Execution of IPA's (safety at work)

An IPA describes the occupational risks with regard to the safety and health at work. It also lists the measures an employer has implemented to reduce or eliminate these risks. (Incl. a ranking with a safety matrix for prioritization.)

Risks
The IPA describes risks, other than Hazards. Hazards are inherent characteristics of materials, machinery and materials. The study documents, materials or situations that have a potential injury or damage impact. For example, a transfer of energy can release hazardous substances, microorganisms etc. Hazards can also have an organizational character. For example, with short cycle times, where there are few buffers built into the workflow. Hazards do not implicate always a risk. Hazards causing risks consist of more factors.

In general, the local conditions and the presence of people or other objects in the immediate vicinity, determine whether Hazard sources can develop into a risk. If no human exposure to that risk is present and there are no buildings or installations in the vicinity of these Hazard sources, the effect on the health of people or the damage risk for buildings and equipment will be small to nil. Organizational hazards such as short cycle times become a risk when people are directly involved in that process, especially in executive operation.

IPA and in-depth studies
An IPA study provides an overview of the existing risks and also includes an action plan. If it is necessary for the proper assessment of a risk, an in-depth research should be carried out. Such research (e.g. Measurements) is often included as an action in the Action Plan.

For a number of issues a in-depth inventory is prescribed by law. Legally speaking, the IPA is only being completed after carrying out in-depth investigations.
List of in-depth studies
• Work
• Asbestos
• Monitors
• Biological active agents
• Explosion protection (ATEX)
• Physical strain
• Noise levels
• Hazardous substances in general
• Juveniles
• Carcinogenic substances in general
• Legionella
• Lead
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Homework with hazardous substances
• Vinyl chloride monomer
• Pregnancy

Actions to perform in order of priority:
1. Source Measures:
    - A different working method,
    - A different machine or tool.
2. Technical measures e.g.:
    - Casing of the source,
    - Shielding of the source,
    - Source brought in a spacious environment
3. Even if a resource measure is possible (e.g. Technical adjustments that reduce the risk) a well-organized inspection should be performed and maintenance is required to ensure that the measure will not eventually become ineffective.
4. The final step is the personal protective measure. When the aforementioned types of measures do not have a (direct) sufficient effect, a usage of protective personal equipment is prescribed. By definition this should be considered as a temporary measure, efforts to reduce the risk by other measures should continue. Due to changes in state-of-the-art techniques, or due to the feasibility of later measures, e.g. new buildings, the necessity of the use of personal protective equipment may expire.

Design IPA
Different types of IPA studies

IPA study for "older" installations. Also called Machine IPA

(Check legislation for occupational and health conditions, Chapter 7, for minimal requirements.
The study analysis activities during "production / normal operation", while "in error", during "planned maintenance" and "startup"

IPA study for Design
Perform design according to latest standards (check with the Machinery Directive 2006/95)
The study analysis activities during "production / normal operation", while "in error", during "planned maintenance" and "startup"

An AIPA study (RI&E Hazardous Substances) is required once every 5 yrs.
With the out roll of the AIPA scheme in February 2004 risks arising from major accidents, involving dangerous substances, are subject to an additional risk assessment and evaluation. Thus these risks are handled in accordance with the general risks as to safety, health and welfare. Also compliancy is established on European regulations in terms of risks of major accidents.

The AIPA study focuses, in addition to the existing IPA, on the risk assessment and - evaluation of major accidents involving dangerous substances.
The categories for installations covered by the scope of the AIPA regulations are:

• Transport-related devices;
• Other, non transport-related installations

TMG International can also implement the recommendations, documented in the various RI&E studies.