Tag Archives: dust

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS TO PREVENT EYE INJURIES WHILE WORKING (GUEST POST)

You never know what kind of hazard will be waiting for you when you go to work. Each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment”. Injuries require medical treatment and those injured usually end up missing work due to their injury.

Metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips, nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and can result in permanent loss of vision, or blindness. Burns to one or both eyes routinely damage workers’ eyes and the surrounding tissue of the eye.

Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure, or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers, or other objects. The infections may result in relatively minor conjunctivitis, or the transmission of the HIV, B virus, or possibly even avian influenza.

What does a worker need to know to protect themselves, and others from an injury. Well,  that is pretty simple really. A leading ophthalmologist in New Jersey recommends these five tips to prevent injury to your eyes when working in hazardous conditions.

1. The right working tools for the job. Take steps to create a safe work environment. Remove and clean up hazardous material before it causes injury. Make sure all tools, and equipment used are in working order, and used properly.

2. No admittance. No one should be in the working area when you are working. If they are they need to use safety equipment to avoid injuries.

3. Eye protection that fits you and the job. Wear the proper face, and Z87 eye protection . Make sure the equipment used for your protection is clean, intact, and fits properly. The eye protection should stay in place, and protect you from fine and large sized debris.

4. Shake the dust off. After working take necessary measures to clean off any debris that has accumulated from on your eye, or face protection BEFORE removing them. Fine, dust likes, particles can land in your eyes if you remove protective eyeware before you have followed this step.

5. No rubbing allowed. Do not rub your eyes with dirty hands or clothing, which can result in cross contamination that can cause infection, and disease.

Remember if you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment for an injury can treat the current injury, and prevent further injury. Fine particles are dangerous because they are small, and not visible. Unseen potential for injury are a threat because they are not seen, or ignored. Take steps to protect your eyes from injury. Maintain a safe work environment.

As always take the necessary steps to keep your eyes healthy by getting regular yearly eye exams, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Author Bio:  

Diana Neal graduated in 2012 from the University of Colorado with a MS in nursing with a focus in healthcare informatics.  She is currently participating in an internship with an online marketing company. She spends a great deal of time in front of her computer writing, researching, and participating in outreach. If you are interested in an online marketing internship she highly recommends you give it a try. You can connect with her at http://about.me/indiananeal

 

 
 
Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

FOUR SOLID CONCRETE SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction yet many contractors lack knowledge of the potential dangers posed by concrete and the equipment used to pour and finish it.

Thankfully, the deaths caused as a direct result of working with concrete are extremely rare. The injuries incurred from working with the material carelessly, however, are higher. And, like most workplace accidents, a significant proportion of these injuries were probably avoidable.

With that in mind, here are four essential concrete safety tips for anyone regularly working with concrete or related machinery.

Concrete burns; keep covered up and wear protective equipment

Concrete burns are one of the lesser understood risks of working with fresh concrete, principally because the thick, cold consistency of concrete isn’t something you’d expect to have a burning property.

However, fresh concrete has a high alkaline content, which makes it extremely dangerous to human skin. Even worse, alkaline attacks nerve endings meaning that those exposed to concrete might not feel the effects until well after initial contact. The severity of concrete burns can range from minor irritation to dermatitis and burns.

To avoid the risk of concrete burns, ensure that all skin that could potentially be exposed to concrete mix is fully covered; this includes forearms, legs and a face mask and goggles if possible. It goes without saying that you should invest in some hard-wearing protective gloves when handling concrete too.

Protect yourself from concrete dust

Concrete dust from pre-mix concrete is one of the more dangerous elements of working with concrete, as prolonged exposure and inhalation can lead to the development of asthma and other occupation-related respiratory illnesses. In the short term, it can also lead to severe irritation of the eyes.

Fortunately, protecting yourself from the effects of concrete dust is relatively simple. Always wear protective goggles and a face mask when pouring your concrete into a mixer. If any other unprotected workers are in your direct proximity at the time, tell to stand clear until the dust has cleared.

Be prepared for heavy lifting

Depending on the kind of concrete job you’re carrying out, workers might be required to lift heavy concrete blocks. Set concrete is extremely heavy, so ensure that you have the correct amount of workers lifting a block and that each worker follows the accepted ‘safe’ way to lift: a straight back, bent knees and lifting with the legs.

For heavier concrete blocks, you might require the use of machinery such as a crane. Before allowing a crane to lift a block, make sure that the block is properly secured and any risk of the block falling loose is minimal. Clear any workers out of the path of the block’s journey to avoid any fatalities should the block fall.

Stay safe with construction equipment

The finishing of concrete requires a lot of equipment, including some seriously heavy-duty machines such as ride-on power trowels. Safety checks should be carried out on this machinery before use; is everything in working order? Are there any loose parts? Also make sure that you fully train (or are fully trained) in the same use of all equipment you use – if you feel unsure or suspect that a worker might not be in a position to safely operate equipment, get someone else to operate the equipment and organise further training.

When using any construction equipment, other workers should be positioned well clear of the operating area.

Concrete is an extremely useful material and one that is relatively easy to use – so long as you follow basic safety procedures.

Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Multiquip UK, suppliers of construction equipment

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

CHILD SAFETY DURING HOME IMPROVEMENTS (GUEST POST)

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If your home is undergoing major renovations, it’s not always possible to simply keep the kids away until the job is done. For that reason, there are a few safety practices that every parent should be aware of during home improvements.

1. Talk to your kids about the project

If your kids are old enough, a quick conversation about the project can be enough to prevent most accidents. Talk about any potential dangers from the project, including breathing dust, falling debris. or even just being underfoot when workers are busy. Set clear rules for behavior during the project, and explain why those rules are necessary for safety.

2. Separate the work zone from the rest of the house as much as possible

One of the best rules you can make for kids is simply to stay away from the work zone. This may be more difficult if you’re remodeling your kitchen, but in most cases you can cordon off the zone and make it “off-limits”. Not only will this protect your kids from the dangers in the work zone, it’ll also reduce the likelihood of workers bringing other hazards out of the work zone (spare nails, tacks, shards of tile or masonry, etc.)

3. Ask contractors about their safety practices

If you’ve hired a contractor to perform your renovations, be sure to have a conversation about safety practices before you sign. Find out who the supervisor on site will be, and what kind of insurance the contractor carries. It might go without saying, but you should never hire a contractor who isn’t licensed and accredited—because holding them accountable in the event of negligence or breach of contract will be a lot more challenging.

4. Double-check for construction and demolition waste

When the project is over, clean the area thoroughly. Dust, paint fumes, and other potential toxins and allergens can linger if the area isn’t properly wiped down. (This can be especially problematic for toddlers, who are more inclined to contact walls and floor with their hands and mouth.) Also be on the lookout for large debris that can have jagged edges, as well as exposed nails or carpet tack strips.

5. Don’t forget to restore any childproofing

Be sure to check your childproofing and replace it if necessary.  Especially if you’ve had a kitchen or bathroom remodeled, the chemicals under your kitchen sink and bath vanity may not be secured against small children after a project. It’s a small detail, but too often overlooked. Also, make sure any child locks on doorknobs are still present and intact—they’ll be in the line of fire if heavy objects are being carried in and out of the house, and usually aren’t robust enough to take much of a beating.

 

Mike Freiberg is a staff writer for HomeDaddys, a resource for stay-at-home dads, work-at-home dads, and everything in between. He’s a handyman, an amateur astronomer, and a tech junkie, who loves being home with his two kids. He lives in Austin.

 

Eye Protection

KEY FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT EYE PROTECTION (GUEST POST)

The eye is by far the most essential organ of the body. Being one of the five sense organs, the eye performs the primary function of seeing. To any individual, vision is the essence of life. A wide range of problems and diseases can cause hindrances in clear visibility. Often, it is because of our own shortcomings that we develop various eye problems. Hence, special care should be taken by us in order to protect our eyesight. This article will now render a few useful information and steps that can be followed to have good and healthy eyesight.
1. Avoiding extensive use
Staying up entire night with no sleep at all causes immense pressure on the eyes. Just like the entire human body, the eye as well needs an amount of rest. With a continued pressure on the eyes, it comes vulnerable to any type of vision problems. It is essential to give a rest of at least six hours to our eyes.
2. Sensitive
The layers of skin on the eye are the thinnest. It is needless to say that they are sensitive. Hence special sort of care should be taken to make sure that no sort of physical damage is caused to the eye. In such a case, the covering skin is affected forever and with a less or no layer for protection, the eye faces a lot of problems during its course of action. Therefore, special care should be taken to make sure that no physical damage is caused to the eye.
3. Light resistance
Our eyes are quite sensitive to light with a high intensity. The vision is numbed for quite some time when the eye is exposed to a bright light for a prolonged period. The color distinction property of the eye also suffers on such exposures. Therefore, special eye protecting gear should be made use of in such cases. For example, the use of goggles during experiments in a lab helps in saving the eye from bright radiations.
4. While On The Go
While traveling it is advised not to read books. As during journeys, the body is constantly moving and the focus of the eye has to fix itself constantly. In such a condition if the reader has to put in concentration into the book that he is reading, the pressure on the eye is immense and often results in a headache. Thus special care should be taken during traveling.
5. Computer Usage
Computers are another hazardous source of eyesight degeneration. The bright screen of the computer results into an increased amount of pressure on the eyes of the person who has stick to the screen to operate the computer. It is advised to put vision protection glass coverings on the Monitor of the computer to reduce the pressure on the eyes.
6. Dust Particles
The dust on road is also another factor for which the eye is prone to problems. Dusts often have an undesired chemical effect on the eye fluids and the eye in turn and are harmful for it. It is hence said that wearing glasses or sunglasses while being out in a dry weather is always good for the eye.
7. Cleansing
Also the dirt accumulated in the eye needs to be cleaned. Besides the eye fluid, a certain eye drop is required to be treated into the eyes to clean them. A regular practice of taking such a medical protection is very beneficial for the eye and its protection.
8. Contact Lens
The contact lenses are made from very heat sensitive materials. Any influence of heat melts the lens. It is always risky to stay in a cooking area or any other warm area while with contact lenses on. Various cases of such accidents have proved that the contact lenses on melting can end up making a person lose his eyesight forever.
9. Nuclear Emission
Nuclear radiations are the most harmful elements for the eye. Special lead aprons and eye gear is to be used while performing nuclear reactions or doing any other nuclear elements related jobs.
Therefore, with all said and done it can pretty much be concluded that the eye is prone to various unnoticed and unidentified harmful factors daily. Every little thing that we do involves the eye and the various potent problems that it can face. Hence, extra care should be taken for these problems and it is to be made sure that the eye is kept safe at all costs. After all, a world which cannot be seen is a missing link in the gift of vision.

About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Besides this she is fond of blogging.
Thanks, Kelly,  for reminding us how precious our vision is, and ways to protect it!
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.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RESPIRATORS, PART I

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You may not work in an environment where you need a N95 Particulate Respirator; however, in the United States, there are an estimated 5 million workers in 1.3 million workplaces that are required to wear them.  Because respirators are recommended by OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard to control occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with gases, vapors, fumes, sprays, mists, sprays, fogs, smokes, and harmful dusts, there are many important things to understand about them.  OSHA requires Fit Testing for all employees that are required to wear light-fitting respirators; workers should be allowed time to learn how to properly put them on and know that they have the proper fit.

A respirator is a Personal Protective Equipment device that is worn on the face and covers at least the mouth and nose.  They protect the worker in two ways, one by removing contaminants from the air- Air Purifying Respirators.  Second, Air Supplying Respirators protect by supplying clean, breathable air from another source.

One of the most commonly used NIOSH-approved respirators is the N95 respirator.  The approved regulation defines the N95 as a filter class that removes at least 95% of airborne particles during “worse case” testing using “most penetrating” sized particles during testing.  Filters meeting such criteria are given a rating of 95.

Here are the different types of respirators:

Filter Class              Description

  • N95, N99, N100:    Filters at least 95%, 99%, 99.97% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
  • R95, R99, R100:    Filters at least 95%, 99%, 99.97% of airborne particles. Somewhat resistant to oil.
  • P95, P99, P100:    Filters at least 95%, 99%, 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
  • HE (High Efficiency Particulate Air):    Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. For use on PAPRs only. PAPRs use only HE filters.

Two of the most common styles of respirators are the cup style (preformed type) and flat fold type.  The elastomeric respirators have a molded facepiece, which uses replaceable filtering cartridges.

If an employer has told you that respiratory protection is needed because of inhaling hazards from airborne particles, it is important that you understand the importance of selecting comfortable, well-fitting PPE that you will be wearing 8 to 12 hours per day.  Although they furnish the PPE, it is up to you to be sure that you are compliant and inspect your protective equipment prior to wearing it every day.

In Part II, we will talk about Fit Testing and User Seal Checks.

Source:
CDC/NIOSH