| Worker involvement in the new chemical installation procedures |
With the introduction of a new hydrogen peroxide plant at the site, a risk assessment was carried out to identify the potential dangers, which included:
- The use of corrosive chemicals;
- Potentially explosive and flammable chemicals; and
- The potential to cause environmental pollution.
The following issues were recognised too:
- Employee involvement with dangerous chemicals;
- The potential dangers of maintaining the equipment;
- The need to update all emergency procedures and written safety systems, not just hydrogen peroxide;
- The need to involve Devon Fire and Rescue Service, for an “objective” view; and
- The need to ensure all PPE is suitable and effective for the task.
To address these issues the following was carried out:
1. Training - All employees involved with chemicals, received a one day “general chemical awareness” training session. In addition to this, WBB Minerals’ principal scientist gave a toolbox talk on chemicals. The site management also arranged a one day training and awareness day at the Solvay (suppliers
of Hydrogen Peroxide) chemical plant in Warrington. All maintenance staff and anyone involved in receiving chemical deliveries attended.
2. Work procedures – A new robust system was put in place for chemical deliveries and a procedure was introduced to ensure all people delivering chemicals underwent a chemical delivery induction before commencing delivery. Site rules were amended to state that nobody was permitted to deliver chemicals unless they had received the induction training. A toolbox talk was given to employees on these new procedures.
3. PPE - A technical representative from a chemical PPE specialist advised and trained site personnel on the correct PPE. New relevant PPE was provided.
4. Emergency services – A meeting with the local fire service identified hazards. To address the concerns an evacuation procedure was produced and alarms installed. To ensure competence, a mock exercise was organised with the fire service to test procedures, and this will be repeated every six months. |
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