People who diligently pay attention to all of the proscribed safety procedures for a given job can still be injured or even killed by something unanticipated. You do a thorough job of lockout/tagout, but you still suffer from a nearly fatal shock. How did that happen? When you used a portable cord that had been damaged and left in service. Or maybe it was that recently added point of use UPS that wasn’t on the project drawings.
When scoping out a job, entering an area, setting up a job, moving from a completed job phase to the next phase, and cleaning up the job, always stop. Yes, stop. Then look, listen, smell, and touch.
You could look at the portable cord before using it, listen to the operator tell you about a process piping situation, or smell hot insulation. You can touch a panel with the back of your hand rather than grab a possibly energized metal handle.
What are some other things you can look for? Listen for? Have you ever been surprised by something that hurt you? Did you wish you had “seen that one coming” rather than been hurt? This is part of why taking a few moments to methodically apply look, listen, smell, and touch is important. In subsequent parts of this series, we will go into specifics for each of these senses. In the meantime, work now on developing the habit. Simply looking for something that’s out of place could save your life. If you work around steam, listening for the sound of a leak (which you cannot see) can save your arm. If you work around process chemicals, sniffing for the leak before entering the room can mean you won’t pass out from that chemical while inside the room.
Many people are in a distracted state while attempting to work. With this method, you go to the opposite extreme. You are fully focused, fully there, fully alert. That will not only help you stay safe, but it will also prepare you mentally for the work ahead.
