Thursday, October 17, 2013

JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS AND HAZARD CONTROL METHODS


Summary: The Job Safety Analysis is one of the tools available for identifying safety hazards in the workplace, as well as the safety control methods that can be used to minimize hazards. It can take the form of a group discussion or direct observation.

The first step in the JSA is to identify every step of a job sequence. The second step is to identify the potential hazards in each step. The final step is to find controls methods that could eliminate or minimize employee exposure to each hazard. Control measures include design, safety interlock, warning devices, and procedural controls.

Safe work practice can prevent injury. They form the foundation of a company’s safety program which is developing based on the belief that all accidents are preventable.

Job Safety Analysis and Workplace Inspections are two methods used to identify workplace hazards and the hazards control measures that will be put in place to prevent accidents the hazards may cause.

Safety can only be ensured when there is a clear understanding of a potential hazard in the work environment, and appropriate safe work practices are put in place to prevent accident. The hazard control measures will then become the safe work practices for the job.

One method used to identify hazards associated with a specific job is the Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

The JSA is an analytical tool that is used to:

Ø  Record each step of a job in sequence

Ø  Identify and explain the hazards encountered at each step

Ø  Identify hazard control method

There are two basic methods for performing a JSA: group discussion and direct observation.

During group discussion, the supervisor and employees meet away from the work area or location to discuss the JSA. This method is used to analyze jobs not often performed or those that are difficult to observe, such as those performed in confined spaces, the discussion group may include other experienced persons.

In the other hand, on direct observation, the supervisor observes the employee performing a task to identify hazards within each step. The advantage of this method is that the supervisor does not have to recall how the task is actually done.

The first step in conducting the JSA is to identify each step of the task in sequence of how the job is performed, describe what is done, not how it is done. Avoid making the breakdown so general those important steps are left out.

The second step is to identify how each step in a task is performed so that the associated hazards can be identified. Identify every possible hazard, even if it seems improbable.

One of the most common errors is to only identify the most obvious hazards, some hazard may be overlooked. Past accident history can also be reviewed to identify possible hazards.

The final step is to think of methods to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to the hazards previously identified. It is important to list more than one control method, and they should be listed in order of preference. The supervisor or person in charge should choose the best control method considering benefits, costs, and all hazard control method.

There are a variety of ways hazards identified through a job safety analysis that can be controlled.

Hazard Control Method can be listed from the most effective to the least effective:

Ø  Design

Ø  Safety interlocks

Ø  Warning devices

Ø  Procedure control

The most effective hazards control method is to design the work environment to eliminate hazards; this method is also commonly referred to as engineering controls. An example is a filter ventilation system for cool dust removal.

If the hazard cannot be eliminated by design controls, consider controlling the hazard with a safety interlock, these devices operate automatically and do not require an employee to do anything, an example is an electrical interlock system.

The next chose for controlling hazard is the use of a warning device, it automatically detects the condition and gives a warning signal, audio or visual indicator are the most commonly used; however, unlike safety devices, warning devices require an employee to react to the warning. The warning device should be designed to minimize the probability of incorrect employee reaction.

Procedure Control attempt to control a certain hazard by use of a procedure, this is the least effective control measure because it relies on person fully following the steps of the procedure. Lock-out and tag-out boundaries should be identified and written on the JSA.

Other method used to minimize employee exposure to hazard is the Personal Protective Equipment, commonly known as PPE. It requires for the job or task will be identified as part of the JSA. This step ensures and documents that the PPE hazard assessment has been conducted.

As noted, the PPEs can be a highly effective method for minimize exposure to a hazards. However, you must be aware that the equipment does not eliminate the hazard when used properly; it protects workers from the hazard that still exist.

A completed JSA is not effective until it is incorporated into the task through employee training and management direction.

JSAs are very helpful in planning jobs and should be reviewed with employees before performing the task. One of the best uses of JSAs is for on-the-job training of new employee.

Change in personnel, processes, equipment, or materials can introduce new hazards that may require JSAs to be revised.

Regardless of the methods used, the supervisor or person in charge should encourage everyone’s participation in the JSA process. Employee’s involvement helps ensure a more thorough analysis by identifying and eliminating hazards that may otherwise be overlooked. Employee involvement allows employees to establish their own safe work practices.


 

 

 

 

 

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