Hazard Recognition Line of Fire
Line Of Fire Line of Fire refers to those work situations where workers could be struck by something which suddenly starts to move or releases its energy unexpectedly. This can occur during manufacturing and construction activities. On nearly every job there is a potential that something could hit, spray, pinch or crush. The first priority should be to eliminate these hazards entirely if possible, but if not, we want people to focus on moving themselves out of the Line of Fire. October 3, 2012 2
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION- WORKSITE HAZARDS Typically the Line of Fire Hazards can be identified using the Hazard guidewords Motion or Pressure October 3, 2012 3
Line of Fire Hazard Identification Motion Could something begin to move? Where are the pinch points? Could someone be trapped or crushed? Where do people move on site? What type of vehicles do we have? What other motion-related hazards do we have? Pressure Is there any stored Energy that could be released? What could cause Pressure to release? October 3, 2012 4
Examples of Line of Fire Hazards Working near machinery that has moving parts Electric hand tools which could kick back if they jam or catch Torque wrenches or other levers used to apply force Chains or slings that are under tension Loads or Equipment that could fall or tip as restraints are released Fluids (hydraulic, air, water) under pressure Use of a hammer where hammer head can fly off Working at height and the tools can fall on to some one working below. October 3, 2012 5
More Examples of Line of Fire Situations Some common tasks that can lead to Line of Fire situations: Working in close proximity with moving equipment (vehicles, cranes, lifts, etc.) Rigging loads, especially when receiving loads and handling rigging Working with hand tools Welding and grinding operations Your task involves (or creates) pinch points Pigging operations Wednesday, October 03, 2012 6
Examples of Stored Energy Be Aware of Line of Fire Situations when people have to work with these tools or work closer to this Equipment.. Wednesday, October 03, 2012 7
Where should we focus on Line of Fire Hazards? The key Target Areas for Line of Fire Hazards are: Heavy Equipment Machinery Hand and Power Tools Material handling Mobile Equipment Excavations Moving vehicles October 3, 2012 8
Line of Fire What you can do? You - Look for activities where there is energy waiting to be released, and ensure that they are identified. While on your safety observation walk or while carrying out Job Hazard Analysis make specific attempt to identify Line of Fire hazard During your Toolbox Talk, talk to the people about where that energy will go if released, and how they are staying out of that path. Discuss how quickly things can happen and that they probably won't have time to move out of the way. October 3, 2012 9
Always keep yourself out of the Line of Fire Know your surroundings and identify potential hazards even if they seem unlikely Take the time to Pause and always consider the consequences and worst case scenarios Pay attention to signage Consider the what ifs What if the tool slips? Is any part of my body in the way? What if this is under tension? Will I be struck if released? What if I take a shortcut? Do you really save time and money? October-3-12 10