Learning Outcome 1
Identify health hazards and occupational risk
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Health hazards and occupational risks are identified.
Safety nets are formulated and installed.
Protective equipment are identified.
Occupational health and safety practices are observed
What Do You Already Know?
Let us determine how much you already know about identifying health hazards and occupational risks. Take this test.
What Do You Need To Know?
Read the Information Sheet 2.1 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 2.1.
Information Sheet 1.1
In every field of work, there are safety precautions and practices to be followed to prevent accidents. Sometimes before an accident occurs a warning Is given, so the individual concerned can prepare for the undesirable eventualities. In some situations, no warning at all is served and anyone is caught by surprise.
In areas where students are acquiring basic technical skills safety begins the moment they enter the work area or at times before reaching that work area. Identifying health hazards and occupational risks is indispensable. In laboratory areas where students stay to acquire skills there are certain points to consider.
1. Electrical hazards. Electrical hazards are the type of risks that are more likely fatal than any other hazards that can happen in a laboratory room. Electrical hazards such as electrical shocks from open wires, grounded electrical appliances can be found anywhere in a disorganized laboratory area.
2. Hazards from improper use of hand tools. Hand tools are classified into cutting tools, driving tools, boring tools, joining tools, and measuring tools.
Cutting tools may inflict injuries when improperly handled due to its sharp edges that can cut through the skin of the human body.
Driving tools like screw drivers and hammers, when used improperly can break human flesh or fracture bones which are very painful to an individual.
Boring tools like Drill bits, Center punch, and reamer are boring tools. These tools also do damage when not properly used.
Soldering tools such as soldering iron, soldering gun and hot air soldering causes extreme heat and burn in the skin when improperly used.
Other hazards and risks are caused by objects not properly placed in laboratory area where crumbling or falling is highly possible.
Other untoward incidents also happen as a result of haste and sometimes neglect of tools, materials, and equipment in the shop. Disorderliness can also make things worse, hence presence of mind, particularly while working is important. It is very useful to follow guidelines that will serve as a safety net.
TOOLS MAINTENANCE and SAFETY RULES
Tools will last longer when properly kept and maintained. A good worker keeps and cares for his tools. The following are some pointers to follow in keeping hand tools in good condition.
Be sure to inspect tools before using them. This is to check if they are in good working condition. The evidence is when you are able to use them smoothly and conveniently with ease and comfort.
After using a tool, clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth before keeping it in a tool box or cabinet.
Oil the metal parts of a tool to prevent any form of damage caused by air, water, or rust.
The following safety rules should be understood and strictly followed to avoid accidents while working.
Avoid wearing loose clothing when working. Sleeves should be fit and shirts tucked in as much as possible. Remove ties, watches, rings, and other jewelry from your body.
Report immediately injuries or accidents of any type to your teacher.
Never put fasteners or any small metal articles in or near the mouth when working.
Never throw tools of any type around. Make sure the sharp edge of cutting tools are away from the edge of the table or work bench.
Keep working areas clean and free from disposable materials.
Secure the help of your classmates when carrying heavy tools to avoid accidents.
Never use dull or damaged tools.
Do not use tools with loose handles and ragged. Report cases like these to the teacher and do necessary repair and adjustments, if possible.
Know and observe safety measures specific for each tool or operation.
Safety Requirements
For your protection, observe the following safety requirements:
Follow all cautions, warnings, and instructions marked on the equipment.
Ensure that the voltage and frequency rating of the power outlet matches the electrical rating labels on the system.
Use properly grounded power outlets.
Safety Requirements with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Hand Tool Design, Selection, and Setup
Weight - Use the lightest weight tool possible to avoid injury. Excessively heavy tools must be equipped with mechanical support and attached hoses should be supported.
Support - Equip tools with some means of mechanical support so you don't need to hold a heavy tool continuously while working. If mechanical support cannot be provided, the workstation should be designed so you can put the tool down or rest it in a holster when it is not in use.
Balance - Additional force is required to use an unbalanced tool. The tool's center of gravity should be close to the body, close to the handles, and in line with the center of the hand holding the tool.
Torque Control - High torque requires a lot of force to keep the tool from rotating out of your hand. Torque settings should be set to the minimum required by job specifications, especially for in-line and pistol-shaped tools.
Grip - Tool handles should allow stable and efficient grip. The handle should be cylindrical or oval in shape, with a diameter of between 1.25 and 1.75 inches. Tool handles should contact as much of the hand and fingers as possible. Grips should be made of non-slip compressible and nonconductive material. Avoid form-fitting handles (handles with finger grooves), since they may not fit the hand size of every user. Handles should be kept clean and free from slippery grease, oil, or sweat.
Span - On two-handled manual tools, like pliers, the open span should be about 4 inches and the closed span should only be about 1.5 inches.
Spring-loaded handles - A spring-loaded mechanism saves muscular effort and reduces mechanical stress on the backs and sides of fingers for such tools as scissors, pliers, and other manual cutting and gripping tools which have to be opened and closed repeatedly during use.
Choose the right tool shape - Pistol-shaped tools should be used on a vertical surface or on a horizontal surface below waist height. Bend the tool, not the wrist.
Avoid bending over your work.
Avoid overhead work if possible. Use a ladder to reduce the need for outstretched arms.
Keep the elbows close to the body.
Tilt the work surface instead of the wrist.
Stand with weight evenly distributed on both feet. When standing for long periods of time, rest one foot on a sturdy object above floor height and switch legs periodically.
Sit up straight so the chair offers good back support. Adjust the chair back so it comfortably supports the natural curve of the lower back. Adjust the seat height to allow thighs to be parallel to the floor.
5’s Approach in workshop keeping
5’S is a reference to a list of five Japanese words translated into English. This is an approached of organizing and managing the workplace and work flow with the intent to improve efficiency by eliminating wastes, improving flow of production, reducing process delays.
These words are:
How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?
Show that you learned something by doing this activity
Operation Sheet 1.1
Safety Requirements with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Instruction:
1. Without looking at Information Sheet 1.1, answer the written test on the safety requirements in using hand tools and test equipment in Self-Check 1.1.
2. After finishing your test, you can compare your answer with Answer Key 1.1.
3. You must get a score of 7 - 9 to get a grade of Very Good and pass the self-check based on Assessment Criteria 1.1.
Operation Sheet 1.2
Objective: To arrange tools and equipment in a tool cabinet according to the tools’ classification.
Materials, Tools and Equipment:
Assorted basic electronic hand tools and equipment
Tool cabinet
Paper
Marking pen
Procedure:
1. Make a list of electronic hand tools and equipment.
2. Sort electronic hand tools according to their function.
3. Place electronic hand tools in separate areas in the cabinet according to their function.
a. Soldering tools
b. Cutting tools
c. Boring tools
d. Bending tools
e. Measuring tools
4. Label the areas according to functions of tools.
5. Locate tools that are defective.
6. Make an inventory of the tools and equipment according to function and label the status of the tools and equipment.
Operation Sheet 1.3
Objective: To evaluate an electronics room as to the status of health hazards and occupational risks.
Materials, Tools, and Equipment:
1. Electronics Room
2. Laboratory tables with electrical wiring
3. Tool cabinet/ Tool room
Instructions:
1. Evaluate an electronics room as to the following:
Health hazards in the laboratory tables
Health hazards in the tool room/tool cabinet
Occupational risks when using electronics equipment
How Well Did You Perform?
Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!
Assessment Criteria 1.1
PERFORMANCE TEST
How Do You Extend Your Learning?
Objective: To reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired in the information sheet, job sheet, and operation sheet.
1. Prepare a tools and equipment maintenance chart. Inspect all tools and
equipment found in your shop room.
2. Indicate which ones need cleaning, repairing, rearranging, and labeling.
3. Determine what safety devices are found in your shop.
4. Identify health hazards and occupational risks found in your shop room.
