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UNIT 7 PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS

I Describing health and safety precautions

1 Some engineering or industrial activities are especially dangerous. In pairs, think of
more examples to add to the following list.
• Manufacturing processes using dangerous chemicals
• Casting and welding involving high temperatures

2a In pairs, discuss what is meant by the items on the Health and Safety meeting agenda.
b ► 7.1 Rosana, the assistant manager at a Dorian Food Processing plant, is chairing the
weekly Health and Safety meeting. Read four extracts from the meeting and match each
extract (a-d) to an agenda item {1-7}.
a c
b d

a
Rosana: Next week they're due to start maintenance work on the grain silos in Zone 4. We need
to make sure that everyone's aware that all those silos are classed as confined spaces.
In other words, no one should go inside them without first doing an air test. And we need to keep
a check on dust levels, as well.
Marc: We've got a C02 detector here, haven't we?

b
Rosana: If you walk past that machine while it's running, and you're trying to talk to someone,
you have to shout to be heard. And as a rule of thumb, that means it should be an ear protection
area.
Marc: Yeah, but the regs differentiate between brief exposure, when you're walking past
something, and continuous exposure, don't they?

c
Marc: So is it harmful if it splashes on your skin? Rosana: According to the notice it's an
irritant, and it's toxic.
Marc: But it's not corrosive?
Rosana: Not as far as I'm aware.
Marc: So you don't need gloves and eye protection and masks and all the rest of it? If you get
any on your skin, you just wash it off.
Rosana: Hm, I’m not sure about that.

d
Rosana: We need to enquire whether or not this maintenance involves welding. There are forklift
trucks going through that area carrying flammable liquids. If there are going to be any naked
flames or sparks, we’ll need to put a proper procedure in place.
Marc: Right. I’ll get in touch with their people, then.

Dorian Food Processing
Health & Safety Meeting Agenda
Wednesday 16 April, Conference Room, 2.00pm - 4.0C
To: RM, MA, DB, SM, BP, LJ

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