24 September 2009
Wade Adams has introduced high-pressure breathing apparatus to help construction workers operate in confined spaces as a best practice initiative, according to the latest Build Safe UAE (BSU) safety alert.
The high-pressure breathing airline apparatus is aimed at ensuring safe mode of operation in confined spaces where unfavourable natural ventilation can contain or produce dangerous air contaminants and are not intended for continuous worker occupancy.
The apparatus is suitable for long-duration work as it enables continuous air supply and transmits warning signals in case of insufficient flow. The air supply is regulated with a pressure control unit, which permits individual adjustment of flow from the source to the hood.
BSU noted in another alert that as required by the existing UAE regulations, it is recommended for contractors to instal edge protection with toe boards to protect open edges on construction sites. According to the alert, it is also mandatory that openings in floors are securely covered. "By carrying out the required practice, we can prevent falling objects or materials and eliminate 'falls from height' accidents," said the BSU alert.
Meanwhile, in another instance of best practice, following an observation from Tushar, Safety Engineer at Tebodin Consulting, that most of the cranes do not have their visual outriggers marked, a site observation memo was sent to all contractors who have signed up with BSU instructing them to rectify the condition.
Among the various incidents reported in the recent BSU alert 66, a forklift met with an accident with a car while unloading oversized cable drums from a truck to the basement.
BSU investigation revealed that the size of the cable drum was blocking the front view of the operator who was also allowed to work without a signal man. The operator was given a re-induction and strictly asked to follow safe work procedures.
In another incident, a crawler crane was found operating on site with a damaged and bent boom. The operator on the night shift did not hear any defective sounds during elevation because he was using a headset connected to his mobile (prohibited by the site safety rule). The incident was reported by the day shift operator and prevented the possibility of the boom support failing and dropping a load.
According to BSU, a possible cause of the damage to the boom was poor maintenance and lubrication.
In another incident alert, a jack hammer operator was found using dark glasses/ normal shades instead of the proper welding/grinding face shield during a night shift grinding operation, resulting in a high possibility of the steel sparks hitting his body and eyes.
Wade Adams has introduced high-pressure breathing apparatus to help construction workers operate in confined spaces as a best practice initiative, according to the latest Build Safe UAE (BSU) safety alert.
The high-pressure breathing airline apparatus is aimed at ensuring safe mode of operation in confined spaces where unfavourable natural ventilation can contain or produce dangerous air contaminants and are not intended for continuous worker occupancy.
The apparatus is suitable for long-duration work as it enables continuous air supply and transmits warning signals in case of insufficient flow. The air supply is regulated with a pressure control unit, which permits individual adjustment of flow from the source to the hood.
BSU noted in another alert that as required by the existing UAE regulations, it is recommended for contractors to instal edge protection with toe boards to protect open edges on construction sites. According to the alert, it is also mandatory that openings in floors are securely covered. "By carrying out the required practice, we can prevent falling objects or materials and eliminate 'falls from height' accidents," said the BSU alert.
Meanwhile, in another instance of best practice, following an observation from Tushar, Safety Engineer at Tebodin Consulting, that most of the cranes do not have their visual outriggers marked, a site observation memo was sent to all contractors who have signed up with BSU instructing them to rectify the condition.
Among the various incidents reported in the recent BSU alert 66, a forklift met with an accident with a car while unloading oversized cable drums from a truck to the basement.
BSU investigation revealed that the size of the cable drum was blocking the front view of the operator who was also allowed to work without a signal man. The operator was given a re-induction and strictly asked to follow safe work procedures.
In another incident, a crawler crane was found operating on site with a damaged and bent boom. The operator on the night shift did not hear any defective sounds during elevation because he was using a headset connected to his mobile (prohibited by the site safety rule). The incident was reported by the day shift operator and prevented the possibility of the boom support failing and dropping a load.
According to BSU, a possible cause of the damage to the boom was poor maintenance and lubrication.
In another incident alert, a jack hammer operator was found using dark glasses/ normal shades instead of the proper welding/grinding face shield during a night shift grinding operation, resulting in a high possibility of the steel sparks hitting his body and eyes.
By Staff Writer
© Emirates Business 24/7 2009
