UNIT 4

Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment

Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

A. Multiple choice questions

1. Workplace safety is essential in organisation ____________.

(a) to avoid the accident and injury

(b) to increase the productivity

(b) to improve the work environment

(d) All of the above

2. Which of the following is not mandatory to keep the good health of an employee?

(a) Cleanliness

(b) Food court

(c) Clean and fresh air

(d) Clean washroom

3. The security department is not responsible for __________.

(a) personal safety

(b) computer system and equipment safety

(c) electrical safety

(d) personal belongings

4. The proper security procedures will increase ____________.

(a) liabilities

(b) insurance

(c) business revenue

(d) operational charges of the company

5. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry?

(a) Biological
(b) Chemical

(c) Physical

(d) Ergonomic

6. Which of the following can cause hazards while using computers?

(a) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position

(b) Lifting heavy object

(c) Mishandling of tools and equipment

(d) Improper handling of office equipment

7. Which of the following statements is likely to result in an injury to the operator?

(a) Selecting the right tool for the job

(b) Wearing safety goggles or glasses

(c) Using a tool with loose handles

(d) Keeping cutting tools sharp

8. What are the potential cause of hazards at workplace?

(a) Poor ventilation

(b) Poor lighting

(c) Poor housekeeping

(d) All of the above

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Health of an employee is the state of the physical, _________________ and _________________

well being.

Ans. mental, social

2. The work places must be cleaned in the _________________ before the people start working.

Ans. morning

3. A proper _________________ provide clean and cool air at the workplace.

Ans. air conditioning

4. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the ______________ of the employee.

Ans. health
5. The work environment of the organisation must be _________________ and free from
_________________ and _________________.

Ans. safe, hazards, risk

6. The proper security procedures will increase the ____________ and will reduce the
_______________ of the company.

Ans. business revenue, operational charges

7. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through national policy on ___________

Ans. Occupational Health and Safety

8. Physical hazards occurs due to _______________.

Ans. physical work environment

9. Electrical hazards mostly caused due to coming in direct contact with _________________, or
indirect contact through a _________________.

Ans. live wires, conductor

10. Hazards while using computers occurs due to _________________ or excessive duration of
sitting in _________________.

Ans. poor sitting postures, one position

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The employer and employees are responsible for workplace safety. True

2. Any injury at work should be reported to the supervisor immediately. True

3. No matter how big or small the injury; the injured person should receive medical attention.

True

4. While working with machines and equipment, employees must follow the safety guidelines set by
the company. True

5. Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems. True

6. Exposure to bright lights and toxic fumes and vapour could damage the mouth and ears. False

7. The use of personal protective clothing and equipment can control the hazards at workplace. True

8. Do not throw rubbish daily. True

9. Proper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. False

10. Stress at workplace can cause hazard in today’s organisation. True

D. Short answer questions

1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace.

Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being. Every organisation
must provide healthy and safety working environment for their employees at the workplace.

Safety the work environment of the organisation must be safe. It must be free from hazards and risk.
A hazard is the something that can cause harm to the people. A risk is a probability of causing harm
to the people.

Security every employee working in an organisation must feel that they are secured in the company
campus. Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of the
people working in the organisation.

2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace

There are several reasons that can be specified for safety policy as given below.

• It clearly indicates the company’s commitment for their employee’s health and safety;

• It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are compatible with each
other.

• It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but it is taking care of all
its stake holders.

The accountability of every one working for the company is outlined for the workplace health, safety
and security;

• Company can comply national policy on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) of Government of
India;

• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy

3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.

The most common definition of hazard is ‘a danger or risk’ that is associated with something.

There is a common way to classify hazards, and not all these are present in all workplaces.

Physical Hazards-: Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping

Electrical Hazards, Fire Hazards , Health Hazards , Ergonomic Hazards , Biological hazards

4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organisation.

 Hazards using Computers

 Handling Office Equipment
 Handling Objects
 Stress at Work and Working Environment
5. List some of the IT workplace hazards.

 Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position. These may results in
pain and strain.
 Making the same movement repetitively cause muscle fatigue.
 Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.

6. What are the examples of potential hazards?

Examples of potential hazards,

 Hazards using Computers :- These hazards may result in pain and strain. Making the same
movements repetitively can also cause muscle fatigue.
 Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries.
 Stress at Work :- Long working hours can be stressful and so can aggressive conflicts or
arguments with colleagues.
 Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate height,
hard furniture, poor lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor
housekeeping.

7. Describe information technology workplace hazards.

 Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position. These may results in
pain and strain.
 Making the same movement repetitively cause muscle fatigue.
 Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.

8. What are the workplace safety rules?

Workplace safety rules,

Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping: To avoid falls and slips, all things must be arranged
properly. Any spilt liquid, food or other items such as paints must be immediately cleaned to avoid
any accidents. Make sure there is proper lighting and all damaged equipment, stairways and light
fixtures are repaired immediately.

Electrical Hazards: At work, the common causes of electrical accidents are exposed, worn-out wiring,
overloading of electrical outlets, ungrounded or faulty equipment, and unsafe use of electrical
equipment. Employees must be provided basic knowledge of using electrical equipment and
common problems.

Fire Hazards: To avoid fire, it is important to observe safety precautions at workplace. The whole
organisation must also have first response and emergency mitigation systems in place. Employees
should be aware of all emergency exits, including fire escape routes, of the office building and also
the locations of fire extinguishers and alarms.
Health Hazards :- Health refers to the physical well-being of the workers, and this includes the
condition of their skin, eyes, ears and all other body parts.

9. List out different safety guidelines?

1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.

2. Throw garbage daily.

3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.

4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.

5. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some machinery, tools

or equipment.

6. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and hair
nets.

7. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.

8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.

9. Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly trained and allowed to do so

by your supervisor.

10. Repair torn wires or broken plugs before using any electrical equipment.

11. Do not use equipment if it smokes, sparks or looks unsafe.

12. Cover all food with a lid, plastic wrap or aluminium foil.

13. Do not smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.

14. Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.

10. Describe type of emergency with example.

Various types of emergencies are there. Some types of emergencies are,

 Chemical spills
 Extreme heat waves
 Droughts
 Pandemic
 Terrorist attack
 Fire
 Floods
 Thunderstorm
 Leakage of some hazardous gas / chemical
Workplace Quality Measures
A. Multiple choice questions

1. To provide healthy and safety working environment, every organisation must have _____

(a) Cleanliness

(b) Filtered water

(c) Clean wash-room

(d) All of the above

2. Air pollution is mostly caused by production of the ________ in the surrounding air.

(a) dust

(b) mixture of solid particles

(c) gases

(d) All of above

3. Repetitive use of muscle may feel pain in your ___________.

(a) neck

(b) shoulder

(c) wrist or fingers

(d) All of the above

4. The security department organisation is not responsible for __________________.

(a) other safety

(b) computer system safety

(c) electrical safety

(d) transport safety

5. For an organisation, the proper security procedures will reduce ________________.

(a) liabilities

(b) insurance

(c) business revenue

(d) operational charges of the company

6. Do not wear ________ when working with machines.

(a) jewellery

(b) safety glasses

(c) masks

(d) gloves

7. Sore lower back is caused due to _________________.

(a) reaching forward frequently

(b) no lumbar support

(c) no upper back support from chair

(d) reaching forward for long periods

8. What should you do with the problem of dry eyes?

(a) Forget to blink

(b) Rest eyes periodically and do simple eye exercises

(c) Do exercise

(d) Blink the eyes

9. If light is coming directly behind or in front of you then you may suffer from __________

(a) eye strain

(b) sore eyes

(c) dry eyes

(d) eye strain and sore eyes

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Air and water pollution can be analysed by using – physical, _________ and
____________ analysis.

Ans. chemical, biological

2. The PH value of the water can be measured through _________ analysis.

Ans. chemical

3. The _________ indicators are used to monitor the health of the ecosystem.

Ans. microbial

4. Ergonomics is the science concerned with _________ and arranging things.

Ans. designing

5. Working with wrists extended too much repetition can cause ___________.

Ans. arching wrists

6. The repetition of a seemingly _________ task over a period of time can cause an injury.

Ans. innocuous

7. If a cord or wire will cross a pathway safety it should be mark it with ___________.

Ans. hazard tape

8. Loose cords and wires can cause _____________.

Ans. electrical hazards

9. Glare and __________ on the screen should be prevented.

Ans. reflections

10. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid ____________ glare.

Ans. reflective

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The work environment of the organisation must be free from hazards and risk. True

2. Practice a no vehicle day in every week to avoid air pollution. True

3. Applying ergonomics can improve performance and productivity. True

4. Wear rings, watches and necklaces while working on the computer. False

5. Never touch or try repairing any electrical equipment or circuits with wet hands. True

6. Unplug all power sources and cables from computer while working on computer. False

7. Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury. True

8. The work chair must be stable and allow the user to move easily. True

9. Artificial lighting from computer screens can cause sleeping problems. True

10. The keyboard and mouse should not be kept at the same level. False

D. Short answer type questions

1. What causes the water pollution?

Most of the human activities pollute the surrounding water. The sewage or the waste water
can also cause the water pollution. Take care that their waste is not mixed with the
surrounding water. Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticide must be avoided as it can make
the ground water polluted.

2. What is occupational overuse syndrome?

Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury (RSI), is a collective
term for a range of conditions, characterised by discomfort or persistent pain in muscles,
tendons and other soft tissues, with or without physical manifestations. It is usually caused
or aggravated by work, and is associated with repetitive movement, sustained or
constrained postures and/or forceful movements. Psycho-social factors, including stress in
the working environment, may be important in the development of occupational overuse
syndrome.

3. What are musculoskeletal problems?

This problem include different areas of your body, such as neck, back, chests, arms
shoulders and feet. It occurs because of your wrong posture, uncomfortable chair for sitting
that is not ergonomically correct while working on the computer.

4. What cautions to be taken while working on the computer?

 Position your computer such that the end of the monitor should be at your eye level.

• Keep the neck neutral with monitor directly ahead to prevent to turn your neck.

• Keep your monitor at least arm length distance, or 20 to 30 inch away from you.

• Maximise contact of your back against the backrest of the chair.

• Adjust height of armrests so that your elbows are at a 100–110 degrees open angle.

• Place keyboard at a slight negative tilt if you are sitting upright.

• While typing, keep your hands slightly lower than elbows, with fingers pointing
downwards at the floor.
• Minimise any twisting of your wrists from side to side or up and down.

• Use a keyboard palm rest as needed only when you are not typing. Do not rest your wrists
when typing. It leads to wrist strain.

• Always take small breaks while working on the computer to stretch your muscles, keep
your blood flowing, and to rest your eyes.

5. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?

There is really no right way to use a laptop because if you position the screen at the right
height for your back and neck, it will cause you to have to lift your arms and shoulders too
high to use it and vice versa. It will probably cause a problem. To overcome this problem,
you may use desktop that is set up ergonomically correct, while working for long hours.

6. What causes eye strain and how to avoid it?

Glares from overhead lights or windows eye glasses not correct need vision check.

Re-orient your desk and computer so light is not directly behind or in front of you. To reduce
the risks of visual problems:

• Adjust the brightness of computer screen to save your eyes from strain.

• Reposition the screen to avoid glare from lights or windows.

• Keep a proper vision distance from computer screen and blink your eyes in an interval.

• Wear anti-glare glasses while working in computer.

• Keep the screen clean and use a desk lamp to make it easier to see.

• Ensure the screen colours are easy to look at, and that the characters are sharp and
legible.

7. What type of display screen is suitable to work on computer?

Use the modern LED monitors of legible size and with adequate spacing between the
characters and lines. The image on the screen should be stable, with no flickering or other
forms of instability. The screen must be free of reflective glare and reflections liable to cause
discomfort to the user.

8. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computer?

The keyboard should tilt and separate from the screen to find a comfortable working
position and avoid fatigue in the arms or hands. The space in front of the keyboard must be
sufficient to provide support for the hands and arms of the user. The keyboard should have
a matt surface to avoid reflective glare. The symbols on the keys must be adequately
contrasted and legible from the design working position.

Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

A. Multiple choice questions

1. What are the steps necessary for operating a fire extinguisher?

(a) Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher which is generally present in its handle

(b) Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle

(c) Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever

(d) All of the above

2. Which of the following is an examples of ignition sources of open flames?

(a) Gas ovens

(b) Lighters in smoking areas

(c) Welding torches

(d) All of the above

3. In fire classification, all liquid, grease, and gas material comes under ____________

(a) Class A material

(b) Class B material

(c) Class C material

(d) Class A material

4. In fire classification, material magnesium, potassium, and sodium comes under _______

(a) Class A material

(b) Class B material

(c) Class C material

(d) Class D material

5. In fire classification, material wood, cloth, and paper comes under ________________.
(a) Class A material

(b) Class B material

(c) Class C material

(d) Class D material

6. In fire classification, electrical material and equipment comes under ______________

(a) Class A material

(b) Class B material

(c) Class C material

(d) Class D material

7. When do we use a fire extinguisher?

(a) In case of flood

(b) In case of electric shock

(c) In case of fire

(d) In case of burn injury

8. What is the primary fire emergency telephone number is?

(a) 011

(b) 101

(c) 108

(d) 111

9. Which of the following contains everything you need to know about evacuating your
facility safely?

(a) Evacuation Diagram

(b) Emergency Action Plan

(c) Employee Directory

(d) Both (a) and (b)

10. The best course of action to take during a medical emergency is to ________________.
(a) Begin first aid immediately

(b) Activate the emergency plan for reporting injuries

(c) Notify the person's family about the situation

(d) Both (a) and (b)

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Emergency is a serious or crisis situation that needs__________attention and ________.

Ans. immediate, action

2. A ___________ sign will warn people to walk carefully on freshly mopped floors.

Ans. wet floor

3. ____________ signs can prevent accidents on a staircase with a sharp bent or warn
against a loose floor tile.

Ans. watch your steps

4. The ___________ should be responsible to handle evacuation process.

Ans. coordinator

5. Workplace fires are commonly caused by improper storage of ______________ material

or _________ dust.

Ans. flammable, combustible

6. There should always be an _________________ plan for scheduled electrical

maintenance or work.

Ans. emergency response

7. If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give ________ for injuries and treat for
shock.

Ans. first aid

8. A fire extinguisher is a _________________ containing an agent which can be discharged

to extinguish a fire.

Ans. cylindrical pressure vessel

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The organisation’s policies and guidelines is the best guide to handle emergency. True
2. If someone is injured, act as per your impulse or gut feeling. False

3. Keep water and food items away from electrical equipment. True

4. Always switch off the electrical circuits. False

5. Always wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. False

6. A fire extinguisher is a protection device used to extinguish fires. True

7. Flammable materials can be placed around an door exit. False

8. You can determine possible evacuation routes from floor plan diagrams posted in your
facility. True

D. Short answer questions

1. What is a workplace emergency?

Emergency is a serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action. It is an
unplanned, uncontrolled, or unforeseen event resulting in injury or harm to people and
damages to goods.

2. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?

The best way to protect yourself and your organisation is to develop a well thought-out
emergency action plan to guide the employees in the event of an emergency. Each
organisation has procedures and practices to handle and report accidents and to take care
of emergencies. Although most of these procedures and practices common across the
industry, some procedures might be modified to fit a particular type of business within the
industry. You need to be aware of the general procedures and practices as well as specific to
your organisation.

3. What is an emergency action plan?

The best way to protect yourself and your organisation is to develop a well thought-out
emergency action plan to guide the employees in the event of an emergency. Each
organisation has procedures and practices to handle and report accidents and to take care
of emergencies. Emergency action plan is a written document that states how to react in
different type of emergencies. Action plans of organisation should adhere to safety
standards set by the occupational safety and health administration.(OSHA)

4. What should your emergency action plan include?

Each organization has its own evacuation procedures as listed in its policies. You should be
aware of these procedures and follow them properly during an emergency evacuation. Here
are some general evacuation steps useful in such situations,
  Leave the premises immediately and start moving towards the nearest emergency
exit.

• Guide your customers to the emergency exits.

• If possible, assist the person with disability to move towards the emergency exit.

• You may carry your hand-held belongings, as you move towards the emergency exit. Do
not come back to pick up your belongings unless the area is declared safe.

• Do not use the escalators or elevators (lifts) to avoid overcrowding and getting trapped, in
case there is a power failure. Use the stairs instead.

• Go to the emergency assembly area. Check if any of your colleagues are missing and
immediately inform the person concerned.

5. How do you develop an evacuation policy and procedures?

Keep a list of numbers to call during emergency, such as those of police, fire brigade,
security, ambulance etc. Regularly check that all emergency handling equipment such as the
fire extinguisher and fire alarm system are in working condition. Ensure that emergency
exits are not obstructed and keys to such exists are easily accessible. Never place any
objects near the emergency doors or windows. It is critical for employee to know who is the
coordinator. The coordinator should be responsible to handle evacuation process. or
authority to make decisions during emergencies.

6. How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?

Here are some general evacuation steps useful in such situations,

 Leave the premises immediately and start moving towards the nearest emergency
exit.

• Guide your customers to the emergency exits.

• If possible, assist the person with disability to move towards the emergency exit.

• You may carry your hand-held belongings, as you move towards the emergency exit. Do
not come back to pick up your belongings unless the area is declared safe.

• Do not use the escalators or elevators (lifts) to avoid overcrowding and getting trapped, in
case there is a power failure. Use the stairs instead.

• Go to the emergency assembly area. Check if any of your colleagues are missing and
immediately inform the person concerned.

7. What are the various types of fire extinguisher and their extinguishing material?
A fire extinguisher is a protection device used to extinguish fires. It is a cylindrical pressure
vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. Types of fire
extinguisher

 Water CO2
 Dry chemical powder
 Carbon dioxide
 Mechanical foam
 ABC dry powder

Identification of Material and Ignition Sources

Materials are classified by risk, and are sorted according to these fire classifications:
Class A Material: materials such as wood, cloth, and paper, which won’t ignite on
their own but will continue to burn once exposed to a heat source.
Class B Material: all liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed to
ignition sources.
Class C Material: electrical materials and equipment. These materials cause fires
very quickly and present a serious risk of arc flash.
Class D Material: any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such as
magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
Carbon Mechanical ABC dry
Dry chemical
Water CO2 dioxide foam powder
powder
Class A suitable Not suitable Not suitable suitable suitable
Class B Not suitable suitable suitable suitable suitable
Class C Not suitable suitable suitable Not suitable suitable
Class D Not suitable suitable Not suitable Not suitable suitable

8. What are the steps for operating a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency.

Step 1: Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher, present in its handle.

Step 2: Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle.

Step 3: Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.

Step 4: Sweep it from side to side.

9. Compare the different type of fire extinguisher.

Different type of fire extinguisher

 Water CO2
 Dry chemical powder
 Carbon dioxide
 Mechanical foam
 ABC dry powder
 Carbon Mechanical ABC dry
Dry chemical
Water CO2 dioxide foam powder
powder
Class A suitable Not suitable Not suitable suitable suitable
Class B Not suitable suitable suitable suitable suitable
Class C Not suitable suitable suitable Not suitable suitable
Class D Not suitable suitable Not suitable Not suitable suitable

10. List the different class of fire.

There are several classes of fire:

Class A Material: materials such as wood, cloth, and paper, which won’t ignite on
their own but will continue to burn once exposed to a heat source.
Class B Material: all liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed to
ignition sources.
Class C Material: electrical materials and equipment. These materials cause fires
very quickly and present a serious risk of arc flash.
Class D Material: any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such as
magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

11. List out electrical rescue techniques.

Approaching the accident

• Never rush into an accident situation.
• Call 108 as soon as possible.
• Approach the accident place cautiously.

Examining the scene

• Visually examine victims to determine if they are in contact with energised
conductors.
• Metal surfaces, objects near the victim itself may be energised.
• Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are energised.
• Switch off the electrical circuits if possible

Hazards and solutions

• Be alert for hazards, such as heated surfaces and fire.
• In case you cannot switch off the power source, take extreme care.
• Ensure that your hands and feet are dry.
• Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. Stand on a clean dry
surface.
• Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.
High voltage rescue
• Special training is required for rescues if high voltage is present.
• Protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes must be worn.
12. What is the first aid for electrical emergencies?

First Aid
• A victim may require Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
 If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and
treat for shock.
• Ensure the victim gets medical care as soon as possible.
• Physician attending the victim must have detailed information to properly diagnose
and care for the victim.