Chemical Safety

 

PPE includes overalls, aprons, footwear, gloves, chemical resistant glasses, face shields and respirators.

For some high risk activities, such as spray painting, abrasive blasting and some emergency response actions, PPE should always be used to supplement higher level control measures.

 Chemicals are all around us in the food we eat the clothes we wear in the products we use every day chemicals can help us live better lives but if we don't understand about the chemicals we use they can harm us this program is designed to help you understand more about chemicals and chemical safety it's important to be informed and aware of chemicals and chemical safety the first and most important step is to stop and read the label all the basic information you need to know is found on the label it will tell you the name of the basic substance what types of hazards.

 There are what it will do what chemicals can't be mixed with this particular substance and any emergency medical information you'll need to know you'll also learn how to properly store handle and dispose of the material once you've read the label you'll be able to identify the type of chemical and the proper instructions required for this chemical basically there are four types of chemicals let's take a look at what they are first toxic agents these are chemicals that are poisonous to you and can act upon the body very rapidly hydrogen sulfide and cyanide are examples of toxic agents second corrosives this type of chemical is usually an irritant corrosives can damage your body by burning scalding or in flaming body tissues examples of corrosives are chlorine hydrochloric acid and of course battery acid third flammables.

 Flammables are the chemicals that burn readily they may explode or burn if sparks flames or other ignition sources are present examples are gasoline benzene and ethyl ether and fourth reactive reactive chemicals are those that require stability and careful handling some of them can explode or react violently if the container is dropped or hit other reactive may react  improperly with other substances nitroglycerin is an example of a reactive chemical no matter what type of chemicals you're using you need to be aware of the ways that chemicals may affect you if you're not properly protected you may be exposed to chemical hazards.

 Here are the ways in which chemicals can enter your body inhalation chemical vapors dust or gases can be inhaled if you're not wearing a respirator or proper respiratory equipment to absorption some chemicals can be absorbed right through your skin and into your body you can prevent this hazard by wearing the appropriate gloves and protective clothing 3 ingestion you may be ingesting small doses of chemicals daily and not even realize it chemicals can be absorbed by food cigarettes and drinks they can also remain on your skin and be transferred to your food if you don't wash your hands before eating always be sure to wash your hands before eating and make sure you store food away from your work area and for spillage there's always a chance that you may be accidentally splashed or exposed to a chemical to prevent injury you should always wear the proper protective equipment according to company policy and the requirement of each specific chemical ok let's review some basic safety tips about chemicals first read.

 The label it will tell you what you need to know about your chemical if you find you need more information ask your supervisor for a copy of the material safety data sheet the MSDS gives more technical information about the chemical than the label second dress the part where the proper safety protection clothing and equipment as required third follow directions if the label says use only with adequate ventilation make sure you do so never mix chemicals unless you've been trained and authorized by your company fourth no emergency procedures be familiar with first aid procedures and be sure to know where the emergency eyewash and showers are located also know where emergency phone numbers are posted fifth be careful don't work alone make sure there is someone there to help you if necessary don't try to hurry or take shortcuts you just can't rush safety don't roughhouse or around chemical safety is a job for professionals.

 Sixth report any suspected problems if you notice any malfunctioning equipment or any electrical equipment that's in need of repair report it to your supervisor immediately also report any suspected problems with your chemicals if the chemical has changed or is unusual don't use that chemical it may have changed with time report anything unusual to your supervisor seventh keep your work area neat clean and organized you'll know where everything is and you'll be able to work more efficiently eight store everything properly make sure to close containers tightly keep flammables in a safe area and use only the smallest amount necessary for the job store compressed gas in leak-free containers and keep corrosives in containers that won't cause chemical reactions and night dispose of everything properly take as much care in disposal as you would in using a chemical safe chemical disposal requires specific procedures so follow your company's procedures and policies.

 Chemical Safety isn't difficult to learn once you take the time to learn all you can about the chemicals you work with and learn about chemical safety there will be less chance of accidents or injuries be aware of safety rules and be sure to follow them remember accidents are caused by people therefore they can be prevented by people.

 

WORK AT HEIGHT SAFETY AWARENESS

                                            WORK AT HEIGHT SAFETY AWARENESS

As you know work at height is the activity that leads to the height number of fatalities this is an important reason why yourc organization must focus on all activities that need to be performed at height whether you work at height every day or only on occasion

working safely should always remain a top priority it takes one mistake to turn a routine

task into a serious injury or fatality you must be prepared to protect your employees each and every time they could be exposed to a fall hazard what is working at height

working at height refers to any work where a person could potentially fall and injure themselves a ladder a roof's edge an opening on the floor and even a loading dock can be considered working at height in the general industry fall protection is required by osha for any height change of 4 feet 1.2 meters or more the main hazard when performing work at height are overreaching failure of a fragile surface unguarded holes in floors failure of the elevated work platform.

 

Poor edge protection items being poorly stored are secured falling objects work in areas without guard rails or covers for training work at height control measures to set a workable work at height control measures proper work at height risk assessment should be carried out this will guide the process of drawing up adequate control measures for work and height activity when performing a risk assessment always follow the hierarchy of controls if you want to know more about hierarchy of controls check our channel let's look at the general control measures we should implement in our workplace use existing working platform where an existing safe place of work is used to carry out work where possible this existing work platform is believed not to require additional protective equipment and with is no risk of falling because preventative measures are already in place preventing falls using collective protection this means protecting everyone who's potentially at risk.

 

This involves ensuring the use of a safe working platform the characteristics of a safe working platform the working surface must be stable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose the working platform must rest on stable and suitably strong surfaces. It must be a sufficient size to allow safe use for persons plant and materials

space must be suitable should be designed in such a way that falls from the platform are avoided no gap should be left on the platform.

 

Suitable protection such as platforms coverings crawling boards or guard rails must be provided measures should be taken to minimize the distance and consequence of any fall for example fall arrest systems safety nets and airbags ensure workers training

before any worker performs work at height activities the worker needs to be properly trained the training should cover what is working at height dangers of working at height who should work at height safety measures to adopt while working at height appropriate use of fall protection and its accessories different types of body harnesses and their suitability this will help in the choice of the best body harness for the job they could need a harness with a single lanyard or a double lanyard select the proper ppe if you're going to use personal fall arrest systems pfas you need to ensure you're choosing the proper equipment all full body harnesses that meet ansi standards will perform the same despite their cost however that price differential can get you something extra select an acceptable anchor point by this point you might be realizing that there are a lot of factors involved when it comes to fall safety especially ppe what good is the right harness and lanyard setup if the anchor point won't hold the load the answer is not you need to keep in mind that the rule says the anchor point must have the ability to support

5000 pounds around 2 300 kilograms per person attached if the anchor point does not support this load all systems will fail ensure proper use of lifts there are many ways in which something can go wrong when operating a lift so i won't get into the actual operation here however we do need to discuss fall protection in regards to lifts one thing that gets missed quite often is that any person in a boom lift at any time or height must be properly tied off use ladders properly ladders lie at the source of many industrial and workplace accidents simply because we take their use for granted before using a ladder consider whether or not they are the best solution for the task know when and what type of fall protection is required.

 

There are three factors to think about when considering when and what type of fall protection is required by osha frequency duration and location of work osha now uses two terms that will help you determine the frequency and duration of work taking place

infrequent work that is performed once a month or less temporary simple short-term tasks that take two hours or less to complete location of work once you've determined

the frequency and duration you will need to determine the location of the work in proximity to the hazard.

 

 One common misconception about working at heights (WAH) is that it can be performed manually. However this is not true. WAH requires a certain level of mastery. This is because the worker needs to know what they are doing, how they are moving and where they are going. Having strong legs or feet can provide more stability but it doesn't guarantee a good ride that will let you get through any rough ground work. Most of us have a fear of heights which makes most workers feel like we just can't be there at first. The reality for many of us is that we need to do some training so we can safely and efficiently deliver our assigned tasks.

There are some things we can do to keep ourselves safe even when we're working in high altitudes. We've got to take into account where we are standing, the nature of our job, the kind of surfaces we're going to use and that's just the tip of the iceberg. A lot of people overlook their own health and safety when there is an assignment to do. You don't want to show yourself as being less than you really are. One thing should always be kept in mind that everyone has a different physical ability and that's why each person has things differently.

Some people are great at climbing stairs and some can only climb down one section of the floor which is why you have to monitor your movements to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. To help with this it is recommended that someone who works in high altitudes should go for day hikes regularly (or get a coach) to make sure all the basics are covered. When it comes to weight lifting a lot of weight you don't want to be carrying unnecessarily. Your legs are probably going to hurt from this extra work. Another thing you should consider if you're working on a heavy load at its highest point is to find a spot on the wall that you can lean on that allows you to see around you.

When looking down from a wall to help you move around you should place a chair or something similar behind you so you can clearly see the object underneath you. If possible try to avoid leaning too heavily against the wall as your shoulders might hurt from the strain. This can also give you a stable foundation to stand on. Another tip would be you could do some stretches which allow your body to relax. Be aware of any discomfort that may come to you as you work out however this is very normal, the goal of learning how to lift weights is to get stronger muscles and you don't want to push it further.

The final step is to always back up your equipment before anything else because of your falling equipment, this is where you are meant to learn the fundamentals of life and it's a good way to check on you if something was to happen. It's important to understand that falling is not fun and no matter how much support and assistance you may need you'll still end up hurting. Make sure to stay alert and never forget any items that could fall on you like your phone or even a glass of water.

Lastly remember all those pieces of kit that you brought with you are meant to protect you from falling stuff so be careful about them too. They need to be put away carefully until next time which means you shouldn't just chuck them over. You're not going to win by being careless either so be sure to keep these things handy while you work out. As mentioned earlier, it's okay to have those moments where you stumble and fall at least once in your career. Just remind yourself that you've got to do better next time and keep going and you're going to be ok no matter how hard it gets.

Keep this mindset and always back up your equipment and know what you'll be able to handle so that nobody can ruin your experience. Keep going and be persistent and never give up. Remember you're getting the experience. Be careful, enjoy it and never think that anyone is going to notice. Keep these things in mind and above all never think about how hard it is to get somewhere or stay in any shape. Always focus on getting to the last second of success.

Personal Protective Equipment PPE Awareness

 

PPE: Complete guide to Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is the personal protective equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks.

PPE can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, Hazmat suits, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, safety harnesses, ear plugs, ear defender and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). In appropriate situations disposable PPE may be provided; eg single-use coveralls. Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment at work.

PPE does not include:

• Ordinary working clothes or uniforms not designed to provide for the health or safety of workers;
• Clothing provided for food hygiene purposes;
• Equipment used for protection while travelling on a public road (ie motorcycle or bicycle helmets);
• Equipment used during competitive sport competitions (but other protective equipment used by sports instructors would be included eg life jacket worn by canoe instructor);
• An offensive weapon used as self-defence or as deterrent equipment. For example, truncheons or CS gas canisters as used by the police or military (but helmets, body armour and other PPE used to protect staff from physical violence, is included);
• Portable devices for detecting and signalling risks and nuisances, such as badges for detecting radiation, or personal gas detectors.

Why is PPE important?

In the hierarchy of risk control, PPE is considered to rank lowest and represent the option of last resort. It is only appropriate where the hazard in question cannot be totally removed or controlled in such a way that harm is unlikely (for example by isolating the hazard or reducing the risk at source to an acceptable level).

There are a number of reasons for this approach:

•  PPE protects only the person using it, whereas measures controlling the risk at source can protect everyone at the workplace;
• Theoretical maximum levels of protection are seldom achieved using PPE, and the real level of protection is difficult to assess (due to factors such as poor fit, or failure to wear it when required). Effective protection can only be achieved by equipment which is correctly fitted, maintained and properly used at all times;
• PPE may restrict the wearer by limiting mobility, visibility or by requiring additional weight to be carried.
• Use of PPE may alter employees’ perception of the hazards they are dealing with.

In this context of a last resort control measure, PPE is critically important as it is generally only used where other measures are insufficient and as such it plays a crucial role in preventing and reducing many occupational fatalities, injuries and diseases.

PPE in numbers

This infographic provides some key facts and figures:

The updated Regulations apply to all employers in Great Britain in a wide range of sectors and industries.

Workers are required to use the PPE properly following training and instruction from their employer.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance

PPE is equipment that protects users against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE). 

Risk at Work – Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Employers responsibilities to workers on providing PPE changed on 6 April 2022. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 amend the 1992 Regulations to extend employers’ and employees’ duties in respect of PPE to a wider group of workers.

Eye protection

PPE for the eyes is intended to provide protection against impact, cuts, splashes, mists and sprays. The relevant standards are BS 7028 (Guide to Selection of Eye Protection for Industrial and Other Uses) and BS EN 166 (Specification for Eye Protectors).

All PPE must be regularly cleaned, but this is especially important in the case of eye protection as dirty lenses lead to poor vision and may contribute to accidents.

Where lenses become scratched, pitted or cracked they should be replaced.

Users who need to wear corrective lenses (glasses) should have this requirement accommodated in the provision of the PPE to them eg as protective over glasses where appropriate, or in the form of prescription lenses if necessary. Where they may be required to wear eye protection on a regular and prolonged basis then any goggles, safety-glasses etc should meet the user’s prescription requirements.

Hearing protection

Assessments carried out under the ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ will determine whether personal ear protectors are required in the workplace or not, and the noise attenuation required. The relevant standard for the ear protectors .

In providing hearing protection, employers should select protectors which are suitable for the working environment and should consider how comfortable and hygienic they are. Like other PPE, hearing protection will need to be compatible with other PPE (eg hard hats, dust masks and eye protection) worn by workers.

Employers may also wish to provide a range of protectors to allow employees to choose ones which suit them.

Bearin mind that the theoretical attenuation is rarely achieved and it is therefore necessary to over-specify the protection. When selecting hearing protection, use the detailed noise assessment to determine the attenuation required at High, Medium and Low frequencies and match this against suitable prod cts. Bear in mind that where ear plugs are used, training will be needed to ensure that they are used correctly. Where are used it should be ensured that users do not use music headphones or buds simultaneously. For high noise environments, it may be appropriate to specify both plugs and defenders.

Hand and arm protection

Most work requires a degree of manual dexterity and consequently the hands are exposed to a wide range of hazards Risks include cuts, abrasions, heat, cold, chemical contamination, vibration, burns, infection, skin irritation and dermatitis.

Before selecting hand and arm protection, the hierarchy of control measures must be followed. Gloves and gauntlets provide the main form of hand protection against a range of industrial hazards, but other forms of PPE such as mitts, wrist cuffs or armlets may also be used.

In the case of manual handling where there may be a risk of piercing by abrasive, sharp or pointed objects, gloves should be provided where these hazards cannot otherwise be removed, isolated or reduced to an acceptable level. Such gloves are usually made from leather, chain mail, rubber, knitted Kevlar or stout canvas. However, gloves should not normally be worn where there is a risk of them being caught in machinery.

Where chemical exposure is a hazard, and the risk extends to contact with the arms, gauntlets should be specified rather than gloves.

The standard for gloves and armguards protecting against cuts by powered knives while BS EN 407 contains the specifications for gloves intended to protect against thermal risk such as heat and/or fire. BS EN 374 Part 1 covers gloves for protection against chemicals and microorganisms. BS EN 511 covers gloves for protection against the cold. BS EN 388 covers the specification of gloves against mechanical hazards.

Foot and leg protection

A wide range of safety footwear is available providing protection against many hazards to the feet or legs including crushing, slipping, piercing, temperatures, electricity, chemicals, cutting, and chopping. The relevant standard for safety footwear is BS EN ISO 20345. BS EN ISO 17249:2004 is the standard for chainsaw footwear. Depending on the hazard various PPE options may be appropriate including safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole; gaiters; leggings; and spats.

Body protection

The Regulations’ definition of PPE excludes ordinary working clothes and uniforms which have no specific protection for the wearer. However, body protection may be required for extended periods of work outdoors to protect against the weather, and to ensure high visibility during work where there is mixed vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

PPE for the body may also be required where workers are exposed to extremes of temperature (whether outdoors or indoors), as well as chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear, entanglement of own clothing or the risk of drowning.

When choosing body protection the following factors should be considered:

• Thermal comfort, for example, due to sweating;
• Cost and practicality of cleaning;
• Emergency procedures, such as buoyancy or the need to be identified or spotted in hazardous situations;
• Level of hygiene control required;
• Level of personal contamination;
• Personal preference;
• Restriction of movement;
• Storage;
• Temperature and humidity fluctuation;
• Whether the worker is involved in a process that is wet or dry.

Respiratory protection

This covers equipment ranging from breathing apparatus and positive pressure powered respirators through to protective hoods, close fitting full face respirators, half mask respirators and disposable face masks. It is always essential to select the correct equipment both for the risk and the individual and to ensure there is adequate training in its use. It should be noted that the only form of respiratory protection which is suitable for work in a confined space is breathing apparatus, as other forms of respiratory protection do not provide a source of air or oxygen. Face fit testing requirements apply to all close fitting respirators.

 Height and access protection

This range of protective equipment is very wide and includes body harnesses, fall-arrest systems, rescue lifting and lowering harnesses, energy absorbers and lanyards.

Such PPE is specialised and requires thorough training by competent persons, in user checks as well as correct use.

Equipment will require periodic inspection by a competent person and anchorage points will normally require periodic testing.

Skin care: ‘Barrier’ creams

Some occupations are prone to skin disease caused by contact with substances such as cutting oils; chemicals, degreasants, glass-fibre and some horticultural agents (eg slug pellets). The main condition is dermatitis, in a variety of forms.

The use of barrier creams, although traditional in many occupations, should not be considered as personal protective equipment. It provides negligible protection and is unlikely to be effective in preventing contact dermatitis. The benefit of barrier creams is in preventing dirt from becoming so ingrained that it is difficult to remove.

A properly implemented skin-care hygiene programme, including barrier creams, emollient and skin-conditioning creams can help protect and replace the natural skin oil which is otherwise removed by degreasants and solvents. Before undertaking this, advice should be sought fromindependent skin-care specialists or a dermatologist.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety

Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety

Hazards on the jobsite can cause slips, trips, and falls. Learn how to protect yourself and prevent injuries.

Construction sites are full of many hazards but most workers seem to forget about slips, trips, and falls. It is reported that nearly 15% of all accidental deaths are from incidents related to this. These types of accidents are also extremely costly to an employer and account for almost $11 billion with costs related to them. As a worker on a construction site, there are several precautions you can take to prevent an injury from a slip, trip, or fall. We will be looking into these a little further.

Slip, Trip & Fall Injury Statistics

According to the 2013 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, falls caused by slips and trips were the second leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. The number one cause is motor vehicle accidents. Slips, trips, and falls continue to be a leading cause of emergency room visits for many workers.

Some common slip, trip, and fall injuries include:

Broken bones

Cuts

Strains

Sprains

Back injury

Traumatic brain injuries

Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Some common causes of slips, trips, and falls injuries include:

Wet or oily surface

Weather hazards including rain, snow, and ice

Loose mats and rugs

Walking surfaces that are not level

Obstructed views

Poor lighting

Clutter

Uncovered wires and cables

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

There are ways that you can help prevent slips, trips, and falls, and keep your worksite safer for you and your coworkers. One simple way is to practice good housekeeping, clean up as you go. Other ways include wearing slip-resistant shoes, being careful when walking on uneven surfaces as well as surfaces that are wet.

Good Housekeeping Tips

Good Construction site housekeeping is an easy way to prevent most slips, trips, and falls and it is often overlooked. Simply cleaning up your work area as you go can help on the job site. Examples of good housekeeping include:

Cleaning up spills immediately

Mark areas that have spills and are wet until they are cleaned and dry

Mopping or sweeping debris from walking surfaces

Make sure walkways are free of clutter and obstacles

Securing mats and rugs that are not laying flat

Covering cables and wires that cross walkways

Making sure the work area and walkways are well lit

Clean your area as you work don’t leave the mess for others to clean

Check for fall hazards daily and alert your foreman if you see something

Have a laydown yard for extra materials and keep it picked up

Salt sidewalks, parking lots, and other highly traveled areas 

Walking Surfaces Tips

Slips, trips, and falls can happen on any walking surface but, if that surface is uneven or if it is made of materials that provide little traction this chance can be increased greatly. Ways you can improve your walkways on your construction site can include:

Make sure there are mats or pressure-sensitive abrasive strips

Ask for the flooring to be replaced or painted if you notice it creates a hazard

Pay attention to where you are walking

If you notice a walking surface that is uneven or that needs some work bring it to the attention of your foreman so they can correct the issue if it is something you can not do. Also, make your coworkers aware of the hazard to decrease the risk of someone else getting hurt.

Footwear

The footwear you chose to wear to a worksite has a huge impact on if you are safe. You should not wear tennis shoes on a worksite, always wear work boots. Your work boots should be the proper fit with treads to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. To reduce your risks:

Wear work boots that fit snugly and that have slip-resistant soles

Clean the treads of your shoes regularly

Inspect the soles of your work boots and make sure they are intact and that you have proper treads

Walking

How you walk can have a big impact on your risk of slips, trips, and falls. When you are walking there are some ways to reduce these risks. This includes:

Take your time and do not run

Pay attention to where you are walking

Use light sources such as flashlights or installed light sources if your walkways are dark

Make sure if you are carrying materials or moving materials that you can see the walkways in front of you

Always look for spills when walking

Fall Prevention From Heights

A construction worker is more likely to get hurt by falling while pushing a wheelbarrow full of materials than they are while standing on scaffolding. However, it is still important to know how to prevent falls from heights above ground level. Some of these safety tips include:

Always use fall protection for heights over 4 feet.

Use proper guarding for holes and windows.

Use guardrails when needed.

Use adequate fall protection such as a full-body harness with a retractable lanyard that is 100% tied off to an approved anchor point.

When climbing ladders make sure to use proper ladder safety techniques.

If you are injured on the job site you should report your injury to your foreman immediately. If you have a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention call emergency contact or have a coworker call for you. Should you see that a coworker has been injured do your best to notify someone and get immediate medical attention for them. While some slips, trips, and falls may seem minor at first it is always better to get fully checked out. Sprains and strains to your legs, ankles, and back are common with falls on a worksite. Broken bones are also common and need to be treated as soon as possible.

A common safety hazard on construction job sites are slips, trips, and falls but they can be prevented with some safety measures. Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and where you are walking. Also if you see a hazard let your coworkers and foremen know immediately. Working together to keep your worksite clean and hazard free is the best prevention. Should you have any questions about hazards on your job site or what to do ask your foreman.