TOOLBOX TALK TOPICS

Accidents are preventable

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The Toolbox Talk topics presented in this document cover a broad area of the
EHS discipline. Most issues are addressed, including those related to the
Oando 14 Life Saving Rules. Supervisors are to select topics from this
document for discussion during the daily toolbox talk sessions. However,
topics for discussion should not be limited to the contents of this document.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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AFTER THOUGHTS AND REGRETS

ACCIDENT COST TO ME AND MY COMPANY

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APPRECIATING THE HAZARDS OF OXYACETYLENE MEANS

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ALCOHOL & THE JOB - A SAFETY ISSUE

AVOIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS
BACK CARE: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
BACK INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
BEING MENTALLY PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
BACKING INTO TROUBLE (GENERAL SAFETY)
BE CAUTIOUS WITH SULFURIC ACID
CHOCKING AND BLOCKING
COME-A-LONGS, "COFFIN" HOISTS & CHAIN HOIST SAFETY
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY - DON'T BE A "DEAD" HERO
COMPLACENCY
CELL PHONES
COLD MEDICATION & DROWSINESS
COMMON SENSE AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION
CRANE COUNTERWEIGHTS
CRANE OPERATIONS - WORKING UNDER THE LOAD
CLEAR THE AISLES
CTD's -- HOW CAN YOU PREVENT THEM?
DERMATITIS
DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER
DRIVER QUIZ
DRESS THE PART
DEVELOP AND "SELL" YOUR SAFETY SOLUTIONS
DO CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE MORE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS?
DRUM HANDLING
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - SAFE OPERATION OF FORKLIFTS
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - REPORT UNSAFE EQUIPMENT
ERGONOMICS - THE TERM "ERGONOMICS"
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - ANATOMY OF AN ACCIDENT
EMERGENCY! WHERE'S THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER?
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - INSPECTION AND USE OF SLINGS
E. COLI: FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
EATING RIGHT OFFSHORE-FOR SAFETY & HEALTH
EIGHT CRANE DANGER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL BURNS
SAFETY RULES FOR PEOPLE WORKING AROUND INDUSTRIAL

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LIFT TRUCKS
EMERGENCY EYE WASH & DELUGE SHOWERS

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EQUIPMENT SAFETY - CRANING CONSIDERATIONS

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY
EYE SAFETY
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY-TAKE NO CHANCES!
EYE PROTECTION: PRESERVE YOUR VISION
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - GASOLINE
FORK LIFT FATALITIES
FORKLIFT SAFETY
FIRE DOORS
GENERAL SAFETY - SIGNS
GENERAL SAFETY - UNSAFE ACTS
GENERAL SAFETY - ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR
GENERAL SAFETY - EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY
GENERAL SAFETY - SHIFT WORK
GOOD HYGIENE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY
GENERAL SAFETY - CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
GENERAL SAFETY- CONTROLLING STRESS
GENERAL SAFETY - OFFICE SAFETY PRACTICES
GENERAL SAFETY - MAN DOWN!!!
GENERAL SAFETY - IT'S YOUR DECISION
GENERAL SAFETY - THE BASICS OF SAFETY
GAS CYLINDERS
GIVE NEW CO-WORKER YOUR SUPPORT
GENERAL SAFETY - CARELESSNESS
GENERAL SAFETY -- HAZARD AWARENESS
GENERAL SAFETY - CUTS AND BURNS
GENERAL SAFETY- MOTION INJURIES
GENERAL SAFETY - SAFE ATTITUDES
GENERAL SAFETY - SAFETY AND YOUR SUPERVISOR
HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES IN CONFINED SPACES
H2S - TOXIC GAS IN OIL & GAS DRILLING
HAND TOOL SAFETY
HAZCOMM vs. HAZMAT vs. HAZARDOUS WASTE.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE??

HOW TO READ MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
HAZARD AWARENESS
HAZARD RECOGNITION
HAZARDS OF SOLVENTS
HEAD INJURIES - AFTER THE FALL
HEALTH & SAFETY - HEAT STRESS DISORDERS
HEARING PROTECTION

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY

HOUSEKEEPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR JOB
HOW TO LIFT SAFELY
HYDRAULIC HOSES AND THE DANGER OF LEAKS
HOW LOUD IS LOUD?
INDIVIDUAL QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
INFECTIOUS DISEASE & FIRST AID TREATMENT
LIFT IT TWICE
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR CO-WORKERS
LIMITATIONS OF CARTRIDGE-TYPE RESPIRATORS
LADDER SAFETY
MATERIAL HANDLING LIFT TRUCKS
MACHINE OPERATION REQUIRES SKILL & THOUGHT
MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR FIRST-AID KIT
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS--A SPECIAL ENVIRONMENT
OILFIELD OPERATIONS - RIGGING UP
OIL RIG BREAK DOWN AND SET UP
OFFICE SAFETY
PERSONAL ERGONOMICS
PERSONAL PROTECTION -- STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND CARE
PERSONAL PROTECTION -- Are You Dressed For The Occasion?
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - RESPIRATOR FIT CHECK
PERSONAL PROTECTION - QUIZ -- SELECTING SUITABLE EYE

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PROTECTION
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - EYE INJURY PREVENTION
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PERSONAL PROTECTION - CARE FOR YOUR HALF-MASK AIR- 171
PURIFYING RESPIRATOR
PROPER LIFTING
PERSONAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL PROTECTION-PICKING THE PROPER GLOVE
PERSONAL FALL ARREST AND FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
PARTS WASHING TANKS --A SAFETY CHECKLIST!
PREVENTING STRAINS & SPRAINS
PREVENTING WELDING FLASHBACK
PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR
PALLET SAFETY
REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT
SCAFFOLD INSPECTIONS
SAFETY & SECURITY AFTER HOURS
STACKING UP A PILE OF TROUBLE
STAIRS AND WALKWAYS
SMOKE DETECTORS - A LIFE SAVING WARNING

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SAVE YOUR BACK WHEN WORKING IN AWKWARD POSITIONS

SEVEN COMMON ACCIDENT CAUSES
SHOP HAZARDS & TYPICAL INCIDENTS
-- SAFETY AT ALL LEVELS -SPONTANEOUS IGNITION
STOP FIRES
SAFETY SIGNS
TRYING TO DO THE JOB ALONE
THE SILENT SICKNESS - CO POISONING
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOOD SAFETY HABITS
THAT CONTAINER ONLY LOOKS EMPTY!
THISll KILL YOU!
SURVIVING THE DEADLY SILENT KILLER
USING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
USING & STORING ACETYLENE GAS
WHY TAKE A CHANCE?
WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT...LESSONS LEARNED!
WHAT'S THIS IN OUR TOOL BOX!
WHAT IS YOUR BACK IQ?
WAS IT AN ACCIDENT OR WAS IT AN ERROR?
WATCH YOUR STEP!! DON'T SLIP & FALL
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW
WARNING: READ THE SIGNS!
WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR CHEMICAL?
WHAT TO DO ABOUT "NEAR MISSES/NEAR HITS?"
WHY DO WE HAVE SAFETY MEETINGS?

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AFTER THOUGHTS AND REGRETS

How often have you said or done something and then later, reflecting on
your action, thought to yourself, "How could I have done that?"
Here are some afterthoughts which, unfortunately, too many of us have
experienced:
"That's how we've always done it before." (before the accident
occurred anyway.)
"I never thought that a little bolt dropped from that distance would cause
so much bleeding." (I should have worn a hard hat, I guess.)
"If I had taken that first-aid/CPR course, I probably could have helped
him." (and chances are, he would still be here.)
"I should have taken care of that board with the projecting rusty nails
earlier." (Now, I have to take off work to get a tetanus shot.)
"Wow, I never realized that a fire could get out of control so fast." (If I'd
called the fire department before trying to put it out myself, I might still have
a place to work tomorrow.)
" I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg
muscles instead of the back muscles." (What the heck is a herniated disk?)

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"For few more dollars, I could have bought safety shoes." (That deep cut
in the toe section ruined my new work boots, and this broken toe still hurts.)
"My safety glasses were in the tool box, but I was just going to grind of
this one little piece." (I wonder if they'll still let me drive with only one
eye?)
"We were only going to use the scafold for one day. I never thought a
hammer would fall of the plank and strike someone." (I had a hunch I should
have taken the time to install the toe boards.)
"They always insisted that the tool rest should be no more than oneeighth inch from the grinding wheel. What diference does another quarter
inch make?" (I was lucky not to go blind when the chisel got wedged and the
wheel exploded into a thousand pieces.)
Any of this sounds familiar?? They say hindsight is the only perfect sciencebut foresight could have avoided these incidents, misfortunes and regrets.
Learn from others' mistakes and you'll have no regrets!

ACCIDENT COST TO ME AND MY COMPANY

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Accidents happen. They are unfortunate, painful and can be life

changing. We take great measures to prevent an accident but when
one happens, we have workers comp insurance to cover the costs,
right. Wrong! The insurance company only pays about 1/5 of what
an accident can cost our company. They will pay for the Direct Costs
like medical bills, prescription drug costs, a portion of the injured
workers lost wages and maybe travel expenses to the doctor. So
what are the costs to our company that are 4 to 5 times more than
what the insurance company pays?
These are called Indirect Costs and can include the lost production not only
by the injured employee but the co-workers that render aid and take him/her
to the clinic. Most work slows on a job site after an accident and a severe
incident can shut down the work completely. The injured worker's tools,
materials have to be picked up and someone may have to finish up what
they were doing before the accident. Insurance companies pay the claim
only if it's filed correctly which can be a time consuming process which is
more lost production.
And what if there's damage to equipment, to tools, to raw materials, or other
company property. It's usually not covered by insurance so our company
pays that costs. And until the injured work comes back to work on full duty,
we may sub-contract out work, work over time, or have to hire and train a
new employee. Again, our company cost.
So the insurance company pays the direct costs of an accident (medical bill
and lost wages) and we pay the rest. But what if we have 2, 3, 10 accidents
a year? The same thing if you have a few auto accidents in a year. Your
insurance premiums go up or you get cancelled. You might be able to drive
without insurance but we can't work without it. So every claim, large or
small, is recorded and used to calculate our company's Experience Mod
number. It's a number calculated for all companies and used to increase or
decrease the dollar amount we pay for worker's compensation insurance.
The higher this number the more we pay each year for insurance. And now,
the companies we work for want to know what our Experience Mod number
is. Why, because it is a snap shot of how safe a company we are. And when
bids are close, the safe companies will get the work and we may get sent to
the house.
So an accident not only afects the person injured but every person in the
company. Insurance is there to help the injured employee but our
company pays those Indirect or hidden costs plus the insurance rate
increases. Accidents can prevent us from getting contracts. Accidents afect
your job and your paycheck.

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APPRECIATING THE HAZARDS OF OXYACETYLENE MEANS...

Many workers don't fully realize the serious hazards of oxyacetylene. That
doesn't necessarily mean these people aren't safety conscious, or are
careless in their work. The hazards of gas welding are not always visually
obvious, and therefore are not always appreciated. Even "old-timers" can
become complacent, but this attitude can be very dangerous. Here are some
examples:
1. Oxygen is commonly stored at pressures near 2,000 psi. This is a huge
amount of stored energy. Whenever any compressed gas cylinder is
not in use, remove its regulator, and replace the valve cap. This is the
best way to protect the cylinder valve from damage. It is also
important to always secure every cylinder in the upright position. This
helps prevent a cylinder from being accidentally knocked over and
damaged. If a cylinder's valve stem were to be sheared of in a fall,
there is enough stored energy to turn the cylinder into an unguided
missile which could shoot across the shop or yard, destroying anything
in its path.
2. Acetylene is an extremely unstable gas. It has a very wide explosive
range and it can be dangerously explosive at pressures above 15 psi. It
is for these two reasons that acetylene must never be used at hose
pressures greater than 15 psi.
3. Oxygen placed under high pressure can erupt in flame or explode if it
comes into contact with oil or grease. Never use oil or grease on any
gas welding apparatus, including cylinder caps. Keep the torch clean
and free of grease. Don't change cylinders or regulator valves unless
you have clean hands. Just a little on your hands could cause an
unfortunate explosion.
4. Always close down cylinder valves when you are through working. This
includes when you take a break and go to lunch. Even a pin hole leak
in the hose could allow gas to accumulate in the workplace creating
the potential for fire or explosion.
5. When opening regulator valves, turn them slowly and stand to one
side. If oxygen and acetylene were to mix inside the regulator under
pressure, an explosion could result. The explosion could be a minor
"pop" or it could destroy the regulator and injure the operator.

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6. Regularly inspect the gauges to make sure they are in proper working
order to prevent possible malfunctions, and ensure accurate gauge
settings. Any damaged or inoperable gauges should be repaired or
replaced before use.
7. DO NOT use oxygen to ventilate a confined or enclosed space. An
oxygen enriched confined environment creates a serious fire and
explosion hazard.
These are just a few of the hazards associated with welding operations.
There are others that all torch users should know. Know all the hazards.
Follow all safety procedures for your work.

ALCOHOL & THE JOB - A SAFETY ISSUE

Working under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. This means more
than just not drinking on the job. Tests have shown that alcohol can still have
an efect on your body up to 18 hours after you have stopped drinking.
Alcohol use is a legitimate on-the-job safety issue - and not just an attempt
to control of-the-clock lifestyles.
Alcohol is a sedative. Drinking any quantity of alcohol impairs a person's
judgment, thinking ability, and coordination to some degree. Some people
can "handle" alcohol better than others, but it is a fact that any alcohol
consumed has some efect. Other factors which influence your body's ability
to metabolize alcohol include your weight, medications, and previous
medical conditions. You may not feel it right away, but remember, alcohol
afects judgment.
After drinking, you are no longer in a position to assess your own capabilities.
You don't have to be drunk to have some impairment. If you can't make it
through the day without a drink, you could have a problem and should seek
professional help.
What should you do about a co-worker who is drinking on the job? Should
you ignore the situation or report it? Most people would ignore the situation
because they do not want to cause problems on the job or do not want to get
involved. People would prefer to avoid conflict at almost any cost. But look at
it this way -- the drinker, no matter how nice a co-worker, is not doing you
any favors. It's a fact that the drinker is less productive. Who has to pick up
the slack? You do. It is a fact that the drinker is more 1ikely to be involved in
accidents. Who else is he or she placing at risk? You!
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Are you allowing the drinking to continue?

You are - if you cover for the drinker's poor productivity

You are - if you cover their mistakes.

You are - if you make excuses to others for them.

Take control of the situation.

Don't allow the situation to continue. Stop covering for the drinker.
o Talk to your supervisor. It is your responsibility to talk to your
supervisor whenever any performance or safety issue afects
your job. A drinking worker could be just as dangerous as a
defective saw. You wouldn't hesitate to bring the saw to your
supervisor's attention, would you?
o If you are uncomfortable, suggest to your supervisor that there
may be a problem. A good supervisor will take the initiative and
pick up the issue from there.

Whatever you do, make sure you do something. Watch out for your coworker as they may need help. If you don't, you may pay dearly for someone
else's mistake.

AVOIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS

Electrical hazards can be found in all industries. Avoiding electrical shocks
both at home and at work requires awareness of the hazards and a respect
for this "Silent Killer." The human body has a low resistance to electricity,
making it a good conductor, like most metals. Unlike metals however, the
human body does not respond well when electricity passes through it.
Physical results include thermal burns, disruption of normal heart activity,
severe muscle contractions, and even death.
The most common and serious electrical injuries occur when electrical
current flows between the hands and feet. This happens when a person
touches an energized line. The electrical energy is looking for the shortest
path to the ground, and it will pass through the body to the feet to reach it.
When this occurs, a persons heart and lungs are frequently damaged by the
electrical energy.
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Placing an insulator between the energy and the point of physical contact is
one method of protection. Porcelain, rubber, pottery and dry wood ofer
substantial resistance to the flow of electricity, and are therefore good
insulators. These materials can often protect a person from electrical shock.
Precautions for avoiding electrical shocks include, but are not limited to, the
following:

Always make sure electric tools are properly grounded or double

insulated. The double insulated tool must have an undamaged outer
case and be clearly labeled as "double insulated" by the manufacturer.

Always check to be sure the grounding system is complete. Unless

they are designated as double insulated, grounded power tools must
be attached to a grounded service circuit. If there is any doubt about
the grounding, test it! (Ground testers are inexpensive.)

Use heavy duty grounded extension cords. These cords have two
layers of insulation, with reinforcement between the layers. They are
less susceptible to damage than house-hold type cords. To check if the
cord is heavy duty, check its shape. Most flat cords are not heavy duty.
Heavy duty cords will have a marking on the insulation such as: "S",
"SJ",
"SJO",
etc.

Avoid mixing water and electricity! Not only keep cords, tools and
working/walking surfaces dry, keep your hands and feet dry as well.
The electrical resistance of wet skin is at least 100 times less than dry
skin. Wet skin greatly increases the likelihood of severe shock if a
person comes in contact with a live circuit. If you must work around
water, connect to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to
automatically shut of the current if there is an abnormal current flow.

Never work on or around a live electrical circuit. Lock Out the power so
that only you have control over energizing the machine or equipment.
Don't take chances.

Remember, electricity strikes without warning-always play it safe!

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BACK CARE: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

"OUCH! Why did I try to lift that much weight on my own?" Did you ever
ponder those words after you hoisted something heavy, or lifted from an
awkward position? These incidents are well known causes of back strain, but
you might not have considered other "underlying" factors that lead to back
injury. Several conditions influence your "back health."
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The cause of most back problems is poor posture, loss of flexibility, stressful
living/working habits and above all, a general decline in physical fitness.
Surprised? You shouldn't be. When you "let yourself go," (and most of us do
with age) the first thing to go can be back strength. Along with correct lifting
techniques, we should also work on our overall physical condition.
Nutrition--is an important key to staying physically fit! As we grow older, our
metabolism slows down. To counteract this natural event, we have to eat the
right types of food-and not too much of it-or the pounds come on quickly!
Now, what does nutrition have to do with a healthy back? For one thing, a
healthy back is correctly balanced on your spine. With a "sway" back, that
balance is lost-and those darned potbellies cause sway backs. Carrying
around excess weight puts tremendous strain on back tissues, so lifting even
a small extra load may cause an injury.
Exercise--plays an important role as well. A form of exercise as simple as
walking 30 minutes a day can raise your heart rate and burn enough calories
to help keep you lean. Flexibility is another condition that changes as we
grow older, if we don't work to retain it. It's true, as they say-"Use it or lose
it!" Without flexibility, we lose our body's full range of motion. Then, when a
sudden, physical demand takes a muscle or joint further than it's used to, the
risk of injury is high. You can do stretching exercises every morning to keep
yourself flexible and ready for the physical demands of work. After all, don't
athletes warm up before a game to prevent injury?
Fixed positions--not moving enough--can also cause back problems. Staying
in a fixed position for too long can lead to muscle spasms. We feel it as
stifness, but by the time discomfort from "static" muscle contractions is
experienced, low level tissue damage has begun. Take stretch breaks
between long standing or sitting periods to improve circulation and prevent
back strain.
Poor body mechanics and bad lifting habits usually "trigger" a back injuryand are more likely to do so if overall physical condition is poor. Remember
these techniques to help escape injury:

Avoid using fast, jerking motions when lifting.

Avoid bending and twisting at the same time.

Avoid handling a load too far away! Keep the load close to your body.

Teamwork! If the load is too heavy, two persons should carry the load.

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Emotional Stress leads to mental distraction, so that things other than proper
body mechanics are on your mind. Stress and back pain seem to go together.
Low back pain has been called "a tension headache that slipped." Solving our
personal problems isn't always easy to do, but it often takes away back pain
and helps prevent repeated injuries.
In Conclusion: Improper lifting isn't the only thing that causes back injuries.
People who do not also stay in good physical and mental condition are at
high risk for back problems.
It's Up To You--Take Good Care Of Your Body and Save Your Back!

BACK INJURY PREVENTION TIPS

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Most of you have probably heard that in order to lift safely, you must lift
properly. You're told to "bend your knees not your back," and "don't twist as
you lift." This is good advice but sometimes seems to go against human
nature. Yet, there are actions you can take to help you lift properly.
1. Get as close to the load as possible. The further the load is from the
center line of your body, the greater the strain imposed on your back. If need
be, squat down to lift the load and pull it between your legs. This gets it
closer to the center of your body and helps prevent the need to bend at the
waist. However, since your leg muscles are the largest muscles in your body,
they are the biggest energy consumers. Repeated squatting can be very
fatiguing, and reduces a person's ability to lift in this manner for any length
of time. In addition to lifting the load, you are also hoisting the majority of
your body weight. For repeated lifting, other strategies must be used.
2. Avoid picking up heavy objects placed below your knees. Try to see
that heavy objects are placed and stored above knee level and below
shoulder level. If you suspect the load is too heavy to be lifted comfortably,
do not chance it. Use a mechanical aid, break the load down into its
component parts, or get help. The most common cause of back injury is
overloading.
3. Keep your back straight. This means don't bend at the waist when
reaching to lift an object. Keep the natural arch in your lower back, which
distributes the load evenly over the surface of spinal disks, and is less
stressful than if the disk is pinched between vertebras. Bending principally
from the hips is acceptable if you maintain the arch in your back, rather than
bending at the waist.
4. Glue your hand to your thigh. If you carry a load in one hand, such as
when carrying a tool box, place your free hand on the outside of your thigh
and mentally "glue" it into position. This will help you maintain correct back
alignment rather than lifting and tilting to one side. When carrying a heavy
load, side bending can be just as stressful to the spine as bending forward.
5. Tighten your stomach muscles. This technique helps prevent your
spine from twisting. If you lift a load and need to place it of to one side, turn
by moving your feet. After repeated lifts you might find yourself getting a bit
sloppy and forgetting to move your feet. You can overcome this tendency if
the place you set the load down is at least one step away from where it is
lifted. If you wear a back support belt, wear it low on your trunk and loosen it
when you are not lifting.
6. Stay in good physical condition. A protruding stomach is an extra load
carried away from the center line of the body, and prevents you from
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keeping a lifted object close-the number one rule for back care. When you
bend at the waist to lift, due to the leverage principal, the load is up to 10
times heavier than its actual weight. A "pot belly" puts extra, stressful weight
on the spine.
7. Stretch and loosen up before work. Research has shown that trunk
flexibility and mobility is significantly lower in the morning than later in the
day, increasing the number and severity of back strains at this time. A few
minutes of stretching can warm up cold stif muscles and tendons and help
you avoid an injury. All professional athletes know this-"industrial athletes"
should too!

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BEING MENTALLY PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

Would you know what to do if an emergency occurred while you were on the
job? Do you know what actions to take if a co-worker was seriously injured, a
fire ignited, or a structure collapsed? Are you prepared to react?
Emergencies and disasters are a reality of everyday life. Local and
international news programs document such occurrences every day
throughout the world. Too many lives are lost and property is damaged
because no one was prepared to properly react when immediate decisions
and actions counted.
A good start in learning how to respond to an emergency is through
certification in Basic First Aid and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).
These courses teach important skills. But even more important than the first
aid skills gained, they teach how to respond to an emergency. Programs
ofered by organizations such as the highly respected American Red Cross
teach people about the kind of situations or conditions that might precipitate
an emergency. Knowing what to look for and how to react could save the life
of a co-worker or family member.
Your company should have an emergency action plan. Review it periodically,
and be aware of what steps to follow when calling for emergency help. Know
the course of action to take in likely emergencies at your facility. This will
improve your safety awareness in everything you do.
Safety awareness may be gained through the company's regular safety
meetings, safety training or your own personal interest in safety & health.
This awareness will increase your ability to respond if, some day in the
future, you are a bystander in an emergency. This is particularly important if
you work in a hazardous industry. You should be able to answer the following:
How and who do you notify in an emergency?
Are you prepared to react responsibly?
Should you stay with the injured person or run for help?
If you are not First Aid certified, do you know who in your crew or the
company is?
Does the emergency scene need to be secured?
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Do you know the chain of command? Who's in charge during an

emergency?
You come to work everyday prepared for the task at hand and knowledgeable
on how to handle production problems in the workplace. Being mentally
aware is also your best preparation for a potential emergency. Analyze
beforehand what to do if one of your co-workers is injured, and if that injury
is life threatening. Know how to protect yourself, your co-workers and the
company in case of a serious chemical spill. Chances are, during a crisis, you
won't have much time to plan the best possible action-so make those
decisions ahead of time.
When an emergency does occur, it is your responsibility to be mentally
ready.

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BACKING INTO TROUBLE (GENERAL SAFETY)

When we are walking around on the job, particularly when handling material,
we are subject to many dangers. Think about the following scenarios and see
if you have ever been in a similar position:
An employee was inside a truck removing empty drums onto the truck's
elevator tail gate and lowering it. Another employee was removing the
drums and sending the elevator tail gate back up. The employee inside the
vehicle had his back to the tail gate as he pulled the next drum towards the
tail gate - which he thought was even with the bed of the truck. As he swung
the drum into place and stepped onto what was now open space, he fell of
the truck onto the lowered gate. Following him down was the drum he was
moving and he sustained additional injuries.
Two errors in judgment caught up with the victim. First, he ASSUMED that the
tail gate had been returned to a safe position. And despite the fact that he
was moving a heavy, bulky item, he did not check to make sure of his safe
positioning. Second, he was working in an unwise manner: He moved
backwards with a heavy object. There is always the danger that the load may
get out of control and cause an injury. A load should always be in front so you
can see where you are going, and so you will be in the clear if the load gets
away from you.
In another incident, an employee was walking backwards directing a vehicle
into an aisle-way inside a warehouse. He did not see material on the lower
rack sticking out into the aisle. He backed into and fell over the protruding
object. The truck continued to back up and pinned him against the rack
before it could be stopped. A cut on the leg and a badly bruised elbow was
his reward for this unsafe act.
The employee was not watching where he was going. Making matters worse
was an unsafe condition of an object protruding into an aisle-way.
When you are on foot, it is always dangerous to move backwards,
particularly when handling materials. It is quicker and safer to move in a
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forward direction. Avoid moving backwards whenever you can. If you must
move in a backward direction, check your path before you move and as often
as possible while moving.
BE SAFE OUT THERE!!

BE CAUTIOUS WITH SULFURIC ACID

Sulfuric acid is widely used in industry for a variety of purposes such as
metal cleaning and etching, production of fertilizers, petroleum produces,
dyes and explosives. Like all acids it is reactive. Simply put, this means that
when the liquid comes into contact with another material, something is going
to happen. This is where the danger lies. If sulfuric acid comes in contact
with any part of your body, a rapid destruction of tissue takes place, capable
of causing severe burns. When a burn occurs, it also gives rise to the
possibility of secondary problems such as infection. Burns are never to be
considered trivial.
The strength or concentration of acids can vary. If transported in bulk
quantities, the acid is usually "full strength." If used as a cleaning agent, it
may be highly diluted. In both cases, the material is dangerous. In its
concentrated form, sulfuric acid destroys not only the outer skin, it can also
penetrate into the flesh under your skin, destroying it. This causes great pain
and, if the damage is great enough, may result in shock, collapse or other
problems which typically accompany thermal burns. Even dilute
concentrations in contact with skin can cause dermatitis, or skin irritation.
Prolonged breathing of the vapors or mists can cause respiratory disorders.
Protection: Here is something to think about. Sulfuric acid can burn through
your skin into your flesh. It can cause your clothes to disintegrate. It can
erode concrete and etch metal. Imagine what a drop or two would do to your
sensitive and unprotected eyes. When working with or around Sulfuric acid,
eye and face protection is a must. Safety glasses alone are not adequate.
Wear chemical-type goggles (these have indirect vents), and a face shield.
Protective clothing should include, at a minimum, an acid-resistant long
apron and gloves. When working with large quantities, you will need to wear
an acid-resistant "rain-suit" and high-top boots, with the pant leg extending
over the top of the boot.

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First Aid - Rapid treatment is very important. You must wash the acid of the
body quickly. Get the victim to the emergency shower or to a hose as quickly
as possible. Start washing and as you do so, remove all acid-wet clothing.
Keep the water flowing. In cases where there are severe burns, shock may
set in. If this occurs, treat for shock by placing victims on their back and
keeping them warm. Call immediately for medical help. Do not apply any
ointments, oils or other treatments to the burned area.
If acid is swallowed, it burns tissues all the way down to the stomach. Do not
induce vomiting, which will cause additional burns as it comes up as well.
Never give anything to an unconscious person but, if the victim is conscious,
the acid should be immediately diluted. Provide milk, preferably mixed with
egg whites. If this isn't available, give as much water to drink as possible.
Prevent contact with sulfuric acid! Pre-determine hazards in your operation
and implement a prevention and treatment plan with professional assistance.
CHOCKING AND BLOCKING
An essential part of a safe working environment when loading or unloading
trucks and trailers is the proper use of equipment, which includes chocks and
blocks. Every year, workers are severely or fatally injured because the
wheels of a truck or trailer were not chocked. Vehicle drivers are also injured
when trailers overturn because unblocked freight shifted during travel.
When wheels aren't meant to roll. Accidents are caused each year when a
truck or trailer rolls away from the dock because no one took time to chock
the wheels. In some cases, drivers who got out of the cab were crushed by
their own rig. In other cases, lift truck drivers were injured when the forklift
fell between dock edge and a trailer that moved away. The wheels of trucks
or trailers at a dock should always be chocked prior to the start of any
operation, to prevent this from happening. Lift truck drivers should never
enter a trailer without first verifying that the wheels have been chocked, and
that the floor of the trailer is in good condition and capable of supporting the
weight of the forklift and it's load. In most states, OSHA requires that vehicle
wheels be chocked prior to permitting forklifts to enter trailers.
Positioning of chocks is important. The purpose of the chock is to pin the
wheels and hold them stationary so that the tractor or trailer can't move.
However, if they aren't placed in the right location they don't always prevent
movement of the wheels. The safest procedure is to always chock the wheels
closest to the dock--especially on a tandem-axle trailer. The reason is, the lift
truck entering the trailer can exert a downward force which helps pin the
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the forward motion of a forklift entering the trailer may loosen the chock,
allowing the trailer to move forward, or even jump the chock.
Shifting loads are hazardous. Freight inside the trailer must also be blocked
or secured to keep the load from shifting, which can damage other cargo or
cause a trailer to overturn in transit. Cargo needn't be round, such as reels or
machinery on wheels, to shift position. Blocking of heavier freight is used to
prevent movement during transit. To accomplish this, it may be necessary to
block each item separately, on all four sides. The type of blocking material
used is also important. Make certain that nails are long enough to hold the
block and that lumber is thick enough to prevent the cargo from shifting
without breaking. Never use other freight as blocking. If it looks like the
cargo can move around, it probably will. Take time to secure it.
Be sure the correct equipment is always available. Every loading dock should
be equipped with chocks, which if properly used, will keep vehicles from
moving while being loaded or unloaded, especially when forklift trucks are
used. Chocks will more likely be available at all times if they are fastened to
the dock with a chain or rope to prevent their "disappearance," and stored
out of the traffic areas when not in use.
Chocks and blocks help avoid accidents. Use them, and require others to use
them!
COME-A-LONGS, "COFFIN" HOISTS & CHAIN HOIST SAFETY
Hand operated hoists have many applications in rigging work. Typical
applications include hoisting pipe or plate into position for welding or bolting,
moving machinery, fence stretching and lifting engines or equipment during
repairs. These devices are simple to operate but misuse can result in sudden
failure, property damage, and serious injury. Some things to keep in mind
are:
* Inspect the hoist to be sure it is in good condition. Do not use any hoist that
appears to have been overloaded. Some things to look for include a bent
handle, stretched chain links, broken ratchet teeth, stif operation or bent
hooks. Anything that is cracked, bent, distorted, deformed or broken
probably indicates overloading. Don't use it.
* You must know the weight of the load you plan to lift. Never attach a load
greater than the capacity of the hoist. Never use two hoists to lift a load that
is heavier than the rated capacity of either. A shifting load may place the
entire load on one hoist, causing failure. Also keep in mind that capacity

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ratings are based on a new hoist. Age, dirt, wear, and improper maintenance
will reduce the lifting capacity.
* Never put a "cheater bar" on the operating lever or use more than one
person to pull the lever. It is a sure sign that the hoist is overloaded if the
load can't be moved by one person using a normal pull.
* Make sure that the structure your hoist is hanging from is strong enough to
support the load you are lifting as well as any possible shock load.
* Use these devices only in locations that will not expose you to a hazard if
you lose your grip or slip; the site of use must also permit you to stand clear
of the load at all times.
* Never operate a hoist in a manner that causes the load chain to bend or
slide around objects, such as corners or sharp edges. Do not use load chains
or cables as a substitute for a sling.
* Apply the load evenly. Do not jerk, bounce, or allow the load to swing. Any
violent motion or shock loads could easily exceed the capacity of your hoist.
* Always be sure the load is centered on the hoist before lifting, to avoid a
swinging load.
* Never leave a suspended load unattended, and never work or walk under a
suspended load or allow anyone else to do so. By keeping these things in
mind, hoists can be used safelythink about it.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY - DON'T BE A "DEAD" HERO

You are standing at the top of an open manhole acting as an attendant for a
team of maintenance personnel who have entered a confined space that
required an entry permit. It has been several minutes since you talked to the
crew, but you can peer down into the space and see them. During your last
few checks with them, everything was A-OK.
This time, however, when you yell down to check on them, you don't get a
response. You look inside the hole and you notice that they are slumped over
or leaning up against the wall like they are taking a nap.
You yell for help but know that it will be some time before a rescue team
arrives. Those are your friends down there, and they need your help. They
are real close to the top, why you almost could just reach down and pull
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them up. Your pulse is beating and you are breathing hard from excitement.
You're yelling at the workers, trying to arouse them. Something has to be
done . . . so . . . you jump down into the hole.
The rescue team arrives in time to pull your lifeless body out with the rest.
The record will show that you attempted to rescue your friends and gave
your life doing so. Some would say you were a hero. Yes, but a dead one!
The moral of this scenario is that when you are an attendant watching over a
confined space, your duty is to observe and assist from above. If you have a
tag line on the person inside and can pull them out without entry, go ahead
(but how much dead weight can you lift from below your feet). If you have
the proper rescue tripod, you can winch the victim to the surface. At no time
do you enter the space to attempt rescue. You can wait until a new attendant
arrives, and after you put on the proper rescue equipment and enter
(providing of course you have been trained in rescue procedures). But you
must never .. never .. never abandon your duties as the attendant and
attempt rescue on your own.
You have no idea what the hazards are that overcame your co-workers. And
like the scenario described above, you might wind up as a DEAD HERO.
Confined spaces can be killers. Know what the risks are and take appropriate
measures to control them. Be sure that air samples are taken before entry,
and as frequently as required by the activities being conducted. Provide
ventilation into the space if required. Use all personal protective equipment
in accordance with the manufacturers directions. Use your entry permit to
log the sample results and the time of test. Have a rescue plan established
before it is needed.
We want you to walk away from all confined space entry situations. We don't
want to carry you away in a body bag. Think SAFETY and stay ALIVE.

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COMPLACENCY
My dictionary defines complacency this way, self-satisfaction
accompanied by unawareness of actual danger or deficiencies.
I am not sure of the statistics; however, there is no doubt in my mind that
numerous accidents have occurred due to allowing ourselves to become
complacent in our everyday activity. (On and of the job)
I have often said that working safely is not easy, nor is it automatic. We have
to work at it with the highest degree of awareness.
If we just stop for a moments and think we all can come up with instances
that we did become complacent. It happens to us because we perform many
functions on an almost continuous basis. Many of our jobs are repetitive in
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nature, and the more we repeat what we are doing, the better the chance
that we are becoming complacent without even realizing it. Therein lies the
potential danger, the danger of complacency.
We must remember that life is what happens, when we are making other
plans. We become complacent about our personal safety by repeated
exposure to situations without consequence.
We take shortcuts and with the absence of consequents, cause us to become
more lax about our personal safety, in other words we are becoming
complacent.
Personal safety is not like a light switch that you can turn on or of. The
personal safety switch must continuously be in the on position.
Just because we feel safe, does not mean we are safe. On the contrary,
feeling safe all the time, could be the biggest threat to our well being,
because we are drifting into that complacent mode.
One key to avoid the complacency trap is to form safety habits. Habits that
you do over and over until they override your former unsafe behaviour and
become automated.
Habits such as, wearing gloves, glasses, proper foot wear, safety harness on
and ready to tie of, face shield when grinding, removing tripping hazards,
attending safety meetings and paying attention, using seat belts, tying of a
ladder etc etc.
Is it not better to form these types of automatic habits, and let them become
the norm?
There is an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt. To paraphrase, I
would say that, familiarity breeds complacency. Lets work in a manner that
we ensure we do not fall into the complacency trap.

CELL PHONES
Working on or near streets and highways requires your constant awareness
for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and workers. Our full attention and
all of our physical capabilities should be focused on what we are doing if we
expect to perform our job in a safe manner. An injury or loss of life is a high
price to pay because we didn't want to miss a phone call.
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For this reason, personal cell phones are not allowed on the jobsite without
permission from your supervisor or foreman. They are to be kept with your
other belongings, i.e., locked in a vehicle or left back at the motel or in your
home. You are never supposed to be making or receiving calls on personal
(unauthorized) cell phones while you are working.
Because cell phones have been listed as a contributing factor in vehicle
accidents, all drivers (even if authorized to use a cell phone on the job) are
not allowed to talk on the phone while driving. If you receive a call or it is
necessary to make a call, pull of the road to a safe spot and park your
vehicle.

COLD MEDICATION & DROWSINESS

Cold and flu season is here again. Now is a good time for our annual warning
about using over-the-counter cold and flu medications during work hours.
Sometimes, cold remedies and work are not a good mix.
The most common side efect of over-the counter cold and flu medicine is
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five percent of people taking these medications report daytime drowsiness.

This can be more than just an annoyance. Approximately 200,000 vehicle
accidents are attributed to sleepiness every year. Fatigue is a factor in nearly
one-third of truck accidents where the driver is killed. Taking medications,
then coming to work and using machinery or sharp tools, can be dangerous.
So, when you are ill, what should you do?
In many cases, your employer may not want you to show up for work when
you have a bad cold or the flu. Not only does your risk of injury increase if
medication causes you to be drowsy, but your productivity is likely to be poor
as well. In addition, you may pass a virus to co-workers so that they too
become ill. Finally, your own recovery may be delayed if you are not getting
enough rest to fight the ailment. But, sometimes you must come to work and
you need to take medications. If this is the case, remember the following:
Let your supervisor know. --It may be possible to change your work
assignments or temporarily arrange for less hazardous work. You probably
shouldn't do tasks that require the use of a respirator, or that are highly
demanding, physically. Another reason for speaking to your supervisor is to
acknowledge that your performance may not be quite up to par for a few
days. Also, should you be injured, your supervisor and emergency
responders will need to know what medications you are taking if you are
unable to recall.
Follow the recommended dosages. -- Exceeding the recommended dose will
not help you get well faster or feel any better. In fact, what usually happens
is that side efects, such as drowsiness, become more pronounced.
Do not mix medications--. Remember, these pills, capsules, or tonics are
chemicals. They may be incompatible when mixed, causing more harm than
good. A mixture of medicines, or medicine mixed with alcohol, may intensify
a side efect or even be dangerous.
Read the label. -- This is where you will find the information you need about
dosage and side efects. If you can't read or don't fully understand the label,
ask or phone the pharmacist.
Don't try new remedies during work hours. -- If you feel like experimenting
with something new or diferent, do it over the weekend. Everyone reacts
diferently to cold and flu medication. Find one that works best and gives you
the least troublesome side efects, and stay with it.
Wash your hands often. -- We give this advice to kids, but everyone should
remember it during cold and flu season. More cold viruses are transmitted

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from hand to hand, from doorknob to hand, from hand to mouththan in any
other way. The best cold and flu solution is prevention!

COMMON SENSE AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Generally speaking, we are not born with common sense, we acquire it
throughout life. Actually, common sense is really common experience--we
learn about life from others' experiences as well as our own. Awareness of
your environment, self-preservation and concern for your fellow workers are
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all factors in good common sense. Contrary to popular opinion, all workers
can prevent themselves from getting hurt. The easy way to avoid pain is to
observe how others have taken risks and been injured, rather than learning
the hard way--from your own injury. That's common sense!
The experts say at least 80% of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe
acts on the part of employees--and not by unsafe conditions. Although
employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace, it is
up to you to be aware of your work environment and follow safe work
practices. By avoiding unsafe acts and practicing common sense, your work
will go smoother, with less chance for accidents.
Statistically, most accidents are caused by unsafe acts, including:
Being In A Hurry - Sometimes there is more concern for completing a job
quickly instead of safely. Take time to do a good job and a safe job.
Taking Chances - Daring behavior or blatant disregard for safe work practices
can put the whole work team at risk. Follow all company safety rules and
watch out for your fellow employees. Horseplay is never appropriate on the
job and can lead to disciplinary action.
Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting of at work, thinking about the
weekend and not paying attention to your work can get you seriously hurt or
even killed. Focus on the work you are paid to do. If your mind is troubled or
distracted, you're at risk for an accident.
Having A Negative Attitude - Being angry or in a bad mood can lead to
severe accidents because anger nearly always rules over caution. Flying of
the handle at work is potentially dangerous. Keep your bad moods in check,
or more than one person may be hurt. Remember to stay cool and in charge
of your emotions.
Failing To Look For Hidden Hazards - At many jobsites, work conditions are
constantly changing. Sometimes new, unexpected hazards develop. Always
be alert for changes in the environment. Hidden hazards include spilled
liquids that could cause slips and falls; out-of-place objects that can be
tripped over; unmarked floor openings one could step into; low overhead
pipes that could mean a head injury; and other workers who don't see you
enter their hazardous work area.
Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won't become one more accident
statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive
attitude and keep your mind on your work. This is just common sense-something smart workers use!
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CRANE COUNTERWEIGHTS

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Although it seems like everyone knows of the danger of being struck by a

crane's counterweight, this type of accident still persists in industry. The
following incidents illustrate the hazards faced by employees working near
cranes.

An ironworker was tying rebar for a column in the close proximity of a

crawler crane. The crane was busy positioning other material on the
job site. The ironworker stepped backwards just as the crane swung its
load. The ironworker was struck by the crane's counterweight.

A laborer who was carrying a bag of cement inadvertently walked

behind a crane. The crane swung and the worker was pinned between
the counterweight and an adjacent pier.

A laborer foreman stopped briefly between a lumber pile and crane to

watch its operation. As the crane turned, the foreman stepped back to
provide additional room for the swing of the counterweight. The
foreman tripped and fell over a pile of lumber.

A common element in all of the above incidents was the failure to keep the
swing area of the crane's counterweight clear of workers and materials or
equipment that must be retrieved. Several solutions to this problem are:
1. Eliminate the problem -- Locate the crane in a position where there will
be no pinch points created between the counterweights and nearby
objects. The operator should only operate the equipment when the
crane's swing area is clear.
2. Guard or warn of the hazard -- The counterweight's swing area can be
barricaded to keep workers out of the hazard zone. When appropriate,
warning tape can be used to identify the swing area. Painting a portion
of the counterweight a bright color helps to warn of the hazard by
making it more highly visible.
3. Eye to eye contact -- All workers in the area should be told to keep
clear of the swing area. If material or equipment must be retrieved
from within the counterweight swing area, the worker should make
positive visual contact with the operator prior to entering the hazard
zone. Once the worker is done, the operator and worker should once
again make positive visual contact so that the operator knows it is now
safe to continue full operation.
KEEP WORKERS & MATERIALS CLEAR OF THE CRANE SWING AREA!!

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CRANE OPERATIONS - WORKING UNDER THE LOAD

When you think about it, the human body is totally out-matched when it tries
to go against a load being lifted by a crane. Think of the dangers for a
moment. First the load is being lifted by a mechanical device operated by a
human being. We know that both are subject to limitations and failures.
Something can go wrong despite our best intentions. Loads can be heavy,
difficult to rig, and are subject to unexpected movement. There is only one
sure way to avoid injury-stay clear of the load!
Crane movements should always be considered prior to set up. Every efort
should be made to avoid having to move the load over the work area. If this
cannot be done, work should be temporarily halted and the area cleared
while the pick is taking place.
Be aware of what is happening around you and above you.
Others may not be as conscientious as they should. An operator may not
even think of the danger of moving a load over your head. If you see a load
coming, get out of the way. Don't forget to look out for your buddy also.
Riggers and others may have to work near a suspended load in order to
guide it into position. The use of tag lines can help keep you out of harm's
way. The tag line will put distance between yourself and the load in the event
the load shifts or moves unexpectedly. Tag lines can help keep a load under
control but remember, your weight is no match against a load that has
started to swing or spin and develop momentum. Let it settle down on its
own.
When tending tag lines, never loop the line around your hand, arm, or body.
This could cause you to be dragged along with the load. Wear gloves. This
helps you avoid rope burn.

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CLEAR THE AISLES

Inside most plants, well marked and efficiently laid out aisles are needed to
provide optimum protection and ease of movement of personnel and
material.
Aisle lines are intended to provide unobstructed paths for personnel and
vehicles conveying materials, parts in processes or finished products from
location to location. Therefore, we must observe certain travel patterns for
such traffic as well as rules for their movement.
Perhaps the first consideration in keeping these paths clear is to see that
nothing is stacked so that it extends beyond the marked line. Also see that
nothing is left in the aisle ways, such as tools, boxes, scrap and debris.
Constantly check floor conditions and report those areas needing attention to
your supervisor. This applies to areas where lights have burned out and
better illumination is needed.
Most aisle ways have intersections where various precautionary methods
have been installed, such as warning signs, four-way stops and convex
corner mirrors. Alarms for overhead hazards, like cranes and hoists,
consisting of gongs, sirens or bells, are required. Pay attention to them and
stay alert.
Aisle safety and powered industrial trucks are closely related. Powered
industrial truck operators must learn a set of rigid rules, including procedures
relating to the manner of travel, warnings, relationship to pedestrian traffic,
speed, security of the load and procedures at aisle intersections. It is the
responsibility of all of us to cooperate and observe the rules laid down for
powered industrial truck operators. Aisle marking is a fundamental part of
truck and pedestrian movement in almost every large plant.
Therefore, it only makes sense that to provide the utmost in safe working
conditions we must all be courteous to each other.
It must be pointed out that there will be times when it is necessary to have
an electric power cord or a compressed industrial gas hose cross an aisle
way. Provisions will be made for bridging by affixing boards on either side of
the cord or hose so that neither trucks nor pedestrians need come in contact
with the hose or cord.
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The importance of clear aisles is brought sharply to our attention when we

consider access to fire extinguishers and to fire escape routes. Never permit
aisles to become cluttered, especially where it could prevent persons from
reaching a fire extinguisher, turning in an alarm or escaping in the event of a
fire.

Lastly, be sure if you are guiding a load with a tag line that your travel path
is clear and safe before the load is suspended. You will be spending a lot of
time watching the load, rather than where you are going. It would be a
shame to take all of the precautions to avoid being caught by the load, only
to be injured in a fall.

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CTD's -- HOW CAN YOU PREVENT THEM?

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD's) are strains that may result from longterm repetitive motion or from continually working in an awkward position.
Strains commonly occur in the wrists, arms, shoulders or back, afecting the
body's joints and surrounding muscles and tendons.
CTD's are said to be today's fastest growing occupational problem, afecting
all types of employees, from computer operators to construction workers.
Modern equipment, tools and machinery have increased production
capabilities in many ways. But in some cases, they have also increased the
potential for strain injuries in people. These disorders not only cause great
discomfort, they can also afect a person's employability and personal
lifestyle choices.
SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING YOUR EXPOSURE TO CTD's:

Do warm-up exercises before beginning physically demanding tasks

(take a tip from athletes).

Plan ahead, if you will be doing a job that is awkward--think of ways to

make it easier.

Rotate your work position, to change how muscles are used during
your work shift.

Use the proper tool for the job to avoid awkward movements and the
need for overexertion.

Take a rest break when fatigue sets in. Just a few minutes can make a
diference.

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Carefully stretch tired or overworked muscles to improve circulation

and relieve tension.

When appropriate, use anti-shock or anti-vibration gloves, back

supports, wrist supports, or other personal protective equipment that
helps prevent cumulative trauma.

Always use proper lifting techniques. Back strain is one of the most
common CTD's.

When using hand tools keep your wrists in a "neutral" position, as

opposed to repeatedly bending them up, down or sideways during
work tasks.

Just because a co-worker is not afected by a physically demanding

task, don't ignore messages your body sends you. Although humans
share many physical characteristics, people are often diferent in terms
of their physical strengths and weaknesses.

All muscle discomfort and fatigue is not a cumulative trauma disorder.

Everyone experiences occasional aches and pains from both work and playespecially when you are not used to the activity. Nevertheless, awkward,
repetitive work positions can result in long-term physical problems, so it's up
to you to avoid these in whatever ways you can. If the ache doesn't go away
within a day or two, follow the above suggestions.
If you have early symptoms of chronic discomfort, report it immediately to
your supervisor. The sooner a better tool or work position can be
incorporated into your work activities; the sooner those symptoms can be
controlled.
Listen to what your body tells you and learn how to avoid CTD's!

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DERMATITIS
Industrial dermatitis is an umbrella term that covers a whole variety of skin
disorders. If your skin is itchy, or feels bumpy and looks red with a rash, you
may have industrial dermatitis.
Dermatitis is caused by chemical residues on the skin, friction, pressure or
the secondary efects of abrasions, wounds, bruises, the introduction of
foreign bodies into the skin; heat, cold, water, sunlight, non-iodizing radiation
and electricity; plants (poison ivy) and bacterial hazards, all can cause
dermatitis.
To avoid industrial dermatitis, observe these simple do's and don'ts.
DO wash thoroughly before and after possible contact with irritants. Include all
exposed skin not just the hands.
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DO wear clean clothes.

DO wear gloves and protective clothing.
DO use barrier creams when appropriate.
DO protect yourself from the elements when working out of doors.
DON'T touch an unfamiliar substance until you find out what precautions
should be taken.
DON'T wash with gasoline or other solvents or with harsh soaps or abrasives.
DON'T wipe grime of with dirty rags.
DON'T ignore skin irritations. Get immediate medical help if a rash appears.

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER

Highways are a marvelous example of modern engineering, but no matter
how good or bad the roads are, they can still become very dangerous.
Driving speeds can be very dangerous and should be reduced when sleet,
snow or ice is on the roadway. Below are some helpful suggestions for driving
in bad weather.
When the roads are slippery, look far ahead to anticipate emergencies or
conditions that may require sudden maneuvering of your vehicle. Most skids
that occur on the highway are caused by sudden stops or turning on slippery
pavement.
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When driving on hills, special precautions should be taken. When going over
the top of a blind hill, go at a speed that will enable you to bring your vehicle
to a stop in case the highway ahead is not clear. Remember that when going
downgrade, both loss of traction and gravity are working against you. Wet, icy or
snow covered pavement on downgrades are significant hazards and may
cause your vehicle to slide or skid.
Do not try to drive around or through a scene where other vehicles have had
trouble with the road conditions. The cause of the road conditions may still
be there when you arrive.
You should always allow plenty of clearance between your vehicle and other
vehicles, or fixed objects when maneuvering on bad road surfaces. Avoid
driving on the shoulder of any road, particularly in wet conditions.
Undermining caused by water and mud may cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.
Brake line freeze can be very annoying and dangerous. Drivers should take
care to protect the air supply from freezing up. Newer vehicles are often
equipped with synthetic air lines, so the old solution of melting the ice with a
torch is not a quick solution anymore. If a vehicle is not equipped with an air
dryer or other ways to automatically expel water and other contaminants
from air tanks, you should take the time to manually drain the air tanks every
day.
During the winter months, the lighting system of a vehicle becomes very
important. Nights are longer and the visibility is usually worse because of the
weather. It is a good idea to inspect brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights
on a vehicle more often during the winter months and to clean them when
necessary so they can be easily seen by others around you on the highways.
Even though all precautions and good practices are followed, watch out!
There will still be occasions when conditions become too hazardous to
proceed. When conditions are bad, pull of the road to a safe place and notify
your company the reason for the delay. A brief delay in your trip will be far
less costly than a serious accident caused by bad weather.

DRIVER QUIZ
All most all of the vehicle accidents that occur on public roads are caused by
a few common driving errors. Unfortunately we all develop some bad habits
and when it comes to driving, these habits can be dangerous.

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Of course, it's easy to spot careless or reckless drivers on the roadunless

that person happens to be yourself. The Highway Users Federation has
developed a self-rating quiz of the driving habits that are often identified as
major contributors to traffic accidents. Eight or more YES answers indicate
good driving habits. Less means improvement is needed. If you answer yes
to less than five of the questions, your chances of being involved in an
accident are very great!
BE HONEST AND JUDGE YOURSELF
1. Do you always signal before turning at intersections?
2. Do you always make a complete stop at intersections with flashing red
lights?
3. Do you always wait for the light to turn green before proceeding?
4. Do you always stick to the posted speed limit?
5. Do you always keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front
of you when following other vehicles?
6. Do you always slow down and stop when the light turns yellow?
7. Do you always make a complete stop at STOP signs?
8. Do you always wait for a broken yellow line before passing the car in front
of you?
9. Do you always slow down at intersections on two-lane roads without
lights or stop signs?
10. Do you always keep your lights on low beam even though oncoming
cars fail to dim theirs?
11. Do you maintain eye contact with objects on all sides by regularly
checking the rear and side view mirrors?
12. Do you always avoid weaving in and out, or around traffic just to save
time when driving on expressways?
13. Do you and your passengers always buckle their seat belts?
DRESS THE PART

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We wear clothing that can either protect us from an accident or pull us into
one. It all depends on whether we wear the proper clothing at the proper
time. For example, gloves should be worn when handling rough material but
a worker sufered a seriously disabled hand when the glove on his hand caught
and wound around a power drill he was using.
Pants that are too long may cause you to trip coming down a ladder or
stepping backward. Your heel can catch and down you go. Cufs can catch on
the equipment and cause a fall.
Work shoes need thick soles and ankle support. Don't use your worn out
dress shoes on the job.
Keep your clothes clean. Dusty or oil soaked clothing can cause skin
irritations. Also clothes soaked with oil and grease can result in fatal burns
should their wearer come in contact with a spark or flame.
Wear enough clothing in cold weather. Wool is warmer than cotton and two
light layers are better than one real heavy one.
Leave of the decorations. One man lost a finger when his ring caught as he
fell climbing down from a truck. Loose watch chains, keys on belts, or any
item that might hook on something should be avoided.
Remember that hard hats and safety glasses protect our brains and our
eyes.
We would think a football player crazy to come out on the field to play in a
baseball uniform. Let's dress right for our jobs, too.

DEVELOP AND "SELL" YOUR SAFETY SOLUTIONS

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The best ideas for improving the work environment often come from the
people who are most afected by what happens in that environment-the
workers. But how can employees efectively create solutions to their
workplace safety problems, communicate their ideas for improvement to
management, and have those ideas be seriously considered? Two tools are
needed-a structured approach to solving problems and a way to submit
formal suggestions.
A Five Step Approach to Solving Problems:
1. Identify the Problem. Perhaps you already have a specific, perplexing
safety problem in mind. It may be a piece of equipment or a process within
your department that needs improvement. Define the problem as it now
exists-the more specific the better. If excess costs are associated with this
problem, knowing what these are will make it easier to explain the problem
to management. This will also help you develop clear solutions.
2. Make a list of options. What possibilities exist to fix the problem? What are
the results you are looking for? Brainstorm a multitude of ideas which could
efectively and efficiently eliminate the problematic situation.
3. List the consequences. You can rarely do one thing without having it afect
someone or something else. All ideas have pros and cons associated with
them. Consider all sides of the issue and the efect each option may have on
other departments or workers.
4. Compare the options. How much efort will be required? How much time
and money will it take? You may need some help from your supervisor in
calculating time and costs.
5. Choose the best option. Step 4 should help identify the proper choices.
Again, discussing this with your supervisor or someone else higher up may
help you see the bigger picture and aid you in making the best choice.
Submitting the Formal Suggestion
1. Describe the current safety problem in a brief, clear, and objective
statement to decision makers. Explain the disadvantages of the present
situation.
2. Outline your idea. Briefly detail your suggestion for improvement, avoiding
negativity.

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3. Show how much it will cost to execute your plan. Include the anticipated
efect your idea will have on other workers or departments in your
organization.
4. Estimate the cost savings. There must be some monetary benefit to what
you are suggesting. If your plan improves safety, what are the expected cost
savings associated with preventing an injury that old methods caused? Are
there other benefits? Is it more efficient? Will it take less time? Try to state
these benefits in terms of hard dollars which can be saved.
5. Finish with a more in-depth description of your idea. Break your idea down
into its component parts. Use drawings and all other pertinent information to
emphasize the importance of your idea. Get your plan across to the decision
makers persuasively.
If you use this twofold method to address safety concerns in your workplace,
you'll be giving your management team all the information and tools they
need to make an intelligent decision. By submitting your ideas in this format,
you may also demonstrate to your organization that you are the person to be
considered for that next promotion.

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DO CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE MORE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS?

It's common knowledge that the number one cause of work-related fatalities
is vehicle accidents. Most companies have at least one truck, if not a whole
fleet of vehicles, and their drivers face the hazards of the roadway day after
day. Sometimes a trip ends tragically.
Now, a new technology threatens to increase the accident potential for
drivers. In more and more companies, cellular phones are being used by
construction, service and delivery personnel, as well as by management
levels. According to one research study, the use of a cellular phone while
driving increases the risk of having an accident four-fold. Another study
found that having a cellular phone in a vehicle increased the risk of being
involved in an accident by 34 %. The U.S. Department of Transportation
reports an increase in the number of complaints about drivers talking on
their cellular phones while operating a vehicle. Critics of these studies argue
that the research is poor and does not make a decisive connection. Besides,
having a cellular telephone in the car can be an advantage when used to call
emergency services. What do you think?
Reported Hazards Associated With Cellular Phones:

Users are said to be distracted from defensive driving practices, and

less responsive to highway traffic situations. When they do react, their
response time is said to be longer.

People on the phone are more likely to have intense conversations that
involve problem-solving-which is more distracting than shooting the
breeze with a passenger.

Passengers in the car often alert drivers to dangerous situation, and

stop talking at such times, in contrast to someone on the other end of
the line who is unaware of the traffic situation.

Cell phone users may be concentrating on dialing a number or

handling the equipment and fail to notice a stop light, traffic sign, or a
vehicle in front of them.

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Not only the driver on the phone, but other drivers on the roadway are
at increased risk if a cell phone user is the ultimate cause of an
accident.

Safety Reminders For Cell Phone Users:

Keep conversations short and sweet. Develop ways to get free of longwinded friends and associates while on the road. Don't use the cell
phone for social visiting.

Hang up in tricky traffic situations-without warning if necessary. Safe

driving takes precedence over telephone etiquette. You can explain
later-- because you'll still be alive!

Resist dialing a number while on the move in heavy traffic whenever

possible; wait until you are at a traffic light or stop sign.

Keep even more distance between you and the car ahead of you than
normally recommended.

Consider using a "hands-free" speakerphone system, so you can keep

your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road-- and still keep
talking. These speakerphones are available for many popular
telephone models. Some states have proposed legislation that requires
use of these devices.

All drivers are at risk of having a vehicle accident before, during or after
work, and the use of a cell phone may increase this risk. Concentrate on the
above reminders! Don't become a statistic!

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DRUM HANDLING
Improper handling of drums and barrels can result in severe injuries. These
include painful back sprains, smashed toes and fingers, or exposure to
hazardous chemicals if the contents are leaking. Proper work practices can
minimize your risk of injury, so consider the following tips.

Prior to handling the drum, read the label on the drum and look for
symbols, words or other marks which indicate if its contents are
hazardous, corrosive, toxic or flammable. If the drum isn't labeled,
consider the contents hazardous until they are positively identified.

Look around the drum to see if it is leaking. Before cleaning up any

spill, make sure the substance has been identified. Make sure that
you've been trained in the hazards of the chemical, and have the
correct materials for cleaning it up. Find and review the appropriate
MSDS.

Before moving the drum or barrel, replace missing bungs and/or lids
and
secure
as
necessary.

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Depending upon the contents of the drum, estimate its weight.

Determine whether you can move it yourself or if you need assistance.
A
55-gallon
drum
can
weigh
400-800
pounds.

If you decide to move it yourself, use a forklift if one is available, a

hand truck or a drum cart that is designed specifically for drum
handling.

If the drum can be rolled, stand in front of it and place both hands on
the far side of the chime. Pull the drum forward until it balances on the
bottom chime. You can now roll the drum on its chime, being careful to
keep your hands from crossing over one another. You can also lower
the drum to the ground for rolling by shifting your hands to the bottom
side of the chime (not where they will be crushed). Then slowly lower
the drum to the floor. Keep your back straight and bend at your knees.
Then roll the drum with both hands. Don't use your feet or grasp the
ends.

To upend a barrel or drum, a drum lifter bar is preferable. If one is not

available, crouch in front of the drum, knees apart and firmly grasp the
chime on each side. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles
to lift. Balance the drum on the lower chime, shift your hands to the far
edge,
and
ease
the
drum
into
the
upended
position.

Protect your hands, feet, back and face during this work. Safety shoes
should be required when moving heavy drums. Gloves, eye protection,
aprons, and other personal protective equipment may be needed,
depending
upon
the
contents
of
the
drum.

Most importantly, use material handling equipment whenever possible,

and get help when you need it!

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EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - SAFE OPERATION OF FORKLIFTS

Forklifts are a very important part of material handling in many industries.
They are also a source of serious accidents. All personnel who operate
forklifts must be trained and certified in safe operation at least once a year.
The training includes both classroom and vehicle operation. Written and
driving tests are administered by the instructor. Here are some basic safety
rules to remember when operating a forklift.
OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY

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1. The operator is in charge of his/her own vehicle. As such they are

responsible for their own safety, vehicle, load, company property and
equipment and other employees or pedestrians.
2. Only qualified drivers may operate forklifts. This will be determined by
their supervisor and be based upon experience and training.
3. Wear hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection and safety shoes as
required.
4. Horseplay is prohibited.
5. Report all accidents immediately.
6. No riders are allowed.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
In general, observe the usual traffic rules and regulations whenever possible.
These include:
1. Keep to the right on roadways and wide aisles.
2. Drive at a reasonable speed depending on location and condition of
surface.
3. Slow down at intersections, corners, ramps and other danger points.
4. Leave plenty of space between forklifts when moving.
5. Use your horn in blind spots, but don't overdo it.
6. Watch in turning that you don't cut too short.
7. Be alert for wet and slippery surfaces while driving.
8. Give pedestrians the right of way. Assume they are not aware of forklift
traffic.
9. Stop at all stop signs.
10.

When parking, do not block traffic

-Park with the forks lowered to the floor

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-Turn of the power and take the key with you, but not to your home.

EQUIPMENT HAZARDS --REPORT UNSAFE EQUIPMENT

Your employer does its best to keep equipment in good condition, but
maintenance personnel are only human and can't keep up with all the
problems in the field. Some defects will go unnoticed in spite of every efort
made.
Those of you who work with and around machines and equipment are in a
good position to notice hazardous conditions. Get in the habit of reporting
things that can lead to accidents so that corrections can be made before
they result in costly accidents and/or employee injuries. Keep in mind that
the person who sees a situation that should be fixed and fails to report it
may well end up being the victim of his/her own neglect.
Watch out for the loose or missing machine guard; the moving part with too
much play; the unlubricated machine; the missing nut or bolt; the slipping
belt; the loose or cracked shaft housing; or the moving part that can and
should be guarded, but has never had attention.
On the electrical side of the picture, watch for the continually sparking
motor, the broken switch on a tool, the damaged extension cord, the missing
face plate, loose conduit, loose conductors, the burned switch, broken plugs
and receptacles.
For conveyors, watch for sharp corners; lack of crossovers, or crossovers in
poor repair; unguarded parts on power-driven conveyors; or the lack of a
jump-out or idler roller where two conveyors meet.
Naturally, forklift truck operators are supposed to report things that go wrong
with their vehicles, just as drivers of trucks. Those who use hand trucks
should be on the watch for flat or frozen wheels, broken cross members,
loose toe plates and broken or slivered handles.
All workers should keep these ideas in mind. Do not hesitate to report a
condition that may result in an accident or injury to yourself or one of your
fellow employees. A pro-active preventive approach should be encouraged,
as safety is everyone's business.
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ERGONOMICS - THE TERM "ERGONOMICS"

Ergonomics is an important term that is currently receiving a great deal of
attention from safety professionals. Federal OSHA is in the process of
developing standards that would require every company to have an
ergonomics program. OSHA has set 1996 as the target date to have the
regulations in place. What is ergonomics and how could it afect you?
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. It considers the physical
and mental capabilities and limits of people as they interact with tools,
equipment, work methods, tasks, and the environment. The primary goal of
an ergonomics program is to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses by
adapting the work to fit the person, instead of forcing the person to adapt to
the work. The idea of ergonomics is to evaluate and control work conditions
known to cause injuries and illnesses because of the excessive demands
placed on people. In other words, "Let's find ways to work smarter rather
than harder!"
It appears that the biggest challenge will be choosing the best ergonomic
strategy to use for each particular situation. There are endless possibilities. A
careful analysis of the situation should help in choosing the most efective
strategy. As an example, let's look at just a few possible strategies to use in
situations that currently involve manual carrying activity:
1) Eliminate the need to carry. This may not be feasible, but it should be the
first strategy to consider.
2) Rearrange the layout of the task to eliminate unnecessary carrying. This
could involve relocation of receiving, storage, production, or shipping areas.
3) Reduce the weight of the object being carried or increase the weight of
the object so it is too heavy and has to be handled by mechanical devices.
4) Use mechanical handling aids such as fork lifts, hand trucks, cranes, and
four wheel dollies.
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5) Assign the task of carrying bulky or awkwardly shaped objects to two or

more people.
6) Eliminate tripping hazards with good housekeeping practices.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - ANATOMY OF AN ACCIDENT

A crew of four linemen was installing intermediate poles on an existing single
phase 14.4 KV distribution line. Three of the workers were journeymen with
30 or more years of experience. The fourth was an apprentice with almost 3
years experience. The following summary describes a tragic accident:
One of the journeymen and the apprentice were belted of below the
neutral bracket on a newly installed pole, using hot sticks to tie of the
energized conductor. Another journeymen on the ground was using a holddown to keep the conductor in place while the wraplock tie was installed.
After asking the apprentice to move to the other side of the pole, the
journeyman on the pole
began to make the first wrap on the conductor. But he began this before the
apprentice was fully in place and had secured the wrap with a hot stick.
The unsecured conductor rolled out of the insulator, fell, and contacted the
journeyman's left wrist. Trying to catch his balance, his right arm contacted
either the neutral bracket or the pole.
As a result of the current flowing through his body, the journeyman lost his
left arm and sufered severe burns over his back and right arm. He will never
work as an electrician again.
Findings of the IBEW investigating committee:
1. The primary emphasis was on production not on safety.
2. There had been no communication with the utility or employer.
3. The neutral conductor was in the primary zone instead of being tagged
down and out.
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4. No clearance from the Utility to work on energized primary, the day of the
accident.
5. Workers did not place the oil circuit reclosure into the non-reclose position.
6. The wire was not held in place with hot sticks while making hot tie.
7. The foreman did not wait for the apprentice to get back on wire after
changing his
Position on the pole.
Safety Committee Recommendations:
1. Obtain clearance from Utility prior to commencement of hot work.
2. Place circuit reclosures on "non-reclose" prior to commencing work.
3. Leave grounds and neutrals out of the work area. If not possible, cover
them.
4. Maintain positive control of energized conductors at all times, with
appropriate tools.
5. Plan ahead and discuss all moves with your pole partner before
commencing work.
6. Maintain good communication with the utility and the employer.
7. Keep current on pole-top rescue and all safe practices.
WHAT IS THE LESSON HERE?
If you work with electricity, no matter how experienced you are, what must
you remember?
What other hazards do you work with? Could you become casual and
careless about these?

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EMERGENCY! WHERE'S THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

As you walk toward the maintenance shop, you smell something burning and
see light gray smoke coming from the window. You run into the shop and find
the contents of the plastic trash can burn. What will you do? What is burning
in the trash can? Where is the closest fire extinguisher? What type of
extinguisher is it? Is the fire too big for you to put out? Do you even need a
fire extinguisher? Are there people in the shop that should be warned of the
danger?
These are questions that should be going through your mind as you assess
the situation you have found. Do you know where the closest fire
extinguisher is right now? What type is it? Can you use it on grease or
gasoline fires? Why or why not? Is the extinguisher behind a glass door that
needs to be broken? Can you break it bare handed (or should you even try)?
The vast majority of portable, hand held fire extinguishers are loaded with a
dry chemical powder that will extinguish the majority of fires you might
encounter in your daily environment. This powder is not toxic but will make
you sneeze and cough if you inhale it. (It tastes like sodium bicarbonate
which is its base powder.) This powder will extinguish Class "A", "B", and "C"
fires.
Class "A" fires involve material such as paper, plastic, wood and other
common combustibles.
Class "B" fires involve grease, oil or gasoline. Dry chemical extinguishers will
work, but these fires can be harder to extinguish and should be approached
with extreme caution.
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Class "C" fires involve burning electrical motors or transformer. This type of
fire changes from "C" to Class "A" or "B" as soon as the power is cut of (or
shorts out). Dry chemical can be used here also because it will not conduct
electricity and will put out "A" or "B" type fires.
A dry chemical extinguisher works like most spray paint, hair spray, or
shaving cream cans - it does not need to be turned upside down to use it.
When a fire emergency calls for its use, remember to sweep the
extinguisher's nozzle back-and-forth at what is burning--not at the flames or
smoke. The goal is to put a "barrier" between the fuel and the surrounding
oxygen. Don't empty the extinguisher onto the burned item after the flames
are gone. The fire might flare back up and you would be left without any
extinguishing powder if it should "re-kindle" or "re-ignite."
Prior to starting to battle the fire, designate someone to call the fire
department. Fire fighters are paid to put the fire out; they know what to do
and what to look for--even after you think you have doused it. There have
been deaths from fires that were supposedly extinguished, but came back to
life hours later.
Know where the general use fire extinguishers are throughout your facility or
work area. Don't hang your coat over them, or stack material in front of
them. Extinguishers are never needed until they are needed NOW. Keeping
them easily visible and easily accessible at all times helps ensure that when
a fire emergency occurs, a fire extinguisher can be easily and quickly
reached.
And remember-extinguishers are made for relatively small fires. If the fire is
too big or moving too fast to control, hold others away and wait for the Fire
Department.

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EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - INSPECTION AND USE OF SLINGS

Each day before being used, all slings, fastenings and attachments must be
inspected for damage or defects. Any damaged or defective sling must be
immediately removed from service. Some general safe operating practices
for slings of all types are:

Slings, which are damaged or defective, shall not be used.

Slings shall not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift

devices.

Sling legs shall not be kinked.

Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities.

Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent
slippage.

Slings shall be securely attached to their loads.

Slings shall be padded or protected from all sharp edges of their loads.
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Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions.

All persons shall be kept clear of suspended loads or those about to be

lifted.

Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load
while the sling is being tightened around the load.

Shock loading is prohibited.

A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting
on the sling.

Synthetic web slings shall be removed from service if one or more of the
following conditions are present:

Acid or caustic burns; melting or charring of any part of the sling

surface.

Snags, punctures, tears or cuts.

Broken or worn stitches.

Distortion of fittings.

E. COLI: FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

In the last few years bacteria named E. coli has become a household name.
What is E. coli? What dangers does it present, and what are the precautions
one should take to prevent being infected? Given recent, serious outbreaks
of illness, these are important questions.
Escherichia coli, more commonly called E. coli for obvious reasons, comes in
many strains. E. coli normally lives in the intestines of humans and other
warm-blooded animals without causing disease or illness. However, the
strain called E. coli 0157:H7 is diferent. This strain, first linked to human
illness in 1982, produces a dangerous toxin which is very harmful to humans.
Anyone can contract E. coli, but elderly people and those under five years of
age appear more likely to develop serious infections. Infection can cause a
complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a disease in

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which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. The majority of
people contracting HUS recover completely, however it can be fatal.
The most common source of E. coli infection is red meat, especially ground
beef which is rare or undercooked. However, E. coli 0157:H7 has been found
in other food items such as mayonnaise, unpasteurized milk, some
unpasteurized
juices,
and
contaminated
water.
Person-to-person
transmission of this bacteria is also on the rise. This manner of transmission
is typically from an infected child or adult who does not wash their hands
thoroughly after using the restroom.
What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of an E. coli infection appear about 3
days after exposure, although it can range between 1 to 9 days. The
symptoms of E. coli can be bloody or non-bloody diarrhea or abdominal
cramps. Some amount of blood is usually found in the stool as well. This
infection usually causes little or no fever. Most infected people will recover
without medication in 5 to 10 days. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is
important when diarrhea is present or there are signs of dehydration. The
use of antibiotics in fighting the disease is unproven to date. Anti-diarrheal
medication should be avoided.
There are several simple and straight forward ways to prevent being infected
by E. coli 0157:H7:

Do not eat undercooked ground beef. Cook it to at least 160 0 F or until

all pink is gone from the interior and from any juices. Other meats have
not yet been linked to E. coli outbreaks.

Drink only pasteurized milk and milk products.

Wash hands with hot, soapy water after using the restroom and before
preparing food.

Wash hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water after contact
with raw meats and /or meat juice.

Wash all fruits before eating. Low-acid, unpasteurized fruit juice is also
considered a risk.

When eating out, check hamburgers and ground beef for doneness.
Return any food to the kitchen which is not thoroughly cooked.

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EATING RIGHT OFFSHORE-FOR SAFETY & HEALTH

As we are all aware, working ofshore can be hazardous, even though many
steps have been taken to provide the safest possible working environment.
Following safety policies & procedures and using proper personal protective
equipment are very important in preventing accidents. But what about
eating correctly while working on an ofshore platform or drilling rig?
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Our bodies store glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen which is vital
to our daily physical activities. During work periods the liver releases its
glucose into the bloodstream, which muscle tissue picks up and uses in
addition to its own stored glycogen. The glycogen which the body store
determines how much physical activity a person will be able to do before
reaching total exhaustion. Once the point of exhaustion is reached, accidents
are more likely to occur. How do we increase stored glycogen and avoid
exhaustion? By eating a balanced diet high in complex carbohydrates.
What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are the prime source of energy
during exhaustive work. Carbohydrates require less oxygen than fat to
provide the same amount of energy, and are therefore more efficient,
energy-producing foods. A study on food and energy was carried out with
three groups of people who were given diferent types of diet. Group one
consumed high fat & protein; Group two was given a normal diet; and Group
three was placed on a high-carbohydrate diet. Each group then rode
stationary bicycles to exhaustion. The resulting times it took them to reach
exhaustion were as follows:
Group 1 (high fat & protein) - 57 minutes
Group 2 (normal diet) - 114 minutes
Group 3 (high carbohydrate diet) - 167 minutes.
As you can see, the high carbohydrate diet of group three increased energy
levels and endurance. So how do we achieve this goal? Ofshore catering
companies ofer many choices or alternatives to high fat foods at most
locations. All it takes is for you to choose the right foods.
Use Low-fat or Fat Free dairy products
Choose high fiber cereal and whole grain bread
Use "light" or fat free dressings
Request skinless chicken, lean meats and ham instead of bacon or
sausage
Drink Low-fat milk or juices, while avoiding caffeine
The complex carbohydrates you need for energy include whole grain bread
and pasta, beans, fruits and vegetables-rather than sweet rolls, donuts or
cookies which provide energy that is short-lived. Spaghetti with meat sauce
will be better than fried foods or steaks. Between meals, stay away from
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candy and sodas-eat fruit or fat free desserts instead. Lunch is an important
meal for restoring your energy after the morning's work has been done.
Remember, what you eat before going to work will provide fuel to your
muscles for several hours. Eating right helps reduce the tired or lazy feeling
that comes after a high fat meal and lessens the chance for accidents. If you
feel you can't "live" without them, save high fat calories for the last meal of
the day when activities are less physically demanding.
Following these simple rules of thumb can make you a healthier and safer
employee. A safe worker creates a safer work environment, which will
increase morale, productivity and reduce accident costs. Take time to choose
the right foods to eat. Remember, "We are what we eat."

EIGHT CRANE DANGER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

If you work around cranes, you should be on the lookout for the following
eight danger signs of improper operation. If you see any of these occurring
on a jobsite, immediately inform a supervisor before a catastrophe takes
place. Here are things to watch for:
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1. Outriggers, crawler tracks, or tires raised of the ground while

operating. This is an extremely dangerous condition which indicates
the crane is being overloaded and may tip over or collapse. The wrong
move in this situation can cause a catastrophe.
2. Operating close to power lines or other dangerous objects.
Electrocution due to contact with power lines is the leading cause of
crane related fatalities. Detailed federal regulations for proximity to
high voltage sources must be strictly enforced. Any potential danger
should be pointed out to the crane operator or a supervisor-but never
touch the crane at this time.
3. Riding the load or crane hook. This is a serious violation of federal and
state safety regulations. Crane structures and cables have far lower
strength margins for handling material than what is required for lifting
personnel. Workers must never be suspended from a crane boom
unless an approved personnel basket with mandatory safety
equipment is used, and lifting procedures are strictly followed.
4. Visible structural damage on the crane or rigging. There is little or no
back up system in the load-supporting components of most cranes. A
damaged component can fail completely and without warning, causing
the boom or load to fall.
5. Modifications made by adding extra counterweight or holding down the
rear of the crane. All job initiated modifications are illegal and may
permit overloading the crane. If not approved by the crane
manufacturer in writing, these modifications can over stress critical
structural components, which could cause failure of the crane.
6. A crane operating near a trench or excavation. Cranes exert extremely
high loads on the soil near the tracks, outriggers, or tires. A crane set
up in close proximity to an excavation can cause soil failure, crane
turnover, and possible disaster.
7. The crane is noticeably out of level while operating. There is no faster
way to collapse a crane boom than to impose a side force on the boom.
Working out of level creates a dynamic side force which means a crane
collapse may be imminent.
8. The crane's hoist line is not vertical at all times during operation. This
indicates improper operation. A hoist line which is not vertical
obviously indicates that the load is not hanging straight down. Out of
plumb loads can cause crane collapse by generating side forces on the
boom. In some instances, the crane may tip over if the load swings.
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ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL BURNS

More than 1000 employees are killed and another 30,000 injured each year
from electrical shock. Hands are frequently involved in an electrical injury
since they are the most common source of contact with the electrical
current. However, damage to other parts of the body may be more extensive
and life threatening. Severe electric shock can result in cardiac arrest due to
ventricular fibrillation, massive fluid loss into swollen tissues, and kidney
failure caused by an overload of muscle protein from damaged muscle and
infections.
Electrical injuries are often more severe than they appear to be from the
outside. Injury occurs not only at the contact site, but also along the path the
electricity takes, and at the exit location. Frequently, there is also extensive
muscle damage that will not be evident from a visual examination of the
skin. These deep tissue injuries cause severe swelling that require a deep
incision extending from the hand to the shoulder to relieve the pressure. If
this is not done, the mounting pressure from the swelling will shut of the
blood supply by compressing the arteries, rapidly destroying any remaining
healthy tissue. Extensive dead skin removal is often necessary to prevent
massive infection. Deep burns result in unsightly scars that will often
continue to enlarge for 12-18 months after the burn occurs. These scars are
not only a cosmetic problem, but may seriously interfere with joint function
because motion increases the tension across the wound, which tends to
produce even more scar tissue.
More than 90% of fatalities occur when contact is made with a "hot" wire, or
energized equipment housing by a person who was well-grounded Most of
these injuries would probably have been prevented if a GFI -- ground fault
interrupter -- had been installed on the circuit. A GFI is not an overcurrent
device, but is placed across the line to continuously monitor the current
flowing from the source and compare it to the current returning to the
source. If the diference is 6 milliamperes or more, it opens the circuit almost
instantly. This is important because it has been determined that 100
milliamperes flowing through the body for only 2 seconds can cause death by
electrocution. 100 milliamperes is not much current when you consider that a
portable electric drill draws 30 times that much. Incidentally, the "let go"
threshold that causes freezing to the circuit is about 20 milliamperes. Make
sure that the equipment you are working with has a GFI -- it could save your
life.
To work on high voltage (over 600 volts), you must have a minimum of two
years of training, experience with high voltage circuits, have demonstrated
that you are familiar with the work to be performed, and the hazards
involved with high voltage work according to OSHA.
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Other safety requirements that must be followed include using insulated

gloves for current over 300 volts, eye protection, and lockout/tagout if
working on energized parts of equipment or systems. Conductive measuring
tapes, ropes, or similar devices obviously cannot be used around exposed
conductors, and conductive fish tapes cannot be used if they will be entering
enclosures with exposed conductors.

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SAFETY RULES FOR PEOPLE WORKING AROUND INDUSTRIAL LIFT

TRUCKS
Call them what you like -- forklifts, lift trucks, bulls. They can be a large part
of any industrial operation. Most forklift safety training concentrates on the
operators, with good cause. They are the ones who are maneuvering the
heavy, and sometimes awkward, loads through aisles, around corners and up
ramps.
A well-known lift truck
injuries/fatalities involving
operators. Like I said, most
not on the people who work

manufacturer recently stated that 60% of

lift trucks are sustained by co-workers, not
of the training concentrates on operator safety,
around the lift trucks.

The following 7 tips are meant to raise the awareness of pedestrians:

1. Establish eye contact with the forklift driver.
2. Keep a safe distance from the lift truck and pay attention.
3. NEVER assume the lift truck operator knows that you are there. Make
you known.
4. Watch out for the tail swing when a lift truck turns.
5. Stay clear of the fall zone. This is a full circle around the lift truck equal
to twice the height of the carried load.
6. Check the mirrors that are installed at corners, etc. If there are no
mirrors, talk to your supervisor and bring this up at your next safety
meeting.
7. Never walk under the raised forks of a lift truck. Even when empty, the
forks could fall without warning.
Remember, it is easy to become immune to the dangers of working around a
lift truck. With all of the noises that can occur during a work shift, back up
and warning sounds can blend in with everything else. The key is to be aware
of your surroundings.

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There is one last thing you should remember. If you do get into an altercation
with a lift truck, the lift truck will most likely win.

EMERGENCY EYE WASH & DELUGE SHOWERS

Let's hope you never need one, but if you do let's hope it's clean and
accessible. If you get foreign particles in your eyes or a chemical spill on your
body, an emergency eyewash station or deluge shower is the most important
initial step in first-aid treatment. Chemical burns to the eye are among the
most urgent of emergencies.
An eyewash/shower is required if:

The Material Safety Data Sheet indicates a chemical in use is caustic,

toxic, or corrosive.

The MSDS informs that serious eye damage may result.

Warnings such as "causes chemical burns" or "causes permanent eye

damage" are posted on container labels.

Eyewash/showers in addition must have the following:

Pure clean water

Hands free operation

Constant water flow rate for a full 15 minutes

Highly visible markings and signs

Unobstructed access
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Accessibility: The single most important treatment for chemically-burned

eyes is copious irrigation within seconds of injury. This means that victims
should not have to climb over or around obstacles to find the eyewash
station. Make sure there are no barriers to the unit.
Clean, Functional Equipment: Deluge showers should be inspected often to
insure they function properly with adequate water flow, and are clean and
sanitary. Portable eyewash units are an option in areas where plumbed in
water is not accessible or of high enough quality. Portable units also need an
anti-bacterial additive to ensure proper water sanitation. Flushing with any
water is better than none, but purified water reduces potential for secondary
eye infections.
Training in Proper Use: Employees who are exposed to possible chemical
splashes must know in advance how to use an eyewash/deluge station
properly:

Immediately after the accident, flood the eye with water or eyewash
solution, using fingers to keep the eye open as wide as possible. Water
may be colder than body temperature, which can be uncomfortable,
but it is imperative to irrigate for the recommended period of time.

Roll the eyeball as much as possible, to remove any loose particles

retained under the eyelids. Do not put anything except water into the
eyes to remove particles.

The eyes should be irrigated for at least 15 minutes, and the victim
transported to a medical facility immediately. Continue irrigation of
eyes during transport. The best way to accomplish this may be to have
a portable eye-wash system ready that can be carried along.

It's easy to forget about eye-wash stations or showers until they are needed
in an emergency.
Don't let yours become buried or covered with dust. It could save your sight!

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EQUIPMENT SAFETY - CRANING CONSIDERATIONS

Many crane accidents occur because the crane was used to lift more than its
rated capacity. Crane accidents are generally serious and always expensive.
The following discussion is intended to highlight the value of safety devices
and help you avoid accidents:
Every crane is required to have load charts and the operator is expected to
know how to use them. When was the last time your operator studied the
charts before setting up to make a pick?
Knowing the weight of the load is the single most important part of making a
safe pick. If the weight of the load is unknown, how can you set the crane up
in the proper configuration? The easiest answer to this situation is install a
load indicating device on the crane.
Boom angle indicators are an absolute must. How can you use the load
charts if you cannot measure the boom angle? If you do not use the load
charts, you are guessing!
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Setting the crane up level and on solid ground is an absolute must! You can
throw the load charts out the window if the crane is not set up level, because
you have changed the tipping moment. Setting cranes up on loose or
unstable soil is just as bad. If the crane settles on one side, you have
changed the tipping moment again.
Increasing counterweight or securing crane with cables to avoid tipping
situations is never an acceptable practice. When you increase
counterweights to avoid a tipping situation, you risk the possibility of
structural failure. If these operations continue for long enough, the repeated
stress placed on the boom is certain to result in a boom failure.
Inspect your rigging daily or more frequently under demanding conditions.
Ensure all hooks have safety latches. Lifting beams and spreader bars must
have their rated capacities marked on them.

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY

Safety is everyone's responsibility! As an employee, you should:
a. Learn to work safely and take all rules seriously.
b. Recognize hazards and avoid them.
c. Report all accidents, injuries and illness to your supervisor immediately.
d. Inspect tools before use to avoid injury.
e. Wear all assigned personal protective equipment.
On the other hand, it is management's responsibility to:
a. Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
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b. Provide personal protective equipment.

c. Train employees in safe procedures and in how to identify hazards.
Everyone must be aware of potential hazards on the job:
a. Poor housekeeping results in slips, trips and falls.
b. Electricity can cause shocks, burns or fire if not handled properly.
c. Poor material handling may cause back problems or other injuries.
d. Tools and equipment can cause injuries if guards or protective devices are
disengaged.
Always use the protections that are provided on the job:
a. Guards on machines and tools keep body parts from contacting moving
equipment.
b. Insulation on electrical equipment prevents burns, shock and fire.
c. Lockout/tagout assure equipment is de-energized before it is repaired.
d. Personal protective equipment shields your body from hazards you may
face on the job.
In case of emergency:
a. Understand alarms and evacuation routes.
b. Know how to notify emergency response personnel.
c. Implement a procedure for leaving the scene safely so emergency
personnel can do their job.
d. Wipe up spills promptly and correctly.
Safety benefits everyone! By incorporating safety rules, employees avoid
injury as well as illness from exposure to hazardous substances. With less
injury, a business can be more productive and profitable. The welfare of the
community is also enhanced by providing cleaner air and water and less
chance of dangerous accidents that can put lives and property at risk.

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EYE SAFETY
Theres a sign over a bench grinder which reads, "DO NOT REMOVE SHIELDS
FROM GRINDER. SPARE EYES AND FINGERS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE."
Amusing, but true! An injury to any part of the eye can result in a permanent
loss of vision.
Those who have had close calls and nearly lost their eyesight are usually very
conscious of wearing eye protection. They look for and recognize the unsafe
conditions that may afect their eyes. A lot of us, however, take these hazards
to the eyes far too lightly. Perhaps it would benefit us all to reflect on the
things that we can and should do to safeguard our eyesight.
For your safety, follow these eye safety tips:

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- Wear your goggles or face shield when doing any work that presents an eye
injury hazard.
- Don't wear dirty, greasy, scratched or badly worn safety goggles they can
distort your vision. It's better to take the time to clean them, or if necessary,
replace them.
- Be especially careful of splashes or spills when opening containers of acids,
caustics or other harmful liquids that could cause injury to the eyes or face.
- Don't wear contact lenses in production plants where chemicals spray mists or
flying particles could cause injury. Contact lenses should never be used as a
substitute for proper eye protection.
- When working with grinders or power tools, be especially careful by keeping
your face a safe distance from the tool and away from the line of work just in
case a tool breaks or particles fly up.
- Keep your mind on your work, particularly when eye hazards are involved.
Remember, it only takes a fraction of a second for a fragment or particle to
damage an eye.
- If you do get a particle in your eye, do not rub the eye to dislodge it. Rubbing
the eye could cause an abrasion. Use clean, warm water to wash the particle
out.
- Always be alert to tool hazards such as mushroomed heads on chisels,
cracked hammers and badly worn screwdrivers. These tools have caused
serious eye injuries far too often.
Remember that you are the one who can do the most when it comes to
protecting your eyesight. Your eyes can't be replaced.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Electricity kills and injures thousands of workers each year. Most of these
accidents happen because people don't look, don't think or just don't
understand the shocking power of electricity.
Voltage, current and resistance are the basic terms used when talking about
electricity. Voltage is the force that causes the current to flow. Current
(amperage) refers to the amount of electricity that is flowing. Resistance
denotes the restrictions that try to slow down or stop the flow.

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Electrical shock can only occur when a part of the body completes a circuit
between a conductor and another conductor or a grounding source.
Death or injury is not caused by the voltage; the damage is done by the
amount of current that flows through the body when the contact is made. Of
course, the higher the voltage, the greater the amount of current. Some
people have survived shocks of several thousand volts, while others have
been killed by voltages as low as 12.
The dry outer skin of the human body ofers extremely high resistance to
electrical flow. However, this resistance is reduced to almost zero when the
skin is wet, especially if the skin is wet because of perspiration.
Electricity and proper grounding work together for safety. A ground is a
conducting connection between an electrical circuit or equipment and the
earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.
If your body is sweaty or damp, an oversensitive ground within it is created,
which easily causes electrical shock. One way to keep the body's resistance
high is to keep it dry, particularly the hands and feet, which might make the
contacts and be instrumental in completing the circuit. This can be
accomplished by wearing rubber gloves, boots and rubbers.
Efects of electrical shock depend mainly on the total amount of current flow
and the path of the current through the victim's body. To prevent electrical
shock, which can cause several types of injuries, make sure that your body
cannot become part of the electrical flow and the path of the current.
An important phase of electrical safety is knowing how to help an electrical
shock victim. First, stop the current flowing from the circuit through the
victim's body, if it hasn't already been done. Often, particularly in cases of
low voltage shock, victims are unable to pull away from the source of
current. If the victim is still in contact with the current, disconnect or deenergize the circuit, if possible. If this cannot be accomplished, obtain a
nonconductive item, such as dry clothing, dry rope or a dry stick, and
remove the victim from the source of the current.
Then call or send for help. Next, check to see if the victim's heart or
breathing has stopped. Give the required first aid until professional help
arrives.

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ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Shocking Fatality
A laborer recently died because of an electrical shock he received while
using an ungrounded drill. In this case, the shock didn't kill him, but it did
cause him to lose his balance and he fell from a 20 foot scafold and hit his
head on a slab of concrete.
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Shock Injuries
Every year people die or are injured from electrical shocks. You can receive
an electrical shock anytime part of your body comes into contact with an
electrical source. If it does, you can get hurt in three ways:
- From nerve shock which could cause your lungs or heart to stop.
- From the heating efect of the current which can cause severe burns.
- From secondary injury caused from normal body reaction to the shock. If
you touch something that is hot or gives you a jolt, your body may move
back involuntarily. This could hurt if you are on a ladder.
If you are standing on a dry, clean, nonmetallic floor, chances are that you
will have enough resistance and shouldn't get a severe shock. But you can
never tell whether the work area or floor is sufficiently clean and free of
conductive objects, like nails or metal scrap.
If your work surface is wet or covered with metallic objects, and if you are
sweaty, your body resistance may be so low that a shock as low as 30 volts
could kill you. The only efective way to minimize shocks is to keep electrical
equipment in good condition so that live current is fully contained:
Some points to remember:
- Make sure, not only that the electrical equipment is grounded, but also that
the electrical service is grounded.
- Don't use electrical tools that do not have a grounded plug unless they are
double insulated and were not manufactured with a ground pin. .
- Don't use electrical tools while standing on or in contact with metal ladders
or work platforms.
- Inspect flexible electrical cords and connections for damage before you use
the equipment.
- Don't perform work on or close to energized electrical equipment unless the
power is locked out and you are qualified to do this type of work.
- If you see defective electrical tools or service cords, take them out of
service and report them at once.
- Be alert for the electrical hazards that others may create for themselves
and you. If you see hazards, let me know about them.

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EXTENSION CORD SAFETY-TAKE NO CHANCES!

We use extension cords almost every day both at work and at home. These
are very useful devices, but they can present a fire or shock hazard when
either worn out or used improperly.
Types of extension cords
Extension cords come in either two or three-wire types. Two-wire extension
cords should only be used to operate one or two small appliances. Three-wire
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cords are used for outdoor appliances and electric power tools. The third wire
on this cord is a ground and this type of cord should never be plugged into
any ungrounded electrical outlet. Only grounded extension cords are to be
used with power tools unless the tool is double insulated.
Construction sites require extension cords which are specified by the
National Electric Code for hard usage or extra hard usage. Approved cords
may be identified by the word "outdoor" or the letters "WA" on the jacket.
Care and inspection of extension cords
Extension cords must be treated with care and checked regularly for damage
or deterioration. The cord itself should never be pulled to disconnect it from
an electrical source; remove it by the plug. They should not be placed under
rugs or furniture and should never be strung through doorways, windows,
walls, ceilings, or floors. Damaged cords present a potential fire or shock
hazard and should be destroyed and replaced immediately.
An extension cord should never be used as a substitute for permanent
wiring. They should not be fastened to a building or structure, even though
staples are sold for this purpose at many hardware stores. Avoid plugging
two cords together to make a longer one. It's best to use one cord in a
continuous length from the receptacle to the appliance or tool. Extension
cords which are either connected together or are too long will reduce
operating voltage and operating efficiency of tools or appliances and may
cause motor damage.
Extension cords are convenient devices which we often take for granted in
our everyday activities, but which need proper care and attention. Use good
housekeeping practices at home and at work, to keep extension cords from
being a tripping hazards or becoming damaged. Inspect them regularly for
wear and replace defective units.
Prevent potential electrical hazards that may lead to someone's injury!

EYE PROTECTION: PRESERVE YOUR VISION

This SMO is going to require some efort on your part! I'm assigning everyone
a homework task. But don't panic, this homework will be a piece of cake!
What I'd like you to do on your way home today is spend the evening
observing the many beautiful things in this world! For just one evening, stop
taking your eyesight for granted! Let me suggest the following:

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As you leave the workplace today, look up, down and all around, observing
the beauty around you. See the blue sky, the many shades of leaves in the
trees, and the diferent birds that occupy them. When you get home, watch
your children playing in the yard and pay attention to how their eyes light up
when Daddy or Mommy gets home. Have you ever stopped to think how
wonderful your eyesight really is? Well, think about it. For about two minutes,
close your eyes completely and contemplate how life would be if you lost
your eyesight! That's it-your homework is complete! Did you come up with
visions about how your life would change if you couldn't see? Did they
include any of the following?
When you and your family are on vacation, they will have to describe the
scenery to you.
You would have to be led wherever you want to go.
Your spouse would have to describe the way your children's eyes light up
when they open their presents at Christmas.
No more leisurely activities such as hunting or fishing, watching movies
or TV.
No more driving the new truck you just bought.
Does this sound like something you want to go through? I didn't think so! Is
there a way to prevent this from happening? You bet-wear your eye
protection! A recent article in Safety & Health states that every day
approximately 1,000 eye injuries occur in the U.S. OSHA estimates that 90%
of eye injuries are preventable through the proper use of safety eye wear.
What does this tell us? Many people are not wearing proper eye protection!
Let's examine a few operations that present eye hazards:
Grinding, hammering, chiseling, wood working or any other activity that
might cause large fragments or small particles to fly through the air and into
the eyes;
Painting, spraying, sanding, metal working, spot welding or any process
that may cause dust, fumes or tiny particulate to become airborne;
Work tasks such as electric welding and cutting with a torch, furnace
tending or operations around radiant energy or intense heat;
Operations such as handling acids and caustics, and hot metal casting
and babbitting where gases, vapors, liquids or splashing metals are
generated.
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Your eyesight is a precious gift. Please do not wait until it's too late to come
to your senses. If your work presents an exposure to eye hazards, wear your
eye protection.
Don't take chances. Open your eyes and protect your vision!

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - GASOLINE

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Gasoline is the most common flammable liquid manufactured and used.

Because virtually everyone uses gasoline it is often assumed that everyone
is familiar with its dangerous properties. However, as familiarity breeds
contempt (or at least carelessness) it may be a good idea to review this
highly hazardous material. Here are some brief but important items to
remember when dealing with gasoline.

Gasoline as a liquid does not burn. It is the vapors that the liquid gives
of that burns.

Vapors usually cannot be seen but frequently travel long distances to a

source of ignition. Thus the gasoline can be located a great distance
from an actual ignition source.

Gasoline gives of enough vapors to flash, when exposed to an external

ignition source at temperatures as low as -45 0 F! In other words,
hazardous vapors are almost always being released-unless you work in
temperatures colder than -450 F.

Gasoline vapors are heavier than air. Vapors will settle to the ground
and flow similar to a liquid. This is why gasoline vapors tend to find
their way into drains, sewer lines, basements and other low spots.

Gasoline must be mixed with air before it can burn. It does not take
much gasoline to make an ignitable mixture. If the gas-to-air mixture
contains as little as 1.4% gasoline by volume, it can be ignited with
explosive force.

It has been said that the potential energy in a one gallon can of
gasoline is equal to numerous sticks of dynamite.

A gasoline/air mixture can be ignited by a hot surface, a smoldering

object such as a cigarette, an open flame, or even a static spark.

Practice good hygiene after handling gasoline. Wash hands and other
areas that may have come in contact with gasoline. Avoid prolonged
inhalation of vapors as gasoline contains benzene, a known
carcinogen.

What can you do to avoid a gasoline disaster? The following tips are good
advice when handling or using gasoline.

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Never use gasoline for anything other than it's intended purpose, as a
fuel. Never use it as a cleaning solvent!

Store gasoline in UL approved safety containers.

Never smoke when anywhere near gasoline. Shut of all equipment

before refueling and allow it to cool of first. Inspect all fuel hoses,
pipes and pumps frequently. Fix leaks now!

Gasoline was chosen as a fuel for the same reasons that make it so
dangerous. It is easily vaporized, easy to ignite and explodes powerfully
when ignited. Never let yourself become complacent around this volatile
liquid that we use every day.

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FORKLIFT FATALITIES
OSHA estimates forklifts cause about 85 fatal accidents per year; 34,900
accidents result in serious injury; and 61,800 are classified as non-serious.
According to the Industrial Truck Association, there are about 855,900
forklifts in the U.S. Therefore, over 11% of all forklifts will be involved in
some type of accident each year (assuming only one accident per forklift).
The ITA also reports that the useful life of a lift truck is about 8 years. This
means that about 90% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of
accident during their useful life--again assuming only one accident per
forklift. If you operate this equipment, there is a possibility that you may
have an accident at some point during your career. To help reduce the
possibility of being injured, it's important to understand where and how these
accidents occur.
Fatal forklift accident causes and where they occur:
Fatal Accident Type

Where fatalities occur %

Crushed by vehicle tipping over

42%

Mining

1.2

Crushed between vehicle and a surface

25%

Construction

23.8

Crushed between two vehicles

11%

Manufacturing

42.5

Struck or run over by a forklift

10%

Transportation

11.0

Struck by falling material

8%

Wholesale trades

12.5

Fall from platform on the forks

4%

Retail trade

9.0

Preventing these accidents:

Studies show that many of these accidents could have been prevented by
better training. No one starts out with the innate knowledge, skills, and
abilities to safely operate a forklift. As OSHA requires, drivers must be
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properly trained to do so. The lesson to be learned is, operating a forklift

without training is dangerous and can even be fatal to you or other
employees working in the area..
Training can also prevent or reduce the severity of an accident related to the
stability of a lift truck traveling with an elevated load. Keep the load as low
as possible to increase vehicle stability and to help prevent tip-over
accidents. Even if drivers ignore this rule, and the vehicle tips over, injuries
are usually minor if they stay with the vehicle instead of jumping of. The
normal tendency is for a person to jump downward, so the driver lands on
the floor or ground--usually directly into the path of the overhead guard. The
most common result is a crushing injury to the head, neck, or back where the
overhead guard strikes the employee.
Forty-two percent of forklift fatalities are caused by the operator trying to
jump from a tipping vehicle. To keep this from happening to you, always
remember to keep the load as low as possible and stay with the vehicle if it
tips over. Wearing your seat belt is the best safety measure!

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FORKLIFT SAFETY
Operating a forklift is not unlike operating a car or other vehicle. Rules of the
road must be followed, and all drivers must be trained and licensed to
operate these vehicles.
The following do's and don'ts should be observed by all forklift truck
operators:
- Before operating the truck each day, check the tires, fluid levels, radiator,
battery, fire extinguisher, and brake, dead man control, warning lights, horn
and reverse indicators.
- Travel in reverse when carrying a bulky load which blocks vision in front.
- Face a load uphill when driving on an incline and downhill when the truck is
empty.
- Travel at a safe speed and use extra caution on hills, corners and ramps.
- Check the stability of a load before moving it.
- Never lift loads which exceed the rated load capacity on the nameplate.
- Follow all in-plant traffic rules and take extra care in areas where
pedestrians are present.
- Drive with hands and feet inside the truck, and do not smoke, drink or eat
while operating the truck.
- Lower the fork and remove the key before leaving the truck.
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Forklift trucks should be inspected on a daily basis for any defects or

problems, and the forks should be checked for cracks and dents each day.

FIRE DOORS
When a fire starts, fire doors are involved in preventing the spread of smoke
and flame. But they're only efective if they can close the way they're meant
to. Unfortunately, though, they often can't work because of people's
carelessness or lack of knowledge. The following tips are very important for
everyone to remember and to follow when it comes to fire safety.
- Never wedge or block a fire door to keep it open.
- Never adjust a fire door to make it easier to open. Your adjustment may
render the door useless.
- If you have sliding fire doors, keep the slide track free of debris. Never store
materials in the doorway.
- Don't leave boxes and equipment in front of automatic doors or at the edge
of the door frame. The door won't be able to close and catch.
- Place combustibles well away from fire doors. The intense heat of a fire can
radiate through closed doors and ignite combustibles on the other side.
- If you drive a forklift, be extra careful around fire doors. If you bump a
sliding door, you could knock it of its track. If you have overhead rolling doors,
your forklift could bend the guides, causing the door to jam.
Properly functioning fire doors save lives. So make sure you and your
employees give them the care they deserve.
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GENERAL SAFETY - SIGNS

You might see over 100 of them as you ride to work. Signs -- they are
everywhere. How many of these do you actually notice? Probably not many.
That creates a problem. Not only do signs litter the streets, they may also be
all over your work place. Do you see them? Do you notice them? Do they
mean something or do they just make the work place look safer to the
outsider?
Signs are placed to warn and educate. They are not simply decoration. Signs
can be permanent or temporary. Signs lose their impact if they address a
hazard that no longer exists. Have you ever come across a barricaded area
that has remained barricaded even after the work is done? What happens?
Pretty soon someone realizes there is no longer a danger and starts using the
area. After a while, everyone is. If this happens, barricades become
something to ignore. That is until someone gets hurt crossing a barricade
placed around a hazard that is not obvious.
What is the lesson? If you place a temporary warning sign, directional sign,
or barricade, when you are done with the work, finish the job. Remove the
sign. Remove the barricade. Do your part to keep warning devices
meaningful.
So when should you place signs? In some cases sign placement is required
by regulations. For example, an air compressor is required to have a sign
warning it could start at anytime. A sign warning against entry must be
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placed at the entry to a confined space. As a rule of thumb, warning or

cautionary signs should be posted whenever the hazard is a danger to
passersby or if the hazard may not be obvious to the untrained or unaware.
Just a one-word warning sign stating WARNING or CAUTION is not enough.
Briefly explain, on the sign, what the danger is. As an example: Warning-Confined Space--Do Not Enter or Warning, this machine may start
automatically at anytime.
Do not place unnecessary signs. Place necessary signs where they can be
seen. Explain the danger. Remove the signs when they are no longer needed.
And remember, if you see a sign, read it and heed it! It is there for a reason.

GENERAL SAFETY - UNSAFE ACTS

Most of us know that accidents are caused by only two things - unsafe acts
or practices, and unsafe conditions. Some of us even know that 9 out of 10
accidents are the result of unsafe acts, or things we do when we know better.
This is kind of strange if you think about it. We have more to fear from our
own actions than from any other job hazards around us. Why do we
deliberately expose ourselves to injury every day?
It Won't Happen To Me
Basically, most of us are just thinking about getting the job done and we
tend to rationalize the risk of getting injured. We think to ourselves that we
have done this job many, many times this way and nothing bad has
happened. Therefore, nothing bad will happen to us today. On an intellectual
level, we realize there is a potential danger but decides that the risk of being
injured is low. Because we have not been injured so far, we actually think of
ourselves as being very safety conscious. We know the right way to do it, we
realize that it is hazardous to do it this way, but what we are really thinking
to ourselves is "it won't happen to me."
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We Take Short Cuts

Some of us are fairly meticulous about following safe work practices, but
because a job "will only take a minute" we use an unsafe method or tool. For
example, not putting on our safety glasses because the job will only take a
minute, or not locking out a machine because an adjustment will only take a
second.
Usually we think about it just before we do something a little unsafe, or
maybe quite a bit unsafe. We know better, we know the safe way to do it, but
we take that little chance. In efect we are saying, "I know that this could
result in an injury, but "it can't happen to me." Maybe it's human nature to
think that accidents always happen to someone else, but they can happen to
you too. What makes you diferent?
Why take a chance in the first place? Only you can decide to take the time to
do your job safely and correctly the first time.

GENERAL SAFETY - ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR

Humans instinctively seek to avoid pain and death. And yet, we may behave
in a manner that is a threat to our well-being. There are a couple of reasons
why this occurs. The first is lack of knowledge. What you do not know, can
hurt you! The second reason we may act in a risky manner is attitude. Now
might be a good time to do a quick self-analysis. What is your attitude
toward safety?
When asked, some may say they are all for it. Others may complain about
any safety efort being made. The diference between the two is one of
attitude. Your attitude afects almost all that you do and how you do it.
Have you ever noticed that people who are successful in life, or are just
happy, tend to have a positive attitude? And so it is with safety. Look at it
this way. . . safety rules and procedures are written to protect you from harm.
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They are not written to make your work life more uncomfortable or
inconvenient. After all, safety equipment and training costs your employer
additional up front money.
If you cooperate in safety matters, not only is there a lesser likelihood of you
getting hurt, you will not be doing battle with the boss who is just trying to
do his job by enforcing the safety rules. In addition, you should feel more
confident on the job knowing you have a better chance of making it thorough
the day without injury. Less fear of injury and the boss no longer on your
back has to brighten your day!
We are not perfect. Even the best of us can forget or make errors in
judgment. To maximize our safety eforts, we must look out for one another.
If someone tells you that you are not working in a safe manner, do not
become angry or defensive. They are just looking out for your well-being. If
you did not know you were doing something wrong, be thankful your errors
were noted before someone got hurt. If you simply forgot or got a little
careless, be grateful that someone cares enough to get you back on track. If
you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up, but do so
diplomatically. Treat others just as you would like to be treated in the same
situation.
Remember, attitude afects behavior. If you have a positive attitude, odds
are you will exhibit safe behavior. A negative attitude toward safety will only
cause conflict, stress and, ultimately, an accident.

GENERAL SAFETY - EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY

An efective Accident Prevention Program should include the defined
responsibilities for management, supervisors, and employees. Management,
by law, has responsibility for the safety and health of all employees as well
as providing a safe workplace. Supervisors have responsibility for providing a
safe work place as well as managing the production issues. Now we need to
address employee responsibilities and what those entail.

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Employers and supervisors should expect the employees to be responsible.

This starts with getting to work on time, working safely through the day, and
addressing concerns to their supervisor.
Suggested Areas of Responsibility
Employees are responsible to:

Listen and learn from any training. Be an active participant in learning

a job skill or safety issue.

Ask for assistance if the training or instruction is not clear or you don't
feel comfortable in performing the task correctly and safely.

Report unsafe acts and near misses immediately. Especially if the

unsafe act is on going. This will help keep the workplace safe for
everyone.

Address problems with the supervisor ASAP. BUT always try to give
solutions to every problem. (You may understand more than the
supervisor about the problem and how to fix it.)

Re-address issues with the supervisor on un-resolved topics discussed

in the past. (The supervisor may have forgotten about those topics.)

Be an active member in the safety of the workplace. Participate in

Safety Committee Meetings, Safety Meetings, and when trained on a
safety issue.

These are just a few areas employees should be responsible for. The list is
endless. Try to develop other areas to assist in safety and production. Bring
these areas to the supervisor's attention and expect an answer. This input
should be appreciated.
The name of this game is clear and open communication between
management, supervisors and employees. The lack of communication is also
one of the largest problems faced today in any workplace. Don't let this
happen to you and your company. Be responsible to see that it doesn't.

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GENERAL SAFETY - SHIFT WORK

Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, Bhopal. Three significant industrial

disasters caused, at least in part, by human error. Do you know what
they had in common? All three occurred between the hours of midnight
and 4 a.m. Coincidentally, this is the lowest point of alertness during
the day. If you work between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., studies
show that your alertness decreases and, as a result, you make more
errors. With this comes an increased likelihood of accidents and
injuries. Two thirds of all transportation accidents involving hazardous
materials occur between 6 p.m. and 9 am. On a straight road, and
under good driving conditions. In Japan, a study of locomotive
operators found that 82% of near accidents occurred between midnight
and 8 a.m.

Humans are predominantly day animals. We are controlled by an

internal "body clock" that controls hormone release, blood pressure
and body temperatures. These, in turn, tell us when it is time to sleep.
If you work a swing shift, for at least part of your shift, you are
probably fighting of your body's natural instinct to fall asleep. If you
work a graveyard shift, you are most certainly fighting your body to
stay awake. It is hard to permanently adjust to these unusual hours.
Once they no longer need to be worked, your body will revert to its
more natural sleep/awake cycle. You know it is tough. But you can
adjust, and here's how!

Establish a bedtime routine. You will need your family's help in keeping
the noise down and the darkness needed to fall asleep. Ear plugs or
droning fans will help block the noise. Good heavy curtains, shades or
eye patches can help provide the darkness. On days of, get 3 to 4
hours of sleep that overlaps the time you sleep during the work days.
Do not rely on afternoon naps. You need a good seven hours of
uninterrupted sleep. Do not rely on pills. They can cause dependence.

Avoid cafeine within five hours of bedtime. Also, avoid alcohol. Alcohol
can make you sleep lighter and less restful. Shift workers tend to sleep
2 to 3 hours less than others as it is. A word of caution: Minimal
amounts of alcohol and minimal amounts of sleep add up to a major
deterioration in performance. Someone sleeping 5 hours a night and
drinking only one can of beer is as impaired as someone who drinks 6
cans after a full night's sleep.

Eat nutritious foods. Avoid fried food and those that are hard to digest.
Take a regular lunch period and avoid sugary snacks. One study has
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found that shift workers have higher blood cholesterol levels even if
they eat the same as day workers. If this is the case, you may have to
work harder to maintain health and fitness.

GOOD HYGIENE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY

Most of us learned the basics of good personal hygiene from our mothers
when we were children. She started us on good hygiene with the simple rule
of washing our hands before we ate. As we have grown older, some of us
may have drifted away from our mother's wise advice.
In today's chemical laden workplaces, being even more conscientious about
hygiene is the smart thing to do. Even though washing our hands is a simple
and logical task, it's still commonly overlooked.
What is on your hands gets ingested. How many times have you seen fellow
workers smoke a cigarette while their hands were covered with paint or
grease? How about the workers who eat their lunch without washing their
hands? Not one of us would intentionally eat paint, or dip our cigarette into
the paint bucket. Even so, that is basically what is happening when you eat
your sandwich or smoke a cigarette without washing your hands. In addition
to tobacco, smokers may be inhaling toxic substances that have been placed
on the cigarette from their hands. Remember, when paints, solvents or most
any chemical is heated or burned, its chemical makeup is changed.
Cleaning your skin with solvents is never a good practice. Mechanics who use
a solvent to clean their hands are setting themselves up for a case of
dermatitis or possibly becoming sensitized to the chemical or solvent. Before
using the solvent to clean with, think "what is the purpose of a solvent?" A
solvent's purpose is to cut grease. When it is used without protection such as
gloves or barrier creams, it is degreasing the protective oils from your skin.
Clean clothing is a part of good hygiene. Maintaining good personal hygiene
includes the clothes worn to work. A worker wearing oily, greasy clothing, or
clothes that have toxic chemicals spilled on them, is likely to experience
irritating rashes, boils or other skin problems. Work clothing should be
changed daily. A daily shower and clean clothing reduces the chances of skin
problems. Remember, dirty clothes and skin carry chemicals to your home
and family.
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First-aid begins with cleanliness. When we get a sliver, a nick, or a cut we

typically go to the first-aid kit. We grab an adhesive bandage, quickly put it
on, and go back to work. Several days later we wonder why the small injury
is inflamed and infected. Don't ignore small injuries like these. The wounded
area should be washed with soap and water before the bandage goes on.
Possibly an antiseptic should be placed on the wound as well. This simple
trick you first learned from your mom helps to keep the wound from
becoming contaminated. To also help prevent a small injury from getting to
be a serious health hazard, keep your tetanus booster current. A small
needle stick every 10 years is a small price to pay, in the prevention of
infection.
Good personal hygiene all boils down to common sense. A daily shower,
followed by clean clothing, and frequent washing of handsparticularly
before eating or smoking, goes a long way in keeping you healthy and safe.

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GENERAL SAFETY - CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless gas which is created by inefficient
combustion emissions. The most common sources in industry are gasoline or
diesel powered pressure washers, air compressors, forklifts or other
petroleum fired machinery.
The chemical makeup of CO is a carbon molecule linked to an oxygen
molecule. Carbon monoxide kills by binding up the hemoglobin in the blood.
Since CO has an affinity for hemoglobin several hundreds of times greater
than the oxygen that is ever present, that being about 200,000 parts per
million in normal air. Therefore it takes only a small amount of CO to bind up
a large amount of hemoglobin. This decreases the amount of oxygen
delivered to the tissues and without oxygen, you will slowly sufocate to
death.
What does this mean for workers? Carbon Monoxide will afect workers as
follows:

Slight headache and dizziness

Nausea

Drowsiness and an euphoric feeling

Unconsciousness

Death

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The level of CO mandated by OSHA as the maximum allowable for 8 hours is

50 parts per million. This is an extremely small amount of CO. To put this into
perspective, think of a room that holds 1 million ice cubes and then remove
50 cubes from the room. Those 50 ice cubes are the maximum amount
allowed by OSHA for workers to be exposed to over an 8 hour period.
What to do to prevent CO overexposure????
1. Inspect the jobsite and remove any internal combustion machinery located
near a hatch or other opening that may cause exhaust fumes to enter the
space.
2. VENTILATE, VENTILATE, VENTILATE!!!
3. Frequently monitor workspaces for CO with testing equipment and observe
employees for signs of CO exposure.
4. Train workers about the early symptoms of CO exposure.

GENERAL SAFETY- CONTROLLING STRESS

Stress. Many of us are faced with it every day, but we might not know how to
deal with it. It is important to learn how to handle stress because it can afect
our performance and relationships in our work and home. At work, stress can
lead to distraction and cause an unfortunate accident. At home, stress can
put a strain on family relationships.
Stress usually occurs when there are changes in our lives and we feel that
we don't have enough resources to deal with those changes and demands.
Which of the following do you think causes stress: getting married, winning
the lottery, or having an argument? It is all of them. Stress can occur not
only from negative life experiences, but also from positive ones. People react
and deal with stress diferently, but common stress symptoms include upset
stomach, fatigue, tight neck muscles, irritability and headaches. Some
people react to stress by eating or drinking too much, losing sleep or
smoking cigarettes. Stress may also make you more susceptible to illnesses,
including the common cold, ulcers, and some cancers.
The first step to managing stress is to identify your "stressors"; those things
that are making you react. Stressors may not only be events that cause you
to feel sad, frightened, anxious or happy. You can cause stress through your
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thoughts, feelings and expectations. Look at the list below. Which cause you
stress? Can you think of other stressors?

Not enough time

Unexpected change

Family problems

Extra responsibility

Personality clashes

Money difficulties

Everyone has to deal with life's problems. A key to dealing with the big and
little everyday stressors is coping with stress in a positive way.
1. Acceptance- Many of us worry about things we have no control over. For
example, a family illness, great deal of change at work, or finding out that
your basketball team lost. One way to manage stress is to accept when
things are beyond your control. It may be helpful to think positive thoughts
such as, "Someday I'll laugh about this," or "It's a learning experience."
2. Attitude- Try to focus on the positive side of situations. Ask yourself, "What
good can come out of this?" "What can I learn from this situation?" and "How
can I handle this better when it comes up again?" Solutions come easier
when you focus on the positive and your stress level will be reduced.
3. Perspective- We often worry about things that never happen. Keep things
in perspective by asking yourself, "How important is this situation? Can I do
anything about it? In five years, will I even remember it happened?"
Think about the situations in your life that cause you stress. Are they
important or unimportant? Are they controllable or uncontrollable? If they are
controllable events, you can take action to change the situation; if they are
uncontrollable, you can use your skills in acceptance, attitude and
perspective to reduce the stress.

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GENERAL SAFETY - OFFICE SAFETY PRACTICES

It is amazing how many people who work in offices take safety for granted.
Most people think of a construction site or factory when they think of safety.
Well, that's not the way it should be. Granted, construction sites and
factories are potentially extremely dangerous; but offices can be too,
especially when no one considers safety.
Let's review some of the situations that increase exposure to injury and what
we can do about them.

Avoid walking and reading at the same time. If it is important enough

to read, then stop and read it.
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Never leave file cabinets open and unattended; never, not even for a
minute. How long does it really take to open a file cabinet?

Never run in the office. Nothing is so important that you must risk
running into a co-worker.

Leave your shoes on. If your shoes are too uncomfortable to wear all
day, then wear diferent shoes. Running around the office barefoot is a
sure way to stub a toe or pick up a staple.

When you must carry files, don't carry more than you are capable of. If
you're grunting or your muscles get tired, you're carrying too much.
Use a cart or make more trips.

Avoid placing extension cords on the floor. These are tripping hazards
and can also become fire hazards.

Never, ever put your fingers in an automatic stapler or stamper. Always

unplug it before you try to unjam it.

Always keep aisle ways clear. Never stack boxes or supplies in aisle
ways or in front of egress paths. Never arrange offices with desks in
front of exits.

Avoid bending at the waist when accessing low files. If you must access
low files, either stoop down or get on your knees.

Avoid twisting and reaching for files or other materials in your work
station. Move your whole body to prevent back strain.

GENERAL SAFETY - MAN DOWN!!!

These words can strike terror in anyone. You know this means that someone
is injured or ill and needs some help from you. What do you do?
First and foremost, have someone call 911. Get professional help on the way
as quickly as possible. Have the physical address and building number
posted at each phone. Most people sufer from memory loss during a crisis
and having the address posted can alleviate this problem.

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Hopefully you have received first aid and CPR training. If you haven't, check
into it. Being able to assist someone who needs help is better than standing
around feeling helpless.
Next, assess the situation. Look for hazards that may have caused this
incident. Don't rush to someone until you look around and make sure you
won't have the same fate. When all is clear, go to the patient. Don't move
the person unless they are in grave danger. If unconscious, check the A-BC's. Airway, breathing and circulation. If the person is not breathing, you
have to begin CPR until the paramedics arrive. Seconds count and it is up to
you to give the breath of life.
If bleeding, direct pressure must be applied to the area to reduce the blood
loss. Utilize latex gloves to protect yourself. If the person is conscious, keep
calm. Talk in normal tones and by all means, don't say anything that will
alarm the person. If possible, cover the injured area so the person afected
won't see the injury.
Shock is a possibility, so have blankets available to keep the person warm
and comfortable. Also, don't give the person anything to drink.
An emergency can strike at any time and being prepared can be the key to
saving a life. Maybe even your life.

GENERAL SAFETY - IT'S YOUR DECISION

Most of us like to get our work done with the least amount of efort, and as
quickly as possible. We all want to get the most work out of the energy we
use on the job. This is good because it often results in discovering newer and
more efficient ways of getting our job done.

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This energy-saving attitude can also be bad if we make a wrong decision and
take dangerous shortcuts. All of us at some time or another have exposed
ourselves to possible injury by taking a shortcut when, with a little extra
efort, we could have done it the safe way. When we were kids, we took
shortcuts by jumping the fence instead of using the gate. Now that we are
adults we do it by crossing the street between the intersections. Why?
Because we want to get there as quickly as possible, and use the least
amount of energy we can while doing it.
There is no doubt about it; the safe way is not always the shortest or
quickest way. The safe way usually takes some extra efort while the unsafe
way often appears to be more efficient at the time. When we are faced with
these situations, each one of us will make a conscious decision about what
actions we will take next.
Sometimes we talk ourselves into taking an unsafe shortcut by flawed
reasoning. We convince ourselves that it is worth taking the risk because
we're in a hurry and can probably get away with it this time without being
injured. After all, we have done it before and were not injured then.
Take the electrician I saw the other day who was working on a ladder. He was
almost finished with the job except for a little work that he could do only by
reaching a little farther than he knew was safe. He knows he will be taking a
chance, so he has to make a decision whether to get down and move the
ladder or to take a shortcut.
Suppose he takes the shortcut. He may get away without having an accident,
or he may fall and sufer an injury that will change his whole life - or even
end it. Whatever the result, his decision to take a chance is not a good one.
Whether he wins or loses this time; risking his neck to save a few minutes'
time is rolling the dice - a gamble that he will, eventually, lose.
When you get right down to it though, I don't really think most of us take
shortcuts to save time as much as we do it because the safe way is just too
much trouble. Like using the wrong tool because it's too much trouble to get
the right one. Like climbing the rebar because it's too much troubles to get a
ladder. Or maybe like lifting more than you know is safe because it's too
much trouble to get someone to help you.
Or maybe it's like the guy I saw the other day swinging around like a monkey
on the side of some forms, holding on with one hand while trying to strip
forms with the other, all because it's too much trouble to go get a safety belt
and tie of like he knows he should. Or how about another guy that was
chipping concrete without safety goggles because it was too much trouble to
go hunt up a pair.
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Remember, you always have a choice, but only you can decide to do it the
safe way. The safe way is usually not the shortest or quickest way, but it's
your decision.

GENERAL SAFETY - THE BASICS OF SAFETY

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Through several years of investigating accidents and research in the field of

accident reconstruction, leaders in the field of occupational accident
prevention have concluded that there are specific reasons why accidents
occur. They found that worker safety is dependent on worker behavior and
human factors. They developed ten safety rules and, while some of you may
have heard them before, they are worth repeating:
1. STAY ALERT - and stay alive. The more awake a worker is, the less likely he
or she is to get hurt. If you are unsure how to operate equipment or perform
a task, ask your supervisor. Don't guess and muddle through. Make sure you
know in advance the correct, safe way to do it.
2. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES - work clothes should fit properly. Anything
that can catch in machinery or trip you up is hazardous. Wear protective
clothing and equipment as required.
3. USE THE RIGHT TOOLS - if you need a hammer, get a hammer. It may be
handier to use a pair of pliers, wrench, screw driver or even your fist. But you
will have only yourself to blame if you break your fingers.
4. LEARN HOW TO LIFT - Lifting takes more than muscle; it is an art. Don't try
to show how strong you are; you may end up in a hospital. Get help to
handle anything that is too heavy or cumbersome for you.
5. DON'T BE A PRANKSTER - practical jokes and horseplay can be dangerous
around machinery. If you feel the urge to play, resist it until after work.
6. BE TIDY - Good housekeeping reduces hazards in the workplace or your
home. Always put away tools when they are not in use. Keep the floors clean,
pick up scraps, and wipe up spills. A slip or trip can be fatal.
7. REPORTING IS IMPORTANT - Never fail to report accidents, defective
equipment, and unsafe conditions.
8. GET FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY - if you're hurt -- even if it is just a scratch.
Neglect of the injury may lead to serious infection, weeks of lost time, even
permanent injury.
9. BACK YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM - If you have an idea you believe will reduce
accidents, tell your supervisor about it. Set an example by obeying safety
rules. Cooperate with your safety committee.
10. NEVER TAKE A CHANCE - Next to sheer carelessness, the short cut is
probably the biggest killer of all. To save a minute or two, you may lose a

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lifetime. Whatever you are doing, if you are not doing it safely, you are not
doing it right!!

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GAS CYLINDERS
Let us use common sense when dealing with pressurized cylinders to: (1)
protect the cylinder itself, (2) protect the property surrounding the cylinders,
and (3) protect the people handling the cylinders. It is important to know the
rules for safe use, storage, and movement of pressurized cylinders just as it is
important to know why cylinders must be protected.
If a neck of a pressurized cylinder should be accidentally broken of, the energy
released would be sufficient to propel the cylinder to over three-quarters of a
mile in height. A standard 250 cubic foot cylinder pressurized to 2,500 PSIG can
become a rocket attaining a speed of 34 miles per hour in one-tenth of a
second after venting from the broken cylinder connection.
The following practices should be followed in a safe storage, moving and use
to prevent accidents with cylinders.
Storage
1. Secure empty and full cylinders to a wall or vertical support by use of
chains, etc., in an upright position.
2. Keep valve protective caps in place when the cylinder is not in use.
3. Mark empty cylinders "EMPTY" or "MT".
4. Keep valves closed on empty cylinders.
5. Keep empty and full cylinders segregated.
6. Keep oxygen cylinders a minimum distance of 20 feet from flammable gas
cylinders or combustible materials. If this cannot be done, separation by a
noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-rating of at least one
hour would suffice.
7. Leaking cylinders should be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition.
Such cylinders should be plainly tagged, and the supplier should be promptly
notified.
8. Cylinders shall be kept away from sources of heat.
9. Cylinders shall be kept away from electrical wiring where they may
become part of the circuit.

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10. Storage areas shall be

well ventilated. Moving
11. Use a cylinder cart with the chain restraint in place.
12. Don't use slings or electric magnets.
13. Don't use cylinders as rollers for moving material or equipment.
14. Don't use valve protective caps for moving or lifting.
15. Don't drop a cylinder, or permit them to strike each other violently or to
be handled roughly.
16. Don't use bars to pry cylinders loose when frozen to the ground. The use
of warm (not boiling) water is recommended.
17. It is good practice that employees have foot protection when engaged in
moving or transporting cylinders.
18. Unless cylinders are secured on a special truck, regulators shall be
removed, valves closed, and valve protective covers in place before cylinders
are moved.

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GIVE NEW CO-WORKERS YOUR SUPPORT!

Once the initial orientation to the company is over and the basic
requirements of the job and the safety program have been covered, it's time
to move the new employee into the work force and introduce the people he
or she will be working with. Co-workers play an important role in getting the
new person of to a good start.
What is a veteran employee's role when it comes to orienting a new
employee? Remember that new people are nervous to begin with-just
starting a new job. They probably don't remember all the instructions they
are given and aren't familiar with the new surroundings. This is often a time
for information overload. So how can an experienced hand help out?
Introduce yourself to this person, explain your job and offer assistance.
Encourage the new hire to ask questions if he or she is not quite sure.
Remember how hard it was to admit you didn't know everything when you
started a new job?
Remember too, that the new person may be highly skilled and
experienced in his or her trade, but not necessarily used to your company's
ways of doing things.
Point out locations of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, restrooms & break
rooms.
Be sure your new co-worker is wearing the right PPE, and is using it
properly.
Volunteer to serve as a mentor to the new employee, to assure that safe
work procedures are understood and followed.
If you spot this person doing something wrong, tactfully explain the
proper procedures. It's easier to do this if a "coaching" role has been
assigned or agreed-upon.
During lunch and breaks include him/her in the group so everyone can
get better acquainted.

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Resist any temptation to complain about aspects of your job that you
don't like-get the new person started out on a positive note by passing on
what's good about the company.

Perhaps most importantly, lead by example with correct work habits.

Getting a new employee started of on the right foot is very important.

Statistics indicate that up to 60% of all job injuries occur to new employees
with less than six months experience on the job. Repeated, friendly
reminders of safety procedures and work rules by a mentor can greatly
reduce the chance of an accident with the new employee. Many times new
employees will not think of questions until after they have worked a few days
and begin to understand the job requirements more thoroughly. As a coworker, if you make yourself available to answer questions, it shows your
willingness to provide a safe workplace for everyone involved.
Remember, getting new people started on the right path can help prevent an
accident or injury to everyone on the crew. Don't think that helping to
develop a productive co-worker is a burden. Think of it as an investment in
the future of your work group and your company. Besides-it's the way you'd
like to be treated yourself!

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GENERAL SAFETY - CARELESSNESS

Have you ever done anything stupid, something that you know puts you at
increased risk of injury? When you realize how stupid you were, whether you
got hurt or not, do you ask yourself, "Why did I ever do that?" For your own
future preservation, this should be a very important question for you to
answer yourself. Consider the fact that approximately 20% of injuries are due
to unsafe conditions and 80% are caused by unsafe acts. If you realize that
most unsafe conditions are brought about by human failure, then virtually all
accidents are brought about by unsafe acts. Why did you do something in an
unsafe manner? To answer this question, you will need to put personal
defenses aside and know that blame may lie within yourself. Also realize that
there may be more than one reason for your actions and others may be
involved.
If you knew the proper, safe way to the do the job, then you cannot claim
ignorance. What is left, whether you like it or not, is carelessness. So what
can cause you to temporarily disregard your own safety?
External Pressure -- "Let's get this job done!" Usually this pressure comes
from your direct supervisor. Disregarding safe practices is not going to save
enough time to make a significant diference. However, any accident or
injury is guaranteed to have an efect. As a matter of fact, when the pressure
is applied, it is worthwhile to pay more attention to safety because we know,
from experience, such situations frequently lead to more accidents.
Bad Habits -- You fail to follow the established procedure and you don't get
hurt (or you were not caught) this time. Psychologically, this is a reward and
so you do it again and again and again. But it is also Russian roulette. How
many times can you pull the trigger before a round is in the chamber? You
know, sooner or later, something is going to happen. There is only one way
to stop it - stop pulling the trigger. Do yourself a favor and follow the
established procedures.

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Internal Pressure -- There is just so much to do and not enough time!" Are
you self-motivated and self-directed? Most employers love this type of
individual, but your single-minded determination to get the job done may
cause you to lose sight of the dangers around you. Think of it this way, you
will not finish the job if you get hurt. You may finish the job if you don't get
hurt. Therefore, first, prevent injury. Second, work to complete the job. Make
sense?
Attitude -- "This safety stuf doesn't apply to me!" So what makes you so
special? A study of mine accidents involving foremen showed that the
foremen were injured when they personally failed to apply the safety
standards they were to enforce. Did the fact that they were foremen protect
them from injury? No. Humans are humans. Rich or poor. Black or white. Men
or women. Strong or weak. There is nothing in your status that will protect
you from injury except following the safe procedure.
GENERAL SAFETY -- HAZARD AWARENESS
A hazard is defined as a condition or changing set of circumstances that
present a potential for injury, illness, or property damage. The potential or
inherent characteristics of an activity, condition, or circumstance which can
produce adverse or harmful consequences.
An accident is defined as an unfortunate event often the result of
carelessness or ignorance. An unforeseen and unplanned event or
circumstance usually resulting in an unfavorable outcome.
There are some key words in these definitions: Unplanned; Unforeseen;
Unfortunate; Unfavorable and most importantly POTENTIAL!
I met a person the other day who had fallen from a height of 25 feet. He was
fortunate to have escaped this accident with only a badly broken leg. A few
weeks ago a worker fell just a couple of feet of a ladder and he passed away.
Both of these situations have been discussed to the limit and on several
occasions I heard people refer to luck, good and bad! Well, the last time I
looked, luck was not an efective accident prevention or loss control
technique.
For an unplanned or unforeseen event to take place, there has to be
potential!. Complacency and taking things for granted are causes of a
tremendous number of injuries each year. Recognizing hazards and doing
something about them is everyone's responsibility!
So as you begin work, ask yourself:

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Do I have the right tools/equipment for the job?

Have I inspected my tools/equipment to make sure they are in good

repair or am I trying to get by?

Is the work laid out to provide safe completion of the job?

Are the materials I am using safe, and do I need additional personal

protective equipment such as: safety glasses, gloves, hard hat,
respirator, etc.?

Is there a safer way to accomplish the task?

Are all necessary equipment guards in place?

Are written procedures such as lockout/tagout being followed?

GENERAL SAFETY - CUTS AND BURNS

Nicks, cuts, scratches and burns. Minor injuries that can occur to any one of
us no matter how careful we are. Minor injuries to the skin that are often
ignored. But it must be remembered that skin is a vital organ; one that
should not be ignored. Not only is skin the largest bodily organ, it also keeps
the good stuf in and the bad stuf out. So what do you do when you get a
minor injury? If you are like many, you realize a doctor's visit is not
necessary and try to treat the injury yourself. How do you know when to seek
professional treatment? How do you treat injuries that do not require a
doctor's visit?
Cuts: Cuts require immediate professional attention if:

There is severe bleeding, especially arterial wounds, which literally

pump blood from the body.

Puncture wounds, such as those caused by a rusty nail or animal bite.

These will require a tetanus booster shot.

Cuts more than one half inch long and one quarter inch deep, which
will require stitches.

To treat any cuts, first stop the bleeding and then treat to prevent infection.
Place a sterile gauze (or if you do not have any gauze, a clean cloth) over the
wound and hold it until the bleeding stops. Apply pressure continuously. If
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the gauze or cloth soaks through, simply place another cloth over the first
and resume the pressure. When the bleeding has stopped, wash the cut with
soap and water, followed by a disinfectant. If the bleeding does not stop, get
professional treatment. After the cut is clean, look for any foreign object(s) in
the cut and remove them. If you do not, a threatening infection may set in.
To aid in keeping the wound clean while it heals, you can cover it with a
bandage. However, if you use a bandage, remember it will need attention
too. Change it twice daily and use an antibiotic cream to prevent further
infection. Keep in mind that wounds exposed to air heal faster. But it is also
very important to keep a wound clean and dry to prevent infection.
Treatment for a scrape is the same, except you do not have to worry about
stopping blood flow as there is very little.
Burns:
Burns are classified as first, second, or third degree. A first degree burn
causes redness. Blistering is caused by a second degree burn. Charred,
blackened or blanched skin are signs of a third degree burn. Furthermore,
burns can be caused by heat (thermal burns) or by contact with chemicals.
Seek professional, medical treatment for:

All third degree burns.

Second degree burns involving more than one fifth of the body or if the
burn has afected the face, hands, feet, or genitalia.

First aid treatment for a burn involves relief of pain, infection prevention and
treatment or prevention of shock. If a burn begins to blister, cool it by placing
your hand or foot in cold, still (not running) water. You will need to use an ice
pack on any other part of the body. Gently clean the burn and cover the area
with sterile, non-stick gauze. Change the dressing twice a day. Never
puncture a blister. This just opens the door for infection. Never use butter,
oils, or petroleum jelly on burns.
If the burn is due to a chemical exposure, flush the burned area with running
water for at least 15 minutes. While you flush, remove any contaminated
clothing, especially clothing in the area of the burn. Check the first aid
instructions for the chemical. These are found on the container and/or
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Treat as specified. Cover the burn with a
clean dressing and call a doctor.

If a third degree burn is involved, get professional medical treatment

quickly. Call an ambulance first. While awaiting professional help, make
sure any fire is out and/or remove the victim from the burn source. DO
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NOT REMOVE ANY CLOTHING OR APPLY ANY DRESSINGS. Treat for

shock and make sure the victim is still breathing.
Use common sense in all situations. Maintain a well stocked first aid kit and
be familiar with first aid procedures. Being knowledgeable and prepared may
be the smartest first step of all.

GENERAL SAFETY- MOTION INJURIES

Taking the time to think about everyday tasks and their afects on our bodies
is a good way to prevent injuries. The following scenarios will demonstrate
how inadequate planning leads to pain and disability, afecting on- and ofthe-job activities.
At the breakfast table you rush to clean everything up before going to work.
You stretch awkwardly across the table to lift your infant baby out of the
highchair. Half standing, you start to lift your baby, but then stop, reacting to
a sharp pain in your back. Instead of using your leg muscles to lift, you used
your back muscles and are consequently sufering back pain.
In the warehouse, you notice some boxes on the floor. These boxes are in the
way of pedestrian traffic and so you proceed to move them. You know that
the boxes could be heavy but you do not want to bother anyone to help you.
You bend over at the waist to lift one box but have to stop because the load

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is too heavy and you feel a sudden pain in your back. As a result, you strain
your back muscle -- an injury that may keep you of the job for several days.
In this next scenario, you are a production-line worker who packs boxes as
they pass by on a conveyor. Throughout the day, you perform the same set
of lifting and twisting motions with your arms. You begin to experience pain
in your forearms and sometimes it aches so much that you can't sleep. The
repetitive nature of your work has stressed your arm tendons, muscles and
nerves.
What could have been done to avoid the motion injuries mentioned above?
You could have thought about the task at hand and applied the Take Two
principle (Talk, Actions, Knowledge, Equipment) checklist: Talk to your
supervisor about how to perform the job safely. Think about how your actions
will afect safety. Know the right rules and procedures for the job. Use the
proper equipment and keep it in good condition.
Keeping the above scenarios in mind, ask yourselves and your co-workers
these questions:
1) Do we always think carefully about posture and proper techniques when
lifting?
2) Why do we sometimes ignore our body and safety?
- Busy work schedule
- Think that "it won't happen to me."
- Lack of knowledge
- Under stress
3) What is the procedure for lifting safely?
- Make sure you are close to the object and are not bending over to lift
- Keep back straight and use leg muscles to lift
- Don't twist or stretch excessively.
4) How can we help prevent repetitive motion injuries?
- Take breaks to stretch and relax

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- Rotate work stations; change positions

Living in a stressful society where time is money and deadlines are of the
utmost importance, it is easy to get so caught up in what you are doing that
you forget about taking care of your body. But think about the consequences
of having an injury where you can't work, play, or spend any time with your
family and friends. Think of how badly an injury makes you feel (physically
and emotionally) and all the extra work and lost wages you have to make up
for when you come back to work. Isn't your body worth an extra few minutes
to do the tasks correctly and safely?

GENERAL SAFETY - SAFE ATTITUDES

I was in a shipyard when I observed a worker perched precariously high

and above the ground on a structural member. The Safety Manager
signed time out and said, "Let's talk about this." The worker replied
angrily, "Are we here to play safety or to build ships?" Fortunately for
everyone, including himself, this employee was soon gone. Think about
this man's attitude toward safety. We probably agree that his outlook
was negative. Negative attitudes toward safety lead to negative results
-- accidents. Experience has shown us that all the safety training and
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equipment in the world cannot ensure safety without the proper safety
attitude also being present. Is your attitude toward safety positive, or
negative? Is safety part of your job or is it an obstacle someone has
put in your way to make your job more difficult?

Hopefully, you will accept the fact that safety is part of your job. If you
can accept that fact, not only will you increase your chances of going
home uninjured at the end of the day, you may also find that your life
at work becomes a bit more pleasant. How so?

Enforcing safety rules is part of your supervisor's job. If you violate

safety rules, the supervisor must correct you. This can lead to
resentment. You have to understand that giving someone a break when
they ignore safety rules actually encourages further breaking of the
rules and can set up a situation leading to an accident and injury. If you
do not have a safe attitude, then it becomes the supervisor's job to
change your behavior. Generally, this involves some sort of discipline,
something no one likes to do or to receive. You can avoid this
unpleasantness by simply following the rules and changing your
attitude yourself. Remember, although your employer may have a legal
obligation to make and enforce the rules, they are made to protect
you.

You are the primary beneficiary.

GENERAL SAFETY - SAFETY AND YOUR SUPERVISOR

Is job safety important to you? Some people will say yes right away. Others
may feel diferently, at least when this question is first posed. But survival
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and avoidance of pain is a basic instinct for all. You may say that safety isn't
important to you, but just wait until you get hurt. At that time, I'll bet you will
think diferently.
Safety does not just happen. Remember the old adage, if something can go
wrong, it will. We must work to make things happen right; that is, in a safe
manner. But one person cannot do this alone. It takes the cooperation of
everyone. You cannot overlook a safety problem. If you do, the results could
be disastrous.
Your company has a moral, legal, and financial interest in your well being.
Supervisors should be receptive to your safety concerns. Have you ever
brought a problem to your supervisor only to have it dismissed? It happens.
This does not mean he or she isn't interested and you should drop the
subject. You can't aford to. You may be the one getting hurt. Let us look at
ways you can use to make your supervisor share your safety concerns.

Don't wait until the problem becomes critical. As soon as you see the
adjustment slipping, guard loosening, or scheduling problems, speak
up. This will give your supervisor the opportunity to deal with the
problem in a planned manner. Planning is part of a supervisor's job.
Help him do it right.

Don't be overly emotional or accusatory. Maybe you were just involved

in a "near miss." Emotion is understandable. But it is a rare supervisor
who will deliberately put someone in harms way. More likely than not,
the supervisor was not aware of the problem.

Be prepared to ofer your assessment as to whether the problem is

critical or not. Don't overstate the seriousness, but don't understate it
either. If you don't know whether the problem is critical or not, say so.

Ofer suggestions as to what needs to be done to correct the problem.

This may clarify, in your supervisor's mind, what needs to be done and
helps facilitate understanding. Again, if you don't know, say so.

Finally, try to get commitment as to when the problem will be

corrected. The idea is not to put anyone on the spot. But, when there is
a firm commitment, people tend to pay more attention. If you don't see
any action by the completion date, follow-up or remind the supervisor
of your concern.

Again, supervisor is human. They can get buried in things that may need
more immediate attention and/or they could just forget. Supervisors,
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remember the employee who brings safety problems to your attention is just
trying to do his job and help you with yours. Their concerns should never be
dismissed without a review.

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HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES IN CONFINED SPACES

Employees in many industries enter a variety of confined spaces for
inspections, testing, repair or cleaning. A confined space is any area that: (a)
has limited openings for entry and exit; (b) may contain or produce toxic air
contaminants; (c) has a high concentration of an inert gas; (d) is not
intended for continuous occupancy; and (e) may have an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere. All such spaces must be analyzed and tested before entry.
Workers should also be trained to understand the hazards that may be found
in these spaces. A few of the potentially hazardous gases are:
Freon - This is a non-flammable liquid used primarily as a solvent for
flushing a space or can be found as a gas in refrigeration systems. To prevent
release, all refrigeration and transfer systems must be leak free. When
working with Freon, there must be an alarm device in the area to warn of
dangerous airborne concentrations. Since Freon is heavier than air, vapors
will settle along the floor. Because of this, if the Freon alarm sounds or if you
discover a leak, stand upright as you leave the area.
Carbon monoxide - This gas is usually produced by the exhaust of an engine
or heater. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and deadly. If the air you breathe
contains carbon monoxide, the gas interferes with your body's ability to
utilize the oxygen that is in your lungs. In other words, you can still breathe,
but it does not do you any good. Unconsciousness, and often death, comes
very quickly. Keep any fuels burning devices out of, and away from, confined
and enclosed spaces.
Hydrogen sulfide - This is the colorless gas with a rotten egg smell. You may
think that the smell alone would give you plenty of warning that the gas is
present. Beware--it doesn't! After a whif or two, in higher concentrations, the
gas can desensitize your sense of smell, depending on the concentration, so
you no longer detect the warning odor. Hydrogen sulfide is released during
the decay of organic matter found in muds, sewage, etc., and is often
prevalent during oil & gas drilling. It is heavier than air, so stay high if you
suspect a problem and are trying to escape. Keep an eye out for blackened
brass or copper pipes and fittings. Such indications could indicate that
hydrogen sulfide gas is now present, or may have been in the past.
Carbon dioxide - Decaying animal or vegetable matter can create this gas,
the gas may have been used to inert a space, or it may have leaked from a
fire suppression system. The gas is odorless, colorless, and displaces the
oxygen within the space, which can be fatal.
Ammonia -- This gas has good warning properties because it is extremely
irritating to the eyes, nose, and moist skin. When exposure is gradual, most
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people are driven from the area before injury can occur. However, if the
exposure is extensive or prolonged, severe irritation to the respiratory tract
can result in respiratory arrest and death. If the odor of ammonia is strong, it
is a sign that a leak exists, and must have attention before the space is
entered.
Welding gases - Acetylene, oxygen, argon, and helium are all gases used in
welding that might find their way into a confined space and threaten your
life. These all have diferent properties and dangers but they most often
enter a confined space due to a simple error, such as leaving an unused
welding hose in the space. Never leave a welding gas hose in a confined
space--even if it's turned of. It is too easy for someone to turn a wrong valve
by mistake, and release gas that becomes a killer.

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H2S - TOXIC GAS IN OIL & GAS DRILLING

Hydrogen Sulfide gas can be one of the most vicious and deadly hazards in
the oil and gas industry. It goes by many names such as H 2S, sour gas and
sulphureted hydrogen, and workers in the oil and gas industry are very
aware of its lethal properties. Found in formations that are being drilled for
oil, the gas is formed by decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur.
Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic, colorless, combustible gas. It is heavier
than air and has the unmistakable odor of rotten eggs. However the sense of
smell is not a reliable warning because exposure to this gas quickly deadens
the sense of smell; relying on being able to detect its odor can provide a
false sense of security.
Loss of consciousness can occur within seconds of exposure to a high
concentration of this gas. The only positive means of determining the
amount of H2S present is by testing with approved detectors. If H2S is
suspected, the concentration must be determined before personnel are
allowed in the area. If it is found to be present, the following procedures
should be adopted:

The drilling rig must be equipped with fixed electronic H 2S monitors,

along with audible and visual alarms.

Calibration must be performed according to manufacturer's instruction

which in most cases is daily.

At least two wind direction indicators must be installed in locations

visible from the rig floor, shale shakers, and mud tanks.

At least one blower must be located on the rig floor; but blowers are
also highly recommended at the shale shaker, mud tank and cellar
floor.

H2S warning signs must be located no more than mile from the well.

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At least two designated safe briefing areas with at least two sets of
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA's) must be located in each
area.

Emergency escape breathing units must be kept on the rig floor,

monkey board, shale shaker and mud tank.

All personnel working on location must have completed an approved

H2S training program.

Extra caution must be used around low places such as cellars, ditches,
etc., since H2S is heavier than air and tends to collect in these areas-especially if there are no blowers in place.

In areas where high concentrations are likely, employees should work

in pairs, with breathing units readily available.

All personnel must avoid entering any confined space, such as a tank,
vessel, or other enclosed area unless (1) they have received confined
space entry training, (2) they have a permit for entry when required,
and (3) the space has been tested and found safe for entry.

HAND TOOL SAFETY

Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools are
often underrated as sources of potential danger. Hand tools may look
harmless, but they are the cause of many injuries. In fact, an estimated 8
percent of all workplace compensable injuries are caused by incidents
associated with hand tools. These injuries can be serious, including loss of
fingers or eyesight.
Hand tools can cause many types of injuries:
1. Cuts, abrasions, amputations, and punctures. If hand tools are
designed to cut or move metal and wood, remember what a single slip
can do to fragile human flesh.
2. Repetitive motion injuries. Using the same tool in the same way all day
long, day after day, can stress human muscles and ligaments. Carpal
tunnel syndrome (inflammation of the nerve sheath in the wrist) and
injuries to muscles, joints and ligaments are increasingly common if
the wrong tool is used, or the right tool is used improperly. Injury from
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continuous vibration can also cause numbness or poor circulation in

hands and arms.
3. Eye injuries. Flying chips of wood or metal are a common hazard, often
causing needless and permanent blindness.
4. Broken bones and bruises. Tools can slip, fall from heights, or even be
thrown by careless employees, causing severe injuries. A hammer that
falls from a ladder is a lethal weapon.
To avoid such injuries, remember the following safety procedures:
1. Use the right tool for the job. Don't use your wrench as a hammer.
Don't use a screwdriver as a chisel, etc. Go back to the tool house and
get the right tool in the right size for the job.
2. Don't use broken or damaged tools, dull cutting tools, or screwdrivers
with worn tips.
3. Cut in a direction away from your body.
4. Make sure your grip and footing are secure when using large tools.
5. Carry tools securely in a tool belt or box. Don't carry tools up ladders.
Use a hoist or rope.
6. Keep close track of tools when working at heights. A falling tool can kill
a co-worker.
7. Pass a tool to another person by the handle; never toss it to them.
8. Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job. Follow
company instructions for selecting and using safety eyewear, steel
toed shoes, gloves, hard hats, etc.
9. Never carry sharp or pointed tools such as a screwdriver in your
pocket.
10.
Select ergonomic tools for your work task when movements are
repetitive and forceful.
11.
Be on the lookout for signs of repetitive stress. Early detection
might prevent a serious injury.

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12.
Always keep your tools in top condition. A dull blade or blunt
point can lead to injury.
13.

Store tools properly when you stop work.

By following these precautions, you can help prevent injuries and provide a
better workplace for everyone. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure!

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HAZCOMM vs. HAZMAT vs. HAZARDOUS WASTE

What Is The Difference?????
AT LAST REPORT there were 213,000 chemicals and chemical compounds
being used in this country. And each year thousands of new chemical
compounds are produced, and become part of our lives at home and at work.
Nearly 1.5 billion tons of hazardous materials are transported annually in the
U.S., over the road or by rail, aircraft or vessel. A lot of these products
improve our lives, but many are harmful to our health and to the
environment. The trouble is, these substances become so common to us, we
are in danger of using them casually.
A hazardous material is defined as: "A substance (gas, liquid or solid)
capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property."
Examples are: solvents, paints, gasoline, adhesives and lubricants. They
include materials as common as Drano and as toxic as nuclear fuel. Many
people have sufered serious health problems from exposure to hazardous
materials. Many areas of our environment have been critically damaged by
accidental chemical releases. Trying to understand all the government
agencies that regulate these matters is mind-boggling. But, we must all
understand the potential harm in these materials, and how to use them and
dispose of them properly.
DEFINITIONS:
The term HAZCOM refers to the Hazard Communication Standard, which
requires that employees receive training about the chemicals they use in
their work. This is sometimes called the "Workers' Right To Know" program.
OSHA requires all employers to implement this program.

The term HAZMAT is often used when discussing the transport or clean
up of hazardous materials, but it actually can mean any aspect of
hazardous materials production, transport, use, disposal, cleanup, or
emergency response. OSHA and the EPA are major agencies of
concern.

HAZARDOUS WASTE is a contaminated chemical or by-product of a

production process that no longer serves its purpose and needs to be
disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency.
This could include small amounts of chemicals such as parts washing
solvents in a machine shop, or large amounts of construction byproducts.
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HAZWOPER refers to training that deals with hazardous waste

operations and emergency response to chemical spills or releases.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

Manufacturers must provide a Material Safety Data Sheet with all

hazardous products they sell..

Materials in transport must be properly labeled, e.g., flammable,

explosive, radioactive, etc.

The MSDS must be available to any employee who works with or

transports such products.

The MSDS explains the physical and health efects of hazardous

substances and how to avoid harm.

The MSDS explains procedures for spills, leaks and disposal.

Hazardous materials or by-products such as gases cannot always be

seen or smelled.

Internal or external harm from exposure does not always appear

immediately.

Every employee who works with or near large quantities of hazardous

materials must know the steps to take and who to contact in the event
of a spill.

TAKE CARE WITH CHEMICALS:

They can make your life and work easier

But they can take your life, too!

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HOW TO READ MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

SECTION 1 Material Identification
The name of the product and name, address, and emergency telephone
number of manufacturer are provided.
SECTION 2 Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information
This section contains a list of all the hazardous ingredients which make up
more than 1% of the mixture (or .1% for cancer-causing substances). They
also list the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for each hazardous ingredient
and Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) recommended by the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
SECTION 3 Physical/Chemical Characteristics
Physical and chemical characteristics include the chemicals appearance and
odor, along with physical properties that indicate how easily a chemical will
evaporate and release potentially harmful vapors into the air.
SECTION 4 Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
This section will provide information on the fire hazards of a product and
special precautions necessary to extinguish a fire.

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FLASH POINT= if a material has a flash point less than 100 it is flammable;
if its flash point is between 100-200 it is considered to be combustible and
they both have special handling and storage precautions.
SECTION 5 Reactivity Data
This describes the reaction of chemicals when they are mixed together with
other chemicals, or when stored or handled improperly.
SECTION 6 Health Hazard Data
This section describes the health efects of the product, including signs and
symptoms of exposure and medical conditions mad worse by exposure.
Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) efects of the exposure as well as
routes of entry (inhalation, skin contact, swallowing) are also included.
SECTION 7 Precautions for Safe Handling and Use (Spill or Leak Procedures)
This section contains information on proper equipment to use and what
precaution to follow if a spill or leak occurs. It also describes safe waste
disposal methods and precautions to be taken in handling and storing.
SECTION 8 Control Measures
Lists control measures that can reduce or eliminate the hazard, including
ventilation and other engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal
protective equipment. Also contains information on the appropriate filter
cartridge for respirators and the correct type of glove to be used if necessary.

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HAZARD AWARENESS
Most of us have probably heard the old saying, "It's the little things that
count."
There are many small things that influence our lives, and ignoring them can
sometimes have serious consequences -- particularly when it comes to
safety. We have all been trained to watch out for the big hazards that could
harm us, but the little ones can sometimes cause serious injuries too.
One company became very concerned when its accident frequency showed a
large increase over a three-month period. Management began an in-depth
check of systems, equipment, and material that are considered to be highhazard: heavy machinery, ventilation, toxic substances, machine guarding,
etc.
To everyone's surprise, none of these things were the cause of their
accidents. Chemicals were properly labeled and stored; machines were in
good repair and properly guarded; the exhaust fans, sprinkler systems,
respirators, etc., were all in good working order. Instead, accidents stemmed
from a variety of "little things" that had been ignored until an injury occurred.
For example, they found that serious falls had been caused by:

A puddle of oil on the floor from a leaking forklift. No one had poured
absorbent on the spill because it was "too small to worry about." It
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wasn't too small, however, to make a passing employee slip and fall
when he didn't notice it. (Furthermore, the leaking forklift needs to be
repaired so this accident won't happen again.)

A box of supplies that had been left on the floor in front of a shelf,
instead of properly stored. It had been walked around dozens of times
before someone finally tripped over it.

A ladder that was placed in front of an outward-opening door "just for a

minute" to change a light bulb. It was knocked over by another worker
coming through the door, and both he and the worker on the ladder
were injured.

All these "accidents waiting to happen" had been ignored because they
didn't really seem that dangerous to the workers involved. Employees all
knew about, and carefully avoided, the major hazards found when repairing
energized electrical equipment or bypassing machine guards.
We often intend to report a defective tool, extension cord, or stepladder to
the maintenance department but don't take the time, or forget about. It is
important to follow through on our good intentions, since these are just the
sort of "little things" that can result in a serious injury to ourselves or to
other workers.
Minor injuries left untreated are also "little things" that can cause big trouble
if ignored. "Just a scratch" can become infected; a speck of dust in the eye
can scratch the cornea and cause severe eye damage if not attended to. So,
be sure to report even seemingly minor injuries and get appropriate first aid
treatment.
Little things do count and if we take a few minutes to pay attention to all the
potential hazards around us we can prevent serious injuries from happening
to ourselves and other employees.

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HAZARD RECOGNITION
I've never met a worker who intentionally injured himself or herself. This
should go without saying. Unfortunately, many workers are seriously injured
each year and many people still believe that accidents "just happen." But,
accidents do not just happen!
What Goes Wrong? Usually, an error that is within the control of one or more
people is at the bottom of things. Often, several errors take place, at the
same time, for an accident to occur. So when we analyze accidents, we
should focus on which aspects of a task were controlled and which were not.
Assuming that workers have been properly trained and all the proper
materials and tools were available, what else can go wrong? A lot! Accidents
are most frequently due to haste and poor planning.
Don't Take Safety Shortcuts: When workers get out on the job with a
supervisor monitoring their output, they are expected to achieve production
goals. If they feel their job is on the line, they may take pay less attention to
safety than to production, in order to look better in the eyes of the boss. This
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often means poor choices are made that put them and co-workers at risk.
Many accidents happen in just this manner. And these incidents have a
negative impact on production, because dealing with them requires valuable
time and money.
Plan Ahead! It is an employee's responsibility to work safely, and that means
taking time to review what is to be done--and what could go wrong. All
employees should make it a habit to check out the site and assure the work
can be done without mishaps. It helps to remember the Five Ps: Prior
Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
Identify Hazards! The following questions should be asked, to help predict
what could go wrong and how risks might be controlled:
Is the site and the job the same as depicted on the prints?
Are the necessary materials available to perform the work?
Does everyone have the proper tools to perform the tasks at hand?
Are there enough workers to handle the job? Have they all had safety
training?
Are environmental conditions such as light, noise and weather a factor?
Are there too many people in the area to work safely?
Have other sub's on the job been notified about hazardous tasks or
materials?
Don't wait for accidents to occur! Think and plan ahead!
Anticipate, Evaluate and Control Hazards!

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HAZARDS OF SOLVENTS
We use solvents practically every day in our lives. At work, we may use or be
exposed to solvents when we come in contact with paints, coatings, while
using dip tanks, thinners, degreasers, cleaners, glues or mastics. As a result
of this widespread usage, it is important to know some of the hazards that
are associated with the group of chemicals, generally called "solvents."
For practical purposes a solvent is simply a liquid capable of dissolving
specific solids or liquids. As you know, there are solvents that we use daily
that are hazardous. Petroleum based solvents are the most common type
used in industry. Therefore, as part of your job, it's important for you to
understand the hazards of working with or around solvents.
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Exposure and over-exposure to a solvent can come from various methods.

The routes of entry may include:

Absorption by direct contact on the skin. If there are no "barriers"

between the solvent and your skin, the solvent can be absorbed
through your skin.

Inhalation by breathing solvent vapors. Breathing in the solvent vapors

can quickly result in the chemical getting into your body and
bloodstream via your lungs.

Ingestion from literally eating the chemical by not practicing good

hygiene after handling solvents. Direct contact with your hands and
mouth through eating or smoking may result in unexpected ingestion
of solvents.

Puncture of the skin by a tool or other object which has a coating of

solvent. Punctures can result in the direct introduction of toxic
chemicals into your body.

Overexposure to solvents can cause a variety of ailments. Depending on the

type of solvent you are exposed to, the body will react in diferent ways. Skin
contact may result in minor skin rashes or an allergic reaction resulting in
"chloracne." This happens when the solvent dissolves the skin's natural oils.
Some workers can develop a sensitization to a particular product or
chemical. Sensitization results in the entire body being "overly" sensitive to a
particular chemical or product. After sensitization has occurred, even a very
slight exposure can result in adverse or serious reactions. Serious
overexposures can lead to illnesses resulting in organ or tissue damage.
As with any chemical or product, important information is contained in the
product's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS provides information
on safe use, handling, disposal and protection methods among other
information.
Solvents are very useful in our everyday lives. If we take the time to learn
more about them, we can be better prepared to properly use them, protect
ourselves and efectively get our job done.
If you are unsure of the solvent or product that you are using, ask questions
or check the MSDS.

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HEAD INJURIES - AFTER THE FALL

You can work for years and hardly get a scratch, then one day a fall can turn
your life around. Fall injuries may cause abrasions, fractures and dislocations.
However, the one of the most serious result of a fall, other than death, can
be a head injury. How this will afect you depends upon which part of your
brain has been injured as a result of a fall or impact. Broken bones usually
heal, but head injuries can result in lifelong serious problems, such as:

Changes in personality, such as increased anxiety, depression or anger.

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Difficulties with eye and hand coordination, and inability to handle

tools or play sports well.

Defects in vision and visual illusions.

Short-term memory loss or interference with long term memory.

Increased aggressive behavior.

Difficulty in distinguishing left from right.

Changes in social behavior

How You Fall Often Determines Your Specific Injury.

From the time a worker loses a secure grip, footing or balance, until impact,
several factors influence what part of the body will be injured and how
severe the damage will be. They are:

Distance of the fall - momentum and velocity affect the impact on your
body.

The angle of the body at impact - we're not like cats landing on all
fours.

The obstacles the body strikes - what if you fall on railings, steps, or
vehicles?

The surface eventually landed on - will it be a pile of hay, or broken

concrete & re-bar?

What You Can Do: THINK!

Help remind your co-workers to play it safe and avoid taking risks.

Report unsafe conditions to the nearest supervisor.

Make it a habit to work safely, regardless of time pressures and

productivity goals.

Practice caution at home - accidents and head injuries from falls

happen more often of the job than at work.

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Know how to use fall protection and fall restraint equipment. Never
say, "I don't need to fool around with that stuf-I'll only be up there a
minute."

Stay Alert! Head injuries can have devastating

consequences that may impact your life forever.
HEALTH & SAFETY - HEAT STRESS DISORDERS
Although summer heat is the largest cause of heat distress disorder, it may
also occur when workers are exposed to confined areas such as pipelines,
shipboard spaces with limited ventilation, and any confined area involving
welding or cutting.
Symptoms
The symptoms of heat stress disorders are very slow to start, but increase in
intensity if precautions are not taken. The onset of the initial symptoms is
mild and usually involves headaches, thirst, and tiredness.
Heat stress can move to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency,
quickly when the body's natural cooling system breaks down and causes the
body core temperature to rise and overheat the brain. Some of the
symptoms of heat stroke are immense thirst, severe headaches,
disorientation, dry/hot skin (no sweating) and possibly collapse.
Treatment/Prevention
The following ideas may aid in combating heat stress disorders:
1. Employees accustomed to working in the heat are better candidates for
job assignments where heat stress disorders may occur.
2. Until employees acclimate to the high temperatures, allow them to take
frequent breaks to cool down.
3. Employees should be rotated from the exposure area to a non-exposure
area on a regular basis to help in avoiding heat stress symptoms.
4. Employees should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids (water,
Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) to replace electrolytes. Employees should not
drink any carbonated beverages (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) as these only increase
dehydration and give a false sense of being properly hydrated. Also, the use

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of alcohol the evening before the work shift, can lead to dehydration even
before heat exposure.
If an employee appears to be sufering from heat stress disorder, remove him
or her from the heat and provide a cool, shaded place to rest. If the
employee is disoriented or non-responsive, call for medical attention
immediately.
The goal is to recognize the hazards and symptoms of heat stress disorders
and stop them before they occur. Remember, there is no better cure than
prevention, and heat stress disorders can occur in winter as well as summer.
HEARING PROTECTION
Noise is unwanted sound that can efect job performance, safety, and your
health. Psychological efects of noise include annoyance and disruption of
concentration. Physical efects include loss of hearing, pain, nausea, and
interference with communications when the exposure is severe.
Hearing protection is essential when noise exposures can't be controlled at
their source. Both earplugs and earmufs provide a physical barrier that
reduces inner ear noise levels inner ear and prevent hearing loss from
occurring. However, people often resist wearing these or use them
incorrectly.
Employees resist wearing hearing protection more than any other type of
personal protective equipment. One reason is, they don't think they really
need it. But hearing loss occurs so gradually (even in intense exposures) that
by the time you notice it, irreversible damage has already occurred. Another
reason for not wearing hearing protection is that it can feel uncomfortable.
Sometimes workers "spring" the mufs so they don't seal properly against the
head, or snip of the inner portion of ear plugs leaving only the outer end to
fool their supervisor. If you feel the need to do this, see your supervisor
about obtaining a diferent type or style that fits you correctly and
comfortably.
Slight initial discomfort may be expected when a good seal between the
surface of the skin and the surface of the ear protector is made. The amount
of protection you obtain depends on obtaining a good seal and even a small
leak can substantially reduce the efectiveness of the protector. Remember
to check the seal several times each day. Protectors - especially ear plugs have a tendency to work loose as a result of talking or chewing, and must be
resealed occasionally.

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Properly designed, fitted, and clean ear protectors will cause no more
discomfort to most workers than wearing a pair of safety glasses. Earplugs
are made of soft material such a neoprene to prevent injury to the ear canal.
Skin irritations, injured eardrums, or other adverse reactions from using ear
plugs are very rare if they are kept reasonably clean.
There are many diferent styles, types, and brands of ear protectors
available, but when correctly fitted, they all provide similar levels of
protection. The best hearing protector for you is one that fits correctly so that
you can wear it properly.
Some signs that you should be wearing hearing protection include:
1. If it is necessary for you to speak in a very loud voice, or shout directly
into the ear of a person to be understood, it is likely that the noise level is
high enough to require hearing protection.
2. If you have roaring or ringing noises in your ears at the end of the
workday, you are probably being exposed to too much noise.
3. If speech or music sounds muffled to you after you leave work, but it
sounds fairly clear in the morning when you return to work, you are being
exposed to noise levels that are causing a temporary hearing loss. In time,
this can become permanent if you do not take care.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY

Operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, graders, rollers,
and bulldozers, should always be done by highly skilled operators who have
demonstrated the ability and necessary skills to operate safely. Groundbased workers should be trained in how to work safely around the
equipment, and how to stay clear. Unsafe practices by either the operator or
those around the equipment can create very dangerous situations. Serious
injuries can occur if the equipment strikes a worker, or if the equipment is
rolled over.
Here are a few common safety rules for operators and ground based workers
to consider:
1) Good communication is essential. A standardized set of hand signals
should be used by the operator and signal person. Operators should always
know exactly where all ground based workers are located, and the wearing of
high visibility vests will help the operator to locate them quickly. The
equipment should have a back up warning alarm that can be heard by all
nearby workers. Two-way radios are also valuable communication tools.
2) Heavy equipment must have a rollover protective structure (ROPS)
meeting OSHA requirements. The ROPS is designed to protect the operator if
the machine tips over. A seat belt must be worn so that the operator will not
be thrown out of the seat during a rollover or upset situation. If working on
slopes, try to avoid moving across the face of the slope. Try to operate up

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and down the slope face if possible. Use extreme caution when operating
near open excavations.
3) Wear hearing protection when required. If it has been determined that
noise levels around the equipment could potentially cause hearing loss,
always use protective plugs or mufs when working on or around the
equipment.
4) Never jump onto or off the equipment. Operators should always use the
three-point contact rule when climbing onto or of heavy equipment. The
three-point rule means having both feet and one hand, or one foot and both
hands in contact with the ladder access at all times.
5) Inspect and service the equipment regularly. Complete equipment service
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. Periodic safety
inspections on all components of the equipment should be done regularly by
qualified personnel. Inspect the steering system and brake systems carefully.
A pre-shift walk around inspection by the operator is highly recommended.
Injury accidents involving heavy equipment on construction sites have a
higher probability of resulting in a fatality than many other types of
accidents. It is critical to follow all of your company's safety rules and
procedures when operating or working around heavy equipment.

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HOUSEKEEPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR JOB

Your employer is not your mother! What do I mean by that, you ask? I mean,
just like when you were young, your mother had to remind you to pick up
after yourself. Now that you are on your own, you still need to be told
sometimes. Housekeeping is a very important part of your job. Not only does
it improve the overall appearance of your shop or work area, it shows that
you take pride in where you work. The best way that you can help keep your
work place clean is to pick up after yourself! Don't leave it for the next shift
or another craft to worry about.
Here are some reasons to keep your work area clean:
1. You reduce trip and fall hazards.
2. Increased production. You won't have to waste time looking for a
misplaced tool. You will always know where your tools are when you
put them where they belong after you use them.
3. If someone falls because of materials you left on the floor, you will feel
guilty because you were a causal factor in the accident. Also, the
injured worker may want to remind you of that!
4. You reduce a potential fire hazard by removing unneeded combustibles
from the work area.
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Here are some tips to maintain a clean work area:

Plan the job. Make a list of the needed tools/materials. This will help to
minimize unnecessary clutter around your work area.

Develop a routine for cleaning up at the end of the shift or periodically

during the shift.

Do not allow employees to eat, drink or smoke in the work area, not
only because of litter problems, but also because of hygiene concerns.

This is not, by all means, all inclusive. The point I am trying to make is
to take responsibility for yourself and your work area! Remember, a
clean work area is a productive work area and also enhances safety!

HOW TO LIFT SAFELY

While work in the food industry has always required repetitive lifting, bending
and stooping, back injuries have been comparatively few, both on and of the
job because our employees have learned the proper way to lift.
Since back pain could afect us, both on and of the job, it is important that we
understand and have some knowledge of the various causes of backaches.
These causes are:
70% result from degeneration or aging of the spinal disc.
20% are due to inflammation (arthritis, urinary infection, etc.)
10% are due to actual back injuries and miscellaneous causes.

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If you should sufer back pain, it is important to determine what the cause of
the pain is. The problem may or may not be job related. A diagnosis and
evaluation by a doctor can help you understand your particular condition.
We must remember, before we lift - We only have one back and we must take
care of it.
The factors that determine if objects can be lifted and carried safely are:
1.
Approach the load and size it up (weight, size and shape). Consider
your physical ability to handle the load. Get help if there is any doubt.
2.
Place your feet close to the object to be lifted and 8-10 inches apart one along side, one behind the object.
3.
Bend your knees to the degree that it is comfortable and get a good
handhold. Then, using both leg and back muscles....Lift the load straight up smoothly and evenly. Pushing with your legs, keep the load close to your body.
4.
Lift the object into carrying position, making no turning or twisting
movements until the lift is completed.
5.
Turn your body with changes of foot position, after looking over your
path of travel to make sure it is clear.
6.
Setting the load down is just as important as picking it up. Using leg and
back muscles comfortably lower load by bending your knees. When load is
securely positioned, release your grip.
Over-reaching and stretching to reach overhead objects may result in strains
or falls. Use a ladder instead of pallets, chairs, boxes carts or flat tops.
Avoid awkward positions or twisting movements while lifting.
Get help if the weight, shape or size factor indicates that the object cannot be
lifted or carried safely.

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HYDRAULIC HOSES AND THE DANGER OF LEAKS

You may find it hard to believe, but hydraulic hose assemblies are not
designed to leak--though they do. And when they do, something is wrong.
Leaks from high-pressure hydraulic lines are not just messy, they are
dangerous. Leaks create slip and fall hazards, fire danger, and they
contaminate the environment. Leaks can cause skin burns and, under high
pressure, can penetrate the skin. The most common causes of leaking hoses
are abrasions and improper assembly. If you work with hydraulic hoses, you
should become skilled at anticipating problems, preventing them and fixing
them.

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Preventing Problems: Prevent abrasion by using hoses of the correct length

and diameter. Run the hose in the manner specified by the machine
manufacturer, making sure it is supported and restrained by all provided
hangers and/or brackets. If chaffing guards were originally installed but
missing, they must be replaced. Do not ignore a damaged outer jacket. This
allows moisture to attack the exposed hose reinforcement, leading to rust.
Corrosion could lead to hose failure.
The Wrong Way to Find and Fix Leaks: What do you do when you find a
leaking fitting? Find a wrench and give the fitting another turn? That extra
turn could cause a greater leak or cause the fitting to fail entirely. Do not use
your hand to find the leak. Use a piece of cardboard or wood instead.
Hydraulic fluid is hot and can burn the skin. A pinhole leak, under pressure,
could actually inject fluid under your skin, causing poisoning, infection, and
threaten life and limb. It can and has happened.
Test For Tightness: But before doing this, shut the machine of and bleed
hydraulic pressure from the line. If the fitting threads were to strip or a
connection were to fail under pressure, injury or fire could result from the
sudden release of hot oil. The usual cause of a leak at a fitting is improper
assembly or damage. Make sure that:
(1) Both ends are clean inside and out, and that no physical damage has
occurred;
(2) New seals are used and they have been cleaned and lubricated before
installation;
(3) Fittings are not over-tightened--which can distort seals and ferrules,
causing metal fatigue or cracking flared ends;
(4) Fittings are compatible. There are many diferent thread ends, and some
may almost go together properly, but not quite.
Proper Assembly Of Hose Ends Is Important. Hoses that come apart under
pressure can whip back with great force and release a lot of hot oil. If the
failure occurs at a fitting, the usual reason is improper crimping, an
incorrectly cut hose, or a stem that was not inserted into the hose all the
way. If you assemble your own hoses, check your crimping dies for wear. On
some types of crimping machines, if the dies become worn, the crimp is
looser than it should be. Screw type hose clamps are not to be used on
pressurized hydraulic hoses.

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People who work with any type of fluid piping system know it takes clean,
careful workmanship to prevent dangerous leaks. If you see a leak, report it.
If your job requires you to fix leaks, do it properly and safely.

HOW LOUD IS LOUD?

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Most of us take our sense of hearing for granted-we assume that we hear
what everyone else hears. Loss of hearing may not be realized until a friend
or spouse screams in frustration, "Why don't you ever listen to me!!" This is
because hearing loss is usually gradual. Normally, it doesn't hurt, so we don't
know it's happening. It doesn't annoy us like losing our eyesight. In fact, it is
sometimes a blessing to tune out all the clatter and noise of the city and
workplace.
Yet our ability to hear when we want to is precious and must be protected.
Employers often reduce the amount of noise in the workplace by enclosing or
muffling loud machinery, but they usually can't eliminate it entirely.
Employers may also rotate workers out of an area so they needn't
experience a full work day of excessive noise exposure. Whatever the length
of time you work in an area with high noise levels, you are probably required
to wear a type of hearing protection. Some people consider this a nuisance.
The more you know about those ears of yours, however, the more likely you
will take responsibility for protecting them.
Do you realize that noise exposure of the job can also damage your hearing?
The critical sound level when hearing protection should be worn is 85
decibels (dBA), established for an 8-hour time weighted average. The louder
and longer your exposure, whether at work, at home, or during recreation,
the more likely your hearing will be damaged. If you want to have a sense of
"how loud is loud," the following examples, along with their decibel rating,
will give you an idea:
20

a faint whisper

30-40

quiet pleasant sounds, a bird chirping

40-50

quiet to normal office sounds

50-60

normal conversation

70-90

heavy machinery,
disposal, city traffic

100-120

jack hammer, power saw, motorcycle, lawn

mower, rock music

140+

nearly jet engine, gun shot (this level causes

pain)

electric

motors,

garbage

Wear your hearing protection!

Many disposable or reusable plugs are available and most of these reduce
noise by about 20-30 decibels. The noise reduction rating (NRR) is usually
marked on the package, or on the box if they come in bulk. However, since
the NRR is established in a laboratory with perfectly fitted plugs, experts
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recommend that the true rating is generally about 7 decibels less than
indicated. Hearing protectors of the ear muf type are usually closer to the
actual NRR.
Some degree of hearing loss is part of the normal aging process, but young
people should also be warned about the dangers of a rock concert, boom
box, lawn mower or loud car engine. Of course they may not listen to you-but
if they have permanent hearing loss, they won't be able to listen to anyone,
will they?
Hearing Protection - Use it!

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INDIVIDUAL QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

In this age of rapid change and need for efficiency, we also see an increased
emphasis on quality assurance standards such as ISO (International
Standardization Organization) certifications. However, the biggest factor we
must consider in this age of more with less is how we, as individuals, impact
the quality process. Our honor and integrity as human beings needs to be
confirmed in our work and everything we do. So, you may ask, how does this
apply to safety?
Our personal behavior can determine someone else's fate as well as our own.
Failure to do things correctly can jeopardize the health and safety of those
around us, as well as our own well being. We must beware of letting
mediocrity infiltrate our methods. If our methods do not indicate our best
efort, they are not good enough. What we do, how we work, and the
standards we set for ourselves, makes the diference between success and
failure. If we accept mediocrity, we accept failure as a way of life.
Consider the example of an employee at a ship building facility who, at the
end of a busy day, left a hammer in the hull of the ship. Fourteen years later,
the boat sprung a leak in the middle of the ocean because the hammer wore
a hole in the ship's hull over time. The boat sank and lives were lost.
What about the oil that was spilled on the shop floor and wasn't cleaned up
right away? A fellow employee, a close friend of yours, comes by moments or
hours later, doesn't see the spill, slips and falls. Now he has severe back
problems that afect his future, his family, and their quality of life for
generations to come. By the way, the expense of that injury also put this
small business out of operation, afecting the lives of all the workers and the
business owner.
Each time we don't do our best, we accept mediocrity as a way of life. To
help set standards of excellence in everything we do we must pay attention
to detail. If we don't know the right way to do something, we must ask
someone who does. If asked for help, we should take the time to
demonstrate how to correctly and thoroughly complete a task. We must
make an individual contribution, on a daily basis, to the quality process.

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When we set higher individual standards for ourselves and give our best to
everything we do, it can make a diference. This helps to protect the finest
quality of life this world has to ofer.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE & FIRST AID TREATMENT

We may all find it necessary, at some time in the future, to help a co-worker
who has been seriously injured and is bleeding. It is natural to be most
concerned with helping the injured person at this time, but you should also
think about protecting yourself from infection. Many diseases, such as AIDS
and Hepatitis, can be transmitted from saliva-to-blood, or from blood-toblood contact. Individuals may have such a disease and not know it, because
of the long incubation period. They may have contracted an infectious
disease through blood transfusion or exposure to food that has been handled
by an infected person. Don't add another route for infection-unprotected first
aid assistance.
Always follow "universal precautions" when there is a potential for contacting
another's body fluids. This term means that "all injured persons should be
considered as if they are infected with a bloodborne pathogen when
administering first aid or medical attention."
One of the best ways to protect yourself when giving first aid is by
wearing rubber or latex gloves. This not only protects you, but protects the
injured person from additional risk of infection as well. Even small finger cuts
or abrasions on your hands could provide entry for a virus or bacteria.
All first aid kits should be stocked with rubber gloves that are packaged
individually so they remain sanitary. Gloves should never be re-used.
First aid kits should also be stocked with face masks and glasses. If there
is a chance of blood splattering, cover your mucous membranes-mouth, nose
and eyes-with a mask and goggles. A dust mask or respirator will do in a
pinch.
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation offers another potential for exposure to
infectious disease. You can protect yourself through the use of a disposable
microshield or S-tube, as they are sometimes called, which should also be
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supplied in first aid kits. These plastic devices prevent saliva transfer and
limit the potential for infection from a variety of infectious diseases.
Blood-contaminated gloves, clothing, bandages and absorbent materials
should be properly deposited in leakproof containers that are clearly marked
with the red biohazard symbol.
Wash hands and other exposed skin immediately and thoroughly with
soap and warm water if you've been exposed to blood or body fluids. To be
safe, you should also be tested for pathogens.
When bleeding occurs in the workplace, the area of the spill should be
disinfected. A mild solution of water and household chlorine bleach (10-to-1)
is an accepted method. Someone who touches a blood spill even hours later
could be subject to infection if disinfectant isn't used.
Your workplace may have a "Designated First Responder," who is well trained
in providing first aid and avoiding exposure to infectious diseases. But you
too could be on the spot when a co-worker is injured and needs immediate
help. Follow "universal precautions" and remind others to do so as well. You
may wish to receive bloodborne pathogens training yourself, from the
American Red Cross or another reputable firm. With hard-to-combat
infectious diseases on the rise, take no chances!

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LIFT IT TWICE
Most of you have heard the general rules of safe lifting. Remember to "Get a
firm grip on the load, keep it close, bend at the knees, use your legs to lift
the load, and keep your spine in the natural position (with an arch in your
lower back)." These principles always apply and should be incorporated into
every lift--if possible! Given the enormous number of "risky" lifting situations
that you are faced with at your place of work, you may not be able to apply
these principles every time. This is why you must always remember to LIFT
IT TWICE! What?!
The act of lifting is the same as any other movement that you can learn to do
better with practice. As you know, the more you practice a skill the better
you become at doing it. But preparing to master a skill normally involves
mental as well as physical training. Consider bowling, golf, skiing or
sharpshooting. You think carefully about the movements you're going to
make before you do them. This is the only way to get them right--at least
until they become second nature.
Most of you know the proper way to physically lift an item, but how many of
you are aware that you need to lift the item TWICE.
1. Your first lift is a mental lift. Think about the lift prior to actually doing it:

How am I going to lift the item? Can I do it myself or should I get some
help?

How heavy is the item? Do I need to use mechanical assistance?

Where am I taking the item being lifted? Is it a difficult path or a

distance to go?
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What hazards may hamper the lift or obstruct the travel path?

Eliminate those hazards before you lift the item.

2. The second lift is the actual physical lift. Here is where you carry out
your plan.

Use proper body mechanics and techniques while going through the
motions.

Most important: keep the load as close to your body as possible.

Next time someone tells you to lift twice remember: Two lifts means less risk
of a back strain. LIKE OIL AND WATER, DRINKING AND DRIVING DO
NOT MIX.
Season's Greetings. It's that time of the year again, for friends, family, and
the eagerly awaited company Christmas party. Yes, you know, the party
where Bob has one eggnog too many and hits on someone else's wife. All
kidding aside, this is the worst time of year for drinking and driving
accidents. In fact, people who drink and drive are responsible for about
23,000 deaths a year.
In recent years a great deal of attention has been devoted to solving the
drinking and driving problem that plagues this country. More police patrols
and roadblocks are out to find drunk drivers. Consequences for drunk driving
vary according to local laws. In some areas drunk drivers can lose their
license, pay a fine, have the cost of their insurance doubled or tripled, and
even serve time in jail for a first ofense. To understand why it's so important
to solve the drunk driving problem, it's necessary to understand why drinking
and driving is so dangerous.
When we drink, alcohol goes to the stomach where it is absorbed by the
blood stream. The alcohol is then carried to our brain. When it reaches the
brain, alcohol afects our driving in three ways. It impairs our judgment and
our decision making ability. It afects our coordination, and our ability to
handle a vehicle. And it afects our vision--our ability to see things clearly.
Our judgment is the first thing to go. When that happens, we lose our
appreciation for the dangers of the road. We tend to drive too fast for
conditions; we are less alert to other drivers than normally. All of that is bad
enough, but the worst is, we lack the judgment to realize what's happening
to us. So, if alcohol is readily available, people often continue drinking far
beyond their limit. By the time their coordination is shot, they've lost their
ability to judge their condition. They think they're doing just fine. If drinking
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continues, vision also becomes impaired., which is particularly dangerous,

since most heavy drinking is done at night when good vision is critical. When
under the influence of alcohol, it is difficult to make out dimly lit shapes, such
as parked cars and turns in the road. It is also easier to be blinded by the
lights of oncoming cars.
As previously mentioned, people who drink and drive are responsible for
about 23,000 deaths a year. In fact, we often neglect to assign part of the
responsibility to those who are providing the alcohol. As a host or hostess,
it's easy to try to avoid this responsibility. After all, nobody forced him to
drink. If he has an accident, he can't blame you. Maybe he can't, but the
people he runs into can. That's why the law has begun to hold people who
provide alcohol responsible as well as the driver.
Why take the chance? What do you gain by getting someone drunk? They're
not going to thank you for a party they'll never remember--or a hangover
they'll never forget. Here are a few suggestions on how to help your guests
be responsible drinkers.

Make it very clear that if they drink, they are not going to drive (collect
their keys if they plan to drink, have a designated driver available,
etc.).

Give your guests a choice. Have nonalcoholic beverages available

(cofee, soft drinks, mocktails).

If you're going to tend bar, don't push drinks on people. Let them come
to you.

Don't make drinks excessively strong (you won't impress them by

serving drinks that make their eyes water).

If you're going to push anything, push food (crackers and cheese, chips
and dip, or hors d'oeuvres).

Serve cofee. It won't sober up a guest, but at least it takes the place of
another alcoholic drink.

`Tis the season for giving and caring, not for attending a funeral. Please!
Remember, friends don't let friends drive drunk. Merry Christmas and have a
Happy New Year.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR CO-WORKERS

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Take a look around at your co-workers. Some are your friends during work
hours, and even after work. You know about their families, what they like and
don't like, and what they do for fun. So, be on the lookout for unsafe
conditions and correct them, or report them to your supervisors as soon as
possible. Help your fellow workers get through the shift without an accident:

I'll help you lift those heavy items, so you don't have to do it by
yourself. I know a back injury can mess up your home life, as well as
your ability to work.

I'll be sure to inspect those slings before you lift a load. I know that you
are depending upon them to hold the weight of the load until it is set
down.

I'll inspect that ladder and make sure it is in good condition before I set
it up for you to use. I will set it at a good 4:1 angle so it won't slip while
you're on it.

I'll be certain that the guardrails, mid rails and toe boards are in place
before you get up on that scafolding, because I know a fall could lead
to your serious injury or death.

I'll make sure that all passageways and walkways are clear so you
won't slip, trip or fall.

I'll label all containers in the workplace, so you don't use the wrong
product for a job by mistake.

I'll check the backup alarms on our heavy equipment, because I can't
always see you, and I want to make sure you can hear me.

When I'm welding, I will always set up the welding shields so the flash
won't burn your eyes.

I'll tag and report all tools that aren't working properly so you won't be
injured by plugging in a tool that has a faulty wire.

I'll know and practice the emergency evacuation procedures, so we can

both get out of an unsafe condition together.

Finally, I want to see you leave work exactly the way you arrived. So, if I see
you doing something the wrong way, I'll show you the right way to do it. Of
course, I expect you will do the same for me-after all, shouldn't everyone on
the crew watch out for each other?
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LIMITATIONS OF CARTRIDGE-TYPE RESPIRATORS

A half mask cartridge-type respirator is the most common type used for
protection against organic vapors, dusts, mists, acid gases, and fumes. You
should be aware, however, that respirators of this type provide adequate
protection only under limited conditions. This type of respirator is designed
mainly for short-term operations that do not contain atmospheres that are
"immediately dangerous to life." To use this type of respirator you must know
both the type and concentration of contaminants in the air.
Cartridge type respirators are approved only for low concentrations of
contaminants in the air, the maximum permitted level of which depends on
the "respiratory protection factor" (a measure of the degree of protection
provided to the wearer). If a qualitative fit test is used (for example banana
oil, or smoke tubes) a respiratory protection factor of 10 must be used. To
determine the maximum concentration of airborne contaminants permitted
in the air where the respirator will be used, the permissible time weighted
average concentration (TWA or TLV) of the contaminant is multiplied by 10.
For example, the TLV for lead fume is .15 mg/m 3, so the maximum
concentration permitted in the air when using this type of respirator is 1.5
mg/m3. (TLVs are published by the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
Also, remember that a cartridge-type respirator does not generate breathing
air and the oxygen content of the area must be at least 19.5% to use this
type of respirator. In addition, it must also be worn only in the presence of
moderately toxic air contaminants that have distinctive warning properties
such as odor, irritation, or taste. The purpose of this requirement is to allow
the user to tell when the cartridges have become exhausted. If you can
detect the contaminant inside the mask, it means you must exit the area
immediately and change the cartridge.
Other things you should be aware of when wearing a cartridge-type
respirator:

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Never enter a confined space with a cartridge-type respirator unless

you know for sure that the space has been tested for oxygen content
and toxic air contaminants, and that entry with this type of respirator is
allowable and that entry has been approved.

Never work in toxic vapors for which the respirator cartridge was not
intended. There are many diferent types and combinations of
cartridges--each for a specific type of hazard that is described on the
band surrounding the cartridge. Also be sure the cartridges are the
type the manufacturer specifies for your respirator. In general, they are
not interchangeable from one manufacture to another. Ask your
supervisor if you have doubts about these factors.

Be sure your respirator fits your face properly. Most manufacturers

provide at least three sizes of face pieces and one of them should fit
you better than others. Your supervisor will help you select the proper
size so that you get a good respirator fit.

Be sure to check the respirator seal by performing positive and

negative pressure tests immediately prior to entering a contaminated
area. Tighten the straps and move the respirator around if you can't
get a good seal. Beards, mustaches and long sideburns usually prevent
obtaining a good seal.

Cartridge respirators are safe to use if you understand their limitations and
how to use them properly.

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LADDER SAFETY
We have all worked with ladders at some time in our lives, either at work or
at home. The following are some tips that may make your interaction with
ladders less hazardous:

Before using a ladder, inspect it for faults, such as broken rungs or

rails. If it is an extension ladder, inspect the pulleys, ropes and locks for
excessive wear. Also, check the footings and pads to make sure they
still provide a non-skid surface. If any defect is found, the ladder should
be tagged unsafe and taken out of service. If it cannot be fixed, make
sure it is disposed of properly.

When setting up a ladder, make sure the ground it is set upon is level
and stable. Do not set the ladder up on a muddy surface or you may
find yourself falling over. Do not use bricks or other material to raise
the height of the ladder. If it is not tall enough, you are using the wrong
ladder.

The ladder should reach a minimum of three feet above the "point of
support" and should be secured at this point.

When using extension ladders, abide by the 1:4 rule. This means if you
are using a 12 foot ladder, the base should be three feet from the
structure. Some ladders provide a picture guide on the ladder itself to
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assist you in this. When using a stepladder, make sure the folding cross
braces are locked in the proper position before you step onto it.

Always face the ladder when ascending or descending, and have both
hands free to grasp it securely. If you need tools, they should be
carried in a tool belt or pulled up with a rope once you have reached
your destination.

Remember the "3-Point Rule": At least two hands and one foot, or two
feet and one hand, should be in contact with the ladder at all times.

Keep your body between the side rails of the ladder. This reduces the
chance of tipping it over and/or falling of.

Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on straight or
extension ladders or the second tread from the top on stepladders.

By following the above rules, you greatly reduce your chances of being
injured while working on ladders. Remember, the life you save will be your
own!

MATERIAL HANDLING LIFT TRUCKS

In todays work world, we all benefit from some type of material handling
equipment. Whether the equipment is just a paper tray for a printer or a log
loader for a sawmill, the concept of moving materials in the easiest manner
possible is still the same.
Most warehouse type operations use lift trucks for their operations. This type
of equipment, while very productive, is also very dangerous in the wrong
hands. Operators must be trained on the particular piece of equipment they
will be operating. Lift trucks vary in size, capacity, and operation. These
particulars must be addressed in training sessions before operators are
permitted to use the equipment.
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Issues needing to be addressed in terms of hazards and safety procedures

include:

Operation of all controls for the lift truck.

Capabilities of the lift truck. (Weights, fork shifting, etc.) This can be
found on the placard in the cab and/or in the operations manual.

Fueling / battery recharging procedures.

Visibility barriers and back-up alarms.

Operations in tight aisles, loading ramps, high picks, and on inclines.

Driving procedures. Corners, carrying loads, material placement, lift

truck speed.

zThese topics, as well as others, should be covered in a comprehensive

training program. The program should also include a written outline of
training topics, a self test or evaluation for the driver, a practical field test
(commonly called a lift truck rodeo), and a signed certificate of completion
for the course.
Follow up training is also important for ensuring that employees thoroughly
understand the machines they operate - and remember to do what they
understand. DO NOT OPERATE A LIFT TRUCK IF YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO
DO SO.

MACHINE OPERATION REQUIRES SKILL & THOUGHT

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Machines don't know what they're doing. A power saw or lathe can injure you
without a second "thought." When using power tools or machinery,
remember that you are the only one with the brain. Machines turn on and
they turn of. Beyond that, it is you, the operator, that controls their safe use.
That means you need to apply your training and skills to use machines in a
safe manner. You need to be alert and think ahead at all times, because the
machine will not think for you. It doesn't know when you or someone else
next to you is in danger. A saw or lathe can't tell your finger or wrist from
wood or bar stock.
A recent loss makes this example clear. A shipwright was in the process of
making rabbit joints on hardwood, using a dado blade. To keep the wood
from splintering at the end of the cut, the operator first moved the stock to
the back side of the blade, in order to make a small notch. Does anyone out
there doubt this was extremely unsafe? Understand, the saw blade was
rotating toward the operator, and his hands and wrists were actually beside
and behind the saw blade itself. His body was stretched forward. What
happened next is predictable. The wood kicked forward abruptly toward the
operator, and one of the operator's hands was thrown into the dado blade,
resulting in a serious, painful amputation.
This only took a fraction of a second, but the shipwright will spend the rest of
his life bearing the handicap of his amputation and deformity. Statistics show
that one serious disabling injury will happen every 300 times an unsafe act
occurs.
In the course of investigating the accident, the supervisor said he had never
seen this employee do this act previously. If he had noted it, he would have
cautioned the employee, he said. We can't doubt the supervisor's honesty,
however the employee indicated that in this yard, they always had done it
that way. One must wonder if the supervisor had ever watched his people's
work practices from a safety standpoint. Or did he not check HOW the work
was being done, and instead only checked the end result?
Of course, you don't need to wait for a supervisor to analyze your actions for
safety. You should do this all the time. Take responsibility for your own safety
at work and continually ask the question, "WHAT IF . . ." Who will get injured
if things go wrong? Who pays the price if there is an accident? Who endures
the pain if something happens? Whose life might be lost if this short-cut
doesn't work?
Guard against taking safety short-cuts. Pre-plan the job and set it up
properly. Take the time to do your work safely. If unsure how to do the job
correctly or safety, ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And, if you
see someone doing something that doesn't meet the "WHAT IF. . ." standard,
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talk to them about it. Volunteer to help your co-workers, whenever they need
it.
Morning Wake Up
I got up this morning turned of the clock and spilled the water as I was doing
so. Was I safe?
I cleaned up the water and got ready for work and as I was doing this I
stubbed my toe on the end table. Was I being safe?
I was running late so I hurried out to start my truck, I missed a step on the
porch and fell. Was I being safe?
I was speeding to work because was really late now. Am I being safe?
I got to work rushed around to get the job done because I was behind. Am I
being safe?
All of this could have been prevented if I eliminated any possible hazard that
might occur. Like slowing down to pay attention to what is going on in my
surroundings. An SPSA1 is a mental tool to make me aware of my
surrounding. (Like not having the water to where I could knock it over. That
would have been a start, and I would not have been late.)
Every day basic common sense is the key factor of getting a job done, and
done safely.
Being aware of the hazards an eliminating as many hazards as possible, will
ensure a safe work environment. Good housekeeping eliminates most slips
trips and falls. Using our equipment properly, following the rules of the job,
and looking out for each other is just daily common sense.
Pay attention to weather, and Road conditions; Wear gloves, Shovel, steps
and walkways; properly operating equipment and Vehicles. These are part of
our daily processes that can be taken for granted when they become routine.
When the routine is done safely it can eliminate hazards. Remember: SPSA,
Housekeeping, 360, and PPE, these should be just like taking a break, it is
something we need to do. Slips, Trips, falls, Pinch Points, should be
eliminated all together and not even considered.

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MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR FIRST-AID KIT

Are only Band-Aids and aspirin taken from the first aid kit most of the timebecause you or your coworkers aren't sure how to use the other supplies?
First-aid kits can be stocked with a variety of items, but most kits have a
common assortment of supplies. As with any tool, you must know how to use
these products to get the best results. In this safety meeting, typical supplies
and their uses will be described, to help make this helpful "tool kit" most
efective for you.

Absorbent Gauze: Use these to clean a wound or to apply first-aid or

antiseptic cream.

Adhesive Bandages: Diferent sizes and shapes are provided to protect

minor scrapes and cuts after they have been cleaned and medicated.

Adhesive Tape: For securing wound dressings or giving additional

protection over bandages.

Antacid Tablets: For indigestion or heartburn.

Antiseptic Soap or Pads: For cleaning skin or wounds.

Bandage Compresses: Use these for applying pressure to a large

wound or scrape that is bleeding. Place the compress over the wound
and apply pressure to reduce bleeding.

CPR Mouth Barrier: (e.g.: Microshield) For use as a mouth barrier in CPR
resuscitation.

Disposable Latex Gloves: The First Responder to an injury should use

this protection to prevent contact with an injured person's bodily fluids
(blood, saliva, etc.).

Elastic Bandages: For wrapping sprains and to help hold dressings or

cold packs in place.

Eye Wash: The wash bottles in a fist-aid kit are typically small. Use
them to rinse very minor contaminants from the eye. All other eye
injuries should seek medical care.
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First-Aid Manual: A brief guide to emergency first-aid care.

First-Aid Ointment or Antiseptic Cream: Apply this salve to wounds that

have been cleaned prior to applying a dressing.

Gauze Roll: Gauze is used to hold flat, non-adhesive bandages in-place

prior to taping. It is not a bandage, because most gauze is not a sterile
dressing.

Instant Cold Pack: Place the pack on a sprain, fracture, or severe bruise
to reduce swelling.

Microbial Hand Wipes: For First Responders' clean-up after providing

emergency care.

Pain Relievers: (e.g., Aspirin, Acetaminophen or Tylenol) For minor

aches or pains, as the package directs.

Scissors: For cutting clothing, tape or bandages and providing a better

fit around the wound.

Triangular Bandage: Used to create a sling for supporting an injured

hand or arm or as protection over a large dressing.

Tweezers: For removing foreign bodies from minor injuries. Not for use
on eye injuries.

Wound Cleanser Wipes: Use these singlet wipes to clean minor scrapes
or cuts before applying antiseptic and adhesive bandages.

Use first aid kits for minor injuries and during emergencies before medics
arrive to treat serious injuries. So, know what supplies are in your kits--and
make the best use of them.
Be sure to let your supervisor know if your kit needs to be restocked!
New Year's Resolutions

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OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS

Flu, cold, or allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, or
a general achy feeling, can incapacitate some people to the point that they
must stay home to recover. Others push on because they have deadlines to
meet, no sick pay, or feel the company will fall apart without them. These
people very likely take whatever over-the-counter medicines they feel are
necessary to alleviate the discomfort of their symptoms. The typical "cold
medications" are antihistamines or decongestants or a combination of both.
Unfortunately, the side efects of these drugs can be dangerous depending
on the use and dosage. Many non-prescription drugs cause drowsiness,
inattentiveness, or impair one's ability to concentrate or make decisions,
drive a car, operate machinery, and can slow down your reflexes to some
degree.
If you really can't stay home when you are sick, and must take over-thecounter medications, keep these rules in mind:

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Follow recommended dosages: Twice the dosage won't make you feel twice
as good but will make you more drowsy and less able to concentrate.
Contrary to popular belief, doubling the dose does not double the relief.
Doubling the dosage markedly increases the potential side efects without
making a big diference in the symptoms you are trying to alleviate. The
dosage on the package is efective and should be followed.
Don't use combination medicines: If you need a decongestant, take a
decongestant. If an antihistamine is needed, take one, but avoid multiingredient products.
Don't mix over-the-counter medications or use along with prescription drugs:
The side efects of mixing diferent medications can be severe and are often
unpredictable. Individuals who are already on prescription medication should
check with their doctor or pharmacist before mixing prescription and overthe-counter medications.
Read the label: Many over-the-counter medicines have warnings about such
things as operating machinery, driving, and drinking alcohol when taking the
medication. Believe the label warnings as they are there for one reason, your
safety. Ignoring these warnings can make the efects of over-the-counter
drugs even more pronounced, and potentially dangerous.
Find something that works and stick with it: Don't change remedies every
few days. Side efects usually diminish after a week or so of use. Try new
medications over the weekend, so if side efects do occur, they won't
jeopardize your safety.
Don't underestimate the dangers that over-the-counter medications can
cause
to
your
safety.
Consult your physician if you questions or if adverse symptoms persist.

OFFSHORE OPERATIONS--A SPECIAL ENVIRONMENT

When working ofshore on either drilling rigs, production platforms, jack-up
rigs, or semi-submersible rigs, workers are faced with many diferent factors
that increase their exposure to injury. This exposure increases even more
during travel to and from ofshore rigs. It is important that employees be
alert to potentially dangerous circumstances, and take precautions that will
lessen their risk of injury. Some of these potentially dangerous hazards are:
Poor Weather Conditions - Unlike many other jobs, weather conditions
directly afect the safety of ofshore work. Wet, rainy weather may cause a
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construction company to halt a project, but not ofshore operations. Work

must go on! Everyone must adapt to weather conditions and continue with
normal procedures. And, when you're in the middle of the ocean on a
multilevel platform with limited space, both weather and work can become
dangerous:
The surface of most ofshore rigs is metal grating, which can become
slippery when wet. High winds and driving rain can also reduce a worker's
visibility and balance when working out of doors, leading to trip and fall
injuries.
Limited Space/Confined Work Quarters - Limited work space frequently
increases exposure to accidents. Under these circumstances, equipment,
machinery, and other workers create a potential for bumps, bruises and
contusions, and striking injuries to the body. Four or five diferent contractors
may be working on a rig at the same time. Everyone must be aware of other
crew members and avoid doing anything that will cause injury to others. For
example, cooks in restaurants usually have adequate room to operate, but
ofshore galleys are often very confined. To avoid accidents, cooks and galley
hands must be cautious when working with knives, heat and flame in these
"tight" quarters.
Fatigue Factor - For most people in the workforce, a normal week is forty
hours. Not ofshore! These workers may put in more than eighty hours during
one week. With twelve hour workdays, fatigue is inevitable and the potential
for accidents and injuries increases. A sufficient amount of sleep (at least
eight hours for most people) is required for a person's body to rest and
recuperate. During rest breaks, workers should also replenish their system
with lost fluids.
Potential for Violence in the Workplace - Most employees spend only about
eight hours a day with co-workers. Not ofshore personnel! They not only
work twelve hours with other employees but also eat, sleep, and relax in
close quarters with these same employees, regardless of their degree of
friendship. Too much "togetherness" can lead to tension, disagreement and
personality conflicts between people. For everyone's sake, there should be
no tolerance for fighting or violence in ofshore work environments--and all
employees must be made aware of this.
All employees must stay alert! The items just mentioned only scratch the
surface of the many exposures to injury during ofshore operations. Others
hazards include blowouts, fires, hazardous chemicals and gases, and piping
pinch points. New employees may not appreciate the potential dangers of
this environment. Experienced workers may take this jobsite for granted and
become careless. All employees need to be educated and trained to
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consistently work with care and caution. Working with caution doesn't mean
slower production, it just means safer production!

OILFIELD OPERATIONS - RIGGING UP

Performing maintenance, or preparing to commence drilling or work over, is
a prime time for accidents to happen. The following safety tips should be
observed when rigging up a work over or drilling rig.

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1. Once the substructure is positioned, be sure the engines are arranged so

that the mufflers and exhaust can be directed away from the rig floor. It is
important to understand the direction of the prevailing winds, so as not to
create a breathing hazard.
2. While complete guarding is not possible at all times during rigging up,
keep open floor holes covered when not in use. Hand rails should be installed
as soon as possible.
3. The traveling block should be strung while on the derrick floor.
4. Where required, only high pressure fittings in good condition should be
used. Relief lines should be exhausted over the mud pits. Always secure mud
lines and jets in a manner that will eliminate whipping due to high pressure
surges.
5. Make sure that lighting is adequate. This is necessary wherever people will
be working on the rig floor and in the derrick.
6. Before anyone is positioned in the derrick, an emergency escape line
needs to be provided. The line should be fastened to the girt just above the
working platform and should be anchored about twice as far from the rig
base as the distance from the ground to the monkey board. The escape trolly
should be of sufficient strength and have a braking device.
7. Be sure to keep walkways free of skids and other items which may cause a
trip and fall exposure.
8. While rigging up, inspect all chains, hooks and cables before using. If the
equipment appears worn or frayed, inform the driller or tool pusher so that it
can be repaired or replaced.
9. At all times, avoid working or walking beneath a suspended load.
10. Avoid shortcuts, such as riding the blocks. At all times, access to the
derrick should be by way of the ladder, with the employee secured by a
harness or safety belt and the lanyard attached to the derrick climber assist.
These are but a few of the common sense rules that must be followed when
working around drilling and work over rigs.
Most of all, supervisors and seasoned hands need to watch out for the
inexperienced roustabout or floor hand. This individual is new to the oil patch
and will be heavily dependent upon other members of the crew for guidance.

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OIL RIG BREAK DOWN AND SET UP

Many of the normal activities associated with drilling operations expose
crews to the risk of serious injury. Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic
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processes, falls from heights and falling objects are just a few of the hazards
drilling crews are continually faced with.
When certain activities become routine, it is necessary to build in controls
that will minimize the likelihood of an accident. Some of the safeguards we
rely on to protect us during the activities we perform each day include:
Training and close supervision of new hires;
Proper footwear, gloves and hard hats;
Snub lines and guardrails;
Safety harnesses and tie-off lanyards
Many serious and even fatal injuries occur as rigs are being broken down,
moved and set up. When these activities are under way, working conditions
can change from moment to moment and you cannot rely on the usual
safeguards.
One of the most common accidents to occur during rig up and rig down
operations is a fall. It is extremely important that you take nothing for
granted. Look where you're stepping. Make certain no floor sections have
been removed or floor openings left uncovered.
If floor openings cannot be covered, an employee must be assigned to stand
watch and caution other hands away. If you uncover a floor opening, never
walk of and leave it unattended.
More than one injury has been sufered when hands noticed an opening in
the rig floor, walked across or around it - and then forgot about it when they
walked back again. Carrying loads in your hands or arms can obstruct your
vision. Look ahead first to make certain your path is clear of trip or fall
hazards.
Guardrails should be left in place as long as possible when rigging down, and
put in place as soon as possible when rigging up. When guardrails are not in
place, workers must be properly tied of with an approved fall protection
system.

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Don't ever fall into a habit of complacency. Be especially cautious during set
up and breakdown activities. Remember, no one can take care of you like
you can. Watch out for your fellow hands and always watch out for yourself.

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OFFICE SAFETY
You may think that since you work in an office you don't have to worry about
being injured. However, offices can become dangerous because people don't
anticipate the potential hazards.
Studies show that over one-fourth of office injuries are caused by falls. Onethird of the falls incurred by women are due to wearing high heels, which
make falls more likely. Consider wearing lower, wider heels. Other things that
can cause falls are spills on floors, torn carpets or exposed carpet seams,
electrical cords running across the floor, open desk or file drawers, boxes or
supplies stored in aisles, or waste baskets placed where you could trip over
them. Look around to see if you can spot any of these potential problems. If
you find any, take the time to get them fixed.
If your office has stairs or steps, watch out! Falls on stairs cause more than
33,000 disabling work injuries each year. About 2/3 of the workers falling on
stairs were not using handrails when they fell. Many were carrying objects, or
slipped on something left on the steps. Accidents on stairs are usually
serious - 80% of these falls result in lost work days. Use handrails, pick up
anything you see on the stairs, don't use stairs for storage, and don't try to
carry things when using stairs if you can avoid it.
Use common sense with chairs, and don't use them for anything except
sitting. Straight-back chairs aren't recliners - so don't lean way back, the
chair could flip over. Chairs should never be used as replacements for stools
or ladders.
Most offices seem to have an intersection that needs a traffic light to keep
people from bumping into each other. If there are blind corners, consider
installing convex mirrors so people can see each other coming. Be especially
careful while carrying hot drinks. Don't carry stacks of material so high that
your vision is obstructed. Carrying this much material not only blocks your
vision, but could also strain your back.
Watch out for avalanches if you pile "stuf" on top of filing cabinets. Even a
carefully stacked pile may start sliding due to vibration from opening and
shutting file drawers. Also keep an eye out for overloaded upper file drawers.
This may cause the entire filing cabinet to tip over on top of you when you
open the drawer. Re-distribute some of the weight to the lower drawers to
reduce this chance, and check to make sure the filing cabinet is bolted to the
adjacent cabinet, if it can be done.

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These are just a few tips that can make your office area safer. Look around,
and you no doubt will spot other problems that can be easily fixed. When you
see a hazard, don't assume it is someone else's responsibility. If you don't do
something about it, who will?

PERSONAL ERGONOMICS
What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science of matching tools and tasks
to the work environment. In other words, ergonomics tries to make your job
fit you, rather than making you fit your job. The purpose of ergonomics is to
reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses that can result from stress on
muscles, nerves, and joints. These types of injuries have been common to
workplaces for a long time, but safety standards concerning them are new. If
OSHA finds that poor ergonomics is a threat to employee well being, it can
cite a company for violating its duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace.
A variety of ergonomically-related injuries take place and a variety of terms
exist to describe them. The most common terms used are musculoskeletal
disorders or cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). They are also know as
repetitive motion or stress disorders. Whatever they're called, they account
for approximately one-half of all reported workplace illnesses each year.
These are technically called "illnesses" because the problems generally build
up over time, rather than being the result of a single event, as in the case of
an accident.
Physical problems from cumulative trauma: These usually involve pain and
damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves in the back, neck, shoulders,
wrists, hands, and elbows. Discomfort can be mild and periodic, or long
lasting. Typical ailments include: Tendonitis, "Tennis Elbow," Trigger Finger,
lower back pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which causes hands and wrists to
tingle or become numb, and Reynauds Syndrome which causes fingers to
become white.
Disorders can be caused by making the same motion over and over, staying
in one position too long, or working in awkward positions. They also result
from working with tools that don't fit the body, using a great deal of physical
force, and exposure to long periods of heavy vibration.
How To Avoid Discomfort: Ergonomically related disorders occur to all types
of workers, from laborers to office personnel. You can often help yourself by

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learning and practicing basic ergonomic principals. There are many ways to
reduce or eliminate the disorder; here are a few:

Use two hands instead of one for a task --to reduce excess demand on
a single muscle group.

Use tools that are right for the job and proportioned for your body.

Use power tools instead of manual tools when possible.

Take frequent breaks from repetitive motion tasks.

Avoid repeating awkward movements or holding yourself in awkward

positions.

Wear protective gloves that reduce pressure or tool vibration on your

fingers.

For computer use--keep the screen 12 to 18 inches from your face and
just below eye level.

Position the keyboard so that your wrists are straight and your elbows
are close to your body.

Change positions, stretch often to improve blood circulation, and take

breaks regularly.

Report Early Symptoms: Repetitive motion injuries are a growing concern in

the workplace. Anyone who experiences numbness, tingling or pain in their
hands, arms or neck should seek the advice of a supervisor. Changes in work
stations and equipment can often alleviate these problems before they
become chronic, and medical attention should be sought if the problem
persists. Following this simple advice can help eliminate physical stress and
keep employees feeling good all day.

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PERSONAL PROTECTION -- STORAGE,

MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Depending on the occupational safety and health hazards encountered while
performing assigned job tasks, your employer may require you to use
properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid injuries and
illnesses.
Some of the most common types of PPE are:

Eye protection

Face protection

Hearing protection

Head protection

Hand protection

Foot protection
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Respiratory protection

Each of the above are designed to provide a certain level of protection if

used and cared for as intended by the manufacturer. One of the factors
which helps maintain the level of protection is that the device is kept in a
clean and sanitary manner. Usually, unless otherwise directed by the
manufacturer, this entails washing the components of the device in warm
water with a mild detergent on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly as
conditions warrant).
If the safety device is shared by more than one person, it must be cleaned
and sanitized after each use.
Cleaning and sanitizing will do no good, however, if the device is not properly
stored in-between uses. For instance, safety glasses or face shields which are
left out in the open in a dusty or otherwise contaminated environment will
become dirty and may compound an injury rather than prevent it (dust falls
into eyes from unclean safety glasses). Or a respirator fitted with an organic
cartridge, left out on a work bench, will become inefective as the cartridge
absorbs contaminants from the atmosphere.
Most of the devices noted above can be safely stored in reclosable plastic
bags, clean cans with lids or storage cupboards with tight-fitting doors.
Personal protective equipment should be inspected frequently and any
defective parts or devices immediately removed from service until repaired
and in good operating condition.

PERSONAL PROTECTION
Are You Dressed For The Occasion?
Wearing the proper clothing and personal protective equipment in the
working environment is critical. Appropriate clothing is your first and often
only line of defense against many safety and health hazards.
Proper clothing is key. Simple as it may sound, you must dress for the
occasion. Wearing stylish clothing can create a bigger hazard or may not
provide protection from hazards while you work. Proper clothing that protects
is the key. It is not uncommon to hear about tragedies that have taken place
when a worker who was wearing loose clothing got too close to an operating

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machine and was drawn into the machine. Machines are powerful and
unforgiving! Loose clothing is never appropriate in an industrial workplace.
Protect your feet. Standard footwear for most industries should be sturdy
leather footwear. Preferably, boots equipped with safety toes. Tennis shoes,
ofer little or no protection against worksite hazards.
Hand Protection. Gloves are inexpensive and easily available protection
which guards against many hazards. They can protect hands from exposures
ranging from chemical spills and cuts, to heat and cold. Hand protection
comes in huge assortment of styles, materials and sizes. All of them are
made to protect your hands from specific hazards. It is important to select
the proper kind and style of glove to efectively protect hands from the
hazards that may be encountered. How often has a nearby worker cleaned
parts or washed the grease from their hands with gasoline or a solvent of
some kind. Don't take the unnecessary risk! Select and use the proper hand
protection.
Jewelry in the workplace can also be a hazard that is often overlooked. Rings,
bracelets, and chains can be the cause of a much more severe hand related
accident. Common sense should be considered when wearing your jewelry.
The best choice is to keep your jewelry at home.
Head Protection and Eye Protection. Hard hats and safety glasses should be
worn at the work site whenever there is an overhead hazard or potential for
an object to enter the eyes. A hard hat can not only protect you from the
rain, it can save your life! The benefits received from eye protection are
significant Safety glasses are a sure way to help save your eyesight!
Dressing for the workplace, by wearing the right kind of clothing helps
protect you from injury. It is your first line of defense against worksite
hazards. Carefully choose your work clothing and the personal protective
equipment which will best protect you for your job. Improper clothing is an
invitation for an accident to occur.
Think Safety by choosing your work clothing with the workplace in mind
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - RESPIRATOR FIT CHECK
Although negative pressure respirators are an accepted way to reduce
exposure to airborne contaminants, engineering controls should always be
your first choice. Sometimes strategies such as adequate ventilation can
reduce contaminants to levels where personal protection is not required.
However, if you do choose this equipment, you must be certain of two things:

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Have you selected the proper respirator with the correct filtering media, and
does it fit properly?
No amount of training or respiratory equipment will provide the protection
you need unless a good seal is made. Prior to entering a contaminated
atmosphere, you must perform a test to guarantee that you have a proper
seal between your face and the face piece of the respirator. A "Fit Check"
provides proof that an adequate seal exists. The fit check consists of both a
negative and a positive pressure seal test.
This test can be conducted by following the manufacturers' instructions or by
using the guidelines listed below. NOTE: These tests are easily performed on
respirators that are equipped with valves but may be difficult to do on "valve
less" respirators and disposable respirators.
Negative Pressure Test:
Don the respirator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cover and seal the filter cartridge(s) using the palm of your hand(s).
Gently inhale through the respirator and hold your breath approximately
10 seconds.
The respirator should collapse slightly. Check, feel and listen for leaks
around the face piece.
If there are no leaks, it can be reasonably assumed that there is a good
seal and the respirator is not leaking.
Positive Pressure Test:
Cover the exhalation valve with the palm of your hand.
Gently exhale but do not break the seal around the face piece.
The respirator should expand slightly with a slight positive pressure
increase in the face piece.
If there are no leaks and no loss of pressure, it can be reasonably
assumed that there is a good seal.
The only way to take full advantage of any negative pressure respirator you
use is to be sure that you have a good facial seal. Conducting a fit check

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prior to entering a contaminated atmosphere provides that assurance. It only

takes a minute, and it can save your life.

PERSONAL PROTECTION -

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QUIZ -- SELECTING SUITABLE EYE PROTECTION

Question 1: While using an abrasive grinder to dress some hand tools, your
eyes will be sufficiently protected from flying particles if you wear a face
shield.
Answer: No. Face shields are not approved eye protection. They are designed
to protect the facial skin from cuts and abrasions. They may be worn over
approved primary eye protection for additional protection to the face.
Question 2: One of your assigned job duties is to transfer a corrosive liquid
chemical from one container to another. You wear safety glasses with side
shields while performing this task. Are your eyes adequately protected?
Answer: No. Whenever there is a potential exposure from hazardous liquids,
safety (sometimes called chemical) goggles which form a seal around the
entire eye area are required. There are several styles of goggles to choose
from, including flexible fitting with regular ventilation, flexible fitting with
hooded ventilation and cushioned fitting with a rigid body.
Question 3: Because you wear contact lenses, you do not need to wear eye
protection in most cases?
Answer: No. Contact lenses, of and by themselves, do not provide eye
protection from hazards occurring in a work setting. Eye protection suitable
for the hazards must be worn whenever there is exposure to injury to the
eyes. Dusty or chemical environments may represent an additional hazard to
contact lens wearers.
Question 4: You are unable to locate your eye protection while at work. Your
supervisor has just given you a rush order for a customer who is waiting at
the service desk. The job won't take long but you will be exposed to flying
particles while completing the task. Should you go ahead and complete the
job without your eye protection? After all, it will only take a few seconds?
Answer: No. No matter what the duration of the job task, if eye protection is
required in order to prevent an injury to the eyes, it must never be
attempted without proper safety equipment. Explain the immediate situation
to your supervisor. Another pair of glasses or goggles may be available or the
job should be assigned to someone else who has protection available. To
prevent a recurrence of this situation, you and your supervisor should jointly
decide how all personal protective equipment will be selected, cared for and
stored to ensure it is readily available at all times.

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - EYE INJURY PREVENTION

One thousand eye injuries occur in American workplaces every day. These
injuries are responsible for over $3,000,000.00 annually in medical, lost
production and workers' compensation costs!!
Why are these injuries occurring?

Three out of five injuries happen because the worker was not wearing
any eye protection at the time of the accident.

About 40% of the injured workers were wearing some type of eye
protection, but it was the wrong kind and failed to protect adequately.
The leading cause in this category is the lack of side shields.

Accident studies reveal flying or falling objects and sparks as the cause
in 70% of eye injuries. Nearly 60% of the objects causing eye injury are
smaller than a pin head.

Nearly 20% of all eye injuries are caused by contact with chemicals.
This includes splashing or chemicals being sprayed directly into the
eye.

40% of eye injuries occurred among craft workers, such as mechanics,

repairers, carpenters, and plumbers. 30% of eye injuries occurred
among operatives, such as assemblers, sanders, and grinding machine
operators.

50% of the injured workers were employed in manufacturing. 20%

were employed in construction.

What can we do to prevent these injuries?

First of all make sure you select the proper eye protection for the task. 94%
of the eye injuries that occurred to workers wearing eye protection resulted
from objects or chemicals going around or under the protector.
Second, make sure the eye protection you have selected fits properly and is
clean. One of the leading reasons for workers removing or not wearing eye
protection is the lens became dirty and they could not see what they were
doing.

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Nearly 20% of eye injuries happened to workers wearing face shields or

welding helmets while grinding. Only 6% of the workers injured while
wearing eye protection were wearing goggles.
CHOOSE THE BEST PROTECTION, MAKE SURE IT FITS, KEEP IT CLEAN AND
WEAR IT!
PERSONAL PROTECTION CARE FOR YOUR HALF-MASK AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR
Your half-mask air-purifying respirator provides protection against breathing
of airborne contaminants. Your employer is responsible for the respiratory
program which includes providing you with the proper type of respirator for
the given exposure. You and your employer share responsibility for making
certain that your respirator is functioning as intended for your protection.
The following is a list of general rules to help you care for and maintain your
respirator:
1) The disposable filter cartridges usually contain a chemical absorbent to
trap contaminants. The filter cartridge should be replaced immediately if it
becomes more difficult to inhale. It should also be changed if you begin to
smell or taste the contaminant.
2) You should thoroughly inspect your respirator on a daily basis or before
each usage. Examine the elastic headband(s) to assure it has not lost
elasticity. Also check the headband for tears, frays, and loose strands. Take
the cartridges of and examine the cartridge housing to make certain it is not
cracked. Check the cartridge threads to ensure they are not stripped or
damaged in any way. Check the facepiece for tears, cuts, or holes. Inspect
the exhaust valves and intake valve to make certain they are not sticking or
damaged.
3) Clean your respirator after each use. The cleaning process usually consists
of washing, disinfecting, rinsing, and drying. You should refer to the
manufacturer's suggestions for specifics. Most facepieces can be washed
with warm water. Disinfecting with a disinfectant cleaner or germicidal
detergent is a commonly acceptable practice. Rinsing should be done with
water. Air drying is usually preferred as towel drying or heated quick drying
may cause damage.
4) It is important to store your respirator properly. Your respirator should be
protected from heat, sunlight, dust, and vapor contaminants. Storage in a
sealed plastic bag is the preferred practice. Be careful not to cram the

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respirator in a tight space or store it in an awkward position as both of these

practices may warp the respirator permanently and alter the fit.
5) Do a "fit-check" often to make certain that you have a good seal. This can
be done by covering the exhalation valve with your hand and gently exhaling
into the facepiece. If air leaks out during gentle exhaling, the seal and
facepiece should be checked by your respirator program administrator.
If you take good care of your respirator, it will take good care of you!
PROPER LIFTING
We know how to lift properly to prevent back injuries and hernias. But let's
review what we should watch out for when lifting, handling and carrying
loads.
- Size up the load and decide how to grasp it securely.
- Make sure the load is not too heavy for you to lift alone.
- Carefully examine the load for sharp edges, nails, metals strips or bands,
splinters or anything that could pierce or cut you.
- Face the load squarely don't attempt to raise the load if your body is
twisted.
- Determine the center of gravity of the load and grasp it accordingly.
- Place your feet in a stable and comfortable position.
- Bend at the knees in a squatting position.
- Keep your back straight, but in a comfortable position not fully vertical.
- Lift with your strong leg muscles, not your weaker back muscles.
- Position the load as close to your body as possible.
- Ease the load up; don't jerk it because inertia makes it heavier.
- If the load seems to be too heavy to lift alone, don't hesitate to get help.
- Determine the path you will take to move the load and make sure it is free
of all obstructions.

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- While carrying the load, always look where you are going, watching for anyone
or anything that is approaching you, even from the sides.
- To lower the load, use the same basic lifting steps in reverse.
- When the load is lowered, a pinch point is created. Watch your
fingers, hands, and feet. Remembering and using proper lifting
procedures will help prevent back injuries and hernias.

PERSONAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

A recent mishap on the job with a personally owned power tool is worthy of
making all employees aware of the hazards that may be an issue for
employees who use personal tools and equipment in their work environment.
An employee brought his own portable table saw from home to perform the
task of cutting two-by-four lumber pieces since a company table saw was not
available for his use. The employee's saw was not equipped with required
safety features, such as the saw blade guard and splitter. During the cutting
operation, the employee reached over the saw blade to retrieve a piece of
lumber from behind the blade.
Unfortunately, his arm came in contact with the saw blade rotating at full
speed. The resulting laceration injury was severe. Consequently, the injured
employee had to receive emergency medical treatment and disability
compensation from an injury received while using his own equipment that
wasn't properly safeguarded. Also, the injury incident resulted in an
occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) inspection, and the
employer received an OSHA citation for having an unguarded saw available
for use in the workplace.
Here are a few key points to remember regarding using your personal tools
at work:
1. If you bring your personal tools or equipment to the job and they are
used to perform various tasks associated with your employment, your
employer is ultimately responsible for the safe condition of those tools
and equipment.

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2. The company has the right to inspect all personal tools and equipment
to ensure they are in a safe condition with all of the necessary required
safety features to meet recognized safety standards.
3. If your personal tools and equipment are not in compliance with
recognized standards, the company can require you to upgrade them
to be in compliance, or have them removed from the job immediately.
4. The company can also require you to perform necessary maintenance
on tools and equipment according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Everyone is best served when all tools and equipment utilized in the
workplace are industrial use grade and well maintained. Your safety depends
on it!

PERSONAL PROTECTION-PICKING THE PROPER GLOVE

Your hands are one of your most valuable assets. Without them, you wouldn't
be able to touch, hold, and feel write or gesture. In fact, you couldn't do
much of anything. Too often, however, we take them for granted. We don't
pay attention to how we treat or mistreat them! Just a few examples of when
your hands should be protected is whenever you are cutting, painting,
welding, or handling sharp metal, chemicals, needles, or blood samples. And
it is very important to wear the right glove for each specific task, since no
one glove protects against all hazards.
You now have even more reason to wear your protective equipment since
OSHA has added hand safety to its standard on personal protective
equipment. The standard requires workers to wear appropriate protection
whenever their hands are exposed to hazards, and lists guidelines for
employees to follow when selecting and purchasing the proper gloves. The
following list points out the advantages and disadvantages of certain gloves.
The most widely used and "abused" glove material is cotton.

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Advantages: low cost; perspiration absorption; versatility in

application; more cut resistance than leather; moderate abrasion and
heat protection.

Disadvantages: cut protection is limited; short lifetime; thermal

application range limited to about 400 F.

The next most widely used from of hand protection is leather.

Advantages: good puncture resistance and abrasion resistance;

absorbs impact and helps cushion blows to the hand; shields against
sparks; greater thermal protection than cotton.

Disadvantages: limited cut resistance; limited dexterity, depending on

thickness of leather.

Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, PVC are among many elastomers used for
gloves.

Advantages: liquid-proof for resistance against caustics, acids and

other chemicals.

Disadvantages: ofer limited cut resistance.

Metal mesh and other new fibers known as Kevlar, Spectra, and Vectran

Advantages: flexible, cut resistant, lightweight, and resist thermal

transfer.

Disadvantages: may be costly

Washes and creams: Wearing gloves is important, but it is also important to

maintain personal hygiene and keep your hands clean to prevent infection. If
you use barrier creams, always be sure to wash your hands before putting on
the cream, and at the end of the day, when you are ready to go home.
Barrier creams provided limited protection against alkali's and acids, but are
sometimes used in conjunction with gloves.
Another great hand protection tool is the pre-moistened heavy-duty hand
towels. Employees can use these towels to remove heavy grease and grime
at their workstations or remote job sites.

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PERSONAL FALL ARREST AND FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

It is important for you to understand the diference between a fall arrest
system and fall restraint system. These are most commonly used in the
construction industry, but may apply to many other situations where
employees must work at heights.
FALL RESTRAINT: A fall restraint system consists of the equipment used to
keep an employee from reaching a fall point, such as the edge of a roof or
the edge of an elevated working surface. The most commonly utilized fall
restraint system is a standard guardrail. A tie of system that "restrains" the
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employee from falling of an elevated working surface is another type of fall

restraint.
FALL ARREST: According to the definition in the Federal OSHA standard, a
personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a
fall from a working level. It consists of an anchor point, connectors, a body
belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline,
or suitable combinations of these. The entire system must be capable of
withstanding the tremendous impact forces involved in stopping or arresting
the fall. The forces increase with the fall distance due to acceleration (a
person without protection will free fall 4 feet in 1/2 second and 16 feet in 1
second!).
Let's review 5 key requirements for fall arrest systems:
1) Body belts may not be used after 12/31/97. In the meantime, body belts
can only be used if the system limits the maximum arresting force on an
employee to 900 pounds. A maximum arresting force of 1800 pounds is
allowed when a body harness is utilized. In some jurisdictions, such as
Washington State, belts are currently not allowed for fall arrest purposes.
2) The system must be rigged so that an employee cans neither free-fall
more than 6 feet or contact a lower level. After the free-fall distance, the
deceleration or shock absorbing component of the system must bring an
employee to a complete stop within 3.5 additional feet.
3) The anchorage point must be capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds
per employee. Most standard guardrail systems are not adequate anchorage
points because they are not built to withstand the impact forces generated
by a fall.
4) The system's D-ring attachment point for body harnesses shall be in the
center of the employee's back near the shoulder level.
5) The system components must be inspected for damage and deterioration
prior to each use. All components subjected to the impact loading forces of a
free-fall must be immediately removed from service.
PARTS WASHING TANKS --A SAFETY CHECKLIST!
A common piece of equipment in most shops is a cleaning tank which uses
solvents to clean parts and tools. Many hazards are associated with this
equipment, but it often receives little attention when it comes to
maintenance and safety. There are several important things to remember
about the safe and proper use of any parts washing tank:
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Splash Hazards There is always the possibility of cleaning tank chemicals

being splashed onto employees or surrounding surfaces. To protect workers
be sure there are clean face shields or goggles, chemical resistant aprons
and gloves to protect against skin contact and absorption of chemicals.
These items must be located near the cleaning tank. An eyewash station,
with no obstructions en route, should also be nearby and ready for
emergency use.
Fire Hazards All cleaning tanks should have a functioning lid with a fusible
link retractor. If your tank is missing this link, one can be ordered from a
parts catalog. In the case of fire the fusible link will melt and separate,
causing the lid to close automatically, which will usually smother the fire. A
properly rated fire extinguisher should be mounted nearby for easy access.
Only an approved solvent should be used in the tank. These solvents are
considered combustible rather than flammable, as the flash point is
approximately 100 F. Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent! (The flash
point is -45 F!) Be sure that all sources of ignition are kept away from the
area. NO SMOKING should be allowed near the combustible solvents used in
parts washing tanks! When not in use, the tank lid should be closed.
Housekeeping As with any work area it is very important to keep the
immediate area clean and free of obstacles. Cleaning solution in the tank
should be changed as necessary to avoid cross contamination of other
chemicals which may have dissolved from parts being cleaned. Dispose of
used chemical solutions according to local and/or state environmental
regulations.
Adequate Lighting Tanks are sometimes located on a back wall or corner of a
shop. As with any work station, this area should be well lit to reduce the
chance of a mishap.
Cleaning Tank Safety Checklist:
Retractable lid mechanisms
Fusible link
Work light
Face shield, gloves and apron
Eye wash station
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Fire extinguisher
No Smoking signs
Adequate ventilation
Watch for leaks--and take care of them.
Stoddard Solvents used.
Watch for cleaning tank leaks-and take care of them immediately!

PREVENTING STRAINS & SPRAINS

This Safety Meeting Outline is structured to help you apply general material
handling rules to specific activities in which your employees are involved.
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You can choose work activities which apply to these principles and structure
your safety meeting presentation to address them.
1. Identify a task involving material handling (lifting, pushing, carrying,
setting down, etc.).
2. Break the task down into its most basic steps. What does the worker
do? (Example: lift a case of material from a truck bed, turn and carry it
to a location in the building where it is set on the ground).
3. Apply the lifting principles shown below, as applicable:

PRE-LIFT
TIPS

LIFTING
MOVING
LIFTING LIFTING
FROM A SETTING TIPS
CARTS,
FROM
FROM
SHELF, LOADS WHEN
HANGIN
GROUND OVERHEA
DESK,
DOWN
CARRYING G LOADS
LEVEL
D
ETC.

Determine Get
as Make
Pull the Bend
Look
Remembe
the weight close as certain
load
your
ahead
to r to push,
of the load possible you
are close to knees,
make
not
pull
to be lifted to
the standing your
not your certain the whenever
or carried. load.
on
a body and waist.
way
is possible.
stable
test it for
clear.
Are
you Bend
surface
weight. Set down
Position
able to do your
before you
the
Set
the the load
it alone? Is knees,
attempt
Shift the corner or load down so
that
help
or not your the lift.
weight of edge of if
it your legs
mechanical back.
the load the
becomes supply
assistance
Test
the to
your object
too heavy the force.
needed?
Get
a load to be legs
by closest to or
good grip sure you keeping you first - unstable. Use
Does
the on
the can lift it it close. keeping
hands
size/shape object
safely.
your
Avoid
and arms
of the load and test
Avoid
fingers
stairs
for control
present
its
Bring the reaching out from when ever and
any
weight. object of and
under
possible. If direction
problem?
the shelf lifting at the load unavoidabl of
the
Keep the or support the same
e, use the load.
Will
you load
carefully, time.
banister or
have
to close to maintainin
wall or to Keep
turn/chang your
g
your
help
you hands &
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maintain
balance.
e direction
while
carrying
the load?

balance.
body and
lift using
Is the route
While
your legs.
you
will
maintainin
take clear
g control
Be aware
of
of
the
of
your
obstruction
load, bring
balance
s, slip, trip,
it down to
and what
or
fall
waist
part
of
hazards?
level.
your
body
is
Do
you
Whatever
doing the
have
a
the task,
work.
It
back
GET HELP
should be
support
for heavy
your legs.
belt,
and
loads!
are
you
wearing it
properly?

Have
someone
open
doors,
gates, etc.
for you.

fingers
inside the
Change
load
direction
whenever
by moving
possible.
your
feet
not
your
Watch for
hips.
pinch or
shear
Keep
points on
shoulders,
carts,
hips
and
dollies or
feet
hoists.
pointing
the same
direction.
Never twist
at
the
waist while
carrying a
load.

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PREVENTING WELDING FLASHBACK

Oxy-acetylene torches have been used for many years for cutting, welding,
brazing, and heating of metals. The equipment used today is safe, but every
year, hundreds of employees are injured or die as a result of improper use.
Knowledge and precautions can prevent fires and violent explosions.
Gas Pressure: One cause of fires and explosions is high acetylene pressure.
When more than 15 pounds of pressure is used, acetylene becomes unstable
and decomposes explosively. This is the major reason for using other fuel
gases such as MAPP, propylene, propane, and natural gas which may be
safely used at higher operating pressures.
Burn back: If your oxygen cylinder is low or empty, reverse flow of gas may
occur. The fuel gas, being at a higher pressure, can travel up the oxygen line
and mix with gas in the hose, regulator and cylinder. If you light your torch
without purging the lines, a burn back may occur with explosions in the hose,
regulator, or cylinder.
Backfire: The same thing can happen with high oxygen pressure and low fuel
gas pressure if a backfire occurs, which is usually caused by holding the
cutting torch too close to your work. This causes gas starvation of the cutting
flame and results in the flame being sucked into the torch head. Usually you
will hear a popping sound that turns to a whistle when this happens.
Flashback: When a backfire takes place in a mixing chamber, unless you shut
of the oxygen valve, the flame burning in the torch head may ignite gases in
the hoses and result in a flashback. A flashback is an explosion that
progresses through the torch, hoses, regulators, and into the cylinders.
Consequence can range from a burst hose to a violent explosion of the
regulator and cylinders.
There are several things you can do to help prevent flashbacks, fires and
explosions:
1. If using acetylene, keep the pressure below 15 pounds.

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2. Purge your hoses before lighting the torch.

3. Never light your torch with a mixture of fuel and oxygen. After purging the
lines, light the torch with only the fuel gas valve open.
4. Check valves should be installed on both torch inlets and operating
properly. Check valves can stop the reverse flow of gases, but will not
prevent flashbacks.
5. To prevent flashbacks, flashback arrestors must be installed on the outlets
of both regulators, and/or torch inlets.
Check the Torch: How can you tell if the torch you are using has flashback
arrestors and check valves? If you look at the torch you will notice a small
cylindrical valve on each inlet with the hoses screwed onto this valve instead
of hooked directly to the torch. Most of these valves are combination
flashback/check valves and will say so on the valve body. Often, combination
valves are also installed on regulator outlets.
Before welding, take time to inspect the equipment you will be using to be
sure check valves and flashback arrestors have been installed. This
precaution can prevent a deadly cylinder explosion.

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PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR
One serious blow to the head can leave an otherwise strong and health
person permanently brain-damaged or disabled for life. At best, a blow on
the head can give you a whopper of a headache. Therefore, it is crucial to
protect it from the impact of falling objects, painful bumps and in some
cases, from high-voltage electric shock. ANSI approved head protection is
generally required when there is "a potential for head injury from falling or
moving objects" and where employees' heads are exposed to electricity.
Hard Hats: The American National Standards Institute has established
guidelines for helmets, the latest of which is ANSI Z89.1-1986. The standard
indicates that the manufacturer's name must be listed inside the helmet, and
it must have one of the following ANSI designations:

Class A: These protect the head from the impact of falling objects and
from electric shock during contact with exposed low voltage
conductors.

Class B: These have the same function as class A except that they
prevent electric shock when exposed to high voltage conductors.

Class C: These protect the head from falling objects, but ofer no
electrical protection.

Hard hats primarily protect from impacts to the top of the head, limit
penetration of sharp objects which hit the top of the shell and provide some
lateral protection. To be efective, however, helmets must be properly worn.
Some workers wear their hard hats backwards, which lessens the protection.
If it is worn tilted back on the head, it ofers virtually no protection at all.
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Hard Hat Care:

Inspect helmets daily for cracks, signs of wear and deterioration to

insure that they provide the amount of protection originally intended.

Helmets that exhibit chalking, cracking, or lose all their surface gloss
should be discarded.

If helmets must be marked for identification, use adhesive decals or

tape. They should not be painted, cut or engraved.

Do not keep helmets on the window shelf of a vehicle since extreme

heat can afect the degree of protection. The hat can also become a
projectile in the event of a vehicle accident.

Replace internal suspension systems once a year or if the system

detaches from the shell. Hair oils and dirt can weaken the shockabsorbing suspension system.

At least every 30 days, protective helmets and their sweatbands and

cradles should be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.

Bump Caps: Made of light-weight plastic, bump caps do not protect against
serious blows to the head or falling objects and should never be worn in
place of hard hats. They are useful, however, when working in cramped
spaces where painful bumps, scrapes or cuts to the head are a potential.
Use your head to absorb knowledge--not blows to the head!

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PALLET SAFETY
Webster defines a pallet as a "support for freight." As a support, it has the
potential to take a lot of abuse. A lot of old pallets are never discarded when
they should be. They are stacked in a corner and not used except as a last
resort when there are no good ones left. Too many times we hear that a
pallet has broken and the freight has fallen to the floor. This not only causes
freight damage but can also result in equipment damage--or worse yet, in
employee injury or death. Please take a moment to review the following
safety tips for working around palletized loads:

Develop a pallet inspection program. Before you use a pallet, inspect it

for cracks, weaknesses and other damage. If you find damage, mark it
unsafe for use until it is either fixed or thrown away. This can prevent a
lot of potential problems.

When loading a pallet, make sure the load is centered and not out of
balance.

If the pallet is holding several loose items, make sure the entire load is
secured with shrink wrap or banding.

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Exercise caution when stacking several pallets high. Make sure the
stack is not leaning, because of weak or broken segments, which may
cause the whole pile to fall over.

Always know the load limit of the pallet jack or forklift you are using.
Neither the pallets nor mechanical lifting devices should ever be
overloaded.

Load limits should also establish and marked on warehouse floors-balconies, mezzanines, etc. Always comply with these.

Make sure your forklift has an overhead cage or screen to protect the
driver from falling objects when merchandise is being stacked
overhead.

Remember--thinking ahead can save a lot of trouble. It is a waste of

production time and efort to reload a pallet that has fallen. But, more
importantly, an efective pallet/warehouse safety plan can prevent injuries
and save lives!

REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT

A good accident investigation tries to answer these questions:

What happened?

When did it happen?

Where did it happen?

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Who was involved?

Why did it happen?

How can it be prevented from happening again?

When these questions are answered for all accidents and near misses,
patterns often emerge and preventable causes are often discovered. But the
patterns may not be true unless information acquired during the
investigation is complete and accurate. The observations of co-workers, as
well as from employees that were directly involved, can be critical. It helps if
everyone will:

Make mental or written notes about the accident before the

investigation starts.

Avoid talking to others before talking to the investigator, since this

may confuse the facts.

Answer all questions about the incident as accurately as possible.

Take the investigation seriously--give it your best.

The first thing to do when an accident happens, is make sure the worker's
injuries are treated. The next step is to carefully investigate the events
surrounding the accident. The reason for investigations is not to place blame
on anyone, but to learn what happened--so similar incidents can be
prevented in the future. All employees play an important role in this.
Should all accidents be reported and investigated? Ideally, not only
accidents, but also near misses should be reported. The study of near misses
can help prevent more serious incidents, where someone is actually injured.
Such investigations needn't always be extensive, but records of near misses
often indicate trends or hazardous conditions that can be corrected.
Top priority will be given to the most serious events. An accident that results
in hospitalization or death must be immediately followed by a thorough
investigation, once the injured receive care. Multiple injuries and fatalities
are also investigated by OSHA and insurance personnel, so accurate facts
must be gathered carefully. Photographs, samples and measurements are
often necessary.
The actual investigation is generally carried out by supervisors or personnel
who have been trained for this. Nevertheless, all employees play an
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important role in the accident prevention process and in preventing future

mishaps. Once employees understand why it's important for them to report
all accidents and near misses, and to cooperate fully with investigations,
management can benefit from their experience and input.
Employees should be constantly alert to potential causes of accidents-before they happen. All unsafe acts or conditions should be reported to a
supervisor immediately, whether or not someone has actually been hurt.
PREVENTING ACCIDENTS IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY!

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SCAFFOLD INSPECTIONS
Scafolding is a temporary, field erected structure used for working aloft.
Because it is temporary and field erected, it is subject to wear and abuse,
improper assembly, and unauthorized changes. Construction standards
require that a "competent person" inspect scafolds for defects before every
work shift. Yet, in all industries, every employee who works on or around
scafolding should be aware of safety requirements. The following list
includes things to watch for:

Scafolding must be erected on firm footing capable of carrying the

maximum intended load. Boxes, barrels, loose concrete blocks or brick
must
not
be
used
to
support
the
structure.

Consideration must be given to the weight the scafold is to carry. It

must be capable of supporting, without failure, four times the
maximum intended load. The load includes not only the weight of the
people on the scafold but also any supplies and equipment being
used.

Scafolding is naturally unstable because it is usually a tall structure

with a narrow base. To counteract this, the scafold must be braced or
tied of to a stable structure such as a ship's hull or building wall.

The planking used must be "scafold grade." The wood must be clear,
free of loose knots, splits, or other defects. To create a proper work
surface, generally 2 planks need to be laid side by side to create a 20"
wide work platform. At the ends, the planking must overlap at least 6"
but no more than 18" (limited to 12" for shipyards and construction)
unless the planks are fastened to the supporting members.

Toe boards at least 4" high (3 " for construction) should be installed
along the outer scafold edge, to prevent tools or materials from falling
onto
workers
below.

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Guard rail requirements for supported scafolds vary for diferent

industries. The federal OSHA standard for construction and general
industry requires guardrails when a platform is 10 feet or higher. In
shipyards, they must be installed if the work platform is 5 feet or more
above a solid surface, or at any distance above water. Some State
codes may set the height at 6 feet. You must know the rule for your
state
or
jurisdiction.

Guard rails are usually made of 2x4 lumber or steel pipe. The top rail
should be about 42" above the scafold walking surface, with a "midrail" at about 21 inches. Fiber or wire rope can be used if it is attached
to rigid supports and kept taut. However, a variance may be needed to
do so in some jurisdictions. It should be noted that the railings must be
of adequate strength to restrain someone who has started to fall.

Railings can be omitted if a structure, such as a ship's hull prevents

their use. However, in these circumstances, you must wear a safety
harness and life line if you working more than 5 feet above a solid
surface. If over water, you must wear an approved buoyant work vest.

Finally, never make any changes to scafolding yourself. Only designated

"Competent Persons" should make modifications.

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SAFETY & SECURITY AFTER HOURS

Last one out turn of the lights!" If only it were that simple. In todays work
environments, whether it's a fixed facility or a temporary job site, after
hours safety and security is an important responsibility that shouldn't be
overlooked. This involves more than just turning out the lights.
A good approach is to use a checklist, to ensure that everything is checked
for safety and security. The list can be customized to suit your own
operation, and may include the following:
Perimeter Fencing and Gates
Vehicles and Machinery
Roof Top Access
Dumpsters and Recycle Bins
Area Lighting
Doors and Windows
Fuel Tanks and Chemicals
Tool Boxes
Open Trenches and Pits
Exposed Electrical Hazards

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Open Containers
Elevated Platforms
The same efort that goes into protecting the safety and health of all
employees during the work shift should be taken to discourage possible
intruders after hours. Intruders can and will create a variety of problems,
including theft, vandalism, sabotage, arson and burglary. Such activity can
have direct efects on workers, customers and the public.
All employees should be aware of safety and security issues and do their
best to help secure the premises before leaving for the night or the weekend.
Kids hanging around can be tempted to enter a work area if it is left
uncontrolled, and may hurt themselves or others. Intruders of any kind may
leave the workplace in a dangerous condition. It is your jobsite that you
return to each day. Stay alert and help keep it safe for everyone.
- Safety & Health Attitudes and Actions So, you made it to another year. You are still alive (obviously) and,
presumably, at least somewhat healthy. Will you still be able to say this when
1997 rolls around? While you cannot answer this question yet, you can begin
by taking steps today to increase the likelihood you will be able to greet
1997 in at least as good a shape as you are today. What action should you
take?
Begin with the realization that most premature deaths in this country are not
work related. They are caused by your own personal habits as smoking,
drug/alcohol abuse, or poor eating habits, usually a high fat diet. Cigarettes
coupled with air contaminants can be more harmful to you than just
cigarettes alone. Being overweight can make you more susceptible to a back
injury. Drug and alcohol abuse not only causes health problems, it is a
concern to your employer because of the judgment and coordination
problems it can cause. Evaluate your personal habits and limit your
excesses.
More disabling injuries occur at home rather than at work. Why is this?
Answer these questions for yourself: Do you apply the same safety
precautions at home as you do at work? Are your home tools in good repair
and properly guarded? Is your ladder of good quality and in good repair? If
you are working with hazardous materials, do you wear personal protective
equipment? When you are at work, you are expected, if not required, to
follow the safety rules. At home, you call the shots. You will be much better
of at home by following the same safety rules and procedures you use at
work.
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So now, hopefully, you have decided to make your life healthier and safer at
home. What can you do this year to make yourself safer at work? It all begins
with attitude. Working the safe way is the only way. Injuries are not a natural
outcome of working. Injuries are the result of something going wrong.
Accidents do not just happen; they are caused. Keeping this in mind is alert
to the dangers of your job. Anticipate hazards and eliminate or control them
before they cause harm to yourself or others. Learn as much as you can
about the dangers of your work and pass that experience onto others.
Cooperate with the safety eforts your company is making.

STACKING UP A PILE OF TROUBLE

An alarming number of employee accidents and injuries are associated with
forklift operations. Many of these are a result of poorly stacked materials that
topple and damage property or injure people. Stacking boxes, bagged goods,
and similar items is usually thought to be an uncomplicated job. Yet, like
most tasks that are considered to be easy, a lack of attention or knowledge
can create safety problems.
The stability of a stack is probably the number one concern. If a stacked load
is going to be moved, with a forklift or pallet jack for example, you can see
that the inevitable jostling may cause items to fall. But what about stacks
that are not to be moved? Stability is still important. An earthquake or an
accidental bump could cause something to fall.
For a load to be stable, its base must be stable. This means you have to start
building the stack on a firm, level surface. If a pallet is used, inspect it to be
sure it's in good repair. If not, don't use it! Though it seems obvious, make
sure everyone on the crew knows the diference between "good" and "bad"
pallet repair.
Place larger and heavier objects at the bottom. If the packaging material is
compressible, pay attention to the printed instructions on the box that advise
how many units can be stacked. If you go higher, the weight could cause the
lower boxes to crush, creating an unstable stack and damaging goods in the
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boxes. If the product is bagged, be sure the contents are evenly distributed
in the bag as you lay it down. This creates a flat surface for the next tier.
Interlock the units as you build the load. Your supervisor can show you how
this is done.
Some stacks are going to be inherently stable. An example would be a stack
of rectangular, interlocked boxes with the base of the stack wider than the
height. Other stacks are inherently unstable. An example would be square
boxes that cannot be interlocked. Such stacks must be tied or wrapped to
increase stability.
Watch the total weight of objects or containers you stack. If the load is going
to be moved by a forklift or pallet jack, the total weight must not exceed the
capacity of the equipment. Also know the weight bearing capacity of floors
and shelves, and do not exceed these capacities. Spread the load out so the
weight is not concentrated in one area.
Do not contribute to a lift truck mishap. Pay careful attention, and take pride
in having an accident free, injury free record.

STAIRS AND WALKWAYS

Stairways and walkways in all businesses can be the cause of injury
accidents. These passageways do not typically get the maintenance they
need, since they are "only" access ways and not production areas. Here are
ten safety tips to help eliminate exposures at your company.
1. Always keep one hand free to use the handrails, both up and down the
stairways.
2. Keep all stairs and walkways clear of debris and potentially slippery
substances such as: ice, snow, water, oil, or grease.
3. Keep passageways free of tools, equipment and other materials.
Always practice good housekeeping in these non-production areas.
4. When walkways and stairs are provided-use them. Don't short-cut your
safety to save a few steps or a few seconds. Hopping of loading docks
or jumping over piping saves no time or money if you are injured and
cannot work.
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5. Shop or warehouse mezzanines should be equipped with standard

railings to protect open sides. Railings should have top rails with a
vertical height of 42 inches, mid rails, posts, and toe boards. Your
company may have a small office located within a larger building with
its roof area used for storing materials. Review the space's access and
guarding. Make sure it has a full stairway or ladder access and is
equipped with perimeter railings. It is also wise to have an engineer
calculate the maximum load the roof area can handle.
6. Standard handrails must be provided for stairs with four or more steps.
Handrails should be 30 to 34 inches from the top of the stair tread,
measured in line with the face of the riser.
7. Handrails can become loose and may need to be re-secured or
replaced. Do not assume someone else will repair or report it.
Immediately mention any problem to the right person, such as your
supervisor, or take the time to fix it yourself.
8. Where there are elevation changes in walkways highlight the change
so it is plainly visible. Distinguishing the change alerts those unfamiliar
with the walkway to the hazard.
9. Secure electrical cords and hoses so that they do not lie across
walkways. If electrical cords must be laid across walkways, use
approved cord covers whenever possible. Consider setting up a caution
sign or flagging to alert individuals of cords or hoses in their path until
a permanent "approved" solution can be put into place.
10.
Take small steps on wet and icy walkways. Use handholds to
stabilize yourself when they are available. Asphalt and oiled surfaces
can also be hazardous because rain water may produce oil sheen and
create slippery walking conditions.
Unlike some exposures, stairway hazards or slippery walkways can appear
overnight. Take action to remedy the problem when you see it.

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SMOKE DETECTORS - A LIFE SAVING WARNING

Smoke detectors save lives every day. These small but efective devices are
a vital fire safety early warning system, in both the workplace and the home.
While it is critical to have smoke detectors installed both at home and at
work, it is three times more important to have smoke detectors operating in
the home. Why? Because each year, more than three-quarters of the 4,500
fire-related deaths occur in the home. And tragically, children under five
years of age die at twice the rate of all others.
The majority of fatal fires in the home take place at night, when occupants
are asleep. Contrary to common belief, the smell of smoke may not always
wake a sleeping person. Poisonous gasses and the smoke produced by a fire
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can actually numb the senses, putting a person into a deeper sleep. Luckily,
a small, inexpensive smoke detector, working properly, provides a wake-up
alarm, and can reduce the risk of death by nearly 50%.
Placement of Home Smoke Detectors is Critical: Residences should have a
smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on every level, including the
basement. In new construction, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency)
now requires a smoke detector in each sleeping room. On floors without
bedrooms, they are to be installed within or near living areas. NFPA suggests
that areas such as dining rooms, furnace rooms, and bonus rooms have
detectors as well. Be aware that if you install these devices in kitchens,
broiler or cooking fumes may cause frequent false alarms.
How Many Detectors are Needed? There are no specific guidelines on this.
The correct number depends upon the configuration of the office or home,
but it's better to have too many than too few. They should be installed high
up on walls or on the ceiling. Since smoke rises, the first place it will be
detected is near the ceiling.
Alarms are Critical for Some Work Facilities: This is particularly true for work
locations that are remote from community fire departments, or in facilities
that do not have fire sprinklers or other permanent fire suppression
equipment. In these cases, smoke detectors provide the main source of
warning to evacuate the building and call for help.
Maintenance, Inspection & Replacement. These devices must be cared for
just as all important tools and equipment must. Only a functioning smoke
detector can provide a life-saving warning. Manufacturers recommend
testing all smoke detectors monthly, using the test button. And don't forget
to replace the batteries at least once a year, unless they are of the hardwired variety. A good time for battery replacement is the day you change
your clocks to daylight savings time, or on January 1. Any smoke detector
over 10 years old should be replaced.
Develop an emergency evacuation plan. It is important to have an
emergency evacuation plan at home, as well as at work. Discuss it with your
entire family, and practice it. Fires catch people of-guard. Don't let one catch
you or your family that way. It could be tragic.
How long has it been since you've tested your home smoke detectors, and
changed batteries?

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SAVE YOUR BACK WHEN WORKING IN AWKWARD POSITIONS

We have all been told to avoid back injury by bending our knees when we lift,
keeping the load close and avoiding twisting motions. These safety rules may
be appropriate for simple, direct lifting of materials, but what about back
care when you are working in awkward positions? Work tasks that require
you to reach or stretch away from your body while handling materials can
also put excessive strain on the vertebral discs and soft tissues in the back.
An awkward position is a work posture that distorts the spine from its natural
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curves, puts unbalanced pressure on the discs, and can strain arm, leg or
back tissues if held for any length of time.
What are some work situations that may put you in "awkward" positions?
1. Jobs that require you to bend and reach into bins or containers to
retrieve or place material.
2. Overhead work, installing or servicing equipment, pulling wire, cleaning
ceilings, etc.
3. Floor or ground level jobs such as installing or servicing equipment,
cleaning, etc.
4. Work tasks in confined or small spaces where there is limited range of
motion such as boilers, hatches, pipes, tanks, vaults, crawl spaces, etc.
5. Jobs on ladders, work platforms or scafolding where you may overreach to adjust, clean, install or service.
6. Pulling loads, instead of pushing them, when removing equipment or
other materials.
7. Repetitive tasks that require twisting of the back such as loading or
handling material 90o to 180o from the starting point
How can you avoid injury when working in awkward positions?

Raise bins and containers of the floor and/or tilt them to reduce
bending and over-reaching.

When working overhead, stand on a steady and adjustable platform.

Keep your back posture in its natural curve to avoid uneven spinal
loading.

If working on the floor, avoid bending over to work. Squat down using
your leg muscles and wear cushioned knee pads if you have to kneel at
work.

In confined spaces, plan your work, and reduce clutter in the area
which confines you further and increases the need to twist or
overreach. Also arrange for adequate illumination.

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Don't hold an awkward position for too long. Pause often to stretch and
straighten out.

When leaning forward to work, support the weight of your upper body
on your free hand and arm, whenever possible. This greatly relieves
pressure on your lower back.

Position yourself as close as possible to the job, avoid overreaching

and/or use tools with longer handles when working on ladders or
scafolding.

Never lift heavy loads that are far from your body's center of gravity.
Get help in such cases.

Position your work below the shoulder and above the knees to
minimize over-reaching.

Push, rather than pull, loads to help maintain the spine's natural curve.

Remember that a back support belt may remind you to lift correctly,
but it will not protect your spine if you overreach or twist with a load.

What specific awkward positions do you face in your work?

How can you "work smarter instead of harder" to prevent injuries?

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SEVEN COMMON ACCIDENT CAUSES

Consider this statistic: 80 out of every 100 accidents are the fault of the
person involved in the incident. Unsafe Acts cause four times as many
accidents & injuries as unsafe conditions.
Accidents occur for many reasons. In most industries people tend to look for
"things" to blame when an accident happens, because it's easier than
looking for "root causes," such as those listed below. Consider the underlying
accident causes described. Have you been guilty of any of these attitudes or
behaviors? If so, you may have not been injured-but next time you may not
be so lucky.

Taking Shortcuts: Every day we make decisions we hope will make the
job faster and more efficient. But do time savers ever risk your own
safety, or that of other crew members? Short cuts that reduce your
safety on the job are not shortcuts, but an increased chance for injury.

Being over Confident: Confidence is a good thing. Overconfidence is

too much of a good thing. "It'll never happen to me" is an attitude that
can lead to improper procedures, tools, or methods in your work. Any
of these can lead to an injury.

Starting a Task with Incomplete Instructions: To do the job safely and

right the first time you need complete information. Have you ever seen
a worker sent to do a job, having been given only a part of the job's
instructions? Don't be shy about asking for explanations about work
procedures and safety precautions. It isn't dumb to ask questions; it's
dumb not to.

Poor Housekeeping: When clients, managers or safety professionals

walk through your work site, housekeeping is an accurate indicator of
everyone's attitude about quality, production and safety. Poor
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housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well maintained area sets

a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride
and safety.

Ignoring Safety Procedures: Purposely failing to observe safety

procedures can endanger you and your co-workers. You are being paid
to follow the company safety policies-not to make your own rules.

Mental Distractions from Work: Having a bad day at home and worrying
about it at work is a hazardous combination. Dropping your 'mental'
guard can pull your focus away from safe work procedures. You can
also be distracted when you're busy working and a friend comes by to
talk while you are trying to work. Don't become a statistic because you
took your eyes of the machine "just for a minute."

Failure to Pre-Plan the Work: There is a lot of talk today about Job
Hazard Analysis. JHA's are an efective way to figure out the smartest
ways to work safely and efectively. Being hasty in starting a task, or
not thinking through the process can put you in harms way. Instead,
Plan Your Work and then Work Your Plan!

"It is better to be careful 100 times than to get killed once." (Mark Twain)
SHOP HAZARDS & TYPICAL INCIDENTS
An incident is defined as "any observable human activity sufficiently
complete in itself to permit references and predictions to be made about the
persons performing the act." (Whew!) Therefore, it is safe to say that
incidents or accidents do not usually just happen; they happen for a reason
and are usually due to unsafe acts or conditions. The following is a list of
incidents that have typically led to employee accidents. This list focuses
upon shop work, but of course there are many other unsafe acts, conditions,
or work activities that give cause for concern. Which of these conditions have
you perhaps worked under in your shop or maintenance area?
1. Adjusting, or cleaning a machine while it is in operation.
2. Removing a machine guard or tampering with its adjustment.
3. Using compressed air over 30 psi to remove metal chips from work
surfaces.
4. Using compressed air over 30 psi to blow dust or dirt of clothing or out of
hair.

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5. Working without safety glasses and/or a face shield in a designated eyehazard area.
6. Failing to use ear plugs in work areas with high noise levels.
7. Wearing gloves, ties, rings, long sleeves, or loose clothing around machine
tools.
8. Using a grinder with no tongue guard or properly adjusted work rest (1/8
in. max. clearance).
9. Lifting an object that you know is too heavy for one person to handle.
10. Using an ungrounded or non-insulated portable electric hand tool.
11. Using frayed or poorly patched electrical cords.
12. Smoking in areas where flammables or combustibles are used or stored.
13. Storing spare oxygen and acetylene bottles near each other when not in
use.
14. Using cranes beyond their load limits or with a missing safety latch on
the hook.

Have you ever engaged in any of the above actions and sufered
injuries? Was it worth it?

Have you ever worked under any of the above conditions--and NOT
sufered an injury?

If you've been lucky so far, isn't it foolish to become complacent?

The above actions have caused many serious, sometimes fatal, injuries in
shops and work places--and are just not worth the possible consequences!
Don't be another "typical" incident statistic. Work smarter! Work safely!

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-- SAFETY AT ALL LEVELS -Individuals who are infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may not show symptoms and may not know
they are infectious. For this reason, all human blood and body fluids should
be considered as if infectious, and all precautions should be taken to avoid
contact. This simple rule is known as "universal precautions."
In the workplace, bloodborne pathogens (BBP) may be transmitted when
blood or other infectious body fluids come in contact with mucous
membranes (your eyes, nose, mouth); non-intact skin (due to cuts,
abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts); or by handling or touching
contaminated materials or surfaces. Bloodborne pathogens are also
transmitted by "injection" under the skin via an contaminated sharp object
puncturing or cutting the skin causing a wound.
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Hepatitis B Virus versus Human Immunodeficiency Virus:

Hepatitis B Virus is more persistent than HIV and is able to survive for
at least one week in dried blood on environmental surfaces. However,
HIV will not survive for more than a few minutes when exposed to room
temperature air, and will usually die within seconds.

A teaspoon of infected blood may contain over one billion HBV

particles, while a teaspoon of infected HIV blood contains about 15 HIV
particles.

Hepatitis B Virus usually has mild symptoms which makes diagnosis

difficult. HIV infections usually are not diagnosed for years and
symptoms may not appear for many months or years.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. At the present time there

is no preventive vaccine for HIV.

No cure is presently available for HBV or HIV.

If you administer first aid to an injured person in the workplace and there is a
potential for contacting any body fluids, you should adhere to the following
"universal precaution" guidelines:

Wear impervious gloves when there is a chance of exposure to blood or

body fluids.

Wear a face shield to protect your entire face, and safety goggles to
provide the most complete eye protection.

Use resuscitation
resuscitation (CPR).

Report all BBP exposures or potential exposures to your supervisor

immediately.

Immediately wash your hands and afected areas with soap and warm
water.

Flush your eyes, nose or other mucous membrane areas with water, if
exposed.

devices

when

performing

cardiopulmonary

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SPONTANEOUS IGNITION
Many people do not believe it can happen. For no apparent reason fire
erupts, usually during of hours. It does happen. It's called spontaneous
ignition, and preventing it is part of your job.
Spontaneous ignition occurs when a combustible object is heated to its
ignition temperature by a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air
around us. This "oxidation" process creates heat that, if not dissipated, will
build up until ignition occurs. Generally, this can happen when the materials
are left in piles and the heat being generated in the pile cannot be released
into the air.
A number of materials are moderately or highly subject to spontaneous
heating and subsequent ignition. Some of those you may find in your work
area include oil based paint in contact with rags, cotton, or other fibrous
combustible material; rags that are damp with any one of a number of
diferent types of oils, including vegetable oils; oily uniforms or work clothes;
and paint scrapping, possibly coming from a paint spray booth cleaning
project.
The possibility of spontaneous ignition is greater if the surrounding air is also
warm and dry. The added heat, say from nearby machinery or a noninsulated steam line, can either pre-heat the material, which in turn sets of
the reaction, or can hasten ignition by adding even more heat to the
combustible.
It is simple to prevent spontaneous ignition, since oxygen is needed for it to
occur. Materials subject to spontaneous ignition should be stored in covered
metal containers such as a rag safety can or trash can. Admittedly the
container will contain oxygen at first. However, the oxidation process will use
up the reaction and the reaction will stop-fire prevented.
Another strategy is to spread the combustible material out so the resulting
heat can be dissipated rather than allowed to build up-again, fire prevented.
Proper housekeeping is the key to preventing fires. Remove debris from the
building or vessel. Properly store combustibles in covered containers. Be sure
the lids of containers remain in place-they are there for a purpose. Fire not
only damages property, it threatens lives. Furthermore, a business destroyed
by fire does not need employees. By working to prevent fires, you also work
to protect your job.

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Has your place of employment ever been destroyed by fire? Have you
witnessed the smoldering wreckage of someone else's business? It's not a
pretty picture-don't let it happen to you!

STOP FIRES
Fires usually start small, but can rage out of control quickly. Stopping them
before they start requires that we all work together to detect possible fire
hazards and report them promptly.
Although buildings may be built of steel and concrete, their contents are not.
Most of the materials and equipment we use every day on the job are
flammable or combustible. So even if a building resists a fire for a while, its
contents will not. What is even more important is that the contents add fuel
to the growing blaze. Soon it will be large enough to finally wreck the entire
structure. And think of the costs, not to mention the lives that could be lost.
Before fire strikes, let us look at how each of us can help make our
department's fire protection program work.
1. Housekeeping Neat and clean work areas are not just for show. Good
housekeeping helps to prevent fires. How? When rubbish and other
combustibles are disposed of properly and not piled in corners, fire
doorways, or exits, there is much less fuel for a fire to burn. The same can be
said and is especially true for paint-soaked or oily rags. Store them in
approved covered safety containers or cabinets.
2. Flammable Liquids Be sure all flammable liquids are stored only in
approved safety cans that are kept in a safe storage cabinet or room. Keep
only a one days' supply of a flammable liquid at your work station. Return all
such materials to their proper storage areas at the end of your shift.
3. Smoking Materials Observe the "No Smoking" rule in all designated areas.
Carelessly discarded cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and matches are ignition
sources and start thousands of fires. Use ashtrays in smoking areas and
always be alert for "stray" matches and cigarettes.
4. Know what to do if a fire breaks out This includes knowing your exits,
how to turn in an alarm, where the fire protection equipment is located, and
how to use it. Here are five points to remember in case of fire:
A. Sound the Alarm Don't underestimate any fire; report it immediately.

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B. Warn People Warn all people in the area immediately so they can get to
places of safety. This is especially important in building fires.
C. Think Fast and Act with Caution When a fire is discovered, size it up
fast. If it is from an energized source of fuel supply, immediately de-energize
by cutting of the source of power or fuel supply. If it is small, if the proper fire
protection equipment is on hand and you've been trained in its use, try to
extinguish the fire.
D. Stand By Stay near the fire. Meet and tell the fire fighters where the fire
is and how to attain access.
E. Fire Fighting You are responsible for preventing fires. In general, never
join in firefighting unless your help is requested by your supervisor or fire
fighters and you have been trained.

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SAFETY SIGNS
If you see a safety sign, the ones on heavy equipment, machine guards,
electrical control panels and boxes, and combustible/flammable liquid
storage rooms that say: DANGER, WEAR GOGGLES WHILE OPERATING; HIGH
VOLTAGE; NO SMOKING; FIRE DOOR, DO NOT BLOCK; what is your reaction?
Most people react in one of two ways. A few get angry and feel like doing the
opposite. They don't like to be told what to do or what not to do. The majority
know that safety signs make sense and that there is a reason for each sign
being where it is. They take the sign's message as a visual warning and are
glad its there to remind them.
The second reaction is the right one, of course. The NO RIDERS signs on the
forklift are not there just to make you walk when you could ride. They are
there to remind you that hitching rides on trucks is risky, and someone is
going to get hurt.
A NO SMOKING sign is put where it is to keep you from lighting up and prevent
you from starting an uncontrollable fire.
Some people don't believe a serious fire can start from a cigarette. Consider
the fact that the National Safety Council reported that in one year alone,
95,000 fires were started by smoking and matches. These fires caused
property damage in the tens of millions of dollars, not to mention the people
killed and injured.
The purpose of signs is to visually remind you to stay safe; however, the big
problem is that we all get so used to these signs that we don't notice them
anymore.
For example, can you remember what pictures are on the walls of your living
room? It's kind of hard to do. You're so used to those pictures, just like the
safety signs here on the job, you don't notice them anymore. And not seeing
safety signs are dangerous business.

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If a sign says DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT GUARDS, that sign means what it says.
If you don't pay attention to the sign because it's been there a long time, you
are leaving yourself wide open to an accident.
Disregarding a safety sign for any reason means you are taking a big chance
of getting injured and/or hurting someone else. Being responsible for putting
a coworker in the hospital should lay heavy on anyone's' conscience.
Remember, each and every safety sign is posted for a good reason, to keep
you from getting hurt!

TRYING TO DO THE JOB ALONE

Dear Sir.
I am responding to your request for additional information regarding how my
recent injury occurred. In block number 3 of your accident report form I put
"trying to do the job alone" as the cause of my accident. You said in your
letter that I should explain more fully. I trust that the following details will be
sufficient.
I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident I was working alone on
the roof of a new six story building. When I completed my work I discovered
that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry the bricks
down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which
fortunately was attached to the side of the building at the 6th floor.
Securing the rope at the ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel
out, and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied
the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of
bricks. You will note in Block number 2 of the accident report form that my
weight is 135 pounds.
Due to my surprise at being jerked of the ground so suddenly I lost my
presence-of-mind and didn't let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded
at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building.
In the vicinity of the third floor I met the barrel coming down. This explains
my fractured skull and collarbone.
Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the
fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.
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Fortunately, by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to
hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain.
At approximately the same time however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground
and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of bricks, the
barrel then weighed approximately 50 lbs.
I refer you again to the information in Block number 2. As you might imagine,
I began a rapid descent down the side of the building.
In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for
the two fractured ankles and the lacerations of my legs and lower body.
The encounter of the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I
fell onto the pile of bricks and fortunately, only 3 vertebrae were cracked.
I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay in pain on the bricks, unable to
stand-up, and watching the empty barrel 6 stories above me, I again lost my
presence of mind and let go of the rope. The empty barrel weighed more
than the rope so it came down upon me and broke both of my legs.
I hope I have furnished the additional information you required as to how the
accident occurred.

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THE SILENT SICKNESS - CO POISONING

It's called the "silent sickness," and sometimes it becomes a "silent killer.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common gas that can kill in minutes, in high
concentrations. Unlike many other chemicals, carbon monoxide has no
distinctive odor, taste, or appearance. Unfortunately, the symptoms of CO
poisoning-nausea, headache, and dizziness-resemble other common
illnesses, and can be easily mistaken for a cold or stomach flu.
How It Poisons: This gas produces its toxic efects when you breathe it, by
replacing oxygen in the blood stream with carbon monoxide which acts on all
organs in the body, especially the brain. As carbon monoxide combines with
hemoglobin, less and less oxygen is carried to the tissues. Unconsciousness
usually occurs when about half the hemoglobin is saturated with CO.
How It's Produced: Any process that involves the use of heat, oxidation, or
combustion can produce carbon monoxide. Winter months can be a
dangerous time for this problem. Buildings are tightly closed, and the buildup
of the gas is not usually noticed by unsuspecting employees. This dangerous
gas can be a problem in buildings, repair shops, and temporary weather
enclosures as well as car and truck cabs if exhaust systems are
malfunctioning or leaking.
High Exposure Areas: The gasoline engines used around shipping docks are
known carbon monoxide producers. Diesel engines are next in level of
danger, followed by propane-powered forklift trucks. Employees must be
particularly careful if forklifts are left running inside a truck or trailer body;
hazardous CO concentrations can build up very quickly. Watch outside

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delivery truck drivers too as they are frequently reluctant to shut of truck
engines while unloading.
High exposures may occur in forklift or vehicle repair shops. Shipping offices
above loading and shipping docks are also vulnerable as the gas rises,
causing dizziness and nausea for employees working there. In shop areas,
ventilation systems should be checked periodically to prevent poisoning from
this gas. Fans should be on, motors and fan belts functioning properly. Hoses
and duct work should be carefully connected and the systems checked for
dents and holes which could impede the exhaust of gasses. Engines should
be turned of as much as possible when buildings are tightly sealed during
the winter.
Symptoms of CO Exposure: Symptoms to be alert for include red eyes,
weakness, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you notice a pattern to these
symptoms when engines are running in the area, carbon monoxide could be
the cause. Forklifts, whether diesel, propane, or gasoline powered are
significant CO producers, especially when left idling. Immediately remove
anyone who is overcome from the CO exposure area. Restore breathing
through CPR. Keep the person warm and resting until paramedics arrive. If a
rescue is required, supplied-air respirators-NOT air-purifying respirators-must
be used.
Possible Dangers At Home Too: Be alert for symptoms of CO exposure that
may be mistaken for the flu. Check for faulty heating systems or chimneys
blocked by birds' nests or soot accumulation. Unvented gas room heaters or
portable kerosene heaters should only be used in well ventilated areas.
Never use a charcoal cooker indoors during a power outage. Keep your car
tuned and check exhaust systems periodically. Do not warm up cars in a
closed garage; an idling car's exhaust in an airtight, two-car garage can
overcome a person in one minute. Finally, to protect your family, consider
purchasing one of the new CO detectors that are now on the market.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOOD SAFETY HABITS

In most everything we do, we find a "trick" to make the process easier and
faster. After we develop these tricks, they become work habits in our
everyday activities. Developing everyday safety habits can keep you injury
free through the year. Here are ten safety habits to live by:
1. Set Your Own Standards. Don't be influenced by others around you who
are negative. If you fail to wear safety glasses because others don't,
remember the blindness you may sufer will be yours alone to live with.
2. Operate Equipment Only if Qualified. Your supervisor may not realize
you have never done the job before. You have the responsibility to let
your supervisor know, so the necessary training can be provided.
3. Respect Machinery. If you put something in a machine's way, it will
crush it, pinch it or cut it. Make sure all guards are in place. Never
hurry beyond your ability to think and act safely. Remember to deenergize the power first before placing your hands in a point of
operation.
4. Use Your Own Initiative for Safety Protection. You are in the best
position to see problems when they arise. Ask for the personal
protective equipment or additional guidance you need.
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5. Ask Questions. If you are uncertain, ask. Do not accept answers that
contain, "I think, I assume, I guess." Be sure.
6. Use Care and Caution When Lifting. Most muscle and spinal injuries are
from overstraining. Know your limits. Do not attempt to exceed them.
The few minutes it takes to get help will prevent weeks of being of
work and in pain.
7. Practice Good Housekeeping. Disorganized work areas are the
breeding grounds for accidents. You may not be the only victim. Don't
be a cause.
8. Wear Proper and Sensible Work Clothes. Wear sturdy and appropriate
footwear. These should enclose the foot fully. Avoid 1oose clothing,
dangling jewelry, and be sure that long hair is tied back and cannot
become entangled in the machinery.
9. Practice Good Personal Cleanliness. Avoid touching eyes, face, and
mouth with gloves or hands that are dirty. Wash well and use barrier
creams when necessary. Most industrial rashes are the result of poor
hygiene practices.
10.
Be a Positive Part of the Safety Team. Willingly accept and follow
safety rules. Encourage others to do so. Your attitude can play a major
role in the prevention of accidents and injuries.

THAT CONTAINER ONLY LOOKS EMPTY!

Containers that have held flammable or combustible liquids can remain
explosive even after the liquid has been removed. The liquid in the container
is replaced by air which mixes with the hazardous vapors. This combination
can be explosively ignited by a spark or heat. In fact, these containers are
normally more explosive than a full container.
How many times have you seen a 5 gallon pail or a 55 gallon drum being
used as a welding or grinding stand? This is very dangerous. Any sparks
produced could ignite the vapors. Also, the torch flame, heating the
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container, could ignite the vapors within the drum. The auto-ignition
temperature of many flammable vapors is far below the melting point of
steel. Some auto-ignition points are as low as 450 degrees.
Never attempt to do any hot work on a container unless it has been
thoroughly and properly cleaned.

Steam, followed by a caustic soda wash and fresh water rinse, is the
best method.

Dry with warm circulating air.

Inspect the inside for cleanliness. If it is not clean, the procedure will
need to be repeated.

Use a combustible gas indicator to test the container for the presence
of flammable vapors immediately before beginning the hot work. Never
assume the container is clean enough. Be certain!

As an added precaution, fill as much of the container as possible with

water. Inert the remaining space with nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

Complete these steps only in a well ventilated space. Once all this has been
done, the hot work can be performed with a reasonable degree of safety. The
key is a clean container that has been verified to be free of vapors. There is
no other safe way.
Don't forget, vapors can travel to a source of ignition that is located well
away from the work area. For this reason, always replace the cap on any
container. With the cap of there is a greater likelihood of product vapors
escaping into the air where they could be ignited, or where a source of
ignition could be accidentally introduced into the opening.

THISll KILL YOU!

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I know someone who always introduced his favorite jokes by saying, "This'll
kill you!" Every time I see some wiseacre going in for practical jokes in a
plant, I think of that saying, "This'll kill you!"
Sure, we all like a gag. We all like a laugh. But there are some situations in
which a gag is no joke, and the laughs get turned into screams of pain.
When we were kids, we thought it was great sport to push a guy down, or
trip him and I've seen stunts like that pulled in factories by adults who
never grew up.
A kid takes a fall wellusually. His bones are flexible and don't break easily.
On a school playground, there's no fast machinery or concrete floors. But you
take a grown person and give him a spill that wouldn't faze a kid and you'll
stand a good chance of causing a crippling injury.
Or scaring somebody another favorite kid-trick. Maybe you never saw one
of those cases where a scare pulled as a gag causes real trouble but it
happens often. Maybe the guy being scared has a bad heart. Maybe he's
carrying something heavy that can crush a foot. Maybe the start that fears
causes puts him into danger at his machine or makes him step of a platform
and fall.
Air hoses seem to bring out the baby in some grown men they just want to
play tricks with them. There have been several people killed by fellow
workers who thought that it was smart to goose somebody with an air hose
sounds funny, but it isn'tit's likely to be plain deadly.
And there have been a lot more people loss eyes when so-called friends
decide to blow some dust in their faces with air hoses.
Just about any kind of a wiseacre practical joke pulled in a busy shop is a
threat to safety.
Sometimes it's even a threat to the safety of the joke puller. I've read several
cases where the victim of a practical joke got sore, lost his head, and let fly
with whatever was handy wrench, hammer, knife, or whatever. And some
of those times,, the guy's aim was good and the practical joker wound up in
the hospital.
So let's behave like grown-up men and women, not like little kids. If you've
got a wisecrack, maybe we'll laugh at it when you tell it.
But let's lay of the horseplay and practical jokes on the job.

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SURVIVING THE DEADLY SILENT KILLER

It's that time of year when we all require heat to stay warm and survive the
winter cold. The fuels that we burn to create heat also produce CARBON
MONOXIDE gas, commonly known as "CO", as a by-product of the
combustion process. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and very deadly
since color recognition and smell are many times the senses we rely on to
warn us of danger.
Inhalation of carbon monoxide decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen
to parts of the body. The reason for this is CO attaches to the red blood cells
more readily than oxygen. In fact, the blood attraction for CO is about 240
times stronger than for oxygen. Consequently, the afects can be
accumulated over several hours in low concentration areas. This is why even
low levels of CO can be deadly. Some signs of CO poisoning are drowsiness,
headaches, nausea, dizziness, and rapid breathing. Others may notice a
cyanotic or a "bluish" cast to the skin color due to the lack of oxygen in the
tissues. Very high concentrations of CO can be quickly fatal without any
warning symptoms.
People are killed every winter from CO entering their car or truck from
leaking exhaust systems. If you must sit with the engine idling for long
periods to stay warm, keep a window partially open to allow fresh air to filter
in. On long trips, open a window or wing vent slightly to prevent an
accumulation of CO, if there is any possibility of a leaking exhaust system. Of
course, it is better not to have a leaking exhaust system in the first place.
Have it inspected and repaired if it leaks.
Every year people die from using various unvented heating devices in
enclosed spaces. Typically this involves: using a barbecue for heating or
cooking; using an unvented gas oven or stove for space heating; or using
propane-fired heaters in enclosed areas. None of these should be used in
tightly enclosed areas, since the fumes from the spent fuel have no way to
vent to the outside to prevent the buildup of dangerous levels of carbon
monoxide. It is also a very good idea to have all heating appliances checked
before cold weather sets in to make sure they are in good working order burners are properly adjusted, and vent pipes are unobstructed and in good
condition. Most utility companies provide this service without charge. Much
like smoke detectors, CO detectors are readily available for your home if you
desire.
If you suspect CO may be present, or experience any of the symptoms
described, get out of the area immediately. If possible, open windows and
doors to let in fresh air. Turn of any devices that you think may be causing

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the problem and do not go back until the area has been determined to be
safe.
Remember, you can't smell or see Carbon Monoxide, but it can kill you just
the same.

USING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

In the event of a fire, the correct use of a portable fire extinguisher could
mean the diference between sufering a minor loss or a major one. Portable
fire extinguishers, if used properly, can make that diference.
RESPONDING TO FIRES:
Sound the fire alarm and follow your company's procedures on responding to
fires. But attempt to fight the fire only if, (1) you know the type of
combustible material burning, (2) you have been trained to use the fire
extinguisher correctly, and (3) if the fire is still in the incipient (beginning)
stage. If the fire gets too large or out of control, evacuate immediately.
REMEMBER P-A-S-S WHEN USING AN EXTINGUISHER:
P - Pull. Pull the locking pin before using the fire extinguisher.
A - Aim. Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. Not at the flames or
smoke.
S - Squeeze. Squeeze the lever of the fire extinguisher to operate and
discharge.
S - Sweep. Sweep the fire extinguisher back and forth at the base of the fire
to extinguish.
(Most extinguishers will only allow about 10-seconds of extinguishing media.)
Prevention is the key when it comes to firefighting. Good housekeeping,
proper storage procedures and safe work practices will go a long way toward
reducing the likelihood that a fire will destroy valuable property or injure
either you or a fellow employee.
Discussion Questions:

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What is your company's policy on sounding an alarm and contacting

the fire department?

What kinds of flammables are most likely to create a fire danger at

your jobsite?

What type of fire extinguisher should be used on those flammables or

combustibles

USING & STORING ACETYLENE GAS

Companies that fail to use or store compressed gases properly are inviting
disaster. Improper handling of compressed gases can lead to serious fires,
explosions or releases due to pressure buildup in cylinders or reactivity with
other materials. Proper procedures for handling and using acetylene gas
should be understood and followed by all employees.
Acetylene is a well known fuel gas used almost universally in gas welding.
Even though it is very common, this gas is an extremely dangerous material.
Acetylene is so reactive; it should never be allowed to come into contact with
certain metals such as unalloyed copper. Nor should it be stored or used at
pressures greater than 15 psi. (Cylinder pressures are rated for 250 psi but
this is acceptable because the gas is dissolved in acetone.)
Acetylene is so flammable, that the National Electric Code has a special
designation (its most stringent) for using electrical equipment around
acetylene. No other substance falls into this classification! Acetylene leaks,
no matter how small can have serious consequences. The explosive range of
the gas, when mixed with air, is from 2.5% to 82%, the widest of any
commonly used gas.
When using acetylene gas, always observe the following procedures:

Close the cylinder valve before shutting of the regulator, to permit gas
to bleed from the regulator.

When returning empty cylinders to storage or for refill, close the

valves. Even though the acetylene gas is used up, the flammable
acetone in the cylinders can still evaporate into the air and create its
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own dangers. Acetylene gas is lighter than air so any leaking gas
should rise. However, it is only slightly lighter so certain atmospheric
conditions can prevent this.

Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. They are packed with porous rock
that is saturated with acetone. Cylinders should be used or stored only
in an upright position to avoid the possibility of the acetone leaking
from the cylinder. If this is not possible, it is recommended that the
cylinder be placed upright and left to stand for one-half hour before
using. This is to prevent liquid acetone from running through your
regulator.

Cylinders containing acetylene must not be taken into a confined

space.

Always use acetylene in a well vented area. Never store cylinders near
open flames or electrical equipment, where in case of a leak, gas can
difuse to a flame or spark from a motor.

Never store acetylene, or any other fuel gas, within 25 feet of oxygen
cylinders. If this separation is not possible, erect a non-combustible
(1/2-hour fire rated) partition, at least five feet high, between the two
gases in storage.

Always cap and secure stored cylinders upright to prevent them from
falling over and damaging the valve or cylinder.

WHY TAKE A CHANCE?

Are you willing to risk losing your ability to see? Thousands of people take
that chance every day by not wearing needed eye protection. In fact 3 out of
5 workers who have experienced an eye injury were not wearing their eye
protection.
A survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that nearly 70% of the
injuries were the result of flying or falling objects. Most of the material
striking the eye was reportedly moving at speeds faster than something
being thrown by hand.
What can you do so you are not added to these statistics? Easy...

WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES. It is estimated that

90% of eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper
protective eyewear. Manufacturers of eye and face protection have
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greatly improved their products to help encourage more willing and

more consistent use. In the past workers in the field would not wear
the protection because of the equipment's lack of comfort, durability,
or out-dated styling. Considerable advancements have now been made
in the design of this protection to improve the comfort, durability and
fashion.

MAKE SURE THE EYE PROTECTION IS RIGHT FOR THE HAZARD and that
it fits correctly. Also know when to wear goggles and/or a face shield
especially when doing high hazard work such as grinding, chipping or
working with corrosive compounds.

According to the University of Washington Ophthalmologists, Inc., most eye

injuries are rated either mild or severe, with few being in between. Mild cases
usually require only simple outpatient care such as irrigating and antibiotic
treatment. Severe cases may require multiple surgeries and in most cases
the eye sight will not be as it was before the accident, if the vision can be
saved at all.
Protecting your eyesight should be one of your most paramount concerns
whether you are on the job or not. Your company may provide you the
protection, and have a 100% eye protection policy. However, it is your
responsibility to wear the eye protection. Without your commitment, you put
yourself at risk of losing your eyesight.
Often people will think nothing of spending a hundred dollars or more for a
pair of name brand fashion sunglasses. Some of the best safety glasses cost
less than $10. Fashion eyewear looks great and protects your eyes from the
sun. But they are typically not safety-rated, and are not designed to protect
your eyes from objects impacting the lense.
Remember! There are no good excuses for not protecting your eyesight.

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT...LESSONS LEARNED!

The prospect of getting into an accident is something no one likes to think
about. Time and again we hear our managers, supervisors or co-workers
telling us to be careful, work safely and use personal protective equipment.
Yet, do we really listen? We hear the words, but do we really believe we'll be
the one who will have an accident?
There are those who take the safety message at work seriously, and those
who do not. Safe work procedures have a purpose. Experience tells us that if
we do things right, we'll complete our work correctly and safely. When
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personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, this is also for good reason.
PPE prevents or minimizes injury or illness to the user.
Sometimes accidents happen when you least expect them. The following
true stories prove this, along with a reminder that sometimes they do
happen to us.
Lesson #1: Two mechanics were working on a step van and repairing the rear
roll-up door. In order to fix the door, they had to alternately "tension" the
large spring that assists the door's upward movement. As they took turns
tightening the spring by inserting 3/8 inch metal rods into the spring catches,
the front mechanic's rod slipped out from the catch. The rebound motion and
force made the rod, still in his hand, fly back and strike the other mechanic in
the eye. Obviously, the mechanic who was struck in the eye needed
immediate emergency medical attention.
Lesson ? Lack of eye protection + inadequate work procedures = serious
injury.
Lesson #2: A construction superintendent was observing project operations
when a piece of heavy equipment ran over a piece of concrete with its' rear
tire. The object became a flying projectile when it "shot out" from under the
tire, missed a small stock pile, sailed past a back-hoe and struck the
superintendent in the head. Fortunately, the superintendent was wearing his
hard hat, or the blow might easily have been fatal.
Lesson? Use of PPE = protection from more serious injury or death.
Lesson #3: An employee was using a bench grinder to polish a piece of
metal on the wire wheel. When he turned to talk to another employee, and
took his eyes of his work, the piece of metal he was holding became caught
between the wheel and the tool rest. His finger was pulled into the wire
wheel which instantly shaved of part of his finger.
Lesson? Lack of concentration + improperly adjusted tool rest = painful
injury.
Work should not have to be a death or injury experience. Unfortunately, lack
of caution and attention can make it one. The next time you hear someone
say, "be careful," take a minute to really listen to the message and ask
yourself, "Why should I be careful?" The answer is, "because accidents
happen when you least expect them-and sometimes they happen to you."
Think about yourself, family, friends and co-workers-don't learn a lesson the
hard way!
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WHAT'S THIS IN OUR TOOL BOX!

All right, now that we are gathered around for our weekly Tool Box Safety
Meeting, lets actually take a look inside the tool box to see what we might
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find. Is there a box of horrors waiting for us when we reach in? Field shop
boxes, mechanics' chests in shops, the boxes on the backs of our pickup
trucks, or the bucket we carry with saddle bags for our personal tools...do
they contain accidents waiting to happen? Might you find something like
THIS....?
Sharp Tool Edges: Yikes--a Box Cutter with the blade open! Could be reaching
in to find something in the bottom--and coming out with a badly cut hand.
Frayed Power Cords: Oops, the drill's power cord pulled loose from the
housing. In too much in a hurry to fix it--but an electrical shock might slow us
down!
Scratched Safety Glasses: Someone just threw them in with all of the other
junk. The lenses are all scratched and dirty. Probably can't see a thing with
them...probably won't wear them. Probably taking a big risk!
Dirty Respirator: Looks like this spare respirator wasn't put in its protective
container. It's covered with some kind of white powdery stuf...stinks, and the
filters are all crushed. I was going to use that today because I left mine at
home. Suppose it'll do?
Misused Tools: I see a couple of screw drivers with the handles and ends all
beat up. Looks like someone has been using them as chisels. Could I remove
screws with these today without busting my knuckles?
Damaged Head Protection: Several of the hard hats here have torn
suspension systems, and one hat is slightly cracked. Who wants to use these
today? Someone with a really hard head?
Ruined Footwear: Yesterday I was in a hurry and I just threw my rubber boots
in the box. Someone else threw a bunch of sharp stuf on top of them and
they are all cut up. Looks like I'll have wet feet when I start working in that
open trench today.
Sharp Wire, Rusty Nails, Cracked Tools....? Any of these in your tool box???
IF YOU CHOOSE to use a broken tool, or piece of safety equipment that
doesn't provide adequate protection - you might not be at work tomorrow.
You might be convalescing at home or in the hospital. Or worse yet, you may
contribute to the injury of one of your fellow workers. Do you want to carry
that burden today?
WHY NOT CLEAN IT UP? If you find that the box is a mess, the tools are in
terrible shape, or "I wouldn't wear that," then take a few moments and get
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things right. Red tag defective tools or turn them in for repair to your
supervisor. Replace broken or unusable safety equipment. Make your tool
box a SAFE one. Let it reflect that Professional Attitude you take pride in.
Take a few minutes at the beginning of work today and look closely at the
tool box where you keep your professional equipment. What condition is it
in? Do you feel SAFE and COMFORTABLE using all of the stuf in there?
Put everything in it's PROPER place.
Each of you look at yourselves as professionals. You take pride in the work
you do.
If you don't take care of the equipment you have to work with on a daily
basis, your efectiveness will be reduced.
Looking for another tool because you didn't take proper care of the one you
need, will cost you work time.

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WHAT IS YOUR BACK IQ?

Back injuries are a painful, sometimes debilitating, problem in many
industries. Back strains can often be avoided by reducing the size or weight
of materials handled by employees, by using mechanical aids such as hoists,
conveyers or hydraulic lifts, and by making certain that employees are well
trained in lifting techniques. But the key to back care lies with the individual
worker. Everyone should be a back care "expert"and be able to answer the
following questions:
Q: What's the most important lifting rule to remember?
A: Keep The Load Close! There are many other lifting rules, like "bend your
knees and lift with your legs," but you can't do this in every situation.
Research has also shown that leg muscles become fatigued when frequent
lifts are required, so other techniques must be used as well.
Q: If you don't hold a load close to your body, how much heavier is the
"experienced" weight than the actual weight?
A: Ten times as heavy! The back operates as a simple lever, with the fulcrum
in the lower back. Back muscles serve as the power arm; the load being
lifted is the weight arm, and a 10-1 lever ratio exists in the lower back. The
further away you hold the load, the "heavier" it is.
Q: Why never twist with a load?
A: Lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, disks and joints are under the most
vertical pressure when lifting a load. Twisting with a load creates a "shearing"
efect on these tissues. The more "mileage" you have on your back, the less
forgiving it will be under this pressure.
Q: Which muscles are most important for keeping the spine in its strong Sshaped curve?
A: Abdominal muscles, which work in cooperation with back muscles to
support your spine. The trouble is abdominals tend to weaken over time. It
helps to tighten them during a heavy lift, but more importantly, keep them in
good shape.
Q: How can stress in your life efect back pain?

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A: Whether you're aware of it or not, emotional stress can tighten muscles.

Often, fatigued back muscles are the most efected and the first to feel it. It's
been said that back ache is just a tension headache that "slipped."
Q: What time of the day are back strains most likely to happen?
A: In the morning, or at the beginning of a work shift, when muscles aren't
"warmed up." Trends also show an increase following the lunch hour, perhaps
because blood circulation is in the stomach, instead of the large muscles,
and because people may be sleepy and inattentive then.
Q: How does keeping flexible help prevent back and muscle strains?
A: Muscles tend to shorten when not used to their full capacity. Flexible
muscles are less likely to be strained and injured than "tight" muscles, when
sudden or heavy power is required. Pre-work stretching programs have been
very successful in preventing back and muscle strains.
Take a tip from professional athletes--they warm up before a game! Even five
minutes helps!
What motivates you to Work Safely?
(A question / answer session. See what your audience has to say.)

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WAS IT AN ACCIDENT OR WAS IT AN ERROR?

What is an accident? Briefly, it is a sudden and unforeseen event. Given that
definition, can we say that the Apollo fire that killed three astronauts on the
launch pad, and the Challenger disaster, were accidents?
The first Apollo fatalities were due to a fire that occurred when the spacecraft
cabin was charged with pure oxygen during a test. Unfortunately, there was
an electrical short under the seat of one of the astronauts. Oxygen fed the
resulting fire. The men could not escape because of a poorly designed
escape hatch that took too long to open even under ideal conditions. It is
well known that pure oxygen atmospheres are very dangerous. It has also
been recognized for many years that escape hatches must be simple to use
and designed so they will open quickly.
The Challenger exploded because cold temperatures afected the
performance of a seal already stressed due to an inadequate design.
Previous Challenger inspections had shown that the seals were not holding
up as intended during launches, and it was known that low temperatures
would degrade them further.
What do these events have in common? In every case, there were experts in
charge and plenty of opportunities to anticipate problems. Experience should
have told them to take corrective action long before the disastrous incidents
took place. So why--in spite of all the warning signs--were these conditions
allowed to existing? The answer is simple: The warning signs were
overlooked. So ask the question again: "Were they accidents or were they
errors?"
Be alert to warnings and take heed when they are encountered. Irritated by
the metal filings hitting you in the face and eyes while you grind? This is a
warning that you need eye and face protection. Do you keep banging your
knuckles when your wrench slips? That is your warning that an old favorite
tool may be worn out and need replacing. Have you or a co-worker ever
sufered an injury because you failed to anticipate and ward of possible
dangers?
Think about what could go wrong before you act! If something minor goes
wrong, this is a warning to stop! Consider what has gone awry. Figure out
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what should be done to resolve the problem, then take care of it! Accidents
are usually errors on someone's part. They are not an incidental part of the
job. If you accept the mind set that they are, accidents will occur.
This is your challenge: Think about what pitfalls may come up during work
tasks. Recognize the early warning signs of things going wrong. Have the
strength to stand up and say:
"Hold on a minute. Let's think about this!"
WATCH YOUR STEP!! DON'T SLIP & FALL
Slips and falls are one of the most frequent causes of accidents, both on and
of the job. Each year in the United States, more than 300,000 people sufer
disabling injuries from falls. Slips and falls can be fatal as well; they rank
second only to automobile accidents, causing nearly 12,000 deaths a year. To
avoid getting hurt from falls, avoid rushing and remember the following:
WATCH WHERE YOU WALK
Be aware of where you are walking. Look down continuously for spilled
liquids, materials, equipment, changing surface levels, etc. Make sure the
area is well-lit or use a flashlight if lighting is poor.
WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR
Make sure your shoes are in good shape and correct for the job. Discard
worn-out shoes with smooth soles and other defects. If conditions are wet
and slippery, wear non-slip shoes or boots. Avoid footwear with leather soles
which have poor floor traction--especially on smooth surfaces.
CHECK FLOOR OPENINGS
Avoid unguarded floor openings. On construction sites, when covers are
placed over floor openings, avoid walking on the cover unless it is absolutely
secure and will not move or collapse. Never jump over pits or other openings.
BE CAREFUL ON STAIRS
Do not run when going up or down stairs. Check to see that stair treads are
in good shape, with no obstructions on the steps. Always use the hand
railings that are provided. Avoid carrying large loads when going up or down
stairs and ensure that stairs are well-lit.

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USE LADDERS CORRECTLY

Never use broken or defective ladders. Set the angle of the ladder at the
proper four-to-one ratio (height to width angle). Make sure the ladder is on
solid footing and will not move when you climb upon it. Whenever possible,
tie your ladder to the structure to improve stability. Anchorage at the bottom
is also a good idea. Never stand on the top two steps of a step ladder.

MAKE SURE SCAFFOLDING IS SAFE TO USE

When working on scafolding, make sure it is secure, stable and properly setup. Do not work on scafolding if guard rails are missing or the base is
unstable. Check to see that planks are in good shape and not cracked. Tall
scafolds should be tied into a structure to increase stability.
DON'T JUMP OUT OF VEHICLES
Never jump from equipment or vehicles. Use the handrail and steps
provided, remembering the "three point rule." Avoid stepping onto loose
rocks, slippery surfaces, oil spills, etc.
Watch your step and don't trip yourself up! Remember, Gravity Always Wins!

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WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

Ever heard of the saying what you don't know can't hurt you. I figure the guy
who made that up was talking mainly about gossip. But when it comes to
knowledge about the job, what you don't know can hurt you it can kill you.
For instance, there's the machine you've watched a fellow worker operate. It
looks interestinganything is likely to look more interesting than our own
work. It looks pretty easy, too. We figure that if Joe can do it, we can.
Maybe Joe is sick, or late to work, or maybe he even asks you to give him a
hand so he can take five, not realizing that you aren't a trained operator. You
figure, this is the time to run the machine, and that you ought to be able to
handle it O.K.
If that temptation ever comes to you tell old Satan to get back behind you
where he belongs. Because any machine which you haven't been properly
trained and authorized to run is sure to have some hidden habits that are
likely to show up by knocking you for a loop or curling you up around its
flywheel or taking hunks out of your hide with its teeth.
There's another kind of not knowing that is plenty dangerous. That's the kind
that hasn't anything to do with our training or skill or general intelligence. It's
the kind of not knowing that can hit any of us any day.
What I mean is the kind of blank-out that makes us forget that there's
anybody else around us, or any other work than our own.
We go plugging along at our own job, not paying any attention to anything,
and pretty soon some guy backs a fork lift into our midsection, or drops a
pipe wrench on our head, or leaves a skid six inches from the back of our
heels.
Going into a daze, or daydreaming, or plain absentmindedness in a plant is
almost as bad as going into one of them when you're driving a car.
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Our eyes and ears should always be open and we'd better be sure that our
minds are always ready to get the dope the eyes and ears pass on.
Otherwise, what we don't know is likely to hurt and hurt plenty.

WARNING: READ THE SIGNS!

When is it that people pay the most attention to signs? It seems to be while
driving a car! Have you ever wondered why that is? Most likely it's because
signs are the simplest way to direct, instruct, and warn people. During your
commute to the jobsite today did you happen to notice all the signs along
the way? "You'll need to detour on this road," one tells you. "Slow down,
you're driving too fast!" another advises. "Watch out for that bump," you are
warned
Road and travel indicators are not the only signs that direct, instruct and
warn. Safety signs at the workplace direct, instruct and warn employees too.
Just as it is dangerous to ignore road signs, it is dangerous to ignore
workplace safety signs. These messages are in place to prevent accidents
and injury. They alert employees to potential hazards in the workplace.
But as on the roadway, signs at the workplace have diferent meanings. Let's
take a look at a few of the more common of these, their colors, and what the
colors symbolize:

DANGER: These signs have a red background and warn of immediate

danger. Failure to comply could result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION: These have a yellow background and warn of potential

hazards. They also instruct you to take certain measures to protect
yourself.

WARNING: Warning signs have an orange background and indicate

immediate danger or the potential for serious injury or death if not
obeyed.
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BIOHAZARD: These have a florescent-orange or an orange-red

background to indicate the presence of infectious biological material.

SAFETY INSTRUCTION: Safety instruction signs have a green, white and

black background and give directions for safe procedures.

Correct placement of signs also adds to their efectiveness. Workplace safety

signs should be placed as close to the hazard as possible. In some cases, a
Pre-Warning System is a good idea. This is done by using several signs
together, and placing them progressively closer to the hazard before
employees come close to the actual danger.
Unfortunately, safety journals are filled with stories about people who were
seriously injured or lost their lives because they failed to observe workplace
safety signage. It may be up to your employer to make sure signs are in
place, but it's up to you to read and obey them! Not doing so can have
serious consequences.
So, read them, obey them, and--Get the Message!

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR CHEMICAL?

At one time or other, you and your co-workers have received training on the
"Hazard Communication Standard" alerting you to the chemicals in use at
your worksite. But everyone should review this information now and then, as
a reminder of the need to be cautious.
Hazards from chemicals and other materials are everywhere we look-at work
and at home. To protect yourself, you should know what type of exposure a
particular chemical or material presents. Hazardous materials or chemicals
can be classified into two groups, based upon their characteristics, physical
hazards and health hazards. Examples of each follow:
Physical Hazards

Explosives - This product has the ability to quickly and violently release
extraordinary amounts of energy through chemical reaction due to
heat, shock or other source. An example of an explosive is dynamite.

Corrosives - Corrosives can cause severe skin tissue damage such as

deterioration, burns, etc. Examples include hydrochloric and sulfuric
acids.
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Reactive - Certain chemicals or materials react or change their

properties or composition if exposed to other chemicals, products, or
just air or water. Reaction can result in hazardous conditions or
situations resulting in fire, explosions or the creation of other
hazardous by-products. Examples include certain metals such as
sodium or potassium.

Flammable - Items that catch fire relatively easy can be considered as

flammable. Generally speaking, a flammable product has a flashpoint
of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Examples include certain solvents
and fuels.

Health Hazards

Toxic - Toxic materials or chemicals are generally considered as poisons

that can cause short-term or long-term sickness or even death.
Exposure can be through inhalation, physical contact, etc. The degree
of danger is dependent upon the level of exposure. Examples of toxic
substances include gases like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide.

Radioactive - Exposure to harmful levels of ionizing radiation can cause

adverse health efects. Biological damage to cell tissue can result from
overexposure.

When the specific type of chemical or material hazard is identified, proper

planning and precautions should be taken to prevent exposure and address
emergencies. Precautions may include eliminating the hazard by not using it
or by substituting a safer material. People can stay away from the hazard to
prevent exposure or provide physical barriers as a safeguard. Emergency
planning includes action plans for reporting, containing and disposing of
chemical spills.
If you have questions about hazardous chemicals or materials: Review the
specific chemical Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which describes the
physical and health hazards, or ask your supervisor. Only when you identify
hazards can proper precautions be taken to minimize exposure.
Few of us are chemists, but we all need to learn about the chemicals we work
with.

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT "NEAR MISSES/NEAR HITS?"

Unlike a western gunfight "shoot out" at the corral on television, serious
accidents can cause real anguish and sufering so real and vivid that persons
involved or nearby bystanders rarely forget the flow of blood, broken limbs,
crushed bodies, or screams of pain. An accident without injury though is
more like the bloodless, painless fakery of television "violence"-perhaps
without real purpose in the drama, and therefore easy to forget.
In real life there is a danger in brushing of accidents that do not hurt, harm,
or damage. When these accidents or perhaps we should refer to them as
near misses, happen we should immediately run the red warning flag up the

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pole. Because a non-injury accident is like a 104 degree fever, it's a positive
sign or symptom that something is wrong.
Sometimes we misdiagnose or completely fail to diagnose the symptoms of
near misses, because luck or blind chance saved us from injury. We may tend
to shrug it of and forget the near miss with a casual kind of ignorance.
Hopefully everyone agrees that it is not a good practice to rely on luck for
efective accident prevention.
One of the best ways to eliminate the likelihood of future close calls is
through efective root cause analysis and efective corrective action taken on
near misses. A list of near misses can be almost endless: lack of proper
machine guarding; improper maintenance or grounding of equipment;
missing handrails or guardrails; poor housekeeping; improperly stored
material; stubbing a toe on a protruding floor object; bumping up against a
sharp object; or tripping over clutter and almost falling down. It's best to
learn the real lessons from these near misses, since they are very likely to
continue to occur repeatedly until an injury occurs.
There was a study done many years ago that found for every serious or
disabling injury reported, there were about 10 injuries of a less serious
nature, 30 property damage incidents, and about 600 incidents (near misses)
with no visible injury or property damage. This study was part of the
foundation for the widely accepted accident prevention theory that
"increased frequency leads to severity."
How can you help? Report each and every near miss incident to your
supervisor immediately in order to help prompt investigation and follow up
actions that will reduce the potential for future near misses. Supervisors
must partially rely upon you and your fellow workers to report these to them
as they just can't see everything.
If you are involved with or witness a near miss incident, remember that you
or your co-worker may not get a second injury free chance to hoist that red
warning flag up the pole. Do your part to help make the workplace safe for
everyone involved.
Report those near misses to your supervisor immediately!
WHY DO WE HAVE SAFETY MEETINGS?
Why do we have safety meetings? Safety meetings are an opportunity for
management and your safety department to communicate to employees
how they can do their jobs safer and better. Topics discussed in safety
meetings may be topics that you are familiar with, or topics that you have
limited knowledge about. If the topic is something that your are familiar with,
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it may be easy to tune-out and not listen to the safety information presented.
Do yourself a big favor and listen to the information as if you have never
heard before. You may just learn something new, about the newest
protective equipment, or a smarter way to do your job. Information passed
on in a safety meeting has a purpose..To stop you or your co-worker from
being injured. Safety meetings also allow employees an opportunity to relay
safety / health concerns or improvement ideas to their supervisors.
Accidents result from unsafe acts or unsafe conditions. For a variety of
reasons, unsafe acts typically account for 90% of all accidents, according to
some experts. Safety meetings serve as a preventative measure against
unsafe acts by educating employees on how they can do their job safely.
If you're still not sold. let's look at the potential cost of accidents. More
specifically, how can accidents directly afect you?!
1. DEATH- The ultimate unwanted result. Where does this leave your
loved ones?
2. FINANCIAL COST- Lost pay or reduction in pay. Who pays the bills? Are
you the sole income producer in your household?
3. PAIN & SUFFERING- An obvious detriment that no one desires.
4. DISABILITY- A life changing experience. Now you're not able to do what
you
use
to
do.
Maybe now you can't cast that fishing rod? Ride that bike, hug your
wife, lift your child, or simply see? Or perhaps you're confined to a
wheelchair. Good bye career.
5. COMPETITIVENESS ON BIDDING JOBS- Other than payroll and benefits,
worker' compensation insurance and accident costs may represent the
bulk of a company's operating expense. When a company's operating
expense increases, they are then less competitive to bid jobs. If your
company is not awarded jobs, where does that leave you?
6. YOUR CO-WORKERS SAFETY- Perhaps you and your co-worker have
been working together for some time now. Chances are you may spend
as much time with your co-workers than possibly your own family.
Thus, you obviously do not want something bad to happen to them.
Watch out for their safety too.
Safety meetings are a perfect opportunity for you to communicate any safety
ideas or concerns that you may have. Participate in your safety meetings. If
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you don't participate then your ideas will not be heard. Who knows, the idea
that you have may very well save your co-worker's life or even your own!

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