Category Archives: Hand Protection

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HAND AND ARM PROTECTION

Employers must take care by conducting extensive hazard assessments to ensure that potential injury to arm and hands of workers is avoided.  The employer should determine which type of protection is needed for the utmost security, by selecting the proper glove, finger guards, arm coverings, or elbow-length glove that is appropriate for the task at hand.

There are many numerous selections of cotton work gloves, leather gloves and hand protection.  We encourage you to consider what hazards exist in your work surroundings and then make your choice. (There’s even gloves with a light on them for working under the hood of a car!)  Whether you are an employer, employee, or performing jobs at home, it’s important to make the right choices.

Factors that should influence your Personal Protective Equipment decision in choosing gloves:

  • Types of chemicals you are exposed to.  Also the nature of contact (splash, total immersion.)
  • Duration of contact.  Area of body that requires protection.
  • Grip.  (Dry, Wet, or Oily).
  • Thermal Protection.
  • Size and Comfort.
  • Abrasion/Resistance Required.

Gloves generally fall into four groups:

Different styles of gloves available
Different styles of gloves available

  • Leather, Canvas or Metal Mesh
  • Fabric and Coated Fabric
  • Chemical and Liquid-resistant
  • Insulated Rubber Gloves

We hope by handing you this information, you will be able to choose the most fitting gloves.

Source: OSHA

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

GIVE YOURSELF A HAND!

Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is east to forget that they pose serious hazards.  Hand tools range from axes to wrenches, and we need to keep them in top working condition in order to keep ourselves in good working condition, as well!  We need to protect ourselves with goggles, safety glasses, gloves; in other words, choose the right personal protection when using hand tools.

  • Wooden handles on hammers or other tools that are split or splintered should not be used, as the head of the tool could fly off, possibly resulting in pain for someone!
  • If wrench jaws are sprung, the wrench could slip.
  • Saw blades, knives, should always be turned away from employees working close by.
  • Mushroomed heads on impact tools, such as hammers, may cause shattering on impact.
  • Dull knives and scissors are more unsafe than sharp ones.
  • Pliers should not be substituted for wrenches.
  • Use the correct size of tool.
  • Store tools in safe places.
  • Iron/steel hand tools may produce sparks that could possibly be an ignition source close to flammable substances.
  • Employees and individual do-it-yourselfers should be properly trained in using hand tools.
  • Be aware that working with certain hand tools pose risks to fingers, hands and eyes.

These four basic rules can prevent hazards:
1.    Keep all tools regularly maintained and in good condition.

2.    Use the right tool for the job.

3.    Check each tool for damage before use, and don’t use tools that you find are damaged.

4.    Use the right personal protective equipment.

So, when you are do-it-yourself-ing: remember these tips!  If so, you will deserve to give yourself a hand, and a pat on the back!

OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ONE OF MANY RISKS HEALTHCARE WORKERS ENCOUNTER – BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

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Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

  • Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
  • HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
  • Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive proper training.  The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.

Goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  An OSHA standard covering bloodborne disease requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Hand washing facilities should be readily available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE.

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents.

Source: OSHA

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

SAFETY FIRST IN WAREHOUSING

According to OSHA, statistics show that more than 145,000 people work in over 7,000 warehouses.  The fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries.  Some of the potential hazards for workers in warehousing are: unsafe use of forklifts; improper stacking of products; failure to use proper personal protective equipment; inadequate fire safety provisions; and poor respiratory protection.

  • Docks are locations where products fall on employees, forklifts run off the dock, or equipment strikes a fellow worker.
  • About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries.  Operators should be properly trained, and anyone under 18 years old should never be allowed to operate a forklift.
  • Injuries happen when workers are caught in pinch points when working around conveyors.  Proper lighting and working surfaces assist in providing safety in the conveyor area.
  • Improperly stored materials may fall and injure workers.
  • If hazardous materials are present, chemical burns are possible.  Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use.  All chemicals should be stored safely and securely.
  • Charging Stations need to have fire extinguishers available and ready; prohibit smoking.  PPE, such as nitrile gloves, and eye and face protection should be worn around charging stations, and an eyewashing and safety shower facility should be provided for employees exposed to battery acids.
  • Improper lifting, repetitive motion or poor design of operations can cause musculoskeletal disorders in workers in warehouses. Floors should be kept clean and free from trip/slip hazards.  Provide general ergonomics training.

The jobs that are performed in warehouses require skill in lifting and observing safety procedures at all times.  Employees should have proper training and be aware of the many hazards lurking in warehouses.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! (FOR THOSE SUMMERTIME JOBS)

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Tool manufacturers just keep coming up with more powerful tools for doing those outdoor jobs, whether at home, doing landscape work, or in the field. Lawn Rangers, listen up!

Power grass/weed trimmers have enough power to sling sticks, rocks, and other debris, which can get in the operator’s eyes, or injure someone standing by.  Goggles should be worn when operating trimmers.

A newer type of tool is the brush cutter, which use rigid cutting blades, rather than plastic string lines that are used on trimmers.  In addition to cutting through heavier brush, etc. they can also cut arms, hands, and legs.  Persons operating this tool should wear protective clothing in addition to eye goggles, and others need to stay away while the brush cutter is being operated.

Riding mowers are the remedy for cutting grass in larger yards.  Persons purchasing their first riding mower should become familiar with all its features before taking off.  Only responsible persons should use riding mowers.  The area to be mowed should be cleared of limbs and things that could possibly be thrown by the blades of the mower.  Riding mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet, so extreme caution should be used.  It’s not a good idea to carry passengers on the mower. Again, goggles protect your eyes.

Power mowers are another type of tool that the operator needs to understand before starting it. Be sure there are no young children in the area, and remove objects such as big sticks, etc.
Make certain it is full of fuel before starting; never refuel while it is running or the engine is hot.  Wear good shoes, not flip-flops.  Also, don’t cut grass while it is wet, as it can bunch up and damage the mower. (Remember, the goggles!)

It’s great to have these great tools, but please don’t be a part of the thousands in the “power parade” that march, (or limp) in to the emergency room!  Play it safe!

Back Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Weather Protection

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK 3: OVEREXERTION

What better time to focus on overexertion than at the beginning of warm (hot) weather?  Those who haven’t been exercising during the winter season may have decided to start working out to get back into shape.

Usually the first thing we think of is “no pain, no gain”.  But this is not the correct way to reach our goals.  Going beyond what our bodies can do usually brings about harmful results.  If you are working out at home or a fitness center, get some good advice from a trainer and pace yourself.  When exercising, if you are breathing heavily for a lengthy time, stop, and try something else.  Know your limits.  Swimming is an excellent aerobic activity.

Health problems can also be brought about because of overexertion.  Heat stroke can occur when a persons’ body cannot control its temperature.  If you are exerting yourself physically, there is a danger of heat stroke at a temperature as low as 75°, if the humidity is high.  Although not as serious as heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion also can pose threats when a person perspires heavily and becomes dehydrated.  One needs to get in the shade, drink non-caffeine or non-alcoholic drinks, and if possible, take a cool shower or sponge bath.  Because the body loses salt through perspiration, cramps happen.

Other forms of overexertion, such as back strain, are a leading cause of workplace injuries, resulting in almost 3.5 million injuries per year.  Overexertion is sometimes linked to overachievement.  Doing a physically exhausting job too long harms our bodies.  Employers should consider the temperature extremes their employees are exposed to.

The following ideas are usually included in safety training of employees, but let’s review them:

  • Proper lifting techniques.
  • Have carts, wheelbarrows, or other equipment available.
  • Use of gloves for better grip.
  • Push, don’t pull load.
  • Good footing.
  • Don’t reach too far for something.
  • Don’t try to jump.

There are many other suggestions to help avoid overexertion.  The main thing is to use common sense.  Your body has a great warning system, and will let you know when you are overdoing it.  Pay attention!

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

ASBESTOS PART II

According to OSHA, there are an estimated 1.3 million employees in the construction and general industry that face significant asbestos exposure on the job.  Other workers involved are those in the manufacture of products that contain asbestos: textiles, friction products, insulation and other building materials, and persons that do automotive brake and clutch repair work.
Structures that were built before 1980 likely contain asbestos, and those constructed thereafter still may have ACM’s (asbestos containing materials.)  Plaster, insulation, tiles on floors and ceilings ductwork, roof shingles, adhesives are among the parts of buildings that have ACM’s.

Although asbestos is still legal, under federal rules, it is classified as a toxic substance. Your home, school, or office more than likely has asbestos.  It is not a threat as long as it is undisturbed and in good condition.  If you plan to continue living/working in this building, here are ways to ensure safety:

  • If the floor, ceiling, etc. are in good shape, leave them alone and undisturbed.  Be sure to check them often to see that they are in good condition.
  • Enclose with airtight barriers.  For example, floor tiles could be covered with another type of flooring.
  • Encapsulate with materials that surrounds or embeds the fibers with materials such as foams.

If your only option is to renovate or destroy the building, here is some valuable information:  individual owners may do it themselves, but they still must follow federal, state and local guidelines regarding waste transport and disposal.  Removal is a very expensive and complex option, and is better handled by contractors with special training, who understand the importance of personal safety equipment, isolation of dust, and monitor waste containment.  Contractors must follow OSHA guidelines and regulations.

If non-friable ACM can be removed whole and undamaged, the precautions listed below may be overkill, but for common situations such as removing ACM’s where free-floating asbestos fibers are an invisible hazard, these are instructions must be followed to ensure the workers’ safety:  they should

  • Be covered, head to toe, with disposable protective clothing
  • Wear special respirators with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters
  • Use rubber boots and gloves

OSHA prevention measures include requiring companies to provide engineering controls such as evaluating exposure time, furnishing showers, and ensuring that proper respiratory protection and clothing are furnished.

There are “many do-it-yourselfers” that may not understand the underlying respiratory problems that can be caused by little critters hiding in their houses.  We hope this article aids in their becoming conscious of the importance of using proper protection when undertaking projects that require extra safety measures.
OSHA
Asbestos.net
Asbestos-Abatement.com

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

Think Safety on Purpose

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Below is a testimonial from a friend who, like most of us, did not consider the dangers of doing even normal household and maintenance chores without protection.  I know I’ve trimmed trees and hedges dozens of times without using protection.  I think now I will reconsider!

Several years ago I stuck a mulberry branch stob into my right eye.  I had laser surgery and was not wearing glasses, the first form of eye protection.  My accident caused me to endure two additional surgeries and an extra year of treatment.  Since then, and due to my unfortunate experience, I wear safety goggles during all my tree trimming yard work.  They are not an inconvenience, and are much easier to deal with than almost blinding yourself.

Bill La Barr

United Methodist Church

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SNOW BLOWER SAFETY

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Snow blower and lawnmower accidents account for loss of fingers, toes, cuts, burns, crushed and broken bones.  It is very important that the owners’ manual is read first before operating a snow blower.  If you have any doubts, go back to the manual again to be sure!

Please operate the machine with care, and do not let a young person operate it unless they are very responsible and mature, and you are certain they can.  Here are some tips to help ensure safety when operating a snow blower:

  • Be sure that there are no children and pets in the area.
  • Be sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
  • Debris should be moved away from the area to be cleared, as it would be thrown farther than the snow.
  • Never leave the snow blower running and unattended.
  • Always be sure safety guides, shields, or switch guards are in place, and do not remove them.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
  • Add fuel only when the engine is turned off and cooled down.
  • Do not wear loose clothing, as it might become entangled in the moving parts of the machine.
  • Be sure you know how to turn off the machine quickly.
General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

TIPS FOR DIY’ERS

“Do It Yourself” projects became popular in the 1950’s, when people decided to make repairs or home improvements without paying professionals to do the job.  Fifty-plus years later, there are many home improvement businesses that sell materials and tools for these projects, and even offer classes to “weekend warriors”.  Television launched the idea with “This Old House” with Bob Vila in 1979.  Today, there are so many Do It Yourself programs on television, that it all looks very easy!

Ambitious persons who tackle these jobs are to be admired.  They have a lot of determination and are willing to do the work involved, and take pride in their accomplishments.  These people are also aware that safety plays a big part in a successful project.

While planning the project itself, the safety aspect should be kept in mind as well.  Things to consider are:

  • Wearing the right types of safety gear for the job involved:
  • Respirators
  • Earplugs/earmuffs
  • Coveralls
  • Gloves
  • Shoe Covers
  • Kneepads
  • Never wearing jewelry or loose clothes when operating power tools

If the project is a large undertaking, you should be able to leave it for a while and return when you are rested.  Spare time jobs don’t turn out as well if you are tired from your regular job, so pace yourself.