Maintenance Workshop

Risk of:

• Infection.

Possible causes:

• Failure to decontaminate equipment properly or in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Exposure to environmental bacteria e.g. tetanus in soil, legionella in water systems, sewage, moulds, contaminated litter, discarded syringes or thorns.

Risk of:

• Health effects such as allergies, asthma, respiratory problems and dermatitis.
• Fire.
• Explosion.
• Hit by flying projectiles.
• Suffocation.

Possible causes:

• Failure to decontaminate equipment properly in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Exposure to flammable gases, paints, cement, metal working solvents, degreasing agents, herbicides, insecticides, adhesives, solvents, asbestos, cleaning agents, lead, refrigerant gases, welding fumes, waste anaesthetic gases.
• Failure, rupture or leakage of compressed gas cylinders or fittings.
• Exposure to dust or latex consumables.
• Lack of local exhaust ventilation.

Risk of:

• Confusion.
• Death via drowning or asphyxiation.
• Heat stress.
• Back pain.

Possible causes:

• Lack of oxygen.
• Exposure to poisonous gases or fumes.
• Lack of confined space entry permit to work.
• Exposure to free flowing liquids or solids.
• Lack of training.
• Working in restricted work space.

Risk of:

• Physical injury even death.
• Back pain.

Possible causes:

• Poor ergonomic set up / inadequate lumbar support.
• Moving loads to and from the vehicle.
• Road collision.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Electric shock.
• Death.
• Fire.

Possible causes:

• Faulty or absent residual current devices.
• Faulty plugs or cables, unmaintained equipment.
• Working on live equipment without a safe system of work and permit to work system.
• Equipment unsuitable for use in a wet, dusty or outdoor work environment.
• Unqualified staff.
• Improper use of arc welding equipment.

Risk of:

• Colds.
• Burns.
• Heat stress.

Possible causes:

• Working in inclement weather e.g. freezing conditions, rain etc.
• Contact with hot surfaces, products or steam.
• Working in hot environments e.g. boiler houses or ventilation systems.

Risk of:

• Electrocution.
• Amputation.
• Broken bones, dislocations or crush injuries.
• Entanglement.
• Cuts, burns, eye injuries.

Possible causes:

• Use of unguarded equipment such as planers, drills, grinders, presses, saws and routers.
• Work on motors and fans.
• Hit by falling objects.
• Lack of equipment maintenance.
• Exposure to energy sources (steam, hydraulic fluid, compressed air, gas or electricity) or ultra violet radiation.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Smoke inhalation.
• Death.

Possible causes:

• Unsafe system of work / failure to implement hot work permit.
• Improper storage of flammable chemicals and gases.
• Lack of flashback arrestor on welding equipment.
• Flames, sparks or hot material generated during cutting and welding.

Risk of:

• Increased vulnerability in the event of an incident.

Possible causes:

• Working in isolated areas.
• Unsafe system of work.

Risk of:

• Back injury, sprains and strains.

Possible causes:

• Lack of or unsuitable mechanical handling equipment.
• Improper lifting techniques or over exertion.
• Lack of maintenance of lifting devices e.g. material hoists and lifts.

Risk of:

• Hearing damage or loss.
• Physiological effects.
• Work related stress.
• Increased risk of accidents.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to noisy equipment such as back up generators, chillers and boilers or noisy environments such as service or plant rooms.
• Operation of power tools or compressed air tools.

Risk of:

• Inoculation injury.
• Infection.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to sharp items including needles discarded by the public.

Risk of:

• Minor to major physical injuries.

Possible causes:

• Inadequate space especially around equipment.
• Trailing leads.
• Uneven or wet surfaces.
• Inappropriate footwear.

Risk of:

• Burns especially eye and skin.
• Eye injuries.
• Electrocution.
• Fire.
• Explosion.
• Adverse health effects e.g. metal fume fever, hearing damage, lead poisoning, asthma, cancer.
• Effect on pacemaker.
• Musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible causes:

• Absence of flashback arresters on oxyacetylene welding equipment.
• Exposure to welding fume due to lack of ventilation.
• Exposure to toxic metals or noise.
• Being hit by slag or spatter.
• Exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays or EMF.
• Lack of shielding.
• Incorrectly installed or improperly grounded equipment.
• Poorly maintained equipment especially cables.
• Lack of proper PPE e.g. eye & ear protection, insulating gloves, helmet, flame retardant overalls.
• Welding near or on flammable materials or environment.
• Poor posture during welding.
• Mishandling of gas cylinders.
• Failure to use spark lighters to ignite gases.

Risk of:

• Serious injuries such as broken limbs, concussion and even death.

Possible causes:

• Fall from unprotected edge.
• Improper use of ladders.
• Inadequate working platform.
• Lack of edge protection on working platform.