ordinary street dress.  In some cases special protective clothing may be provided to protect street clothes.  Fabric uniforms or overalls are often supplied to protect against dirt, grease and oils. Effective laundering of re-usable work clothing is an important aspect of exposure reduction.

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GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND MAINTAINING A CLEAN AND ORGANIZED WORK ENVIRONMENT

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Progressive companies plan ahead to have effective housekeeping.  They allow ample space for doing a job, for locating equipment, and for moving and storing materials.  They engineer hazards out, and engineer good lighting, effective colors, and adequate employee facilities in.  Having provided a physical environment conducive to good housekeeping, they provide the polices and the people that will assure that housekeeping is effective.

One company made the following policy declaration:

We Believe: 

• That dirt is always evidence of waste, either of material or of energy, or both.
• That cleaning up a lot of dirt and disorder is a janitor’s work, but that preventing this disorder is management’s job.
• That if a supervisor cannot manage to have order in his department, he cannot manage his department.
• That if personnel work in dirt and disorder, production costs is higher than they should be.

When companies are successful in coordinating housekeeping activities with normal production procedures, they can find no disadvantage from maintaining good housekeeping.  They claim that no argument will hold for allowing bad housekeeping conditions to exist.

The term “ industrial housekeeping “ is not to be mistaken for a push – broom effort, it means much more than that, it is an orderly arrangement of operations, tools, equipment, storage facilities, and supplies.  It is a practical method of getting high production, low accident rates.  In addition, improved employee morale.

2.2  RESULTS OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 

The following immediate results may be expected from a thorough housecleaning and the development of a well – planned, well – administered housekeeping program.

1. Reduced operating costs. Once a department is clean and a housekeeping system has been established, less time and effort are required to keep it clean.
2. Increased production. Once obstacles to production are removed orderly and business – like methods can function without undue interference or delay.
3. Improved production control. Material and parts do not get lost or mixed up.  Checking operations and recording data are easier.
4. Conserved materials and parts. Unused materials, including spoilage and scrap, are easily and quickly removed to the proper place.
5. Saved production time. There is no need to search for tools, parts, or materials.

6. Better use of floor space. Clear areas permit free movement of operators and afford repairmen easy access to machines and equipment.
7. Open aisles permit faster traffic with fewer collisions.
8. Lower accident rates. Sufficient workspace and elimination of tripping, slipping, bumping against, being struck by, dropping, and caught between-object hazards mean fewer injuries.
9. Higher employee moral. Clean surroundings and comparative freedom from injury improve employee attitudes.
10. Reduced fire hazards. Fires result from, or are spread by, poor housekeeping conditions. Good housekeeping is vital to effective control of fire hazards. 

Reasons Bad Conditions Exist.  The principal reason for the existence and growth of bad housekeeping habits is failure of management to recognize good housekeeping as an efficient operating practice.  A more personal reason is that too many management officials believe that certain operations are “just naturally “dirty.  Too often production areas are laid out with little regard for auxiliary tools, materials, finished product storage, and proper operation and maintenance.  Conservation of floor space is important, yes, but it should not mean crowding.  It should mean disposition of equipment for maximum efficiency of operation.  There should be enough space so that operators do not interfere with one another and that materials can be efficiently spotted.

2.3. CLEAN UP

The first step to improve housekeeping is to clean up the department-to remove litter, trash, dirt, and accumulated junk. All scrap, salvageable material, broken or unused parts or equipment should be removed.

Getting rid of nonessentials will provide more room to work in. Storage piles will be cleaned up. Personnel will have better facilities and more light. Accidents and material damage will be reduced.  Efficiency will increase, waste will be cut, and esprit de corps will improve.

Layout of equipment, machinery, storage space, aisles, and materials handling facilities is a function of production rather than of housekeeping.  As such, it is not within the direct control of the supervisor.  How to best utilize available space is, however, a supervisory problem.

2.4. DIRECTING OTHERS

When directing the efforts of other people, and especially when indoctrinating a new employee, the supervisor should make sure that instructions for housekeeping assignments and activities are complete and understood.  He should make sure employees understand the advantages they gain through helping maintain orderliness.  He should make sure they know that sloppy work practices and cluttered quarters contribute to accidents.

Employee cooperation will most likely be in direct ratio to the efficiency of the system established by the supervisor. Once necessary good housekeeping provisions have been made, the foreman should insist that housekeeping rules be followed.

Here is a list of practices that will help the supervisor secure full cooperation and maintain employee enthusiasm for attaining the maximum degree of orderly housekeeping.

1. Set a good example in your own area. Do not hesitate to pick up unused odds and ends or litter from the floor and put them in the trashcan. This impresses people who work for you.

2. Appeal to people’s pride. Point out how attractive neat work areas look. Show how each employee can benefit by keeping his workspace free from dirt and congestion. Make your program as interesting as possible by giving, people a chance to participate, by recognizing efforts, and by conducting an understandable program

3. Explain specific employee housekeeping responsibilities, why such assignments are necessary, and how they can be carried out.

4. Make sure your instructions are complete and are understood. Leave no chance a person will say later, “I didn’t know you meant that.

5. Develop a routine procedure for inspecting the areas in your jurisdiction regularly each week, fortnight, or month

6. Check closely on general working conditions. It is that first piece of trash on the window sill or under the bench that invites people to add to it acts immediately when necessary to keep heat, light, ventilation, and sanitation satisfactory.

7. Maintain aisles clear and clean. If storage areas are full, have truckers check with you before unloading.

8. Cooperate with materials handling crews by seeing that temporary storage areas are positively identified and easy to use.

9. Make it easy for people to keep trash off the floor. Make sure trash containers are provided in strategic locations. They must be plainly marked and emptied when full.

10. Make sure proper receptacles are provided for empty milk or beverage bottles and train employees to use them. Make sure they cooperate with the cleaning crew and with tool room and stock employees.

11. Permit nothing to be stored on window ledges or hung from walls, even temporarily

12. Make sure people have seats or benches where needed. Discourage their sitting on kegs or boxes.

13. Check equipment that uses coolants to make sure that oil, coolant, or water does not leak on the floor. See that absorbents are handy for soaking up spilled liquids.

14. Eliminate the practice of keeping excess materials at work places. This is one of the most prevalent poor work habits.

15. Be sure flammable solvents are kept in approved containers and are used only when needed. Do not permit more than a day's supply to be kept in the department at any time.

16. Encourage employees to report conditions that contribute to disorder.

17. Discourage employee exhibits of “calendar art “that often adorn walls and cabinets in work areas.

18. Review accident records to determine if faulty housekeeping was a contributing factor.

Stimulating the interest and pride of employees is a normal supervisory function.  Special effort is needed, however, when promoting improved housekeeping conditions Employee behavior and attitudes must be influenced and this job requires help from many sources.

2.5. INSPECTION

Inspection is to industrial housekeeping as quality control is to production.  Inspection does not mean spying, or trying to find something wrong or someone to blame.  It is a way of determining whether or not everything is satisfactory, and of uncovering mechanical defects and unsafe plant conditions.  Thus it is essential to preventive maintenance as well as housekeeping.

Inspection also reveals many unsafe practices of employees, such as operating equipment without authority or proper training, operating equipment at unsafe speeds, using unsafe materials handling methods, not using proper personal protective equipment or not wearing proper clothing.  When these are found, the supervisor must correct the practices and later follow up to see that they stay corrected. Many supervisors check housekeeping conditions constantly as they go through their department.  Others tour their department at the end of their shift. Still others delegate the job to their assistant who, in turn reports back.  When making an inspection, the supervisor should pay particular attention to the following hazard areas.

2.5.1 PLANT STRUCTURE

Walls and columns should not be used as places to hang clothing, job tickets, calendars and pinup girls, rags or similar objects.  Once one item is up, it invites others and soon the wall is covered.  Window sills are not storage spaces.  Even one milk carton left on a ledge is just the start toward making the ledge a catchall.  Shelves should be kept in repair.  They are generally not strong enough to be used for storage.  Even if they are, a person could be struck by a falling object.  Stairs and exits should be well lighted and marked.  They should be free from obstructions, have treads and handrails in good repair, and should be kept clean.  Even a small bolt or pencil could cause a bad injury, if dropped and not picked right up.  

2.5.2 FLOORS

Floors should be level and kept as slip-proof as possible.  They should be free of imbedded chips and accumulated drippings.  Material that might drip or spill can be collected in drip pans, or gutters, or be deflected by splash guards.  If these liquids do get on the floor, non flammable absorbent materials should be readily available Sawdust, because of its combustibility, should never be used as an absorbent. Floors that are not swept or vacuumed as often as the dustiness of the operation demands should be reported. Cracks, splinters, ruts, and breaks in the floor should be repaired as soon as they are discovered.

Maintenance must be proper for the type floor or floor covering in the various areas Safe load limits for floors must be determined and maintained.

2.5.3 AISLES

The type and amount of traffic that uses an aisle determines how wide it should be.  The minimum width is that required by four men carrying a stretcher.

Aisles should be clearly defined by painted lines, plastic tape, guard rails, or some other satisfactory means.  Colored lines also serve as a constant reminder that aisles are to be kept clear.  The portion of the aisle used for pedestrian traffic should be clearly designated. Blind corners and intersections should have (1) non-shattering mirrors placed so that traffic in an aisle is visible to any one approaching from the side, and (2) warning signs to remind all traffic that it is approaching a corner or intersection. All traffic should be kept moving. Bump rails should be installed along shop offices, storage areas, and machinery as protection from trucks.  Aisles should not be used as storage space.

2.5.4 STORAGE FACILITIES

Storage space should be marked off and kept separate.  Its location and size should be realistic and contribute to the efficiency of the department.  Incoming and outgoing materials should be kept separate.  Departmental space should not be used for long – term storage of small parts, such as nuts, bolts, washers, and springs piling, stowing, or stocking should be safe, orderly, and neat. Piles should be kept below sprinkler heads at a distance prescribed by fire regulations.

If materials handling equipment is kept in the department, storage space should be allotted for it also.  Containers should never be overloaded and should be kept in good repair.  Cabinets used for storage should be kept closed and the permissible contents labeled on the outside.  Other material should be kept out. Flammable material should be stored in a separate area or building, as prescribed by fire regulations.  Racks are considered the best solution for storing ladders.  Never leave a ladder on the floor or against a wall or partition.

2.5.5 EMPLOYEE FACILITIES

Personal belongings belong in lockers, not in work areas. Lockers should be cleaned out and inspected once a week to prevent unhealthy full or unsanitary accumulations. Toilet rooms should be well ventilated, well lit, and provided with separate receptacles for disposal of towels and smoking materials.  Floors, toilets, and lavatories should be cleaned at least once each shift, and more often if necessary.  Lavatories should have hot and cold water, soap, and towels.  Sterilizers or deodorizing disinfectants should be used, but it is better to eliminate the source of odors rather than cover them up with strong – smelling disinfectants.  Cleaning and sanitation material and equipment should be stored carefully to prevent waste. Such equipment should not be stored in toilet or locker rooms, in halls, in corners, or on stairways.  Eating space, with adequate bottle and trash receptacles, should be provided and cleaned at least once a shift. Employees should not be allowed to litter the floor.  Drinking

fountains and any beverage – or food – dispensing facilities should be cleaned each shift.  Smoking must not be permitted when it could be a fire hazard.

2.5.6 YARDS AND GROUNDS      

Yards and grounds should be carefully maintained.  Follow the same principles recommended for inside storage. Keep bulk materials in neat, well – trimmed piles; Keep grass and weeds cut down. Traffic ways and railway spurs should be kept free of trash and obstructions, and be kept well drained to reduce mud and the chances of skids, slips, or other mishaps.  Traffic lines effectively control vehicle and pedestrian movement. 

2.6. CODE COLORS FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION SIGNS

• RED   

o    Identifies fire protection equipment, including exit signs. Wall marking and supports on which extinguishers are mounted.

o    Flammable liquid containers (except shipping containers), on which the name of the contents should be stenciled.

o    Danger signs and lights at barricades.

o    Emergency stop bars on machines like rubber mills, wire blocks, and flat work ironers; stop buttons for electric switches.

• YELLOW

o    Identifies hazards that may result in slipping, falling, and bumping into objects.

o    For attracting attention-solid yellow , yellow with black stripes , or yellow and black  checks

o    Handrails, guard rails, or top and bottom treads of stairways, low beams, pipes, and crane blocks.

o    Mobile equipment like tractors and industrial locomotives – black and yellow stripes

• GREEN

o    First  aid and safety equipment

o    Stretchers, gas masks, and bulletin boards.

o    Other locations connoting " safety " rather than " hazard "

• BLACK AND WHITE

o    Housekeeping and traffic markings, in either stripes or checks. 

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