Static electricity is generated by friction or by the quick separation of materials. Walking across a carpet generates static electricity. You can feel the charge as you touch a door handle. The spark produced from this discharge usually contains enough energy to ignite flammable vapors if those vapors are in...
Many small things influence our lives; and not paying attention to them can sometimes have disastrous consequences, especially when it comes to safety. Fortunately, most of us have been trained to keep an eye out for the “big hazards” that could cause injury. But, sometimes, it’s the little or unnoticed...
Compressed air is a valuable utility and a safe power source when used properly. As with any other energy- carrying power source, compressed air should be regarded with caution and handled with care to avoid accidents and user injury. General safety requirements for compressed air: All pipes, hoses, and fittings...
Excavations pose a serious and sometimes fatal threat to the safety of our workers. An excavation accident is 15 times more likely to result in death than any other construction accident. It is important to understand the risks associated with excavations. Between 100-400 people are killed per year in excavations....
Every day an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces. No matter where we work, flying particles, dusts, splashes, or flying objects are apt to expose us to potential eye injury. Causes of Eye and Face Injuries: Splashes from harmful liquid chemicals such as acids or cleaning solutions; Flying...
Let’s hope you never need one, but if you do let’s hope it’s clean and accessible. If you get foreign particles in your eyes, an emergency eyewash station is the most important initial step in first-aid treatment. Chemical burns to the eye are among the most urgent of emergencies. Eyewash...
Hard hats are commonly used in many types of workplaces to protect employees from head trauma caused by falling objects, striking their head against an object, or electrical hazards. With over 100,000 occupational head injuries reported every year, prevention of head injuries is an important factor in every safety program....
Forklift operation is not as simple as it looks. But with a little experience, it’s not an impossible skill to master. Basic Forklift Safety Practices: Here are a few common safety rules to follow during forklift operation: Use the seat belt. It will keep you secured in the seat in...
Abrasive wheel machines are used in general industry, construction, and maritime operations, but the small “fixed bench” or pedestal grinders can be found in just about every maintenance and machine shop in America. This adds up to a lot of workers exposed to serious risks for eye injuries, hand or...
Loading docks are hubs of activity in manufacturing plants, warehouses, industrial buildings, and distribution centers. Loading Dock Hazards: The loading dock area must be inspected regularly to identify potential hazards that may include: Slips, trips, and falls caused by floor conditions, poor housekeeping, or dock edge; Forklifts overturning; Pedestrian and...