USEFUL OSHA RULES FOR STAIRS & STEPS WHEN ADDING THEM

Stair strength: Fixed stairways shall be designed and constructed to carry a load of five times the normal live load anticipated but never of less strength than to carry safely a moving concentrated load of 1,000 pounds.

Stair width of fixed stairways shall have a minimum width of 22 inches.

Handrails are important: If steps are greater than 44” wide then handrails must be on both sides; less than 44” tread – only one side.

Vertical clearance: should be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction (so you don’t it your head).

Winding stairways may be installed on tanks and similar round structures where the diameter of the structure is not less than five (5) feet. However, usually shall not be permitted except for special limited usage and secondary access situations where it is not practical to provide a conventional stairway.

Angle of stairway rise: Fixed stairs shall be installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30 deg. and 50 deg.

WELDING HAZARDS

Welding sparks can travel as far as 35 feet, and spatter can bounce on the floor or fall through openings. About 6 percent of industrial fires resulting in loss of human life are due to unsafe welding or cutting operations.

These are the sources of hazards & body parts most vulnerable and some steps to prevent injuries:

1. Fire (from flame, sparks, & hot slag):
—Remove combustible materials from the area.
—Clean all flammable substances from the work surface.
—Cover wooden floors if possible.
—Keep a sand bucket and fire extinguisher nearby.
—Wear fire-resistant clothing.
—Perform welding in areas with fire-resistant floors or floors covered with fire-resistant shields.

2. Fumes (from heated metal):
—Work area should be well-ventilated.
—Wear approved respirator if required.
—Stop working if you feel ill.
—Use respirators to prevent inhaling dangerous fumes & gases.
—Check that ventilation is adequate when welding, and set fans to blow fumes away from you.

3 . Face (injuries to the face and eyes):
—Wear a face shield to protect against eye injuries from sparks, flying particles, and radiation.
—Realize that goggles may also be needed when chipping metal.

Gas welders:
—Check cylinders regularly for leaks.
—Store cylinders upright and secured in a separate, dry, ventilated, fireproof room.
—Keep cylinders away from heat and flammables, and keep oxygen away from flammable or explosive gases.
—Turn off cylinders when not in use.
—Don't drop or roll cylinders.

Arc welders:
—Turn off welders before touching electrical parts.
—Have separate ground for object being welded.
—Use the correct size cable, with intact insulation.
—Don't wear metal jewelry or weld in the rain.

Standing at Workstations

-->Precision work, such as writing or electronic assembly— should be 4"above elbow height.
-Light work, such as assembly line or mechanical jobs—just below elbow height.
-Heavy work with demanding downward forces—4"-6" below elbow height.
NOTE: If the work surface is not adjustable, provide a platform for shorter workers or pedestals on the work surface to raise the work up for taller workers.
-->Footrests:
At standing workstations, provide employees with either a sand-alone footrest or rail at least 4"-6" high. Elevating a foot puts the arch (called "lordosis") back in the low back, combats fatigue, & helps in recovery.
-->Footwear:
-Your feet can only be as comfortable as the footwear permits.
-Wear shoes that do not change the shape of your foot.
-Choose shoes that provide a firm grip for the heel. If the back of the shoe is too wide or too soft, the foot will slip causing instability & soreness.
-Wear shoes that allow freedom to move your toes. Pain & fatigue result if shoes are too narrow or too shallow.
-Ensure that shoes have arch supports. Lack of arch support causes flattening of feet.
-Tighten the lace instep of your footwear firmly. This helps prevent the foot from slipping inside the shoes or boots.
-Use padding under the tongue of the shoe or boot if you suffer from tenderness over the bones at the top of the foot.
-Consider using shock-absorbing cushioned insoles when walking or standing on cement or metal floors.

STORAGE RELATED SAFETY

To avoid storage accidents (like a heavy-laden falling shelf), sharp edges that stick out of stored items, or other risks:

DO’s :
• All storage racks & shelves are securely anchored in good condition.
• Employees stack materials on a flat base.
• Workers place heavy objects on the bottom.
• Use a ladder to reach stored items overhead.
• Workers wear gloves when handling materials to avoid splinters, fasteners, nails & sharp edges.
• Employees watch out for plastic or metal strapping, which can snap without warning.
• Proper disposal of trash and debris.
• Employees know how to use conveyors, cranes, hoists & other lifting devices.
• Make sure to have fire extinguishers that can contain storage classes of fires:
Class A — Combustibles (paper, wood, cardboard)
Class B — Liquid fuels (solvents, oil-based paints, gasoline)
Class C — Electrical fires

DON'T:
• Stack items so high that they block the fire sprinkler heads
• Pile materials too close to sources of heat or electricity
• Leave remnants of packing material on the floor
• Place items so that they stick out into walkways
• Stand under or beside loosely piled materials
• Lift improperly or lift more than one can carry safely

Why are Nanoparticles a Health Concern?

Little is known about the health effects of nanoparticles on workers. Because of their very small size, nanoparticles (and ultrafine particles) may present unique safety and health concerns which are not present in larger-sized particles. Upon inhalation, they are deposited in the lungs to a greater extent than larger respirable particles. In experimental studies, these small-sized particles were shown to pass through skin, enter the bloodstream from the lungs, cross cell membranes, and even travel through nerves directly into the brain. Some studies have also shown that, for a given mass dose, the toxicity increases as the particle size decreases due to increased surface area.

At this point, very little is known about the potential safety hazards of nanomaterials beyond those associated with traditional materials. Combustible nanoscale materials could present a higher risk of fire and explosion than a similar quantity of coarser material. Depending on their composition and structure, some nanomaterials may initiate catalytic reactions and increase their fire and explosion potential in a way that would not be anticipated from their chemical composition

If appropriate, respiratory protection can supplement other control measures to further reduce worker exposure. At this point, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) believes that NIOSH-certified respirators should provide the expected levels of protection if properly selected and fit tested.

Nanoparticles can be controlled using methods similar to those typically used with fine particles: engineering controls, good work practices, proper housekeeping, and respiratory protection. Enclosing the process can isolate the particles. Properly designed local exhaust ventilation (LEV) will capture the particles at the source, keeping them out of the general work environment and the worker’s breathing zone.

Tips on Working Safe Around Forklifts

-No standing between parked forklifts & large unmoving objects.
-Never walk under the elevated loads of a forklift.
-Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Forklifts can have quiet motors.
-Listen for horns & look for flashing lights.
-Stop at corners & doorways; look both ways just as on the street.
-Never hitch a ride on a fork. (Nunca pida que lo lleven en un montacargas.)
-Never engage in horseplay around a forklift. (Nunca bromee cerca del montacargas.)
-Let the forklift operator know if you are working nearby.
-Do not drive forks with the forks raised high.
-Post a set of forklift operating rules as required for forklift drivers to see.
-Give the right of way to pedestrians. Keeps arms, hands & legs inside your forklift.
-Park away from traffic on a flat surface. If you have to park on a slope, chock the forklift wheels. [Why?- A driver was crushed between a lift and a flatbed trailer. Parking on a sidewalk slightly higher than the truck he went to straighten pallets on the trailer, fork rolled forward, fatally pinned him between trailer’s edge & mast. Statistics from CA Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation Program (FACE).]

Nanotech - it's SO small

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick; a single gold atom is about a third of a nanometer in diameter. We're talking small.

Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can emerge in materials at the nanoscale. Going to this website shows illustrations of just what size this means visually. The topic brings to mind safety issues that require thought like respiratory, absorption, and others still being discussed by experts. Click on this government site >> http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/The_scale_of_things.html

A Powered Tools Checklist (for you):

OSHA 1910 - Subpart P - Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Handheld Equipment

_Are grinders, saws and similar equipment provided with appropriate safety guards?
_Are power tools used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment, recommended by the manufacturer?
_Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below the base shoe?
_Are circular saw guards checked to assure they are not wedged up, thus leaving the lower portion of the blade unguarded?
_Are rotating or moving parts of equipment guarded to prevent physical contact?
_Are all cord-connected, electrically-operated tools and equipment effectively grounded or of the approved double insulated type?
_Are effective guards in place over belts, pulleys, chains, sprockets, on equipment such as concrete mixers, air compressors, etc.?
_Are portable fans provided with full guards or screens having openings 1/2 inch or less?
_Is hoisting equipment available and used for lifting heavy objects, and are hoist rating and characteristics appropriate for the task?
_Are ground-fault circuit interrupters provided on all temporary electrical 15 and 20 ampere circuits, used during periods of construction?
_Are pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power-operated tools checked regularly for deterioration or damage?

Electrical Safety

What can you do to prevent ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS?

• Ground your equipment. Grounding drains the dangerous current leaks into the earth. An electrical device is grounded if the cord has a 3-wire plug & requires a 3-way receptacle to accommodate it. Equipment grounding is especially important on metal surfaces. (Equipment need not be grounded if it is double insulated; a label usually indicates this.)

• Always remove cords from receptacles by the plug; pulling cords damages them. Do not pinch cords in doors, drawers, equipment, etc. this causes damage.

• Don't allow electrical cords on hallways floors where they’re walked on, or oil / grease spilled on them; this increases, damage & the possibility of accidents.

• Inspect electrical equipment before using it. Look for broken / bent plugs, frayed cords, bare wires, smoke, sparks from switches or controls, liquids spilled in or on equipment, or erratic operation. If you notice these defects, or if you feel a tingle at controls, don't use it; send it for repair. It’s not just a shock hazard, defective equipment can cause property fires.

• IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT:
o Bare wires or conductors.
o Missing junction box covers.
o Broken receptacles & covers.
o Holes in electrical panels, junction boxes or receptacles where knockouts have been removed.
o Spliced electrical cords.
o Cords with missing ground prongs.

CONFINED SPACE BASICS

Confined space – is a space defined by the existence of ALL of the following conditions:
1. Large enough and so configured that an employee can physically enter and perform assigned work; and
2. Limited OR restricted means for entry or exit; and
3. Not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Permit-Required Confined Space - A confined space that has, in addition to the three conditions above, 1 or MORE of the following characteristics:
1. Contains or has a known potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
2. Contains a material with the potential for engulfment of an entrant;
3. Has an internal configuration such that and entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a floor which sloped downward and tapers to a small cross-section; OR
4. Contains recognized serious safety or health hazards.

Potential confined spaces need to be evaluated & labeled with a sign if reqd. Some confined spaces do not allow for a sign. For example, sewer & storm drains entered through manholes are to be considered permit required confined spaces, whether labeled or not. Employees must not rely solely on a warning sign. Employees must be trained by supervisors to recognize areas that may be confined spaces – and not enter these areas until a determination is made.

Overcome Resistance With the Right Questions

Excellent article in the HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW - touch link below:
http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit%2Ely%2F8EJsrC&urlhash=vuoE&_t=
• Ask questions - Save yourself a long explanation.

SAFE LIFTING OVER RAILS

Everyone knows to bend their knees when they lift but what if you can’t? When lifting over a large box or a rail with barrier you can not get close enough so the Golfer’s Lift comes into play.

Place one hand on the rail or fixed barrier edge to support yourself. Keep your back straight still. Then bend forward at your hips.

Remember to stretch and raise your one leg back out on the supported side behind you for counter balance – as if you were standing on one leg but leaning downward.

Test your lift load and verify a good grip. Then lift and look up while pushing off with the support hand.

You lower your raised leg normally now and move away with out twisting your back. Simple.
• Keep it Simple…Save your back!

Identify Your Hazards!

A "hazard" is defined as a condition or changing set of circumstances that presents 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 & unplanned event or circumstance resulting in an unfavorable outcome.

Questions should be asked, to help predict what could go wrong on jobs & how risks might be controlled:

• Is the site & job the same as described?
• Are the necessary materials available to perform the work?
• Does everyone have the proper tools to perform tasks at hand?
• Are there enough workers to handle the job? Have they all had safety training?
• Are environmental conditions (light, noise, 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? • Anticipate, Evaluate & control Hazards!

Save time to think ahead...Save all your workers & colleagues from accidents!

Fall Protection

What are the two basic types of FALL PROTECTION?
• Fall restraint systems, like guardrails. These keep you from falling.
• Fall arrest systems, like safety nets. These break your fall.

When should you tie off with a harness & lines if there are no guardrails?
• Cal/OSHA’s main rule is to tie off when the drop is 7½ feet or more.
• There are exceptions to the 7½ ft rule for some trades, e.g. ironworkers & roofers.

Safety nets-When & where should I use them?
• If it is not practical to tie off.
• Should be placed no more than 30-ft below the work area.
• Should extend from 8-13 ft beyond the structure you’re working on and no work proceeds unless the net is placed.

What do you check with fall protection equipment.
• Equipment is installed & used according to the mfr’s instructions.
• Equipment is safety-approved. Look for (ANSI) label
• Everything is in good condition. Remove from service any lanyard or drop line that broke someone’s fall, is frayed & worn.
• You have the right equipment for the job. e.g safety belts are not allowed in fall arrest systems.

Where should you place the anchor end of a lanyard?
• Anchor it at a level no lower than your waist. Limit any fall to a max of 4-ft.
• Anchor it to a substantial structural member, or to a securely rigged catenary or pendant line.
• Don’t anchor to a pipe.

If it’s not practical to tie off or use a safety net what then?
• If usual protection measures are impractical or create a greater hazard, Cal/OSHA allows an employer to develop a fall protection plan.
• The plan allows work to be done in a designated area without normal fall protection. But, alternate measures must be used to reduce falls including special training for workers, & constant observation by a safety monitor.
• Areas without fall protection are called “controlled access zones” -- that only certain trained workers can enter.
• Avoid a fall...Save yourself the pain!

Ladders in the Fall (and Winter too)

To reach the box he stood on the top step…with no support, he lost his balance…the fall from 6-feet broke a hand, injured his back, and oh that shoulder break. What are some safe tips with ladders?

Never stand on the top rung of the ladder, or on boxes or chairs (especially with wheels). There should never be more than one person on a ladder. Keep a 3-point contact on a ladder – both feet & at least 1-hand. Never lean away from the centerline of the ladder. “The belt buckle rule” – keep your buckle within the ladder. You lean out farther than your belt buckle from ladders edge – you displace your balance making it likely to tip over.

Face the ladder and make sure you hold the ladder with at least one hand while climbing up and down. Make sure your ladder is tall enough for the job you plan to perform. But, do not lean a step ladder against a wall as you would an extension ladder. An extension ladder must be long enough to extend 3-feet above the point of contact. The ladder must sit upon even, solid, non-slip surfaces (sand does shift).

Avoid the fall...Save yourself for a nice winter.

UV Light & Our Eyes

MOST people know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin. But many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes. Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative, meaning the negative effects may not present themselves until years later.

A recent survey, by Transitions Optical Inc. found that although 82% of respondents knew that extended exposure to the sun could cause skin cancer, only 9% knew it could damage vision. Additionally, only 1 in 6 respondents said they wear sunglasses when they prepare for extended exposure to the sun and only approximately 1/3 said they wear a hat.

"Most of us wouldn't dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion," said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. "But we also have to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well."

Save your eyes from the sun...Save your vision.

What can Employers Do to Prevent Amputations?

Work practices, training, and administrative controls all help prevent & control amputation hazards. Engineering the hazard out is the top solution, and safeguarding is the best way to control amputations caused by stationary machinery:

Guards – provide physical barriers to access to hazardous areas. They should be secure & strong. Workers should not be able to bypass, remove, or tamper with them.

Devices – help prevent contact with points of operation & may replace or supplement guards. Machine devices can interrupt the normal cycle when the operator’s hands are at the point of operation, and prevent the operator from reaching into the point, or withdraw the operator’s hands when a machine cycles. They must allow safe lubrication & maintenance, and not create hazards or interfere with operation.

Safeguarding machines is a serious point to consider when purchasing machinery. Newer machinery usually is already available with safeguards. You can also purchase safeguards separately, or build them in-house. Safe work procedures & training specific to a machine in question are imperative issues, but are secondary control methods.

Safeguard risky machines…Save a finger & your company too.

Amount that Safety Effort Pays Off

Typically, companies view their SH&E and economic performance as separate lines of attack operations. In a cover story of Professional Safety: the Journal of the American Society of Safety Engineers, (Sept 2009) some interesting points were made.

Most often SH&E specialists have not incorporated economic analysis to show how investments in safety practices contribute to economic performance. Financial modeling tools need to be developed to consider the economic benefit of SH&E efforts that will help management make decisions.

A compliance-only focus should not be expected to yield fully positive financial returns. Alternatively, what economic analysis attempts is go beyond compliance to provide pertinent quantitative and qualitative economic information about how a company’s organizational activities (e.g., products, technologies, processes, services) and strategic SH& E investments will address issues that might offer real financial opportunities.

SH&E costing systems tend to suffer from imprecise cost collection, analysis and interpretation procedures and distorted cost reporting, have little transparency regarding what comprises their costs. They fail to consider the financial returns that can be expected later from the investment and thus, lose their decision relevance.

So, the real dilemma facing decision makers is how to make investment decisions to address SH&E issues in the absence of sound quantitative economic information. They propose economic analysis techniques described in the article including life cycle costs, net present value analysis, as well as determining hurdle rate, impact assessments, and more. This is a great area for quantitative data to improve upon.

Measure & decide in favor of safety and health…Save the company in turn!

adapted from
Anthony Veltri and Jim Ramsay (Sept 2009) Economic Analysis, Make the Business Case for SH&E, Professional Safety, pp 22-30 (http://www.asse.org/professionalsafety/docs/F1Veltri_0909.pdf).

The Need for Safety Administration at Your Firm

Creating a Safety Manager position or keeping safety managed by top staff – both are key administrative functions that build a solid foundation of self discipline for safety at your workplace.

From my experience, inclusion of safety functions in the corporate culture, and their continuation with some evaluations that look back, is a winning edge.  An edge held by any company today wanting to win business and stay profitable at this economic moment.

Save the tasks of Safety at work...Save your profit margin!

Assessing the Potential for Workers' Comp Losses

When assessing the potential for loss in any enterprise, one must evaluate all factors impacting the ergonomics, hazardous materials, processes, and machinery, in relation to how it could negatively impact the employee.

Pro-active steps must be taken to minimize the hazards which can injure both the employee and the company's bottom line. Mitigating risk to avoid unnecessary expense is an important component of corporate profitability which is all too often overlooked.

From my experience, a heightened emphasis on stronger safety programs with the appropriate controls in place to ensure their success, and with a commitment to meet or exceed statutory guidelines, provides a framework for overall loss prevention and the resultant increase in profitability. Equally important is the continual monitoring of such programs to guarantee that they are both effective and properly used.

Measuring risk levels and maintaining accurate, comprehensive records keeps safety programs relevant to your required level of risk control. For example, a restaurant would not have all the same inherent risks as a manufacturer of aerospace products that utilized exotic metals and chemicals in its processes.

Save the employee....Save the company!