Question

How can we protect ourselves from different types of man-made disaster? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer: Prepare To Be Prepared

Disaster prevention is first and foremost about preparation. Pre-plan every job before employees commence any work on it. Schedule a meeting or huddle with all participating employees to fully understand and outline the details of the job. This includes scope of the work, key issues, potential problems, equipment access, personnel access and any important information.

Be Informed

After preparation, the next most important disaster prevention measure is knowledge. Make sure the physical and chemical characteristics of hazardous substances are visibly listed. These include items such as boiling and freezing points, density, vapor pressure, specific gravity, solubility, volatility and the product's general appearance and odor.

Get Supplies Ready

It's not pleasant or fun to think about a potential spill, but if it does happen, you'll be glad you prepared the necessary supplies to clean it up. These supplies include containers, temporary diking and cleanup materials.

PPE

Review the Personal Protective Equipment and tools that are necessary for the project, and make sure your supplies of these materials -- clothing, helmets, masks, goggles, etc -- are adequate.

Communication

This is key for most challenges in life, but especially for disaster prevention. Before work commences on a project, analyze how the work will impact other personnel and operations. Then, make sure proper communication channels and procedures are in place between participating parties.

5.5. Last Step: Double Check

This isn't a before-the-job measure, but it's still preventive! Plan time for a final walk-down to be sure nothing is left behind or unfinished when the work is complete.

When it comes to preventing big disasters, it's the small steps you take before the work (and a half step you take after it's finished) that really matter. Take pride in your work, pay attention to detail and make safety a priority -- that's Arbill's challenge to you.