Unit 1

LInevdelu2sAtwrairdailn Environment Awareness (QCF)

Qualification Code: 500/6147/1

Issue 6.0

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Introduction

This is a self study pack to help you understand and appreciate your roles and
responsibilities when working in an industrial environment.

Itiscalleda‘selfstudy’ packas you setthepace at which you go through the material. Eachsection contains a‘knowledge check’so that youcan test yourself onthe
materialthatyouhavejustcovered. Theanswerstotheknowledgecheckareatthebackofthispack–andwillreferyoutovarioussectionsinthematerial. Itisinyour
interest to try to do the knowledge check questions without looking at the answers to see if you can recall the information!
Once you have read thorough the pack and completed the knowledge check you will sit an online examination made up of 20 multiple choice questions that are based on
the content of the pack. It is very important that you have completed the pack and knowledge checks before sitting the online exam and that you are able to remember the
material in thisbook, withoutregularreference to the answers.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

When working in an industrial environment you need be aware that you have a legal responsibility to make sure of
your own safety and for others working around you.

Your legal responsibility is to:
• Take reasonable care for your own heath and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do
• Co-operate with your employer on health and safety
• Correctly use work items provided by your employer including personal protective equipment, in accordance with training or instructions
• Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Assessment Criteria 1.1.2: State the legislation that covers health and safety in the workplace

Current legislation requires employers to display health and safety information relevant to the work being carried out. Your responsibilities at work
are covered in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This should be displayed in your workplace.

The following regulations relate to the general workplace and you should be able to find them in your workplace:
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended in 2003) - covers risk assessment
• Workplace(Health,SafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992-coversslippingandtrippinghazardssuchastrailingcables,floorcleaning&spillages
• Manual HandlingOperationsRegulations1992(asamended) -coveringtheuseof mechanical&manualliftingpractices
• Electricityat Work Regulations1989-coversmakingsureelectricalequipmentissafetouse
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amendedin 2002) -coverswhatsafetymeasurese.g. breaksneed tobe taken toreduce eye
strains, repetitive strain injuries etc
• LiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipment Regulations1998(LOLER) -coversreducingtheamountofmanualliftingundertakenatworkbytheuseofmechanicalmeans
• Work at Height Regulations 2005 - covers falls from height including stepladders and lifting equipment
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 - COSHHregulationsrequireemployerstocontrolsubstancesthatcanharm workershealth
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 - Employers, the self-employed and those in control of premises must report specified
workplace incidents
• Provisionand UseofWork Equipment Regulations1998(PUWER)–coversthecontrollingofrisksfromtheequipmenttheyuseintheworkplacetobepreventedorcontrolled

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Unit 1: Learning Outcome 2: Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and how they are identified Top Tip!

Assessment Criteria 1.2.1: Identify hazards and risks in the workplace theYoduiffnSeepreeeednctchoebrbueebmtbwelemeebnear
hazard and a risk.
Youneedtobeawarethatinanindustrialenvironmenttherearemanyhazards. Manyofthem maynot
immediately be apparent to you as a hazard.

Identifying hazards (according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) a hazard is defined as anything that may cause harm, su ch
as chemicals, electricity, working from ladders, an open drawer etc) is the first step to understanding what could happen and
the consequences if it did happen. Even if we cannot remove the hazard then it allows us to think up ways of seeing how we can
reduce the risk (the likelihood) of it happening. (The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these a nd
other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be).
Each workplace will have its own set of hazards, but let’s look as some common hazards that you may see. They are all
around us – in the general workplace and in your particular environment.

Assessment Criteria 1.2.2: Describe actions that can be taken to reduce risks

The general workplace - Machinery

In most industrial locations there is machinery. Most machines have protective guards to reduce the risk of injury when you are using them. Naturally they are there for a
purpose and must be used at all times when available. This is because someone else has already worked out that there is a hazard involved in operating the machinery, and
they have attempted to reduce the risk to yourself by providing guards. There is sometimes a temptation to remove these guards as they seem to hamper the work process,
however,you must neverinterfere with guards as youcouldharmyourselforotherswho usethemachine afteryou.Insome casesthe guardis consideredsoimportant
that the machine will not operate if the guard is not in place. It is always important that you are aware of the location of the emergency stop and it functions correctly.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Machinery will also have moving parts. So you need to take care moving around the workplace to make sure that you do not come into contact with any moving parts of
machinery. In many workshops walkways are marked out on the floor to ensure that people walking around do not enter areas with moving machinery. You need to make
sure that you keep to these walkways and if you are escorting others around the workplace, you have a duty to make sure that they do not wander outside of these marked
areas too.
It is very important to follow any operating instructions when using all types of machinery. This not only means when you are producing/manufacturing but during the shut
down/isolation process. Some machinery uses pressure or stored energy to undertake the process and this energy needs to be safely discharged.
Most types of machinery will involve an electric supply. When undertaking any type of maintenance that you are allowed to do you must always isolate the electricity.
Most serious injuries with electricity are caused by contact with live power cables. Electric shocks can also lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms.
Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk. Poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which can also result in death or
injury to others.
If you feel there may be a problem with machinery, report it to a competent member of staff, do not assume anything.
In order to try to reduce the dangers with electricity in the workplace separate legislation has been introduced that requires employers to regularly check all pieces of electrical
equipment at the workplace by suitably qualified personnel electrical engineers, ‘The Electricity at Work Regulations: 1989’. All portable appliances have to be portable
appliance tested (PAT)by qualified engineers at regular intervals and the test results must be recorded.

The general workplace - Computers

Using a computer and display screen equipment (visual display units) can give rise to back problems, repetitive strain injury, or other musculoskeletal disorders. They can
be caused by poor design of workstations (and associated equipment such as chairs), insufficient space, lack of training or not taking breaks from display screen work.
Work with a screen does not cause eye damage, but many users experience temporary eye strain or stress. If your employer requires you to use a computer they should
givehelpandadvice as tohowto useitsafely.
Separate legislation covers the use of VDU screens ‘Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2002)’.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

The general workplace – Hand tools

Risks can be controlled by ensuring hand tools are used correctly and maintained for example: Each has their own set of hazards – and ways to reduce the risk of injury,
for example:

• Hammers - avoid split, broken or loose shafts and worn or chipped heads. Make sure the heads are properly secured to the shafts
• Files-theseshouldhaveaproperhandle. Neverusethemaslevers
• Chisels - the cutting edge should be sharpened to the correct angle. Do not carry out this task unless you have been correctly trained
• Screwdrivers - never use them as chisels and never use hammers on them
• Spanners-avoidsplayedjaws.Scrapanywhichshowsignsofslipping.Haveenoughspannersoftherightsize.Donotimprovisebyusingpipesetc.asextensionhandles

The general workplace – Lifting equipment

Equipment such as lift trucks, elevating work platforms and engine hoists lifts must not be used unless you have had specialist training to operate them. All lifting aids
should also be within the specified test date and their Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly marked and should not be exceeded.
The legislation covering lifting equipment is the ‘Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998’ or LOLER Regulations.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

The general workplace – Ladders

Many accidents involving ladders happen during short jobs. To prevent accidents it is recommended that, if possible, you use other equipment such as a mobile elevating
work platform. If you do have to use a ladder these simple rules may save you getting injured.

• Secure the ladder so that it is secure and stable and won’t move
• Use an anti-slip device or as someone else to ‘foot it’
• Avoid climbing with loads and tools
• Avoid overreaching or overbalancing
• Don’t use poorlymaintained and/or faultyladders
There may be other equipment that you need to use – think about the safety precautions that you can use before you use them.
The legislation covering falls from height including stepladders and lifting equipment is the ‘Work at Height Regulations 2005’.

The general workplace – Working with materials

Materials used in many industrial process can be toxic and dangerous to handle, care must be taken when handling these materials and ensure that the correct personal
protective equipment (PPE) is worn at all times. Materials must be used and disposed of in accordance with instructions for use as stated on the supplied COSHH data
sheets.
In the industrial processes many materials may emit hazardous dust and fumes so the appropriate ventilation procedures and personal protective equipment such as masks
should always be worn. You must follow the instructions for using PPE and when using any hazardous materials such as adhesives and cleaning agents, and when working with
processeswhich create dust,fumes, and otherparticles. See the listof symbols, abbreviations,riskand safetyphraseshere:http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/phrases.htm

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

The generalworkplace– Moving materials manually

Duringindustrial processes itispossible thatthe materialsor even thepieces of equipment mayneed to be moved in order to undertake the task. Handling and transporting
materials/equipmentbringswithit ahostofpotentialhazards. Carefulplanningneeds to be undertaken astowhere the materials will be movedto –is thereenough space to
accommodateit? When you arehandlingpotentiallyhazardous materialsaplanneedstobethoughtthrough. Is the path to the newlocation clear andfreefromdebrissothat
you won’t trip over? Is there enough space to put the item where you want it to go – do you need to measure it? This is usually taken into account during a risk assessment.
Inadditionyouneedtoconsiderhowheavy/bulkytheitemthatyouwanttomoveis,andwhetherthereareanysharpedges. ‘TheManualHandlingOperationsRegulations1992
(asamended),’state thatemployers need tohave made an assessmentastothe risk of injury when undertakingmanual handlingtasks. Itsays that to reduce the riskof injury,
before manually lifting items you must use any mechanical aids that have been provided to help you move loads wherever possible.
Injuriesduringmanualhandlingoperationsarecausedbyincorrect lifting(forcesofcompressionmadeonspine,ligaments,andtendons);pushingand pulling(highstresses
exerted on the body when pushing rather than pulling); and, carrying (muscles may tire depending upon how the load is being carried).
Back injuries can result from lifting objects in front of you without maintaining a straight back, therefore, you need to practise lifting things with the correct posture i.e. standing
close to the object, feet apart and one foot in front, so that you can lift with your backstraight and your chin up. The load should be held close to the chest and you should be
able to see where you are going.
The workplacemayalsohaveslipperyorunevensurfacesto walkupon. Thismaybeduetospillages,unevenflooring,trailingcablesetc. Youthereforeneedtoseewhereyou
are walking and be alert at all times to these hazards.

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

The general workplace – Your environment

Maintaining your immediate environment and the way you operate in it can help to reduce the risks for yourself and others.
Youcan reduce therisksby:

• Using the correct tool for the job
• Using tools, materials and equipment in accordance with laid down working practices and procedures.
• Undertaking good housekeeping, by being neat and tidy and putting things back in their proper place
• Immediately clearing up spillages (e.g. oils and chemicals) and warning others of their presence.
• Reporting accidental breakages of tools and equipment
• Reporting any potential hazards

Assessment Criteria 1.2.3: Identify warning signs and symbols

Now that we have looked at some of the hazards that are in the workplace, let’s look at what warning signs and symbols are used to tell us of
potential hazards.

At work you may encounter warning signs. Some of these will be mandatory – so you must adhere to them. Others will be warning you of dangers such as the danger of
electricity. The style of the sign indicates whether they are mandatory or not.

Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs tell you what behaviour you must do e.g. wear protection for your eyes. They will have the following features:
• Theyare round in shape
• Theyhave a white pictogram on ablue background (blue to take up 50% of the area)

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness Mandatory health and safetysignsmay be displayed at variouslocations which are
clearly visible in the work area.
Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Here are some examples that you can expect to see at work.

Eye protection must be Safety helmet Ear protection mustbe
worn must be worn worn

Safety boots Safety Safety overalls must be
must be worn gloves must worn
be worn

Pedestrians must use General Face
this route mandatory sign protection sign

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Advisory Warning Signs

Mostadvisorywarningsignsdrawyourattentiontoapossiblehazardorrisk.Withtheexceptionofdangeroussubstances,whichwewil,comeontolater their featuresare:
• They are triangular in shape
• Theyhaveablackpictureonayellowbackground(yellowatleast50%).

General danger Drop Low temperature

Overhead load Industrial vehicles Danger: electricity

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods have their own symbols. There are nine main groups or classes of hazardous substances. Some of the classes are split into sub categories called Divisions.
These classes and divisions are internationally recognised so that the dangers can be understood worldwide.
You can recognise these classes by the following symbols and they are used on signs and labels. They may be in the workplace or on vehicles carrying dangerous substances.

Class 1 - Explosive substances and articles

There are anumber of divisionsin the classfordifferent types of explosive.Youmay
see this orange label with numbers in the diamond instead of the explosion symbol
(e.g. 1.4) this only refers to the type of explosive.

Class 2 - Is all about gases.

Thereareseparatewarningsignsandlabelsforwhether thesubstanceisflammable,
inflammable or non-flammable, non-toxic or toxic

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Class 3 - Warns about flammable liquids

Note this warningsymbol is very similar to theone above, in that it is advising that the
substance is flammable. The number at the bottom of the diamond tells you whether
itisa flammable gas by the inclusion of the Classi.e. 2 (above) or aflammable liquid
i.e. Class 3 as in this case.

Flammable liquid

Class 4 - Has three divisions

Division 4.1 - Flammable solids
Division 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion (e.g.
canheatupifit comesinto contactwith air and thenburstintoflames)
Division 4.3 - Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases.
The warningsignsforthese areshownleft:

Division 4.1 – Division 4.2 – Division4.3– Substances
Flammable solids Substances liable to which in contact with water
spontaneous combustion
emit flammable gases

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Division 5.1 – Division 5.2 – Class 5- Also has divisions.
Oxidizing substances Organic peroxides
These are:
Division 6.1 – Division 6.2 – Division 5.1 - Oxidizing substances – this means that they release oxygen and can
Toxic substances Infectious substances cause other items to catch fire easily
Division 5.2 - Organic peroxides – are unstable substances that contain carbons in
them. Being unstable they could burn rapidly and have other dangerous reactions with
other substances.
The warning symbolsfor thesesubstances are shown left.
(You may also see a division 5.2 label that does not have the red top half on the
diamond. Itlookslikethe5.1labelbuthas5.2atthebottomofthediamond.)

Class 6 - also has two divisions:

Division 6.1 - Toxic substances - these are substances that can cause death or injury
orharmhumansifswallowed,inhaledorcomeintocontact withtheskin.
Division 6.2 - Infectious substances – these are nasty micro-organisms (such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites)

Self Study Pack for EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness

Unit 1 - Understanding health and safety in an industrial environment

Class 7 - Radioactive material

There are different categories of radioactive substances. The one above is for
CategoryI. Allradioactivewarningsignsshowthetrefoilsymbol.

Class 8 - Corrosive substances

Corrosive substances can cause severe damage to living tissue or if theyleak they
candamage ordestroyothergoods.

Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances
and articles

There are other articlesorsubstancesthataredangerousbutdonotfitin to any
of the above categories. All of these articles/substances are allocated to Class 9.
Examples ofsubstancesinthisclassincludeenvironmentallyhazardoussubstances,
magnetized material etc.