Questions & Answers: Equipments and Materials | Retail Class 11 - Commerce PDF Download

Q1: Types of potential risk at a retail store.
Ans: 

• Risk of musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and strains): Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy loads can put workers at risk of serious injury. Workers are at risk from lifting and carrying injuries particularly when a load is too heavy, it’s difficult to grasp, or it is too large, the physical effort is too strenuous, they are required to bend and twist when handling heavy loads. Injuries and conditions can include muscle sprains and strains, injuries to muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and other structures in the back, and injuries to soft tissues, such as nerves, ligaments and tendons in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs.
• Risk while using power tools and equipment: The employee may be required to use power tools if he or she works in a hardware store or a business, such as a bicycle or furniture shop where his or her job involves assembling products. Power tools can be extremely dangerous if they are used improperly. Common accidents associated with power tools include abrasions, cuts, lacerations, amputations, burns, electrocution and broken bones.

Q2: Discuss the Risks which turn into emergencies at retail store.
Ans: Some other risks which turn into emergencies at retail store include:

• Gas leaks
• Explosions
• Snake bite or poisoning
• Electrocution
• Equipment failure
• Emergencies requiring evacuation
• Hazardous substances and chemical spills
• Internal emergencies
• Serious injury events or medical emergencies
• Bomb threats
• Hostage situations or terrorism

Q3: Types of equipment and materials used in the stores for health and safety.
Ans: Following are the types of equipment and materials used in stores for health and safety:

• First-aid kit: It is the basic thing required when an injury occurs with employees at a retail store.
• Equipments for preventing and extinguishing small fires: Many things, including heating system, discarded cigarettes, electric appliances, poor housekeeping or the improper storage of chemicals can start fires. Quick action can prevent a small fire from becoming uncontrollable. Fire extinguishers are commonly used at retail stores. It must be available and retail staff should be trained how to use it. 
  They must be of the correct type for the hazard:
  • Type A – for combustibles
  • Type B – for flammable or combustible liquids
  • Type C – for electrical equipment
  • Type ABC – for general fires
• Smoke detector: A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial security devices issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system.
• Floor markers: Floor marking is the process of using visual cues, such as lines, shapes, and signs on floors to make a space easier for people to navigate. These cues divide spaces, highlight hazards, outline workstations and storage locations, and convey important safety or instructional information. Floor markers are often part of a larger visual communication system that includes wall signs and labels like ‘Caution Wet Floor’.
• Personal protective equipments: Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items, such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection.

Q4: Define OHS.
Ans: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is an area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment.

Q5: How to deal with risks at retail outlets?
Ans: Following are the actions to deal with health and safety risks at retail stores:

• Training: Retailer must train employees on how to use personal protective equipments.
• Written certification: It is given to employees as a proof upon acquiring the formal training required to deal with risks. 
  The certificate contains:
  • Name of employee trained
  • Date(s) of training
  • Subject of the certification
• First-aid: In case of health emergency at the workplace the injured person should be given immediate attention and first-aid before medical help arrives.
• Avoiding electrical hazards: To deal with electrical hazards, the retail workers should inspect the wiring. All electric boxes should be covered. All switch boxes and circuits should be labelled.
• Avoiding musculoskeletal injuries: To deal with musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and strains) it is advised that employees should avoid long periods of repetitive movement, take microbreaks and change positions. They should avoid awkward positions and use an adjustable chair.
• Avoiding risks related to lifting: For preventing injury due to lifting, it is suggested that retail workers lift smaller loads, by planning and adjusting weight distribution ahead of time.
• Avoiding the risk of slipping: To avoid slips it is advised to wear well-fitting, non-slippery footwear. The walkways and work areas should be clear of boxes, and other material. Any spill should be reported to the person responsible for getting the spill cleaned and placing a floor marker till it is cleaned.

Q6: Discuss the reasons to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ans: In a retail store following are the reasons to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Manufacturer’s instructions provide information about the controls and wearing protective equipment to protect against hazards associated to a machine or equipment.
• By reading the instructions and information provided by the manufacturer, retailers can potentially save their amount.