Category Archives: Hand Protection

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

MORE ABOUT GREEN JOBS

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As countries strive to develop newer energy sources, “green” jobs have emerged.  We hope you have read our articles on wind energy, solar power, green roofs, and biofuels.  Two more fields that we will talk about are Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Geo-Thermal Energy.  Working in either of these jobs present the same risks that we see in many other occupations.  

Fuel Cells use hydrogen in producing electricity, and electricity is generated as long as this hydrogen fuel is supplied to it.  A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity without combustion.  In 1839, Sir William Grove invented the first fuel cell.  Knowing that water could be split into hydrogen and oxygen by sending an electric current through it (electrolysis), he theorized that by reversing that procedure electricity and water could be produced.  His primitive fuel cell was called a gas voltaic battery.  Fifty years later, scientists coined the term fuel cell while attempting to build a more practical model to produce electricity. 

A fuel cell provides a DC (direct current) voltage that can be used to power motors, lights, and any number of electrical appliances.  Fuel cells compete with many other energy conversion devices, including the gas turbine in a city’s power plant, gasoline engines in cars and batteries in laptops.  Combustion engines like the turbine and gasoline engine burn fuels and use the pressure created by the expansion of the gases to do mechanical work.  Batteries convert chemical energy back into electrical energy when needed.  Fuel cells should do both of these tasks more efficiently.

Typical hazards that workers in the Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry are exposed to include:

  • Fire and explosion – hydrogen is flammable gas and must be handled properly.
  • Freeze burns – liquid hydrogen is very cold (-423°).
  • Electrical – arc flash hazard or electrocution. 

Geo-Thermal Energy is rapidly growing throughout the United States.  We recover the heat as steam or hot water  from within the earth’s core, and  use it to heat or cool buildings or generate electricity.  It is a renewable energy source because heat is continuously produced inside the Earth.  Certain geothermal energy systems pump water underground through piping, allowing it to be heated by the earth, and then use the hot water to create electricity.  Temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun are continuously produced inside the earth by the slow decay of radioactive particles, a process that happens in all rocks.  Other methods of recovering the earth’s heat is by drilling directly into the Earth’s natural geothermal reservoirs, using the resulting steam and hot water to create electricity.  Some systems use a brine or saltwater solution while others use glycol.  These solutions may pose hazards of their own to workers. 

Hazards associated with this growing industry include some very familiar safety issues that OSHA already has standards on:

  • Trenching and excavations – soil for heat transfer may not be best for stable trenches.
  • Silica – silica sand is a basic component of soil, sand and granite.  It becomes airborne as workers chip, cut or grind objects that contain crystalline silica.  Silica dust is a serious hazard.
  • Electrical –   Workers should use same safe practices as in other electrical fields.
  • Welding and cutting – the same hazards that welders face in any pipe-fitting or welding projects – burns from hot metals, and exposure to ultraviolet light from arc welding.
  • Fall protection – open trenches, excavations, and pits should have guardrails or barriers, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. 

We understand that workers must have all the proper personal protective equipment needed to match the perils of each particular job.  Personal protective equipment required for these jobs include gloves, safety glasses, hardhats, particulate respirators, and other products, (including the proper gear for welders), as determined by the contractors’ safety engineers.  

While green jobs help to improve the environment and we are grateful for technology to develop other energy sources, some commonly known workplace hazards exist, while others are yet to be identified.  As green jobs progress into excellent energy resources, safety still must be a priority for the workers performing their duties. 

Sources: OSHA, Discovery

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

SOME “SHOCKING” FACTS ABOUT OSHA VIOLATIONS

We all understand that working with electricity can be dangerous, and only persons that have been trained in this field should attempt tasks that deal with it.  Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies.  Others, such as office workers and sales people, work indirectly with electricity and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.  Therefore, it is surprising that there were so many violations and citations leveled against companies that ignored electrical standards, risking injury or even death to their employees. 

Because electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect those employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.  Two of the Top Ten Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards violations for 2010 were #7 – Electric, Wiring Methods (CFR 1910.305), and #9 – Electric, General (CFR 1910.303).  On the Top Ten Highest Penalties assessed by OSHA for 2010, was another standard, Electric, General Requirements (CFR 1926.403), which was listed as #2 on that list. 

Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices.  This is in reference to providing power in buildings and structures.  Wiring safety codes are intended to protect people and buildings from electrical shock and fire hazards.  Regulations may be established by city, county, provincial/state or national legislation, sometimes by adopting in amended form a model code produced by a technical standards-setting organization (OSHA), or by a national standard electrical code. 

Companies should do their utmost to be in compliance with federal safety regulations.  There should be a safety program with defined responsibilities and training for workers.  Equipment should be marked with electrical safety labels.  Workers should realize what happens when there is an arc flash.  This is a short circuit through the air that can happen when conductors can’t support the voltage.  An arc flash can be as hot as 5,000 degrees Farenheit, and creates a brilliant flash of light and loud noise.  As radiant energy explodes out of the electrical equipment, hot gases and melted metal can endanger human life.  This is why there are four separate industry standards or electrical safety requirements in place to protect workers against arc flashes and electrical accidents. 

When working around electricity, the biggest hazard is always electric shock.  Although disconnecting the equipment from power sources and using non-conductive tools is important, there is still one last defense against shock: protective clothing.  Listed below are types of personal protective equipment (PPE),that should be worn:

  • Long, flame-resistant pants;
  • Safety goggles with side shields, or wraparound goggles;
  • Long sleeve, flame resistant shirt (synthetic materials can be flammable or melt into skin), or;
  • Hardhat with flame-resistant liner;
  • Hair fasteners (for those with long hair);
  • Leather work boots;
  • Leather work gloves. 

Everyone should treat electricity with respect, at home or work.  It’s important to follow manufacturers’ instructions (read them thoroughly),  read labels, and never overload circuits.  For those in the workplace, check and double-check safety regulations.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

DO YOU HAVE THE PERFECT “OUTFIT?”

Most of the time, when we get ready to go out, we (guys and gals) have to be certain that everything is pretty close to perfect……from  hair, clothes, shoes, the works, we want to look good!  How about your work?  Many jobs require wearing several different types of personal protective equipment, all at the same time!  What serves the workplace correctly must not interfere with ones’ ability to perform their job.  Do you have the correct “outfit” for your job? 

Personal protective equipment, or p.p.e., as it is called, may cover a worker from head to toe.  Construction workers may wear hardhats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and other safety products.  Hospital employees not only wear scrubs or lab coats, but also may have to don face shields, goggles, safety glasses, and disposable medical gloves.  There are many types of p.p.e. that can accommodate one another.  Hardhats are made with slots that allow several other protective devices to attach to them, such as earmuffs, glasses, and even a pencil clip! 

For p.p.e. to be effective, workers must know that it is for their protection.  If it is uncomfortable or does not fit, they may not wear it.  Managers, who have employees’ safety in mind, must be a positive influence on their workers.  It is their responsibility to convey the importance of wearing the right p.p.e. that fits both the employee and the job.  They have prior experience and know the hazards of each particular job.  As well as enforcing safety, they must deal with issues, such as keeping up with OSHA guidelines, enforcing policies, and training workers in first aid and being prepared for workplace emergencies.   If industrial safety glasses are too big, they certainly aren’t going to protect the eyes.  (Hundreds of persons have had their eyes damaged seriously because they were not even wearing their safety glasses.)   If the hardhat doesn’t fit, it’s going to fall off and be of little use.  Not wearing p.p.e., or wearing it incorrectly can affect one’s health, quality,  and possibly duration of life. 

There are many kinds of p.p.e. that must be available at a moment’s notice.  Disposable clothing, for instance, may become soiled or damaged, and need to be replaced quickly, therefore, replacement supplies should be kept in stock.  Letting the workers make a personal choice of their p.p.e. could help ensure acceptance and compliance of safety policies.  Whatever it takes, the bottom line is the importance of personal protective equipment for the entire team – the managers, supervisors, and workers.  Each person is responsible for his own safety, but having good training and understanding of personal protective equipment and the role it plays in keeping each person safe is primary. 

You wouldn’t see a race car driver get into his vehicle without his entire suit of protective clothing, or a football or hockey player start to compete without first putting on those pads under their uniforms, so why should we begin our work without the right total “outfit?”

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

CAN YOU FIND HIDDEN HAZARDS IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

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Do you know of any workplace that is totally safe?  Hazards exist in just about every vocation there is.  There are safety professionals that identify those hazards and train their employees to be mindful of the risks that are involved in their particular industry; most of these hazards are easy to control.  However, there are hidden hazards that can cause damage, illness, or injury to workers. Have you noticed any of these at your place of work? 

Occupational Health and Safety legislation outlines standard equipment controls that must apply to every type of equipment that is in operation: machine guards, light sensors, warning devices or other safety devices, lockout systems, good houskekeeping and general work safety rules.  Safety devices are classified as engineering controls – the best form of control when running equipment.  You can observe the guards on the machinery, but there may be hidden hazards around equipment, such as dust, fumes, particles in the air, or possible flying objects.  That’s where PPE comes in.  Companies furnish goggles, respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and any kind of personal protective equipment that fits the needs of the employees.

Here’s a few “hidden hazards” that you may have spotted:

  • Poor housekeeping.  Clutter,  trash, tools left out. Cleanliness should be a requirement at all workplaces.
  • Fumes, exhaust, toxic fumes, chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides, toners, office products – these can cause certain persons to have allergic reactions, or other health-related illnesses.
  • Poor ventilation.  Working in a too-cool or too-hot environment can cause illness.
  • Second-hand smoke.
  • Loose carpet.
  • Slick floors.
  • Loose steps.
  • Poor lighting.
  • Poorly stacked materials in storeroom.  Be sure to use a stepladder before reaching up to remove something from a shelf.  There could be lots of stored energy just waiting to fall on you.
  • Windowless doors.  In high-traffic areas, persons can have serious collisions by not watching for someone coming from the other side.
  • Computer screens – cause dry eye if stared into too long.
  • Repetitive motions can cause carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, or tendonitis.
  • Drug/alcohol abuse by coworker.  This can cause serious problems for all workers.  It is best to report this to your supervisor before someone gets hurt.
  • Bullying or harassment is a hazard to other workers, especially the one who is being bullied or harassed.

You can probably name several hidden hazards that we haven’t thought of.  Correcting hazards before illnesses, accidents or allergic reactions occur is a winning strategy.  Be a fanatic about health and safety, and show your supervisor that you believe it should be a top priority.  Fortunately, most hazards are situations that managers and supervisors can do something about.  But it begins with awareness.  One thing may be a threat to someone’s health but it  doesn’t affect others.  However,  all employees deserve to be protected all the time.  You can make your office, shop or factory a safe place to work.  Don’t assume that it is until you become aware of what has been and is being done to keep it safe.  Do your part, and always stay alert!  We would appreciate hearing your ideas about hidden hazards in the workplace!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE – DOES IT FIT?

We see more and more women working in occupations that men used to dominate.  Back in the 1940’s, the image of the American woman was that of “Rosie the Riveter,” a strong, independent female defense worker.  She wore overalls, and was doing her part to help the United States win the war.  You’ve probably seen pictures of posters that showed women rolling up their sleeves and confirming “We Can Do It.”  These women helped build bombers, tanks, and ships.  American women followed Rosie out of the kitchen and onto the shop floor.  Working women numbered 11,970,000 in 1940, growing to 18,610,000 in 1945.  One in every four wives was employed by the end of the war.  Thirty-six per cent of the civilian workforce was comprised of women.  I knew a “Rosie the Riveter.”  A very tough and determined lady, she lived for several decades after the war, but succumbed to mesothelioma.  Chances were that when she was working in that Navy shipyard and exposed to asbestos,  there was very little personal protective equipment available to the workers. 

Through the decades, we have seen women venturing into jobs that we once thought impossible.  I admire any woman who can work in jobs that require strength, determination, and are not intimidated by high-risk occupations.  Advocates for those who work in high-risk jobs emphasize the need to control or eliminate hazards for all workers.  Personal protective equipment is known to be the last line of defense against hazards in the workplace.  Once risk assessments are done and controls are established, it is important that the right personal protective equipment is furnished to fit the job and it’s hazards.  The word “fit” is important for all workers, but many types of p.p.e. are often designed to fit the average size man, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

Anthropometry is a science that measures the human body to determine likenesses and differences among individuals and groups.  These tables clearly show that women are not small men.  A woman’s foot is shorter and narrower than a man’s.  A man’s safety boot can be manufactured to try to accommodate the woman’s smaller foot, but it would only be correct in length, and still be too wide.  Have you ever watched a toddler try to walk around the house in his daddy’s boots?  Could you imagine how it would feel to try to work all day in ill-fitting boots, or other protective clothing?  While watching a reality show recently, I observed a young woman who was working in the lumber industry, and she was giving it her all, trying to keep up with the men.  Her boots were too big and she had a hard time trying to keep them on, and from slowing her down.  

The average woman’s body is shorter than a man’s, which makes coveralls too long in the torso.  With narrower shoulders, the sleeves of coveralls would be too long.  Then, women are usually wider at the hip, so there again, the coveralls are just not made to fit a woman as well as a man.  

Gloves are usually one of the main things that are harder to fit on women.  Thankfully, manufacturers have designed womens Mechanix gloves with women in mind.  They are made with shorter, narrower fingers and a smaller palm circumference.  A man’s small size glove many times just won’t fit her hands. 

Women have smaller heads and faces than the average man.  So this affects the comfort and fit in eye and face, head, and respiratory protection that is normally made for men.  Women should try on hard hats and find ones that are not too heavy, and have adequate suspension, plus a chin strap that will help with the fit.  There are size small safety glasses that are designed for women and smaller men.  Safety goggles can create a problem with fit and comfort for women.  A “one size fits all” may be too big, which would allow an inappropriate seal to the face, which could cause hazardous substances to enter the eye area.  Again, employers should keep in mind the proper fit for each individual worker.  Not all women are unable to wear men’s protective equipment, but employers should allow for those men and women who are smaller than the average man.

As stated earlier, the first line of defense is to control or remove the hazard.  When it can’t be removed or controlled adequately, personal protective equipment must be worn.  That personal protective equipment is the last resort to keeping workers healthy and safe.  But if it does not fit properly, it won’t be worn because it is uncomfortable, unsafe, and awkward.  Workers should report this to their employer or supervisor if this is the case.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

CLEARING SNOW SAFELY

Many parts of the United States have been pummeled with heavy snow storms, and for those areas, having a snow blower is another important part of machinery that must be operated with care, just as a lawnmower, tractor, or automobile.  The US Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that around 5,000 injuries from snow blowers happen each year. 

There are snow blowers that can be ridden, as well as those that are operated by walking behind them, the same as lawnmowers.  It is very important to be familiar with every aspect of equipment, and the best way to do that is by doing something we many times avoid – reading the manual!  And, if we don’t understand the manual, we should go back and read it again.  How many people do you know that actually refer to the manual before they jump right in, feet first?  Once you have become accustomed to your snow blower, you should keep it in good condition.  Warm up the engine before you start using it, and once your job is finished, let it run just a little in order to keep the moving parts from freezing. 

Hopefully those who are already using your snow blowers this winter, are following these common-sense safety tips.  However, some folks might learn something new, so here goes: 

  • Repeating: read the manual first.
  • Do not drink before or while operating any kind of machinery.
  • Before you begin, check the area for rocks or other debris that could be thrown and cause damage to the machine, property damage, or personal injury.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never add fuel to an engine that is hot.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing that could get entangled.
  • Be aware that although some snow blowers have small engines, they can cause serious injuries.
  • Never leave a snow blower running in a shed or enclosed area, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Watch for holes or curbs where you are clearing.
  • Reduce speed on turns and slopes.
  • Always pay attention to traffic.
  • If you walk behind your snow blower, wear anti-skid boots to help keep you from falling, and back up very carefully.
  • When running electric-powered equipment, be vigilant of the location of the cord, and never use frayed cords.
  • Never operate snow blowers when the visibility is poor.
  • Never allow youngsters under age 15 to operate snow blowers, and then only if they are mature enough to make good decisions.
  • When doing maintenance on the snow blower, such as changing the oil or removing blades for sharpening, pull the wire off the spark plug to ensure the engine won’t start.
  • Do not remove any safety devices.
  • Wear NRR ear plugs and cool safety glasses to protect your hearing and vision, and by all means, winter warm gloves and clothing. 

Last, but not least, we mentioned earlier that there are thousands of injuries from improper or careless use of snow blowers each year.  Snow blower accidents are a leading cause of amputations.  If the chute gets jammed, never try to clear it with your hands.  Turn the machine off, disengage clutch, and wait more than five minutes for the blades to stop rotating.  Beware of  a brief recoil of motor and blades that can occur after it is turned off.  Use a stick or handle to remove debris.  Many snow blowers have a clearing tool for clogs that is stored within easy reach, giving a strong incentive for easy and safe cleaning.  Injuries such as cuts, loss of fingers, toes, broken bones, burns and infection have occurred because of lack of respect and safety toward the machine that is being operated. 

There’s much more snow to fall this winter, so be thankful you have a machine to clear it for you.  If you do have to shovel it, please do so with care – don’t slip and fall!

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

CONVEYOR BELT SAFETY

Conveyor belts are one of the most effective means of transporting bulk materials.  Because persons are working with a movable piece of equipment, there is a very serious chance of  injury or death if employees are not trained on how to work around conveyor belts.  Training is the basic and most fundamental part of preparing employees on how to keep themselves safe in all industrial settings.  Management must convey all safety issues to their new employees and be certain that they understand about how dangerous the equipment that they will be working from can be.  

Listed below are some general requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

  • An audible signal shall be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor.
  • If operating station is at a remote spot, similar provisions for stopping motor or engine shall be provided at the motor or engine location.
  • There should be an emergency stop switch arranged so that the conveyor cannot be started again until the actuating stop switch as been reset to running on the “on” position.
  • Screw conveyors shall be guarded to prevent employees’ contact with turning flights.
  • Guards shall be provided to protect employees required to work below the conveyors that pass under work areas, aisles or thoroughfares.  Those crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked with suitable signs.
  • Conveyors shall be locked out or rendered inoperable and tagged with a “Do Not Operate” tag during repairs and when operation is hazardous to employees performing maintenance work.
  • All conveyors in use must meet applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ANSI B20-1-1957, Safety Code for conveyors, cableways and related equipment. 

Conveyors contribute to the one of the most common ways of being injured.  When visitors are in the facility, they should be informed of the ways to be safe around conveyors and other moving equipment. 

Other important rules regarding conveyor belt safety are:

  •          Only authorized maintenance personnel should service conveyors.
  •          Never ride, step, or sit on a conveyor belt at any time.
  •          Never remove guards.  They are there as protection from moving parts, such as gears and chains. 
  •          Know the location of start/stop controls, and keep the area free from obstructions.
  •          Clean only when the conveyor is stopped.
  •          Report all unsafe practices to your supervisor.
  •          Never load a stopped conveyor or overload a running conveyor.  This will assist in preserving your equipment, as well as not overheating it. 
  •         Trying to clear converter jams can create unsafe conditions and possibly damage equipment.
  •         Use correct lifting techniques.  Unsafe position and posture  could cause injuries while working around conveyors.
  •         Be sure the area is clear of debris and tripping hazards.
  •         If persons work beneath conveyors, there should be nets installed to catch any falling items. 
  •         Maintenance should never be performed on the conveyor until all hydraulic, electric and gravity energy sources    have been locked out and blocked.
  •          It is recommended that the right Personal Protective Equipment be used, relevant to the task and work area.  Gloves that furnish good grip are needed for handling bulky items, safety glasses should be worn when the materials on the belt are hazardous, and safety back supports will assist workers required to do lifting.
  •          Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts away from the conveyor belt. 

Anyone who does this type of work knows that it isn’t like the old “I Love Lucy” episode when Ethel and Lucy were working at the candy factory  and couldn’t keep up, when the conveyor belt started going faster.  They tried to eat the candy and hide it in their aprons!   This is a very serious occupation and those companies that train their employees to be vigilant toward safety are to be commended.  It requires a good safety plan, excellent training, and dependable supervision to be successful in protecting conscientious workers.

Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

WORK GLOVES: FUNCTIONALITY AND STYLE

Company health and safety experts know that selecting the right gloves for their workers is a vital part of ensuring the success of keeping their employees hands’ protected.  Depending on the particular hazards of the job, much thought must go into making the right choice.  Style is also important to workers and helps ensure compliance.  Some PPE (personal protective equipment) may be unattractive, but leading glove manufacturers have gotten the message from retail and athletic clothing markets and developed fashionable, yet functional styles that workers will wear. 

Health and safety experts also know that wearing a pair of gloves will not protect the hands of workers unless those workers are careful in performing their work duties, which includes being aware of the dangers their hands are exposed to, even while wearing gloves.  Because gloves are made of materials that protect from abrasions, nicks, vibrations, and other hazards, some employees may think they are invincible.  They are required to wear their PPE at all times on the job.  If there are periods that they do not have to wear gloves, glove guards are handy to attach the gloves to clothing, where they are readily accessible. 

Of course, as in any setting where PPE is required, training is mandated before the person starts his/her job.  They must understand how important their personal protective equipment is, how to take care of it, and the need to report and replace any damaged or worn product.  Workers that must wear gloves as part of their PPE must remember that unsafe conditions and acts cause injuries.  The most important thing a worker can do is to keep those gloves on at all times, while working carefully.  Be sure they fit and are comfortable, and if they look good, that’s a plus, too.  There is no one type of glove that will prevent all hand injuries, and no glove will help avoid injury if it is not worn.  Individuals must continually think about how he/she is handling the product he is working on, lifting, or running a particular type of equipment.  He doesn’t want to go home missing a finger, or worse. 

There are gloves that are high-visibility, others for furnishing good grip and protection.  Women want to wear gloves that are made for their smaller hands.  Gloves must fit properly to help the hands do their job.  If they are too large, grip is lost.  Some gloves furnish better ventilation than others, and there are fingerless gloves for mobility, yet they still allow good grip.  Then there are gloves for the gardeners, for ranchers and farmers, and drivers.  We see football players wearing gloves, as well as golfers (a golf glove).  Why not look as sharp as they do, when we are working?  I plan on getting some hi-vis gloves to wear this winter when taking walks with Buddy.  

Gloves furnish dexterity, sensitivity, durability, and tactility.  Each type excels in one or more of these descriptions.  Some medical and industrial grade gloves may not meet the “style” factor, but play a very important part in protecting healthcare, food processing, and other types of workers’ hands.   Leather gloves are soft and supple, yet are protective.  One glove  that even helps “do” the job in dark areas (such as under the hood of a car), has a light on the back of it!  

Employees must be taught to know that PPE is the last (but very important) line of defense for their protection.  Workers are the front line.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

WELDING IS “HOT WORK”

To say the least, welding, cutting and brazing operations are hazardous hot work.  Persons who do this type of work must know the risks of their jobs, and how to control them.  Dangers are always present in welding tasks.  It has been pointed out that the leading cause of welding accidents is carelessness.  Welders need to take this type of work seriously, and leave it to the professionals.  A good pro welder can teach a novice how to make the connection between skill and safety.

Several methods of welding are used in order to join metals together through melting and creating a tight bond:

  • Gas.  A propane torch is used to sweat a joint or solder two pieces of metal together.  This is the lowest heat, used for small jobs.
  • Oxyacetylene torch.  The most universal type of welding tool, which allows more heat.
  • Oxypropane. A less costly type of welding than gas or oxyacetylene.
  • Arc welding.  A machine creates heat through an electric arc.  There are two types of arc welding: Mig (Metal Inert Gas )  and Tig (Tungsten Inert Gas ). 

Overall, while both MIG and TIG are gas shielded arc welding processes, the primary difference lies in the way the filler metal is added to produce the weld. With the TIG process, the arc is created between a tungsten electrode mounted in a hand-held torch and the work piece to be welded.  The MIG process uses a filler metal which is the electrode and the arc is created when the filler metal comes into contact with the work.  An advantage of MIG welding is that it is faster than TIG welding, and somewhat easier for a novice welder to use.  TIG welding requires more skill, therefore, the user of a TIG welder should have sufficient experience as a welder.  Regardless of the welding method that is used, this type of work comes with many risks, and requires welders to be outfitted with the correct personal protective equipment.  Remember, welding is a way of heating pieces of metal using electricity or a flame so that they melt and stick together, – thousands of degrees! 

Virtually all parts of  welders’ bodies must be protected by the proper gear: beginning with a welder’s cap, safety goggles, glasses, and a welding hood with the correct lens filter for the particular task.  Welders must wear the right kind of gloves, and clothing that covers their skin and can’t catch sparks.  Leather aprons, and leggings are needed for the hot work, and dry welder’s gloves are for arc welding.  Good boots are needed to protect the legs and feet. 

The work areas where welding is done should be free from combustible and flammable materials, ventilation should be adequate, and all persons should  review MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) that apply to the particular job.  A fire extinguisher should be nearby.   If a welder is working in confined spaces, there should be a trained partner standing by with first aid equipment, in case of emergency. 

If that’s not “hot work,” I don’t know what is!  Not only are they working with heated metal and welding sparks, but in the summer time, all the protective clothing  they must wear is very bulky!  Welding is an integral part of creating and repairing many things that we take for granted.  Being a welder means being a member of a specialized work group.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

AUTUMN LEAVES CAN BREAK YOUR BACK!

This is my favorite time of year, the leaves are falling, mornings are cool and crisp when Buddy and I go for our daily walk, football is underway, and THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!    What more could one ask for? 

But getting back to the subject, the leaves are falling off our pecan trees at a pretty fast pace now, and my husband isn’t looking forward to raking all of them.  He takes care of  the outside duties, such as mowing, gardening, and well, all of it, to be honest.  I don’t know if he would listen to any of the safety tips for doing all this yard work, but hopefully, some of you will find this helpful.

Wait until all the leaves have fallen off the trees before you start raking them.  If you overextend yourself at first, you may get tennis elbow or tendonitis.  Be sure to stretch first and warm up about 10 minutes before beginning.  You will need the right tools to make the job easier.  First, a good rake is worth a few extra dollars.  Be sure the rake is compatible to your height.  Wear leather gloves that help you grip the rake, and shoes with slip-proof soles, because wet leaves can be slippery.  When picking the leaves up, bend at the knees, not the waist to save your back.  Overloading the bags with leaves will make it too heavy, so use more bags.  If you suffer from allergies, wear a N95 dustmask. Many persons have allergies as severe in the fall as in the spring.  Also, you might want to spray your clothing with some type of bug repellent. 

Another fun fall project is pruning trees.  Be sure to look over the area around the trees and be sure there are no power lines running through them before you position your ladder.  Use the right tool for each job.  If you are using power tools, you may want to wear earplugs to soften the noise.  Also, watch for falling limbs, you never know when a big limb is going to come tumbling out of a  tree. 

Cleaning gutters is another job I’d rather not do.  But for those who have to do this, be sure the ladder you plan to use is in good condition and set it on a level place.  It is better to move the ladder as often as needed than stretch to reach something while you are on it.  An extension ladder is good for checking the roof or cleaning gutters. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that there are more than 400,000 persons treated in emergency rooms annually that are victims of lawn and garden tool accidents.  Whether you are working with a mower, wood chipper, leaf blower, or any power tool, use caution.  Always wear safety glasses when doing yard work to protect your eyes.

There’s a lot to be said about the great outdoors, whether it’s your yard, somewhere you walk, or a favorite place you take your kids for an adventure.  The best policy is to be safe and aware of your surroundings.  There may be snakes that are hiding under leaves until they choose to hibernate.    Just be sure you are safe wherever you are.   One other tip, wildlife (such as deer)  is more active during this season, so watch for them while driving. 

Enjoy every minute of this fall, because one morning you’ll wake up, and there will be frost on the pumpkin!