Industrial Safety, Housekeeping and Environmental Practices
What this domain tests
Industrial Safety, Housekeeping and Environmental Practices tests hazard identification, PPE, permit-to-work, lockout/tagout, fire safety, 5S, waste segregation and environmental control in a workshop. It is practical: the exam wants the safe sequence, not slogans.
Core rules
- Hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer (guards, ventilation), administrate (permits, training), then PPE as the last line.
- Permit-to-work is required for hot work, confined space, work at height, and isolation of hazardous energy. Lockout/tagout: identify all energy sources, isolate, lock, tag, release stored energy, verify zero energy.
- Fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, heat. Class A = solids (water, foam), B = flammable liquids (foam, CO2, dry powder), C = gases (dry powder, CO2), electrical = CO2 or dry powder; never water.
- Housekeeping: 5S - sort, set in order, shine, standardise, sustain. Keep aisles, exits and extinguishers clear.
- Waste: segregate metal swarf, used oil, oily rags, batteries and e-waste; used oil is hazardous waste and must go to an authorised recycler.
Worked example
A maintenance fitter must replace a pump gland in a pit. The safe sequence is: obtain a confined-space permit; isolate and lock the motor; close and blank suction and discharge; drain and vent; test for toxic or flammable gas and oxygen; provide ventilation and a standby person; wear the specified respirator and harness; then work. If gas readings are outside limits, do not enter.
Traps
Using water on an electrical fire; treating PPE as a substitute for guarding; bypassing an interlock to save time; leaving oily rags in a corner; entering a pit without gas testing or a standby person.