Unit-4

Chapter 13 Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working

Environment
Every workplace accident, illness or dispute is a cost to organization, as well as a cost to injured individuals
and their families. All the Employees have to take responsibility for their own health and safety rather than relying
solely on the “safety officer” or management.

Health

Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well being. Every organisation must provide the
following facilities to their employees.
1. Cleanliness at workplace.
2. A proper air conditioning to provide clean and cool air at workplace.
3. A properly filtered water facility.
4. A food cafeteria must provide fresh and good quality food.
5. The organisation should maintain a clean washroom facility for the employees.

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

Security
Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of the people working in the
organisation. Every organisation must have separate security department. This department should be responsible for
various security such as personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety, transport safety and other
equipment safety.

Policies and Procedures for Health, Safety and Security

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared the policy to provide employees with a healthy and
safe work environment.

A health, safety and security policy is a written statement by an employer stating the company’s commitment
for the protection of the health, safety and security of employees and to the public. It is an endorsed commitment by
management to its employees regarding their health, safety and security.

Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies 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.
• Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy.
• Company can comply national policy on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) of Government of India

A typical policy of an IT company may contain the following OH&S clauses.

1. Provide adequate resources to ensure continual improvement in its OH&S performance.

2. Set appropriate OH&S objectives & targets and conduct periodic performance reviews against these targets.
3. Adopt measures and processes that focus on the prevention of occupation related accidents, injuries.

Workplace Safety Hazards

Hazard is ‘a danger or risk’ that is associated with something. Workplace hazards poses potential harm to people at
work.

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 1

An occupational hazard is the illness one may acquire due to his occupation. Some types of occupational hazards are :
Physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, , behavioural hazards, radiological hazards, ergonomic hazards
etc.

1. Physical Hazards
It is the risks arising from the physical work environment – floors, facilities, walls, and ceilings. Physical hazards
could also mean working with machinery and electricity-operated machines.

Falling Off Heights, Slipping and Tripping

The reasons for falling are attributed to faulty scaffolding and ladders, as a result of contact with electricity, and
slipping or crashing into anything that throws the worker off balance. On the other hand, trips and slips occur right on
lower levels, particularly the floor, on ramps and any uneven surface in the workplace.

Falls and Slips Safety rules

1) Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.
2) Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.
3) Wear non slippery footwear.
4) Floors must be clean and dry
5) Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.

2. Electrical Hazards
There are many reasons why workers suffer from electric shock at work. For the most part, it’s due to coming in direct
contact with live wires, or having indirect contact through a conductor

Electrical Safety Rules:

1) Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognised organization.
2) Workers should be trained to handle the electric equipment safely.
3) Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced.
4) Heat emanating equipment should be kept away from the electrical equipment.

3. Fire Hazards

Each establishment must comply with housekeeping standards to ensure fire safety. Those who do not follows such
requirements, may leads to accidents resulting to fire.

Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are :

1) Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels
2) Conduct regular drills
3) Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals
4) Keep workplace a no-smoking zone
5) Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly

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. It also includes the health situation of which we cannot see upfront like their respiratory and
cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. Hazards are present in most workplaces
For example, a noisy machine or factory environment could damage the sense of hearing of the workers.

Potential Sources of Hazards in an Organisation

A. Bright light sources

Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems, making it difficult to clearly see your
work. Apply the following possible solutions to avoid this.

1. Use blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light

2. Reorient the workstation so bright lights from open windows are at right angles with the computer screen.

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 2

 3. Furniture placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly into your field of view.
B. Hazards using Computers

Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position.
These hazards may result in pain and strain. Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.
Stretching at regular intervals or doing some simple yoga in your seat can mitigate such hazards.

C. Handling Office Equipment

Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. For example, sharp-edged equipment if not handled
properly, can cause cuts. Staff members should be trained to handle equipment properly.
Lifting or moving heavy items without proper procedure or techniques can be a source of potential hazard.

D. Stress at Work
In organisations, we may encounter various stress causing hazards. Long working hours can be stressful. Have some
relaxing hobbies for stress against long working hours.

E. Working Environment
Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor
lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping.
Hazards may also include physical or emotional intimidation, such as bullying.

Hazard Control
Hazard control measures are a crucial tool to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. They are taken to eliminate or
reduce the risks associated with workplace hazards.
Control measures should follow the hierarchy with a strong emphasis on eliminating hazards at the source, whenever
possible.
1. Take all feasible measures to eliminate the hazard, for example, by substituting or modifying the process.
2. If elimination is impractical, take all feasible measures to isolate the hazard.
3. If it is totally impossible to eliminate or isolate the hazard, its likelihood to cause injury should be minimised.

Safety Guidelines Checklist

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 smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.
NCERT QUESTIONS
A. Multiple choice questions
1. Workplace safety is essential in organisation ____________. (d)
(a) to avoide the accident and injury (b) to increase the productivity
(c) 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? (b)
(a) Cleanliness (b) Food court (c) Clean and fresh air (d) Clean washroom
3. The security department is not responsible for __________. (d)
(a) personal safety (b) computer system and equipment safety
(c) electrical safety (d) personal belongings
4. The proper security procedures will increase ____________. (c)
(a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company
5. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry? (d)

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 3

 (a) Biological (b) Chemical (c) Physical (d) Ergonomic
6. Which of the following can cause hazards while using computers? (a)
(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? (c )
(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? (d)
(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 mental, social
_________________ well being.
2. The work places must be cleaned in the _________________ before the people morning
start working.
3. A proper _________________ provide clean and cool air at the workplace. air conditioning
4. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the ______________ of the employee. health
5. The work environment of the organisation must be _________________ and safe, hazards, risk
free from _________________ and _________________.
6. The proper security procedures will increase the ____________ and will reduce business revenue,
the _______________ of the company. operational charges
7. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through national policy on Occupational Health and
____________________. Safety
8. Physical hazards occurs due to _______________. physical work environment
9. Electrical hazards mostly caused due to coming in direct contact with live wires, conductor
_________________, or indirect contact through a _________________.
10. Hazards while using computers occurs due to _________________ or excessive poor sitting postures, one
duration of sitting in _________________. 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 True
company.
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.
2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace
3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.
4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organisation.
5. List some of the IT workplace hazards.
6. What are the examples of potential hazards?
7. Describe information technology workplace hazards.
8. What are the workplace safety rules?
9. List out different safety guidelines?
10. Describe type of emergency with example.

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 4

Chapter 14 Workplace Quality Measures
Introduction

In any organisation it is necessary to maintain a good air quality to improve the working capabilities of employees. A
pollution free air is an essential requirement for any organisation. Also most of the IT companies makes use of
centralised air conditioning system to keep the temperature of working place at pleasant level.

Water pollution is another problem faced by many organisations. So an organisation must ensure to prevent air
pollution or water pollution.

Air and Water Quality Monitoring Process

Air and water pollution can be analysed by using several methods. There are three common forms of analysis –
1. Physical
2. Chemical
3. Biological
NOTE: The PH value of the water can be measured through chemical analysis.

Guidelines for Clean Air and Clean Water

1. Air pollution is mostly caused by production of the dust, mixture of solid particles and gases in the
surrounding air. So avoid dust production, generation of solid particles and gases in the air.
2. Extensive use of automobile vehicles in the campus can lead to the air pollution. So organisation must use
limited number of vehicles to avoid air pollution.
3. The generation of ozone gas must be kept at low level by the organisation.
4. Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticide must be avoided as it can make the ground water polluted.
5. The sewage or the waste water should not mixed with the surrounding water.

Importance of Cleanliness at Workplace

It is always safe to keep our workplace clean to avoid hazardous. A clean work station makes our job easier and more
pleasant. Each employee is responsible for the cleanliness of their work area and all tools and equipment used.
Spaces around machines and equipment should be kept clear and clean at all times to permit free movement.
Floors should be kept clean and clear to prevent slipping and collision.
Lighting fixtures are to be checked regularly to permit clear vision. Faulty lights should be reported to administration.

Office Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things so that people can use them
easily and safely. Applying ergonomics can reduce the potential for accidents. The following office ergonomics
emphasize the identification of early warning signs.

Early Warning Signs Potential Cause Try This

Sore lower back No lumbar support Use back rest of chair, put small pillow or
lumbar support on backrest of chair
Burning in the upper No upper back support from chair Put document holder or prop up so you can see
back without leaning forward
Stiff neck Working with head turned to side tilting Move or raise monitor to centre of desk check
head forward holding telephone if headset is available
between the ear and shoulder
Sore shoulders Reaching forward for long periods or Move closer to the keyboard, Bring mouse
reaching forward frequently down to level of keyboard or 1” higher
Arching wrists Working with wrists extended too much Add a wrist rest to the front of keyboard and
repetition mouse pad rest thumbs on front edge of
keyboard so wrists can’t drop

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 5

 Dry eyes Forget to blink Rest eyes periodically and do simple
eye exercises
Eye strain and sore Glares from overhead lights or windows Re-orient your desk and computer so light is
eyes eye glasses not correct need vision check not directly behind or in front of you.

Computer Health and Safety Tips

With the increase use of computer, several health and safety issues related to vision, musculoskeletal issues, body
aches and pains may occur. Some of the issues are listed below.

1. 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. To avoid this problem
1. Position your computer such that the end of the monitor should be at your eye level.
2. Keep your monitor at least arm length distance, or 20 to 30 inch away from you.
3. Maximise contact of your back against the backrest of the chair.
4. Minimise any twisting of your wrists from side to side or up and down.
5. Always take small breaks while working on the computer to stretch your muscles.

2. 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.
One of the most common conditions related to repetitive use of muscles when using the computer is carpal tunnel
syndrome. It causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
To avoid RSI
1. Ensure that your fingers should be above the ‘home position’ (asdf and jkl; keys) on the keyboard, when your
elbows are by your sides.
2. You should avoid gripping the mouse too tightly.
3. The keyboard and mouse should be kept at the same level.
4. You should use ergonomic keyboard and mouse which help to reduce the risk of wrist related conditions.

3. Strain in Legs and Feet: Sitting to work for long time may cause strain in legs. Position your desk chair to sit
comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Use a footrest for more support. Ensure that there’s enough space to
change position and stretch your legs.

4. Eye Strain: Computer’s bright light, glare and flickering images can cause eye strain and visual fatigue. Computer
Vision Syndrome is caused by poor lighting and glare on the computer screen.
To reduce the risks of visual problems:
1. Adjust the brightness of computer screen to save your eyes from strain.
2. Keep a proper vision distance from computer.
3. Wear anti-glare glasses while working in computer.
4. Give your eyes periodic breaks from the screen and perform frequent blinking.
5. Keep your monitor between 18 to 24 inches away from your face.

5. Headaches: Headache may occur due to muscle tension or pain in the neck. Strain on the eyes or vision problem
can also cause headaches.
Try your best to keep your neck straight in front of the computer and take breaks.

6. Obesity: Spending long hours on computers may lead lacks of physical activity and exercise. You should take a break
and try to squeeze in some exercise until you go back to work.

7. Stress Disorders: Prolonged use of computers may be accompanied by poor health and increased pressure, which
may lead to stress. Stress can lead to decreased attention span, lack of concentration, dizziness.
Try things from yoga, to natural remedies, to medications as prescribed by a medical provider to combat your stress.

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 6

8. Injuries from Laptop Use: The growing use of laptops cause more pain and strain. In laptop the screen and keyboard
are very close together so 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.

9. Sleeping Problems: Artificial lighting from computer screens can trick your brain and suppress release of melatonin
substance that assists your sleeping patterns. To tackle this, refrain from using a computer right before going to bed.

Health and Safety Requirements for Computer Workplace: The minimum health and safety requirements for Desktop
computers, Laptops, Tablets, Smart phones, Television screens and Video monitors are as follows:

Display Screen (Monitor)

1. Use the modern LED monitors of legible size.
2. The image on the screen should be stable, with no flickering.
3. The screen must be free of reflective glare and reflections.

Keyboard
1. The keyboard should tilt and separate from the screen to find a comfortable working position and avoid
fatigue in the arms or hands.
2. The space in front of the keyboard must be sufficient to provide support for the hands and arms of the user.
3. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare.

Work Surface: The work desk should be sufficiently large and allow a flexible arrangement of the screen, keyboard,
documents.

Work Chair
1. The work chair must be stable and allow the user to move easily and find a comfortable position.
2. It should be adjustable in height.
3. The user’s feet must be placed flat on the floor or a footrest should be used.

Space Requirements: The workstation should be designed to provide sufficient space for the user to change position
and vary
movements.

Lighting: There must be satisfactory lighting conditions with appropriate contrast between the screen and background
environment.

Reflections and Glare: Workstations should be designed so that sources of light, such as windows and other openings,
transparent walls, and brightly coloured fixtures cause no direct glare on the screen.

Noise and Heat

Noise emitted by equipment should not distract the attention. Noise cancelling earphones may provide a
solution if some noise is unavoidable.
The equipment may not produce excess heat which could cause discomfort to users.

Cautions while Working on the Computer

It is important to work safely on computer. A battery backup system is the best way to protect against a power
outage, as it provides the system with constant voltage.
Unplug all power sources and cables from computer. If you are working with plugged in computer then it might
damage your hardware.

Watch Out for Cords and Wires: Loose cords and wires can cause hazard and even electrical hazards. If a cord or wire
will cross a pathway safety it should be mark it with hazard tape.

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

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 7

NCERT QUESTIONS
A. Multiple choice questions
1. To provide healthy and safety working environment, every organisation must have ______________. (d)
(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. (d)
(a) dust (b) mixture of solid particles (c) gases (d) All of above
3. Repetitive use of muscle may feel pain in your ___________. (b)
(a) neck (b) shoulder (c) wrist or fingers (d) All of the above
4. The security department organisation is not responsible for __________________. (d)
(a) other safety (b) computer system safety (c) electrical safety (d) transport safety
5. For an organisation, the proper security procedures will reduce ________________. (b)
(a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company
6. Do not wear ________ when working with machines. (a)
(a) jewellery (b) safety glasses (c) masks (d) gloves
7. Sore lower back is caused due to _________________. (b)
(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? (b)
(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 _________________. (d)
(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 chemical,
____________ analysis. biological
2. The PH value of the water can be measured through _________ analysis. chemical
3. The _________ indicators are used to monitor the health of the ecosystem. microbial
4. Ergonomics is the science concerned with _________ and arranging things. designing
5. Working with wrists extended too much repetition can cause ___________. arching wrists
6. The repetition of a seemingly _________ task over a period of time can cause an injury. innocuous
7. If a cord or wire will cross a pathway safety it should be mark it with ___________. hazard tape
8. Loose cords and wires can cause _____________. electrical hazards
9. Glare and __________ on the screen should be prevented. reflections
10. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid ____________ glare. 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
11. What causes the water pollution?
12. What is occupational overuse syndrome?
13. What are musculoskeletal problems?
14. What cautions to be taken while working on the computer?
15. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?
16. What causes eye strain and how to avoid it?
17. What type of display screen is suitable to work on computer?
18. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computer?

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 8

Chapter 15. Prevent Accidents and Emergencies
Introduction
In an organisation, any small accident or unforeseen situation may turn into emergencies if not given due attention.
The emergencies can be natural, such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or man-made emergencies such as fire, toxic
gas releases, chemical spills etc.
No one expects such emergencies and disasters that can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Accidents and Emergencies

An accident is an unplanned, uncontrolled, or unforeseen event resulting in injury or harm to people and damages to
goods. For example, a person falling down and getting injured.
Emergency is a serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action. For example, a customer having
a heart attack or sudden outbreak of fire in your organisation.
Each organisation has procedures and practices to handle and report accidents and to take care of emergencies. The
following are some of the guidelines for identifying and reporting an accident or emergency:
1. Notice and Correctly Identify Accidents and Emergencies
2. Get help Promptly and in the most suitable way.
3. Follow Company Policies and Procedures for preventing further injury while waiting for help to arrive.
4. Act within the Limits of your Responsibility and Authority when Accidents and Emergencies arise.
5. Promptly Follow Instructions given by Senior Staff and the Emergency Services.

Types of Accidents
The following are some of commonly occurring accidents in organisations:

1. Trip and Fall: Customers or employees can trip on carelessly left loose material, such as tripping on loose wires,
goods left on aisles. This type of accident may result in simple bruises to serious fractures.

2. Slip and Fall: Slips are mainly due to wet floors, spilling of liquids on floors. Slip and fall is generally caused by
negligence or due to broken or uneven walking surface. A “wet floor” sign should be kept on freshly mopped floors to
avoid accident.

3. Injuries caused due to Escalators or Elevators (or lifts): People may be injured in elevators by falling down due to
sudden, jerking movement of elevators. They may also get stuck in elevators resulting in panic and trauma. Escalators
and elevators should be checked regularly for proper and safe functioning.

4. Accidents due to Falling of Goods: Goods can fall on people from shelves or wall hangings and injure them. This
typically happens if pieces of goods have been piled improperly.

5. Accidents due to Moving Objects: Moving objects, such as trolleys, can also injure people in the organisation. In
addition, improperly kept props can result in accidents. For example, nails coming out from props can cause cuts.

Handling Accidents: In case of an injury to a colleague in an organisation due to an accident, do the following.
1. Attend to the Injured Person Immediately.
2. Inform your Supervisor.
3. Assist your Supervisor.

Procedures to handle Emergencies: We should be aware of at least the basic procedures to handle emergencies. Here
are some general emergency handling procedures that we can follow:

First Aid: It should contain all the important items for first aid required to deal with common problems such as cuts,
burns, headaches and muscle cramps.

Electrical Safety

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 9

 1. Employees must be provided instructions about electrical safety such as keeping water and food items
away from electrical equipment.
2. Electrical staff and engineers should carry out routine inspections of all wiring to make sure there are no
damaged or broken wires.
3. Regularly check that all emergency handling equipment such as the fire extinguisher and fire alarm etc.
4. Ensure that emergency exits are not obstructed and keys to such exists are easily accessible.

Evacuation
Each organization has its own evacuation procedures. Each employee should be aware of these procedures and follow
them properly during an emergency evacuation. In addition to organization’s policies, here are some general
evacuation steps useful in such situations.
1. Leave the premises immediately.
2. If possible, assist the person with disability to move towards the emergency exit.
3. Do not use the escalators or elevators (lifts) to avoid overcrowding and getting trapped.
4. Do not use the escalators or elevators (lifts) to avoid overcrowding and getting trapped.

Fire Hazards in the Workplace

Workplace fires are also commonly caused by improper storage of flammable material or combustible
dust. Both are dangerous and should be properly handled and stored. Dust explosions can be another
cause of fire hazard. Steps to follow during fire are given below:
1. All employees must know where the fire extinguishers are located, and how to properly use them.
2. Never block access to Exits, fire extinguishers, electric switches and panels.
3. Do not use flammable material near electrical panels, switches.
4. Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly.

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.

Examples of ignition sources include:

Open flames such as gas ovens, lighters in smoking areas, and welding torches.
Sparks from wood or metal saws.
Heat sources such as combustion engines, ovens, and machines that produce heat during operation.
Chemical ignition from chemicals that combust under normal working temperatures.

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 10

Fire Extinguisher: 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.
Steps to operate Fire extinguishers
1. Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle.
2. Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.
3. Sweep it from side to side.

First Aid for Electrical Emergencies

Electrical accidents cause countless injuries. Injury could be minimised and
many lives can be saved if proper rescue techniques and treatment are
used.
Timely response and treatment of victims is a major concern.

Electrical Rescue Techniques

Approaching the accident

1. Never rush into an accident situation.
2. Call 108 as soon as possible

Examining the scene

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

Hazards and solutions

1. In case you cannot switch off the power source, take extreme care.
2. Ensure that your hands and feet are dry.
3. Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. Stand on a clean dry surface.
4. Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.

High voltage rescue

1. Special training is required for rescues if high voltage is present.
2. Protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes must be worn.

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.
NCERT QUESTIONS
A. Multiple choice questions
1. What are the steps necessary for operating a fire extinguisher? (d)
(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? (d)
(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 __________________. (b)
(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 _______________. (d)
(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)

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 11

 (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 ____________________. (c )
(a) Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material
7. When do we use a fire extinguisher? (c )
(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? (b)
(a) 011 (b) 101 (c) 108 (d) 111
9. Which of the following contains everything you need to know about evacuating your facility safely? (d)
(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 ________________. (d)
(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 immediate, action
________.
2. A ___________ sign will warn people to walk carefully on freshly mopped floors. wet floor
3. ____________ signs can prevent accidents on a staircase with a sharp bent or warn watch your steps
against a loose floor tile.
4. The ___________ should be responsible to handle evacuation process. coordinator
5. Workplace fires are commonly caused by improper storage of ______________ flammable,
material or _________ dust. combustible
6. There should always be an _________________ plan for scheduled electrical emergency
maintenance or work. response
7. If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give ________ for injuries and treat for first aid
shock.
8. A fire extinguisher is a _________________ containing an agent which can be cylindrical pressure
discharged to extinguish a fire. vessel
C. State 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
What is a workplace emergency?
How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?
What is an emergency action plan?
What should your emergency action plan include?
How do you develop an evacuation policy and procedures?
How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?
What are the various types of fire extinguisher and their extinguishing material?
What are the steps for operating a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency.
Compare the different type of fire extinguisher
List the different class of fire.
List out electrical rescue techniques.
What is the first aid for electrical emergencies?
Previous Year Questions
Multiple Choice Questions.
1. Sore lower back is caused due to _________________. (b)
(a) reaching forward frequently (b) no lumbar support
(c) no upper back support from chair (d) reaching forward for long periods
2. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the ______________ of the employee. (a)

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 (a) Health (b) Morale (c) Productivity (d) Engagement
3. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry? (d)
(a) Biological (b) Chemical (c) Physical (d) Ergonomic
4. For an organisation, the proper security procedures will reduce ________________. (a)
(a) liabilities (b) insurance (c) business revenue (d) operational charges of the company
5. Which of the following is not an example of ignition sources of open flames? (d)
(a) Gas ovens (b) Lighters in smoking areas (c) Welding torches (d) space heaters
6. Which action contributes to a healthy and safe working environment? (a)
(a) Keeping emergency exits clear (b) Leaving cables loose on the floor
(c) Ignoring safety warnings (d) Using unapproved software
7. A healthy lifestyle helps to keep and improve people’s health and well-being. It does not include: d
a. healthy eating habits c. physical activities
b. stress management d. less sleep
8. Natasha works as floor manager. She has been assigned a task for conducting regular to ensure
safety of life in case of any disaster or emergency by evacuating the place of danger.
Ans: Evacuation Drill
9. ______ is the process of emptying a place in case of an emergency, disaster.
Ans: Evacuation
10. A ______ is an unplanned event that may happen all of a sudden and may lead to unwanted or
unprecedented results/outcomes.
Ans: accident
11. A ______ worker will always perform to the best to his ability.
Ans: (c) happy and healthy
12. _____ is the immediate assistance provided to the injured to save life and minimize health loss till
the proper medical aid/facility is provided.
Ans: First Aid / School Medical Room
Short Answer Questions
Q. 1 List and explain two common safety hazards in a workplace. 2
Ans:
i. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Caused by wet floors, loose cables, or cluttered walkways.
ii. Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or exposed electrical components.
iii. Manual Handling Injuries: Strains and sprains from lifting heavy objects improperly or without
assistance. (Mention any two)
Q. 2 What causes eye strain and how to avoid it? 2
Ans: Potential Cause : Glares from overhead lights or windows eye glasses not correct need vision
check Precaution: Re-orient your desk and computer so light is not directly behind or in front of you.
Q. 3 Imagine you are a safety officer overseeing electrical maintenance work at a manufacturing plant. 4
To spread the awareness among your team you have to conduct training on safety measures. List
out electrical rescue techniques which you will discuss with them.
Ans:
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

NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 13

 • Special training is required for rescues if high voltage is present.
• Protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes must be worn.
Apply First Aid
• Give CPR if required
•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.
Q. 4 What is the importance of healthy lifestyle? Give any four points related to it. 2
Ans:
A healthy lifestyle helps to keep and improve people’s health and well-being. A healthy lifestyle
includes :
Healthy eating habits.
ii. Physical activities.
iii. Stress management
iv. Sound sleep
Q. 5 Mention any two basic fire safety rules to be followed in any organization. 2
Ans: Fire can be prevented using appropriate measures (Any two):
• Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels.
• Install fire extinguishers.
• Conduct regular drills.
• Smoke alarms/fire detection system must be placed at proper intervals
• Keep workplace a no-smoking zone.
• Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly.
• Provide fire safety training to all staff members.
(1 mark each for any two correct/relevant rules)
Q. 6 Internet security is of prime concern nowadays. Using strong passwords can lower the risk of 4
security breach on the Internet. Himanshi has just created her first Internet based account. Help
her by giving any four general guidelines for managing strong passwords.
Ans: General guidelines for managing strong passwords
• Keep the length of the password at least 12-14 characters if permitted.
• Avoid keeping passwords based on repetition, dictionary words, letter or number sequences,
usernames, relative or pet names, personal information etc.
• Include numbers and symbols in passwords.
• Use a combination of capital and lowercase letters.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple sites or purposes.
• Avoid using something that the public or workmates know about your likes or dislikes.
• Use random password generators if possible.
• Example of a strong password: u1vX:,4Hd{]$
(1/2 mark for each name of four datatypes/category and 1/2 mark for each correct/relevant
explanation)
Q. 7 Give any two Falls and Slips Safety rules.
Ans: To prevent Falls and Slips the following safety rules can be followed:
• The area where people movement is very high should be cleaned and clutter-free.
• The workplace should be properly ventilated and have good light area.
• The employees who are working in such slippery areas must wear non-slippery footwear.
• The floors must be clean and dry before the movement of people.
• If any oil, water or dust is there, it should be cleaned immediately.
• Using clear and well-placed signage/ caution boards.
• Use handrails when you walk up and down steps.
• Before using any ladder or stepladder, make sure it opens fully.
• Any wires/chords should be properly fixed.
• Carry out a regular risk assessment etc.
(1 mark each for any two correct/relevant safety rules)
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NOTES BY SANCHI KHURANA PGT-CS KV DANTIWADA 14