Health and Safety
1. Look at the picture and point out the danger areas :
2. What do these warning labels mean? Match the labels with the corresponding
meaning.
aspiration toxicity flammable harmful
gases under pressure corrosive explosive
oxidizing environmental toxicity acute toxicity
1
3. Listen to the recording and fill in the missing information.
1. Putting in __________ when in factory is not an obligation
2. There are ____________ in the machine hall.
3. In the Finished Goods Area someone has left _________ pallets on the floor, which
can be dangerous.
4. Never attempt to clean a machine that is ____________
5. One should turn to the ___________ - immediately if the machine doesn t work
properly.
 Everyday Technical English
4. Vocabulary practice
The key concerns for health and safety are to assess the risks and hazards by identifying
and quantifying the effects so that appropriate protective measures can be taken.
Risks and hazards
combustion, contamination, drains, dust, explosion, flammable, friction, fumes,
fumigation, gas, harmful, shock, spraying, toxic, vapour
Effects
adverse effects, birth defect, burn, cancer, dizziness, drowsiness, genetic damage, impair
fertility, irreversible effect, vomiting
Protective measures
avoid contact with, dispose of, dry, handle, keep, precautionary, protect, recycle, rinse,
seal, tightly, wash, well-ventilated
a. Choose the correct word in each sentence.
1 Store containers in a well-ventilated/good-ventilated place
2 Wipe up any spillages immediately and wash/rinse with soapy water.
3 Process cooling water can be returned/recycled.
4 This chemical is toxic/intoxicating if swallowed.
5 Leftover chemicals should be disproved/disposed of safely.
6 Please wear protective gloves when fingering/handling this material.
7 Remember that asbestos fibres can cause cancer/coma.
8 Pregnant women should not take this medicine as it may cause birth defects/effects.
9 Increased levels of radiation may lead to compared/impaired fertility.
10 Do not empty chemical paint products into the drains/grains.
11 Protect/Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
12 Do not use with other products as it may release dangerous fumes/fumigation.
b. Complete the following sentences with a form of the word in brackets.
1 When working in this area, please wear_________ clothing (protect).
2 Don't pour used chemicals into the drains as they will cause___________
(contaminate).
3 Heating this liquid may cause an _______(explode).
4 These chemicals must be kept in a locked cupboard because they are ________
(harm).
5 While they repair the roof, we will close this department as a__________ measure
(precaution).
6 ___________ health is one part of Health and Safety (occupation).
7 Working in a noisy factory without ear protectors is a __________ activity (danger).
8 Petrol and oil are __________chemicals (flame).
9 Make sure the containers are closed __________(tight).
10 Make sure you are wearing breathing equipment before starting________ (fume).
2
c. The manager in charge of health and safety is explaining things to some new
employees. Complete what he says by filling the blanks with the correct word below:
noise protection drowsiness dust accidents smoke poisonous fumes
risks burns goggles
MANAGER: New government regulations mean that we are all required to be more
aware of (a )__________ in the workplace. As your employer, we will provide you with
the necessary safety equipment. You must wear (b)________ to protect your eyes when
working on this machinery. You should also wear ear (c)__________ because the
d)____________ from the machines is high enough to cause damage to your hearing.
And of course, there is a lot of (e)___________ in the air, so please wear masks to stop
you breathing it in. But, you too are responsible for your safety and for preventing
(f)____________ happening.
EMPLOYEE: Are we looking at fire risks?
MANAGER: Yes, of course. Remember that it is very dangerous to (g)_________ near
the chemical store. In fact, we have a no smoking policy throughout the company.
Chemicals themselves are, of course, (h)___________ so they should never enter your
mouth. They could cause (i)_________ if you get them on your skin. If you leave them
without a lid, (j)_________may escape and cause headaches, (k)____________ or
dizziness.
 Technical English Vocabulary and Grammar
5. Personal Protective Equipment. Work in groups and answer the following
questions:
List the types of personal protective equipment you must use when doing your work/tasks.
What are the hazards in your job for which you must use each type of PPE, and when
must you use your personal protective equipment?
What are the procedures for the proper use, care, and maintenance of your PPE?
What do you do when your PPE is no longer usable?
6. Answer the following questions:
1. Which of the following is NOT a potential hazard to your eyes?
a) Toxic gases, vapors and liquids
b) Dust, powders, fumes and mists
c) Molten metals
d) Light from reading lamps
2. When using an eyewash station, you should:
a) Close your eyes and wash your face first.
b) Rub your eyes
c) Hold both eyes open with your fingers and look into the stream of water
d) Drink plenty of water
3
3. The PPE standard requires that employers must establish and administer an effective
PPE program for employees and that employees be trained in the proper use of PPE.
True False
4. Which of the following is NOT one of your responsibilities as an employee?
a) Maintaining records of the workplace assessment and of your training
b) Learning to use your PPE
c) Following all warnings and precautions
d) Reporting any and all unsafe conditions to your supervisor or safety manager
e) None of the above
5. You should wear hearing protection devices whenever you are exposed to noise that is
85 decibels or greater for an 8-hour period of time. True False
6. You should always use metal mesh gloves when working around electrical sources.
True False
7. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of wearing earmuffs
a) Easy for your employer to supervise the wearing of this device
b) One size fits all
c) Small & lightweight
d) Fits better for longer periods of time
8. If you work in a wet, slippery area, you should wear PVC or rubber footwear.
True False
9. You can always substitute barrier creams for wearing gloves. True False
10. Regular glasses provide the same protection as safety glasses. True False
7. Watch the video and say which PPE the man at the end of the film is putting on?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-GEltJlgXw&feature=related
8. Homework:
Looking at the picture at the beginning of the lesson write an email to your employees
about the PPE they should use.
Web links:
http://osha.europa.eu/en/about?quid=5122353184S903964T&gkid=84--fnsrgl--RH-
BFUN_RA--463b360b838&gclid=CNXz3LWkqqQCFVSVzAodYFkg4
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/engindex.htm
http://www.lni.wa.gov/safety/basics/Programs/Protective/default.asp
4