Study of Safety Practices and Hazard Risks to Students in Machine Workshops

Abstract

Accidents can generally happen anywhere regardless of place and time. The risk of accidents may be reduced if we take early preventative measures. The purpose of this study is to obtain information related to safety practices and risk of danger to students when conducting practical classes (practical) at the Machine Workshop of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kuching Sarawak Polytechnic involving 128 respondents who use this workshop. Questionnaire distribution method was used to obtain the required information and data. The results of the analysis found that 93% of respondents had never been involved in an accident while in this workshop, 100% wore appropriate personal protective equipment (eye protection, safety shoes) while operating the machine. Furthermore, 98.4% of respondents informed that they were given safety warnings and briefings each time before starting the activity and 74.2% of the respondents thought that the existing safety measures were adequate. For the hazard risk questionnaire, the hazard risk related to machine equipment (clamped, sliding) is the highest hazard risk of 39.1% followed by Fire and Explosion hazard risk (32.8%), Electricity (20.3%), Falling/Slipping (15.6%), Lighting (10.9%) and 9.4% for Noise (noise), Indoor Air Quality and Dust Particles. A total of 64.1% of the respondents felt safe from an accident while in this workshop while carrying out practical activities and 4.7% thought it was not safe from an accident to themselves. Therefore, the emphasis on how to use machine equipment correctly and safely as well as ensure that the safety measures that have been set continue to be complied with to increase the level of confidence of students related to safety while in this workshop can further reduce the risk of accidents that may occur.