Although most portable electric tools have an equipment- grounding conductor and many are double insulated, these methods are not fool proof. A grounding wire could break, or a cord could become defective. Using a GFCI overcomes these insulation problems. A ground fault occurs when the electrical current does not complete...
Electrical hazards can be found in all industries. Avoiding electrical shocks both at home and at work requires awareness of the hazards and a respect for this “Silent Killer.” The human body has a low resistance to electricity, making it a good conductor, like most metals. Unlike metals however, the...
Power tools are a common part of our everyday lives and are present in nearly every industry. These simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Everyone who uses tools must learn to recognize the hazards associated with the different...
Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage. Bystanders, as well as workers involved directly with welding, can be affected. Experts estimate that 6% of all fires on industrial properties are caused by welding or...
Atmospheric testing is required for two distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards of the permit space and verification that acceptable conditions exist for entry into that space. Evaluation Testing: The atmosphere within a confined space must be tested using equipment that is designed to detect the chemicals that may be...
Cell phones can be a dangerous distraction in the workplace, just like other workplace distractions such as horseplay and chattering with co-worker’s, cell phones can cause us to lose focus on the task at hand. When used inappropriately these devices can get employees in trouble at work as well as...
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping frequently contributes to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic “panic” cleanups are costly and ineffective in...
Your respirator may be the most important tool of your job. It protects your most precious asset, your health. Yet more often than not, respirators find their way to the bottom of tool bags where they become damaged and/or very dirty inside and out. Both of these conditions compromise the...
The OSHA First Aid standard requires trained first-aid providers at all workplaces of any size, if there is no “infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.” If an employee is expected to render first aid as part...
When a worker is suspended in a fall harness, the body has no way of going horizontal. The blood keeps pooling and cannot flow properly. This is suspension trauma. And unless the worker is rescued promptly, venous pooling and orthostatic intolerance occurs. This may result in serious damage to the...