Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Machine Guarding 101



Machine guarding is a very important safety control. Guarding can…

Protect against: 

Debris, particulates and other projectiles from flying out of the machine
Pinch-points caused by moving components
People from entering energized work areas
Machines or components within machines from inadvertently shifting or moving during operations
Sparks, electrical arcs and internal fires from expanding beyond a controlled area within the machine
Whipping from broken belts and other materials under high tension or stress
Using ventilation systems and hoods to reduce or prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes
Using retaining walls, enclosures and spill containment devices to prevent chemicals, objects and other materials from reaching undesirable areas

Guidelines for ensuring machine guarding are effective: 

Ensure the guarding is properly fastened or anchored and not loose.
Verify the guarding is strong enough to withstand the expected forces.
If the guarding is perforated (for example a fence) then the holes in the guarding should be smaller than the smallest object that could fly from the machine.
Always inspect and verify the guarding is adequate before operating the machine.
Machine Guarding
Never adjust a machine while it’s running – see Operators Manual for proper safety procedures.
Never wear loose clothing, jewelry or leave long hair unsecured where they can be drawn into equipment.
Utilize Lockout/Tagout to prevent movement of parts while working on equipment.
Never place body parts in areas where there may be ‘stored energy’; even once the machine has been de-energized (augers/blades that are clogged with debris may still move suddenly once the debris is unclogged).
Be sure all warning labels are properly maintained on equipment. When they are no longer legible they must be replaced (see operators’ manual for proper placement and ordering details).



Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Chainsaw Safety - Things to Keep in Mind


Do you know approximately what percentage of all woods accidents in a year are typically the
result of a chain saw cut?
30 Percent

Do you know how fast a chain saw blade can move at full throttle?
45 MPH

Do you know which age group of operators are at the greatest risk for injury?
Younger Operators

Do you know how many of all chain saw accidents could be prevented?
Almost all of them

Chain saws are powerful tools that make your job of cutting firewood and fallen trees and
removing small trees much easier. But their power makes them very dangerous tools.

Most accidents are the result of a moving chain contacting the operator in some way.

The good news for you is that there are several things you can do to keep yourself from becoming a victim.

YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OF
YOUR OWN SAFETY. HOW?

   1. Know your saw and how to operate it before you use it. That means reading and
       understanding your operator's manual. If there are instructions you do not understand, talk to
       your chain saw dealer or to someone who is very familiar with how to use your chain saw.

   2. Take the time to prepare for the job. This includes several factors discussed in this
        information fact sheet and probably in your owner's manual.

   3. Practice! Begin with logs on which you can make trial cuts to get the feel of your saw and
       the way it handles.

   4. NEVER WORK ALONE! At least be within yelling distance of help.

Even if you have used your saw a few times before, or you've used it once a year for the
past several years, these are still important steps to take and precautions to think about.

WHAT SAW SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The best saw for you is the one you can comfortably handle and is appropriate for the
type of work you do most often. There are also many safety features you should look for. NOTE that these features do not prevent accidents, they only reduce the risk to you.
Lightweight saws       Good for occasional use: cutting limbs, firewood and small trees.

Midweight saws         Better for more frequent use.

Heavyweight saws     For PROFESSIONAL use only.

ANTI KICKBACK DEVICES

Chain brake stops the chain if kickback occurs. This can mean the difference between possibly a speed of 45 MPH and 0 MPH if the chain actually contacts you.

Throttle Interlock prevents the throttle from accidentally advancing or inadvertently moving by
automatically returning the throttle and chain to idle when the trigger button is released.

Hand Guard will keep the left hand from slipping into the chain.

Balance is not a device, but something to look for. You can maintain better control over the saw
that is well balanced in your hand if kickback occurs.

Anti-kickback chains reduce the forces on the chain that cause kickback.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR
CUTTING?

CLEAR YOUR WORK AREA: Make sure there are no nails in the wood or loose objects in
the area where you are cutting, such as twigs, brush, leaves and stones.

CHECK YOUR CHAIN'S CONDITION AND SHARPNESS: (Follow the instructions in
your manual and use the proper maintenance tools.)

     Sharpness - a sharp chain make the chainsaw easier to use.

     Tension - if the chain is too loose, it may derail and cause a severe injury; but if it is too tight,
     it may bind and also cause an accident or damage to the chainsaw.

     Idle speed - prevents the chain from rotating when the controls are in the idle position.

All nuts and screws should be tight. Everything should be well lubricated.

FUEL THE SAW IN A SAFE PLACE: Completely wipe off any spilled fuel and move the
chainsaw to a new location before starting the engine.

CHECK THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH YOU ARE CUTTING: If you are felling a tree,
make sure you consider which way the wind is blowing in deciding which direction the tree should fall. Also look for a lean in the tree and a heavy imbalance if several large limbs are all on one side of the tree.

IN EVERY CUTTING SITUATION: you must make sure you have secure footing. If the
ground is slippery from rain, snow or ice, then you should not cut there. Always look for broken
limbs or other trees caught in the tree you want to cut.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE: Make sure there are no obstacles that can cause you to trip.
Then, after you have made your cut, you will be able to move rapidly at least 25 feet away from the tree at a 45-degree angle without any hazard. If you have an electric saw, be careful not to trip over the cord.

ASSESS YOUR OWN PHYSICAL CONDITION: Cutting with a chain saw is physically
demanding, even for strong persons, so do not use a chain saw if you are not physically able to
handle it. And take plenty of rest breaks before you get tired. BE ALERT! Otherwise you put
yourself at a severe risk.

Under NO circumstances should you be under the influence of ANY substance -- this includes
drugs, alcohol AND cold medicines -- that can impair your vision, dexterity or judgment.


WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD YOU WEAR?

Wearing the proper clothing is one of the best safeguards for you to reduce the possibility of
serious injury.

     Wear sturdy, snug-fitting clothing that gives you complete freedom of movement. Do not
     wear anything loose that could catch in the moving chain, such as sleeve cuffs, cuffed pants,
     scarves, loose long hair (tie it back), jewelry. 

     Heavy duty, non-slip gloves will improve your grip and protect your hands from abrasions,
     cuts and splinters.

     Sturdy boots with non-slip soles ensure good footing; and protective toes and high top boots
     protect your feet and ankles.

     Wear a non-fogging, vented face screen or safety goggles to prevent injury from flying chips
     or a chain that may break off and fly toward your face.

     Wear an approved safety hard hat. If it is properly fitted, it will be cool, comfortable and
     provide protection from falling limbs.

     Chain saws are very noisy, so ear muffs or ear plugs are essential to protect your hearing.

     Chaps made for use when using chain saws protect your legs from severe cuts should the
     chainsaw slip.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT KICKBACK?

Kickback is one of the greatest saw hazards. It occurs when a force throws the saw rapidly and
sometimes uncontrollably towards you. It is a very violent and sudden motion which can severely or fatally injure you. There are several causes:

  •   an abrupt change in wood character -- hitting a knot or a nail
  •   striking a nearby limb with the tip of the moving chain while cutting
  •    running the chain too slowly twisting the saw in your cut so the chain grabs using a dull or     loose chain
  •    having a loose grip on the saw or cutting with only one hand
  •    not paying attention


But kickback can be prevented by a few steps and precautions on your part. These DO NOT
PREVENT kickback completely, but they do reduce the possibility of it happening to you.

The more you understand kickback and what it can do to you and your saw, the better chance you
have of controlling its surprise movement by keeping your balance and control over the chain saw.

  •   Always hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep the left arm as straight and stable as

      possible

  •   Use a saw equipped with a chain brake, anti-kickback chain, or other Anti-kickback

      devices.

  •   BUT, do not rely exclusively upon safety devices.


  •   Watch for twigs that can snag the chain -- the area should be free from any obstructions.


  •   Cut with the lower part of the saw blade - not with the tip or nose.


  •   Maintain a high saw speed when entering, cutting and leaving the wood cut.


  •   Keep the chain sharp. DO NOT cut above mid chest height -- the saw is too close to your

      face.

  •   DO NOT cut brush or shrubbery.


  •   Use only replacement bars specified by the manufacturer.



WHAT JOBS ARE NOT FOR YOU AND YOUR CHAIN
SAW?

If possible, have a buddy with you so that you do not have to work alone; but NEVER allow
someone else to hold the wood while you cut.

You should also re position the log between cuts, NOT while the chain saw is still running or in your hand.

Never cut small, flexible branches or brush with your chain saw. Their size and flexibility can easily cause the saw to bounce toward you or bind up with enough force to cause a kickback. The best tools for that kind of work are a hand saw, pruning shears, an ax and other hand tools.

WHAT JOBS SHOULD YOU LEAVE FOR THE
PROFESSIONAL?

Some jobs are too risky for you to try. They may be jobs that require a heavyweight saw, special
training or years of experience.

  •   Do not fell medium to large trees because it is very complicated and dangerous. Leave it to

      the pros.

  •   Do not work from a ladder or from within the tree. Leave it to the pros.


  •   Do not do boring cuts because it is very risky unless you are trained for the job. Leave it to

      the pros.

CHAIN SAW TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having difficulty cutting or the saw is cutting poorly, there are several problems you
should consider:

  •        the chain is dull
  •        the chain is improperly sharpened
  •        the chain is installed backwards
  •        the chain is not properly tensioned
  •        the bar and chain are not properly lubricated
  •        the guidebar is damaged
  •        the exhaust ports are dirty
  •        the fuel filter is dirty
  •        the air filter is clogged
  •        the spark plug is fouled


Your chain saw will also give you clues when it is time to sharpen the chain.

  •        when you notice the chain tends to walk sideways while cutting


  •        when the cut produces fine powder instead of chips


  •        when you find yourself pressing down hard to keep cutting


  •        when you smell burnt wood


  •        when it takes considerably longer to complete cuts made in less time earlier on the job


FIRE PREVENTION

Gasoline and the hot chain saw engine can be contributing factors in starting fires in the woods.
You should take precautions to prevent fires.

There are five very important rules to remember:

  •        NEVER fuel a saw while the engine is running.


  •        NEVER fuel a hot saw.


  •        NEVER smoke or have any type of flame while you are around a saw or during fueling.


  •        NEVER start the saw where you fueled the engine.


  •        Keep leaves and dry materials away from the hot muffler.


OTHER SAFELY RULES TO REMEMBER

  •        BEFORE starting the engine, make sure the chain is not contacting anything.


  •        DO NOT let the saw rest on your leg or knee while you start the engine.


  •        Do not drop start the chainsaw


  •        ALWAYS maintain control by standing securely, holding the saw firmly and taking your         hand off the trigger between cuts.


  •        DO NOT work when you are fatigued.


  •        Keep the handles dry and clean and free from the oil and fuel mixture.


  •        Whenever you are cutting, be sure your body is clear of the natural path the saw will                follow when the cut goes through.


  •        NEVER straddle the log to make a cut.


  •        ALWAYS shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down: even when you are              retreating from a falling tree


  •        Make sure the saw is off and the chain has stopped before making any adjustments or             repairs.


  •        Do not run the saw indoors.


LIMBING

  •        Stand on the opposite side of the tree whenever possible, using it as a barrier between yourself and the limb you are cutting. Do not over stretch yourself to do this because you are less stable.


  •        Do not face the limb you are cutting squarely -- stand at a 45-degree angle to prevent the

     saw from striking your leg if it slips.

  •        If you are on a hill, stand on the upside of the hill.


  •        NEVER cut limbs above mid-chest height.



  •        Do not cut limbs that are supporting the log.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Clothes Dryer Safety

Clothes Dryer Safety

Numerous appliance products, if not properly installed, used and maintained, can become fire hazards. One appliance often overlooked in the home is the clothes dryer. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2006, more than 16,000 home structure fires were caused by this appliance. And the leading cause of these fires was a lack of maintenance. Items such as clothing, dust, fiber, or lint, normally found in a dryer, accounted for 60% of the combustible materials first ignited in clothes dryer fires. To avoid a clothes dryer fire, follow these essential safety precautions:

Don't Forget! Clean your lint vent!

•   Clean the lint filter in the dryer before or after each use because accumulated dust and lint can be a fire hazard. Do not operate the dryer without the filter. Also, remove accumulated lint around the drum.
•   Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
•   Verify that the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted by snow, leaves, or other materials and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
•   Do not leave the dryer running if you leave your home because, if it malfunctions, no one will be there to avert a possible disaster.
•   Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles such as boxes and clothing.

•   Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner or alcohol. Even after washing, clothing can still contain residues that can ignite.

The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

 Driver Fatigue


Symptoms, Cause and Effects

Being fatigued significantly increases the risk of a crash. It makes us less aware of what is
happening on the road and impairs our ability to respond quickly and safely if a dangerous
situation arises. Driver fatigue is believed to contribute to more than 30% of road crashes.

Symptoms of driver fatigue

It is very difficult for drivers to accurately assess their own level of fatigue. The ability to self assess
becomes increasingly impaired as you get more fatigued, however the self-confidence in
this ability remains. Nevertheless, there are some warning signs to look out for, including:

  • Trouble focusing, or narrowing of attention
  • Head nodding, or inability to keep the eyes open
  • Not remembering the last few minutes
  • Poor judgment, slower reaction time
  • "Zoning out"
  • Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
  • Constant yawning or rubbing your eyes
  • Drifting in the lane


Keep in mind that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms of driver fatigue, it is very
likely that your driving performance is already impaired.

Causes of driver fatigue

There are two main causes of driver fatigue:
  • Lack of quality/quantity of sleep
  • Driving at times of the day when you would normally be sleeping.


The end result is not getting enough sleep, which can lead to a build-up of a "sleep debt or
deficit" – this is essentially the sleep that you 'owe' yourself. The only way to repay this debt is
by sleeping.

Until you can catch up on lost sleep you will have a greater risk of having a fatigue-related
accident.

A number of factors influence the likelihood that a driver will become fatigued, these include:

  • How long you have been awake (particularly beyond about 17 hours)
  • Time of day: your body and brain have a biological clock (circadian rhythm) that
  • influences how alert or drowsy we are at certain times of the day
  • The quantity and quality of your last period of sleep
  • Nobody is immune to the effects of driver fatigue; however some groups of people are
  • more at risk than others:
  •  Young drivers: the combination of inexperience and night driving
  •  Shift workers: Shift workers are 6 times more likely to be in a fatigue-related
    crash, whether that be at work (operating machinery or vehicles) or commuting
  •  Extended hours workers: Employees working extended hours for emergency or
  • public safety needs 
  •  Commercial drivers: Long distance driving, often at night
  • Business travelers: Drivers suffering from jet lag and crossing time zones oftensuffer from restricted and/or poor quality sleep
  • Your level of physical or mental activity at the time (e.g. long boring stretches of road
    make it difficult to maintain alertness and vigilance)
  • The presence of untreated sleep disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy)
  • Sedative drugs

Effects and consequences of driver fatigue

The consequences of driver fatigue can be disastrous. Because fatigue impairs mental processing
and decision making abilities, drivers can lapse into a "micro-sleep" without realizing it. This
may only last a few seconds, but if it coincides with the need to perform some critical driving
task (e.g. turning the wheel or responding to a stop signal); the risk of crashing is greatly
increased.

These accidents typically involve a single vehicle that departs
the driving lane and collides with another object, such as a tree
beside the road. The driver is often alone, having been driving
for some hours, often between midnight and 6am. The consequences
of accidents attributed to driver fatigue are often the most serious
in terms of death, injuries and property damage because the fatigued
driver makes no attempt to avoid the impending crash.

This is why the effects of driver fatigue are so dangerous.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Wearing a Hard Hat is Only Half the Job

MILLIONS of hard hats are worn every day. In fact, the hard hat is one of the most recognizable pieces of safety equipment in the industrial workplace. It's also one of the most important pieces of safety equipment because it protects the brain. Unfortunately, this ubiquitous piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is rarely part of an inspection, maintenance, or replacement program.
Many workers may be wearing a hard hat well past its useful life without even knowing it.
The durable exterior of the rugged-looking hard hat can disguise the need for replacement. Hard hats must be replaced when they can no longer provide the protection intended, and sometimes this can be difficult to detect. Workers who use gloves on a work site can obviously see (and feel) the need for new gloves; the wear and tear is readily apparent. On the other hand, many workers may be wearing a hard hat well past its useful life without even knowing it. In every organization where workers wear head protection on the job, a regular hard hat replacement program should be clearly defined and implemented. This type of hard hat replacement program can be implemented and managed with a few considerations.
OSHA, ironically, does not specify the service life of a hard hat, and there is no standard expiration time frame for hard hats. The hard hat manufacturer can recommend a replacement guideline for its products, but hard hat life span may vary significantly based upon the conditions at each work site. Ultimately, an employer is responsible for defining a responsive and appropriate solution for hard hat service life issues.
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Useful Life of a Hard Hat

Determining a specific time frame for hard hat replacement at your site will take some research. As a general guideline, most manufacturers recommend replacing hard hats every five years regardless of outward appearance. If work conditions include exposure to higher temperature extremes, sunlight, or chemicals, hard hats should be replaced after two years of use. Some manufacturers recommend the replacement of the hard hat suspension every 12 months, regardless of appearance. Careful review of each work site is critical to ensure that degradation of PPE is not being accelerated due to extreme

Inspection and Maintenance

The typical ANSI Type I-compliant hard hat, which provides protection from objects striking the top of the head, consists of two components: shell and suspension. These components work together as a system. It is important for both the shell and suspension to be inspected on a regular basis.
Shell Inspection
Throughout history, many materials have been used to manufacture hard hat shells. Today, thermoplastics (polyethylene, polycarbonate, and others) and thermo set materials (fiberglass-reinforced polyesters and phenolic-impregnated textiles) are commonly used to mold shells of industrial hard hats. These materials have proven to be durable, reliable, and lightweight while providing effective protection. Given proper care, these materials will provide a reasonable service life under normal workplace conditions. But remember, these hard hats do not have an indefinite useful life, nor are they resistant to all physical and chemical exposures.
Regardless of the material, shells should be inspected routinely for dents, cracks, gouges, and any damage due to impact, penetration, abrasions, rough treatments, or wear that might reduce the degree of protection originally provided. Degradation of thermoplastic material may be apparent when the shell becomes stiff, brittle, faded, dull in color, or exhibits a chalky appearance. A hard hat should be replaced at first sign of any of these conditions.
Careful review of each work site is critical to ensure that degradation of PPE is not being accelerated due to extreme work conditions.


Exposure to direct sunlight will affect the life of the shell
  Although most manufacturers add an ultraviolet inhibitor to the shell material of hard hats to protect against degradation caused by sunlight, all hard hats are susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. Workers should never store their hard hats in the rear window or dash of a vehicle or in direct sunlight. This is the quickest way to degrade the shell material and reduce the life of the product.
Suspension Inspection
The hard hat suspension is just as important to worker safety as the shell. The suspension actually helps to absorb the shock of a blow, so it must be in good condition at all times. Like the shell, the suspension must be inspected regularly and replaced from time to time. Suspensions should be inspected closely for cracks, frayed or cut crown straps, torn headband or size adjustment slots, loss of pliability, missing components, or other signs of wear. These conditions can be caused by perspiration, hair oils, or normal wear.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Top Four Construction Hazards

Top Four Construction Hazards

The top four causes of construction fatalities are:

1.Falls
2.Struck-By,
3.Caught-In/Between
4.Electrocutions

Prevent Falls
Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment.
• Install and maintain perimeter protection.
• Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers.
• Use ladders and scaffolds safely.

Prevent Struck-By
• Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects.
• Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles.

Prevent Caught-In/Between
• Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in   place; some trenches under 5 feet deep may also need such a system.
• Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.

Prevent Electrocutions
• Locate and identify utilities before starting work.
• Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
Maintain a safe distance away from power lines; learn the safe distance requirements.
• Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double insulated.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.
• Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms