The Safety Queue: June 2016

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Hand Signals for Backhoe / Loader

Backhoe / Loader Hand Signals

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.

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

Monday, June 13, 2016

Pole Saw Safety Awareness

Because a pole pruner is a high speed cutting tool with a very long reach some very special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. Careless or improper use may cause serious or even fatal injury. Operation and handling instructions must be followed per manufacturer’s specifications.

Never operate this power tool in the vicinity of any wires or cables which may be carrying electric current. Electricity can jump from one point to another by means of arcing. Higher voltage increases the distance electric can arc. Electricity can also move through branches, especially when wet. Maintain a clearance of at least 50 feet between the pole pruner (including any branches it is contacting) and any electrical line carrying live current.

Be alert – always hold the unit firmly with both hands on the handles while you are working. To reduce the risk of severe or even fatal injury from falling objects do not cut vertically above your body. Hold the pruner at an angle of not more than 60 degrees from the horizontal level. Ensure all people in the vicinity maintain a safe distance (50 feet) while cutting.

Hard hats must be worn

when overhead

hazards are present.

They must meet ANSI

standards Z89.1-1989

or Z89.2-1971 for

impact protection.

Check for an ANSI

label inside the hat. Face shield must be used.

Meets ANSI Z87.1-2003 .

Safety Glasses Impact-resistant Lens

Design must protect sides.

Prescription Glasses

must have Impact

Resistant Lenses

and Side Shields

Ear muffs attached to the hard

hat that swing quickly into

position out of the way

when the saw is not running

are essential. The chain saw

runs at about 100 decibels.

Prolonged exposure to

noise greater than 85

decibels lead to gradual,

permanent hearing loss.

Hand Protection

Pole saw operators face special hazards on the job. Chainsaw gloves are made with premium grade leather for excellent dexterity, durability and water repellency. Slip on style. Ballistic Nylon back lined. Recommended minimum tight fitting heavy leather work glove.

Specialty Chainsaw Safety Boots are designed with Kevlar

Bureau of Labor Directive minimum requirement

for Chainsaw / Polesaw operators

6” Leather Safety toed boots

Always Follow Manufacturers Safe Operating Procedures !

Friday, June 10, 2016

Fall Protection Harness Donning Part 2

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning Safety On The Job

Some workers are at greater risk than others. People who work outdoors in open spaces, on or near tall objects, with explosives, or with conductive materials such as metal have a large exposure to lightning risks. Workers in these occupations are among those with the most risk:

· Logging

· Explosives handling or storage

· Heavy equipment operation

· Plumbing and pipefitting

· Construction and building maintenance

· Farming and field labor

· Telecommunications field repair

· Power utility field repair

When thunderstorms threaten, don’t start anything you can’t quickly stop.

Pay attention to the daily forecasts so you know what to expect during the day. Also pay attention to early signs of thunderstorms: high winds, dark clouds, rain, distant thunder or lightning. At this point, do not start any new task that you can’t quickly stop.

Know your company’s lightning safety warning program.

Businesses that have high risk functions – such as explosives storage or field repairs during severe weather – should have a formal lightning warning policy that meets these two basic requirements:

1. Lightning danger warnings can be issued in time for everyone to get to safe location.

2. Access to a safe place. Assess your lightning risk and take precautionary action

During thunderstorms, no place outside is safe. But you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat and taking the appropriate actions.

Count the number of seconds from when you see the lightning flash until you

hear the thunder. If you count 30 seconds or less you are in immediate danger. Stop what you’re doing and seek safety in a substantial building. If a substantial building is not available, a metal-topped vehicle with the

windows up is your next best choice.

Objects and equipment to avoid during thunderstorms

v Stay off of and away from anything tall or high, including rooftops, scaffolding, utility poles, ladders, trees, and large equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, track loaders, and tractors.

v Do not touch materials or surfaces that can conduct electricity, including metal scaffolding, metal equipment, utility lines, water, water pipes, and plumbing.

v Leave areas with explosives or munitions.

If a co-worker is struck by lightning:

v The victim does not carry any electrical charge.

v Call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Management Services phone number.

v If the victim’s heart stopped or they stopped breathing, immediately administer CPR.

TOP-10 MYTHS OF LIGHTNING SAFETY

1. MYTH: Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice

TRUTH: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall pointy isolated object. The Empire

State Building used to be used as a lightning laboratory, since it is hit nearly 25 times a year. Places prone

to lightning are places to avoid when thunderstorms are nearby!

2. MYTH: If it’s Not Raining, Or If Clouds Aren’t Overhead, I’m Safe From Lightning

TRUTH: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or even

thunderstorm cloud. ‘Bolts From The Blue’, though infrequent, can strike 10-15 Miles from the thunderstorm.

Anvil lightning can strike the ground over 50 Miles from the thunderstorm, under extreme conditions.

Lightning in clouds has traveled over 100 miles from the thunderstorm.

3. MYTH: Rubber Tires Protect You From Lightning In A Car By Insulating You From The Ground

TRUTH: Lightning laughs at two inches of rubber! Most cars are reasonably safe from lightning. But it’s the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, not the rubber tires. Thus convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open

shelled outdoor recreational vehicles, and cars with plastic or fiberglass shells offer no lightning protection. Likewise, farm and construction vehicles with open cockpits offer no lightning protection. But closed cockpits with metal roof and sides are safer than going outside. And don’t even ask about sneakers!

4. MYTH: A Lightning Victim Is Electrified. If You Touch Them, You’ll Be Electrocuted.

TRUTH: The human body doesn’t store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. This is the most chilling of lightning myths. Imagine someone dying needlessly, for want of simple CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, when their chance of survival was 90%!

5. MYTH: If Outside in A Thunderstorm, Go Under A Tree To Stay Dry

TRUTH: Being underneath trees is the second leading activity for lightning casualties – enough said?!

6. MYTH: I’m In A House, I’m Safe From Lightning

TRUTH: While a house is a good place for lightning safety, just going inside isn’t enough. You must avoid any conducting path leading outside, such as corded telephones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables,

plumbing (including plastic pipes with water in them), metal doors or window frames, etc. Don’t stand near a window to watch the lightning. An inside room is generally best.

7. MYTH: When Playing Sports And Thunderstorms Threaten, It’s Okay To Finish The Game Before Seeking Shelter

TRUTH: Sports is the activity with the fastest rising rate of lightning casualties. No game is worth death or life-long

severe injury. All people associated with sports should have a lightning safety plan and stick to it strictly.

Seek proper shelter immediately when lightning threatens. Adults are responsible for the safety of children!

8. MYTH: Structures With Metal, Or Metal On The Body (Jewelry, Watches, Glasses, Backpacks, Etc.), Attract Lightning

TRUTH: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes virtually no difference on where lightning strikes. Mountains are made of stone, but receive many strikes each year. When lightning threatens, take proper protective action immediately. Don’t

waste time shedding metal off your body, or seeking shelter under inadequate structures. But while metal doesn’t attract lightning, touching or being near long metal objects (fences, railings, bleachers, vehicles, etc.) is still unsafe when thunderstorms are nearby. If lightning does happen to hit it, the metal can conduct the

electricity a long distance (even over 100 yards) and still electrocute you.

9. MYTH: If Trapped Outside And Lightning Is About To Strike, Lie Flat On The Ground

TRUTH: This advice is decades out of date. Better advice is to use the ‘Lightning Crouch’: put your feet together, squat low, tuck your head, and cover your ears. Lightning induces electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 Feet away. While lying flat on the ground gets you as low as possible, which is good, it increases your chance of being hit by a ground current, which is bad. The best combination of being low and touching the ground as little as possible is the ‘Lightning Crouch’. But the ‘Lightning Crouch’ should be used only as a last resort. Much better would be to plan outdoor activities around the

weather to avoid thunderstorm exposure and to have proper shelter available.

10. MYTH: Go near a tall pointy isolated object when thunderstorms threaten, to be within the 45° “cone of protection”

TRUTH: The “cone of protection” is a myth! While tall pointy isolated objects are statistically more likely to be struck by lightning, it’s not nearly reliable enough to rely on for safety. Lightning can still strike you near the tall object. Besides, the lightning electricity will likely spread out along the surface of the ground and can still kill you over 100 Ft from the “protecting” object. Also, if you are close to or touching the tall object, you can be electrocuted via side flash or contact voltage. NO PLACE OUTSIDE IS SAFE NEAR A THUNDERSTORM!

In lightning safety, a “myth” is not as good as a mile .. Distance and proper shelter is your best protection from lightning.

This list is for information only. No guarantee of lightning safety is stated or implied for this list. For a full description of personal lightning safety, see the Lightning Safety Group recommendations.

Lifting and Rigging Safety Practices including the Safe use of ‘Tag Lines’

Safe work practices must be followed by everyone who

works with or near construction equipment especially when lifting overhead loads.

First let's talk about the safety precautions for

workers in the operating areas of overhead loads, but who are not

directly involved with their operation or use.

This information could be considered part of the JSA (Job Safety Analysis)

when preparing to lift a load.

·     Stay alert and pay attention!

·     Never stand or walk under a load, whether it's moving or stationary.

·     Always warn others of moving and approaching overhead loads.

·     Never attempt to distract signal persons or operators

of the overhead equipment

while they are performing their jobs.

Only assigned persons should be directing the operator of the lifting equipment.

When two or more persons are trying to direct the operator it may get confusing

and this is when accidents and injuries usually occur.

·     Always obey warning signs, especially those that are posted in critical areas.

Safety rules for operators, signal persons and hookup crews

·     Always conduct a circle check of your equipment

 and inspect any attachments such as

slings and tag lines for hazards.

·     Never operate or use equipment that is unsafe.

·     Always be sure that the operator and signal

persons are in direct and clear view.

·     Never carry a load over other workers.

·     Never allow anyone to ride on the load or hooks.

·     If a load appears to be slung improperly, lower it and have it adjusted.

·     All members of the crew must know their job responsibilities

and the proper procedures.

 Correct placement of the sling or choker, or of the chain, contribute to safe lift

travel and positioning of the load.

The placement controls the balance and how the system will handle on the hook

throughout the operation.

Safe Use of ‘Tag Lines’

Sometimes the crew must determine whether a tag line is needed to control the

motion and position of the load while it's in the air. Knowing how to place and

 manipulate the tag line safely requires skill and alertness.

What is a ‘tag line’? According to OSHA Standard 1926.953(d)

a ‘Tag line’ is used when hazards to employees exist tag lines or other suitable

devices shall be used to control loads being handled by hoisting equipment.

Tag lines are also designed to keep workers away from the
hazards present when trying to direct or control material that is being raised.
Tag lines are used to prevent dangerous swing or spin of
materials when raised or lowered by equipment.

Tag lines should be used to control the motion and positioning of:

·     Plows and wings

·     Jersey barriers

·     Culverts

·     Catch basin tubs

Safe operation of hoisting equipment requires

efficient teamwork and a thorough

knowledge of the skills involved.

If all of us do our jobs well and safely, there is no reason why the injuries or accidents caused by working with or near equipment that lifts or hoists cannot be virtually eliminated

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Fall Protection Harness Donning Part 1

Hand and Power Tools Safety (For Industry)

Hand and power tools are a common part of our everyday work lives and are present in nearly every industry. These tools help us to easily perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Special attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these hazards. The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, but the employees have the responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools.

EXAMPLES OF IMPROPER USE OF HAND AND POWER TOOLS

· Pushing rather than pulling a wrench to loosen a tight fastener

· Bending metal with undersized pliers, which can damage the pliers and the material

· Holding an item you’re working on in one hand while attempting to remove a screw with a screwdriver in the other hand

· Cutting toward your body with a cutting tool

· Using dull cutting tools

· Filing materials not properly secured in a vise with no handle on the file

· Using a tool not sized properly for the job (e.g., sockets that are slightly too large for the fastener, metric vs SAE)

· Using damaged or broken tools

· Using tools that have been improperly repaired

· Using a hammer with a chipped head and / or with a loose or broken handle

· Using a screw driver with a worn or broken tip

· Using any cutting tool with a dull edge

· Chisels with a mushroomed head

· Tools that have had their temper removed

· Tools with worn or frayed power cords

· Tools with missing grounding plugs

Yeah sure this is safe...

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

· Use the right tool for the job. Match the tool to the task. Examine all tools for damage before each use. Inspect power cords. If damage is found, take the tool out of service and report the condition to your supervisor.

· Read the tool’s instruction manual, and follow use and maintenance guidelines.

· All power tools shall have a 3-prong grounded plug or be double-insulated. All power tools shall be UL listed.

· Make sure all safety guards and devices are in place.

· Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Safety glasses and gloves should be worn while operating most power tools. Other PPE may also be necessary.

· Avoid using power tools in wet or damp environments. Utilize a GFCI when necessary.

· Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects or jewelry. Long hair must be restrained.

· Unplug tools before installing, adjusting and changing any accessory or attachment.

· Maintain solid footing and good balance when using tools. Hold or brace the tool securely. Be aware of your surrounding environment.

· Ensure power tool accessories are specific for the tool it’s to be used with.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

· Keep fingers away from saw blades. Clamp materials down and keep all guards in place.

· Do not use compressed air to clean people.

· When performing electrical work, ensure the use of insulated, rated tools.

· When using pneumatic tools, a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent the equipment or hoses from coming apart. Never point pneumatic tools at anyone.

· All hand grinders must be used with the guards and handles in place.

· Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels, shall be kept free of mushroomed heads.

· The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks.

· Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it should be inspected closely to be sure that it is free from cracks or defects. Perform a “ring test”.