Category Archives: Respiratory Safety

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

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF “GREEN JOBS”

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If you are interested in making a difference while improving our environment, a “green job” may be just the thing for you!  More and more types of jobs are opening up that offer new ways of furnishing energy, and conserving the natural resources that our earth offers.  Some “green jobs” have been around for a while.  Safety measures must be taken to protect the workers, just the same as in any other job. 

Recycling may have been one of the first ways that we began to think about ways to use things more than one time.  I remember my grandmother would rinse out little plastic bags, hang them on a little line by the sink with a clothespin to dry, and reuse them.  Saving aluminum foil was another way of recycling, a long time before the word “recycling” became popular.  Now, recycling has become a big industry.  Metal scrap recycling is a huge business that processes  in the U.S. alone, 56 million tons of scrap iron and steel, which includes 10 million tons of scrap automobiles.  Scrap copper, lead, zinc, stainless steel and smaller quantities of other metals are processed on an annual basis.  Ferrous scrap metal contains iron, and nonferrous metals do not contain iron.  There are ways to recycle just about anything these days – paper, bottles, and cans, to name a few. 

Since 1985, the percentage of waste recycled in the U.S. has doubled, and this trend will likely continue.  Turning materials that become waste into valuable products brings big financial, environmental and social returns to the country.  As this industry continues to grow, so do the number of available jobs, and each presents its own safety and health risks.  The most common causes of illness in this industry are poisoning from lead or cadmium, skin diseases and respiratory conditions due to inhalation of toxic agents.  Some incidents may be caused by contact with an object or piece of equipment, overextension, or exposure to a harmful substance.  Whether serving as a volunteer to do recycling, or working in that particular field, there are certain types of personal protective equipment that should be worn -from gloves, respirators, goggles, safety glasses, hardhats, to protective clothing, depending on the specific job. 

Weather Insulating/Sealing is another type of “green job.”   Weather technicians update old or inefficient residential or business structures to make them energy efficient.  Their tasks may include installation of fans, blower doors, energy-efficient windows, weather stripping, sealing and caulking.  They must be safety and environmentally conscientious.  Their jobs may require them to crawl into confined spaces, climb ladders, and use power hand tools.  Various types of weathering include blow-in and spray-on applications.  Persons seeking these jobs should have a certain amount of training in order to apply these materials to product specifications in order to achieve proper weatherization.  Because these applications and materials include working with fiberglass, cellulose, spray polyurethane foam, polystyrene, and latex sealant, workers should be provided with the proper respiratory protection, adequate ventilation, and training in first aid.  Some of these materials are flammable, so extreme precautions should be taken.  Other materials can cause asthma and allergic reactions in some individuals. 

Those who work in “green jobs” are making our world more environmentally friendly.  They must follow the same safety procedures and policies as those in other jobs.  We have described some of the “green jobs” that are improving our lives.  Support these by recycling, conserving energy, or trying something new that is “earth friendly.”  We all can do more by teaching our young people to appreciate the earth, and keep it beautiful.  Look around, and notice how many persons are picking up  trash on highways, or cleaning up after a sports event.  If every person would do their own little “green job”, we wouldn’t have to ask others to do it.  We have a saying in Texas, (as you know), “Don’t Mess With Texas.”  Why don’t we have a new theme, “Don’t Mess With Our EARTH!”  (It’s the only home we have!)

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

Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASIER WITH RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Number 5 on our  “Hit Parade” countdown of OSHA’s Top Ten violations for 2010 is Standard 29 CFR 1910.134,  Respiratory Protection, General Industry.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles; and “gas masks” which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.  Respirators should only be used when engineering control systems are not feasible. Engineering control systems, such as adequate ventilation or scrubbing of contaminants are the preferred control methods for reducing worker exposures. 

If you work where there is dust, heat, humidity, or mist around you, respirators are needed.  Respiratory protection is regulated by OSHA, which determines which type of respiratory protection is appropriate for each kind of hazard.  NIOSH regulates the manufacture and testing of face masks/respirators, labels them for the appropriate type of use, and OSHA is responsible for their use.  Employers are in charge of establishing and implementing a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use.  The provisions of the program include selecting the correct protection, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, use and care of respirators.  Persons with mustaches or beards may not be able to get a secure fit.  OSHA requires fit-testing, to be sure there are no leaks.  Respirators Fit-testing kits must be used to ensure their compliance to safety requirements. 

N95 filtering respirators, “air purifying respirators” cover the nose and mouth.  A respirator classified as N95 means that 95% of most penetrating particulates will be filtered out. This type of respirator protects the wearer against breathing in small particles that contain viruses, such as in a healthcare setting.  For other occupational exposures, the respirators filter out dust, mist, heat and vapors that can be harmful to your health.  To be fully effective, N95 respirators must fit closely to form a light seal over the mouth and nose.   Manufacturers make several different sizes of respirators to accommodate smaller faces.  The use of powered air-purifying respirators may be chosen as a suitable type in some cases. 

Workers must have received comprehensive and understandable training at least annually, and more often if necessary.  This training should include, at a minimum:

  • Limitations and capabilities of the respirator;
  • Effective use in emergencies;
  • Why it is necessary and how improper fit, use and maintenance can compromise its protective effect;
  • Recognition of medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use;
  • How to inspect, put on and remove, use and check the seals;
  • Maintenance and storage.

Listed among the top five violations by companies in the United States is an indicator that employees are being exposed to hazards that can be very harmful to their health.  We hope by this time next year,  most of the serious violations will be corrected, and that respiratory protection will be taken off the list.  We’ll all breathe easier when this happens, especially our workers!

 

Sources: OSHA, CDC

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

NUMBER 3 ON OSHA’S TOP TEN VIOLATIONS LIST FOR 2010

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OSHA estimates that there are more than 650,000 hazardous chemical products in use in the United States.  This means that approximately 3 million American workplaces and over 30 million workers could be potentially exposed to some sort of chemical product.  OSHA’s #29CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry, was listed as Number 3 on their Top Ten Violations List for 2010.  

This occupational safety and health standard is for the purpose of evaluating potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees.  There should be a written hazard communication program for the workplace, which includes lists of hazardous chemicals present, labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces, and preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers.  It also includes development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. 

The HCS is a generic standard covering all hazardous chemicals as well as all workplaces where they are used.  By providing information to employers and employees, steps can be taken to ensure protection at the workplace.  Illnesses and injuries are reduced when both employers and employees modify their behavior as a result of receiving information about the hazards.  Training of workers is necessary to ensure they understand the information provided, where they can get more information, and how they can use the information to protect themselves.  Training is the means an employer can use to address risks related to the situation involved. 

Material Safety Data Sheets are reference documents.  They are a one-stop shopping source for everything you might need or want to know about a chemical.  They must be useful to the safety and health professionals who decide what controls to use, first aid or medical treatment to provide, and the precautionary measures to follow.  The information on MSDSs is usually technical, since it is generally written for health professionals.  MSDSs must provide the specific chemical identity of the material, physical and chemical characteristics, and the physical hazards. Other information contained in the MSDSs  are health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.  Also to be included in the Material Safety Data Sheets are a list of the primary means of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption and whether the chemical is a known carcinogen.  Other useful information should be listed, such as generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use of the chemical, emergency and first aid procedures, date of preparation or latest revision, and the name, address, and phone number of a person who can provide additional information and appropriate emergency procedures if needed. 

The most important way that this standard works today to reduce chemical source illnesses and injuries is to ensure that workers and those who provide protections for workers – physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety engineers, and other professionals – have the information they need about the chemical to devise protections.  Then they must choose the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and controls such as substitution, by knowing what chemicals are present, and what their physical and chemical effects are.  Under the requirements of the Hazard Communications Standard, employees have a right-to-know the identities of the chemicals they are exposed to and what hazards are present. 

Source: OSHA

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.

Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

EVER HEARD OF POPCORN LUNG?

Who doesn’t love the taste of butter-flavored popcorn?  But how many of us are aware of “popcorn lung disease” or “popcorn workers lung,” caused by exposure to a butter-flavoring chemical called diacetyl, and possibly mixed with other flavorings?   The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has, and continues to investigate the occurrence of severe lung disease in employees in microwave popcorn packaging plants and flavorings manufacturing facilities for several years.  Their reports show that many employees at microwave popcorn plants suffer from fixed airways obstruction, some consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans, and other respiratory illnesses.  The type of lung damage that many employees have suffered is irreversible, and some have died from it.  Numerous lawsuits have been settled by those who have been affected.  NIOSH also reported that employees at microwave popcorn plants and a flavorings manufacturing facility experienced eye, nasal, and/or upper respiratory irritation and/or burns.   

Around September, 2007, several well-known popcorn manufacturers announced that they would remove the flavoring chemical.  In October, 2009, OSHA launched a National Emphasis Program to reduce and eliminate the hazards associated with chemical exposures from diacetyl, the prominent chemical ingredient in butter flavorings.  Those workers who work around vats containing these mixtures, as well as the ones who package the microwave popcorn should have adequate protection from breathing these harmful vapors in their work environment.  Other food products that may use this flavoring include candy, potato chips, and pound cakes.  

NIOSH has issued the following recommendations for reducing employee exposure to potentially dangerous flavoring chemicals:

  • Use engineering controls such as closed systems, isolation, ventilation booths, or local exhaust ventilation.  Simple exhaust hoods can dramatically reduce exposure.
  • Train employees on all potential hazards and ensure that they understand proper procedures and use of engineering controls.  It is critical that engineering controls are effective in protecting workers.
  • Good housekeeping and work practices that minimize exposure are carried out through administrative rules.
  • Proper personal protective equipment must be used.  Suitable respirators, such as NIOSH-certified respirators with organic vapor cartridges combined with particulate filters would provide minimum level of protection.  Teflon, Tychem, or butyl rubber gloves and aprons to reduce skin contact with ketones (diacetyl).  Eye protection is  needed, as well.
  • Workers exposed to flavoring chemicals should have their lung function checked by spirometry on a regular basis.
  • Monitor occupational exposures and the state of workers’ health often.
  • All workers should know the MSDS information regarding the chemicals they are exposed to. 

NIOSH states: “Even if substances are safe to eat – ‘generally recognized as safe’  as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, they may still be harmful to breathe in the forms and amounts to which food and chemical industry workers may be exposed.  How much exposure that people have to diacetyl and other inhaled flavoring chemicals is the important issue in determining the risk for lung disease.  It would be hard to compare the risk to consumers to that of the workers.  Even though there is little to suggest significant risk to normal consumers, a sensible precautionary approach should be taken.  Cooking or popping of products containing diacetyl and other butter flavoring chemicals should be done in an area with adequate exhaust ventilation, in order to remove vapors.  Microwave popcorn bags should be allowed to cool before they are opened, which will also decrease exposure to vapors.  Flavoring mixtures are often complex and contain both natural and manmade substances.  There is much to be learned about the potential health effects of the individual component materials and how they interact when combined.” 

I checked the box of butter-flavored popcorn in my pantry and it doesn’t list diacetyl; however, it does state “artificial flavors” in the ingredients.  That’s food for thought, isn’t it?

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!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

OCTOBER IS “HEALTHY LUNG MONTH!”

The American Lung Association has declared October – “Healthy Lung Month.”  Because our lungs are a very important part of our respiratory system, we need to do all we can to keep them healthy.  Bacteria, viruses, tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemicals – any of those things that we breathe can damage the airways and threaten to cause the lungs to not work properly. 

The air we breathe affects us at home, school, work, or outdoors.  Because the environment is full of pollutants, the media even gives us warning of pollen counts and other breathing hazards on a daily basis.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (dictates standards to protect workers’ lungs), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (researches and generates knowledge of work-related illness), all are working to educate and enforce the importance of safety issues such as air quality for America’s workforce. 

In the workplace, respirators are an important tool of personal protective equipment to aide workers who must breathe in pollutants such as dust, chemicals, gases, fumes, oil-based aerosols, asbestos, and other air-borne particulates.  Respirators are also used in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, and by EMS/EMT, fire and rescue, school healthcare, industrial and manufacturing industries. 

Dust masks are loose-fitting filters that fit over the nose and mouth, capturing dust on the outside while the wearer breathes in air.  Respirators will have NIOSH marked on the outside, meaning they have been tested and certified.  There are many types of designs and uses of respirators.  The type of respirator to be selected depends on the hazards of each particular setting.  There are an estimated five million workers in the U.S. that are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces in the United States. 

 There are more than 159,000 deaths in the U.S. per year from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  Although smoking is thought to be the leading cause of lung cancer, those workers who wear respirators are better protected from airborne hazards – many of which have been known to cause cancer, lung impairment, asthma, and other diseases, or death.   Last year, because of the H1N1 virus, respirators were in high demand.  I know several persons who wear a respirator when they travel, to avoid catching a “bug.”

It is important that employers take the time to check the air quality of the environment their workers are in every day.  Respirators should be selected and tested on each worker for proper fit.  The choice must be based on the workplace contaminants, concentrations, and all other specific conditions.  All selections should be compliant with State, Federal, and Local regulations on workers safety including but not limited to OSHA regulations on respiratory protection (29CFR 1910.134.)  Some respirators are suited for environments free from oil-based contaminants.  Others are used for types of gases, fumes, oil-based aerosols, and asbestos. 

We need to start our children out with healthy lungs, by keeping our homes properly ventilated and smoke-free.  It’s harmful for children to have to ride in a car that is full of smoke.  Outdoor activities are important for kids and adults, too, so report any locations that may cause pollution in your neighborhood.  Next, we need to be sure that their schools have healthy atmospheres.  They should be built with adequate ventilation and be cleaned regularly.  School buses may contribute to air pollution. 

Focus on good health for you and your family.  Keeping your lungs nice and pink is a smart thing to do.  Too many times we need to stop and take a deep breath, and if your lungs aren’t in good shape, it’s hard to do.

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

INFORMATION ABOUT COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSIONS

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Most industrial settings have hazards of all types.  One kind of hazard that is particularly acute during winter months is combustible dust.   We feel  it is important that we share some information on this dangerous situation that may be present in many businesses. 

The National Fire Protection Association indicates that 1/32” of  an accumulation of this kind of dust can rise to an explosion.  This is an amount equal to the thickness of a dime.  Any combustible material (and some materials normally considered noncombustible) can burn rapidly when in a finely divided form. Powdered products that are stored and transported in bulk bags can form combustible dust when the bags are filled or discharged. If such a dust cloud is hovering in air in the right strength, it can become explosive. Any source of ignition; a flame, heating elements, frictional spark, or electrostatic discharge can cause a detonation. Such an explosion can cause employee deaths, injuries, and destruction of entire buildings. These events have killed many employees and injured hundreds over the past decades.  Materials that may form combustible dust include metals (such as aluminum, iron, zinc, and magnesium), wood, coal, plastics,  paper, soap, and certain textiles. In many accidents, employers and employees were unaware that a hazard even existed.  Other industries at risk of combustible dust explosions are:  food, (e.g., candy, sugar, spice, starch, flour, feed), grain, tobacco, pulp, rubber, furniture, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fossil fuel power generation. 

Dust Explosions are preventable.  The National Fire Protection Association has comprehensive information that can help manufacturers avoid these catastrophes.  They can assist company safety personnel, management, and others who are responsible for recognizing dust fire and explosion hazards byadvising  them in establishing control measures. Good housekeeping is of the utmost importance. Many manufacturers use industrial dust and fume collection systems in their facilities. 

One of the most important engineering controls available for improving or maintaining the quality of air in the work environment is ventilation. Ventilation is a way of controlling the environment with airflow. Facilities failing to furnish adequate maintenance of ventilation equipment, those workplaces operated to maximize energy conservation, windowless areas, and areas with high occupancies or confined spaces may have poor ventilation.

Personal protective equipment for employees in these industries includes respirators, hardhats, gloves, and eye protection, such as safety goggles.  Protecting the employees by furnishing the right PPE, and controlling risk factors in the facility should be the main goal of any business.  Those in charge should be aware of any previous fires their company has experienced.

Some of the above information was obtained from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates chemical accidents.  These board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  They are comprised of chemical and mechanical engineers, safety experts, and others with vast experience in public and private sectors.  Following their investigations, they make recommendations to OSHA, EPA, individual organizations and labor groups. 

In 2003, the CSB launched investigations of three major industrial explosions involving combustible powders. These explosions – in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Indiana – cost 14 lives and caused numerous injuries and substantial property losses. The Board responded by launching a nationwide study to determine the scope of the problem and recommend new safety measures for facilities that handle combustible powders. The CSB issued its final report at a public meeting in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2006, calling for a new OSHA regulatory standard designed to prevent combustible dust fires and explosions.