Practical demonstrations are among the most effective tools for teaching employees how to properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and how to behave safely around operating machinery. Seeing a concrete and detailed example helps to clarify doubts and promote the adoption of safe behaviors.
To promote an effective practical demonstration, the following steps are necessary:
- Preparation
- Necessary Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary PPE and accessories at hand (helmets, gloves, protective eyewear, safety harnesses, etc.).
- Appropriate Area: Choose a safe and spacious area where you can showcase the PPE and machinery without risks.
- Effective Introduction
- Explain the Importance: Begin by explaining why it is crucial to wear PPE and adopt safe behaviors around machinery.
- Demonstration Objectives: Describe what you will show and what the objectives of the session are. For example, say: "I will now show you how to properly wear a safety harness to ensure it is secure and safe."
- Safety Harness
- Step 1: Initial Inspection
- Before wearing the harness, visually check for any damage, wear, or defects.
- "Before wearing the harness, perform a visual inspection to ensure there are no tears or signs of wear. This ensures that the harness is safe to use."
- Step 2: Putting on the Harness
- Put on the harness like a vest, ensuring all straps are in place.
- "Put on the harness like a vest, making sure the straps are not twisted."
- Step 3: Adjusting the Straps
- Adjust all straps to ensure the harness is snug but comfortable.
- "Adjust the straps around your shoulders, chest, and legs so that the harness is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your body."
- Step 4: Safety Verification
- Verify that all buckles are securely fastened and that the harness is stable.
- "Ensure that all buckles are closed correctly. Gently pull on the straps to verify that the harness is secure."
- 2. Helmet or Wearing the Helmet
- Place the helmet on your head, adjust the strap under your chin, and ensure it is secure. "The helmet must always be worn with the strap under the chin securely fastened to prevent it from shifting or falling off during work."
- 3. Protective Eyewear
- Wearing Eyewear
- Ensure the eyewear completely covers your eyes and is comfortable.
- "The eyewear must fit snugly to the face to protect the eyes from splinters and dust."
"Now I will show you how to behave safely around operating machinery." 1. Maintain a Safe Distance or General Rule: Always maintain a safe distance from operating machinery. o "Ensure you maintain a distance of at least one meter from operating machinery to avoid being involved in accidents."
2. Safety Signage o Recognize the Signs: Pay attention to safety signage around machinery. o "Always respect safety signs and barriers around machinery. These signs are positioned to protect you."
3. Emergency Procedures o Know the Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of accidents or machinery malfunctions. o "In case of emergency, follow the established safety procedures and never try to fix the problem yourself if you are not qualified."
4. Constant Attention o Continuous Vigilance: Always remain vigilant and focused when working near machinery. o "Never get distracted when you are near machinery. Even a moment of distraction can cause serious accidents."
Summarize the key points of the demonstration and answer any questions. o "Remember, properly wearing PPE and maintaining safe behavior around machinery is essential for your safety. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask."
Ask for feedback from participants to improve future demonstrations. o "Is there anything you would like to see explained in more detail, or do you have suggestions for improving these sessions?" Practical demonstrations are a very useful tool for educating employees on proper safety practices. Showing exactly how to wear PPE and how to behave near machinery helps reduce accidents and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.