Divine Word College of Legazpi, Legazpi City 4500, Albay

- SAFETY MANUAL -

This manual is designed to establish and maintain safe working conditions at Divine Word College of Legazpi, and promote safe work practices by students, management staff and employees.

DWCL recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe and healthful working environment. This shall include making reasonable efforts to promptly investigate and address health and safety without adequate training and safety equipment as determined by applicable laws, and making information on hazardous materials readily accessible.

Prevention of hazards will always be preferable to protection from hazards, and part of management’s safety focus is to eliminate hazards rather than require employee personal protection. Implied in every section of this manual is the understanding that Divine Word College of Legazpi, its management, and the employees share the responsibility of establishing and maintaining the safest possible workplace for all. To that end, every effort will be taken by DWCL to provide the training, materials, safety equipment and technical advice necessary to foster a safe workplace. Correspondingly, the employees must act in a safe and responsible manner at all times, and report to the management any and all workplace situations which might lead to injury or illness. With such a cooperative effort, a safe workplace will prevail.

All must practice safe work habits at all times. Only a diligent effort on everyone’s part will prevent injuries and illnesses. Many people believe accidents just happen. However, many of these are commonly caused by unsafe acts or conditions, and can be prevented by using good judgment. Along that context, both management and employees must be familiar with the contents of this manual.

A C K N OW L E D G M E N T

The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation to the different offices, agencies, and individuals who have contributed to the research, preparation and final completion of this manual. We are deeply indebted to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Albay; the Bureau of Fire Protection of the City of Legazpi, the Philippine Astronomical, Geographical and Space Administration (PAG-ASA), based in Legazpi City, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Regional Office No. V, and the Philippine National Red Cross of the Province of Albay for giving us the necessary information and brochures of their respective agencies.

Our special thanks to the administration of the Divine Word College of Legazpi, Legazpi City for providing us with all the necessary support in the process of the preparation of this manual.

We wish also to acknowledge the full support of our Vice President for Administration and Finance, Fr. Alejandro F. Gobenciong, SVD for the financial support extended by the school. We also acknowledge the support of our Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gregoria Ad A. Benosa who gave useful suggestions in the preparation of this manual. Acknowledgement also is due to the SVD community headed by our President, Fr. Francisco T. Estepa, SVD for their encouragement and support in the production of this manual.

Acknowledgement is also due for our office staff of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, particularly Mrs. Ma. Cristita T. Nuñez, for her efforts in the preparation of the manuscript which undergone corrections, changes, endless inserts and modifications.

The authors are also indebted to Dr. Nelson Raguero who took the pains of repeatedly editing the manuscript as well as making cursory checks on the format and presentation of this manual.

It is difficult to avoid typographical and clerical errors; the authors will consider it a favor if they are notified of any such errors in this manual. Since many errors of both omission and commission are inevitable, it will be deeply appreciated if suggestions and criticisms are brought to the authors’ attention.

For the many kind individuals who have already helped, it is hoped that they will accept the authors’ sincerest appreciation for their unselfish efforts.

Without all their valuable help and sincere contributions, the publication and printing of this Manual would not have been possible.

The Safety Committee

The Safety Committee of Divine Word College of Legazpi was organized with the main objective of ensuring safety among its employees, students and other clientele. It is also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of safe working environment for all. This committee is likewise tasked to provide the necessary training, materials, safety equipments, and technical advice necessary to foster and ensure a safe workplace.

Safety Awareness

Safety awareness means recognizing unsafe practices and conditions. It requires following safety procedures. It means getting to know all you can about the conditions that promote safety, including emergency response procedures. Safety awareness signifies one’s willingness to take time to prevent accidents.

Most of all, safety awareness means having the right attitude about safety – both your own and your co-worker’s safety. Safety awareness can help prevent, injury, illness and accidental damage to institutions property.

Safety Inspections

Safety awareness begins with a thorough safety inspection. A comprehensive inspection can:

- help eliminate hazards
- help keep your work area free from hazards
- assess which work operations meet or exceed acceptable safety and government standards.
- help maintain product quality and operational profitability.

Your Role

At many work sites, on-the-job safety committees are responsible for conducting safety inspections. One of way to take care of your own safety is serve on the safety committee for your workplace. This will allow you to take part in a thorough and effective safety inspection. It’s also a constructive and practical way to make sure your workplace stays safe.

Unsafe Working Conditions

1. Whenever a dangerous working condition exists, it requires immediate corrective action; the employee(s) should notify their supervisor at once. The supervisor shall take immediate action to correct the hazard. If corrective action is not taken immediately by the supervisor, the employee(s) should notify the Dean or Director of the supervisor. The Dean of Director shall take immediate action to correct the hazard. If corrective action is not taken immediately the Dean or Director, the employee(s) should notify the Joint Safety Committee or the Human Resources Department. The Safety Committee shall investigate the alleged dangerous condition and render a decision within two (2) working days on the corrective action to be taken.

2. Where a working condition is thought to be unsafe , or potentially unsafe, but does not require immediate corrective action, the following procedures shall be observed:
a. The employee (s) should fill out an Unsafe Working Condition Report, written as detailed and specific as possible. The employee(s) should note the location and cause of the unsafe condition and the actions which should be taken to correct the condition. The employee(s) should then give the report to the immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall have (3) working days to investigate the matter and take whatever corrective action, if any, which needs to be taken.

b. If the employee(s) disagree(s) with the action taken by the supervisor, or if no action is taken, the employee(s) shall have two (2) working days to appeal to the Dean or Director of the supervisor. The Dean or Director shall have five (5) working days to investigate the matter and take whatever corrective action, if any, which needs to be taken.

c. If the employee(s) disagree(s) with the action taken by the Dean or Director, or if no action is taken, the employee(s) shall have two (2) working days to appeal to the Safety Committee. The Safety Committee shall have five (5) working days to meet and investigate the matter and take whatever corrective action, if any, which needs to be taken. The Safety Committee shall respond in writing to all complaints brought to its attention.

3. An employee or group of employees who refuses a work assignment because of a reasonable belief that to perform such work would endanger his/her physical safety beyond the normal hazards of the occupation or violates governmental safety standards should use the expedited complaint procedure set forth in section 1 above. Employees, including the employee or employees who refuse the work assignment, shall not be required to resume the disputed work until either the alleged hazard is corrected, the complaint process is completed or a determination has been made by a qualified person stating the work is not safe or dangerous.

No employee who refuses to perform work in accordance with this section shall be disciplined or retaliated against or lose the right to perform the work once the hazardous condition has been corrected. Pending the decision by the school concerning the work in question or the removal of the hazardous conditions, such employees may be assigned to any other work that is available, without loss of pay.

Mission of Safety Committee

The mission of the Safety committee shall be to work toward the elimination of workplace injuries and illnesses. The Safety Committee shall work to:

1. Increase attention to training and the capability of the supervisor and worker to identify and deal with workplace health and safety hazards.
2. Increase the understanding and awareness of all employees on safety and health hazards associated with their jobs which will enable them to recognize hazardous or dangerous conditions.
3. Maintain and update the Safety Manual.
4. Promptly investigate and respond to Unsafe Working Conditions Reports brought to the attention of the Committee.
5. Study job safety and health analyses of tasks causing the most serious and frequent injuries and illnesses. With the assistance of appropriate College departments a job safety and health analysis should include:
a. determining the tasks to be analyzed by studying past safety and health performance data (Workers Compensation data, for example);
b. identifying the hazards and dangers causing the injuries and illnesses;
c. Recommending methods to eliminate the hazards and dangers.
6. Make a written report of recommendations on a regular basis, to be no less than once each year, to the Administration.

Application
This manual applies to all employees of the Divine Word College of Legazpi.

Toxic Substances

Whenever a substance is identified as toxic, and any prior clean up or removal of the substance be made, the institution shall determine the nature of the substance, its toxic properties, and the safe and recommended method of working with the substance, including the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary when working with the substance. The institution shall supply a copy of this information to the affected employees. Any clean-up shall be under the supervision of an Industrial Hygienist, or other similarly qualified professional, who shall have the authority to immediately stop work to protect the safety and health of workers or to prevent harm to the environment.

Supervisor’s Responsibility

1. Provide safety instruction and encourage safe work performance by all employees under your supervision.
2. Order the repair or replacement of all equipment, protective equipment and machines found to be defective and a potential cause of injury.
3. Inspect all equipment and inform each employee the proper equipment that must be worn or used for each task.
4. Encourage employee safety suggestions and give them due consideration.
5. Counsel, and discipline when necessary, employees who fail or refuse to use required safety equipment.
6. Investigate all accidents and accomplish the detailed Accident Report Forms.
7. Be aware of all occupational health hazards or toxic substances present or in use by employees, and inform on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if you don’t have them. (MSDS specifies the material handling rules)
8. Insure that new employees receive any required physicals, audiograms, etc., before start of work.
9. If an employee informs you that he/she is using any prescribed medication, you may seek the help of an employee’s doctor or a doctor designated and paid for by the institution as to whether or not the employee can work safely within the normal working environment.
10. Prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages, intoxicants and narcotics while employees are scheduled for duty, including employees formally on call.
11. Supervisors should see that work zones are properly roped off so that pedestrians are protected.

Employee’s Responsibility

1. Employ maximum care and good judgment in preventing accidents and seeking first aid.
2. Report unsafe conditions, equipment and practices.
3. Abide by all safety rules and regulations. Only a diligent effort on everyone’s part will prevent occupational injuries and illnesses. Occupational injuries and illnesses are caused by unsafe acts or conditions and can be prevented.
4. Understand your supervisor’s instructions. If you do not know how to do the job safely, ask questions. Lack of attention is a major cause of accidents. Keep your mind on your work and avoid daydreaming or horseplay. A small joke with seemingly no possible harm can result in serious injury.
5. Do not engage in tasks which you believe might be unsafe without consulting your supervisor. Know the limitations of personal protective equipment. Keep all equipment clean and operating properly.
6. Observe all posted warning signs.
7. Clean up the work area and equipment upon job completion.
8. Conduct a personal inspection before you start to work on electrical system to assure yourself that it is de-energized by checking all power sources. Observe and obey warning tags and out-of-service notices.
9. Know the substances you work with which are hazardous or potentially hazardous. Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on these substances or contact your supervisor.
10. NOT take alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, or narcotics while you are scheduled for duty including formal callouts is prohibited. Being under the influence or possession of alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, or narcotics while on duty is forbidden. Anyone found to be under the influence of a controlled substance while on institution’s property is subject to disciplinary medication when your shift starts. Have your doctor determine if you can work safely around the equipment.

Personal Protection

Employee’s Personal Safety
1. When required by the conditions of the job only closed shoes of leather or semi-impervious (not canvas) material shall be worn. All shoes must have a non-skid sole.
2. It may be dangerous to wear jewelry while using equipment.
3. Know and use the proper safety equipment and clothing for your particular work area.
4. Do not remove, alter, or make inoperable any safety device or feature on equipment. If the safety devices on tools you are using have been tampered with, immediately bring this to your supervisor’s attention.
5. Walk carefully. Report or clean up slippery spots as soon as possible. Proceed with caution around blind corners. Running on the job may be dangerous and is seldom called for. Don’t run on stairways. Use handraillings.
6. Do not pass under suspended loads of machinery or material. When operating a lifting device, it is your responsibility to enforce this rule. Avoid striking overhead while walking below. Whenever possible, the area beneath a suspended load shall be made inaccessible.
7. Obey all warning signs. See that they are properly selected and placed on your job. Remove all signs when the job is done and the hazard no longer exists.
8. Be aware of all possible pinch points in your work area.
9. To avoid puncture wounds, do not carry sharp pointed tools in your pockets.
10. Remove or bend down all nails in used lumber, boxes, containers or other places where they present a hazard.
11. Close all drawers and doors when not in use.
12. If possible, use non-solvent based materials. If using industrial solvents follow manufacturer’s directions and use only in well-ventilated areas. Read and follow product label and MSDS recommendations.
13. Minimize skin contact with machine cutting oil and avoid inhalation or exposure to oil mists by wearing an approved respirator and other appropriate protective equipment.
14. Request an MSDS sheet if not available. Also request eye protection, gloves and/or a respirator when appropriate.

Eye Protection

1. Eye protection is required for certain jobs or work. It is the employee’s responsibility to use and the supervisor’s responsibility to provide eye protection as required for the job being performed.
2. All employees exposed to such hazards as flying objects or particles of dirt, dust, wind, molten metal, gases, fumes, smoke, liquids, reflected light, or glare, in their normal work areas will be provided with appropriate eye protection, shields or goggles. Supervisors may designate jobs requiring eye protection.
3. An eyewash and deluge shower is required where chemical splashes are possible.
4. Foreign objects should be removed from an employee’s eye only by a person qualified to give such treatment. Report incident as required.
5. Eye protection equipment and prescription eye glasses are available through your department. Various tasks require different eye protection, eye goggles of glasses. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor for instructions.

Fire Prevention and Safety

1. If a fire or explosion occurs in your presence, activate the building evacuation alarm and call the Institution Fire and Emergency number . Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. Send someone to meet Fire Department personnel outside the building to direct them to the scene. If you cannot account for everyone, inform the Fire Department.
2. Do not use the elevators. Keep calm; shut off gas, open flames and your equipment before leaving if this does not endanger you. Move any obstructions to one side to allow passage. Close, but do not lock, doors behind you. Proceed at a fast pace, do not run, to the nearest exit. Do not re-enter the building.
3. Be sure to stay between your escape route and the fire; do not let it trap you. If a fire traps you, stay low to the floor. Crawl to an exit and try to breathe through a wet cloth. In high-rise buildings, get below the fire where you will be safer. If you cannot leave your room, hang something over the window. Do not smash windows, but open them slightly at the bottom and top.
4. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll. If a coat or blanket is within five or six steps, roll in it to help smash windows.
5. Everyone should be familiar with the location and use of the alarm stations, fire extinguishers and fire hoses. Your knowledge may be called upon to save someone’s life or Institution property.
6. Each fire extinguisher has directions for its use on it. Any use, vandalism or corrosion of an extinguisher must be reported to proper authorities of the school.
7. Flammable or combustible mixtures must be stored and transported only by approved methods and in approved containers. Approved grounding and bonding shall be used when transferring flammable liquids to prevent ignition by static discharge. Do not smoke around flammable material or in any other posted area.
8. The campus is a smoke-free campus; smoking is not permitted in any building or school–owned vehicles.
9. Service workers see places that other workers do not generally come in contact with and should be alert to recognize potential life hazards. If a danger exists, notify proper school authority.
10. If a pan of grease or a deep fat fryer catches on fire, turn off the heat. Know the location of the switch panels and turn these off immediately. Use a dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguisher or baking soda to stop the flames. Never carry a burning liquid. Burning liquids may ignite your clothing.
11. Each person should be familiar with building evacuation plans to be posted in conspicuous area of the building.
12. Replace burned out bulbs in exit signs immediately. Call the institution’s electrician.

Protective Clothing and Equipment

1. It is the employee’s responsibility to obtain, use, maintain and clean protective equipment. It is both the supervisor’s responsibilities to furnish protection as required for the job being performed. It is both the employee and supervisor’s responsibility to keep equipment clean and usable. All equipment and clothing should be checked periodically to insure that all safety features are intact.
2. Avoid loose fitting clothes and gloves. Gloves will be provided and must be carefully selected for each specific job. Shirts with sleeves and long pants must be worn, if furnished, to avoid unnecessary injuries. Do not take protective clothing home with you.
3. Daily changes of uniforms, shirts and trousers shall be provided to all employees who apply pesticides and herbicides on a regular basis. If this work is on a part-time basis, coveralls will be provided.
4. Head protection (hard hats) must be worn on jobs where there is danger of being struck by falling objects or in areas where headroom is limited or obstructed.
5. Respirators must be used in certain cases when adequate local exhaust or general ventilation cannot be provided. All noise hazard areas should be marked.
6. All employees working in known noise-hazard areas will be provided with:
a. their choice from among several different types of hearing protectors
b. annual training in their usage and importance, and
c. Annual hearing exams.
7. Use ear protection when working around noisy equipment. Generally, hearing protection is required when ambient noise is above 85 decibels.

General Rules

Vehicle Safety, Color Coding and Signs, Equipment Care and Use, Housekeeping, Trash Disposal, Moving and Lifting, Receiving and Storing Operations, Chemical Storage and Handling, High Pressure Cylinder Storage and Use, Ladders, Scaffolds, Electrical Safety, Light Fixtures, Trenching, Shoring and Excavation, Glass, Tile and Metal Handling, Painting, Painting Storage and Refinishing, Plumbing, Welding and Soldering.

Vehicle Safety

Vehicle accidents can be costly from the standpoint of time lost, vehicle repair, and insurance premium cost increases ---- not to mention human injury.

1. Only properly licensed drivers may drive licensed vehicles. Check to see if your license is current.
2. Make sure you understand your equipment. Ask questions if necessary.
3. Guard against road mishaps by making prior routine checks for such items as distribution and security of your load, steering, tires, brakes, lights, windshield, rearview mirror and the lenses of all lamps. Notify your supervisor as soon as the problem is discovered.
4. Obey all traffic and parking regulations.
5. Drivers of motor vehicle should never park or travel in a bicycle path or on a sidewalk and should always look for a bicyclist that may be passing on the right. Do not block the Fire lanes.
6. Do not carry unauthorized passengers. Riding on the tailgates is strictly prohibited, and do not ride in any truck with your legs outside of the bed. Don’t exceed the seating specifications. For the vehicle, when possible, ride only in seats equipped with safety belts.
7. Have a clear area behind your vehicle before backing up where rear vision is not clear, an employee, when available, should assist the driver in the backing operation.
8. Engines must be turned off when the vehicle is not in use or being refueled.
9. The driver is responsible for the positioning and security of passengers or items in the back of trucks and vans. Passengers are to be carried only in designated areas of vehicles. Never transport people while they are standing in the trucks. Materials or equipment to be moved on trucks shall be strapped or held down by ropes --- not by workers. Never allow workers to ride on top of materials to keep them in place. Red warning flags should be attached to material that extends beyond the conveyance.
10. Do not ride at the back of picking trucks.
11. Motor vehicle traffic mixing with bicycle and pedestrian traffic are required to follow the rules on the road, (the same as motor vehicles) many bicycle operators fail to obey stop signs or signal when making turn. Likewise, pedestrians are apt to stop off a curve and cross the street at any location. Be careful of the many bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadways.
12. Smoking is prohibited in all school vehicles.
13. Hydraulic lift gates or institutions vehicles must be operated in a safe manner, with the operator at the control level during the complete operations of the lift gate, both in lifting and lowering. At all times when the vehicle is in motion to lift gate shall be latched in a vertical position.

Color Coding and Signs

1. Color coding is a visual reminder system to warn, inform and guide employees. The Safety Committee assigns specific meanings to certain colors. Colors can be a warning of a particular hazard or give information or directions.
2. Color coding is considered highly desirable. The main intent, however, is not to demand it in shops and laboratories, but to recognize a standard color code wherever color coding is used. Be aware of your specific work area and the color coding system used there. These colors usually indicate the following:
a. RED – indicates (1) danger, (2) stop or (3) presence of fire protection equipment.
b. ORANGE – marks the dangerous parts of machines or energized equipment which may cut, crush, shock or injure employees. Orange emphasizes these hazards when the guards or enclosures around them are open.
c. YELLOW – warns of physical hazards and means caution. A striped or checkered pattern of yellow and black may be used to help attract attention.
d. BLUE – denotes caution and its use is restricted to marking out-of-service equipment which should not be used.
e. GREEN – indicates either the location of safety equipment such as first aid materials or conveys safety information.
f. PURPLE – used for radiation hazards. It may contain a combination of purple and yellow.
g. BLACK & WHITE – or combinations of the two are used to designate traffic and housekeeping markings. Stripes, checkers or other variations are often used.

Equipment Care and Use

Supervisors and employees share the responsibility that equipment and tools are safe. Supervisors will promptly correct any unsafe items.

1. Always perform proper maintenance on all machinery and equipment to prevent premature failure or possible accident. Have all safety guards in place while testing repaired equipment.
2. You should regularly inspect for cracks, stretching, etc. on cables, chains, clamps, hooks, and other equipment that are frequently placed under stress. Spreading, crimps, or cracks are warning signs of danger. If you feel the equipment is damaged or creating a possible hazard, report this to your supervisor immediately.
3. Only appropriately trained employees should operate machinery.
4. You should never adjust, repair, clean, or oil machinery or equipment while any of its parts are in motion. Use lock out switches to prevent accidental start-ups. Be sure all of the components have stopped.
5. Buffers, floor machines and wet-dry vacuums are to grounded and the cords should be kept clear of water.
6. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended RPM on any rotary equipment.
7. All rotary operating machines and all other possible pinch points must be protected by a proper guard or shield. Whenever safeguards are removed for repair or adjustment, the power for the equipment must be turned off and the main switch locked and tagged.
8. Electric tools shall be grounded or doubled-insulated in an approved manner and control switches placed at a convenient point.
9. When using powder-activated or pneumatic driven equipment (e.g., nailguns, RAM SET, etc) be extremely cautious. Only properly trained employees should use them because they can be extremely dangerous.
10. Use a tool only for the purposes for which it was designed.
11. Keep all tools sharp and properly lubricated.
12. Do not carry a tool by the cord or yank it to disconnect it from the receptacle.
13. Secure your work by using clamps or a vise.
14. When sawing, never reach under or behind the material being cut.

Housekeeping

A. FLOORS
1. Remove any protruding nails, splinters, loose boards, or other projections and hazard before they become a safety hazard to other persons
2. Keep floors as dry as possible at all times
CAUTION: CLEAN UP SPILLS IMMEDIATELY. WET FLOORS AND OTHER SURFACES CREATE ELECTRICAL AND OTHER HAZARDS.
3. Follow the maximum safe floor loads for storage area, as posted
NOTE: Following safe floor loads are legal requirement, not just a guideline.
4. Keep floors clear of tools and equipment that are not in use.
NOTE: Store all tools and equipment correctly in their proper storage areas.
5. Guard all ladder ways, stairways, and floor holes with the correct railings, covers, and toe boards.
6. Protect access to open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways near or above dangerous equipment with the correct railings and toe boards.
7. Do not cover any safety markings that are painted or posted on floors.
NOTE: These marking include aisles, doorways, load limits, loading/unloading areas, direction of traffic, etc.
8. Repair or replace floor surfaces with materials appropriate for the uses of the surface.

B. AISLES AND PASSAGEWAYS
1. Identify all permanent aisles, passageways, loading areas, and fire fighting equipment.
NOTE: Do not block access to any fire-fighting equipment
For Portable Fire Extinguishers – Portable fire extinguishers must be mounted, located, and identified so that employees have ready access to them without the risk of injury.
2. Keep a safe clearance for powered industrial trucks, hand trucks, and other mechanical handling equipment at all times.
NOTE: Keep aisles, doorways, corners, loading docks and other areas clear for the safe movement of materials handling equipment and vehicles.
3. Remove any obstruction in aisles and passageways that could create hazard.
4. Provide covers and/or guardrails where aisles or passageways are near open pits, tanks, vats, ditches, or similar hazards.
5. Keep materials, equipment, and machines out of aisles and passageways.
6. Warn about the hazards of blind corners and clearance limits with signs, convex mirrors, and other devices.

C. STAIRWAYS
1. Keep all stairways clear of tools, equipment, and other obstructions.
NOTE: Trash must be collected and not allowed to pile up. Tools and equipment must be stored in specific storage areas, not in walkways.
2. Maintain the proper lighting for stairways.
NOTE: Replace burned-out light bulbs and faulty light fixtures immediately.
3. Identify the location of stairways with the correct signs or other markings.
4. Install and Maintain handrails – check all handrails for tightness, height, and grip.
NOTE: Flights of stairs having 4 or more risers must have a standard railing on all open sides. Closed stairways must have handrails on at least one side.
5. Check all stairways for tripping hazards such as loose runners or carpet, nails, and other objects.
CAUTION: DO NOT STORE MATERIALS ALONG ANY STAIRWAY OR AT THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF ANY STAIRWAY.
6. Inspect all stairways for wet or slick areas.
IMPORTANT: Clean-up any wet or slick areas on stairways immediately.
7. Repair any damaged stairway risers.
NOTE: Check that the risers are in good condition and do not present hazards themselves (even if they are clear).
8. Install the right kind of non-slip surface on stairways if needed
NOTE: Non-slip surfaces may also have to be replaced if they are badly worn and offer little protection.

D. EXITS
1. Keep all exits clear of obstructions at all times
2. Maintain clear ways of approach to and from exits at all times.
3. Identify all exits with easily visible and suitable lighted exit signs.
NOTE: Exit signs should have a distinct color and should stand out from their surroundings.
4. Clear the immediate area around exit doors to allow the door(s) to swing in the direction of exit travel.
5. Label all doors, passages, or stairways that are not exits or ways of approach to an exit with a sign “NOT AN EXIT”
NOTE: You can also use specific labels, such as “To Basement,” “To Stairway”, etc., to show that the door, passage, or stairway is not an exit or way of approach to an exit.
6. Do not arrange dangerous equipment in or near the path of travel, unless the path of travel is well-guarded from the hazards.
7. Do not lock exit doors so that escape from the building or room is impossible.
NOTE: The exit must be usable in an emergency.

E. WORK AREAS
1. Arrange equipment and machinery for clear, safe working areas and ease in maintenance.
2. Store tools and materials in their proper places.
3. Organize your work area and keep it clear of trash and other hazards
4. Throw away trash and waste materials properly
IMPORTA NT: Follow all local, state and federal regulations for disposing of any hazardous materials.
5. Clear floors of obstacles and spilled substances immediately
NOTE: You should also use barricades, warning signs, flags or other methods to warn other persons of long-term and temporary hazards in your work area!
6. Keep all aisles, exits, and traffic areas clear
7. Have plenty of housecleaning supplies on hand for your work area
NOTE: Do not use compressed air to clean yourself or your clothing!

F. STORAGE AREA
1. Secure all stored materials from sliding or falling
NOTE: Store materials in approved containers and stack containers only to their safe stacking height. Hand tools can also slip and fall if you do not store them safely during and after use.
2. Label all storage areas inside all storage rooms clearly
NOTE: Do not cover any safety or other markings on floors or walls in storage areas.
3. Keep aisles and passageways clear for the safe handling of stored materials
4. Identify clearly the locations of all fire fighting equipment kept in storage areas
NOTE: Do not block access to any fire fighting equipment.
5. Maintain enough space in storage rooms for the safe movement of mechanical handling equipment in aisles, at loading docks, through doorways, around corners, and in other areas.
6. Control all stored materials that could create tripping, fire explosion, or pest control hazards.

G. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
1. Keep all tools and equipment clean and in good working condition
NOTE: Keep tools sharp and guarded.
2. Store tools and equipment in their proper storage areas when not in use.
3. Remove any defective tools and equipment from service
4. Reshape and tools and power tool attachments that have mushroomed heads.
Examples: Chisels, screwdrivers, drill bits, hammer heads, wedges, etc.
5. Turn off power equipment when not in use or when adjustments attachments are needed.
CAUTION: UNPLUG POWER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT BEFORE REPAIRING
6. Repair or Replace any power tools and equipment showing signs of worn, deteriorated, or poor insulation or other parts.

H. MACHINE GUARDS
1. Check machines and tools regularly for the correct placement and operation of all guard required.
NOTE: Keep tools sharp and guarded.
2. Store the right holding tools for placing and removing material near the work areas where the tools are used.
3. Mark all danger zones on and around machines and tools
4. Remove or adjust guards only if needed for maintenance and repair, and only if you are authorized to do so.
NOTE: Some guards are designed to be adjusted.
5. Anchor all machines designed for use in a fixed location
NOTE: These machines should not move during normal operation, either as the result of anchoring or machine design.
6. Inspect machines and tools for the correct guards protecting operators from moving machine parts and protecting the machine tool form falling objects.
7. Repair or Replace any defective equipment.

Trash Disposal

1. Never reach into a wastebasket with your hands. Pick up a basket and pour the trash into the proper receptacle.
2. Do not let garbage accumulate so that the container is too heavy to lift. Use teamwork if loads are too heavy to manage by yourself.
3. Report any improper disposal or hazardous waste to your supervisor.
4. Do not place lamps, asbestos tiles, batteries, fluorescent tubes or liquids into trash receptacles. Report these to your supervisor.
5. Adopt garbage segregation.

Moving and Lifting

1. Do not attempt to carry a load which is more than you can carry safely; get help from another person. Do not try to lift heavy items higher than waist level. Lift with your leg and arm muscles rather than your back muscles to guard against sprains. Always have a clear view over the load. If the load interferes with normal walking, get help. Employees who frequently lift and carry should request and will be provided a safety lifting belt. Use? Is required when lifting heavy objects. Follow directions for proper wear. Belts are not a substitute for proper lifting technique and physical conditioning.
2. Supervisors should see that mechanical equipment, if available, is used when manual lifting is unsafe. Workers should report observed defects in the equipment to their supervisor.
3. Wipe off all greasy, wet, slippery or dirty objects before handling. Keep hands free from oil or grease.
4. If you must carry an object, first check the route for distance, floor condition, turning room and proper lighting.
5. Always lift gradually and smoothly, without jerking or twisting, and keep the load close to your body. Also, set an object down close to your body.
6. When two or more people are handling the same object, one should call the signals. Everyone should know who this is and warn the caller if they are about to relax their grip.

Receiving and Storing Operations

1. In opening boxes or crates, use an appropriate tool for the container you are opening.
2. Store heavy materials on bottom shelves and light material on top. Do not stack items too high and do not stack hard goods. Hang flat articles such as brooms and mops.
3. Load carts safely.
4. Store all chemicals and hazardous materials in areas designed for such use.
5. Insure lighting is adequate in storage and receiving areas. All maintenance apt to report lights that is out.

Chemical Storage and Handling

1. Read the product label ad MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).
2. Always store chemicals on shelves, but do not store hazardous chemicals above waist level.
3. Dispose of chemicals and solvents properly, following the MSDS, DENR or DOH guidelines.
4. If you are unsure of how to use a product safely, ask your supervisor. Mix chemicals used in maintenance and custodial operations with care to avoid possible violent reactions. If you are unsure how to use a product, follow the directions on the product label and the MSDS and use only as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Do not substitute chemicals. Many are made only for specific jobs, and you could create an extremely hazardous situation.
6. Do not smell chemicals as a means of identification. A deep breath of some chemical fumes will kill you. Always replace all bottle caps before the container leaves your hand.
7. All pesticides and herbicides must be supplied by properly trained employees under the supervision of a certified pest control applicator.
8. Before applying pesticides and herbicides, the supervisor shall give advance notice and post spraying dates. Take care to limit the exposure to people around the spraying area.
9. Know where deluge showers and eyewash fountains are located. Keep pathways to these devices free of all obstacles.
10. All hazardous materials should be stored and used in an appropriate area. Clean up all spills immediately.
11. Wash all chemicals from your skin promptly with alkaline base soap (such as ivory or castile) and water. Do not eat, smoke or use the restroom prior to wash-up. Shower as soon as possible at the end of your shift and when changing clothes.
12. If symptoms of poisoning occur after exposure to any chemical, seek emergency treatment. Get to the hospital immediately and take the chemical label with you.
13. Chemicals may have toxic effects when absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested. Use protective equipment and gloves as required or recommended on the label or MSDS.
14. Do not enter a laboratory without specific authorization from appropriate personnel in that lab. Do not disturb anything in these areas, and obey all warning signs.

High Pressure Cylinder Storage and Use

1. All cylinders must be stored in an upright position or in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and secured to prevent tipping. Valves are to be closed and safety caps are to be in place.
2. Welding hoses are to be neatly rolled up and put away to avoid a tripping hazard. Before you disconnect a hose, make sure the valve is closed and the system is depressurized. Never oil the valves on cylinders, as this can cause an explosion.
3. Do not lift cylinders by the cap. For short distance moving, a cylinder may be rolled on its bottom edge, but never dragged.
4. Always check a cylinder’s markings to be sure it contains the correct type of material for the job. Know how and when a substance should be used.
5. Do not tamper with any safety devices; report all defects to your supervisor.
6. When checking cylinder gauges, stand off to one side to lessen your risk that an exploding object might hit you.
7. All cylinders must have an up-to-date hydrostatic test.
8. Leaking cylinders should be immediately reported to a supervisor for proper removal.

Ladders

1. A box, chair, carton, shelves or anything handy must not be used as a ladder. Use only approved sturdy ladders that are equipped with safety shoes.
2. Wooden scaffolding planks, walk boards and ladders shall not be painted.
3. Fiberglass ladders are preferred over aluminum or wood when working around electrical equipment. If an aluminum ladder must be used, be sure it has rubber shoes. Observe all warning tags.
4. Be sure the ladder is long enough to do the job safely.
5. Extension ladders shall be kept from slipping or tipping by tying off the ladder at the top and securing the ladder at the bottom.
6. No ladder should be placed in front of a door that opens towards it unless the door is blocked, locked or guarded.
7. When using a stepladder, make sure that it is fully spread and locked. Check unsafe hinges as well as steps and uprights.
8. Never attempt to use a ladder in a strong wind.
9. Always be sure that ladder feet are level before climbing.
10. Never stand on the top two steps of any ladder. This could cause you to become off-balance resulting in a fall.
11. Face the ladder while climbing and hold onto each rung. Lift equipment and materials with a rope specifically for that purpose –don’t carry the equipment up a ladder with one hand.
12. Do not climb on a ladder that is occupied by someone else.
13. No attempt should be made to reach beyond a normal arm’s length while standing on the ladder, especially to the side.
14. Ladders should be secured at the bottom to prevent kickout, and secured at the top with no-conductive material if they are tall or unstable.

Scaffolds

1. Scaffolds and any related ropes and lines should be in good repair and equipped with operable safety brakes.
2. When working above persons, furniture, equipment or machinery, have them moved, if possible, or protected.
3. Where a scaffold is over ten feet high, guardrails and toe boards must be installed on any open side or end.
4. Scaffolds should not be moved horizontally while in use. Do not work on a scaffold or ladder during a storm or high wind conditions. Inspect scaffolds each time they are re-rigged.
5. Inspect wire ropes frequently and assure they are adequately lubricated. Prevent wire ropes from becoming kinked. Be sure the cable end is free to turn.
6. Weighted on scaffolding must not exceed the manufacturer’s rated load. Impose loads on the scaffold gently and without impact. Two or more scaffolds must not be combined into one except for multi-point scaffolding. The connection of wire ropes to the rigging must be made with proper fittings designed for that purpose. Never use makeshift devices. All overhead connections must be prevented from movement in any direction. Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound portion of the building. Window cleaning eyelets can never be used for this purpose. Make sure that guardrails and mid-rails are properly secured.
7. Do not install the scaffold in the vicinity of power lines; avoid electrical contact.
8. The capacity of a roof hook must at least equal the capacity of the hoist.
9. Periodically check and retighten fasteners, as wire rope will stretch, causing the clamps to loosen. The wire rope should be clear of all building projections under all conditions.
10. Each worker must wear an approved safety life belt attached to a lifeline. The lifeline shall be attached to a structurally sound part of the building or to securely rigged lines. Never attach the lifeline to the scaffold or its supports.

Electrical Safety

1. Electrical vault rooms are not to be used for storage and are to be locked at all times. Only authorized personnel shall work in electrical panels, alter existing wiring electrical wiring. No fuse may be installed in an electrical circuit which carries more amperage that the rating of the wiring for the circuit. All wirings installed at DWCL shall comply with ALECO code.
2. For purposes of this manual, any systems operating at voltages above 480 volts shall be considered high voltage systems and shall be serviced only by specially trained employees.
3. Insulated gloves, rubber-soled shoes and/or protective coverings should be used where necessary while repairing or installing electrical circuits.
4. Hot plates, coffee pots, electric irons and other special heating equipment shall not be used, except in specially authorized locations.
5. No electrical panel, switch or wiring shall be left open without protection. Workers shall red-tag, close and/or seal these items when not working in the immediate vicinity.
6. Proper clearance shall be maintained to allow access to an operation of all panels and switchgear.
7. Use only low-voltage drop lights (e.g., 12 volts or less) in areas that are wet or inside tanks. Avoid working on electrical circuits or equipment while your clothing or shoes are wet or while your hands or feet are immersed in water. Use GFI-protected (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuits in these areas. Only Underwriter’s laboratories extension cords and electrical appliance wiring should be maintained in good repair.
8. When adjusting, lubricating, moving or cleaning electrical equipment, always disconnect it from the electric outlet or circuits. Equipment being serviced or under testing shall be properly locked and tagged.
9. If possible, do not work alone where electrical hazards exist. Try to check in periodically with someone to let them know you are safe.
10. Mark all entrance of guarded electrical locations with warning signs.
11. Do not overload power outlets by using more electrical cords than the outlet can handle.
NOTE: Also use the proper type of cord for the job.
12. Cords running through holes in wall and attached to building surfaces – Damage to surface could affect the attached cord: frayed cord could cause surface to burn.
13. Tools left unattended; tools not stored – can create tripping hazards; exposed points can injure.
14. Cord not properly spliced or replaced – can lead to fire and shock hazards.
15. Cords frayed, poor insulation – can allow metal parts of tools to conduct electric current (shock hazards)
16. Cords and adapters used as substitute for fixed wiring – can lead to fire and shock hazards; adapters can become easily overload; cords can become tripping hazards; etc.

Light Fixtures

1. When a lamp is broken off in the socket, call the appropriate Maintenance Office. Always replace a light with the same watt and type lamp.
2. When changing lights in stairways, be cautious of opening doors. If possible use another person to block the entrance.
3. Use caution when handling all fluorescent tubes; they contain poisonous mercury and phosphorus. Used fluorescent tubes must be treated as hazardous waste, and can not be disposed of in trash receptacles.
4. Wear safety glasses or goggles for eye protection.
5. When standing directly below a person working overhead, use goggles.
6. Don’t submerge tubes or lamps in cleaning solution or use excess water on fixtures.
7. All electrical currents should be shut off when working on light fixtures. Observe lockout and tag-out procedures.
8. Make certain your hands are dry when cleaning or changing bulbs.
9. Place old light ballast in the proper containers for hazardous material disposal.
10. Exit routes must be adequately illuminated. Change all burned-out light bulbs immediately.
11. Consult your supervisor for proper disposal of all old ballast, lamps and batteries. They must be treated as hazardous waste.

Trenching, Shoring and Excavation

1. Barricade all open excavations and mark them with flashers.
2. Excavated material must be shored or retained two feet or more from its edge. Banks more than five feet high shall be shored or laid back to a stable slope. The sides of trenches in unstable or soft material of five feet or more in depth shall be shored to protect employees. If a trench is four feet deep or more, a ladder shall be provided.
3. If a cave-in or slide appears possible, necessary precautions must be taken to safeguard all employees.
4. Check the excavation when a rainstorm or hazard-increasing incident occurs. Increase the amount of protection if necessary.

Glass, Tile and Metal Handling

1. Wear protective clothing and gloves while handling glass, tile or sharp metal.
2. Wear protective goggles while chipping or cutting glass.
3. Observe all codes for types and usage of materials when installing glass.

Painting, Paint Storage and Refinishing

1. Spray painting or refinishing shall be done in areas which are specifically designed for that purpose with adequate ventilation and fire protection as prescribed by Fire Department.
2. Use approved splash-type goggles and/or respirators while spraying to prevent breathing harmful materials. (Respirators must be equipped with the appropriate cartridges for the respective material.)
3. Paint should be stored in sealed containers at all times. Wiping rags, strainers, drop cloths and paint-strained clothing must not be stored with paints, thinners, solvents, cleaners, turpentine or combustible materials but in safety waste cans with self-closing lids. Store waste cans as close to the outside of a building as possible.
4. Paintbrushes must not be left to soak in cleaning fluid. Clean and suspend them for air-drying. The paintbrush cleaning fluid should be disposed of in an approved manner or returned to the original container.
5. Smoking is prohibited in any part of a painting area. (Note: the campus is smoke-free in all buildings and other internal spaces, including vehicles.)
6. Obtain and be familiar with the contents of the labels and the MSDS for all materials used. Know their relative hazards and safety precautions.
7. Where ventilation is poor, limit exposure to paint mists and solvent vapors. Use the proper respirator and clothing.
8. Try to provide auxiliary ventilation. Open windows or doors so that dangerous levels of vapors are not created.
9. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning spraying equipment.
10. Handle all solvents according to product label and MSDS guidelines; even those labeled safety solvents. Avoid skin contact; wear a respirator, do not breathe the vapors; wear splash-type goggles to guard your eyes and be fire conscious.
11. Partial remains from water-based paint cans can be diluted directly down the sink. Do not wash down to floor drains. Partial remains from oil-based paint cans should be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed properly.
12. Epoxy based paints are generally discouraged and use of such materials must be specifically approved by the Physical Plant Supervisor.
13. Paint containing lead shall not be used.

Plumbing

1. The use of chemicals for opening drains is discouraged. Only authorized personnel will use chemical drain openers and will exercise caution in their use.
2. When any type anti-clog chemical is used, you must wear eye protection and take precautions to keep the chemical off your skin. Have good ventilation when using any type of drain cleaner. Dispose of all chemical containers so that no other person will come in contact with them.
3. Lead has been a commonly used material in plumbing operations. Whenever lead is being removed, local exhaust ventilation is necessary. Use of an approved respirator is necessary whenever lead is heated. At no time shall a lead trap be soldered or repaired. Lead traps shall not be melted down for any purpose. Such materials shall be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of in an approved manner.
4. Caution should be used when operating a snake?. The operator of the drain auger must be alert at all times to the person feeding the spring so that they do not become entangled in it.

Welding and Soldering

1. Welding requires that goggles, shields, proper clothing be worn while performing the operation.
2. When using torches for cutting or soldering, be sure there is a fire extinguisher on hand and ready for use if the need arises. Work away from combustible materials if possible. Check the area after stopping for the day to make sure no smoldering materials remain.
3. Shut off torches at the tank at noon, at night and any other extended time when not in use.
4. Shield the welding area in such a manner as to prevent the arc of flame from being seen by bystanders.
5. Take great care to assure acetylene and oxygen are securely fastened to prevent their falling over or being knocked down, both on the job and during transportation. Acetylene tanks shall only be used while in an upright position.
6. Oxygen, Acetylene, Torch, units shall be lit with proper ignition equipment and not with matches or cigarettes.
7. All gases be stored in well-ventilated areas whenever possible, in a room with fire-resistant walls.
8. Use all possible ventilation when welding or soldering. Wear respirators of proper design when welding toxic material (e.g., galvanized iron) to avoid breathing harmful fumes. Where ventilation is poor, metal fume respirators can sometimes be used. Local exhaust ventilation is required when welding on or with certain substances.
9. Silver solder containing cadmium must be used with the greatest care. Always use sufficient local exhaust ventilation.

10. Avoid welding in the same work area where flammables or combustibles are present.
11. Lead solder shall not be used under any circumstance.
12. Always use soapy water instead of matches to check for leaks in hoses, fittings, and valves in welding equipment.

Lead Paints and Materials

1. Lead or suspected lead-based paints should be reported to the Physical Plant Supervisor for an evaluation.
2. Workers should be aware that lead can enter the body by breathing and eating in a lead contaminated setting.
3. If workers are uncertain whether lead is present, they can request DENR or BFAD staff to conduct an air-sampling or test any materials for the presence of lead.
4. If workers suspect or know that lead is present, they should request personal protection devices such as respirators and protective work clothing.
5. Workers who are frequently exposed to lead paints or lead materials can request the Health Center to monitor lead levels in the blood and health conditions related to lead handling.

Lockout and Tag-out

1. Each maintenance employee shall be assigned a numbered padlock of their own (furnished by their department) and shall be responsible for its care and custody.
2. Each affected employee shall be given a lockable hasp, capable of being locked by six padlocks, and shall be responsible for it.
3. Each maintenance employee will be furnished lockout-tagout tags to be used if necessary.
4. All electric circuits and mechanical equipment will be locked out of service when any maintenance work or testing is being performed.
5. If you must shut off a component with a fire protection of other life safety on it, you must, before turning it off, inform the maintenance department, the Police Department and the administrators, unless it is an emergency shut-off. In that case notification immediately after the shut-off is sufficient. The administrator needs time to notify occupants. Be considerate of all occupants.

Tag-out Procedure

A lockout device and universal “Danger” tag shall be placed on all energy-activating devices of machines or tools needing repair, or receiving routine maintenance.

The person responsible should write the on the tag the reason(s) why the machine is not operable on the tag and sign it before placing the tag on the equipment.

Before starting maintenance or repair, the equipment should be checked to make sure all energy has been released or disconnected.

The technician/repairman should remove its tag after the equipment is repaired and notify affected personnel. When more than one technician/repairman is involved in repair or maintenance of such equipment, a compound locking device shall be used. Each technician/repairmen involved shall apply their own lock and personal tag.

A lockout device and tag shall be placed on the junction box of stationary permanently-wired equipment with the energy activating device placed in the “off” position. This lockout/tag-out procedure should reduce accidents caused by the unexpected start-up or release of energy.

The equipment shall not be put back in service until after the last technician/repairman removes its lock and tag.

DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

A. FIRE

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

It is the first few minutes that count in extinguishing fire. After that, the fire grows rapidly and is more difficult to extinguish.

Fire is the oldest enemy as well as friend of mankind. Fire out of control is impersonal and indifferent as to what it destroys. Fire under control supplies power and energy to industrial plants to enable the manufacture of the necessities of life. Fire is common. Strike a match to light a cigarette (a half million matches are struck every minute) and you have a fire under control. Throw the match away still burning; let it fall among combustible materials, such as grass, paper, flammable liquids, and in very few minutes you have a fire out of control. Carelessness is the most serious offense and the cause of great loss of life and enormous property damage through fire.

The main job of a security guard is to protect life and property. It is extremely important that he knows exactly what to do in the event fire occurs. Properly placed and perfectly maintained equipment and frequent inspections, knowledge of fire protective equipment and its operation are needed for every security guard.

BASIC LAW (FIRE CODE) PD 1185

In August 26, 1977, Presidential Decree No. 1185 known as the Fire Code of the Philippines was promulgated because of the alarming proportion which results to death and injury to persons and loss and damage to property by fire.

The law provides for the uniform fire safety standards, incorporation of fire safety devices in all buildings and structures, under the following policies of the Government (Sec. 2, PD 1185):

1. The government, with the cooperation of the private sector, shall develop and promulgate sets of standards and regulations taking into consideration the latest development in fire technology suitable to Philippine conditions;

2. Fire prevention and fire safety shall be given equal, if not greater emphasis as the suppression or extinguishment of fires. Fire prevention education shall be undertaken continuously involving all sectors of the community;

3. The Fire Service of the Integrated National Police shall endeavor to respond to all fires before they reach critical and conflagration stages. Towards this end, the organization, administration and operation of the Fire Service shall be improved and developed, its personnel and equipment augmented and effective fire alarm systems set up; and

4. The Fire Service shall be professionalized. For this purpose, educational institutions shall endeavor to include in their curricula, courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

Different materials which will burn are placed into different “classes”, and it is important that a security guard should know these different classes of fires to be able to select the proper method for putting each kind of fire out.

1. Class “A” – fires occur in ordinary – combustible materials such as wood, clothe, paper, rubber and other carbonaceous materials. The most commonly used extinguishing agent is water which cools and quenches. Fires in these materials are also extinguished by special dry chemicals for use on Class A, B, and C fires. These provide a rapid knock down of the flame and form a retardant coating which prevents re-flash.
2. Class “B” – fires occur in the vapor-air mixture over the surface of the flammable liquids or gasses, such as greases, gasoline, LPG and lubricating oils. A smothering or combustion inhibiting effect is necessary to extinguish Class “B” fires. Dry chemical, foam, vaporizing liquids, carbon dioxide and water fog all can be used as extinguishing agents depending on the circumstances of the fire.
3. Class “C” – fires occur in live electrical equipment where non-conducting extinguishing agents must be used. Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, and vaporizing liquids are suitable. Because foam, water (except as a spray), and water-type extinguishing agent conduct electricity, their use can kill or injure the person operating the extinguisher, and severe damage to the electrical equipment can result.
4. Class “D” – fires occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium and sodium. Specialized techniques, extinguishing agents and equipment have been developed to control and extinguish fires of this type. Normal extinguishing agents generally should not be used on metal fires as there is danger in most cases of increasing the intensity of the fire because of a chemical reaction between some extinguishing agents and the burning metal.

METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT

Every effort must be made to educate and train all personnel to have a safety consciousness. But if fires do occur, control and extinguishing techniques should be applied.

There are four basic and distinct means of fire control and extinguishments. These are Cooling, Smothering, Fuel Removal, and Chemical Flame Inhibition.

1. Extinguishments by Cooling

Water is the most universally used fire fighting agent. It serves as a cooling, quenching, emulsifying, diluting and displacing agent. Large quantities of water are used for cooling equipment, structures and tank shells exposed to fires, thus minimizing heat damage and controlling the spread of fire. Extinguishing is accomplished by cooling a burning surface below its ignition temperature making water particularly valuable for Class A fires. When properly applied in spray form using a fog nozzle, it is suitable for quenching fires in liquid hydrocarbon fuel having a flash point well above the temperature of water – in general, fuels with a flashpoint of 150 degree and above.

A water jet should not be used on burning liquids because of the danger of spreading the fire. This should be strictly avoided especially in long burning tank fires because it will result in “Boil Over” or the violent boiling of the water due to the deep-seated heat.

Water fog can be employed separately as a screen to protect the fire fighters from radiant heat so they can approach the fire for more effective control.

Water should not be used on electrical equipment fires since water is a conductor of electricity.

2. Extinguishments By Smothering

The second method of extinguishments is Smothering. A fire is smothered by depriving it of the oxygen it needs in order to burn. Fires in closed spaces will, of course, consume oxygen. However, this cannot be relied upon to achieve self-extinguishments, since combustion in oxygen deficient atmospheres results in the copious generation of flammable gasses due to incomplete combustion. Inadvertent open entry or improper ventilation involving known as “backdraft”.

Foam is a solution of water plus a low percentage (3%-6%) of foam concentrate. It is applied as a fluid aggregate of small bubbles that float on the surface of the liquid. Extinguishing action is effected by forming a blanket which smothers the fire through elimination of air and cooling of the burning liquid surface. Foam is produced by the mechanical action of adding the proper amounts of foam concentrate into a water stream via a proportioner and then introducing and mixing air into the water-concentrate solution. Prevention of fire is often achieved by applying foam blankets to fuel spills to prevent ignition.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an excellent smothering agent for extinguishing fires under conditions it will not be widely diffused. In open spaces it has limited effect and therefore is not recommended for outdoor protection. CO2 is effective in enclosed areas where it can penetrate into places that cannot be reached by other means. CO2 does not damage delicate machinery or instruments and, being a non-conductor, can be used safely on or around energized electrical equipment.

3. Extinguishment By Fuel Removal

Fuel removal can be accomplished directly by removing the fuel, indirectly by shutting off fuel vapors from combustion in the flaming mode, or (in the nonflaming mode) by covering the glowing fuel. What follows are examples of these types of fuel removal in different circumstances:

a. Large tanks of flammable liquids can be extinguished by expediently pumping out the burning tank and transferring the liquid to some other empty tank.
b. When gas fires result from broken lines, cracked flanges, or blown packings and gaskets, safe extinguishments can be obtained only by shutting off the gas (usually by closing the valves).
c. Liquid and solid burning fuels can be covered with blankets of thick fire fighting foams produced by the aeration of water and foam concentrate solutions.

4. Extinguishments By Chemical Flame Inhibition

Fire extinguishment by chemical flame inhibition applies to the flaming mode only. Extinguishments by cooling, oxygen dilution, and fuel removal are applicable extinguishing methods for all classes of fires of both flaming and glowing modes. The chemical flame inhibition method is only partially understood and is the subject of continuing research. Although there is no doubt that flames can be inhibited chemically, such information is mostly empirical.

The outstanding effect of the chemical flame inhibition method is the extreme rapidity and high efficiency with which flames can be extinguished. These virtues can be more fully appreciated when it is realized that this method, when properly executed, is the only means by which an explosion can be prevented in a flammable gas/air mixture after ignition has occurred.

Most of the portable extinguishers used in extinguishing flammable liquid fires contain dry chemical extinguishing agents. Extinguishing action results mainly from the interruption of the chemical flame chain reaction by the dry chemical agent. It is discharged as a free-flowing cloud and is very effective in dealing with flammable liquid fires in any situation. It is also a non-conductor and therefore suitable for electrical fires.

Certain types of dry chemicals can cause a breakdown of a foam blanket so only those labeled “foam compatible” should be used in conjunction with foam.

Examples of vaporizing liquids are bromochlorodiflouromethane (BCF) and carbon tetrachloride. All vaporizing liquids produce toxic fumes in contact with flames, so these should be used with caution especially in closed areas. These are effective for flammable liquids, electrical and electronic equipment fires.

RECHARGE AND MAINTENANCE

Although you may not be personally responsible for the recharge and maintenance of fire equipment, you should understand that an improperly serviced extinguisher can be dangerous or may not work when you need it most. History has proven that most fire extinguisher failures can be traced back to human negligence.

In this section we will cover some of the most common recharge and maintenance mistakes. Our goal is not to make you a maintenance expert but to help you prevent equipment failure through human negligence.

Report Used Extinguishers. Be prepared for the next emergency! Make sure extinguishers are recharged immediately after use!

Watch For Tampering. Tampering is part of human nature but a good inspection program has caught it before it is a real problem.

Watch For Corrosion. Disabled and useless! Proper testing would have revealed rust and corrosion before the extinguisher got to this point.

Check For Low Pressure. A gauge on an extinguisher provides a visual means of checking the state of readiness of the unit – make it part of your inspection program.

Conduct Regular Inspections. This device could be a dangerous weapon! Make sure extinguishers are tested at regular intervals in accordance with NFPA recommendations.

Keep Nozzles Clean. Looks something had decided to take up residence in the nozzle. A good monthly inspection program will prevent this.

“Blow-Down” Extinguishers Properly. Too bad the fire blockage in the hose was cleared. Proper maintenance would have prevented this. Always “blow-down” extinguishers after use and be on the alert for signs of tampering.

Replace Worn Hoses. Water will undoubtedly discharge from every point of this hose except the nozzle! Proper testing would have required this hose to be replaced a long time ago.

Recharge Extinguishers Properly. When recharging – make sure the threads in the collar and on the cap are clean – and that the cap is on tight or this could be the result. Always stand aside when you pressurize the extinguisher.

Do Not Mix Dry Chemicals. Mixing extinguishing agents can be dangerous. Always check the manufacturers’ instructions before recharging an extinguisher.

SAFE COLOR CODE

Federal Safety RED
- Shows danger
- Labels fire protection
- Labels portable containers of flammable liquids
- Labels emergency stop bars, buttons, and electrical stop switches on machinery
Federal Safety YELLOW
- Shows caution and physical hazards
Example: Low beams, steps, pits
- Labels equipment that should not be started, used, or moved
Example: Defective equipment, equipment under repair
- Shows the starting point or power source for machinery
Federal Safety ORANGE
- Labels dangerous parts of equipment that could cut, crush, shock or otherwise injure
- Labels safety starter buttons
Federal Safety PURPLE (or MAGENTA or BLACK ON YELLOW)
- Shows radiation hazards
Federal Safety BLUE
- Marks tags that indicate equipment that should not be started used, or moved
Federal Safety GREEN
- Labels safety equipment (other than firefighting equipment) and its location
- Labels first-aid equipment and its location
Federal Safety BLACK AND WHITE
- Shows traffic flow paths
- Labels storage areas
- Labels housekeepin