Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Manual Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Adamawa Plaza, Plot 1099 First Avenue, Central Business District P.M.B 136 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Issue Date: Version 1: March 2008 ii "This publication has been prepared by Princeton Energy Resources International, Inc. on behalf of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission under a Grant provided by the United States Trade & Development Agency. Copyright 2008 Version 1 Printing No. 1"Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements i PREFACE The Health and Safety Standards embodied in this document have been developed as a part of a Technical Assistance (TA) project to the Government of Nigeria. The Technical Assistance for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission Health and Safety Standards Project is a program to the Government of Nigeria (GON) aimed at developing industry-specific health and safety (H&S) standards. The project was funded as a grant (Grant Number GH061136289) by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and implemented by Princeton Energy Resources International (PERI), LLC, a U.S. based corporation. The Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety standards created under the assistance program represents a technical reference document with both general and industry-specific examples and guidelines of International Industry Best Practice (IIBP). The industry guidelines are designed to be used to address common safety issues specific to the industry sector; however many sections are potentially applicable to other industry sectors. The power sector in Nigeria is a critical infrastructure needed for the economic, industrial, technological and social development of the Country The World Bank and others have long recognized that electricity consumption is one of the indices for measuring the standard of living of any country. The standards contained herein represent the first major updating of industry-specific safety rules and best practices since the 1980s for the power sector in Nigeria. At the time of preparation of the standards, the national electricity grid consisted of Fifteen generating stations (4 hydro and 11 thermal) with a total installed generating capacity of 7,994MW. Although the installed capacity of the existing power stations is presently 7,994MW, the maximum load ever recorded was 3,774.4MW in August 2005. Presently, many of the generating units have broken down due to limited available resources to carry out maintenance. The transmission lines are radial and overloaded. The switchgears are obsolete while power transformers have not been maintained. The distribution sub-sector is in need of upgrading as many of its distribution transformers are overloaded. Overall transmission and distribution losses are in the range of 3040%. The electricity network has been characterized by system collapses as a result of low generating capacity by the few generating stations presently in service. For a country of more than 150 million people, the generation capacity is inadequate to meet the consumers electricity demand. The current projected capacity that needs to be into the system is estimated at 10,000 MW. It is expected that these would come in through Independent Power Producers (IPPs) as a liberalized Electricity Supply Industry evolves in Nigeria. As the infrastructure expands to meet the needs of Nigeria as a nation, the standards will need to grow and expand. Therefore, the standards themselves should be considered a living document that will be modified, expanded upon and in some instances contracted to meet technological changes in the workforce. Limited accident statistics specific to this sector have only recently been gathered by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); however they reflect monthly fatalities from electrocution in both the public sector and among the sector workforce. These incidents are a direct result of the lack of International Industry Best Practices (IIBP) which technologically advanced nations have had in place and continually improve on. Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Codes Version 1: March 2008 ii The backbone of the industry is the labor force. The industry sector employs approximately 34,000 people. The country itself has a population of more than 150 million, with about 40% of the population serviced by electricity. The need to protect workers and the general public from the hazards resulting from power generation, transmission, distribution and supply is simply a matter of protecting human life. Workplaces include all places of work; all non-electrical workers and members of the public in public places. Major causes of fatalities in workplaces include plug in appliances and flexible cords and fixed wiring, and maintenance related activities that are specific to the industry sector. Contact with power lines is a significant causative factor of electrical deaths across several of the electrical safety priorities such as workplaces and public places, but it is not the only one. Workplaces even within the industry sector represent a very diverse group of locations, with very different levels of electrical risk. Prioritization of high risk areas needs to be determined based on data, but is likely to include: the rural sector; the construction sector; and workplaces where water is significantly involved. The standards focus on all electrical and non-electrical workers engaged to perform work by electricity entities, involved in the generation, transmission or distribution of power in Nigeria. A review of numerous industry reported studies from the sector support that fatalities occurred which could have been prevented by the use of recognized electricity industry safe systems of work. Many more people have been electrocuted when they contacted electricity industry infrastructure such as power lines. Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements iii NOTICE These Standards are designed to save lives. The Nigerian Electric Regulatory Commission has stated its intent to enforce the standards. This means that the practices defined in this publication are legal obligations. Each employer has a legal obligation to ensure that a safe work environment is provided to all employees, both regular and non-regular. Contractors working at substations, transmission stations, power plants or engaging in any work activities involving power generation, transmission, distribution and servicing are also required to follow the best practices and safety standards defined in this publication. Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A large number of organizations and individuals have contributed time and information that went into the creation of the standards. The following organizations are expressly thanked for their contribution of materials, reviews, critiques and guidance: The U.S. Trade and Development Agency The World Bank Organization The U.S. Department of Energy The U.S. Department of Defense The U.S. Department of Homeland Security The World Health Organization The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Organization The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Gulf Publishing Co. Marcel Dekker Publishers SciTech Technical Services The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission Tennessee Valley Authority The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service U. S. Embassy in Nigeria Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements vii ABBREVIATIONS AC: Alternating Current (electricity; physics) ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists AED: Automated Eternal Defibrillator AFFF: Aqueous Film Forming Foam AFS: American Foundry Society AIHI: American Industrial Hygiene Association ANSI: American National Standards Institute ASTDR: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials ATB: Anti-Two-Block AU: Absorption Units C: Celsius CaF: Calcium Fluoride CDC: Center for Disease Control CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act CGA: Compressed Gas Association CGI: Combustible Gas Indicators CISD: Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Cm: Centimeters CNC: Condensation Nucleus Counter CO: Carbon monoxide CO2: Carbon Dioxide CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CSA: Construction Safety Association CSHO: Compliance Safety and Health Officer dB: Decibels DC: Direct Current (electricity) DUTs: Devices Under Test EAR: Expired Air Resuscitation EHSS: Environmental Health and Safety Services EHV: Extremely High Voltage EMS: Emergency Medical Services EPA: Environmental Protection Agency EPS: Electric Power Systems ESCBA: Escape Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus ESLI: End of Service Life Indicator FID: Flame Ionization Detector FMIS: Facilities Management Information System GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter GHz: Gigahertz (thousands of MHz) GM: Geiger-Muller H2S: Hydrogen Sulfide HASPs: Health and Safety Plans HAZWOPEP: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Codes Version 1: March 2008 viii HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air Hg: Mercury HR: Human Resource HRT: Health Response Team HSC: Health and Safety Coordinator HSO: Health and Safety Officer HV: High Voltage Hz: Hertz IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health Kg: Kilograms kHz: Kilohertz (1000 Hertz) kPa: Kilo Pascal LEL: Lower Explosive Limit LFL: Lower Flammable Limit LiF: Lithium Fluoride LMI: Load moment Indicators m: Meters MeV: Mega Electron Volt MHz: Megahertz (million Hertz) mR/hr: Milliroentgen Per Hour MRLS: Minimal Risk Levels MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheets MUC: Maximum Use Concentration MW: Molecular Weight NEPA: National Fire Protection Agency NERC: North American Electric Liability Corporation NHCA: National Hearing Conservation Association NIOSH: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health NO: Nitric oxide NRR: Noise Reduction Rating NRTL: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories NTOF: National Traumatic Occupational Facilities O3: Ozone OH&S: Occupational Health and Safety OSHA: Office of Safety and Health Administration Pa: Pascal PAPR: Powered Air Purifying Respirator PEL: Permissible Exposure Limits PID: Photo Ionization Detectors PM: Particulate Matter PPE: Personal Protective Equipment ppm: Parts Per Million PVC: polyvinyl chloride QLFT: Qualitative Fit Test QNFT: Quantitative Fit Test RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Acts Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements ix REL: Recommended Exposure Limits RF: Radiated Frequency RFC: Reference Concentration RFD: Reference Dose R/hr: Roentgens per Hour RH: Relative Humidity SA: Spectrum Analyzer SAR: Supplied Air Respirator SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SCBA: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus SHELS: Significant Human Exposure Levels SLTC: Salt Lake Technical Center SO2: Sulfur dioxide SPL: Sound Pressure Level STEL: Short-term Exposure Limits SVOCs: Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds TD: Thermal Desorption TICs: Toxicity Identified Compounds TLD: Thermoluminescent dosimeters TLV: Threshold Limit Value TWA: Time Weighted Average UEL: Upper Explosive Limits U.K.: United Kingdom U.S.: United States UV: Ultraviolet VOCs: Volatile Organic Compound VOM: Colt-Ohm-Milliameter VSA: Vector Signal Analyzer WHO: World Health Organization Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xi DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE TO MAINTAINING UP-TO-DATE STANDARDS As stated in the Preface, the changing landscape of technologies and IPPs planned for Nigeria require the standards to be flexible to meet future safety challenges. As such, the publication should be viewed as a living document that will require periodic review and updates. NERC will form a committee to review the standards every three years and make a formal recommendation as to whether Parts, Sections, or individual Paragraphs require revisions. They will then form an appropriate task force to make the revisions and to update the publication. If no changes are recommended, NERC will publish a statement to that effect on its web site. If changes are to be made, NERC will submit drafts of the standards for review and comment by the industry with a reasonable response time. Each page of the publication states the Version and date of Issuance in the Header. In this first printing, the reader will see Version 1: March 2008. Subsequent revisions will state Revision 1: Date; Revision 2: Date; and so forth. Owners of the publication may replace those pages with subsequent revisions. NERC will retain one or more copies of the each Version and Revision on permanent file in order to preserve the evolution of the standards. Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xiii FOREWORD AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STANDARDS The standards represent legal obligations. Not all of the standards are applicable or enforceable at every facility. Each facility must make an assessment as to which of the standards are applicable. This can be made by performing a job classification and hazards assessment and by consulting with NERC. The standards are organized into five Parts: Part I. How to Evaluate Safety Programs; Part II. Safety and Best Industry Practices; Part III. Worker Safety Rules; Part IV. Recordkeeping, Training, Inspections, Accident Investigation and Reporting; Part V. Risk and Vulnerability Assessments Each Part contains sections and subsections. For related topics, cross-referencing between Parts and individual Sections are provided. Users are likely to refer to Part II most extensively. These contain technical safety work standards. Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xv TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE........................................................................................................................................ i NOTICE......................................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................................ v ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... vii DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE TO MAINTAINING UP-TO-DATE STANDARDS....................................................................................................... xi FOREWORD AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STANDARDS.............................................. xiii PART I. HOW TO EVALUATE SAFETY PROGRAMS 1(a) Introduction ...........................................................................................................................I-3 1(b) Creating a Culture of Safety..................................................................................................I-3 1(c) Good Housekeeping ..............................................................................................................I-9 1(d) New Employee Orientation.................................................................................................I-14 1(e) Worker Rights .....................................................................................................................I-21 PART II. SAFETY AND BEST INDUSTRY PRACTICES SEC. 2(a) AIR QUALITY TESTING AND MONITORING.................................................... II-7 2(a)(1) Introduction..................................................................................................................... II-9 2(a)(2) Methods of Sampling and Testing.................................................................................. II-9 2(a)(3) Samplers and Monitors ................................................................................................. II-10 2(a)(4) Batteries ........................................................................................................................ II-19 2(a)(5) Adverse Conditions....................................................................................................... II-20 2(a)(6) Appendix - Instrument Chart ........................................................................................ II-21 2(a)(7) Bibliography ................................................................................................................. II-21 SEC. 2(b) NOISE TESTING AND MONITORING................................................................ II-23 2(b)(1) Introduction .................................................................................................................. II-25 2(b)(2) Noise Monitors and Meters .......................................................................................... II-25 2(b)(3) Occupational Noise Exposure Standard ....................................................................... II-27 2(b)(4) Bibliography................................................................................................................. II-32 SEC. 2(c) RADIATION MONITORS AND METERS ........................................................... II-35 2(c)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................... II-37 2(c)(2) Light.............................................................................................................................. II-37 2(c)(3) Ionizing Radiation......................................................................................................... II-38 2(c)(4) Nonionizing Radiation.................................................................................................. II-38 2(c)(5) Survey Meters for Radiation Detection ........................................................................ II-39 2(c)(6) Pocket Dosimeters ........................................................................................................ II-41 2(c)(7) Audible Alarm Rate Meters and Digital Electronic Dosimeters .................................. II-43 2(c)(8) Film Badges .................................................................................................................. II-43 2(c)(9) Thermoluminescent Dosimeters ................................................................................... II-44 2(c)(10) Annex Guide to Meter Selection and Applications ................................................. II-44 Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Codes Version 1: March 2008 xvi 2(c)(11) Bibliography ............................................................................................................... II-46 SEC. 2(d) ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS TESTING METERS .......................................... II-49 2(d)(1) Introduction .................................................................................................................. II-51 2(d)(2) Electronic Test Equipment Types................................................................................. II-51 2(d)(3) General Information on Safe Use ................................................................................. II-53 SEC. 2(e) SAFE CHEMICAL HANDLING............................................................................ II-55 2(e)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................... II-57 2(e)(2) Reference Standards ..................................................................................................... II-57 2(e)(3) Safe Chemical Exposure Tables ................................................................................... II-90 SEC. 2(f) JOB HAZARDS ANALYSIS ASSESSMENT...................................................... II-179 2(f)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................. II-181 2(f)(2) Responsibility and Tailgate Meetings......................................................................... II-181 2(f)(3) Hazards Assessment .................................................................................................... II-182 2(f)(4) Hazard Assessment and PPE Checklists ..................................................................... II-191 2(f)(5) Bibliography................................................................................................................ II-200 SEC. 2(g) PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ......................................................... II-201 2(g)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-203 2(g)(2) General Provisions...................................................................................................... II-203 2(g)(3) Requirements of a PPE Program................................................................................ II-203 2(g)(4) Guidelines for PPE Selection ..................................................................................... II-205 2(g)(5) Worker Training ......................................................................................................... II-205 2(g)(6) Eye and Face Protection ............................................................................................. II-206 2(g)(7) Head Protection .......................................................................................................... II-208 2(g)(8) Foot and Leg Protection ............................................................................................. II-209 2(g)(9) Hand and Arm Protection........................................................................................... II-210 2(g)(10) Protective Equipment for the Body .......................................................................... II-214 2(g)(11) Hearing Protection.................................................................................................... II-214 2(g)(12) Respiratory Protection.............................................................................................. II-215 2(g)(13) Bibliography............................................................................................................. II-227 SEC. 2(h) FIRST AID AND RESUSCITATION................................................................... II-229 2(h)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-231 2(h)(2) First Aid Assessments ................................................................................................ II-231 2(h)(3) Elements of a First Aid Training Program................................................................. II-232 2(h)(4) Periodic Program Updates.......................................................................................... II-235 2(h)(5) First Aiders ................................................................................................................. II-235 2(h)(6) First Aid Training and Certification........................................................................... II-235 2(h)(7) First Aid for Electric Shock........................................................................................ II-236 2(h)(8) Skills Update............................................................................................................... II-237 2(h)(9) First Aid Supplies ....................................................................................................... II-237 2(h)(10) Bibliography............................................................................................................. II-238 Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xvii SEC. 2(i) FIRE PROTECTION, EVACUATION, FIRST RESPONDER AND EMERGENCY PLANNING......................................................................................... II-239 2(i)(1) Flammability Properties .............................................................................................. II-241 2(i)(2) Ignition Temperature................................................................................................... II-246 2(i)(3) Flammability Limits .................................................................................................... II-247 2(i)(4) Vapor Density.............................................................................................................. II-249 2(i)(5) Specific Gravity........................................................................................................... II-250 2(i)(6) Water Solubility........................................................................................................... II-250 2(i)(7) Responding to Fires..................................................................................................... II-251 2(i)(8) Fire Fighting Agents.................................................................................................... II-254 2(i)(9) Electrical Fire Prevention............................................................................................ II-258 2(i)(10) Firefighting Guidance................................................................................................ II-259 2(i)(11) Specialized Rescue Procedures ................................................................................. II-264 2(i)(12) First Responder to Electrical Fire Incidents .............................................................. II-265 2(i)(13) Evacuation Planning.................................................................................................. II-266 2(i)(14) Bibliography.............................................................................................................. II-270 SEC. 2(j) ELECTRIC SHOCK AND LOCKOUT/TAGOUT ............................................... II-271 2(j)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................. II-273 2(j)(2) Fuses............................................................................................................................ II-273 2(j)(3) GFCIs .......................................................................................................................... II-273 2(j)(4) Electrical Shock........................................................................................................... II-274 2(j)(5) Feedback Electrical Energy......................................................................................... II-276 2(j)(6) Universal Precautions.................................................................................................. II-276 2(j)(7) Training Programs....................................................................................................... II-276 2(j)(8) Protective Equipment and Work Practices .................................................................. II-276 2(j)(9) Detection of Low Voltage ........................................................................................... II-277 2(j)(10) Lockout/Tagout ......................................................................................................... II-277 2(j)(11) Lockout Devices........................................................................................................ II-279 2(j)(12) Specific Procedures for Logout/Tagout..................................................................... II-279 2(j)(13) Bibliography.............................................................................................................. II-281 SEC. 2(k) HAND TOOLS AND WORKSHOP MACHINES............................................... II-283 2(k)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-285 2(k)(2) What Are the Hazards of Hand Tools?....................................................................... II-285 2(k)(3) What Are the Dangers of Power Tools?..................................................................... II-286 2(k)(4) Guards......................................................................................................................... II-286 2(k)(5) Operating Controls and Switches ............................................................................... II-287 2(k)(6) Electric Tools.............................................................................................................. II-287 2(k)(7) Portable Abrasive Wheel Tools.................................................................................. II-288 2(k)(8) Pneumatic Tools ......................................................................................................... II-289 2(k)(9) Liquid Fuel Tools ....................................................................................................... II-290 2(k)(10) Powder-Actuated Tools ............................................................................................ II-290 2(k)(11) Hydraulic Power Tools............................................................................................. II-291 2(k)(12) General Requirements of Safety in Workshops Policy ............................................ II-292 2(k)(13) Machinery Installation.............................................................................................. II-293 Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Codes Version 1: March 2008 xviii 2(k)(14) Machine Controls ..................................................................................................... II-293 2(k)(15) Machine Guards........................................................................................................ II-293 2(k)(16) Service Installations.................................................................................................. II-293 2(k)(17) Grinding and Polishing Machines ............................................................................ II-294 2(k)(18) Milling Machines...................................................................................................... II-294 2(k)(19) Metal-Cutting Guillotines......................................................................................... II-295 2(k)(20) General Considerations............................................................................................. II-295 2(k)(21) Solvent Degreasing................................................................................................... II-296 2(k)(22) Bibliography............................................................................................................. II-296 SEC. 2(l) LINEMEN GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES.................................................... II-297 2(l)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................. II-299 2(l)(2) Scope ........................................................................................................................... II-299 2(l)(3) Shock Hazard Analysis................................................................................................ II-299 2(l)(4) Regulatory Issues......................................................................................................... II-300 2(l)(5) Standard Requirements................................................................................................ II-300 2(l)(6) Test Equipment Industry Recognized Good Practices ............................................... II-300 2(l)(7) Flash Hazard Analysis................................................................................................. II-301 2(l)(8) Blast Hazard Analysis ................................................................................................. II-301 2(l)(9) Selection of Electrical Protective Equipment.............................................................. II-302 2(l)(10) Exterior Safety Rules................................................................................................. II-303 2(l)(11) Exterior Working Practices ....................................................................................... II-306 2(l)(12) Electrical Safety Rules .............................................................................................. II-308 2(l)(13) Transformers and Circuit Breakers ........................................................................... II-312 2(l)(14) Wire Markers............................................................................................................. II-313 2(l)(15) Adequacy and Effectiveness of the Training Program ............................................. II-313 2(l)(16) Bibliography.............................................................................................................. II-314 SEC. 2(m) ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES PLAN............................................ II-315 2(m)(1) Introduction ............................................................................................................... II-317 2(m)(2) Training ..................................................................................................................... II-317 2(m)(3) Qualified Person........................................................................................................ II-317 2(m)(4) Safe Work Practices .................................................................................................. II-317 SEC. 2(n) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT............................................................................... II-323 2(n)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-325 2(n)(2) Electrical Safety Facts ................................................................................................ II-325 2(n)(3) Vehicular and Mechanical Equipment ....................................................................... II-326 2(n)(4) Use of Equipment ....................................................................................................... II-327 2(n)(5) Test Equipment........................................................................................................... II-328 2(n)(6) Bibliography............................................................................................................... II-328 SEC. 2(o) LADDER SAFETY............................................................................................... II-329 2(o)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-331 2(o)(2) General Requirements ................................................................................................ II-331 2(o)(3) Ladder Hazards/Prevention Tips ............................................................................... II-336 Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xix 2(o)(4) Ladder Selection......................................................................................................... II-336 2(o)(5) Ladder Maintenance ................................................................................................... II-336 2(o)(6) Ladder Inspections...................................................................................................... II-338 2(o)(7) Bibliography............................................................................................................... II-339 SEC. 2(p) FORKLIFT SAFETY............................................................................................ II-341 2(p)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-343 2(p)(2) Pre-Qualifications for Forklift Operators ................................................................... II-343 2(p)(3) Safe Operating Procedures ......................................................................................... II-343 2(p)(4) Changing and Charging Storage Batteries.................................................................. II-344 2(p)(5) Operations................................................................................................................... II-344 2(p)(6) Traveling..................................................................................................................... II-345 2(p)(7) Loading....................................................................................................................... II-345 2(p)(8) Fueling........................................................................................................................ II-345 2(p)(9) Maintenance................................................................................................................ II-346 2(p)(10) Training .................................................................................................................... II-346 2(p)(11) Refresher Training and Evaluation........................................................................... II-347 2(p)(12) Bibliography............................................................................................................. II-348 SEC. 2(q) CRANE OPERATION SAFETY.......................................................................... II-349 2(q)(1) Lifting Principles ........................................................................................................ II-351 2(q)(2) Operational Considerations ........................................................................................ II-352 2(q)(3) Construction Requirements ........................................................................................ II-352 2(q)(4) Inspection Guidelines ................................................................................................. II-353 2(q)(5) Definitions .................................................................................................................. II-366 2(q)(6) Bibliography............................................................................................................... II-368 SEC. 2(r) SCAFFOLDS AND OTHER WORK PLATFORMS............................................ II-369 2(r)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................. II-371 2(r)(2) Scaffold Safety............................................................................................................ II-371 2(r)(3) Bibliography................................................................................................................ II-380 SEC. 2(s) SAFE WORK PRACTICES NEAR POWER LINES ........................................... II-381 2(s)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................. II-383 2(s)(2) Plan Ahead.................................................................................................................. II-383 2(s)(3) Safe Work Practices.................................................................................................... II-383 2(s)(4) Bibliography................................................................................................................ II-388 SEC. 2(t) FUNCTIONAL SAFETY FOR ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION............ II-391 2(t)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................. II-393 2(t)(2) Structure of Electric Power Systems ........................................................................... II-393 2(t)(3) Hazards in Electric Power Systems............................................................................. II-394 2(t)(4) Assuring Functional Safety ......................................................................................... II-397 2(t)(5) Recommended References .......................................................................................... II-397 Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Codes Version 1: March 2008 xx SEC. 2(u) EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHING................................................................. II-399 2(u)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-401 2(u)(2) Recommended Practices............................................................................................. II-401 2(u)(3) Safety Guidelines........................................................................................................ II-403 2(u)(4) Excavation and Trenching Safety Program................................................................ II-404 2(u)(5) Requirements for Protective Systems......................................................................... II-415 2(u)(6) Definitions .................................................................................................................. II-417 2(u)(7) Bibliography............................................................................................................... II-419 SEC. 2(v) CONFINED SPACES............................................................................................ II-421 2(v)(1) Identifying Confined Spaces ...................................................................................... II-423 2(v)(2) Identifying Confined Space Hazards.......................................................................... II-424 2(v)(3) Model Confined Space Entry Program....................................................................... II-426 2(v)(4) Personnel Responsibilities and Training .................................................................... II-431 2(v)(5) Definitions .................................................................................................................. II-434 2(v)(6) Bibliography............................................................................................................... II-436 APPENDIX A: Copy of Confined Space Entry Permit.......................................................... II-437 APPENDIX B: Pre-Entry Planning Worksheet ...................................................................... II-440 SEC. 2(w) COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER SAFETY...................................................... II-443 2(w)(1) Introduction................................................................................................................ II-445 2(w)(2) Identification.............................................................................................................. II-445 2(w)(3) Handling & Use ......................................................................................................... II-446 2(w)(4) Transportation of Cylinders....................................................................................... II-449 2(w)(5) Bibliography .............................................................................................................. II-449 SEC. 2(x) DRUM HANDLING SAFETY............................................................................. II-451 2(x)(1) Introduction ................................................................................................................ II-453 2(x)(2) Types of Drums .......................................................................................................... II-454 2(x)(3) Drum Inspection, Handling, and Staging Inspection.................................................. II-455 2(x)(4) Leaking, Open, and Deteriorated Drums.................................................................... II-456 2(x)(5) Preventing Back Injuries ............................................................................................ II-458 SEC. 2(y) SAFE WELDING PRACTICES............................................................................ II-459 2(y)(1) Identifying Safe Welding Practices ............................................................................ II-461 2(y)(2) Definitions .................................................................................................................. II-461 2(y)(3) General Provisions...................................................................................................... II-461 2(y)(4) Inspections.................................................................................................................. II-464 2(y)(5) Ventilation Guidelines for Welding Operations......................................................... II-464 PART III. WORKER SAFETY RULES 3(a) Critical Incident Stress ....................................................................................................... III-5 3(b) Toxic Industrial Chemicals ................................................................................................ III-6 3(c) Electrical Protective Devices.............................................................................................. III-9 3(d) Hand Protection................................................................................................................ III-15 Version 1: March 2008 Preface and Acknowledgements xxi 3(e) Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment Selection ................................. III-15 3(f) Sanitation .......................................................................................................................... III-21 3(g) Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards........................................................... III-25 3(h) Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags .................................................. III-25 3(i) Permits for Confined Spaces............................................................................................. III-28 3(j) Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) .............................................................. III-42 3(k) Medical Services and First Aid........................................................................................ III-50 3(l) Fire Protection................................................................................................................... III-50 3(m) Handling Materials.......................................................................................................... III-56 3(n) Slings................................................................................................................................ III-57 3(o) Bibliography..................................................................................................................... III-62 Annex A Accident Investigation.............................................................................................. III-65 Annex B Electrical Switching Operation............................................................................... III-153 Annex C Temporary Protective Grounding for Generating Stations and Other Non-Transmission Facilities ................................................................................... III-157 Annex D Guarding Energized Electrical Equipment............................................................. III-179 Annex E Jumpers ................................................................................................................... III-183 Annex F Portable Electric Tools and Attachments ............................................................... III-187 Annex G Safe Distribution Systems ...................................................................................... III-195 Annex H Temporary Lighting ............................................................................................... III-199 Annex I Vehicle Operations Near Energized Lines or Equipment........................................ III-203 Annex J Responsibilities and General Requirements for Transmission Employees ............. III-209 Annex K Transmission/Substation/Telecommunication ....................................................... III-223 Annex L Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution..................... III-275 PART IV. RECORDKEEPING, TRAINING, INSPECTIONS, ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING 4(a) Introduction ........................................................................................................................IV-3 4(b) Safety Recordkeeping Practices and Protocols ..................................................................IV-3 4(c) Accident Recordkeeping Forms .........................................................................................IV-6 4(d) Safety Training and Recordkeeping.................................................................................IV-10 4(e) OHSAS 18001 (Occupation Health and Safety Assessment Series)................................IV-13 4(f) Bibliography .....................................................................................................................IV-15 PART V. RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS 5(a) Risk Management ................................................................................................................ V-3 5(b) Crisis Management............................................................................................................ V-10 5(c) Vulnerability Assessments ................................................................................................ V-12 Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-1 PART I HOW TO EVALUATE SAFETY PROGRAMS CONTENTS 1(a) Introduction........................................................................................................................ I-3 1(b) Creating a Culture of Safety ............................................................................................. I-3 1(c) Good Housekeeping............................................................................................................ I-9 1(c)(1) General Information......................................................................................................I-9 1(c)(2) Establishing a Good Housekeeping Program...............................................................I-9 1(c)(2)(i) Dust and Dirt Removal .......................................................................................I-11 1(c)(2)(ii) Employee Facilities............................................................................................I-12 1(c)(2)(iii) Surfaces.............................................................................................................I-12 1(c)(2)(iv) Maintain Light Fixtures ....................................................................................I-13 1(c)(2)(v) Aisles and Stairways ..........................................................................................I-13 1(c)(2)(vi) Spill Control......................................................................................................I-13 1(c)(2)(vii) Tools and Equipment .......................................................................................I-13 1(c)(2)(viii) Maintenance....................................................................................................I-13 1(c)(2)(ix) Waste Disposal..................................................................................................I-14 1(c)(2)(x) Storage................................................................................................................I-14 1(d) New Employee Orientation ............................................................................................. I-14 1(e) Worker Rights .................................................................................................................. I-21 Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-3 1(a) Introduction This Part of the Standards provides a roadmap for both Employers and Employees to creating a safe working environment. While the Standards in Parts 2 and 3 are organized and presented in a highly prescriptive format, this first Part provides workers within the industry an overall orientation to the philosophy, tools and corporate culture that the international community has adopted as a part of best management practices. At the same time, this Part of the Standards explicitly defines the Rights of Workers to be kept informed of the hazards associated with their job assignments, to be provided with knowledge, engineering and management controls that eliminate unsafe working conditions, along with the actions that workers may take in order to ensure that they are never placed in situations that pose either immediate or long-term risks to their health and well-being. Employees generally have little or no control over their working environment and must accept whatever environment employers offer. NERC is currently attempting to define and establish criteria for acceptable working environments, with the first step being the standards provided herein. Employers and their designated corporate representatives have both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that both workers and the public at large are kept insulated from the hazards associated with the industry sector. 1(b) Creating a Culture of Safety The design of a safe plant layout is beyond the responsibility of individual employees, but it nevertheless is essential for good power production practices and safe working conditions. Narrow aisles, blind intersections, insufficient overhead space and limited access for equipment repair and maintenance all are detrimental to a safe operating environment. The National Safety Council in the United States has estimated that work-related accidents in the private sector in 1988 cost industry an average of $15,100 per disabling injury. Based on this figure and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which reported that in 1988 private U.S. Industry, employing 90 million workers, had 6.2 million job-related accidents and injuries was in excess of $93 billion. Approximately, half of this total ($46 billion) was for such visible costs as damaged equipment and materials, production delays, time losses of other workers not involved in the accidents and accident reporting. Similar statistics have been reported in the United Kingdom (UK) and in the European Community. The statistics support the premise that it is the responsibility of every employer to take a strong, proactive stance to ensure their employees safety. Designing for safe work environments also means proper scheduling of work activities. It should not be the operator's or workers responsibility to determine the proper routing of work in process. To make this type of decision a workers responsibility unfairly shifts to what is truly management's responsibility directly to the worker. It is Managements responsibility to ensure that tight work standards are not only defined for each operating facility, but to ensure that procedures and policies are adopted and enforced. Establishing fair work standards through work measurement or some similar technique is, without question, a prerogative and a right of management. Establishing and enforcing tight work standards has resulted and will continue to Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-4 result in operators taking dangerous short cuts while completing tasks. These short cuts often result in industrial accidents and injuries. By the same token, Managers should use standards to ensure a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, but they should not use them as a whip to achieve maximum productivity through coercion. Pressure placed on employees to meet tight production schedules results in the same type of problems as with tight work standards. Reasonable schedules based on reasonable capacity determinations and work standards eliminate the pressure and work-related stress placed on employees to overproduce because of unsafe short cuts. Having a corporate culture that promotes and makes safety and environment a priority should be the goal of the industry. Creating a culture of safety first requires site-specific work practices and working environments to be carefully assessed with a focus on identifying high-risk areas, and then developing concrete plans for improved occupational and process safety performance. Management must focus on using employee insights to prevent costly and potentially deadly accidents before they occur, creating a safer workplace by taking into account both the environment in which employees work and the culture that drives their daily work experience. As an Employer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe work environment for all employees, free from any hazards, and complying with legal and recommended best practices defined in the Standards. Health and safety in the workplace is about preventing work-related injury and disease, and designing an environment that promotes well-being for everyone at work. Knowledge is the key ingredient in providing a safe work environment. If everyone knows the correct procedures, accidents and injuries will be kept to a minimum. Both Employers and Employees should: Ensure that the way work is done is safe and does not affect employees health. Ensure that tools, equipment and machinery are safe and are kept safe. Ensure that ways of storing, transporting or working with dangerous substances is safe and does not damage employees health. Employers must: Provide employees with the information, instruction and training they need to do their job safely and without damaging their health. Consult with employees about health and safety in the workplace. Monitor the work place regularly and keep a record of what is found during these checks. Policies should be developed in consultation with employees, both with and without disability. It may be necessary to organize support persons or interpreters so that all employees may participate in the consultation. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) procedures must be implemented wherever the work is being conducted, be that in an office, factory, construction site, substation, along transmission Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-5 line work or home. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure all employees have access to information about safety procedures, and for any reasonable adjustments to be made. It is crucial that New employees be: Briefed of all new staff on OH&S policy at induction. Be provided training on all safety procedures, including evacuation and other emergency procedures. Provided access to information about safety procedures, in appropriate formats. It is crucial the Existing employees: Have access to information in appropriate formats. Be provided with regular information updates and re-training sessions. Be provided access to information about safety procedures. Conduct relevant training on any new equipment or machinery. The following are some anecdotal facts that can serve to raise a culture of safety among workers and management: Factors that make new workers more accident prone: Lack of safety training; Dont ask questions; Unaware of hazards; Assume employer is responsible for safety; Dont understand rights/responsibilities; It cant happen to me attitude; and Fatigue. Major Causes of Injury: Slips, trips and falls; Improper use of equipment; Faulty use of equipment; Improper lighting; Not tuning off power while repairing equipment (lock out procedures); Entering unsafe confined spaces that do not normally accommodate people; and Improper use or storage of chemicals and other hazardous materials. The Employers Responsibilities: Provide a safe workplace. Ensure adequate training of workers. Keep written records of training: who, when and what type. Establish and maintain a comprehensive occupational safety program, including a written safety policy and an accident investigation program. Support supervisors, safety coordinators, and workers in their safety activities. Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-6 Take action immediately when the worker or supervisor tells you about a potentially hazardous situation. Initiate an immediate investigation into accidents. Report serious accidents to the HSO (Health and Safety Officer) or to the Corporate Prevention Division. Provide adequate first Aid facilities and services. Provide personal protective equipment where required. Make available to all workers copies of Industrial Hygiene Policy. Post Health and Safety Regulations and all other regulations. The Supervisors Responsibilities: Instruct new workers on safe work procedures. Train workers for all tasks assigned to them and check their progress. Ensure that only authorized, adequately trained workers operate tools & equipment and use hazardous chemicals. Ensure that equipment and materials are properly handled, stored and maintained. Enforce safety regulations. Correct unsafe acts. Identify workers with problems such as drugs or alcohol that could affect their performance, and follow up with interviews and referrals where necessary. Formulate safety rules and inspect for hazards in your own area. Workers Responsibilities: You have an obligation to make your workplace safe. Know and follow safety and health regulations affecting your job. If you dont know how, ask for training before you begin work. Work safely, and encourage your co-workers to do the same. Correct or immediately report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Report any injury immediately to a First Aid attendant or supervisor. Take the initiative; make suggestions for improved safety conditions. Site Orientation: All new employees should have a site orientation from their supervisor and be given a brief on safety procedures including: the layout of the section, a safety orientation, fire exit locations and procedures, emergency equipment and location of first aid facilities or services. Always be aware of your surroundings; Look up for falling objects; Be mindful of up/down traffic; Be cautious of structural inadequacies; Do not race up or down flights; In a noisy environment, use visual cues to look for potential hazards. Only use designated walkways, they are there for a reason; and Often some sites require workers to work in pairs or teams in case of an accident. Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-7 Hazards: Hazards in a work place can never be eliminated, but they can be controlled with proper equipment, training and supervision. Hazards are divided into two general categories: Physical hazards those that can cause immediate damage to the body. Examples: Moving equipment, machinery, confined space; heat, cold, chemicals, electrical, visibility. Delayed Injury hazards those due to repeated exposure or, a delayed reaction of the human body causing injury. Examples: Noise, ergonomics, repetitive strain injury, back injury, inhalation, radiation. Computer Workstations: Problems with lighting can cause eyestrain and may also contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue. Avoid glare, position your computer workstation so that when you face the monitor, you are sitting beside or parallel to the window. If you face the window, light from the outside shines directly into your eyes and makes it difficult for you to focus on the screen. If you sit with your back to a window, you may have problems with reflections, or high light levels. In either situation, adjust the blinds to reduce the amount of light on your screen. Overhead lights can shine directly in your eyes or reflect images onto your computer screen, making it difficult to view your screen. To avoid this adjust the angle of your screen so that its at right angles to the work surface. The top line of text on your screen should be at eye level. Most of the screen will be slightly below eye level. The distance between your eyes and the screen should be about arms length. Your chair should provide good lumbar support. Lighting Problems with lighting can cause eyestrain. Poor lighting can also contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue. Back Injuries Approximately 1/3 of workers will suffer back problems during their working life. Back injuries are the most common work related injury. The low back is subject to greater mechanical stress than any other part of the body and, because of this, is commonly injured. A majority of low-back problems are caused by simple strains that can heal within six to eight weeks with appropriate treatment. Fear and misunderstanding are the two main factors that can delay recovery. For engineers and computer scientists, computer use can cause lower back pain and repetitive strain injuries over time. Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-8 Everyone in a work force should wisely take a careful look at their work environment and their work habits. Both workers and management need to note whether their workplace is really safe. Both need to consider whether the job requires working with any toxic substances; and if so, are people adequately protected? Both managers and workers need to ask themselves whether they are constantly under stress. Does your environment accept work schedules that breach legally established limits or hours? Answers to questions such as these might reveal much about how safe people are at work. Creating a corporate culture of safety means being conscious of the dangers at work. Trying to maintain an unreasonable work schedule can be dangerous. Indeed, tired workers are less efficient and make more mistakes. Companies that foster excessive work and actively seek out and reward workaholics result into consequences that are potentially devastating. Poor work habits, which may include lack of tidiness and cleanliness, pose another hazard. Leaving tools thrown on the floor or live electric wires exposed often lead to accidents, even fatalities. The same can be said of ignoring safety precautions when using power tools and machinery. Another cause of injury and death is failing to clean up spilled fluids, especially toxic ones. Many injuries have occurred when workers have slipped on oily or wet floors. So it might be said that the first law of good work is to be clean and orderly. Yet, many are tempted to ignore safety procedures. Work pressure may lead to perceptions that short cuts are necessary to meet demands. Therefore, some may reason regarding a safety regulation, 'It has never caused any problem when I ignored it.' One of the worst things that you can do at work is ignore safety procedures and get away with it! Why? because this fosters overconfidence and carelessness, leading to more accidents. The explosion of the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine in 1986 is often described as "the world's worst nuclear accident." What went wrong? A report on the disaster speaks of a "catalogue of reckless operating procedures" and "the repeated flouting of safety precautions." Both employer and employee can cooperate in foreseeing potential safety hazards. Yes, the wise one observes what could prove to be a dangerous situation and looks for ways to protect himself and others. When employers do this, they benefit, and so do their employees. For example, a company that redesigned their office to avoid "sick building syndrome" found that before long, productivity was up and staff satisfaction levels had improved dramatically. It was also found that fewer people were out on sick leave. Such consideration for the health of others not only makes for a more pleasant atmosphere for employer and employee but, as seen in this case, can also make good sense economically. The proper approach to creating the safety culture is to make sure every employee applies a common-sense approach to safety. This includes being diligent in following local safety regulations. Doing this can go a long way towards making the workplace safer. Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-9 1(c) Good Housekeeping 1(c)(1) General Information Housekeeping can reduce and eventually eliminate accident causes. The National Safety Council in the United States reports that falls due to improper housekeeping result in between 200,000 and 300,000 disabling industrial accidents each year. Management must take the initiative to properly train employees in the essentials of good housekeeping and in the necessity of maintaining a hazard-free workplace. Good housekeeping is one of the surest ways to identify a safe workplace. You can tell how workers' feel about safety just by looking at their housekeeping practices. Good housekeeping isn't the result of cleaning up once a week or even once a day. It's the result of keeping cleaned-up all the time. It's an essential factor in a good safety program, promoting safety, health, production, and morale. Whose responsibility is housekeeping? It's everyone's. Clean work areas and aisles help eliminate tripping hazards. Respecting "wet floor" signs and immediately cleaning up spills prevents slipping injuries. Keeping storage areas uncluttered reduces the chances of disease and fire as well as slips, trips, and falls. Accumulated debris can cause fires, and clutter slows movement of personnel and equipment during fires. Other housekeeping practices include keeping tools and equipment clean and in good shape or keeping hoses and cables or wires bundled when not in use. Broken glass should be picked up immediately with a broom and dustpan, never with bare hands. Be aware of open cabinet drawers, electric wires, sharp corners or protruding nails. Either correct the unsafe condition if you are able and it is safe to do so, or notify the person responsible for overall maintenance that something should be done. How a workplace looks makes an impression on employees and visitors alike. A visitor's first impression of a business is important because that image affects the amount of business it does. Good housekeeping goes hand-in-hand with good public relations. It projects order, care, and pride. Besides preventing accidents and injuries, good housekeeping saves space, time, and materials. When a workplace is clean, orderly, and free of obstruction; work can get done safely and properly. Workers feel better, think better, do better work, and increase the quantity and quality of their work. 1(c)(2) Establishing a Good Housekeeping Program Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, used and spent parts, fuses, clutter and spills is accepted as normal (Figure 1), then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken for granted. Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly; maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removing of waste materials (e.g., Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-10 paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention. Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic "panic" cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents. Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents, such as: tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms; being hit by falling objects; slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces; striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material; and cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire or steel strapping. To avoid these hazards, a workplace must "maintain" order throughout a workday. Although this effort requires a great deal of management and planning, the benefits are many. Effective housekeeping results in: reduced handling to ease the flow of materials; fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas; decreased fire hazards; lower worker exposures to hazardous substances; better control of tools and materials; more efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance; better hygienic conditions leading to improved health; more effective use of space; reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance; less janitorial work; and improved morale. A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials from point of entry to exit. It includes a material flow plan to ensure minimal handling. The plan also ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed. Part of the plan could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal. Figure 1. Example of poor housekeeping Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-11 The costs of this investment could be offset by the elimination of repeated handling of the same material and more effective use of the workers' time. Often, ineffective or insufficient storage planning results in materials being handled and stored in hazardous ways (Figure 2). Knowing the plant layout and the movement of materials throughout the workplace can help plan work procedures. Worker training is an essential part of any good housekeeping program. Workers need to know how to work safely with the products they use. They also need to know how to protect other workers such as by posting signs (e.g., "Wet - Slippery Floor") and reporting any unusual conditions. Housekeeping order is "maintained" not "achieved." This means removing the inevitable messes that occur from time to time and not waiting until the end of the shift to reorganize and clean up. Integrating housekeeping into jobs can help ensure this is done. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for the following: clean up during the shift; day-to-day cleanup; waste disposal; removal of unused materials; and inspection to ensure cleanup is complete. Do not forget out-of-the-way places such as shelves, basements, sheds, and boiler rooms that would otherwise be overlooked. The orderly arrangement of operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good housekeeping program. The final addition to any housekeeping program is inspection. It is the only way to check for deficiencies in the program so that changes can be made. The documents on workplace inspection checklists provide a general guide and examples of checklists for inspecting offices and manufacturing facilities. The following elements constitute the basis for establishing a Good Housekeeping Program. 1(c)(2)(i) Dust and Dirt Removal In some jobs, enclosures and exhaust ventilation systems may fail to collect dust, dirt and chips adequately. Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing light dust and dirt. Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges, machinery, and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate. Figure 2. Ineffective storage planning Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-12 Dampening floors or using sweeping compounds before sweeping reduces the amount of airborne dust. The dust and grime that collect in places like shelves, piping, conduits, light fixtures, reflectors, windows, cupboards and lockers may require manual cleaning. Special-purpose vacuums are useful for removing hazardous substances. For example, vacuum cleaners fitted with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters may be used to capture fine particles of asbestos or fiberglass. Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or work surfaces. First, compressed air is extremely forceful. Depending on its pressure, compressed air can dislodge particles. These particles are a danger since they can enter a workers eyes or abrade skin. The possible damage would depend on the size, weight, shape, composition, and speed of the particles. There have also been reports of hearing damage caused by the pressure of compressed air and by its sound. Second, compressed air itself is also a serious hazard. On rare occasions, some of the compressed air can enter the blood stream through a break in the skin or through a body opening. An air bubble in the blood stream is known medically as an embolism, a dangerous medical condition in which a blood vessel is blocked, in this case, by an air bubble. An embolism of an artery can cause coma, paralysis or death depending upon its size, duration and location. While air embolisms are usually associated with incorrect diving procedures, they are possible with compressed air due to high pressures. While this seems improbable, the consequences of even a small quantity of air or other gas in the blood can quickly be fatal. Horseplay has also been a cause of some serious workplace accidents caused by individuals not aware of the hazards of compressed air, or proper work procedures. 1(c)(2)(ii) Employee Facilities Employee facilities need to be adequate, clean and well maintained. Lockers are necessary for storing employees' personal belongings. Washroom facilities require cleaning once or more each shift. They also need to have a good supply of soap, towels, plus disinfectants, if needed. If workers are using hazardous materials, employee facilities should provide special precautions such as showers, washing facilities and changing rooms. Some facilities may require two locker rooms with showers between. Using such double locker rooms allows workers to shower off workplace contaminants and prevents them from contaminating their "street clothes" by keeping their work clothes separated from the clothing that they wear home. Smoking, eating or drinking in the work area should be prohibited where toxic materials are handled. The eating area should be separate from the work area and should be cleaned properly each shift. 1(c)(2)(iii) Surfaces Floors: Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents so cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids at once is important. Allowing chips, shavings and dust to accumulate can also cause accidents. Trapping chips, shavings and dust before they reach the floor or cleaning them up regularly can prevent their accumulation. Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-13 entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring. Keeping floors in good order also means replacing any worn, ripped, or damaged flooring that poses a tripping hazard. Walls: Light-colored walls reflect light while dirty or dark-colored walls absorb light. Contrasting colors warn of physical hazards and mark obstructions such as pillars. Paint can highlight railings, guards and other safety equipment, but should never be used as a substitute for guarding. The program should outline the regulations and standards for colors. 1(c)(2)(iv) Light Fixtures Dirty light fixtures reduce essential light levels. Clean light fixtures can improve lighting efficiency significantly. 1(c)(2)(v) Aisles and Stairways Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles comfortably and safely. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products and materials. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners. Arranging aisles properly encourages people to use them so that they do not take shortcuts through hazardous areas. Keeping aisles and stairways clear is important. They should not be used for temporary "overflow" or "bottleneck" storage. Stairways and aisles also require adequate lighting. 1(c)(2)(vi) Spill Control The best way to control spills is to stop them before they happen. Regularly cleaning and maintaining machines and equipment is one way. Another is to use drip pans and guards where possible spills might occur. When spills do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately. Absorbent materials are useful for wiping up greasy, oily or other liquid spills. Used absorbents must be disposed of properly and safely. 1(c)(2)(vii) Tools and Equipment Tool housekeeping is very important, whether in the tool room, on the rack, in the yard, or on the bench. Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to provide orderly arrangement, both in the tool room and near the work bench. Returning them promptly after use reduce the chances of being misplaced or lost. Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn tools out of service. 1(c)(2)(viii) Maintenance The maintenance of buildings and equipment may be one of the most important elements of good housekeeping. Maintenance involves keeping buildings, equipment and machinery in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. This includes maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls. Broken windows, damaged doors, defective plumbing and broken floor surfaces can make a workplace look neglected; these conditions can cause accidents and affect work practices. So, it is important to replace or fix broken or damaged items as quickly as possible. A good maintenance program provides for the inspection, maintenance, upkeep and repair of tools, equipment, machines and processes. Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-14 1(c)(2)(ix) Waste Disposal The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good housekeeping practices. It also makes it possible to separate materials that can be recycled from those going to waste disposal facilities. Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy since additional time is required for cleaning it up. Placing scrap containers near where the waste is produced encourages orderly waste disposal and makes collection easier. All waste receptacles should be clearly labeled (e.g., recyclable glass, plastic, scrap metal, etc.). 1(c)(2)(x) Storage Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be fewer strain injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual materials handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with work but they should still be readily available when required. Stored materials should allow at least one meter (or about three feet) of clear space under sprinkler heads. Stacking cartons and drums on a firm foundation and cross tying them, where necessary, reduce the chance of their movement. Stored materials should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers, or first aid stations. All storage areas should be clearly marked. Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose. Storage of materials should meet all requirements specified in the fire codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction. 1(d) New Employee Orientation For employers with a safety manager, the manager can conduct the classroom part of orientation/training, prepare all the training materials (handouts, forms, checklists, lesson plan, etc.), conduct the employee evaluation, and maintain all documentation. The facility supervisor(s) can conduct the on-the-job training and observation, and determine when the employee is ready for the evaluation. For employers or departments without a safety manager, the company safety committee can share responsibilities for conducting the job hazard analyses and the training program. The safety committee can put together the orientation/training materials, conduct the "classroom" training, and keep records. The department where employees will work can conduct the hands-on training. During the orientation period, introduce new workers to all the basic safety information that applies to their work areas, such as: Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-15 General hazards in the work area; Specific hazards involved in each task the employee performs; Hazards associated with other areas of the facility; Company safety policies and work rules; Proper safety practices and procedures to prevent accidents; The location of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, first-aid supplies, etc.; Smoking regulations and designated smoking areas; Emergency evacuation procedures and routes; Who to talk to about safety questions, problems, etc.; What to do if there is an accident or injury; How to report emergencies, accidents, and near misses; How to select, use, and care for personal protective equipment; Safe housekeeping rules; Facility security procedures and systems; How to use tools and equipment safely; Safe lifting techniques and materials-handling procedures; and Safe methods for handling, using, or storing hazardous materials and the location of material safety data sheets. Orientation programs can be updated and refined by reviewing accident near-miss reports. Near-miss reports offered early warning signs of new or recurrent hazards in the workplace that must be corrected before someone gets hurt or equipment is damaged. An evaluation of illness and injury reports are also a catalyst for changes in safety orientation and training programs. Orientation can involve several levels of new employee involvement, from awareness information to formal training programs. Awareness orientation/training informs employees about a potential hazard in the workplace and their role in responding to the hazard, even though they are not directly exposed to the hazard. For example, "affected" employees can be told about locks and tags for electrical systems without being trained how to implement the lockout/tagout program. It is useful to rely on a checklist to ensure that appropriate safety orientation is provided to new workers. The following are two examples of a new employee safety orientation checklist. These checklists should be modified to fit the needs of the organization or site. Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-16 Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-17 Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-18 Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-19 Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Standards Version 1: March 2008 I-20 Version 1: March 2008 Part I: How to Evaluate Safety Programs I-21 1(e) Worker Rights The following Worker Rights are essentially adopted from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. You have the right to a safe workplace. NERC requires employers to provide a workplace that is free of serious recognized hazards and in compliance with NERC standards. Specifically, you have the right to: 1. Get training from your employer as required by NERC standards. a. Get training from your employer on chemicals you are exposed to during your work and information on how to protect yourself from harm. Employers must establish a comprehensive, written hazard communication program (chemical hazard communication). Your employer must label chemical containers, make material safety data sheets with detailed hazard information available to employees, and train you about the health effects of the chemicals you work with and what the employer is doing and what you can do to protect yourself from these hazards. b. The program must list the hazardous chemicals in each work area, how the employer will inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and hazards associated with chemicals in unlabeled pipes and how the employer will inform other employers at a multi-employer worksite of the hazards to which their employees may be exposed. c. Get training from your employer on a variety of other health and safety hazards and standards that your employer must follow. These include electrical safety, lockout-tagout, blood-borne pathogens, confined spaces, construction hazards and a variety of other subjects. 2. Request information from your employer about NERC standards, worker injuries and illnesses, job hazards and workers' rights. a. Request information from your employer on safety and health hazards in your workplace, chemicals used in your w