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7 ways to prevent exposure of dangerous substances
Health and Safety Bulletin | 9 February, 2010 | Hot Topics:
Inside this issue...
- Human error was to blame…
- 7 ways to prevent exposure
Dear reader,
Do you remember the explosion that occurred at the Bloed Street Mall last month?
A recent investigation into the incident revealed that liquid petroleum gas (LPG) escaped from the gas line, causing the explosion.
At least seven people were injured during the blast, and the damages cost an estimated R400 000.
Human error was to blame…
A report by the Thswane Metropolitan’s Municipality’s Fire Brigade Department indicates that the gas escaped when a technician removed a gas meter to replace it.
“It is suspected that the technician didn’t shut off the gas supply, or that he drained the line before removing the meter, causing gas to escape. The ignition source isn’t known.” Said municipal spokesperson Console Tleane.
Do you see how easy it is for exposure of dangerous chemicals to occur? Don’t let the same happen in your workplace: use these 7 ways to prevent exposure…
7 ways to prevent exposure
- Implement engineering controls to demarcate and contain hazards, e.g. provide extractor fans or alteration to building structures
- Provide protective clothing or equipment (PPC and PPE)
- Provide separate facilities for eating, changing, washing and smoking. Encourage good personal hygiene and housekeeping
- Train and educate your employees about risk, precautions, control measures and PPE. Include first aid training and what to do in an emergency
- Ensure there’s an Occupational Hygiene Programme in place to measure and monitor occupational exposure limits (OEL) in the environment, e.g. Biomarker (wearing a marker of exposure to measure the hazard) to assess if a health hazard exists
- Provide medical surveillance and biological monitoring on site to measure and monitor possible exposures
- Staff must report any damaged or defective plant equipment or PPE to a supervisor or safety representative
In the name of safety,
Christel Fouché
Editor-In-Chief: Health and Safety Advisor
PS: Keep an eye out for me later this week
I’ll be getting in touch with you again to ask you your opinion on a few things…
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Editors note
Liana Meadon
Health & Safety Bulletin Editor
The Health & Safety Bulletin keeps our readers in the loop regarding health and safety, through updates regarding reported incidents in the news and questions our health and safety expert Wilna Louw answers. It’s also a platform for subscribers to send in any issues they’re currently experiencing in their workplace.
