Working Safely with Corrosives Corrosive chemicals can burn, irritate, or destructively attack living tissue. When inhaled or ingested, lung and stomach tissue are affected. Materials with corrosive properties can be either acidic (low pH) or basic (high pH). Cleaning compounds may contain acids or bases. Before using a material, always...
Portable Grinder Safety Portable grinding wheels are designed to operate at very high speeds. If a grinding wheel shatters while in use, the fragments can travel over 300 miles per hour. The potential for serious injury, material damage, and other losses from these shooting fragments is great. To ensure that...
Accident Investigation Accidents are unplanned and unexpected events that cause injury, property damage, and/or financial loss in the workplace. Incidents or “near misses” don’t result in loss, but have the potential to do so. Accidents are the result of unsafe acts or unsafe conditions, or both. Whatever the reasons, we...
Asbestos in Construction Asbestos is used in many products because of its high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemical and thermal breakdown. Asbestos is used in insulation, fireproofing materials, automotive brakes, cement and wallboard materials, floor tiles, and roofing material. Exposure: Disturbing asbestos materials may generate airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos...
Using Hand Tools Safely Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools are often underrated as sources of potential danger. Hand tools may look harmless, but they are the cause of many injuries. In fact, an estimated 8 percent of all workplace compensable injuries are caused by incidents associated...
Toxic Materials Safe handling and work procedures are crucial for workplaces where individuals use toxic materials. It is vital that people working with hazardous materials such as toxics are properly trained regarding the potential hazards. In general, when handling toxic materials: Use only the smallest amount necessary to do...
Cold Weather Safety Even though it’s cold outside, we still have to work and get the job done. There are several things we can do to keep warm and prevent cold weather-related injuries. Most cold-related injuries are a result of exposure to humidity, high wind, wet conditions, and inadequate clothing....
Lockout/Tagout Safety Any powered equipment that could put you in danger is a hazard that can be prevented when lockout/tagout/tryout procedures are followed. Most common causes of accidents: The machine or piece of equipment was not completely shut off before a maintenance or repair operation; The machine was turned on...
Noise Safety Noise reduction rating (NRR): NRR is a standardized measure of noise reduction provided by a hearing protector as measured in the laboratory. It provides for a comparison when choosing a suitable protector for the intended use. When hearing protection is worn, your level of exposure to noise is...
Spill Prevention and Response Spills in the workplace cause hazards from slips and falls, exposure to the spilled material, and accidental release into the environment. Know the proper storage, handling, use, and spill response for the materials in your workplace. Prevention: Inspect containers regularly for leaks, corrosion, and worn seals....