Guidance for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder

Transcription

1 Guidance for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (updated 1998) came into force in January The purpose of the regulations is to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling operations. To comply with these regulations, the Imperial College as an employer must identify all manual handling operations undertaken by its employees and appoint a competent person to assess the risks involved in the manual handling activities. It is imperative to carry out a risk assessment on manual handling of gas cylinders which is a high risk activity. Cylinders are extremely heavy due to the fact that they are made of metal and have to withstand high pressure. They are also unstable when unsupported because of their long, thin shape. Over 30% of the accidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR 1995 (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) were caused by manual handling activities. To reduce these risks staffs that operate mechanical aids, such as cylinder trolleys must be fully trained in their use and the use of correct body mechanics for pushing and pulling. The Imperial College has an Occupational Health Unit which provides advice and, general training on manual handling to staff. Staff suffering from manual handling injuries must report it to the Occupational Health Unit using the accident form which can be obtain from the College website (Safety Unit).

2 Risk Assessment 1. Identify hazards associated with manual handling of gas cylinders The impact from falling cylinders can cause explosion resulting in injuries from flying parts. Manual handling of cylinders involving wrong postures can caused severe health problems such as disc injuries, sprains and strains when muscles are stretched. Fractures can be caused by crushing body parts under the heavy load of the cylinder. 2. Identify people at risk The risk assessment must identity everyone who is at risk for the hazards involved in handling gas cylinders: People directly involved in performing the tasks (technicians, post graduates students), and people who might be in the vicinity when there is an accident such as contractors, cleaners, maintenance workers, students, and visitors. Persons at risk must be identified to devise adequate control measures which must give priority to protecting the whole workplace instead of concentrating on individual measures such as use of protective personal equipment. 3. Evaluation of existing control Adequate control measures involved carrying out a risk assessment under the Manual Handling Operation Regulation 1992 (amended 1998) and taking the following point into account: - Mass and dimension of the gas cylinders (safety data sheet from supplier). - Establish gripping points before doing the lift such as valve guard. - Use of suitable PPE: lab coat, safety spectacles/goggles, safety shoes. -Use of ergonomically designed mechanical aids e.g. cylinder trolley. - Perform the task by two staff.

3 4. Record the finding The finding of the risk assessment must be recorded and communicated to all staff involved in the manual handling of gas cylinders. The risk assessment must be reviewed when there is any change in the task (longer carrying distance) or personnel (untrained staff) involved. Techniques for Safe Manual Handling of Gas Cylinders Loading Gas Cylinder on trolley Wear steel toe capped shoes and industrial quality gloves Undo securing bars on trolley and slide it near the cylinder Unhook chain from rack and place palm of hand on top of cylinder neck, get a firm grip Tilt cylinder slightly forward so it rests on the rim of the base and use the other hand to rotate cylinder milk churning it from rack to trolley Pushing trolley and unloading gas cylinder Fasten securing bars on the trolley Place one foot on the axle and tilt the trolley back so it balances comfortably on the wheels Keeping back straight, push trolley and set it down in front of the laboratory bench Remove cylinder from trolley, milk churning it into its new position and clamp it securely to the bench using chains, or straps.

4 Training Training is an important way of achieving competence and contributes to the laboratory s health and safety culture at all levels. All employees must be given the following training: 1. General training on Manual Handling as part of induction training which should outline all the relevant health and safety issues associated with manual handling operations. 2. Task specific training identified by suitable risk assessment of all manual handling tasks performed by staff. Thus employees involved with handling of gas cylinders must receive specific manual handling training, as well as refresher training, including some practical session in the course to demonstrate to staff how to perform the manual handling task e.g. proper manual handling technique to load and propel a cylinder trolley. The objectives of this manual handling guidance is to assist the staff involved with manual handling of gas cylinders to reduce the number of manual handling injuries by providing practical advice to reduce the risks associated with handling of cylinders. Safe manual handling techniques when put into practice will help reduce sickness and absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, insurance premiums and compensation claims and improve productivity of the technical staff of the Imperial College.

5 An example of Risk Assessment carried out on the Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder Manual Handling of loads: Assessment checklist Section A Preliminary: Task description: Handling of gas cylinder. Load weight: 60 Kg Carrying distance: *Circle as appropriate Is an assessment needed? (e.g. is there risk for injury?) Yes/ Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives: Yes If Yes continue. If assessment need go no further. Operations covered by this assessment Gas cylinder from ground floor lifted and placed on trolley which is manoeuvred into lift, then pushed into lab, unloaded and placed near lab bench. Locations: Loading bay to Laboratory on 3 rd floor. Personnel involved: Lab Technician Date of assessment: January 06 Section B See detailed analysis Section C Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/ Med/ High Section D- Remedial action to be taken Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: 1. Provide ergonomically designed cylinder trolley. 2. Task specific training for technicians. 3. Wear suitable PPE 4. Obtain help when doing the task 5. Always keep a spare oxygen cylinder in the lab. Date by which action should be taken: January 06 Date for reassessment: July 06 Assessor s name: S.J

6 Section B Detailed Risk Assessment for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinders Questions to consider If yes, tick level of risk Do the tasks involve: Low Medium High -High initial force to get load moving? -High forces to keep load in motion? -Sudden movements to start stop or manoeuvre the load? -Twisting/manoeuvring of the load into position or around obstacles? -One-handed operations? -The hand below the waist or above shoulder height? -Movement at high speed? -Movement over long distances? -Repetitive pushing/ pulling? The loads to be moved: -Does it lack good handholds? -Is it unstable/ unpredictable? -Is vision over it restricted? Problems occurring from the task Wheels difficult to move, not well aligned. Weight supported on arms to balance cylinder on trolley and maintain it in position, high force required.. Long distance: from 3 rd floor to loading bay situated on ground floor, shoulder and arms muscles under considerable strain Due to its shape and absence of handle on cylinders, and inclined position, initial large force needed to push trolley. when loading and unloading cylinder on trolley, risk of unpredictable movement high Thin and long shape made it unstable Possible remedial action e.g. changes to be made to load, task, environment Review procedures for maintenance of trolley. Review suitability of mechanical equipment. Possibility of using two staffs to perform task.

7 Question to consider If yes, tick level of risk If trolleys used, are they: Low Medium High -Unsuitable for the type of load? -Unsuitable for the floor surface/ work environment? -Difficult to steer? -Easily damaged or defective? Problems occurring from the task Unsuitable trolley for a 65 Kg cylinder, technician has to support trolley handle which put excessive strain on shoulder, forearms and wrists. Very difficult to steer and to hold handle of trolley to prevent cylinder from falling. Difficult to balance cylinder on trolley. Possible remedial action Consult manufacturer to find alternative model of trolley. Assess design of handles and ensure handle height are appropriate. -Without brake or difficult to stop? -With brakes, but the brakes are poor/ineffective? -Without a planned inspection and maintenance regime based on a frequency that keeps them in working order? Maintenance of trolley needed i.e. lubrication, cleaning of wheels. Arrange for plan preventive maintenance of trolleys.

8 Questions to consider If yes, tick level of risk Do the tasks involve: Low Medium High -Consider the work environment: are there: -Constraints on posture -Confined spaces/ narrow doorways? -Surfaces or edges to cause cuts/abrasions/burns to hand or body -Rutted/damaged/slippery floors? -Ramps/slopes/uneven surface? -Trapping or tripping hazards? -Hot/cold/humid conditions? -Strong air movement? -Poor lighting conditions? Consider individual capability-does the job: -Require unusual capability? -Pose a risk to those with a health problem or physical/learning disability -Pose a risk to pregnant women? -Call for special information/training? Problems occurring from the task Large constraint on posture while holding the trolley and trying to prevent load from falling. Hard to open doors while holding trolley. Confined space: transport cylinder in lift. Presence of uneven surface: Problems occur when engaging the two-wheeled trolley in lift (lift floor sometime not at same levelled). Person need to be strong to be able to hold weight of cylinder on trolley. Hard to get the right equilibrium. Would pose risk to person with physical disability. Training needed. Possible remedial action Review suitability of trolley. Provide facilities (chain) to secure trolley in lift. Report problem to lift engineer. Review suitability of trolley Provide task-specific training.

9 Questions to consider Yes/ Problems occurring from the task Possible remedial action Other factors to consider Equipment -Is movement or posture hindered by clothing or personal protective equipment? -Is there an absence of correct/suitable PPE being worn? Yes Tricky to manoeuvre cylinder with gloves, dexterity decreased Find alternative types of gloves. -Are trolleys/floor surfaces poorly maintained/ cleaned/ repaired? -Is there a lack of regular maintenance procedures for the equipment? Work Organisation(Psychological factors) Yes Wheels not aligned properly Review maintenance procedures. -Do workers feel that there has been a lack of consideration given to the planning and scheduling of tasks/ rest breaks? -Do workers feel that there is poor communication between managers and employees (e.g. not involved in risk assessments of tasks)? -Are there sudden changes in workload, without mechanism to deal with the change?