ADEC EHSMS HANDBOOK

 ADEC
C EHSMS
S
HANDBOOK
K
This doc
cument is a controlled properrty of Abu Dhabi
Education Council (ADEC). Environment, Health & Safety Section Abu Dhabi Educatio
on Council (ADEC) Version 01/2011 Message from Director General Dear All, It is our pleasure and proud to present the First Edition of ADEC EHSMS Handbook which aims to provide a quick guidance on ADEC EHSMS requirements and how to carryout ADEC operations and activities within our facilities considering all Environment, Health and Safety programs and procedures. This handbook was produced to represent the essence of ADEC EHSMS and describes the tools, procedures and best practices that will make EHS an integral part of ADEC activities and operations. ADEC staff, visitors and contractors will find out tips and methods for handling different types of EHS hazards and emergencies in their workplace and effective measures for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in case of its occurrences on a safe, efficient and environmentally sound manner. EHS is everybody’s business and a line management responsibility. Sharing these principles and meeting our standards is the best way to strengthen and promote EHS culture in ADEC. We hope this handbook will make a tangible contribution to increase the awareness of EHS among ADEC staff, visitors and contractors and thus achieve a remarkable EHS performance within our organization. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili Important Definitions Hazard: Any substance, physical effect, or condition with potential to harm people, property or the environment. Risk: Risk is defined as the potential of identified hazard (s) to cause harm. Risk Ranking is the product of the measure of the likelihood of occurrence of an undesired event and the potential adverse consequences which this event may have upon the Health and Safety of People (injury or harm to physical or psychological). (Risk = Consequences x Probability) Environmental Aspect: Element of the organization’s activities, products or services that can interact with the environment. A significant environmental aspect is an environmental aspect that has or can have significant environmental impact. Incident: An event or chain of events which has caused or could have caused fatality, injury, illness and/or damage (loss) to assets, the environment, entity reputation or third parties. Emergency: Refers to occurrence of unforeseen events that needs an immediate response such as fire, spillage, serious personal injury and/ or fatality. Near Miss: An event or chain of events that could have resulted in fatality, injury, illness and / or damage (loss) to assets, the environment, ADEC reputation or third parties. The situation was avoided or reduced by the circumstances at the time or under slightly different circumstances would have been more serious. Restricted Work Day Cases: Any work‐related injury other than a fatality or lost workday case which result in a person’s being unfit for full performance of his regular job, on any day after the day this occupational injury. Work performed might be: • An assignment to a temporary job. • Part‐time work at the regular job. • Continuation full‐time work. Lost Work Day Cases: Any work injury other than permanent partial disability which renders the injured person temporarily unable to perform any regular job or restricted work on any day after the day on which the injury was received. In this case “any day” includes rest day, weekend day, scheduled day, public holiday or subsequent day after ceasing employment. Medical Treatment Cases: Any work‐related injury that involves neither Lost Workdays nor Restricted Workday Case but which requires treatment by, or under the specific order of a physician or could be considered as being in the province of a physician. (Note: Medical Treatment Case does not include First Aid Treatment) ADEC EHSMS STRUCT
TURE ADEC Environment, Health & Safety General Policy The Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Environment, Health and Safety Policy, Strategic Plans and Goals aims to comply with and contribute to the following: •
•
This Policy covers and includes staff, visitors, stakeholders, contractors, subcontractors, facilities and assets. •
It is ADEC’s general policy to ensure the protection of its environment, resources, and operations within the education sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Protect human health and safety, and preserve the workplace and surrounding environment to sustain its operation within the education sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Government’s Initiative towards the establishment and implementation of Abu Dhabi Environment, Health, and Safety Management System (AD EHSMS); and International Environment, Health and Safety Regulations, Standards, and Best Practices. ADEC is the regulator for education in Abu Dhabi and therefore is committed to the following: Endorse, develop, implement, monitor and maintain a modern and integrated Environment Health and Safety Management system in all its activities, operations and facilities. ADEC’s commitment to accomplish and maintain a successful Environment, Health and Safety Management System is achieved through the following actions: • Develop, implement, monitor, and maintain a modern integrated Environment, Health & Safety Management System. • Manage all identified aspects, hazards and threats in normal and emergency operations. • Comply with applicable local, federal, regional and international regulations, standards and best practices. • Prevent environmental pollution, personal injuries and illness of its resources. • Achieve a sustainable development through the conservation of natural resources. • Promote the environment, health and safety culture, level of awareness and communication. • Promote proactive line management involvement and responsibility towards EHS. • Establish a framework for setting and reviewing of ADEC EHSMS Objectives and Targets to ensure continual improvement. • Promote, enforce and monitor contractors’ EHS performance. • Provide all resources (human and financial) required for the implementation of the system/ programs. • Provide continuous education, training and capacity building programs for ADEC staff/ stakeholders. • Inspect, audit, and monitor system implementation and performance within the organization. • Maintain all ADEC activities, operations, and facilities free of any EHS aspects, hazards and threats at all time. • Maintain a frequent reporting mechanism to report any violation for immediate correction, corrective and preventive actions. • Maintain continuous system review, modification and improvement program to ensure the continuity of ADEC EHSMS. • Conduct periodic drills and exercises. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili Director General Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) ADEC EHS ‐ Mission “Develop, Implement, Enforce and Improve a Modern Integrated Environment, Health, and Safety Management System in all ADEC premises, activities, and operations within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi” ADEC EHS – Vision “ADEC activities and operations shall take place, be conducted and concluded within a clean, sustainable, healthy and safe workplace environment” ADEC EHS Vision aims to: a. Preserve the environment, and conserve non‐
renewable natural resources. b. Protect the health and safety of its resources, guests, visitors, contractors, and subcontractors while in any of ADEC facilities or areas of jurisdiction. c. Sustain its operations, minimize losses and improve cost savings. d. Encourage and promote Line Management Responsibility towards Environment, Health and Safety. EHS is the responsibility of ALL ADEC staff. e. Contribute to the cultural change and awareness towards Environment, Health and Safety and its benefits in our life with ADEC staff (Internal Stakeholders) and the community, guest, visitors, contractors, subcontractors, etc. (External Stakeholders). f. Set required Environment, Health, and Safety Policies, Procedures, Programs, etc. to manage all significant environmental aspects, health and safety hazards associated with ADEC operations (indoor/ outdoor) in normal and emergency situations. g. Promote transparent communications and reporting mechanism to report any observation, violation, EHS near miss and/ or incident to investigate and recommend correction, corrective and preventive actions. h. Ensure annual system review and modification to ensure its application and continual improvement. ADEC EHS Strategic Objectives a. Protect the human health and safety, preserves workplace and surrounding environment to sustain its operation within the education sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. b. Contribute to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Government Initiative to be one of the best Governments in the world. c. Comply with Abu Dhabi Environment, Health & Safety Management System (AD EHSMS) and its relevant Framework, Requirements and Decrees. d. Comply with Local, Federal and International Laws, Regulations, Standards and Best Practices relevant to Environment, Health and Safety where applicable. Environment, Health and Safety Aspects & Risks Assessment Environment, Health and Safety Aspects and Risk Assessment is a systematic and logical approach that defines the process to identify all the Environmental aspects, health and safety hazards associated with ADEC activities and operations within its facilities and to set required control measures, programs and procedures to minimize it to an acceptable level and As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). This process involves the identification of: •
ADEC Operations, Activities and Processes. •
Potential and Significant Environmental Aspects/ Health & Safety Hazards relevant to identified Operations, Activities and Processes. Assessment Techniques includes the following actions: 1. Preparation of Assessment Checklists. 2. Review of EHS Incident Records and Statistics. 3. Inspection of the work place. 4. Observation of operations, activities and Processes. 5. Consultation with employees. 6. Evaluation of Environmental Aspects/ Health and Safety Hazards for the potential and significant aspects and risks it pose. 7. Identify and Highlight Significant Environmental Aspects and Medium/ High Health & Safety Risks for required aspects and hazards controls including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures. The next 3tables briefly present the significant EHS Risks of ADEC operations. Table 1 ADEC Significant Environmental Aspects & Impacts SN Aspects Impacts 1 Energy Consumption. Depletion of Resources. 2 Water Consumption. Depletion of Resources. 3 Fuel Consumption. Depletion of Resources. 4 Generation of paper wastes, plastic wastes, IT wastes (Cartridges/ Toners), etc. Land / Soil Contamination. Generation of Toxic Emissions (CO, CO2, NOX, SOX, VOC,etc.) during vehicle operations Generation of Harmful Noise Levels (>85 decibels). 5 6 Air Pollution. Noise Pollution. Table 2 ADEC Major Health Hazards & Risks SN Hazards Risks 1 Emission of VOC from photo copiers, paints, furniture’s, carpets, solvents Irritation, Allergy, Head Ache, Fatigue. 2 Exposure to radiation from photo copier machines. Loss of mental attention, Memory Retentiveness, Fatigue. Over Time / Lone Working. Mental Stress. 3 4 Exposure to Heat & Dust during vehicle operations and at outdoor construction sites. 5 Exposure to CO, CO2, SO2, NOX emissions from vehicles. 6 Noise Exposure. Heat Exhaust/ Stress/ Cramps, sun strokes, Irritation, Allergy, Head Ache, Fatigue, breathing illness. Irritation, Allergy, Head Ache, Fatigue, breathing illness. Noise induced hearing loss. Radiation Hazard from Microwaves in kitchens. Hygienic Exposures (Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, etc.) relevant to Kitchens, Catering, Washrooms, and Housekeeping Activities. 7 8 Hot Burns and Cataract. Health and Hygienic Illness. 9 Exposure to Cleaning Chemicals in Washrooms and Kitchens. Irritation and Allergy. 10 Expose to Blood born & Pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C relevant to Housekeeping and Waste Management Activities. It may leads to blood borne diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis. Table 3 ADEC Major Safety Hazards & Risks SN Hazards Risks 1 Working with electrical Equipments. Electrocution and Fire. Fire. Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Personal Injuries. 2 Poor Housekeeping. 3 Material Handling and Lifting. 4 5 6 Ergonomic Hazards like Sitting, body Posture, Position of Computer Screen and Keyboard, etc. Use of Office equipments which includes sharp edge equipments/tools, photocopier/fax machines. Walking & Working Surfaces Personal Injuries. Muscular Skeletal Disorder, Back Pain, Vision problem due to eye strain Waste Management What is Waste? An object becomes waste when there is the intent to discard it. Wastes are classified into three Categories: 1.
Recyclable Wastes: Examples include Aluminum Cans, Papers, Plastic and Glass Bottles Wastes. 2.
Non‐Recyclable Wastes: Examples include Bio‐
Degradable, Food and Organic Wastes. 3.
Hazardous & Dangerous Wastes: Examples include Flammable, Ignitable, Toxic, Mutagenic, Reactive, Corrosive, Radioactive Wastes, etc. Injury, Burn, and Electrocution. Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Personal Injuries. Reference: EHS Aspects/ Hazards Identification & Risk Assessment (ADEC/EHSMS/03/3.2/EHSHIA) The following shall be considered while managing Wastes in any of ADEC Facilities: 1. All wastes shall be segregated and stored in designated waste containers at the appropriate waste storage area at each floor. 2.
3.
Waste Containers must be clearly marked. Food wastes and other associated garbage’s should be kept separate from other types of wastes. 4.
As far as reasonably praccticable, waste w be practiced manaagement and minimization will throu
ugh the following hierarchy a
approach: 2.
9 Minimize Copying, Printing and use of both sides of paper = Reduce. 9 Use Eco friendly paperss & bio‐degradable plastic bottles/ bags, etc. = Recycle. Reduce the Electronic wasstes in ADEC Facilities through the option for Buy Back System, which lead to recycling of the wastes.. 3.
Waste Transfer to reputed
d and approved waste management organization
ns. Reference: Waste Management (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHS
SPRG/5.1.2/WASTMG) Indoor Air Qualityy Management The follo
owing tips can be applied to t minimize and reduce waaste production: 1.
Reduce the Paper Consumption i
u
in ADEC Facilities throu
ugh the following actions : 9 Apply Soft Correspondences &
& Documentation = Reduce. Prroviding good indoor air quality is important for the co
omfort, well‐being, and perfo
ormance for all ADEC staff an
nd visitors. Ph
hysical, chemical and biological hazards and substances maay adversely affect the indoo
or air quality within ADEC faccilities if they exist in the abssence of control measures orr actions needed to be taken effectively and efficiently for prevention, mitigation, pre
eparedness, response and recovery of its risk and impactss. Causes of Indoor Air Quality Problems: •
•
•
•
Poor Ventilation. Temperature. Humidity. Indoor Air Pollutants (Particulates Matters, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), etc.). Adverse Health Effects Caused by Poor Indoor Air Quality: •
•
•
•
•
•
Headaches. Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritations. Respiratory Illnesses (Acute & Chronic). Increased Allergies. Asthmas. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (Acute & Chronic). Paints, Solvents and Chemicals shall be stored in designated area with adequate and separate ventilation and exhaust systems. Carbon Emissions from the electrical equipments like light bulbs shall be reduced by replacing the bulbs to Compact Fluorescent ones and the awareness on energy conservation through Posters, and Environmental alerts. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Ozone and Particulate Matters Emissions from photocopiers and printers shall be reduced by checking options of Low VOC emissions photocopiers and printers, provide adequate ventilation in isolated/ remote photocopying rooms, and ensure its regular Maintenance. Smoking is totally prohibited in ALL ADEC facilities and premises. To ensure and maintain fresh and clean indoor air supplies within ADEC facilities, ADEC management and responsible facility management teams in coordination with EHS Sections will ensure the maintenance and proper operations of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System to eliminate problems and pollutants. EHS Section will periodically monitor, report and record Indoor Air Quality. Reference: Indoor Air Quality Management (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.3/IAQMGM) Hazardous Materials Management EHS Section in coordination with concerned Divisions and Sections in ADEC will ensure they possess all Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals and hazardous substances currently in use or to be used in ADEC Facilities. MSDS’s shall be made available to ADEC Staffs and Contractors. Containers of all chemicals and hazardous substances in use shall be categorized and labeled as per Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. DO the following while dealing with Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: •
•
•
•
•
•
EHS Section shall maintain a register of all chemicals and hazardous substances currently in use with their inventories. •
•
Hazard Communication, Training and Consultation Programs with All Staff and contractors who are handling chemicals and hazardous substances (including cleaning chemicals, paints, solvents, etc.) shall be provided and conducted by EHS Section to ensure the safe management of these materials and covering safe handling, transportation, storage and disposal operations. •
Purchase of environmental friendly, non‐hazardous and non‐toxic products. Store different types of hazardous materials separately from each other and based on compatibility where possible. Follow recommended uses and precautions on labels. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear personal protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses and clothing when using hazardous materials. Use safety carriers, chemical trays, or secondary containers when transporting hazardous materials. Spills shall be secured with warning signs, cleaned immediately and should not be left unattended. Spill control kits shall be available to deal and manage any occurring spills involving chemicals and hazardous substances. First aid kits should be readily available. DON’T DO the following while dealing with Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: Occupational Hygiene Exposure & Monitoring •
•
•
Keep or store hazardous material directly under the sunlight or close to a source of ignition. Purchase large quantities of chemicals and hazardous materials and store it. Store Water‐Reactive chemicals where they can come into contact with water. Reference: Hazardous Materials Management (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.4/HAZMAT) Main Information on MSDS Product Name (Trade Name & Chemical Name) Major Uses & Application. Chemical Composition & Ingredients. Physical Properties. Chemical Properties. Precautions for Use. Safe Handling and Storage Information. Personal Protective Equipment. First Aid/Emergency. Fire Protection & Instruction. Spill Protection & Instruction. Emergency Contacts for Producers. Categories of Harmful Occupational Exposures: 1. Chemical Exposures: a. Cleaning Chemicals. b. Dusts. c. Gases. 2. Physical Exposures: a. Heat Stress. b. Radiation. 3. Biological Exposures: a. Viruses, bacteria, fungi. b. HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C. Protection and Prevention from Harmful Occupational Hygiene Exposure includes: 1. Elimination. 2. Substitution. 3. Engineering Controls. 4. Administrative Controls and Work Practices. 5. Personal Protective Equipment. Means of Entering the Human Body include: 1. Inhalation: breathing in the substance with normal air intake. This is the main route of contaminants into the body. When contaminants enter the lungs, they have access to the bloodstream and many other organs. 2. Absorption through the Skin: the substance comes into contact with the skin and enters either through the pores or a wound. 3. Ingestion: through the mouth and swallowed into the stomach and the digestive system. This is not a significant route of entry to the body. 4. Injection: through needles or sharp edges are rare but give examples for this form of entering the human body. Tips for Food Hygiene Management: • Food handlers should have food handling certificate and shall undergo medical examination to ensure that they are free from infectious and communicable diseases. • All staffs employed in provision of catering services at ADEC facilities shall be provided with uniforms and personal protective equipment and instructed to wear it at all times while they perform services. • PPE shall include but not be limited to Safety boots/ shoes, Hairnets, Mesh and Hygienic Gloves, etc. •
Sufficient hand wash basins and welfare facilities including toilets adjacent to the catering facilities shall be provided. •
Persons working in food handling area shall also practice good hygiene which includes but not limited to: 9 Have clean hands at all times and when they are handling food. 9 No smoking in food handling areas. 9 No eating or drinking while handling food. 9 Cover wounds with water proof dressings. 9 No wearing of jewelry or watches. • Catering facilities shall be cle
eaned on a daily basis using the appropriate disinfectants. • Im
mplement the 5 “S” Concept in
n ADEC facilities. ps for Safe Outdoor Occupattional Exposures: Tip
Do
o’s: • Keep sufficient fluids avaailable and accessible to maintain proper hydration d
during periods of extreme heat conditions. • Stay in shaded and air‐conditioned o
(cooler) areas during high and extreme te
emperature environments to rest during breaks in orde
er to reduce body heat. • Drink one liter of water/fluid
d per hour. Take the following measures during sandstorm: • Listen for storm warnings and stay away from areas where an unpredictable sandstorm can occur. • Wear goggles. Cover the nose and mouth with a respirator or mask that is able to filter out sand particles or use a moistened handkerchief. • Outrun the storm. If you are driving and the storm is at a reasonable distance it may be possible to outrun it. If it seems the storm is near, stop and ride it out. • If the person is not driving the vehicle, then seek shelter. Find cover if at all possible. If no shelter is available, lie down and wait the storm out. • Keep eyes, nose and mouth covered at all times. Don’ts: • Avoid exposure to direct sun heat at mid‐day or noon times. If possible, reschedule and re‐arrange work during the cooler hours or provide a shaded area over the workplace when working outside. Reference: Occupational Hygiene Exposure & Monitoring (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.5/OCPHYG) Walking & Working Surfaces The following practices to prevent and eliminate walking and working surfaces related hazards shall be applied in ADEC facilities and include: • All walking and working surface shall be maintained clean, dry and kept free from protruding nails, splinters, openings, holes, or loose boards at all times. • Post precautions and warning signs about relevant hazards (Slips, Trips, etc.) while cleaning the floors and any other surfaces. • Where mechanical handling equipment is used, always keep sufficient and safe clearances. • Covering cables that cross walkways. • Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good condition clear of any obstruction that could create a hazard in normal and during emergency situations. • Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately and clearly marked. • Regardless of height, open‐sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment and similar hazards shall be guarded with a standard railing and toe board. • Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails. • All portable ladders used shall have a uniform step spacing which shall be not more than 30 cm. Steps shall be parallel and level when the ladder is in position for use. • Do not use a damaged ladder, all ladders out of service shall be properly marked and kept away. • Remember the following to reduce the risks of slipping and tripping hazards: a. Watch your steps and keep attention to where you step in and where you are going. b. Walk with the feet pointed slightly outward. c. Ensure enough light and clear vision on your way. d. In dark areas, use a flashlight. e. Ensure clear vision ahead when you are carrying or pushing loads. Reference: Walking & Working Surfaces (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.6/WLKSRF) Ergonomics Ergonomics is the science of adapting the job and/or the equipment and the human to each other for optimal safety and productivity. Ergonomic Hazards due to handling of files can be reduced by implementing the following: • Stack Height to be maintained for all File Cabinets to avoid the Overreaching. • Ensure that file cabinet drawers cannot easily be pulled clear of the cabinet. • Open only one drawer at a time to keep the cabinet from toppling and close drawers when they are not in use. • Do not place heavy objects on top of cabinets. be aware that anything on top of a cabinet may fall off if a drawer is opened suddenly. Ergonomics Hazards due to the sitting chair can be reduced by implementing the following: • An ergonomic chair should be highly adjustable, including not just a knob for lowering and raising the chair but adjustability in the back tilt and the height of the arm rests. • Ensure that the backrest of ergonomics chairs corresponds to the natural curvature of the spine providing enough support to the lumbar region. • Ensure
e that the seats of ergonomic chairs are comfo
ortable enough to allow the feet to rest flat on the
e floor or footrest. • Ensure
e that the armrests of ergon
nomic chairs are soft allowing the shoulders to relaax and elbows to stay close to the body. causing glare. Provide anti‐
the computer monitors or c
glare screen over the compu
uter. • Computer Monitors: scree
ens images shall be clear and well‐defined. Place the monitor 20‐28 inches (50‐
70 cm) away from the face. f
The center of the monitor should be approx
ximately 15 to 25 degrees below the line of vision. • Keyboards: position of co
omputer keyboards shall maintain the angle betwee
en the forearm and upper arm between 80 and 120 de
egrees. Place the keyboard in an area that is accessible, comfortable and avoid stretching. e can be reduced Ergonomics Hazards in the work place
by implem
menting the following: • Lightin
ng: lighting around compute
er work stations should
d illuminate the work area w
without obscuring • Wrist Support: use wrist supports made of padded material. This support should allow typing without bending the wrists. • Document Holders: keep documents at approximately the same height and distance from the face as the monitor screen. • Telephones: neck tension is a common problem caused by holding the telephone between the head and neck. Ensure the use of headset or speakerphone if telephone is used for extended periods of time. Electricity Hazards Electricity is silent, invisible, and potentially fatal, so it deserves the utmost respect. Never take electricity for granted, and never assume a circuit is dead. Always ensure the following: • The use of suitable and authorized electrical supplies and equipment which should be installed and maintained by trained electricians. • The installation of suitable electrical protection such as circuit breakers, fuses, and residual current devices which must be always used along with the correct load ratings. • Electrical cables should be covered and/or suspended away from walkways, aisles and corridors where practicable to avoid damage and damp and also reduce the potential of tripping hazards. • Carry out periodical visual checks of plugs, sockets and cables, if any damages identified, then remove it from service and report it immediately. • Any cable joints must utilize proper appropriate connector blocks and not just insulating tapes. Reference: Ergonomics (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.7/ERGONO) • Remember: Live Electriciity Can Equal A Dead Person, Ensure It Isn’t You Or Any Of Your Colleagues. Reference: Electricity Hazards (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHS
SPRG/5.1.8/ELECHZ) • Never use lighting sockets to powe
er equipment. • Ensure
e cables are long enough for t
the task. • The in
nner insulation of cables should s
never be visible. • The ou
uter insulation should extend into plugs and equipm
ment and fully utilize cable grrips. • Blown fuses should be replaced im
mmediately (note: if a rep
placed fuse immediately blow
ws again then it is indicattive of a problem requiring the attention of an elecctrician). • For ele
ectrical maintenance works e
ensure the mains supplyy is disconnected. • Never overload electrical sockets, use one plug per sockett. Reduce Stress and Tension
n while over speeding. Avoid Legal and Financial n
Liabilities and Consequences. Defensive Driving
g Co
onsider the following while d
driving: Defensive
e Driving Program aims to minimize death, injuries and a
damages resulting fro
om road traffic Incidents.. Why Do W
We Need to Drive Safe? Prote
ect Ourselves and our Familie
es. Prote
ect Others. Arrivve in time. No Suffering from Death, Fatal In
njuries and other a
damages. If your are the driver, Do
o Not Use Phones while driving at all times forr any reasons including making calls, pagers, send or read text messages, Always use a headset or wireless speakers. Stay at or below the
e maximum allowable speed for the road yo
ou are driving on as indicated by road signs,, you can use speed set if your car is equipped with this option. If you are the passenger you should intervene if the driver is using a phone p
while driving the vehicle and in case he exceeds the maximum allowable speed. We
Wearing Seat Belts: • Wearing s e a t belts includes safety belts in cars, taxis, buses, trucks, cranes,, or forklift trucks and shall be adhered to by any pe
erson in moving vehicles when engaged on ADEC acctivities. • Exceptions include vehicless where only lap seatbelts are available or in public trransportation where seat belts are not available. Drrivers and Passengers Shall: • Check seat belts are in go
o od conditions and work properly. • Keep seat belts properly fastened while in moving vehicles. • Check that everyone in vehicles is wearing seat belts properly before starting the drive. • Intervene when fellow passengers are not wearing seatbelts properly. Reference: Defensive Driving (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.9/DEFDRV) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at workplace and which protects them against hazards or risks which may potentially threat their health or safety. Remember PPE is the last option in the hazard hierarchy if control, and remember the following: •
•
•
•
•
Know how and where to use PPE if issued to you. Maintain, clean and store your PPE to avoid any damage. Carefully inspect PPE before use Immediately replace damaged and expired items. Report any problems with use of PPE. PPE Safety Boot Safety Helmet Purpose Foot Protection Head Protection Coveralls Body Protection Chemical Suits Body Protection Chemical Boot Foot Protection Rough & Chemical Gloves Hand Protection Safety Glasses Eye Protection Safety Goggles Eye Protection Face Shields Eye When to be used? Foot Injury Risks & Falling Objects. Head Injury Risks & Falling Objects. Body Injury, Chemicals handling and Transportation. Handling of chemicals. Foot Injury, Chemicals handling and Transportation. Always when handling rough edges, materials and chemicals. Always when having a fugitive dust, flying sparks, or chemical splash. Always where fugitive dust or chemical splashing is expected during work activities, or Chemicals. Obligatory for Protection Ear Plugs & Muffs Dust and Gas Respirators Hearing Protection Respiratory Protection laboratories personnel or facing hot temperatures. Obligatory where noise levels exceeds 90db/ 8hrs shift or direct instantaneous exposure of 135db. Always where fugitive dust & gaseous emissions are expected. 4.
Fire Prevention & Control Chemical Chain Reaction (involving the fuel and oxygen). Remove one of these factors or stop the Chemical Chain Reaction and the fire will go out. All the four components must be present to make a fire and keep it on. Sources of ignition and Precautions: Ignition Precautions Source Care in using instruments with naked Naked flame and exclude any flammable Flame substances nearby. What is Fire? Fire is a rapid chemical reaction. Fire starts because four elements are present at a time: 1. Fuel (paper, wood, gasoline), 2. Oxygen (air), 3. Heat (spark from welding, static electricity, friction, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, direct flame), Electrical sparks Apply electrical protective measures such as isolation, bonding, grounding, fuses. Apply spark proof equipment in classified flammable and combustible areas. Heat build‐
up Apply appropriate ventilation systems. Hot work Apply hot work permits and warning signs. Cigarettes Apply No Smoking Policy. Consider the application of the following measures to reduce fire risks at workplace: Good housekeeping measures. Efficient and effective waste management and disposal. Safe management and storage of flammable and combustible substances. No Smoking Policy. Hot work permits system. Proper design and regular maintenance of machines to avoid hot surfaces. Controls on Contractors Safe electric systems and prevent overloading/ overheating of electric circuits. The segregation of areas with oxygen‐enriched atmospheres. Do not cover or block ventilation systems in storage areas. Fire Classification: It is important to identify the type of fire to be fought, so that proper firefighting equipment can be selected and used. The NFPA classifies four categories of fires: Class of Fire A B Type of Fuel Combustible Solids (as wood, glass, clothes, papers, etc.). Combustibles and Flammable Liquids (as petroleum, paints, solvents, etc.). Extinguishing Agent ‐ Water. ‐ Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). ‐ Foam. ‐ Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). C Electrical. ‐ Carbon Dioxide (CO2). ‐ Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). K Kitchen Cooking Oils and Fat. ‐ Carbon Dioxide (CO2). ‐ Wet chemical. ‐ Fire Blanket. How to Use Fire Extinguisshers PAS
SS = PULL – AIM ‐ Squeeze an
nd SWEEP. 1.
2.
3.
4.
PULLL and Twist the Pin. PUL
AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire, standing on an upwind u
location away from
m the fire 2‐2.5 mete
ers. SQUE
EEZE the handle/ trigger to activate the extin
nguisher and discharge its con
ntents on the fire base. SWEEP over the fire from side to side. Re
eference: Fire Prevention and
d Control (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.11.11/FIRPRV) Emergency Ressponse Plan In the event of an emergency s
situation (serious personal injjury, medical case, fire, etc.), immediately contact EHS Se
ection to attain needed assistance and help. Yo
ou can contact EHS Section through t
direct contact by telephones, mobile nu
umbers and email (ehs@adec.ac.ae). When you make this contact, ensure that you clearly ide
entify yourself and provide th
he following information: 1. Nature and scale of emerg
gency. 2.
3.
Your r exact location Number of injured persons and tyypes of injuries. General Rules in case of Emergency: R
•
When
n a fire alarm sounds, evacuaation is required. •
Walkk, do not run, to the nearesst exit door and take stairways to proceed to grou
und level and out to the assembly point. •
Close doors as you leave. e
•
Shut down electric equipment and/ or any other equip
pment before you evacuate from your workkplace. •
Do not n
use elevators (if existss) during a fire emerrgency. •
If the
e fire alarm stops, continue
e the evacuation and warn w
others who may attem
mpt to enter the build
ding. •
Leave the building and move away from it, keep
ping routes and drives open
n for emergency services teams when they arrive. •
Evacuate to Assembly Areas/ Points as defined in build
ding, facility, and workplace Emergency Evacuation Plan. References: 1
1. Emergency Management P
Program (ADEC
C/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.13/EMRMGM) 2. Emergency Response P
Plan (ADE
EC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.14/EMRSPL) First A
Aid Trrained and qualified first aid
d responders, first aid kits an
nd Cardio‐Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) kits shall be prrovided in ADEC facilities in each floor. G
Give First Aid & CPR ONLY IF YOU ARE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO DO SO In case of any medical emerg
gencies including injuries, im
mmediately report to EHS Secttion for instructions. EH
HS Section shall immediately send first aid responders an
nd kits as well as calling for Medical Rescue Team on (999). First Aid Treatment • Obtain medical help as soon as possible. First aid is an emergency care provided for injury or sudden illness before medical rescue team arrives to scene. Personal Injuries/ Wounds •
•
•
•
Control bleeding. Apply direct pressure on wound. Elevate injured area above the heart if possible. Apply pressure to supplying blood vessel if direct pressure is not successful. • Secure dry, sterile dressings with bandages. • Wash your hands first and then act to clean minor injuries thoroughly with plain soap and water if a v a i l a b l e . Fractures • Do NOT move the victim. • Keep the broken bone and adjacent joints from moving. • If an open wound is present, control the bleeding (see Personal Injuries/ Wounds). Electric Shock • Keep victim lying down. • Cover victim only enough to keep victim from loosing body heat. Burns • Prevent contamination by applying a sterile dressing. • Submerge small minor burns in cold water (do not use ice). • Apply sterile dressings to large extensive burns (do not apply grease or ointment). Stoppage of Breathing • Apply Cardio‐Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ONLY IF YOU ARE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO DO SO. • Tip victim’s head back, chin pointing up. • Look, listen and feel for breathing. • If no breathing and there is a pulse give artificial respiration. • Close victim’s nostrils by pinching shut. • Make a tight seal over victim’s mouth with your mouth. • Inflate victim’s lungs with (2) full slow breaths. • Watch victim’s chest fall while listening for air return between breaths. • Check for a pulse at the side of the neck for (5) seconds. • Breathe for adults once every (5) seconds; for children is once every (4) seconds, and for infants, once every (3) seconds. • Recheck for spontaneous breathing every few minutes. • If there is no pulse and there is no breathing, begin Cardio‐Pulmonary Resuscitation till the arrival of Medical Rescue Team. Fainting •
Heart Attack • Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, nausea, sweating, and weak rapid pulse. Act Immediately To: Act Immediately To: •
• Search for identification card or bracelet for additional steps/ medical assistance contact numbers. • Question eye witnesses about what has occurred. • Get medical aid quickly from a paramedic, physician or person trained on Cardio‐Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). • Place the victim in a still and comfortable position. • Do not move the victim. • Raise the head and chest if breathing is difficult. • If breathing stops and there is pulse, apply artificial respiration ONLY IF YOU ARE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO DO SO. • If no pulse, give Cardio‐Pulmonary Resuscitation and apply external cardiac compression on the victim’s breast bone ONLY IF YOU ARE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO DO SO. • Tip the head to open airway, look, listen and feel breathing. Symptoms include victim feeling lightheaded, nauseated, flushed, feels warm and then may lose consciousness for several seconds. Fainting may result due to normal physiologic response to stress. •
•
•
•
•
Make sure that the victim is breathing and has pulse. Keep victim lying down with feet elevated until recovery is complete. Bathe face down gently with cool water. Do not pour water over victim. Loosen tight clothing. Keep crowds away. Incident Reporting Immediately Report All EHS incident which may includes first aid cases, Lost Work Day Cases, Restricted Work Day Cases, Medical Treatment Cases, Near Misses, Property Damage, Fire, Spillages and All other types of emergencies to ADEC EHS section. Reference: EHS Incident Investigation & Reporting (ADEC/EHSMS/05/5.1/EHSPRG/5.1.16/INCINV) Important Emergency Contacts Internal Contacts: Environment, Health and Safety Section (EHS) Walid Abdel Kader 02 615 0182 050 122 9985 walid.abdelkader@adec.ac.ae Ibrahim Ahmad 02 6150322 050 596 7147 Ibrahim.ahmad@adec.ac.ae Sara Al Fahim 02 615 0323 sara.alfahim@adec.ac.ae EHS Section Email: ehs@adec.ac.ae External Emergency Contacts: Abu Dhabi Police Central Operations for ALL Emergencies 999 Acknowledgement Card I hereby acknowledge that: 1. I have received a copy of this handbook. 2. I have read and understand the contents of the handbook. 3. I agree to work under all provisions contained in ADEC Environment, Health and Safety Management System (ADEC EHSMS) and this handbook. Name & Staff ID NO. Signature Date General Notes