HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
During a session in the physics laboratory, the following hazards were identified
- Exposed Belts
Some of the machines in the laboratory did not have shields covering the belts and pulleys the machine. This holds the potential hazard of clothing getting caught between the pulleys and the belts. There is also the hazard of one's fingers getting caught between the pulleys and the belts. Risk Matrix – E[III] E[x]
- Exposed Live Socket Wires
Some of the wall sockets were broken and had the live wires sticking out of the wall. This holds the potential hazard of electrocution through contact with one of the students. There is also the potential hazard of a short circuit that could damage the equipment in the laboratory. Risk Matrix – E[III] E[x]
- Broken Stools
Some of the stools around the laboratory had broken legs. This poses the potential risk of injury from a fall to any one using the laboratory. Risk Matrix – E[III] A[z]
- Exposed Electrical Extension Cords
The electrical extensions crisscrossed on the gangways. This poses the potential hazard of tripping on the cable and causing injury to the victim and possible electrical damage to the equipment. Risk Matrix – D[III] D[z]
- Leaking Tap
One of the taps in the laboratory was leaking. This holds the potential hazard of electrocution, should the water get into contact with the exposed electrical extension cords. It may also cause injury should one slip on the wet floor surface. Risk Matrix – E[III] D[x]
RISK MATRIX
This will contain the Risk Porbability, Risk Severity and Risk assessment and tolerable level in one table.
Mitigation/Control Measures
- The exposed belts have to be covered with the correct metal casings. These have to be purchased.
Avoid the use of any machine with exposed belts and pulleys.
- The wall sockets have to be replaced immediately.
Avoid use of sockets with exposed live wires
- The broken stools have to be done away with or repaired.
Avoid the use of the broken tools.
- The extension cords have to be pinned to the wall and not left to lie on the ground.
- The leaking taps have to be repaired immediately or put out of service.
Bibliography
Connecticut State Department of Education. (2013, February 5). Physics Laboratory Safety Specifications. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from Connecticut State Department of Education: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2663&q=334774&pp=12&n=1
Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, July 31). Hazard Identification. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/risk_assessment/hazardous-identification.htm
MDK12. (2012). School Improvement in Maryland. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from MDK12: http://mdk12.org/instruction/curriculum/science/safety/physics.html
Skybrary. (2012, November 20). Risk Assessment. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from Skybrary: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Risk_Assessment
Solverson, G. (2008, February 27). Principles of Hazard Tree Risk Management. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from NCWG: http://www.nwcg.gov/branches/pre/rmc/htsc/toolbox-tree-felling/ht-risk-mgmt.pdf
