Tasmanian (2011) define hazard as anything that has
the potential to harm the health and safety of a person or plant. The hazard in
sawmill industries include
the potential to harm the health and safety of a person or plant. The hazard in
sawmill industries include
i.
Log handling hazard
ii.
Machine related hazard
iii.
Wood dust hazard
iv.
Chemical hazard
Chemical hazard
v.
Electrical hazard
vi.
Fire explosion.
Fire explosion.
i.
Log handling hazard: Arises from
improper stacking of logs in specified area set aside for the storage of
timber, the unloading of logs from vehicle coming from outside the plant and
subsequent, rolling of logs to production units (Occupational Safety & Health
Administration [OSHA], 2013).
ii.
Machine related hazard: It is in the
process of operating machine and equipment. This is a result of faulty and poor
safety practices. This hazard could affect the operator, person around and
cause damage to machine and equipment (Giraud, 2009). This hazard includes
trapping within carriage drive, contact with rotating cutter block, resulting
to injuries like finger/limb amputation, bruises and unexpected death.
Machine related hazard: It is in the
process of operating machine and equipment. This is a result of faulty and poor
safety practices. This hazard could affect the operator, person around and
cause damage to machine and equipment (Giraud, 2009). This hazard includes
trapping within carriage drive, contact with rotating cutter block, resulting
to injuries like finger/limb amputation, bruises and unexpected death.
iii.
Wood dust hazard: It arises from the
processing or handling of wood such as cutting and milling. Exposure to wood
dust leads to allergic respiratory problem, eye irritation, nasal
dryness/obstruction and frequent headache (Thomas & Timothy, 2006; International
Harbor Organization [ILO], 2011).
Wood dust hazard: It arises from the
processing or handling of wood such as cutting and milling. Exposure to wood
dust leads to allergic respiratory problem, eye irritation, nasal
dryness/obstruction and frequent headache (Thomas & Timothy, 2006; International
Harbor Organization [ILO], 2011).
iv.
Fire explosion: This is caused by accidental sparks of general electrical
system of the machine, cigarette butts, paint and solvent, resulting to death,
serious injuries (burns) and destruction of the entire workplace (building) (National
Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2006).
Fire explosion: This is caused by accidental sparks of general electrical
system of the machine, cigarette butts, paint and solvent, resulting to death,
serious injuries (burns) and destruction of the entire workplace (building) (National
Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2006).
v.
Electrical hazard: It occurs from
electricity that are used to power most of the machine and equipment resulting
to injuries, burns, electrocution and fire explosion (Health & Safety
Executive, 2013).
Electrical hazard: It occurs from
electricity that are used to power most of the machine and equipment resulting
to injuries, burns, electrocution and fire explosion (Health & Safety
Executive, 2013).
vi.
Chemical hazard:- Which arises from
contact and inhalation of toxic chemical preservatives, used to protect wood
from insect and decay, during handling and mixing resulting to sore throat,
dizziness, skin rashes, nose bleeding, skin and eye burns, respiratory
irritation, central nervous disorder, damage to lungs, liver and kidney (Thomas
& Timothy, 2006).
Chemical hazard:- Which arises from
contact and inhalation of toxic chemical preservatives, used to protect wood
from insect and decay, during handling and mixing resulting to sore throat,
dizziness, skin rashes, nose bleeding, skin and eye burns, respiratory
irritation, central nervous disorder, damage to lungs, liver and kidney (Thomas
& Timothy, 2006).
