The document provides 10 safety tips for excavation work. It recommends inspecting trenches daily, checking weather conditions, keeping heavy equipment away from trench edges, being aware of underground utilities, wearing protective equipment, not working under raised loads, conducting atmosphere tests if toxic gases are detected, using protective systems like benching and sloping, having a competent person plan and implement safety measures, and performing regular self-inspections using a checklist.
The document provides 10 safety tips for excavation work. It recommends inspecting trenches daily, checking weather conditions, keeping heavy equipment away from trench edges, being aware of underground utilities, wearing protective equipment, not working under raised loads, conducting atmosphere tests if toxic gases are detected, using protective systems like benching and sloping, having a competent person plan and implement safety measures, and performing regular self-inspections using a checklist.
The document provides 10 safety tips for excavation work. It recommends inspecting trenches daily, checking weather conditions, keeping heavy equipment away from trench edges, being aware of underground utilities, wearing protective equipment, not working under raised loads, conducting atmosphere tests if toxic gases are detected, using protective systems like benching and sloping, having a competent person plan and implement safety measures, and performing regular self-inspections using a checklist.
The document provides 10 safety tips for excavation work. It recommends inspecting trenches daily, checking weather conditions, keeping heavy equipment away from trench edges, being aware of underground utilities, wearing protective equipment, not working under raised loads, conducting atmosphere tests if toxic gases are detected, using protective systems like benching and sloping, having a competent person plan and implement safety measures, and performing regular self-inspections using a checklist.
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10 Excavation Safety Tips
To protect workers from injuries and fatalities, preventive measures should be
implemented when workers begin excavating. According to OSHA, general safety measures to follow should cover the following:
1. Inspect trenches daily before work begins. Don’t go near an unprotected
trench. 2. Check weather conditions before work, be mindful of rain and storms. 3. Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges. 4. Be mindful of the location of utilities underground. 5. Always wear proper protective equipment. 6. Don’t work beneath raised loads. 7. Conduct atmosphere tests. If low oxygen and toxic gases were detected, workers must not enter the trench. 8. Protective systems like benching, sloping, shoring and shielding must be created. 9. Planning and implementation of safety measures must be done by a competent person. 10. Use a checklist to perform regular self inspections - NEBOSH IGC sample Questions & Answer (don't ignore this questions because this questions are most of the time came on NEBOSH IGC )
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1. Outline the possible effects on workers’ health when exposed to high noise levels Short-term effects: Acute acoustic trauma: sudden damage of ear drum due to intense noise levels as in explosion. Temporary threshold shift: due to fatigue of hearing cells conveying frequencies outside the conversation speech range. • Long-term effects: Tinnitus: ringing in the ear due to intense stimulation of auditory nerve over a period of time. Permanent threshold shift: due to death of hearing cells conveying frequencies outside the conversation speech range. Noise-induced hearing loss: due to death of hearing cells conveying conversation speech frequencies. Fatigue or stress. 2. Outline the factors to be considered when selecting personal hearing protection for workers. • Type of risk • The level of protection to be afforded. • Compliance with standards. • Ergonomic factors (fit & comfort). • Compatibility with other equipment. • Cost. • Inspection to detect defects. • Proper storage. • Replacement of defective equipment. 3. Describe, with practical examples noise control techniques that would reduce noise levels in the workplace. • Silencing: the use of silencers to suppress noise generated when air, gas, or steam flow in pipes or are exhausted to atmosphere. • Isolation: in acoustically-quiet booths. • Screens: to reduce direct noise transmission. • Lagging: can be used on pipes carrying steam or hot liquids. • Process change: e.g.: presses instead of hammers, Bolting instead of riveting. • Operating rotating and reciprocating equipment as slowly as practicable. • Keeping sudden velocity changes in pipe work and ducts to a minimum. • Enclosure: surrounding the noise source with sound absorbing material (the effect is limited until total enclosure is achieved). • Equipment design: e.g.: use of nylon gears. • Proper maintenance & lubrication of machines 4. Identify control measures to reduce the risk of electric shock when using a portable electrical drill (8) • Proper selection of the equipment "to be suitable for the purpose“. • Inspection and testing of the equipment. • The use of reduced voltage or battery-powered equipment. • Double insulation. • Earthing. • Use of protective devices (as RCDs & fuses).Sound connections. • Proper storage of equipment. • Training to be given for equipment operators. 5. identify 8 types of mechanical hazards associated with machinery • Impact. b) Crushing. c) Entanglement. d) Shearing. e) Cutting. f) Friction & Abrasion. g) Stabbing & Puncture. h) Drawing in J) Ejection 6. identify 4 hazards associated with the use battery-powered fork lift trucks Electrical hazards: • Explosion due to contact of live cables with the metal of the truck frame and the shorting of battery terminals by metal tools or lifting tackle. • Battery spark leading to ignition of hydrogen "Generated during charging" leading to dangerous explosion. Non- Electrical hazards: • Overloading 2) Overturning 3) Collision 4) Loss of Load. 5) Overhead obstruction. 6) Truck failures. 7. Outline control measures for each of the hazards identified in (a) 8. Identify 2 types of hazardous substance • Asbestos 2) sodium hypochlorite 9. Outline personal hygiene controls to reduce the risk of ingestion of a hazardous substance. • Regular hand washing • Restriction of smoking and eating in the workplace • Removing and cleaning of contaminated clothes • The use of suitable PPE(as gloves) 10. Identify precautions necessary to prevent injury when working in and around excavation. • Examine the support structures weekly by competent person • Record examination • Inspect working part daily or per shift if deeper than 2m • Inspect support material before use • Support work done under supervision of competent person • No person to work in excavation unless competently examined • No projecting nails on support structure • No materials left near edges of excavation 11. Outline the term “repairable dust” • Is an airborne dust of such a size that is able to enter the lungs during normal respiration. Dust of 5 microns size or less is respriable. 12. Outline the methods for measuring airborne dust in the workplace A)Visual signs of dust accumulation. B). Dust lamps. C). Direct reading instruments. D) Sampling using pumps and filters followed by analysis. 13. identify control measures to reduce the risk of accidents form reversing vehicles in the work place • Elimination of the risk (redesign task to eliminate the need for vehicles to reverse). • The availability of banks men to lead the vehicle. • Good communication between vehicle driver and banks men. • Marking of the route of vehicles. • Proper lighting of the area. • Speed limits within the workplace. • Proper selection and training of vehicles "Rear view concave mirror". • Availability of mirrors in the work place especially on the turns and corners, • Audible and visual alarms (flashing beacons). • Proper supervision of driver acts. • Disciplinary action to be taken for any violations of unsafe acts by the drivers. • Control measures so that to prevent the use of vehicles by unauthorized persons. 14. identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities in relation to a. load b) the individual Load: weight, size, stability, height, contents, outer surface, lack of rigidity (smoothness), the ease with which it can be grasped, etc. Individual: physical capabilities, health (fitness, pregnancy, etc.) 15. identify 3 control measures to segregate pedestrians and vehicles in the workplace • there are best prevented by completely separating pedestrians and vehicle • providing well marked , protected and laid out pedestrian walkways • people should cross roads by designated and clearly marked pedestrian crossings • suitable guardrails and barriers should be erected at entrance and exits from buildings and at blind corner • separate doorways are provided for pedestrians and vehicles • all doorways should be provided with a vision panel and an indication of the safe clearance height • the enforcement of a sensible speed limit , coupled where practicable with speed governing devices 16. identify measures to reduce the risk to pedestrians when segregation is not practicable 17. identify precautions that would need to be considered before welding work can commence • approved method statement and risk assessment in place • ensure all work equipment is in good order • check location and means of raising alarm • ensure correct extinguishers to hand • inspect adjacent areas including above and below • remove or suitable project combustible material from work area • ensure area is cordon off and necessary signage displayed • provision of screens or blankets to protect against spread of sparks and hot particles • competent person and competent supervision • permit to work system ( hot work permit ) • first aid facility near the area • training for the workers • Adequate PPE (Welding gloves, goggles, welding shield, hard hat, cover all and aprons etc……) 18. Outline control measures to reduce the risks to workers when using- non-powered hand tools • To wear the suitable Personal Protective Equipments (goggles, gloves, etc) • To report any defects in the tool • To be sure that work surface is clean (before using the tool) • To use the tool by designed safe way • To clean the tool after use and to keep it in its designed location 19. identify 4 forms for hazardous substance for which respiratory protective equipment could be used to reduce the risk of harm dust vapour fume & gas 20. Outline factors that could reduce the effectiveness of the respiratory protective equipment. 21. identify the possible effects of electricity on the body Primary effects: due to electric shock on the human body physiology leading to: C) electric burns in skin & internal organs. D)cardiac & respiratory arrest. Secondary effects: due to fall from a height including for example: Fracture, bleeding, etc. 22. identify the emergency action to take if a person suffers a severs electric shock • Isolation of the electric supply "if possible“ • Removal of the casualty from electric contact (using isolating material). • Summoning help. • Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). • Treatment of burns and other injuries. • Remaining with the casualty until medical help arrives. 23. Outline the general role a fire marshal would be expected to undertake in an emergency evacuation of a workplace in the event of a fire • to assist the fire safety co-ordinator in fire drills • on discovering a fire , ensure the fire alarm is sounded , than alert reception or the central point of contact to ensure the emergency services are called • on hearing a fire alarm, ensure that the floor is completely evacuated (including checked toilets , storerooms or any other special areas in your zone of responsibility )and employees and visitors proceed in an orderly manner to the assembly point • Remind all persons evacuating the building to use the nearest fire exit and NOT TO USE THE LIFT. • Only if it is safe to do so , tackle the fire using the appropriate extinguisher but DO NOT take any person risk, the evacuation of the building is of paramount importance • Only if it is safe to do so , check and ensure all windows and doors are closed to limit firer spread • Once outside at the assembly point , remind your charges not to re-enter the building contact the office/establishment fire co-ordinator to advise that all occupants have been evacuated and give any further relevant information on the status of the fire . 24. Identify safe working practices for the use of a mobile elevating working platform (MEWP) • the need to inspect the equipment before use and to ensure it is in a good state of repair; • using only competent workers; • using outriggers and brakes; • erecting warning signs and barriers to avoid collisions; • ensuring the platform is not overloaded; • avoiding overhead obstructions; and • wearing a harness. 25. Describe the possible effects on hearing from exposure to noise 26. Outline the factors that are likely to affect the performance of personal hearing protection 27. Three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park 28. Identify hazards associated with the work (10) • Detection of services (from plans, use of cable/pipe detectors). • Support of sides. • Storage of materials and take it away from edge. • Stop blocks to prevent vehicles from falling into excavation. • Barriers and guard rails. • Safe means of access/egress. • Testing for and ventilation of fumes. • Means of pumping out water. • Competent personnel. • Use of suitable PPE. 29. Outline precautions that should be taken when using a mobile crane • The crane must be suitable (test certificate, reach, lifting capacity, etc.) • The crane is to be used on stable and level base • Outriggers should be used effectively and correctly "to be fully extended and locked on all sides" • Avoid obstructions/overhead lines. • The height limit structure should be erected, decked with warning flags. • Suitable lifting • Correct slinging techniques. • Ensuring competence of personnel (driver, slinger, and signaler). • Ensuring good visibility & communication. 30. a portable electric drill is being used on a building site other than electricity identify 4 hazards associated with the use of the drill • Dust hazards. • Noise hazards. • Vibration hazards. • Tripping due to trailing cables. • Ergonomic hazard (related either to equipment design or to the way in which the work is carried out). b.Outline 4 precautions that could be taken to reduce the risk to workers. 31. Outline control measures to reduce the risks to workers when using non-powered hand tools • To wear the suitable Personal Protective Equipments (goggles, gloves, etc) • To report any defects in the tool • To be sure that work surface is clean (before using the tool) • To use the tool by designed safe way • To clean the tool after use and to keep it in its designed location 32. a) Identify FOUR forms of hazardous substance for which respiratory protective equipment could be used to reduce the risk of harm dust vapour fume & gas b) Outline factors that could reduce the effectiveness if of the respiratory protective equipment 33. a) Describe the possible effect on hearing from exposure to noise Short-term effects: Acute acoustic trauma: sudden damage of ear drum due to intense noise levels as in explosion. Temporary threshold shift: due to fatigue of hearing cells conveying frequencies outside the conversation speech range. • Long-term effects: Tinnitus: ringing in the ear due to intense stimulation of auditory nerve over a period of time. Permanent threshold shift: due to death of hearing cells conveying frequencies outside the conversation speech range. Noise-induced hearing loss: due to death of hearing cells conveying conversation speech frequencies. Fatigue & stress b) Outline the factors that likely to affect the performance of Personal hearing protection 34. Battery – powered fork –lift trucks are used to move materials in a warehouse. a) Identify FOUR hazards associated specifically with battery-powered fork-lift trucks. b) Identify precaution that may be needed to reduce the risk to pedestrian in areas where the fork-lift trucks are operating. c) precautions that should be taken when leaving a fork-lift unattended. • To be left on a firm level ground in a designated area with the mast tilted slightly forward and the forks resting on the floor. • The truck is to be switched off. • The key to be removed and to be given to a responsible person (to prevent unauthorized use of the truck). • The truck should not be left until the brake has been applied. • To be parked away from other vehicles. • To be parked away from adverse environmental conditions as rains. • To be parked in a positions that does not obstruct emergency exits / vehicles, walkways, etc. • Keeping regular maintenance of the truck even if not attended. • If the truck is to be left unattended for a long period, it may be useful to: -Isolate electricity if the truck if it is electrically operated. -Remove the battery (if it is battery operated). -Remove LPG cylinder (if it is gas operated). 35. Identify precaution that should be considered to prevent accidents to children who may be tempted to gain access to a construction site. • Fencing • Warning signs of any dangers • Security patrols • CCTV • Isolating services • Reducing heights of materials • Covering excavations • Removing ladders – lashing the ladders – to deny access to scaffolding • Securing tools, chemicals, equipment and vehicles under lock and key • Community liaisons 36. Outline FOUR main categories of guards and safeguarding devices that may be used to minimize the risk of contact with dangerous parts of machinery • FIXED GUARD - Is a physical barrier that prevent access to danger area.. • Is not connected to machine controls. • With no moving parts. • Is so fixed that it requires a special tool (e.g. spanner) to remove it. • INTERLOCK GUARD • Is linked with machine controls such that the guard cannot be opened if the machine is in a dangerous condition or opening the guard cause the machine to become safe. • SELF-ADJUSTING GUARD • Is essentially a fixed guard that has elements that can be adjusted to allow for the material being processed. • Typical examples can be found on circular saws & drill chucks. • TRIP DEVICE • Is a guard which stops or reverse the machine before the operator reaches the hazard area • Ex photoelectric guard used for hyrulic presses • AUTIMATIC GUARD • Is linked to the machine mechanism & physically moves an operator from the danger zone. 37. a) Identify THREE forms of biological agents b) Identify THREE possible routes of entry into body for a biological agent. • Inhalation. • Ingestion. • Injection. • Entry through open wounds. c) Give TWO control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to a biological agent. • Disinfection for materials or equipment contaminated with the agent. • Good personal hygiene. • Immunization: vaccination. • Water control (by boiling or chlorination). • Proper disposal of wastes. • Use of the appropriate PPE. 38. Identify the information that should be included on a manufacture’s safety data sheet supplied with a hazardous substance • The name of the substance. • It's physical and chemical properties. • Substance concentration. • The nature of hazard caused by the substance. • Relevant standards related to the substance (e.g.: OES). • Precautions to be taken in storage, transport, use & disposal of the substance. • Measures to be taken in cases of emergency (e.g.: spillage or accident exposure) including first aid measures. • PPE recommended to be worn on dealing with the substance. 39. A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal shelves a) Identify FOUR types of injury that the worker could suffer while carrying out this task • Examples of injuries are: Cuts, abrasion. Crushing injuries. Strained ligaments and tendons. Dislocations of joints. Hernias Bone fractures b) Identify factors in relation to the task that could increase the risk of injury. (4) • Task factors that may affect the risk of injury: Handling loads at a distance from the body. Excessive carrying, lifting or lowering distances. Excessive pushing or pulling. Pushing or pulling loads above or below waist level. The need to lift from and to return loads to the ground level. Task requiring stooping, twisting or overreaching. Task requiring repetitive handling with no sufficient rest periods.
40. Identify the principles of the fire triangle
Fuel, heat & oxygen 41. Identify THREE methods of heat transfer and state how EACH contributes to the spread of fire i) conduction, ii) convection iii) radiation iv) direct burning. • heat can be transferred through metal beams or other parts of a structure by conduction; • it can be carried by rising air currents (convection) to cause a build-up of hot gases under ceilings; • it can be radiated through the air causing heating of material at a distance from a fire; and, • combustible material in direct contact with flames can itself catch fire. • 42. Identify FOUR types of engineering control that may be used to reduce noise in the workplace and give a practical example of each. • Absorption: using barriers of porous material (e.g.: foam) to reduce sound energy, e.g.: baffles. • Damping: the use of rubber, cork, or similar material to reduce structure borne noise (these materials are to be fitted as pads, stiffening ribs, etc. to reduce vibration) e.g.: machines mounts. • Silencing: the use of silencers to suppress noise generated when air, gas, or steam flow in pipes or are exhausted to atmosphere. • Isolation: in acoustically-quiet booths. • Screens: to reduce direct noise transmission. Lagging: can be used on pipes carrying steam or hot liquids 43. a) identify FOUR types of ionizing radiation Workplace sources of ionizing radiation: • Medical x-ray equipment. • Smoke detectors. • X-ray for scrutiny of welds • ALPHA OR BETA RADIATION • GAMMA RADIATION b) Outline the main control measures for ionizing radiation • Reducing time of exposure to ionizing radiation. • Shielding (interposing material between radiation source and exposed person): materials of high mass number are chosen for shielding. • Distance: increasing the distance between radiation source & those exposed will reduce the radiation dose received. Reducing time of exposure to ionizing radiation. Shielding (interposing material between radiation source and exposed person): materials of high mass number are chosen for shielding. Distance: increasing the distance between radiation source & those exposed will reduce the radiation dose received. • Proper disposal of radioactive wastes. • Wearing the suitable PPE: to prevent radioactive material from being inhaled, ingested or coming into contact with skin. • Warning signs to refer to Radiation hazard. 44. Identify the main hazards that may be present during the demolition of a building. The main hazards associated with this type of work include: falls from a height; falling debris and premature collapse; use of explosives; contact with and noise from equipment and heavy plant; dust (possibly including asbestos); hot work from metal¬cutting operations; the presence of hazardous materials from previous uses of the building; the presence of cellars or vaults affecting the stability of adjoining premises; and the possible presence of services such as electricity, gas and water. 45. an organization uses small quantities of toxic chemicls. a) Identify FOUR possible routes of entry of toxic substance into the body By inhalation: if the chemicals agents is in the form of dust, vapour, fume, gas, etc. it is the most rapid route of entrance. By contact with the skin: chemicals can either: 1)Irritate the skin causing dermatitis.2)Penetrate the skin causing systemic toxicity. 3)Damage the skin directly (such as acid) By ingestion: can occur directly (by mistake if chemicals are not properly labeled) or indirectly through hands contaminated with chemicals and reaching the mouth during eating, drinking or smoking. Injection: chemicals may injected hypodermically on sharps etc. or they may be injected at high pressure e.g form hydraulic hoses. b) Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effect Acute health effect: an adverse effect resulting from a single or short-term exposure and producing an immediate or rapid effect. Examples: corrosive action, narcosis and primary irritation. acute health effects appear after a single or short term exposure, usually with a rapid or immediate response, whereas • chronic effects are normally produced following prolonged or repeated exposures to an agent, appear gradually, may go unrecognised for long periods of time and may be progressive even without further exposure. c) Identify the sources of information which could be used in the assessment of risk of toxic substances d) Outline the control measures that might be required in order to minimize risks to workers The use of suitable container for the chemical and the methods for handling thm, The provision of ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipments Procedure for dealing with spillage The introduction of site rules to ensure personal hygiene The provision of information and training to the staff involved 46. Identify the control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risk pedestrians in areas where vehicles are maneuvering. • Segregation systems for vehicles and pedestrians • Clear and appropriate road markings • Visibility – mirrors, transparent doors, adequate lighting etc. • Vehicular audible warnings • Site rules • High-visibility clothing • Good housekeeping • Training and supervision of all involved on site 46. Outline specific hazards associated with the use of battery – powered forklift trucks and state the precautions necessary in each case Part (i) related to hazards specific to battery-powered trucks and was not well answered. Many candidates cited general fork-lift truck hazards and concentrated on overturning issues. The few candidates who recognised that this question was specific to a particular type of fork-lift truck described hazards relating to battery¬charging (including the generation of hydrogen gas and release of battery acid), hazards associated with the handling of batteries, electrical hazards with the potential for electric shock or burns, and collisions with pedestrians due to the near-silent running of the truck. In answering part (ii), most candidates referred to precautions such as marking of traffic routes, one-way systems, segregation of pedestrians from transport, warning signs and audible alarms, and visibility issues such as adequate lighting, mirrors, high visibility clothing and transparent doors_ Few candidates, however, considered the provision of safe systems of work for loading, unloading and stacking, the enforcement of site rules on speed restrictions and access, and the training and supervision of staff. 47. Excavation work is being carried out on a construction site, identify the control measures needed to reduce the risk to workers. • Detection of services (from plans, use of cable/pipe detectors). • Support of sides. • Storage of materials and take it away from edge. • Stop blocks to prevent vehicles from falling into excavation. • Barriers and guard rails. • Safe means of access/egress. • Testing for and ventilation of fumes. • Means of pumping out water. • Competent personnel. • Use of suitable PPE. 48. a) Identify FOUR mechanical hazards associated with the use of a pedestal drill. Entaglement Ejection Stabbing Impact b) Outline FOUR control measures to reduce the risk of injury to operators of pedestal drills. Installation of a spindal guards A safe system of work which is posted close to the machine Have policy in a place so that users do not have long hair Rings and other jewellery that could become entangled Ensure all users are trained and competent in the use of the equipments 49. Outline the factor that may lead to occupational stress amongst workers In answer to this question, possible causes of increased stress levels could usefully have been divided into those relating to the work or task organisation and those relating to workplace interactions. Job factors might include: shift- work or unsocial hours; excessive overtime; job insecurity and the fear of redundancy; repetitive or monotonous work; lack of adequate breaks; lack of control over the job; work load too high or too low; and the task not matched to the skills of the person. Interactions involve such issues as harassment, bullying, discrimination, fear of violence, poor communication and general relationships with work colleagues. There are also a range of personal and social factors, such as illness, financial worries and family commitments, that could increase an employee's level of stress at work, even if some may not be work-related. 50. a) Identify FOUR factors that could affect the severity of injury resulting from contact with electricity For part many answers concentrated almost entirely on the voltages involved. Relatively few candidates outlined additional factors such as the route taken through the body, the length of contact time, the general health and age of the person involved, and those factors that might affect the size of current passing through the body. In particular, there was little understanding of resistance, based on things such as dryness of the skin, natural body resistance, ground conditions and type of footwear. 51. a)In relation to the classification of fires, give an example of a material (fuel) that falls within each of the classes A, B, C, AND D. Fire Type of Fuel A Solid(as wood,glass,clothes,papers,etc) B Liquids(as petroleum & paints) C Gases (as Acetyleum ,Hydrogen sulphide ,Natural Gas) D Metal(as sodium ,magnesium , Aluminum) 52. Outline the hazards that a worker could be exposed to when using a petrol driven chainsaw to cut down a tree Contact with moving part of the machine Expose to fumes & dust Manual handling hazards Noise & vibration Ejected particles Falling objects(ultimately, the tree itself) Fire & explosion hazards from the fuel Hot part of the chainsaw Uneven or wet ground The use of lubricants oils & exposure to sunlight 53. A maintenance worker regularly uses a hand held grinder, and is exposed to vibration a) Identify the symptoms that the worker may experience due to this exposure i) The typical symptoms are: • Numbness of fingers. • Blanching of fingers. • Swollen painful joints. • Reduction in manual dexterity (things may fall form hands and fine adjustment by hand cannot be achieved). b) Outline six control measures that can be used to reduce the risk from vibration i) The control measures are: • Eliminate the risk: by process change to eliminate the need for using vibrating hand-held tools. • Reduce the risk: To modify operating procedure so that the pressure upon the tool required by operator is reduced. • Proper selection of equipment and maintenance. • Reducing time of exposure of operators to vibration (this may necessitate recruitment of new staff). • Health surveillance to detect the early sings and symptoms of vibration illness. • Use of appropriate PPE (as gloves to keep hand warm). 54. Identify EIGHT common causes of fires in the workplace 55. identify 8 safe working practices that should be considered to reduce the risk when using a mobile tower scaffold. Precautions for safe use of mobile towers: • Erection should be in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation. • Erection, alteration & dismantling to be done by competent persons. • It should stand on a firm level base. • Scaffold tubes to be free from defects e.g.: bent sections. • Proper bracing to prevent twisting and collapse. • The ratio of the minimum base dimensions to the height should not exceed: 1:3 in external use & 1:3.5 in internal use. • The maximum height of free standing tower is 9.75 meters. • The maximum height of tied tower is 12 meters. • A safe means of access to be provided on the narrowest side of the tower "as vertical ladders attached internally". • Platforms should be properly supported and fully boarded. • Toe boards & guard rails to be provided to prevent falls of workers and/ or materials. • Ladder or stepladders should not be placed on the platform to gain extra height for working. • On using a mobile tower, make sure the castors are locked. • Toe boards & guard rails are to be provided for a platform of more than 1.5 meter height. The guard rails should be 3 feet above the platform.