Tag Archives: OSHA regulations

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

Industrial Gloves Raises Safety Level of Its Workers (Guest Post)

 
There are specific Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) laws in place that makes protective equipment like gloves and sleeves mandatory for industrial workers. Indeed, without the use of these protective and secure gloves, it is quite possible that workmen may the victims of damages to, or even total loss of their hands through accidents caused by moving parts of machinery, chemical exposures, electrical shocks, fire and burns, hand injuries caused during welding and a host of hazards that make the protection of hands through industrial gloves mandatory and absolutely necessary to avoid damages or losses, either of temporary or permanent kind. 
To a very large extent, the kind of industrial gloves that would be necessary depends largely on the kind of industrial activity that is being carried out. However, the main types of gloves are:
  • Fire Resistant types
  • Cotton gloves
  • Inspection Gloves
  • Latex gloves
  • Knitted gloves
  • Leather gloves
  • Rubber gloves
  • Any other synthetic materials that is warranted due to danger of industrial activity
It must be remembered that the hands of industrial workers, especially when handling dangerous and moving parts of machines or welding, are highly risky and accident prone, and thus need full gloved protection while handling. There have been cases and instances when the entire ungloved hand of the workman had been severed by moving machine parts, or welding burns causing  third-degree burns perhaps beyond medical treatment, thus raising the bar for safety measures and regulatory regimes regarding the use of industrial gloves.
  1. The demands of the trade measure the quality, kind and toughness of the industrial gloves: Indeed choices of gloves are work based, the more hazardous the work, the more tougher, protective and robust the gloves need to be. Gloves made of asbestos (fireproof), leather or rubber (fire and acid proof) and latex gloves (liquids and water proof) are major kinds in demand, although certain activities specify the kind of gloves needed.
  2. Heavy work requires a tough pair of gloves: Protection against rough and unidentified objects, fire sparks, heat, fire and dust particles, need leather gloves that are all resistant and also durable and non-abrasive. Rubber gloves offer protection against chemical spills and oils too. 
  3. Sometimes a combination of gloves may be needed: for some hazardous and tough jobs, where the palms also begin to sweat profusely, it becomes necessary to have inner coating of cotton gloves (mops up sweat and body fluids) with outer coating of leather or synthetic gloving. While dealing with electricity and electronic devices, it is best to use insulating rubber gloves which offer better protection against leakages and shocks. In nuclear plants, specially designed gloves are required. 
  4. Workmen must be trained and educated on the safe and efficient use of gloves: During times of emergencies, it is important that workmen make good use of putting on and removing gloves and other hand safety devices and they need to be trained and modulated on the techniques of hand protection and other issues. 
In the context of industrial protection and safety, hand protection devices are indeed very critical and important, making the difference between safety and hazard, and thus gloves need to be a fully integrated port of workmen’s armory, both for defense and safe working. Historical records bear testimony on the number of accidents which could have been avoided if there had been sound and practiced safety measures and factory managers need to learn from past mistakes and learn for the future betterment and Zero Accident Tolerance standards. 
 
 
Author Bio: Christy Nelsen is a good researcher. And for the past several years, concentrated on academic assignments for students who require top-quality articles to accomplish their assignments and other projects. He helps students for write to learn many subjects.  He enjoys writing about current trends and innovations in education, technology and traveling.  
 
 
 
 
Back Safety, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

HOW FAR HAS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY COME IN 50 YEARS? (GUEST POST)

Whether you’re thinking in terms of technology, scientific knowledge, or health, there’s no denying that we’ve come a long way over the past fifty years.  Safety in the construction industry is no exception.

The most significant event occurring over the past fifty years that has resulted in safety improvements both in construction and general industry was the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. This law resulted in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

OSHA Standards

Initially, OSHA regulations were based on national consensus standards and began to take effect in 1971. The first standard specific to construction, however, was issued on November, 23, 1972. Since then, a number of standards affecting the construction industry have been developed. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each covered topic in detail, major categories include:

o Personal protective and lifesaving equipment
o Fire protection and prevention
o Materials handling
o Hand and power tools
o Welding and cutting
o Electrical
o Scaffolding
o Fall protection
o Concrete and masonry construction
o Steel erection
o Stairways and ladders
o Cranes and derricks

The complete list of covered topics and related narrative can be easily accessed on the OSHA website.

Part 1926 contains the construction regulations with part 1910 being for general industry. However, whether one is involved in the construction business or another industry, it is necessary to refer to both, as there is a considerable amount of overlap between the two.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that states can, and often do, have requirements that are more stringent than the federal regulations. Twenty-seven states and territories currently operate state plans that are OSHA-approved.

ANSI Standards

Contributions from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have had a positive impact on safety over the past fifty years as well through the development of standards to which equipment manufacturers must adhere.

Examples include criteria for safety glasses and fall protection equipment. ANSI standards normally go into much more detail than the OSHA regulations. OSHA will incorporate them by reference into its own standards in many cases.

Safety as Good Business

Technological advancements have resulted in the reduction of hazards through more effective engineering controls and substitution of hazardous products with safer alternatives.

In addition, companies have begun to understand that an effective safety program makes good business sense. Robust safety procedures often carry over into other disciplines and positively impact things such as quality, productivity and cost control.

Hiring With Safety In Mind

Looking at a contractor’s safety record when making hiring decisions can save a company a considerable amount of future grief. For example, negative publicity resulting from a serious injury that occurs on the property, even though the injured person was a contractor’s employee, can be difficult to overcome.

During construction activities, the regulatory agencies will consider the facility a multi-employer work site and can hold both companies accountable for any safety violations. Any citations issues could result in a significant financial impact in addition to negative public relations.

A review of the prospective contractor’s OSHA 300 log, on which any significant injuries must be recorded, can provide a quick overview of how the contractor incorporates safety into the day to day operations. An unusually large amount of entries or multiple entries for the same type cause can raise a red flag that something is amiss.

Information regarding citations and fines levied by OSHA against the contractor are a matter of public record and can usually be found through a web search. When it comes to hiring a construction contractor, a small amount of due diligence up front can save a lot of regret later.

Jason Kane is an advocate of workplace safety in all industries. He is a blogger for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., the preferred choice of the global community since 1979.


 

 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

OSHA AND ELECTRICITY: KEEPING THE FACTORY FLOOR SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations to ensure employees’ safety. These requirements apply to all industries, especially construction and factory work.

In addition to an employer following safety guidelines, employees working on or around electrical equipment should have safety training. OSHA regulations align with the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 70E.

General OSHA regulations for electrical use in any industry

  • Electrical cords may not be modified.
  • Ground prongs can’t be removed from any cord or plug.
  • Extension cords must have three wires, one wire being grounded.
  • Cords, fittings and connections must have a strain relief.
  • Shut-offs or disconnects must be clearly identified on all equipment.
  • All electrical equipment must be inspected before use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service.
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) must be used in typically wet locations.

Requirements for wiring and safe operation

  • All electrical wire, equipment and conduit must be approved by either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Corporation (FMC).
  • When energized equipment or lines are exposed, effective barriers or temporary fencing must be used.
  • High-voltage equipment (600 volts or more) must be isolated.
  • Temporary wiring, used during construction, remodeling or repairs, must meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
  • Temporary wiring must be removed immediately after the work is completed.
  • Exposed electrical wires must be protected.

When it comes to protecting electrical wires, a metal or plastic conduit is the best choice. Conduit materials include aluminum, cast zinc, galvanized steel, steel and PVC.

Partial list of conduit requirements

  • Any wiring installed in a conduit must be protected by bushings at the end of the conduit.
  • Liquid tight conduit and weatherproof connections must be used in outdoor locations.
  • The NEC has regulations for the maximum number of wires allowed in any given conduit. The number of wires depends on the diameter, American Wire Gauge and type of wire.
  • Most metal conduits can be used as equipment ground conductors. Plastic conduits must have a separate ground conductor. The ground conductor must also be identified.
  • Spacing between conduits is required for safe access during repair work.

Normally, if an accident occurs, OSHA will become involved and may conduct safety assessments. In addition to OSHA guidelines, the NEC applies to all construction work and all commercial electrical use. Compliance with NEC requirements is normally checked during stages of building inspection. Insurance companies may require further inspection for compliance.

Following the guidelines set by OSHA will help protect the health and safety of employees. A reduction in accidents may reduce insurance rates and will reduce lost time from work. While ignoring regulations may not result in an accident, the potential fines levied by OSHA can be significant.

All workers who work around electricity should be furnished dielectric personal protective equipment, such as dielectric glasses and gloves. pb

 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

OSHA RECORDS AN AVERAGE OF SEVENTY CONFINED SPACE FATALITIES PER YEAR (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

By Jack Rubinger – Graphic Products responds with a Free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide 

Portland, OR – About a million employees enter confined spaces every day, according to OSHA. In most cases, those workers complete their task without incident, but despite the many precautions in place, 70 workers per year never make it back out alive. Besides the ultimate price paid by workers, hefty fines arise if employers are found to be in noncompliance with OSHA regulations. In February of this year, a Texas-based energy company was fined more than $70,000 for confined space violations with hydraulic fracking tanks. 

Graphic Products, Inc., has made a business out of keeping workers safe worldwide. Determined to decrease this high count of confined space deaths, Graphic Products has released a free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide to help workers, industrial hygienists and environmental health & safety coordinators deal with the very real dangers present in confined spaces. 

Confined spaces — which include storage tanks, ship compartments, pits, silos, wells, sewers, boilers, tunnels and pipelines — have limited or restricted means for entry or exit and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Workers get trapped cleaning or doing repairs and maintenance in these spaces. Lacking a means of escape, their cries for help may go unheard. 

These spaces often have limited oxygen, or the air is toxic or combustible. This puts a ticking clock on the job and is the main reason workers don’t make it back out alive. Confined spaces that contain or have the potential to contain a serious atmospheric hazard should be classified as permit-required confined spaces and should be tested prior to entry and continually monitored, according to OSHA guidelines. 

Fully illustrated with photographs, diagrams, sample permits and signs and labels, this 18-page guide addresses: 

  • Identifying confined space locations
  • Sign and labeling materials for harsh industrial environments
  • Confined space permitting
  • Training programs
  • Supervisor and coordinator responsibilities
  • Entry and evacuation operations and procedures
  • Testing and monitoring equipment
  • The benefits of using industrial printers to create large format signs and labels that are more likely to be seen 

The new Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide is the most current resource in a growing collection which now includes the following free guides: 

  • Warehouse Safety Guide
  • Safety Inspection Workbook
  • Phosphorescent Marking Guide
  • Required PPE Guide
  • HCS/Hazcom 2012 Best Practices
  • Arc Flash Best Practices Guide
  • Medical Pipe Marking Guide
  • Marine Pipe Marking Guide 

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by sea shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. With more than 50 types of labeling supplies, Graphic Products, Inc. helps companies solve communication problems in the toughest industrial environments. For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com.

General Safety Issues

Why We Need Strong Workplace Safety Laws (Guest Post)

Written by Joseph Ginarte 

Many jobs involve some inherent dangers. However, an employer is always liable for maintaining a safe workplace and observing regulations set by OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This liability covers anyone working on the premises, whether that person is an employee of the company or an independent contractor. In addition to a safe environment, the employer is also required to provide safe tools, including vehicles, appliances and other devices utilized to perform the work. Employers must caution employees about hazards relating to the job that the employee may not know about, provide sufficient help to get a job done safely and consistently enforce safety rules so that all employees comply. 

Workplace safety laws are complex and vary from state to state. However, in most cases, state laws conform very closely to the federal OSHA regulations. In the event of a workplace injury, in most states the standards set forth by OSHA are usually those that employers will be held responsible for. Employers are seldom held liable for any and every possible injury, simply because it happened in the course of employment. The factor that will determine whether an employee’s claim against an employer is justifiable is whether the injury occurred as a direct result of the employer’s failure to observe safety standards. 

If an injury should occur on the job, your first step should be to seek proper medical help for yourself. As soon as is reasonably possible given the circumstances of your health, you should notify the employer of your injury. Take steps immediately to file a claim for worker’s compensation. While no state requires an attorney to make a worker’s compensation claim, the services of an experienced attorney may be very helpful at this time. In addition, an injury lawyer can be useful in ensuring that the medical help you are receiving is adequate. It’s important to have an experienced expert oversee this issue because you will initially be required to utilize doctors specified by the company’s worker’s compensation insurance provider, not your own doctors. The attorney will also ensure that the facts of your claim are properly presented and that all documents are in order. 

In addition to worker’s compensation, a work injury may justify a personal injury claim as well. While worker’s compensation benefits require little proof beyond the facts that the injury occurred on the job, the basis for a personal injury claim is always negligence on the part of the party who is liable. Negligence can be difficult to prove in an employment injury and requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney. Workplace personal injury claims must be carefully documented including medical records and statements of witnesses to the accident. In addition, very strict statutes of limitations apply. A personal injury attorney can advise you on your rights and responsibilities as well as evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and offer an estimate, based on his or her experience, of the most likely outcome in terms of compensation. If you decide to go ahead with the claim, the personal injury attorney can make sure all important deadlines are fulfilled and gather the facts necessary to present your case.  

This guest post was contributed by Joseph A. Ginarte. He is a specialist personal injury attorney New York and the proprietor of the Ginart Law firm. He enjoys writing and sharing his insights on various legal blogs.

Note: As stated in a similar post, companies are required by OSHA not only to provide the proper tools and equipment for employees and see that they are trained properly, but also furnish the right work safety productsfor the particular job.  Then it is up to each worker to wear that PPE at all times while on the job.  PPE is the last line of defense in protecting each worker. Pat

 

 

General Safety Issues

DOES YOUR EMERGENCY LIGHTING MEET REGULATIONS? (GUEST POST)

By Jessica Stark

It can be easy to take your office’s emergency lighting for granted. These lights are hidden in dark corners of your building and above emergency exit doors that are rarely used, but in case of an emergency, those dusty lights that you’ve neglected for so long can help guide you and your coworkers to safety. Is your emergency lighting in proper working condition? There are many OSHA rules and regulations regarding emergency lighting to make sure you and your people stay safe. When setting up your office, be sure to adhere to these requirements to avoid potential harm and accidents for your coworkers.

However, OSHA’s requirements can be tricky to navigate due to its technical language. A wide variety of emergency lighting equipment is available, but how can you be sure what types adhere to requirements?

First, be sure that your signs are the proper height. OSHA requires that the word “EXIT” be easily legible with letters no shorter than six inches in height. Requirements vary depending on the location of the sign in relation to the exit, so an arrow directing people to the exit door may sometimes be required.

Whether an emergency exit sign is externally illuminated, internally illuminated, or photo luminescent, it must be continuously lit while the building is occupied so that it may be visible in regular lighting as well as emergency lighting.

An important thing to be sure of when working with an expert to set up or update your building’s emergency lighting is that the equipment is in place to guide people to safety. During power outages, storms, fires or other disasters, panic and self-preservation can overpower a person’s normal instincts and behaviors. Bright, effective lighting and distinctive signs can guide someone in a panic to safety and keep them from bringing harm to themselves or other people. While OSHA and other national regulators do not require that “EXIT” signs be a particular color, be sure to check local laws to see if a particular color is needed.

It is also important to use “NO EXIT” signs when appropriate. According to the NFPA, a “NO EXIT” sign is needed when “any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads: NO EXIT.”

The many regulations from OSHA and other governing bodies regarding emergency lighting can be tricky to follow, even with a helpful guide. However, these rules are in place to keep your employees, coworkers and guests safe in times of emergency. Whether your emergency lighting is in need of an update or you are working closely with a contractor to select the proper equipment for your newly built office, be sure to pay attention to your EXIT signs and lighting systems. Proper preparation now will prevent potential tragedies later.

 

General Safety Issues

AVOID POTENTIAL DANGERS IN THE WORKPLACE THROUGH OSHA SAFETY MARKINGS (GUEST POST)

Safety is a very important element in the workplace which is why the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has imposed various guidelines when it comes to placing safety markings on facilities like factories and warehouses. Since most of these facilities have their own 5s or Kaizen program, OSHA has come up with a way to standardize these programs. 

About OSHA Floor Marking

Essentially, workplaces and other facilities should have proper safety line marking on their passages, aisles and other areas to promote the safety and the best interest of the workers. Hence, all facilities should ensure that they comply with the OSHA standards that are actually light compared to the more complicated details of the other features of workplace safety.

 All of the OSHA regulations are relevant and meet  with the legal standards. The OSHA has given a few instructions when it comes to marking facilities such as workplaces. These should be followed in order to promote maximum safety in the workplace and at the same time comply with the rules of the Department of Labor which heads OSHA. 

The OSHA Floor Marking Guidelines

Proper placing of OSHA  floor marking is a must for all facilities so they must refer to OSHA for the basic rules in setting up passages, aisles and safety markings. The rules are very simple and easy to follow so if you want to have more ideas,  you can take a look at the following:

  • The line markings should always be a full line which means no broken lines should be used
  • The markings can contain dots, shapes and icons
  • The aisle and passageways should be adequately covered
  • The minimum measurements for line markings should be 2 inches wide and 2-3 inches in length
  • The width of the aisle should be 3ft larger than largest equipment that will pass on it
  • The aisle should not be less than 4 ft

Safety Marking Colors

In the past, the most common color being used in safety markings are red and yellow. Yellow is associated with the meaning “caution” making it the most ideal color to mark sections where the incident of falling or having an accident is at the highest. Red is often used in locating items like fire extinguishers and other equipments that can combat fire.

These two colors are the thing in the past since OSHA comes up with more experimental color schemes with their floor markings. The OSHA scheme encompasses all the colors included in the rainbow and each of these has its own meanings that are relevant to general safety conditions or specific hazards. You may encounter purple which actually denotes radiation hazard as well as safety marks in orange which means possible danger from equipments.

Truly, the safety markings in the workplace play a big role in the safety and overall condition of the workers. Being knowledgeable of the color scheme meanings and particular symbols lets you avoid potential dangers just by taking a glance at these markings.  

Written by Mike Wilson –

 Mike, thank you for sending us this important information.  The badge that I wore when working in a hospital had the color codes for which emergency, i.e., Code Blue, etc. on the back of our name tags.  That way, we always had easy access to those codes.  New employees would profit from some type of identification of their company’s particular codes if they have them with them at all times. pb