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The Nine Life-Saving Rules

Landsvirkjun has established nine preventive rules to describe the necessary protective measures for managing risks and preventing accidents.

Nine preventive rules

These rules must always be followed when working on projects that involve the hazards they address. They are based on the most significant risk factors at Landsvirkjun and proven protective measures.

The Nine Hazard Categories:

  1. Working on or near water
  2. Lifting operations
  3. Uncontrolled energy
  4. Electrical work
  5. Operating machinery
  6. Hot water, steam, and H₂S gas
  7. Working in confined spaces
  8. Working at heights over 2m
  9. Driving safety

Working on or Near Water

We ensure safety on and around water.

  • We wear a life jacket.
  • We familiarize ourselfs with the conditions, currents, and depth.
  • We always work with a colleague in areas where there is a risk of falling into the water.

Lifting Operations

We prepare lifting operations and secure the lifting area.

  • We inspect lifting equipment before use.
  • We ensure that the crane operator has the necessary certifications.
  • We define and mark the drop zone of suspended loads.
  • We never stand under a suspended load.

Uncontrolled Energy

We identify all energy sources.

  • We confirm that hazardous energy sources have been isolated, locked out, and tagged.
  • We test and verify that no energy is present.

Electrical Work

We follow the five safety rules and use the "lockout, tagout and verify" procedure.

  • We completely disconnect the power supply.
  • We secure against re-energization.
  • We verify the absence of voltage.
  • We ground and short-circuit the system.
  • We cover or shield nearby energized components.

Operating Machinery

We take utmost precautions around operating machinery.

  • We ensure that all machine guards, fences, and protective barriers are in place.
  • We never remove or disable machine guards, fences, or safety barriers while the equipment is in operation.
  • We keep limbs, hair, and clothing away from hazardous areas.

Hot Water, Steam and Gas

We take full safety precautions around hot water, steam, and hazardous gases.

  • We ensure safety by following the "lockout, tagout and verify " procedure.
  • We always wear an H₂S detector. Carry an O₂/CO₂ detector as needed.
  • We ensure proper ventilation in areas with potential gas hazards.
  • We use respiratory protection where gas exposure is a risk.
  • We always work with a colleague in areas with gas hazards.

Working in Confined Spaces

We always obtain permission before entering hazardous confined spaces.

  • We complete the "Stop and Check" checklist before entering a confined space.
  • We measure air quality before entering.
  • We always wear an air quality monitor.
  • We ensure a safety watchperson is present outside the space while work is conducted.
  • We ensure that a rescue plan and equipment are always in place.

Working at Heights Over 2 Meters

We protect ourselves from falls when working at heights.

  • We inspect fall protection equipment before use.
  • We secure tools and equipment to prevent them from falling.
  • We use a safety harness and secure anchor point when working at heights over 2 meters if no other protective measures are in place.
  • We wear fall protection gear and safety lines when working in aerial lifts and work platforms.
  • We ensure that a rescue plan and equipment are always available.

Driving Safety

We follow traffic regulations and take full safety precautions while driving.

  • We wear a seatbelt.
  • We adjust driving speed to conditions and slow down when necessary.
  • We use hands-free equipment for phone calls.
  • We do not use smart devices while driving.
  • We secure loose objects inside the vehicle.
  • We check the weather forecast before embarking on long trips.