toolbox talks

TOOLBOX TALK TOPICS

Accidents are preventable

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Document Number: Revision Number: 0

Date: 21-07-2014

Abstract

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Date: 21-07-2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AFTER THOUGHTS AND REGRETS 9

ACCIDENT COST TO ME AND MY COMPANY 10

APPRECIATING THE HAZARDS OF OXYACETYLENE MEANS…… 11

ALCOHOL & THE JOB - A SAFETY ISSUE 12

AVOIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS 13

BACK CARE: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 15

BACK INJURY PREVENTION TIPS 17

BEING MENTALLY PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES 19

BACKING INTO TROUBLE (GENERAL SAFETY) 21

BE CAUTIOUS WITH SULFURIC ACID 22

CHOCKING AND BLOCKING 23

COME-A-LONGS, "COFFIN" HOISTS & CHAIN HOIST SAFETY 25

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY - DON'T BE A "DEAD" HERO 26

COMPLACENCY 27

CELL PHONES 28

COLD MEDICATION & DROWSINESS 29

COMMON SENSE AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION 31

CRANE COUNTERWEIGHTS 33

CRANE OPERATIONS - WORKING UNDER THE LOAD 34

CLEAR THE AISLES 35

CTD's -- HOW CAN YOU PREVENT THEM? 37

DERMATITIS 39

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER 40

DRIVER QUIZ 41

DRESS THE PART 42

DEVELOP AND "SELL" YOUR SAFETY SOLUTIONS 43

DO CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE MORE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS? 45

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Date: 21-07-2014DRUM HANDLING 47

EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - SAFE OPERATION OF FORKLIFTS 49

EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - REPORT UNSAFE EQUIPMENT 50

ERGONOMICS - THE TERM "ERGONOMICS" 51

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - ANATOMY OF AN ACCIDENT 52

EMERGENCY! WHERE'S THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER? 54

EQUIPMENT HAZARDS - INSPECTION AND USE OF SLINGS 56

E. COLI: FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 57

EATING RIGHT OFFSHORE-FOR SAFETY & HEALTH 59

EIGHT CRANE DANGER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR 61

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL BURNS 62

SAFETY RULES FOR PEOPLE WORKING AROUND INDUSTRIAL

LIFT TRUCKS

64

EMERGENCY EYE WASH & DELUGE SHOWERS 65

EQUIPMENT SAFETY - CRANING CONSIDERATIONS 67

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY 68

EYE SAFETY 70

ELECTRICAL SHOCK 71

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS 73

EXTENSION CORD SAFETY-TAKE NO CHANCES! 75

EYE PROTECTION: PRESERVE YOUR VISION 76

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - GASOLINE 78

FORK LIFT FATALITIES 80

FORKLIFT SAFETY 82

FIRE DOORS 83

GENERAL SAFETY - SIGNS 84

GENERAL SAFETY - UNSAFE ACTS 85

GENERAL SAFETY - ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR 86

GENERAL SAFETY - EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY 87

GENERAL SAFETY - SHIFT WORK 88

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Date: 21-07-2014GOOD HYGIENE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY 89

GENERAL SAFETY - CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) 91

GENERAL SAFETY- CONTROLLING STRESS 92

GENERAL SAFETY - OFFICE SAFETY PRACTICES 94

GENERAL SAFETY - MAN DOWN!!! 95

GENERAL SAFETY - IT'S YOUR DECISION 96

GENERAL SAFETY - THE BASICS OF SAFETY 98

GAS CYLINDERS 100

GIVE NEW CO-WORKER YOUR SUPPORT 102

GENERAL SAFETY - CARELESSNESS 104

GENERAL SAFETY -- HAZARD AWARENESS 105

GENERAL SAFETY - CUTS AND BURNS 106

GENERAL SAFETY- MOTION INJURIES 108

GENERAL SAFETY - SAFE ATTITUDES 110

GENERAL SAFETY - SAFETY AND YOUR SUPERVISOR 111

HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES IN CONFINED SPACES 113

H2S - TOXIC GAS IN OIL & GAS DRILLING 115

HAND TOOL SAFETY 116

HAZCOMM vs. HAZMAT vs. HAZARDOUS WASTE.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE??

118

HOW TO READ MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS 120

HAZARD AWARENESS 122

HAZARD RECOGNITION 124

HAZARDS OF SOLVENTS 126

HEAD INJURIES - AFTER THE FALL 128

HEALTH & SAFETY - HEAT STRESS DISORDERS 129

HEARING PROTECTION 130

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY 132

HOUSEKEEPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR JOB 134

HOW TO LIFT SAFELY 135

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Date: 21-07-2014HYDRAULIC HOSES AND THE DANGER OF LEAKS 137

HOW LOUD IS LOUD? 139

INDIVIDUAL QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE 141

INFECTIOUS DISEASE & FIRST AID TREATMENT 142

LIFT IT TWICE 143

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR CO-WORKERS 146

LIMITATIONS OF CARTRIDGE-TYPE RESPIRATORS 147

LADDER SAFETY 149

MATERIAL HANDLING LIFT TRUCKS 150

MACHINE OPERATION REQUIRES SKILL & THOUGHT 151

MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR FIRST-AID KIT 153

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS 155

OFFSHORE OPERATIONS--A SPECIAL ENVIRONMENT 156

OILFIELD OPERATIONS - RIGGING UP 158

OIL RIG BREAK DOWN AND SET UP 160

OFFICE SAFETY 162

PERSONAL ERGONOMICS 163

PERSONAL PROTECTION -- STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND CARE 165

PERSONAL PROTECTION -- Are You Dressed For The Occasion? 166

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - RESPIRATOR FIT CHECK 167

PERSONAL PROTECTION - QUIZ -- SELECTING SUITABLE EYE

PROTECTION

169

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - EYE INJURY PREVENTION 170

PERSONAL PROTECTION - CARE FOR YOUR HALF-MASK AIR-

PURIFYING RESPIRATOR

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PROPER LIFTING 172

PERSONAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 173

PERSONAL PROTECTION-PICKING THE PROPER GLOVE 174

PERSONAL FALL ARREST AND FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 176

PARTS WASHING TANKS --A SAFETY CHECKLIST! 177

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Date: 21-07-2014PREVENTING STRAINS & SPRAINS 179

PREVENTING WELDING FLASHBACK 181

PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR 183

PALLET SAFETY 185

REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT 186

SCAFFOLD INSPECTIONS 188

SAFETY & SECURITY AFTER HOURS 190

STACKING UP A PILE OF TROUBLE 192

STAIRS AND WALKWAYS 193

SMOKE DETECTORS - A LIFE SAVING WARNING 195

SAVE YOUR BACK WHEN WORKING IN AWKWARD POSITIONS 197

SEVEN COMMON ACCIDENT CAUSES 199

SHOP HAZARDS & TYPICAL INCIDENTS 200

-- SAFETY AT ALL LEVELS -- 202

SPONTANEOUS IGNITION 203

STOP FIRES 204

SAFETY SIGNS 206

TRYING TO DO THE JOB ALONE 207

THE SILENT SICKNESS - CO POISONING 209

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOOD SAFETY HABITS 210

THAT CONTAINER ONLY LOOKS EMPTY! 212

THIS’ll KILL YOU! 213

SURVIVING THE DEADLY SILENT KILLER 214

USING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 215

USING & STORING ACETYLENE GAS 216

WHY TAKE A CHANCE? 217

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT...LESSONS LEARNED! 218

WHAT'S THIS IN OUR TOOL BOX! 220

WHAT IS YOUR BACK IQ? 222

WAS IT AN ACCIDENT OR WAS IT AN ERROR? 224

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Date: 21-07-2014WATCH YOUR STEP!! DON'T SLIP & FALL 225

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW 227

WARNING: READ THE SIGNS! 228

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR CHEMICAL? 229

WHAT TO DO ABOUT "NEAR MISSES/NEAR HITS?" 231

WHY DO WE HAVE SAFETY MEETINGS? 232

AFTER THOUGHTS AND REGRETS

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Date: 21-07-2014How 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?)

"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 off this one little piece…." (I wonder if they'll still let me drive with only one eye?)

"We were only going to use the scaffold for one day. I never thought a hammer would fall off 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 one-eighth inch from the grinding wheel. What difference 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 science-but foresight could have avoided these incidents, misfortunes and regrets.

Learn from others' mistakes and you'll have no regrets!

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Date: 21-07-2014

ACCIDENT COST TO ME AND MY COMPANY

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Date: 21-07-2014Accidents 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 affects 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 affect your job and your paycheck.

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Date: 21-07-2014

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 off 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.

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.

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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 effect 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 off-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 effect. 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 affects 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!

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Take 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 affects 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 co-worker 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.

Placing an insulator between the energy and the point of physical contact is one method of protection. Porcelain, rubber, pottery and dry wood offer 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

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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 off 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."

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Exercise--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 stiffness, 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 injury-and 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.

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!

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BACK INJURY PREVENTION TIPS

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

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Date: 21-07-2014component 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 off 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 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 stiff 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

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Date: 21-07-2014offered 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?

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

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Date: 21-07-2014drums 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 off 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 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

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Date: 21-07-2014to 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.

First Aid - Rapid treatment is very important. You must wash the acid off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014CHOCKING 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 wheels more effectively against the chock. When the front axle is chocked, 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

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Date: 21-07-2014the 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, stiff 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014* 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 safely…think 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014You 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 manufacturer’s 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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Date: 21-07-2014

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 off 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 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 off. 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014One 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 off, face shield when grinding, removing tripping hazards, attending safety meetings and paying attention, using seat belts, tying off 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.

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 off the road to a safe spot and park your vehicle.

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Date: 21-07-2014

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 effect of over-the counter cold and flu medicine is drowsiness, which lowers one's alertness and reaction time. Ten to twenty-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

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Date: 21-07-2014acknowledge 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 effects, 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 effect or even be dangerous.

Read the label. -- This is where you will find the information you need about dosage and side effects. 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 different, do it over the weekend. Everyone reacts differently to cold and flu medication. Find one that works best and gives you the least troublesome side effects, 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 from hand to hand, from doorknob to hand, from hand to mouth…than in any other way. The best cold and flu solution is prevention!

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Date: 21-07-2014

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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting off 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 off 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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Date: 21-07-2014

CRANE COUNTERWEIGHTS

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:

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Date: 21-07-2014

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!!

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 effort 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Riggers 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Most 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.

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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Date: 21-07-2014

CTD's -- HOW CAN YOU PREVENT THEM?

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD's) are strains that may result from long-term repetitive motion or from continually working in an awkward position. Strains commonly occur in the wrists, arms, shoulders or back, affecting the body's joints and surrounding muscles and tendons.

CTD's are said to be today's fastest growing occupational problem, affecting 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

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Date: 21-07-2014potential for strain injuries in people. These disorders not only cause great discomfort, they can also affect 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 difference.

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 affected by a physically demanding task, don't ignore messages your body sends you. Although humans share many physical characteristics, people are often different 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 play-especially 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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Date: 21-07-2014

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Dermatitis is caused by chemical residues on the skin, friction, pressure or the secondary effects 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. 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 off with dirty rags.

DON'T ignore skin irritations. Get immediate medical help if a rash appears.

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER

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Date: 21-07-2014Highways 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.

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 off the road to a safe place and notify

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Date: 21-07-2014your 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.

Of course, it's easy to spot careless or reckless drivers on the road—unless 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?

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Date: 21-07-201411. 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

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 suffered 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. Cuffs 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 off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014

DEVELOP AND "SELL" YOUR SAFETY SOLUTIONS

The best ideas for improving the work environment often come from the people who are most affected by what happens in that environment-the workers. But how can employees effectively 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 effectively and efficiently eliminate the problematic situation.

3. List the consequences. You can rarely do one thing without having it affect someone or something else. All ideas have pros and cons associated with them. Consider all sides of the issue and the effect each option may have on other departments or workers.

4. Compare the options. How much effort 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Submitting 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.

3. Show how much it will cost to execute your plan. Include the anticipated effect 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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Date: 21-07-2014

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.

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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.

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 long-winded 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.

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

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Date: 21-07-2014

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

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

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Date: 21-07-2014In 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

-Turn off 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 effort 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014On 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.

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 affect 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

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Date: 21-07-2014placed 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 effective 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.

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 off below the neutral bracket on a newly installed pole, using hot sticks to tie off the energized conductor. Another journeymen on the ground was using a hold-down to keep the conductor in place while the wraplock tie was installed.

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Date: 21-07-2014· 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 suffered 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-20144. 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?

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

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Date: 21-07-2014burning 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.

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 off (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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Know 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.

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.

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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 different. 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 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:

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Do not eat undercooked ground beef. Cook it to at least 1600 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 offshore 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 offshore platform or drilling rig?

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 different 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? Offshore catering companies offer many choices or alternatives to high fat foods at most locations. All it takes is for you to choose the right foods.

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Date: 21-07-2014Use 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 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."

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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:

1. Outriggers, crawler tracks, or tires raised off 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.

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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.

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 off 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 difference 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

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Date: 21-07-2014by 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.

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 manufacturer recently stated that 60% of injuries/fatalities involving lift trucks are sustained by co-workers, not operators. Like I said, most of the training concentrates on operator safety, not on the people who work 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Remember, 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.

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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Date: 21-07-2014Accessibility: 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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Date: 21-07-2014

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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Date: 21-07-2014Setting 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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Date: 21-07-2014b. 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

There’s 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 affect 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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Date: 21-07-2014- 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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Date: 21-07-2014Electrical 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 offers 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.

Effects 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 de-energize 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 scaffold and hit his head on a slab of concrete.

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Date: 21-07-2014Shock 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 effect 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 effective 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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Date: 21-07-2014cords 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 effort 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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Date: 21-07-2014As 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 different 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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Date: 21-07-2014Your 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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Date: 21-07-2014Gasoline 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 off 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 off enough vapors to flash, when exposed to an external ignition source at temperatures as low as -450 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.

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 off all equipment

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

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Date: 21-07-2014Gasoline 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%

Mining1.2

Crushed between vehicle and a surface

25%

Construction23.8

Crushed between two vehicles 11%

Manufacturing42.5

Struck or run over by a forklift 10%

Transportation11.0

Struck by falling material8% 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 properly trained to do so. The lesson to be learned is, operating a forklift

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Date: 21-07-2014without 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 off. 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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Date: 21-07-2014Forklift 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 effective 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 off 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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Date: 21-07-2014placed 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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Date: 21-07-2014We 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 effect 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 different?

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 effort being made. The difference between the two is one of attitude. Your attitude affects 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

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Date: 21-07-2014harm. 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 efforts, 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 affects 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 effective 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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Date: 21-07-2014Employers 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.

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

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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 off 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 off, 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 caffeine 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014GOOD 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.

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

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Date: 21-07-2014needle 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 hands…particularly 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 suffocate to death.

What does this mean for workers? Carbon Monoxide will affect workers as follows:

Slight headache and dizziness Nausea Drowsiness and an euphoric feeling Unconsciousness Death

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!!!

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Date: 21-07-20143. 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 affect 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 differently, 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-20141. 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.

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 different 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.

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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 suffer from memory loss during a crisis and having the address posted can alleviate this problem.

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-B-C'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 affected won't see the injury.

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Date: 21-07-2014Shock 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 effort, 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.

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 effort, 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 effort 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

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Date: 21-07-2014we'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 suffer 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 off 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.

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.

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GENERAL SAFETY - THE BASICS OF SAFETY

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.

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Date: 21-07-20143. 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 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 off, 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Storage

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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-201417. 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.

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 off 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

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Date: 21-07-2014are 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.

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 off 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 co-worker, if you make yourself available to answer questions, it shows your willingness to provide a safe workplace for everyone involved.

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Date: 21-07-2014Remember, 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!

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

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Date: 21-07-2014future 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 difference. However, any accident or injury is guaranteed to have an effect. 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.

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 stuff 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014GENERAL 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 off 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 effective 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:

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?

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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 stuff in and the bad stuff 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 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,

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Date: 21-07-2014burns 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 affected 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 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.

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GENERAL SAFETY- MOTION INJURIES

Taking the time to think about everyday tasks and their affects on our bodies is a good way to prevent injuries. The following scenarios will demonstrate how inadequate planning leads to pain and disability, affecting on- and off-the-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 suffering 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 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 off 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 affect 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:

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Date: 21-07-20141) 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

- 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?

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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 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.

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GENERAL SAFETY - SAFETY AND YOUR SUPERVISOR

Is job safety important to you? Some people will say yes right away. Others may feel differently, at least when this question is first posed. But survival 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 differently.

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 afford 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

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who will deliberately put someone in harms way. More likely than not, the supervisor was not aware of the problem.

Be prepared to offer 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.

Offer 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, 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,

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Date: 21-07-2014comes 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 whiff 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 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 different 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 off. 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 H2S, 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

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Date: 21-07-2014suspected, 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 H2S 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 ¼ mile from the well. 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:

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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 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014By 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!

HAZCOMM vs. HAZMAT vs. HAZARDOUS WASTEWhat Is The Difference?????

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Date: 21-07-2014AT 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 suffered 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 by-products.

HAZWOPER refers to training that deals with hazardous waste operations and emergency response to chemical spills or releases.

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Date: 21-07-2014A 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 effects 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 chemical’s 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.

FLASH POINT= if a material has a flash point less than 100° it is flammable; if it’s 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 effects of the product, including signs and symptoms of exposure and medical conditions mad worse by exposure. Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects of the exposure as well as routes of entry (inhalation, skin contact, swallowing) are also included.

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Date: 21-07-2014SECTION 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 high-hazard: 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014We 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 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?

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Date: 21-07-2014· 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Overexposure to solvents can cause a variety of ailments. Depending on the type of solvent you are exposed to, the body will react in different 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 effectively 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 affect 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.

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.

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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 off the job than at work. Know how to use fall protection and fall restraint equipment. Never

say, "I don't need to fool around with that stuff-I'll only be up there a minute."

Stay Alert! Head injuries can have devastatingconsequences 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:

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Date: 21-07-20141. 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 of alcohol the evening before the work shift, can lead to dehydration even before heat exposure.

If an employee appears to be suffering 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 effect job performance, safety, and your health. Psychological effects of noise include annoyance and disruption of concentration. Physical effects 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 earmuffs 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 muffs so they don't seal properly against the head, or snip off the inner portion of ear plugs leaving only the outer end

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Date: 21-07-2014to fool their supervisor. If you feel the need to do this, see your supervisor about obtaining a different 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 effectiveness 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.

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 different 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. Ground-based 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:

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Date: 21-07-20141) 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 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 muffs 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 off 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:

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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.

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 off the job because our employees have learned the proper way to lift.

Since back pain could affect us, both on and off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014 20% are due to inflammation (arthritis, urinary infection, etc.)

10% are due to actual back injuries and miscellaneous causes.

If you should suffer 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

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Date: 21-07-2014should become skilled at anticipating problems, preventing them and fixing them.

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 off 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 different 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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Date: 21-07-2014People 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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Date: 21-07-2014Most 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 off 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 whisper30-40 quiet pleasant sounds, a bird chirping40-50 quiet to normal office sounds50-60 normal conversation

70-90heavy machinery, electric motors, garbage disposal, city traffic

100-120jack hammer, power saw, motorcycle, lawn mower, rock music

140+nearly jet engine, gun shot (this level causes pain)

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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Date: 21-07-2014recommend that the true rating is generally about 7 decibels less than indicated. Hearing protectors of the ear muff 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 effort, they are not good enough. What we do, how we work, and the standards we set for ourselves, makes the difference 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 affect 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, affecting 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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Date: 21-07-2014When we set higher individual standards for ourselves and give our best to everything we do, it can make a difference. This helps to protect the finest quality of life this world has to offer.

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-to-blood 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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Date: 21-07-2014supplied 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? What hazards may hamper the lift or obstruct the travel path? Eliminate those hazards before you lift the item.

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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 offense. 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 affects our driving in three ways. It impairs our judgment and our decision making ability. It affects our coordination, and our ability to handle a vehicle. And it affects 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014As 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 (coffee, 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 coffee. 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

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.

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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 scaffolding, 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?

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Cartridge 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:

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 different 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Cartridge respirators are safe to use if you understand their limitations and how to use them properly.

LADDER SAFETY

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Date: 21-07-2014We 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 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 off.

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!

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MATERIAL HANDLING LIFT TRUCKS

In today’s 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.

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.

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MACHINE OPERATION REQUIRES SKILL & THOUGHT

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 off. 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

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Date: 21-07-2014safety 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, talk to them about it. Volunteer to help your co-workers, whenever they need it.

Morning Wake Up

I got up this morning turned off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014When 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.

MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR FIRST-AID KIT

Are only Band-Aids® and aspirin taken from the first aid kit most of the time-because 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 effective for you.

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

Adhesive Bandages: Different 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.

First-Aid Manual: A brief guide to emergency first-aid care.

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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 effects 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-the-counter medications, keep these rules in mind:

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 effects without making a big difference in the symptoms you are trying to alleviate. The dosage on the package is effective 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 multi-ingredient products.

Don't mix over-the-counter medications or use along with prescription drugs: The side effects of mixing different medications can be severe and are often

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Date: 21-07-2014unpredictable. Individuals who are already on prescription medication should check with their doctor or pharmacist before mixing prescription and over-the-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 effects 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 effects usually diminish after a week or so of use. Try new medications over the weekend, so if side effects 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 offshore on either drilling rigs, production platforms, jack-up rigs, or semi-submersible rigs, workers are faced with many different factors that increase their exposure to injury. This exposure increases even more during travel to and from offshore 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 affect the safety of offshore work. Wet, rainy weather may cause a construction company to halt a project, but not offshore 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 offshore 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,

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Date: 21-07-2014machinery, and other workers create a potential for bumps, bruises and contusions, and striking injuries to the body. Four or five different 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 offshore 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 offshore! 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 offshore 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 offshore 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 offshore 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 consistently work with care and caution. Working with caution doesn't mean slower production, it just means safer production!

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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.

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

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Date: 21-07-2014lines 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 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

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Date: 21-07-2014Many 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 off and leave it unattended.

More than one injury has been suffered 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 off with an approved fall protection system.

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. One-third 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

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Date: 21-07-2014stairs 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 "stuff" 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014A 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 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

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Date: 21-07-2014hands, 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.

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

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Date: 21-07-2014properly 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 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 ineffective 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 PROTECTIONAre You Dressed For The Occasion?

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Date: 21-07-2014Wearing 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 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, offer 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 effectively 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Think 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: 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014The 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 prior to entering a contaminated atmosphere provides that assurance. It only takes a minute, and it can save your life.

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PERSONAL PROTECTION -

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

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Date: 21-07-2014attempted 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Second, 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.

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 off 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.

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Date: 21-07-20144) 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 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014- Determine the path you will take to move the load and make sure it is free of all obstructions.

- 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

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employer is ultimately responsible for the safe condition of those tools and equipment.

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: offer 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 difference 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 off system that "restrains" the employee from falling off 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

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Date: 21-07-2014belt 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:

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,

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Date: 21-07-2014with 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

Fire extinguisher

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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. You can choose work activities which apply to these principles and structure your safety meeting presentation to address them.

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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 FROM GROUND LEVEL

LIFTING FROM OVERHEAD

LIFTING FROM A SHELF, DESK, ETC.

SETTING LOADS DOWN

TIPS WHEN CARRYING

MOVING CARTS, HANGING LOADS

Determine the weight of the load to be lifted or carried.

Are you able to do it alone? Is help or mechanical assistance needed?

Does the size/shape of the load present any problem?

Will you have to turn/change direction while carrying the load?

Is the route

Get as close as possible to the load.

Bend your knees, not your back.

Get a good grip on the object and test its weight.

Keep the load close to your body and lift using your legs.

Be aware of your balance

Make certain you are standing on a stable surface before you attempt the lift.

Test the load to be sure you can lift it safely.

Bring the object off the shelf or support carefully, maintaining your balance.

While maintaining control of the

Pull the load close to your body and test it for weight.

Shift the weight of the load to your legs by keeping it close.

Avoid reaching and lifting at the same time.

Bend your knees, not your waist.

Set down the corner or edge of the object closest to you first - keeping your fingers out from under the load

Look ahead to make certain the way is clear.

Set the load down if it becomes too heavy or unstable.

Avoid stairs when ever possible. If unavoidable, use the banister or wall or to help you maintain balance.

Have someone open doors, gates, etc.

Remember to push, not pull whenever possible.

Position the load so that your legs supply the force.

Use hands and arms for control and direction of the load.

Keep hands & fingers inside the load whenever possible.

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you will take clear of obstructions, slip, trip, or fall hazards?

Do you have a back support belt, and are you wearing it properly?

and what part of your body is doing the work. It should be your legs.

load, bring it down to waist level.

Whatever the task, GET HELP for heavy loads!

for you.

Change direction by moving your feet not your hips.

Keep shoulders, hips and feet pointing the same direction.

Never twist at the waist while carrying a load.

Watch for pinch or shear points on carts, dollies or hoists.

PREVENTING WELDING FLASHBACK

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Date: 21-07-2014Oxy-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 off 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-20145. 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 offer 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 effective, 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 offers virtually no protection at all.

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

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Replace internal suspension systems once a year or if the system detaches from the shell. Hair oils and dirt can weaken the shock-absorbing 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.

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

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REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING AN ACCIDENT

A good accident investigation tries to answer these questions:

What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Such 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 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

Scaffolding 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 scaffolds for defects before every work shift. Yet, in all industries, every employee who works on or around scaffolding should be aware of safety requirements. The following list includes things to watch for:

Scaffolding 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 scaffold 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 scaffold but also any supplies and equipment being used.

Scaffolding is naturally unstable because it is usually a tall structure with a narrow base. To counteract this, the scaffold must be braced or tied off to a stable structure such as a ship's hull or building wall.

The planking used must be "scaffold 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)

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unless the planks are fastened to the supporting members.

Toe boards at least 4" high (3 ½" for construction) should be installed along the outer scaffold edge, to prevent tools or materials from falling onto workers below.

Guard rail requirements for supported scaffolds vary for different 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 scaffold walking surface, with a "mid-rail" 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 scaffolding yourself. Only designated "Competent Persons" should make modifications.

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SAFETY & SECURITY AFTER HOURS

Last one out turn off the lights!" If only it were that simple. In todays work environments, whether it's a fixed facility or a temporary job site, after hour’s 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

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Exposed Electrical Hazards

Open Containers

Elevated Platforms

The same effort 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 effects 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

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Date: 21-07-2014equipment? 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 off at home by following the same safety rules and procedures you use at work.

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 efforts 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 difference between "good" and "bad" pallet repair.

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Date: 21-07-2014Place 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 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 off loading docks

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or jumping over piping saves no time or money if you are injured and cannot work.

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 effective 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 can actually numb the senses, putting a person into a deeper sleep. Luckily,

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Date: 21-07-2014a 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 hard-wired 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 off-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

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Date: 21-07-2014natural 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 scaffolding where you may over-reach 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 off 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.

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 scaffolding.

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.

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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?

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Accidents 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 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 off 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 effective way to figure out the smartest ways to work safely and effectively. 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

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Date: 21-07-2014An 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 off clothing or out of hair.

5. Working without safety glasses and/or a face shield in a designated eye-hazard 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.

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

Have you ever worked under any of the above conditions--and NOT suffered 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.

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.

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Use resuscitation devices when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Report all BBP exposures or potential exposures to your supervisor immediately.

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

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

SPONTANEOUS IGNITION

Many people do not believe it can happen. For no apparent reason fire erupts, usually during off 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 different 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 non-insulated steam line, can either pre-heat the material, which in turn sets off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Another 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-20143. 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.

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 off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014The 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.

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.

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Date: 21-07-2014Due to my surprise at being jerked off 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.

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 effects 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

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Date: 21-07-2014gas 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 delivery truck drivers too as they are frequently reluctant to shut off 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 off 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 suffer 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.

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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 de-energize 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.

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 off 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014How 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 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 off 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.

THIS’ll KILL YOU!

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!"

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Date: 21-07-2014Sure, 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 well—usually. 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 off 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't—it'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 off the horseplay and practical jokes on the job.

SURVIVING THE DEADLY SILENT KILLER

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Date: 21-07-2014It'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 affects 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 off any devices that you think may be causing the problem and do not go back until the area has been determined to be safe.

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Date: 21-07-2014Remember, 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 difference between suffering a minor loss or a major one. Portable fire extinguishers, if used properly, can make that difference.

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:

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?

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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 off 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 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

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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 diffuse 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 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

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Date: 21-07-2014cases 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 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

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Date: 21-07-2014in 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 off 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 off 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, let’s actually take a look inside the tool box to see what we might 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!

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Date: 21-07-2014Scratched 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 stuff...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 stuff 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 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 stuff 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014If you don't take care of the equipment you have to work with on a daily basis, your effectiveness will be reduced.

Looking for another tool because you didn't take proper care of the one you need, will cost you work time.

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?

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Date: 21-07-2014A: 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" effect 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 S-shaped 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 effect back pain?

A: Whether you're aware of it or not, emotional stress can tighten muscles. Often, fatigued back muscles are the most effected 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

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Date: 21-07-2014sudden 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.)

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

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Date: 21-07-2014fed 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 affected 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 suffered an injury because you failed to anticipate and ward off 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 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 off the job. Each year in the United States, more than 300,000 people suffer

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Date: 21-07-2014disabling 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.

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 scaffolding, make sure it is secure, stable and properly set-up. Do not work on scaffolding if guard rails are missing or the base is

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Date: 21-07-2014unstable. Check to see that planks are in good shape and not cracked. Tall scaffolds 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!

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

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Date: 21-07-2014Ever 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 interesting—anything 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.

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.

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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 different 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.

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 effectiveness. 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.

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Date: 21-07-2014So, 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.

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.

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Radioactive - Exposure to harmful levels of ionizing radiation can cause adverse health effects. 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 suffering 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 off 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 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 off 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 effective accident prevention.

One of the best ways to eliminate the likelihood of future close calls is through effective root cause analysis and effective 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

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Date: 21-07-2014nature, 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, 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 affect 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?

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Date: 21-07-2014

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 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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toolbox talks

Documents

decision96 general safety

safety solutions43

safety issue12

safety health59

food safety precautions57

trouble general safety21

equipment hazards inspection

electrical shocks13