REVIEW

Wokshop Safety is attain by what you do, what others do, and what you and others do, therefore all of us must practice safety always. Besides preventing accidents and injuries, good housekeeping saves work,money, time, and materials. When a workplace is clean, orderly, and free of obstruction; work can be done safely and properly. Workers feel better, think better, do better work, and increase the quantity and quality of their work.

In practicing good house keeping the following must also be observe and done: cleaning materials must be identified according to specified application and procedures;

Workplace area, tools, materials and equipment are cleaned using specified cleaning materials, Workplaces are in safe condition in accordance with safety regulation practices.

· IDENTIFYING HAZARD AND RISK

Identifying the Potential Hazards is a preliminary step to manage the risks in Domestic Refrigeratiom and Airconditining.

Hazards can be identified by the following:

• Conducting a walk-through assessment in the work environment by observation

and interaction with workers.

• Inspection of materials and equipment used in welding.

• Reading the product labels, standards and manuals of the equipment.

• Discussing with manufacturers, associated suppliers and safety specialists.

• Review of incident reports.

Hazard Recognition

There are many potential hazard indicators. The best approach in determining if a situation or equipment is potentially hazardous is to ask these questions:

• How can this situation or equipment cause harm?

• What types of energy sources are present that can cause an incident?

• What is the magnitude of the energy?

• What could go wrong to release the energy?

• How can the energy be eliminated or controlled?

• Will I be exposed to any hazardous materials?

Before you can fully answer these questions, you need to know the different types of incidents and accidents that can happen and the energy sources behind them. Some of the different types of events that can cause injuries include the following:

• Falls on the same elevations or falls from elevations

• Being caught in, on, or between equipment

• Being struck by falling objects

• Contact with acid, electricity, heat, cold, radiation, pressurized liquid, gas, or toxic substances

• Being cut by tools or equipment

• Exposure to high noise levels

• Repetitive motion or excessive vibration

Environmental Hazards

1. Physical Hazards. Hazards due to the transfer of energy between an object and a worker.

o Excessive noise

o Inadequate illumination

o Extreme temperature

o Extreme pressure

o Vibration

o Radiation

o Inadequate ventilation

o Cluttered area

o Ignorance or carelessness of the worker

2. Chemical Hazards. These hazards arise from inhaling chemical agents in the form of vapor

gases, dust, fumes, mist, or by skin contact with these materials.

o Mist Fine particles of a liquid float in air

o Gases- substances in gaseous state but are always airborne at room temperature.

o Vapor- results when substances that are liquid at room temperature evaporate.

o Dust- solid harmful substances are ground, cut or crushed by mechanical actions.

o Fumes- gas is condensed in air, chemically changed and becomes fine solid particles which float in air.

Four Possible Routes of Entry of Chemical Hazards

§ Inhalation- breathing in toxics is the most common and dangerous route.

§ Ingestion- toxics enter through the gastrointestinal tract.

§ Absorption- toxics pass through skin into the bloodstream.

§ Injection- toxics may be injected into the body (needles, ect.)- the least common, yet most direct route of entry

3. Biological Hazards. Hazards caused by living organisms which include insects, molds,

fungi, viruses, and bacterial contamination; from defects in sanitation and housekeeping

procedures, such as in the provision of potable water, removal of industrial wastes and

sewage, food handling , and personal cleanliness.

Agents of Biological Hazards

o Bacteria – simple, one-celled organisms that may or may not be harmful.

o Viruses – organisms that depend on a host cell for development or reproduction

o Fungi – may be small or large parasitic organisms growing in a living or dead plant or animal

o Rickettsia – rod-shaped microorganisms that are smaller than bacteria and depend on a host for development or reproduction. Microorganisms transmitted by fleas, ticks, and lice

Common Health Problems from Biological Hazards

o Tuberculosis (TB)

o Tetanus

o Viral Hepatitis

o HIV/AIDS

o Diseases caused by virus

o Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

o Hepatitis B Infection

o Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

o Rabies

4. Ergonomic Hazards. Hazards commonly seen in the workplace, which are improperly

designed tools or work areas, improper lifting or reaching, poor visual conditions or repeated

motions in an awkward position that may be responsible for fatigue, stress and strain and

may lead to accidents in the occupational environment. Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the workers

Effects of Ergonomic Hazards

o low productivity

o high rate of errors

o material wastage and equipment

Health Problems caused by Ergonomics

o musculoskeletal problems

o vascular problems

o visual problems

o hearing problems

o skin problem

o psychological problems

Hazards in the work area

· Toxic substances -are substances that may cause harm to an individual if it enters the body. Toxic materials may enter the body in different ways. These ways are called the route of exposure. The most common route of exposure is through inhalation (breathing it into the lungs). Another common route of entry is through skin contact. Some materials can easily pass through unprotected skin and enter the body. Ingestion is another, less common, route of exposure in the workplace. Ingestion often occurs accidentally through poor hygiene practices

Debris

Disasters that result in property damage typically generate large quantities of debris that must be collected and transported for disposal. Debris must be removed from roads and other public areas to provide emergency access and in preparation for subsequent steps toward recovery.

Debris collection and removal tasks include picking up, clearing, separating, and removing debris. Most of these tasks are typically performed using heavy equipment; however, some manual effort can be necessary at every stage.

Loose objects/fixtures

Be careful when materials or machine part is ejected from the machine when it is operational. Make sure that materials are properly held and machine parts are properly tighten up.

Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals in the workplace are substances, mixtures and materials that can be classified according to their health and physicochemical risks and dangers.

Health hazards include skin irritants, carcinogens or respiratory sensitisers that have an adverse effect on a worker's health as a result of direct contact with or exposure to the chemical, usually through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.

Physicochemical hazards generally result from a substance's physical and chemical properties, as is the case with flammable, corrosive, oxidising or explosive substances.

You must be extra careful in handling or storing of hazardous chemicals and material

Flamable Material

Working with flammable and combustible liquids involves a multitude of potential hazards for both employees and the environment. When handling or storing flammables, it’s vital to be aware of these hazards to mitigate any potential risks.

· Liquids like paints, acids, solvents especially if chemicals are in an unlabeled container.

· Vapors and fumes that come from welding or exposure to solvents

· Gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium

· Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents, and explosive chemicals

Open flames

Rotating equipment

can damage your body and property. Motor that drives fans, compressors and pumps are dangerous because it has much power.

Precaution: If your shirt, sleeve or your coat is caught in a motor drive pulley or coupling, you could be injured. You should never ware loose clothing around a rotating machinery, even a small electric hand drill can wind up part of your shirt before you can turn off the drill from rotating

Safety Precaution: When you start a motor, stand to the side of the motor drive mechanism. If some parts of the machine would loosen or fly off it would strike you.

Electrical faults

Are associated with power tools and electrically driven mechanical equipment with complex automatic control systems. There are also dangers of electrical contact and shock under damp and wet conditions, or during installation and repair work that takes place near live apparatus.

The manufacturer’s instructions and recommended safe practices should be read and understood. Faulty installation,improper grounding, and incorrect operation and maintenance of electrical equipment are all sources of danger.

Procedures to minimise the risk of electric shock

Chemicals

- in the industry are widespread and diverse. Mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning require the use of several potentially hazardous gases and/or liquids under pressure which present the danger of burns, asphyxiation, fire, and explosion. Workers may also suffer short-term and long-term health effects from accidental or repeated exposure to some of these toxic substances .All chemicals, especially acids, should be treated with great respect and must be handled with care. Rubber gloves, acid-proof coveralls, and safety goggles and breathers should be worn and use when working with chemicals.

Hot metals

-Molten metal, sparks, slag, and hot work surfaces are produced while working in RAC, cutting, and other processes. These can cause burns if precautionary measures are not used. You should wear protective clothing made of fire-resistant material. Pant cuffs, open pockets, or other places on clothing that can catch and retain molten metal or sparks should not be worn. High-top shoes or leather leggings and fire-resistant gloves should be worn. Pant legs should be worn over the outside of high-top shoes. Helmets or hand shields that provide protection for the face, neck, and ears, and a head covering to protect the head should be used. In addition, appropriate eye protection should be used.

Other Hazards:

Hazards can also be encountered during the weld cleaning process. Precautions must be taken to protect the skin and eyes from hot slag particles. The welding helmet, gloves, and heavy clothing protect the skin from slag chipping and grinding of the weld metal. Safety glasses should also be worn underneath the welding helmet to protect the eyes from particles that could get inside the welding helmet. The discarded stubs of the electrodes can also be a safety hazard. If these are dropped on the floor during electrode changes they can become a hazard because they roll or slide easily. If a welder steps on these he could fall and possibly be injured, so it is necessary to keep the floor of the welding area clear of electrode

stubs.

EVALUATE HAZARDS AND RISK

Whether your action is considered safe, it is often about a matter of evaluating risk. Risk is a measure of the probability, consequences, and exposure related to an event. Probability is the chance that a given event will occur. Consequences are the results of an action, condition, or event. Exposure is the amount of time and/or the degree to which someone or something is exposed to an unsafe condition, material, or environment.

A safe operation is one in which there is an acceptable level of risk. This means there is a low probability of an incident and that the consequences and exposure risk are all acceptable. For example, climbing a ladder has risk that is considered to be acceptable if the proper ladder is being used as intended, if it is set up correctly, and if it is in good condition. The probability of exposure to a hazard and its potential consequences are all low. If any one of these conditions were different, climbing the ladder would have an unacceptable level of risk.

The risk assessment process involves considering the consequences when a worker is exposed to a hazard. Risk assessment is essential while working in Refrigeration and Airconditioning.

In certain circumstances, a risk assessment will assist to:

• Determination of sources and processes causing risk.

• Identification of appropriate control measures.

• Ensuring the efficacy of existing control measures.

• Identification of workers prone to exposure.

CONTROL OF HAZARD AND RISK

A person working in Refrigeration and Airconditioning must accomplish enough control measures to manage the associated risks in a workplace. This comprises ensuring safe work habits are followed and safety measures are in place.

Airborne Contaminants

A few basic terms to be known before approaching the control measures are given as follows:

Natural Ventilation: It is the air movement through the workplace, which is caused due to natural forces. Outside the workplace, it is caused by the wind. Inside, it occurs through open doors and windows.

Mechanical Ventilation: It is the air movement in the workplace caused using an electrical device such as fan or exhaust fans mounted in the ceilings or walls.

Some control measures are given as follows:

• Elimination of exposure to the airborne contaminants.

• Sometimes, it is not practicable to eradicate risks, so measures to minimize the risk can be chosen, for example, substituting a hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one.

• Reduction in the quantity of used hazardous components.

• Isolation of the source of exposure.

• Utilizing engineering control measures like ventilators.

• Implementation of administrative control measures.

• Provision of respiratory protection

Electrical Risks

Using electrical equipment may result in the risk of electric shock. Exposure to electromagnetic

fields is a potential hazard for workers with certain medical conditions.

Electric shock results in burns or sometimes death by electrocution. Electrocution occurs by direct contact with the electriity, live part, workpiece or contact with any unearthed cable or equipment. Electric shock risk worsens with moisture and high humidity.

Some of the control measures are given as follows:

• Prevention of contacting electricity with bare hands by using electrical gloves

• Ensure that tools are properly insulated..

• Checking the working area for the presence of any live components or wetness.

• Inspection of equipment like power switches, connections, cables and insulation whether they work in good condition

Follow procedure for controlling hazards and risks in the workplace

· Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is compulsory in RAC, and also when handling and working with refrigerants.

· Always ensure good ventilation while working on refrigeration systems.

· Ensure that refrigerant can not accumulate in low areas where they can

cause fatal accidents.

· Specific color-coding shall be followed for cylinders/containers of different

Refrigerants.

· Pressure safety devices (i.e. pressure relief valves, safety pressure switches)

shall be installed to prevent the equipment from operating over the maximum

working pressure and must be calibrated.

· A dual pressure-relief valve with changeover device shall be installed for

larger systems to facilitate the repair/replacement without impairing system

protection.

· Safety precautions shall be observed for systems retrofitted with hydrocarbon,

which is flammable.

· Proper protective caps shall be used on valves of refrigerant cylinders to

prevent damage to valves that will cause refrigerant leaks.

· Avoid contact with liquid refrigerants that can cause severe frostbite.

· Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids may be present in contaminated

recovered refrigerant and oils. Utmost care must be taken to prevent contact,

even with oil spills when servicing contaminated equipment.

· Never exceed the cylinder’s safe liquid weight level based on net weight. Maximum capacity of any cylinder is 80% by maximum gross.

· Appropriate wheeled device must be used to transport larger cylinders. Ensure that the cylinder is securely strapped when moving from one location to another. Never roll a cylinder on its side.

· Good quality hoses/manifolds should always be used with seals/gaskets in place.

· Never refill disposable cylinders.

· Open flame should not be used on a refrigeration system that has not been fully/properly evacuated for servicing and filled with inert gas (e.g. dry nitrogen).

· Never use “halide torch method” (flame test) for leak testing undetermined refrigerant in a system.

· Never use oxygen or compressed air for pressure or leak testing or when blowing-off piping to remove welding, brazing or cutting debris.

· Avoid inhalation or exposure to refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. This will irritate skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

· Never open refrigerant drums (for low pressure refrigerants) until it is cooled down to atmospheric pressure/temperature when replacing its cap with valves.Electrical wirings should be kept away from contact with the system’s discharge line. This will damage the wire’s insulation that may cause short circuit.

· All power supply should be disconnected and disabled to any equipment requiring recovery of refrigerants.

· Never connect grounding wire to gas pipes, water pipes, telephone grounds, and lightning arresters.

· Never use new refrigerants without reading its MSDS ( Material Safety Data Sheets).

· Use tools with insulated handles that are in good condition when working with the system’s electrical lines.

Practice Occupational Health and Safety Standards

Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) are mandatory rules and standards set and

enforced to eliminate or reduce occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace. OSH Standards aim to provide at least the minimum acceptable degree of protection that must

be granted to every worker in relation to dangers of injury, sickness, or death that may arise by

reason of his or her occupation. The provision of OSHS by the government is an exercise of

police power, with the intention of promoting the welfare and well-being of workers.

Coverage and Scope of OSHS

All establishments, workplaces, and undertakings are covered, including agricultural enterprises

whether operating for profit or not, except:

1. Residential places exclusively devoted to dwelling purposes.

2. Those directly engaged in land, sea and air transportation (however, their dry dockets,

garages, hangers and maintenance, and repair shops and offices are covered.

3. The activities of a lessee regarding the safety of a mining claim or lease, including

mines safety, mineral conservation, and pollution in establishments or work places

falling under the mining industry.

Minimum Standards on Safety and Health in the Workplace

The OSHS require every company to keep and maintain its workplace free from work hazards

that are likely to cause physical harm to the workers or damage to property.

The following must be provided by the employer;

· Appropriate seats, lighting, and ventilation.

·

· Adequate passageways, exits, and firefighting equipment

· Separate toilet facilities and lockers for men and women.

· Appropriate safety clothing like protective gear, masks, helmets, safety boots, coats,

or goggles.

· Medicines, medical supplies, or first-aid kits.

· Free medical and dental services and facilities.

Safety Measures to be observed within the Premises of Establishments

· Building premises shall have adequate fire, emergency or danger signs and

safety instructions of standard colors and sizes visible at all times.

· Other visible signs that may be needed to direct the drivers of motorized vehicle

such as STOP, YIELD, and DO NOT ENTER, properly positioned within the

compound of the establishment to increase safety especially during the night.

· Handicapped employees shall be restricted only to designated workplaces. For as

practicable and feasible reasons, they shall be provided with facilities for safe and

convenient movement within the establishment.

· Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through cleanliness of

buildings, yards, machines, equipment, regular waste disposal, and the orderly

arrangement of process operations, storage and filing materials.

· Adequate dressing rooms, lockers rooms, comfort rooms and lavatories separate

for male and female workers shall be provided

Responsibilities of Employers and Employees under OSHS

Duties of Employers

· Adopt administrative policies on safety in accordance with the provisions of the

standards.

· Report to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative the

policies adopted and the safety organization established.

· Submit to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative once

every three months a report on the safety performance, safety committee

meetings and its recommendations and measures taken to implement the

recommendation.

· Act on recommended safety measures and provide access to appropriate

authorities.

Duties of Employees

· Follow safety policies.

· Report unsafe conditions and practices to the supervisor.

· Serve as member of the Health and Safety Committee, when called upon to do so.

· Cooperate with the Health and Safety Committee.

· Assist government agencies in the conduct of safety and health inspection

Check Point: Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer .

1. What is the best reason for cleaning spills such as grease and water as soon as possible?

A. to avoid accident

B. to make the area clean

C. to eliminate eye sore

D. to impress visitors

2. What is essential part of every job so as not to waste time and effort?

A. good housekeeping

B. good planning

C. good assessing

D. good recording

3. What kind of tools are manipulated by muscle power and skill?

A. hand tools

B. power tools

C. specialized tools

D. swage tools

4. Which of these tools belong to the power tools category?

A. circular saw

B. set of pliers

C. screw driver

D. wrenches

5. What is any unforeseen event that may result to injury?

A. accident

B. incident

C. movement

D. performance

6. What are safety gadgets and devices used by workers/technicians to prevent hazards during work?

A. personal protective equipment

B. personal computer

C. mask

D. none of the above

7. One way of eliminating is to substitute substance with higher toxic levels.

A.refrigerant

B. hazard

C. gas

D.none of the above

8. What will you do if tools and equipment are in faulty conditions?

A. use it then complain

B. drop it, then report defects

C. secure it, then operate it again

D. reports it to the supervising person on tools and equipment.

9. What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are we going to use if we are constructing a high rise building?

A. gloves

B. mask

C. hard hat

D. respiratory equipment

10. PPE means ?

A. people, place and events

B. proper protection of eyes

C. personal protective equipment

D. personal protective environment

Things to Do:

· List down hazards and risks in the RAC workplace.

· Practice OSHS

Key points:

· In practicing good house keeping you must follow, observe and do the following: cleaning materials must be identified according to specified application and procedures;workplace area, tools, materials and equipment are cleaned using specified cleaning materials, workplaces are in safe condition in accordance with safety regulation practices.

· Hazards and risk should be Identify, evaluated and control to have a safe environment.

· Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) are mandatory rules and standards set and enforced to eliminate or reduce occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace.

References:

· REX MILLER SYMBOLS

· Modern Refrigeration RAC Trouble Shouting By: Athouse Andrew ,

· Airconditioning and Refrigeration by Malestrome

· DepEd. K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum/Technology and Livelihood Education -Learning Module on Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (Dom RAC) NC I,by: Joel C. Natividad & Jordan G. Domingo

· General Training Airconditioning 1 -Module 10 Refrigeration Cycle accessories Carrier , Syracuse, NY

Refrigeration & Airconditioning Technology, 7^th Edition, by: William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson

John A. Tomczyk, & Eugene Silberstein

· Code of Practice for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, By: The Technical Working Group (TWG)

c/o National CFC Phaseout Plan- Project Management Unit (NCPP-PMU)

Philippine Ozone Desk-Environmental Management Bureau (POD-EMB)

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City

· Core Curriculum Introductory Craft Skills Trainee Guide Fifth Edition, By: Troy Staton, Carol Herbert, Thomas Burke, Darrell Wilkerson, & Cliff Bennett Copyright © 2015, 2009, 2004, 2000, 1992 by NCCER and published by Pearson Education, Inc., New York, NY 10013.

· Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trade Safety for Construction, Service, and Maintenance Workers,Copyright © 1994, 2009, By Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.

· Competency Based Curriculim Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)