HSE presentation

Fire Policy

Fire Extinguishers are placed at strategic locations throughout the warehouse for safety purposes. There is a fire alarm with smoke detectors and pull stations also strategically located. There is a warehouse evacuation procedure communicated to both workers and visitors to the warehouse. Smoking is prohibited in the warehouse at all times.

The following shall be observed where a fire or explosion potential exists;

Ignition sources, including but not limited to smoking, fire, or any other un-permitted ignition source, are prohibited in/on:-

•Areas where “No Smoking” signs are posted;

•Any area or part of a building that contains flammable liquids or where flammable liquid vapours may be present;

•The vicinity of tanks, process vessels, or other vessels containing or having contained oil or other flammable liquids and/or gases;

•The vicinity of a pipeline pump or other machinery or equipment transporting or containing crude oil, gas, or other flammable/combustible liquids and/or gases;

Personal Protective Equipment

First Aid Policy

KISS Baking Company

Workers are fully equipped with full body overalls, protective shoes, hair nets for hair and facial hair, and gloves. Workers involved in the sugar grinding process are required to use particulate dust respirators. The cartridges of these respirators must be changed within a specific time period. Thick winter jackets are used as personal equipment for safety measures for entering the chiller and freezer which hold those food items that must be kept at very low temperatures.

First Aid Kits in the warehouse caters for up to fifty persons. Each department has at least three persons trained to perform First Aid procedures on the spot if necessary. The training of first-aiders lasts at least 24 contact hours, consisting of both teaching and practical sessions. At present this takes four consecutive days with an examination in the afternoon of the last day. The Health and Safety Executive have approved the courses run by the Occupational Health Service. Refresher courses lasting at least 12 contact hours are also provided and must be taken every three years to maintain a valid first aid at work certificate. The Occupational Health Adviser shall inform all first-aiders of any changes in first-aid practice and may hold supplementary training sessions if the need arises. First Aid kits shall be examined frequently and be kept fully stocked only by designated persons. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that all first aid kits are properly maintained. The First Aid Kits include: bandages, disposable latex gloves, burn cream packets, alcohol pads, scissors, iodine solution, hydroxide solution, wraps and tape.

The person responsible for going into the chiller department has to equip their selves with personal protective gear. These thick winter jackets are used to withstand very low temperatures in the chiller department which helps to maintain the quality of packages.

Hair and facial nets, fully body overalls and protective shoes are used in the sugar refinery department to ensure that the sugar is not being contaminated.

The company is a baking company which is mainly involved in the making of customized cakes for special orders. Products are also exported to the other Caribbean islands, as well. Kiss has over one hundred vehicles distributing bread and cakes across Trinidad and Tobago. Kiss’ products includes baked and sold goods such as the artisan breads, almond slice cake, banana bread, glazed donuts, sweat bread and jelly filled cakes.This business is also responsible for the storing of raw materials which are involved in the production process. The warehouse stores icing and other cake related ingredients at low temperatures. Sugar grinding operations to make icing is also conducted in the warehouse. Persons must be in personal protective equipment (PPE) to carry out this job. The lifting of bulky materials requires both mechanical and physical lifting. Fire safety is also enforced in the warehouse to prevent loss of life and material. Workers are also trained in first aid and are capable of using first aid kits which are present in the warehouse.

Lifting

For manual lifting, all workers are firstly taught proper physical lifting techniques. Workers are also provided with a back support belts for safe physical lifting. Pallet jack usage is taught to workers involved in pallet jack use.

When approaching the problem of safe manual handling of materials there are three important questions you should ask:

Forklift Policy

Users of the forklift must undergo a forklift safety training program that covers the safe use and inspection of the forklift. All operational training shall be conducted under close supervision. All training and evaluation must be completed before an operator is permitted to use a forklift. This certification is to be renewed every 3 years. Daily inspection is conducted before using the forklift. Yellow lines are used to demarcate passage way for forklift travel. The Company has a contract with the manufacturers to allow one of their certified mechanist to visit the plant monthly to service the equipment. There is a reverse buzzer located on the forklift to alert pedestrians of its whereabouts and mirrors are also used to alert forklift operators and pedestrians on approaching blind corners to avoid collision.

•Can mechanical equipment be used in place of manual handling?

•Can the load be lightened or suitably shaped for manual handling?

•Have you been trained in proper methods of lifting and carrying?

•Stand close to the load on a firm footing and with feet about 30 cm. apart.

•Bend the knees and keep your back as straight as you can.

•Take a firm grip on the load.

•Breathe in, tuck your chin in and throw the shoulders backwards.

•Straighten the legs, continuing to keep the back as straight as you can.

•Make sure that the load does not obstruct your view.

•Keep the load close to the body.

•Lift slowly and smoothly. Don’t jerk.

•When carrying a load, avoid twisting the spine to turn; move your feet instead.

•If two or more of you are lifting, one should give instructions to ensure that the team works together.

A check of the following items is to be conducted by the operator prior to use on each shift throughout the warehouse.

Tires Chains

Steering mechanism Mask

Brakes Carriage

Hydraulic system Horn

Controls Fire Extinguisher

Overhead Guard Buzzer working

Changing, Charging and Storing Batteries of Forklifts

•Battery charging installations shall be located in well ventilated areas designated for that purpose.

•Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.

•A carboy tilter or siphon shall be provided for handling electrolyte.

•When charging batteries, acid shall be poured into water; water shall not be poured into acid. (prevent from accidental burning)

•Forklifts shall be properly positioned and brake applied before attempting to change or charge batteries.

•Care shall be taken to assure that vent caps are functioning. The battery compartment cover shall be open to dissipate heat.

•Smoking is prohibited in the charging area.

Operator Information

•Only authorized and trained personnel will operate forklifts.

•All forklifts will be equipped with an overhead carriage, fire extinguisher, rotating beacon, buzzer, horn, and back-up alarm.

•The operator will perform daily pre-inspections.

•Any safety defects (such as hydraulic fluid leaks, defective brakes, defective steering, missing face plate, non-working horn, missing fire extinguisher, etc.) will be reported for immediate repair or have the forklift taken out of service.

•Operators will follow the proper recharging or refuelling safety procedures.

•Loads will be tilted back and carried no more than 6 inches from the ground. Loads that restrict the operator’s vision will be transported backwards.

•Operator will sound horn and use extreme caution when meeting pedestrians, making turns and cornering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the five health and safety policies of the warehouse at KISS baking company includes; Forklift, First Aid, Fire, Personal Protective Equipment and Lifting. These policies are implemented for the workers at the warehouse and are established to ensure that each employee remain injury free. These policies are into full effect once on the premises and should be followed while on premises.