Thursday, June 28, 2018

Welding Gas Cylinders Handling

1. Use the following personal protection when welding:

(a) Face or handheld shields shall be fitted with filters, to BS679 or equivalent, for the operators.

(b) Goggles to BS2092 or equivalent for use when chipping slag.

(c) Hand Gloves long enough to protect wrists and forearms against heat, sparks, molten metal and radiation.

(d) High-top boots to prevent sparks from entering footwear.

2. Screen off the work area with sturdy opaque or translucent materials because glare can cause eye injury.

3. Key for opening the acetylene cylinder valve must be kept on the valve stem while the cylinder is in use so that the cylinder valve may be immediately shut off in emergency.

4. Ventilate the workplace using air blowers and exhaust fans to remove poisonous fumes and gases that are given off during welding.

5. Make sure that a closed vessel, tank or cylinder, which may have contained petrol oils, spirits, paint, or any flammable or explosive material, contains no trace of the substance or explosive vapour, or flammable vapour, and has been purged to make it safe when welding it.

6. Take precautions against flying sparks and hot slag where welding is being done near flammable materials and check the area before leaving.

7. Do not weld material degreased with solvents until completely dry.

8. Do not use gas cylinders for supporting work or as rollers.

9. Do not use oil grease on oxygen cylinder fittings.

10. Do not use cylinders with damaged valves. 

11. Do not use undue force if valves are stuck. Always open cylinder valves slowly.

12. Ensure that appropriate type of regulators and flashback arrestors are installed and maintained in sound condition.

13. Open the regulator screw on a welding torch before opening the cylinder valve. Open cylinder valves slowly and shut all valves when the equipment is not in use.

14. Replace valve caps after use.

15. Ensure that hose lines are in sound condition and secure to avoid damage.

16. Search for leaks in equipment by using a solution of soapy water.

17. Shut the cylinder valve if acetylene from a cylinder catches fire at the valve or regulator due to leakage at a connection.

18. Treat all gas cylinders as “full” unless you are sure otherwise.

19. Never attempt to transfer acetylene from one cylinder to another or attempt to refill an acetylene cylinder.

20. Place portable fire extinguishers near the welding area.

21. Secure all cylinders against accidental displacement.

22. Always lift gas cylinders. Do not slide them along the ground or drop them from trucks.

23. Keep gas cylinders in a vertical position both in storage and when in use.

24. Keep the workplace dry, secure, free from combustible materials and obstruction.

25. Store the acetylene and oxygen cylinders separately. 

26. Store gas cylinders in a properly constructed store.

27. Keep the gas cylinders from source of heat, flammable materials, corrosive chemicals and fumes.

28. Do not store gas cylinders in excess of the "exempted quantities" as stipulated in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, except in a licensed DG store.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Confined Space, Confined Space Hazards And Control Measures

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY:

In order for a work area to be defined as a confined space it must meet all three of the following criteria:

1. Limited Openings for Entry and Exit. 

A confined space may be difficult to enter and perform repair work, or general maintenance. If something goes wrong while you are inside a confined space, escape/rescue may be difficult. Just because a work area has more than one way of escape, does not necessarily mean it is not a confined space. If the space has limited ways to get in and out, it could be a confined space. An open top tank would have limited openings for entry and exit.

2. The Space is not intended for Continuous Human Occupancy. 

This means that the space was designed to hold something other than people. Examples include tanks and manholes.

3. The Space is Large Enough for You to Enter and Conduct Work. 

If you cannot fit your body into the space you cannot become trapped inside. 

CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS:

Toxic Gases Hazards (H2S, Cl2, NH3 & CO Gases)

Flammable Gases Hazards (LPG, DA, Hydrogen)

Oxygen Deficiency Hazard

Oxygen Enrichment

Explosion Hazard

Fire Hazard

Excessive Heat Hazard

Physical Hazards:

Noise, heat / cold, radiation, vibration, electrical and Illumination hazard.

Biological Hazards:

Viruses, Bacteria, Sludge, Fungi or molds.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY CONTROL MEASURES:

The key elements to be considered when drawing up a safe system of work are:

Competence, training, supervision and suitability

Permit-to-work procedure

Gas purging and ventilation

Dangerous residues

Testing and monitoring of the atmosphere

Mechanical, electrical and process isolation

Respiratory protective equipment

Other personal protective equipment

Safe use of work equipment

Communications

Entry & Exit

Flammable or explosive atmospheres

Combustible Materials

30 Essential Road Safety Rules


Every now and then, we come across new vehicles on the road. Hence, it is vital to know and to follow the basic road safety rules and to ensure that everyone else follow these rules too. The road safety rules are designed to suit the best interest of the Indian citizens. In a huge country like India, it may be difficult to execute these safety rules; but, it is not impossible.

Here are 30 essential road safety rules to be followed in India:

1. Keep Left:

Drive adjacent to the left side of the road and let other vehicles in the opposite direction to pass on the right hand side.

2.  Turning Left:

If you want to turn left, stay close to the left side and then, turn left. After turning, continue to stay to the left side of the road.

3.  Turning Right:

When you want to turn right, you should first come to the center of the road carefully and then, turn right keeping your vehicle close to the left side of the road.

4.   Passing:

Always remember to pass or overtake the vehicle in front of yours from its right side.

5.  Passing Prohibited:

Overtaking or passing a vehicle and progress in the same direction is prohibited in the following cases:

If overtaking or passing causes trouble to any other vehicle moving in any direction

Overtaking is prohibited in a curve as you may not have a clear view of the road ahead and sometimes, it may lead to serious accidents

It is not wise to overtake or pass if you see the other vehicle's driver already starting to overtake your vehicle

If the other driver does not give a signal allowing your vehicle to overtake their vehicle

6.  When another Vehicle Overtakes your Vehicle:

You should not try to increase your speed or do anything that prevents the other vehicle from passing or overtaking.

7.  Intersections:

You should be extra cautious while approaching a junction, intersections or a crossing. Make sure that your vehicle does not cause any inconvenience to other vehicles or pedestrians.

8.   Right of Way:

While approaching an intersection, always give a right of way to vehicles already progressing on that particular road. In other cases, you should proceed only after giving way to vehicles approaching from the right side of the road..

9.  Emergency Vehicles:

As a road user, it is your responsibility to give way to fire service vehicles and ambulances.

10.  Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings.

11.  “U” Turns:

U turns can only be taken when

There is no warning sign nearby

You give a proper indication to other vehicle drivers that you are going to take a U turn either by hand signals or vehicle indicators

You confirm through the mirrors that there is no traffic behind your vehicle

There is no traffic around your vehicle and take U turn only when it is safe

12.  Required Signals:

 If your vehicle indicators get damaged without any warning, what will you do? At this juncture, hand signals can be really helpful and hence, it is essential for you to learn them. Here are certain situations where hand signs can be used when your vehicle indicator or brakes are not in proper working condition:

When your vehicle is slowing down

When your vehicle is preparing to stop

When you are planning to turn right or overtake a vehicle from the right side

When you plan to turn left

When you give permission to the vehicle behind you to overtake your vehicle

13.  Indicators:

By using mechanical devices or electronic devices, you can simplify the signals for indication.

14.  Parking:

When you park the vehicle, make sure that it does not cause any hurdle or disturbance to any other road users.

15.  Registration:

No goods or loads should be kept in a way that hinders the visibility of other vehicles, the headlamps, tail lamps or the vehicle's registration number. If the vehicle's registration number is some way tampered, it should be replaced immediately with a duplicate one.

16.  One way Roads:

In the case of one way roads, try to drive only in the direction indicated on the road signs. Never park your vehicle in reverse on a one way street.

17.  Stop Lines:

When there are stop lines on the road, ensure that you stop the vehicle behind those lines.

18. Towing:

No vehicles should be towed closer to other vehicles on the road. Some of the exceptions are:

Vehicles that are mechanically disabled
x

Partially assembled vehicles

Registered trailers and sidecars

All these vehicles are allowed to tow for the purpose of delivery, reaching the nearest service station, or garage.

19. Noise:

Drivers should not:

Use the horn needlessly

Use the horn in prohibited areas like hospital zones, school zones, etc.

Use horns that are blaring, irritating, or loud

Use vehicles that cause a lot of noise when in motion

Drive vehicles without proper silencers

20.  Traffic Lights and Signs:

Always obey traffic signs, the instructions given by traffic officials or any other authorized person.

21.  Following Distance:

It is better to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you since there is a chance for the vehicle to stop suddenly. When you keep sufficient distance, you will be able to avoid unnecessary hazards.

22.  Right of way on Steep Roads:

When the width of the road decreases, it will be difficult for each vehicle to pass at the same time. In such cases, it is always better to stop your vehicle aside and let the other vehicle pass.

23.  Obstruction of Control:

You should not allow anything that obstructs the view of the road. No one should be permitted to settle, stand, or place anything that hinders his control on the vehicle.

24.  Passing Pedestrians:

Do not drive your vehicle at a speed of more than 25 km/hr, especially when you pass a procession, meeting, strike, or a march.

25. Tractor and Goods Carriages:

It is not allowed to carry passengers on a tractor. Also, drivers of good carriages should not allow more passengers than registered.

26. Loading:

It is dangerous to overload vehicle with materials. There should not be anything in the loads that extend towards the front, back or rear side of the vehicle that cause inconvenience to other road users. Also, it should follow the height restrictions decided by the authorities.

27. Hazardous / Dangerous Materials:

 It is better for a public transport service to not carry explosive, inflammable, or harmful substances as it can be dangerous to them as well as other road users.

28.  Driving in Reverse:

When you take reverse, you should ensure that it does not cause annoyance to any other people on the road.

29. Essential Documents:

A driver should possess the following documents while driving a vehicle: –

Driving license

Registration certificate of the vehicle

Taxation certificate

Insurance certificate

Fitness certificate

Safe Driving Permit

All the above documents should be produced on the demand of a police officer or any authorized person. If the documents are not with them, either the attested copies should be given to the officer directly or sent by post within 15 days.

30.  Additional Regulations:

In addition to the rules mentioned above, the drivers should be aware about their duties, speed limits, weight limits, signals, etc. Also, they should have an idea about the consequences of driving vehicles without relevant documents, drunken driving etc.

The above mentioned rules can be very much valuable for people of all ages. These rules can make the people safe and secure on the roads. Every year, the number of vehicles on road goes on increasing; so does the importance of road safety. Hence, knowing essential road safety rules can help you and your friends from road related crisis.


Saturday, May 5, 2018

Solid & Hazardous Waste Questions And Answers


Question 1.  Hazardous Waste is defined by

A) OSHA

B) Its physical state

C) U.S. EPA

D) Local authorities

Question 2. Which of the following is Not hazardous waste

A) Pesticides

B) Batteries

C) Organic plant refuse

D) Heavy metals

Question 3. The facility where hazardous waste is created is call the

A) Waste generator

B) Chemical processor

C) Storage area

D) Controlled area

Question 4. The place where hazardous waste is created and stored temporarily is called

A) Generation point

B) Satellite Area

C) Chemical storage area

D) Exclusion zone

Question 5. What is the maximum volume of waste that can be stored at a satellite area

A) 550 pounds

B) 12 cubic feet

C) 300 gallons

D) 55 gallons

Question 6. The centralized hazardous waste storage are may store waste for

A) 1 year

B) 10 hours

C) 90 days

D) 5 shifts

Question 7. The EPA defines hazardous substances as having one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosives, reactivity, or toxicity.

A) True

B) False

Question 8. A substance that is poisonous to humans or other organisms by interfering with normal body physiology is called a

A) Hazardous substance.

B) Toxic substance.

C) Hazardous waste.

D) Lethal dose.

E) None of the above

Question 9. Hazardous wastes are regulated in the United States under which environmental regulatory act?

A) Clean Water Act (CWA)

B) Clean Air Act (CAA)

C) Hazardous Waste Regulation Act (HWRA)

D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

E) None of the above

Question 10. In the industrialized countries of Europe and North America, chemical and petrochemical industries produce nearly 70% of all hazardous wastes.

A) True

B) False

Question 11. During a toxicology study, the highest level of exposure at which none of the test animals is affected is called the

A) LD50.

B) Threshold level.

C) Safe level.

D) Acute level.

E) Chronic level.

Question 12. What do toxicologists call the exposure to small doses of a particular chemical over long periods of time, like our exposure to lead in paint and gasoline?

A) chronic exposure

B) acute exposure

C) renewed exposure

D) non-persistent exposure

E) none of the above

Question 13. Regulations for persistent chemicals, like PCBs, tend to emphasize the importance of chronic exposure, while regulations for non-persistent chemicals, like pesticides, tend to emphasize the importance of acute exposure.

A) True

B) False

Question 14. The most serious environmental effect posed by hazardous wastes is

A) Air pollution.

B) Contamination of groundwater.

C) Increased use of land for landfills.

D) Destruction of habitat.

E) None of the above.

Question 15. The federal program that deals with the cleanup of hazardous waste sites is popularly called

A) National Priority List.

B) Superfund.

C) Toxic Waste Reduction and Removal.

D) United States Office of Technology Assessment.

E) none of the above.

Question 16. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are about 2500 hazardous waste sites in the United States that are eligible for placement on the National Priority List for cleanup at an estimated cost of nearly $30 billion.

A) True

B) False

Question 17. Due to increases in population and the United States economy, the EPA reported that hazardous waste production has increased dramatically since the early 1990s.

A) True

B) False

Question 18. Of the following ways to manage hazardous waste, which would the EPA emphasize first through its pollution-prevention hierarchy?

A) recycling

B) pollution prevention

C) land disposal

D) incineration

E) none of the above

Question 19. If waste oil from automobiles is burned in power plants, this is an example of

A) treatment of wastes.

B) pollution prevention.

C) waste recycling.

D) land disposal.

E) none of the above.

Question 20. Despite the EPA's emphasis on pollution prevention, over 80% of the hazardous wastes in North America, Europe, and Japan are disposed of on land or through water treatment plants.

A) True

B) False

Answers : 

1. C, 2. C, 3. A, 4. B, 5. D,

6. C, 7. A, 8. B, 9. D, 10. A,

11. B, 12. A, 13. A, 14. B, 15. B,

16. A, 17. B, 18. B, 19. C, 20. A