Occupational Health and Safety

 

                                                              Risk assessment

 

                                                  Safety Check at petrol stations

 

 

MINISTRY FOR LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

C.O.H.S.

CENTRE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

PIRAEUS 40

101 82 ATHENS

 


SAFETY CHECK

 

 

Name of the company:   ………………………………………………..

 

The safety check was carried out on:                             …………………..

                                                      by:                          …………………..

 

The safety check will be repeated as follows:

 

·      safety of machinery                                      before: ……………

·      safety of electrical installations                                  before: ……………

·      safety from physical agents                           before: ……………

·      safety from chemical agents                          before: ……………

·      safety from fire and explosions                                  before: ……………

·      workplace design                                                     before: ……………

·      work organisation and management              before: ……………

 

 

The next safety check

will be carried out on: …………………………

 

 

 


              WHY THIS SAFETY CHECK IS IMPORTANT

 

SAFETY CHECK IN PETROL STATIONS

 

Your responsibility as an employer to ensure the health and safety of those working in your business[1] is a major responsibility.  The "Safety Check" aims to arouse your interest and help you to fulfil that responsibility in an effective and rational way, in parallel with the management of your company's technical and professional concerns.  At the same time, it will help you to use health and safety at the workplace as the greatest contribution towards improving your company's productivity and profitability.

 

Accidents to and ill-health of employees in small enterprises give rise to special problems and affect not only the health of the individual employee but the operation of the whole company as well.  The time taken off work by sick employees has to be made up.  Material damage (e.g. to equipment) can disrupt the regular course of the work.

 

Organisational weaknesses, for example in the preparation of the work, often cause unnecessary stress and hurried working which, in turn, lead to accidents and illness.


                                  HOW TO USE THE SAFETY CHECK MANUAL

 

The Safety Check will help you to tackle the problem of safety in a methodical way.  Thus, it is not just another chore, but contributes directly to your company's success.

 

The Safety Check

·                    helps you to look systematically for any problems that could arise

·                    proposes improvements which have proved useful in practice

·                    ensures that a written record is kept of your efforts on behalf of health and safety.

 

Take action on the Safety Check!

·                    Set some time aside for it

·                    Go through all the work areas with the check guide in your hand

·                    Give your employees Safety Check leaflets when they go to their workplaces

·                    Ask your employees to help you carry out the Safety Check, since that will bring home to them the need for safe conduct

·                    In case of doubt, use the information and aids recommended.

 

Repeat the Safety Check

·                    regularly, about once a year

·                    in the event of major changes or innovations, and if the enterprise is expanded

·                    after accidents

·                    whenever work is due to begin in a new major department.


Work through the Safety Check from beginning to end

 

A.        The section "Survey of employees and their activities" will help you to relate the Safety Check to the employees and their tasks, and increase their awareness of health and safety issues.

 

B.         The Safety Check's structure reflects various aspects of work:

·                    technical factors (mechanical, electrical, physical, chemical, protection from fire and explosion, workplace design)

·                    organisation of work and management

 

*          Points to which you should particularly draw the attention of employees when giving safety instructions, are marked with an asterisk.

L         This symbol indicates problems known to be particularly frequent causes of accidents or illness.

J         This symbol indicates special conditions in which particularly effective health and safety improvements can be made.

 

C.        Once the Safety Check has been completed, you can see at a glance whether enough effort has been made to ensure safety: if you have put crosses in the blank circles (O) in the column "Measures to improve safety", then your efforts have been adequate.

            Where you have put a cross in a red circle (l), more effort is needed.

            Establish a deadline for the improvements that must be carried out.


                             SURVEY OF EMPLOYEES AND THEIR ACTIVITIES

 

·                    Have you checked whether every employee's health enables him or her to carry out their work?

·                    Are they appropriately qualified?

·                    Have you taken account of any restrictions on the work an employee can do?

·                    Is the division of labour appropriate?

 

Task/Employee

Special points to be noted*

Main occupation

Other occupations

Other occupations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*          E.g. Part-time work, no prior service, untrained, special needs, mother etc.


HOW TO FILL IN THE CHECK LIST

 

1.

PROBLEMS

List of possible problems that could lead to dangerous situations.  If a particular problem is not applicable, go on to the next point.

 

LIST OF EQUIPMENT

List of the main equipment used in the company.

 

TYPICAL SITUATIONS

Situations leading to the safety problem mentioned: add others if necessary.

 

2.

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

These will help you decide whether the problems mentioned are encountered (happen) in your company.

 

In the next column, mark with a cross the action taken or still required.

 

3.

IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES

Judge for yourself what measures are required in your company.

 

Put a cross in a red circle  (l)  to mark any action needed but not yet taken.

Put a cross in a blank circle  (O)  to mark action that has been taken.

 

Add other measures that you consider necessary.

 

4-5. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

During safety training, the particular attention of employees should be drawn to the points marked with an asterisk (*).

 

RULES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

These give further information about the appropriate action listed in column 4.  A list is given on the last page.

 

(The example below refers to page 14)

 

 

 

 


ELECTRICAL SAFETY

                                                                                                                        SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: …………………

                                                                                                                        ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY: ……………………………

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

   Information

Electrocution due to contact with a faulty electrical system or equipment (Note on the list below and add to it if necessary)

 

o  worn insulation on cables

o  faulty switches, plugs

o  lights, bulbs

o  mechanical equipment

o  portable tools

o  electrical switch and fuse

     panels

o  disconnected earth

Are the plugs, switches, leads, switch panels and electrical equipment generally in good condition?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken   è

 

 

Mark with an l any action you think necessary but have not yet taken     è

 

 

l ¡     Visual inspection for damage before work begins      *

l ¡     Periodic inspection of the electrical installation by a qualified electrician

l ¡     Use selected equipment conforming to European standards

l ¡     Fit earth connections and check that they function correctly

l ¡     Connect working machinery to a circuit-breaker relay

l ¡     Use a voltage transformer from 220 V to 42 V on portable tools

 

 

Law 1568/85

 

 

 

 

RIEI:

Regulation on Internal Electrical Installations


MECHANICAL SAFETY 1

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

 

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

    Information

 

 

Note on the list below and add to it if necessary

 

o   air compressor with blades

o   vehicle engines

o      vehicle radiator fan with

       blades

o

 

Is it possible for anyone to be in a danger zone while a machine is working and to:

 

- crush the hands

- catch clothing or hair

- be cut by sharp parts/blades without

  shielding

 

 

Mark with an ¡ any action you think necessary and have already taken è

 

Mark with an l any action you think necessary but have not yet taken   è

 

 

l ¡     Fit a shield over the air compressor

 

l ¡     When working with the engine bonnet (hood) open, make sure that the engine is not running                         *

 

Royal Decree 380/63

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 377/93

 

P.D. 395/94

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

 

 


MECHANICAL SAFETY 2

                                                                                                                        SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: …………………..

                                                                                                                        ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY:    …………………..

 

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

      Information

 

Uncontrolled movement of objects

-  objects falling from a height (shelves,       etc.)

-  rolling barrels or containers

-  upsetting of loads

-  vehicle on the lifting platform

 

Is it possible that objects could move in an uncontrolled way?

 

Mark with an  ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken      è

 

Mark with an  l  any  action you think necessary but have not yet taken        è

 

l ¡     Stack objects so that the stack will remain stable even if accidentally bumped

l ¡     Comply with safe stack height

l ¡     Use appropriate means (ladder, etc.) when placing objects on or removing them from shelves

l ¡     Ensure that shelves are stable

l ¡     Keep people away from the lifting platform area while it is in operation

 

Royal Decree 380/63

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

 


MECHANICAL SAFETY  2  (continued)

                                                                                                                        SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: …………………..

                                                                                                                        ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY:    …………………..

 

 

Workers falling on the floor (at the same working level)

 

 

 

Is it possible for workers to fall or slip due to:

 

-  dirty surfaces (e.g. oil, grease)

-  slippery surfaces due to spillage of       liquids

-  objects carelessly left on the floor

-  unsuitable footwear

-  worn or damaged flooring

 

 

Mark with an  ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken   è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken     è

 

 

l ¡     Fit anti-slip flooring

l ¡   Immediately remove obstacles that create a risk of collision      *

l ¡     Immediately clean the floor to remove oil, grease, etc.        *

l ¡     Repair  damaged floor areas

l ¡     Remove carelessly abandoned materials to a suitable place      *

l ¡    Remove electric cables, ducts and pipes from the work areas   *

l ¡    Use suitable safety or work footwear                                     *

l ¡     Provide a special bin to hold discarded materials

l ¡     Install appropriate lighting for the workplace and type of work

 

 

P.D. 1568/85

P.D. 16/96

P.D. 17/96

 

Decision

B4373/1205/93

 

P.D. 396/94


 MECHANICAL SAFETY  3

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON:    ………………………

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY:       ………………………

 

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

    Information

 

Workers falling from high places

 

- ladders or fixed stairways

 

- high work stations

  (e.g. platforms)

 

- use of unsuitable means to reach        high places (stools, chairs, etc.)

 

Have appropriate precautions against falls been taken?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken    è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken      è

 

l ¡   Provide a firm base (footing)

                for ladders

 

l ¡     Fit safety railings around openings in the working floorspace

 

l ¡     Use suitable anti-slip footwear

 

l ¡    Ban the use of unsuitable (unsafe) means to reach high places

 

l ¡     Fit movable covers or trapdoors over openings in the working floorspace

 

 

P.D.  22-12-33

 

P.D.  16/96


ELECTRICAL SAFETY      

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

 

 

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

Information

 

Electrocution due to contact with a faulty electrical system or equipment (Note on the list below and add to it if necessary)

 

o  faulty insulation on cables

o  faulty switches, plug sockets

o  lights, bulbs

o  mechanical  equipment

o  portable tools

o  electrical switch and fuse panels

o  disconnected earth

o  use of electrical equipment unsuitable for

     a damp environment

 

 

Are the plugs, switches, leads, switch panels and electrical equipment generally in good condition?

 

Mark with an  ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken         è

 

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken           è

 

l ¡        Visual inspection for damage before work begins                   *

l ¡        Electrical work must only be carried out by a qualified electrician

l ¡        Periodic inspection of the electrical installation by a qualified electrician

l ¡        Replace worn or faulty electrical equipment

l ¡        Use selected equipment conforming to European standards

l ¡        Fit earth connections and check that they function correctly

l ¡        Fit waterproof switches, plug sockets and lighting

l ¡        Connect working machinery to a circuit-breaker relay

l ¡        Use a voltage transformer from

                 220 V to 42 V on portable tools

l ¡        Keep electric switch and fuse panels secured and do not allow access by unqualified personnel

 

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

 

RIEI:

Regulation on Internal Electrical Installations


CHEMICAL SAFETY

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON:    ………………………

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY:       ………………………

 

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

    Information

 

Use of materials containing hazardous substances.

Note the names of the substances, the supplier, and the risks involved:

 

-          oils

-          greases

-          battery acid

-          brake fluid

-          fuels

 

 

Have notices in Greek been posted indicating the type of product and the hazards associated with it?

 

Are you aware of the necessary precautions?

 

Do you consult the instructions for use and safety?

 

Mark with an  ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken      è

 

 

Mark with an   l   any action you think necessary but have not yet taken        è

 

 

l ¡     Obtain safety information from the

                supplier

l ¡    Store materials according to safety instructions                                 *

l ¡    Display instructions for use

l ¡    Display safety notices

l ¡    Use Personal Protection Equipment in accordance with safety instructions   *

l ¡     Wash the hands after contact with battery acid, brake fluid, etc.       *

l ¡    Store hazardous substances in special areas far from food and drink

l ¡     Use the special products available for skin protection (protective creams, ointments)                                        *

 

 

Royal Decree 380/63

 

Law 1568/85

 

 

P.D. 307/86

 

 

P.D. 77/93

 

 

P.D. 396/94

 

 

P.D. 105/95


 PROTECTION FROM FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

    Information

Fire risk from:

 

-      flammable materials

-          lighted cigarettes

-          electrical installations

-          running vehicle engines

-          mobile phones

-          …………

 

Have fire prevention measures been adopted?

Is fire-fighting equipment available?

 

Mark with an ¡ any action  you think necessary and have already taken        è

 

Mark with an   l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken          è

l ¡     Remove unnecessary flammable materials

l ¡     Ban smoking in areas where work is carried out with flammable materials

l ¡     Post fire risk notices

l ¡     Post notices warning drivers to turn off their engine and switch off their mobile phone, if they have one

l ¡     Fit an acoustic alarm signal

P.D. 14/3/94

 

Decision 7755/160/88

 

P.D. 105/95

 

Fire-fighting

 

Is the fire-fighting equipment appropriate?

 

-  Is the fire-fighting equipment in place?

 

-  Have appropriate notices been posted

   in the workplace?

 

Mark with an  ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken         è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Choose extinguishers appropriate for the flammable substance

l ¡     Emergency plan and instructions for staff (how often are fire drills carried out?)

l ¡     Check fire-fighting equipment regularly

l ¡     Fire detectors

l ¡     Fire alarm

 

 

Decision 7755/160/88

 

P.D. 105/95


 PHYSICAL FACTORS

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

   Information

Risk of burns

 

Is there a risk of burns due to contact with:

-          the hot surface of a vehicle engine

-          a vehicle radiator

-          the exhaust

 

 

What action has been taken to prevent burns?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

 

l ¡     Wait until the hot surface has cooled

 

l ¡     Provide suitable means of protection (gloves)

 

Royal Decree 380/63

P.D. 395/94

P.D. 105/95

 

NOISE

 

From:

 

-          Vehicle engines

-          Hammer-type screwdriver

-          Air compressor

 

 

Does the noise level mask acoustic danger alarms?

 

Are workers exposed to noise frequently or continuously?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

 

 

l ¡     Consider noise and vibration when acquiring new equipment

 

l ¡     Provide personal noise protection gear

Law 1568/85

P.D. 85/91

Decision

B4373/1205/93

P.D. 377/93

P.D. 395/94

P.D. 396/94

P.D. 105/95


WORKPLACE DESIGN

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

   Information

External climatic conditions:

 

Are conditions unfavourable due to:

 

-          low workplace temperature

-          high workplace temperature

-          heat radiation

-          draughts

-          poor ventilation

 

Have provisions been made for pleasant climatic conditions?

 

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions

 

l ¡     Wear clothing appropriate for the type of work

 

l ¡     Fit a canopy over the petrol pump area

 

 

Royal Decree 380/63

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

Lighting

 

Poorly lit workplaces:

 

-          entrance to and exit from the petrol station

-          storage areas

-           

 

 

Are there dark areas?

(Passages, stairs, doorways)

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

 

l ¡     Fit illuminated signs marking the entrance to and exit from the petrol station

l ¡     Adapt lighting to suit the specific work conditions

l ¡     Modify the lighting system to suit the work (indirect or direct lighting)

l ¡     Clean the light fittings frequently      *

l ¡     Install light fittings in all areas (auxiliary areas, etc.)

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

 


OTHER SOURCES OF DANGER

 

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

   Information

 

The human factor

 

The staff do not take seriously  the risk element in their work

 

 

Are the staff suitable for their work?

 

Special care when recruiting: qualifications, experience, age, state of health

 

Are the staff well informed about the hazards involved in their work?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

 

 

 

l ¡     Select staff appropriate for the job

 

l ¡     Provide information about safe working practice and encourage the adoption of safety measures

 

 

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 17/96

 

P.D. 176/97

 

P.D. 62/98

 


WORK ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT  1

 

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

   Information

Faulty or inadequate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

 

-          holes in gloves

-          unsuitable footwear

-          outdated PPE

 

Has it been checked that the PPE issued is suitable for the work in hand?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Select appropriate PPE and issue it in sufficient quantity

l ¡     Replace faulty PPE

l ¡     Ensure that PPE is appropriately stored

l ¡     Check and clean the PPE periodically

Royal Decree 380/63

 

Decision

B4373/1205/93

 

P.D. 396/94

Lack of interest in health and safety at work

 

-          non-compliance with safety rules

-          failure to use PPE

 

When was the last time instructions were given to staff, and when is it planned to do so next?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Keep the staff well updated

l ¡     Encourage the workers to adopt safety measures

l ¡     Stress that accidents and injury may result from failure to use PPE

l ¡     Indicate possible dangers

l ¡     Post notices specifying the PPE required

 

Royal Decree 380/63

Decision

B4373/1205/93

P.D. 396/94

P.D. 105/95

P.D. 16/96

P.D. 17/96


WORK ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT  2

 

                                                                                                            SAFETY CHECK CARRIED OUT ON: ……………………..

                                                                                                            ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY :   ……………………..

Possible problems

Questions and comments

Action to improve safety

  Information

 

Action in the event of danger

Are the staff periodically told what to do in case of emergency?

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Provide instructions to the staff about first aid and the use of equipment

l ¡     Post notices and signs where necessary

l ¡     Provide a special first aid equipment box

Law 1568/85

 

P.D. 105/95

 

P.D. 16/96

 

P.D. 17/96

Handling of money

 

-          theft of articles left in view and unattended

-          theft of fuel

-          robbery

-           

 

 

Mark with an ¡  any action you think necessary and have already taken           è

 

Mark with an  l  any action you think necessary but have not yet taken             è

l ¡     Keep money in a safe (strongbox)

l ¡     Never leave the cash till unattended

l ¡     Install an alarm system in case of robbery

l ¡     Adopt measures to guard against armed robbery (train the staff, have trained guard-dogs, etc.)

 

 



    [1]  Presidential Decree (P.D.) 17/18-1-96: Measures to improve occupational health and safety, pursuant to Directives 89/391/EEC and 91/383/EEC.