Guide for Safe Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder（气瓶的安全指南手册处理）.PDFVIP

Guidance for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (updated 1998) came into force in January 1993. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling operations. To comply with these regulations, the Imperial College as an employer must identify all manual handling operations undertaken by its employees and appoint a competent person to assess the risks involved in the manual handling activities. It is imperative to carry out a risk assessment on manual handling of gas cylinders which is a high risk activity. Cylinders are extremely heavy due to the fact that they are made of metal and have to withstand high pressure. They are also unstable when unsupported because of their long, thin shape. Over 30% of the accidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR 1995 (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) were caused by manual handling activities. To reduce these risks staffs that operate mechanical aids, such as cylinder trolleys must be fully trained in their use and the use of correct body mechanics for pushing and pulling. The Imperial College has an Occupational Health Unit which provides advice and, general training on manual handling to staff. Staff suffering from manual handling injuries must report it to the Occupational Health Unit using the accident form which can be obtain from the College website (Safety Unit). Risk Assessment 1. Identify hazards associated with manual handling of gas cylinders The impact from falling cylinders can cause explosion resulting in injuries from flying parts. Manual handling of cylinders involving wrong postures can caused severe health problems such as disc injuries, sprains and strains when muscles are stretched. Fractures can be caused by crushing body parts under the heavy load of the cylinder. 2. Identify people at risk The risk assessment must identity everyone who is a