1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) POLICY. |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a standard for the mandatory use of personal protective equipment on all projects, as general use requirements.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
All personnel entering work area on the project are required to abide by the following minimum requirements (i.e. mandatory equipment / clothes to be worn at all times).
- Long pants
- Shirt with long sleeves
- Coveralls may be required on certain projects (use of nomex material may be required on certain jobs)
- Safety boots
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses with side shields
Work areas include material storage area, warehouses, fabrication shops and other areas or facilities where hazard may exist. The minimum requirements for visitors to the offices at site are as follows.
Hard hats/safety glasses with side shield / safety shoes.
The following are general requirements for the use of personal protective equipment.
- All personal protective equipment shall be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
- Personal protective equipment shall not be altered unless authorized by the manufacturer.
- All personal protective equipment that is damaged or in need of repair shall be removed from service. This equipment shall be returned to the tool crib and rd tagged with an explanation for the defect or problem.
- Personal protective equipment shall be inspected by the worker prior to each use and as required for scheduled inspections.
Hard hats shall be worn with the peak forward unless it will;
- Prevent the installation of additional personal protective equipment that is required
- Reduce visibility, thereby exposing workers to this hazard, created by the specific nature of their work.
- Protective headwear by signal persons controlling traffic shall be fluorescent red or orange.
- Bump hats shall not be used for head protection.
- Chinstraps shall be used to hold head protection in place when required due to windy conditions or work positions.
- Hard hats welding hood combinations are required for welding. No personal welding hoods are allowed on the projects.
HEAD PROTECTION (Alternative)
It is recognized that certain tasks make the wearing of head protection impractical due to limited space or work positions. If head protection is removed, an alternative means of protection such as an overhead deck shall be installed.
Exceptions for the use of soft welding hoods and leather welding masks may be permitted by safety department.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Eye and face protection is intended to protect against such hazards as:
- Flying particles.
- Molten metals such as welding sparks and slag
- Chemical splashes
- Radiation, such as ultra violet from welding.
Eye protection includes:
- Safety glasses
- Mono glasses
- Welding hold lens.
Eye protection required for working around welding is shaded and should be coated for ultra violet protection.
Face protection includes.
- Plastic or mesh face shields
- Welding helmets
- Leather hoods for sandblasting
- Barrier creams.
Contact lens is not recommended for work on industrial projects as particles or chemical would get rapped under the lens and injures the eye.
Do not modify eye or face protection.
Clean eye and face protection regularly. Replace if lens becomes pitted or scratched.
Use anti-fog solution to reduce fogging in cold weather.
Use double eye protection, glasses and face shields for all work where there is a possibility of foreign bodies contaminating or entering behind the safety glasses.
- All electrical equipment must be switched off before leaving the office.
- Office employees will be provided with information and training on terms such as evacuation drills and proper assembly areas. Location and use of fire extinguishers.
- Passageway must be kept clear of tripping hazards such as torn carpets, loose mats, wastebaskets, cartons, electric cards, open drawers and personal belongings.
- Use of an approved ladder or platform for reaching material stored in high locations. Standing on a chair, carton, desk, cabinet or other substitute is strictly prohibited.
- Discontinuation of Telephone conversation when an emergency siren is sounded.
- Use of ashtrays, not waste bins for ashes and butts.
3. SAFETY IN MATERIAL WAREHOUSE |
Wear Gloves and Safety Footwear. –
- Never over reach for anything, has use step laddered if shelf is too high.
- Avoidance overloading a shelf or other surface with stacked materials.
- Use of leather gloves when handling sharp objects or wire rope slings.
- Stored materials must not obstruct any doorway, roadway, fire alarm, or fire fighting equipment.
- Use of the forklift to move heavy items.
- Informing safety department regarding any flammable or toxic spillage (e.g. oil, paint cleaner, gases, chemicals).
- All packing material, empty crates, etc. must be removed in order to avoid fire risk.
- Knowing machines thoroughly.
- Consulting with supervisor in case of doubt and observing safety precautions first. Stop for ten seconds and observe for unsafe conditions, and correct, if any inspect your machine for defects, before starting the job.
- Tucking shirts inside the pants and rolling up sleeves. Keeping overall including cuffs, fastened. Wear protective clothing as required.
- Stopping the machine for taking measurements and in case of emergency.
- Keeping work area cleaned, wipe out oil spill immediately and observe good housekeeping.
Carry all flammable liquids and solvents, in approved containers.
- Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all Al Baloushi Group’s work sites. Material shall be properly stored. All scrap and trash shall be collected in the proper containers provided.
- Exits corridors, stairways and walkways shall be kept clear of obstructions. Do not store material in or near switch boxes, switch boards, fire fighting, rescue or any emergency equipment.
- Employees shall maintain their work environment in a manner which is neat, orderly and free from tripping hazards.
- Put oily waste in metal containers preferably outside due to a possible spontaneous combustion hazards.
- Clean up spillage and breakage immediately, giving particular attention to flammable solvents, strong acids, or alkalis which may have to be neutralized before removal.
- Keeping tools away safely when they are not in use.
- In case of an injury or illness, get first aid at once and report any injury or illness (regardless of severity to the appropriate supervisor.)
- All incidents (unsafe act/conditions, fires process safety and environment incidents) must be reported immediately to the concerned supervisor.
- Not removing anything from the incident scene except the injured and if required barricade the area thereafter.
7. MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDILNG |
- Use of mechanical material handling equipment whenever practicable.
- Use of leather gloves to protect hands from cuts or scratches.
- Wearing safety shoes or boots to protect toes from falling loads.
- Avoiding throwing objects to another person
- When lifting, get close to the load you need to carry. Tighten stomach muscles but don’t hold your breath/keeping the body curves, lift the object by using the muscles of your legs. Pivot with your feet and don’t twist your lower back when handing the load.
- Not carrying a load which blocks your view.
- Informing supervisor if any loads are too heavy or large to carry.
8. WORKING AT HIGH ELEVATION |
Personnel shall use safely harness, scaffolding and ladders as required, for working at high elevation.
9. USE OF SCAFFOLDERS AND LADDERS |
- No scaffolding shall be used for any work unless the scaffolding is inspected, a fitness certificate signed and displayed on the scaffolding.
- Provide handrails and toe boards on all scaffold platforms of more than 2 meters in height.
- Only one person at a time is permitted to use a ladder and always have someone to hold the ladder until it is secured at the top.
- If materials have to be handled, use a tool belt or a hand line with a suitable container is required.
- Top portion of the ladder shall protrude approximately 1 foot beyond the top support or 3 feet above the landing platform.
- Never strap ladders together.
- Always set the ladder on firm base. Portable straight ladders must be equipped with safety “feet” and always pitch the ladder at a ratio of 1:4.
- Never paint a wooden or aluminum ladder. This will hide defects. Use ladders which in good condition.
10. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS |
- Consider that all gas cylinders are full and handled them carefully.
- Any cylinders with damage or leaking valve joints jammed spindles, etc. must be return at once to the stores with a note explaining the problem.
- Under no circumstances does the user attempt a repair.
- Cylinders must be lifted in proper cradles, never with a sling.
- Compressed gas cylinders, empty or full shall be adequately secured in an upright position when in transportation, storage or use. Ensure that all valves are totally closed with safety caps in position.
- Always open cylinder valves slowly and close sufficiently to shut of gas, never apply force.
- Never use compressed air or gas for removal of dust or dirt from your clothing and never point the jet directly at yourself or someone else.
- Always keep cylinders shaded out of the sun and from heat, flammable materials corrosive and fumes.
- No chemical is to be brought at site without a Material Safety Data Sheet reviewed/approved by Safety Section. Appropriate Personnel Protective Clothing shall be worn when handling chemical, acid, and catalysts, etc. Check that it is good, fit and comfortable.
- Always refer to Material Safety Data Sheet issued by the supplier when handling chemical or hazardous materials.
- All chemical containers shall have the following information in the labels.
- Contents of the container.
- The names and address of the chemical/manufacturer or importer as well as emergency telephone number.
- The physical and health hazards associated with the chemical.
- The recommended personnel protective equipment needed to work safety with chemical.
12. GAS WELDING AND CUTTING |
- If the object which is to be welded or cut cannot be readily moved, all the movable fire hazards shall be shifted at least 11 meters (35 feet) away from the work site.
- Combustible and flammable objects which cannot be relocated will be isolated from ignition sources by flameproof covers or otherwise shielded with metal or fire resistant guards or curtains.
- All cylinders are to be kept in trolleys and chained.
- Use of proper trolley even for moving short distances.
- Always open cylinders slowly and close the valve when not in use.
- Never lift cylinder by the cap or valve and replace the cap after use.
13. USE OF PORTABLE POWER TOOLS |
- Portable electric tools must be double insulated or grounded prior to use. Tools with defective cords or exposed wiring shall be taken out of service.
- Keep guards in place on power tools that you use.
- Not using the tools for purposes which they are not designed.
- Checking source of supply before connecting power tools.
- Excess cables from electrical equipment in areas likely to be affected by chemicals, water and possible corrosion should be coiled and hanged.
- Leave all repairs to qualified maintenance personnel.
- Disconnecting tools when not in use.
- Not use defective hand tools. Get them replaced immediately.
- Transport and store tools in a box or bag as provided.
- Avoid throwing tools.
- Keeping the tools out of the aisles and walkways.
- Use of files equipped with handles.
- Obtaining hot work permit for all welding jobs.
- Always wear full protective clothing.
- Use screens to protect others from the arc.
- Checking leads on connections are in good condition and firmly attached.
- Checking the welding machines is properly earthed.
- Checking the electrode holder is fully insulated and always places it on an earthed surface, when not in use.
- Always stand on an insulated place when the ground is damp.
- Never weld near flammable liquids.
- Always keep welding cable clear off roadways and walkways.
- Check your assistant for full protective clothing.
- Always place standby Fire Extinguishers near the welding locations.
16. ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS |
- Only qualified employees are permitted to work on electrical equipment. All wires, switches, etc. shall be considered live or “hot” until proven otherwise.
- All work performed on electrical equipment shall only take place after the equipment is de-energized and locked out, unless specifically authorized by written permit.
- Never direct a stream of water on electrical equipment or conductors.
- Never overload electrical equipment.
17. ACTION IN THE EVENT OF ELECTRICAL FIRES |
- All supervisory staff shall follow a pre-planned and clearly defined fire fighting procedure in the vent of an electrical fire. Action may necessitate the complete, partial or localized isolation of the power supply.
- Where electrical fires are associated with cable work, the fires shall be isolated remotely.
- Where there are significant qualities of smoke, no attempt shall be made to approach the fire without breathing apparatus.
- No person shall enter a cable trench or cable basement without any breathing apparatus, when the location is smoke filled or an electrical fire is in progress.
- Fire incidents involving incoming power supply plant or equipment, transformers, substations, circuit breakers or distribution switchboards require complete electrical power isolation of the affected plant and equipment.
- For fire incidents on motors, operation of the motor emergency or local stop button, to permit initial fire fighting, with approved CO2 or Halon extinguishers, followed by circuit breaker or starter isolation and withdrawal.
- For fire incidents on distribution transformers, the following action is recommended.
- Single disposed unit – individual electrical isolation.
- Multiple disposed units – complete electrical isolation of the supply power source before any fire fighting action is taken.
- Major incidents on transformers, reactors or other apparatus shall be dealt with, after isolation by a competent fire fighter as deluge techniques may be avoided.
- For fire fighting on distribution switchboards, motor control or fuse boards, operating under 500V, fire fighting with approved CO2 or Halon extinguishers is permitted, before electrical isolation, providing safety distances are maintained. Electrical isolation at a remote location shall be carried out as soon as possible.
18. USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS |
- Reading instructions on Fire Extinguishers to know how to use them. You will find them on all designated locations.
- Reporting or returning Fire Extinguishers to Fire Section as soon as they are discharged.
- Employees are required to know the location of Fire Extinguishers in their work area and how to use them. Portable Fire Extinguishers are to be used by employees for initial stage fire fighting only.
Classes of Fires Extinguishing Media Common Fires:
Class “A” water, Multi purpose dry Fire involving wood, paper, cloth, etc.
Chemical Class “B” Dry Chemical, CO2, Halon, Inergen, Foam Fire involving oil and gas.
Class “C” Dry chemical CO2, Halon, and Inergen Electrical equipment.
Class “D” Special dry chemical uncommon metallic fires.
19.GENERAL SAFETY RULES APPLICABLE IN PLANT OPERATION |
- Not entering into unauthorized areas.
- Employees must not indulge in “Horse Play” or any form of practical joke within the work place.
- Permission must be obtained from concerned department, prior to use of plant utilities, such as but not limited to: water, steam and air systems.
- The use of fire hydrants and hoses for non-emergency purpose is prohibited unless otherwise authorize.
- Use of proper safety containers in carrying flammable liquids.
- Do not enter areas demarcated with warning tapes. These are placed to warn the personnel “Danger Do Not Enter”.
- All hazardous and unsafe conditions shall be rectified by the concerned personnel immediately.
- Not running machinery or tools unless all guards are in position.
- Hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses/goggles and gloves are considered as minimum protection for all in the plant area unless otherwise specified.
- Wearing the right protective equipment and clothing for the job.
- Checking all protective clothing for its fitness and service ability before use.
- Hearing Protection is required in all posted areas when the noise level exceeds 85 dBA.
- Respiratory protection must be worn whenever entering areas susceptible to Toxic gases leakage. Oxygen deficiency and Nitrogen enriched atmosphere.
- Use safety showers and eye wash units when exposed to chemical spills.
- Personnel assigned to work in the plant area shall not wear Guthras. Thobe or loose clothing.
- Any employee within the plant premises upon hearing an explosion or seeing a fire or gas release or smelling ammonia, takes the following action immediately.
- Report to the Control Room through telephone, radio or by rushing himself. – Give his name, give the location, type and extent of emergency.
- If you are unable to inform above mentioned, press the nearby fire alarm button.
20. EMERGENCIES AND ACTION IN DIFFERENT PLANT AREAS |
Emergency Level - 1
Fires, explosion or sizable gas leakage at the MTBE plant, which cannot be quickly corrected by immediate operating staff and which cause or have the potential of causing injury to personnel or damaging plant equipment, fall in this category.
On hearing the alarm for Emergency Level – 1, stop working in assigned jobs, vacate the operating units and assemble at their respective assembly locations.
Emergency Level - 2
Fires, explosion or sizable gas leakage at the Polypropylene Plant, which cannot be quickly corrected by immediate operating staff and which cause or have the potential of causing injury to personnel or damaging plant equipment, fall in this category.
On hearing the alarm for Emergency Level – 2, stop working in assigned jobs, vacate the operating units and assemble at their respective assembly locations.
Emergency Level - 3
An emergency at the plant due to leakage of high concentration of Ammonia from the neighboring plant, falls in this category.
On hearing the alarm for Emergency Level – 3, take the following actions:
- Stop the assigned job in a safe manner. Get hold of nearby Ammonia mask, if Ammonia mask is not available, wet a cloth and put on your nose to breath, and go to the nearby shelter or building and inform the supervisor.
- Wait for instructions from the plant management supervisor.
21. SAFETY LOCKOUT – TAGOUT PROCEDURE |
Before any electrical unit is de-energized, it must be physically verified by the plant responsible foreman/supervisor in conjunction with the authorize plant personnel that all loads associated with that unit have been cleared to be “de-energized”.
Under the circumstances shall, a de-energized unit or part thereof shall be worked on unless the energy isolating device of that unit has been properly locked and tagged out in an “OFF” position by the responsible originator or authorized personnel.
Proper coordination with all responsible project and plant authorities must be commencing any work on a de-energized unit or part thereof including restoration of the same.
Specific unit or equipment or parts to be worked on, must be legibly identified or marked prior to starting of work.
Only competent/experienced personnel shall be allowed to perform the job including attendants where required.
The responsible Abdullah A. Al Baloushi Group foreman/supervisor or the designated authorized personnel/originator shall ensure affixing his own lock-out/tag-out device to the equipment de-energized isolating device, in addition to the plant operations installed lockout/tag out device before commencing any activity. The lockout/tag out device affixed by client Representative on plant operation to the equipment shall not relieve Abdullah A. Al Baloushi Group crew from installing their own lock-out/tag-out device.
A safety checklist for equipment “Lockout/tag out” and “Restoring Equipment to Service” shall be properly filled in by the authorized person to ensure a safe work execution. Blank checklist forms shall be kept adequately available at all times at the site Abdullah A. Al Baloushi Group safety office.
Only standard OSHA confirming “Danger, Do Not Operate” laminated red tag shall be used as tag out device. This device shall provide at least the following information:
- Identification of equipment out of service.
- Reason of being out of service.
- Approximate period of service.
- Name, badge and telephone number of originator.
- Date & time of affixing lockout/tag out.
- Signature of the originator.
After Termination/connection of power or newly installed equipment, of the energy control device of the particular equipment will be maintained in “OFF” position, bearing two (2) padlocks and tags. Subsequently, all work to be performed in all new and energized equipment which have not been turned over to client will be covered by project developed work permit-signed by the work in charge. |
