INTERNATIONAL GENERAL

CERTIFICATE Candidate report template

(2011 specification)

UNIT IGC3 – THE HEALTH AND

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICAITON

Student number_________________________________

Location:

Date of review _________________________________

Structure report under the following headings:

Introduction including overview of area inspected and activities taking place

This Organization is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi offering excellent services to the community. The Organization provides comprehensive
health care services by catering to the needs and priorities of the Abu Dhabi community, ensuring not only optimal levels of patient care and
satisfaction but also promoting general health and well-being through education and awareness.

As part of the IGC 3 project the Main Plant room of this organization was taken for the observation and identification of hazards. The Main
Plant room is located within the premises of this organization. The Plant room has boilers, chillers, cooling towers and heat exchangers, main
distribution pipes, backup generators etc.
The Main activities involve the complete supply, installation, operation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the entire electro-
mechanical units of the entire organization.

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Executive Summary

The organization has well developed Health and Safety management system that is well developed and implemented across the organization.
The Health and Safety policy is posted around the hospital.
The Organization has excellent emergency response plan that is communicated well to the employees and contractors. Records show that
Health and Safety department has taken the effort to deliver training to its employees and various health and safety campaigns to promote the
health and safety culture. Employees are knowledgeable and aware of the emergency response procedure but it was observed that there was
ineffective management of the contractors by the Facilities department
The Main Plant room activities are carried out by two main contractors and their subcontractors under the supervision of the Facilities and
Construction Management. One of the Main contractors was not following or non-compliant with the fire and safety plan. During the
inspection it was identified that some areas needed improvement; the areas that needed attention were related to the safe access and egress
during an emergency, stacking and storage of items, safety inspections of the Manual Handling equipment’s and housekeeping related issues
related to spillage.

Main findings of the inspection

Emergency Exit Blocked:

During the inspection rounds it was observed that emergency exit door was locked hallway was partially obstructed. In case of an emergency
situation e.g. a fire this can lead to delayed evacuation fatality, loss of property and cost a great deal to the organization. The Cop AD EHSMS
CoP 7.0- Fire Prevention and Control, Section 3.8 item © -Emergency Escape routes and the Fire Safety Plan clearly states that all required exits
and way of travel to and from exit shall be continuously maintained free of all obstruction or impediments to full instant use in case of fire or
other emergency. Management should ensure that Constant supervision and frequent inspection of the plant room to ensure that fire exit
doors are kept accessible for use in emergencies at all times

Hazardous Materials:

On observation it was found out that one of the contractors are not in compliance with storage requirements related to hazardous materials
and MSDS / SDS sheet of the material was not present. The contractor staff did not seem to receive training on potential hazards when working
with Smart disinfectant system.

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Facility should ensure and evaluates health and safety related risks of potentially hazardous materials, takes appropriate steps to manage that
risk and educate the contractors on handling these materials. The hazardous materials management plan describes how the organization will
establish and maintain a program to safely handle store and transport of hazardous materials and to minimize and control hazardous materials
related to health & safety of patients, employees, visitors, contractors, environment and surrounding community.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to be obtained for each chemical / hazardous material used in the department. A file of all departmental specific
SDS/profile sheets should be kept in the user department for employees/contractors to review. Management should ensure that a competent
person from the facility should oversee the activities of the contractors more frequently to avoid any incidents and loss to the organization.

Inappropriate Storage and Blockage of aisles and walkways:

It was observed that Items were found inappropriately stored and in close contact with ceiling in store room and big cartons stored on the floor.
Metallic, copper pipes were found stored on shelves. Area looked very congested and blocking the exit. Significant amount of trash/
Combustibles/Trash heaped in the plant room area and spillage of water also was noted. This clearly indicates the poor housekeeping and
failure to comply with storage protocols of the organization. The management should ensure that Facilities department provides the
contractors an area for the proper storage of the items. Facilities to coordinate with Housekeeping staff to develop a schedule and appoint a
person for maintaining proper housekeeping of the area. Compliance to the safe storage must be monitored through the Environment of care
assessment

Compressed Gas cylinder

Compressed gas cylinder (Acetylene) was found lying at the roof top on the Main Plant Room building after hot work operation with no
securing mechanism e.g. restrain, chains or trolley etc. and flammable materials e.g. oil, plastic tarpaulin, cloth, carton boxes etc. found in the
working area. Hot work permit procedure was not fully implemented by the contractor staff. It was observed that there was no Proper permit
to work closing after Hot work Operations. Contractor staff needs to be trained to clean their work place and store materials at designated
place after completion of work and to store away from all sources of ignition and heat.

Manual Handling:

It was observed that contractors following inappropriate technique while lifting heavy equipment (Pressure motor) onto rooftop. Facility
department has provided the appropriate equipment for lifting the equipment’s to the roof top but the contractors were found not complaint
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to the safe work procedure. The Facilities department need to conduct frequent inspection to monitor the safe work practices and to check
whether the contractors are following the safe work method as instructed to them
In addition to training and education, applying general safety principles—such as proper work practices, equipment and controls—can help
reduce workplace accidents involving the moving, handling, and of materials. Whether moving materials manually or mechanically, the
employees should know and understand the potential hazards associated with the task and how to control their workplaces to minimize the
danger.

Chain block (lifting equipment / accessories)

Chain block lifting equipment in the Main Plant room was found with damaged hook. User inspection checklist for chain blocks did not seem to
be present with the supervisors nor with contractors working in the plant room. The Facilities department must develop a written user
inspection checklist for chain blocks and ensure that inspection (thorough examination) and testing of the lifting equipment (e.g. chain blocks.)
is being undertaken by approved third party as per AD EHSMS CoP 34.0 (Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories).
Ensure staff operating chain blocks are trained through an approved training provider in compliance with AD EHSMS CoP 34.0 (Safe Use of
Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories).

Battery Storage Area:

Battery Storage Area was used also as a changing room by few contractor staff by night shift staff (Clothes –work apparel of the night shift
hanging on the wall). The organization must ensure that the contractor staffs are educated on the hazards and risks related to storage of items
in the battery storage room. Instruct contractors to use the designated areas for changing and storing their personal items (e.g. staff lounge or
changing rooms). Workplace safety rounds to be carried out by Facilities department on a regular basis to identify any unsafe conditions

Diesel Spillage:

It was observed that there was spillage of diesel oil near generator of the plant room and the incident was not reported to the supervisors on
duty and also no appropriate action was taken by the staff working in that area. Facilities need to educate contractor workers to report
incidents and take necessary actions as per the Organizations policy related to Hazardous Material Spillage and as per legislative requirements -
Section 3.3 –Emergency Management and Notifications, AD EHSMS CoP 1.0 –Hazardous Materials

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Trip Hazard:
It was observed that Electrical trench covers were found uneven elevated and corroded at places in Main Plant Room Building e.g. water
treatment area. It was also observed that a long and sharp edge thin sheet lying on the walkway.
Facilities need to develop a process or checklist and Coordinate with Housekeeping Management to maintain good housekeeping of the area.
Workers need to be trained to report any unsafe condition at workplace to prevent further consequence.

Electrical Panels:
It was observed that Electrical hazard signs were missing on electrical control panels for water treatment system and High Voltage Warning
Sign not posted on some of the high voltage rooms. Electrical panels were found unlocked and accessible to incompetent staff e.g. non-
electrical technician, housekeeping staff.

Emergency Equipment’s – (Fire Extinguishers, Emergency Lights and Emergency showers):

Fire extinguisher, type ABCE rated was found with low pressure gauge

Emergency lights seem to be inadequate in the area where water treatment plants are located.

Emergency Safety Shower not working

It was observed that the Emergency Safety Shower provided in the plant room near hazardous materials found broken, not in working
condition.
Facilities department should develop a process where these emergency equipment’s are checked frequently to see they are functional during
emergencies and to educate the workers to inform their immediate supervisors if these equipment’s are not functioning. Regular inspection
and maintenance are essential to keep equipment, machines and the work environment safe and reliable.

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Working at Height:

It was observed during the time of inspection that Contractor employees working on chiller on rooftop of Main Plant room building were not
wearing hard hats. Facilities department should ensure that the contractors are in compliance and will carry out their activities in a safe
manner. Contractor Supervisors to ensure that workers use the appropriate PPE while working at height
Provide appropriate training where the workers will gain understanding and knowledge for the safe performance of activities. Provide tool box
talks prior to the start of the activity

Conclusions

The organization shares a statutory duty with contractors (as both are employers) to ensure that all reasonably practicable precautions are
taken to safeguard the environment, patients, employees, other persons on site as well as the public. Overall findings suggest that the
organization must monitor the contractor’s performance. EHSMS legislation Element 03 Management of contractors – section 3.1.1 item (f) -
Monitoring performance which clearly states that entity should monitor and assess compliance thru EHS audits, EHS procedures, and regular
site inspections.

Senior management needs to ensure that

 Sufficient information, instruction and training are provided to staff to ensure the safe management of contractors.

 Provide adequate resources for effective functioning of the Contractors Management (CM) program, including human resources,
technical resources, professional development and training and annual budget as suggested by the designated staff member(s);

 Establish interactive communication with all contractors and suppliers working at their premises. There needs to be an exchange of
information about the risks arising from their operations, including relevant safety rules, procedures, and emergencies procedures

 Empower designated persons to stop any work if they consider it constitutes a risk to the health and safety of employees, patients,
visitors, the community or the environment;

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  Require contractors to report near miss incidents, unsafe conditions or acts, incidents/accidents to their supervisor, and to responsible
Managers responsible for individual contractors;

 Ensure that all contractor personnel have the appropriate qualifications, certifications and training in order to perform the contracted
work in a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly manner. This is the responsibility of the Managers responsible for individual
contractor’s pre and post commencement of works.

 Inform Environment Health and Safety (EH&S) department of any chemicals/hazardous materials which contractors plan to bring on site
so that the information may be added to the master list of hazardous materials. Obtain and maintain copies of material safety data
sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals and hazardous materials contractors plan and bring on-site and provide EH&S Department with a copy
of each MSDS.

Employers, who use contractors to perform work, will need to establish a screening process so that they hire and use contractors who
accomplish the desired job tasks without compromising the safety and health of employees at a facility. Effective management of workers
(employees and contractors) safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related injuries and
illnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective safety and health program forms the basis of good worker protection and can save time
and money and increase productivity.

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 Recommendations – include as a table in the following format:

Recommendation Likely resource implications Priority Target date

High 1 week
Ensure that Emergency exits are cleared of In case of fire emergency -it can cause a great deal of loss
obstructions and frequent safety inspections to the organization in terms of Loss of lives, Damage to
are to be carried out to prevent any delay or property, buildings, plant and equipment, Increases in
interruptions during an emergency situation insurance premiums, Legal costs, Fines etc.
Develop a schedule to conduct fire drills for
contractor staff to assess their knowledge and
skill during emergencies
Estimated cost for chain block of capacity 1 tonne AED High 1 month
Replace the chain block lifting equipment as 1500/-
early as possible to prevent injury to workers,
damage to property and economic losses
Tender for an approved third party as per AD
EHSMS for the testing of the lifting equipment
(e.g. chain blocks.) as per AD EHSMS
Removal of debris / garbage – Contractors are Senior Management to improve the work safety culture High Continuous
required to maintain safe work area and to through continuous education and safety campaigns for the improvement
remove at a frequency determined by Facilities contractor workforce.
and Construction Management, as outlined in Failure to comply with organizations policies and
work contract. procedures; the management can take actions by providing
Facilities to work with Housekeeping improvement notice to the contactor company
department to develop protocol and maintain
cleanliness of the Main plant room.

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Senior management should ensure that
Facilities department provides the contractors
an area for the proper storage of the items
and prevent stacking of items in the Main Plant
room
Spillage of diesel oil near generator of the
plant room. Supervisors in charge of each
project are required to inspect their work site
at the start of the project, until completion of
the work. Frequency of inspection for the
contractor supervisor to be determined by
Facilities and Construction Management to
ensure compliance
Conduct training for contractors on Hazardous
spillage management
Falling materials and collapsing High 1 month
loads can crush or pin workers, causing injuries or death
Workplace related accidents results in significant number
of man-days lost from work and monetary cost to
employers, medical insurance.
The management should ensure that Facilities department
provides the contractors an area for the proper storage of
the items to prevent accidents
Facilities department to workers ensure that Contractor High 1 week
comply with organization policy and procedure to report
any incidents, and other issue that endanger employees,
patient, visitors and the general public and should follow
the requirements for emergency response to any incident
involving hazardous material spillage
Proper information, training and supervision can prevent
major accidents

Compressed gas cylinder (Acetylene) was Medium 1 month

found lying at the roof top on the Main Plant
Room building after hot work operation. Hot
work permit procedure was not fully
implemented by the contractor staff.
Supervisors in charge of each project are
required to inspect their work site at the start
of the project, until completion of the work to
ensure compliance with the Abu Dhabi EHSMS
Regulatory Framework (AD EHSMS RF) – Code
of Practice (CoP) 28.0 Hot Work Operation.

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Facilities department (Authorized person) who
signs the permit to work document ensures
that ongoing inspection of worksite is
undertaken and ensure that Hot work is
completed in a safe condition and after
completion of job the Hot work permit must be
signed off
Emergency Equipment’s – (Fire Extinguishers, Cost of Fire Extinguisher is between High 1 week
Emergency Lights and Emergency showers) AED 79 and 159.
Approximate cost of an Emergency eye wash station –AED
700/-
Supervisors need to do periodic site visit to Occupational injuries and fatalities mean not only the loss High Immediate
ensure that employees working at height use of precious lives and reduction in quality of lives but also
appropriate personal protective equipment delays in project and a financial burden on employers and
provided by their company to prevent fall workers.
injuries.

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