Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) Although most portable electric tools have an equipment grounding conductor and many are double insulated, these methods are not foolproof. A grounding wire could break or a cord could become defective. Using a GFCI overcomes these insulation problems. Not the proper use of GFCIs Where...
Choosing the Right Ladder Each year in the U.S more than twenty thousand people are rushed to the emergency room due to ladder related falls and accidents. Ladder accidents and falls can result in severe injury and, in some cases, even death. The proper precautions must always be taken. Choosing...
Pneumatic Tool Safety Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, sanders, spray guns, air ratchets, grinders, nibblers, needle scalers, and many more. Handling Pneumatic Tools Safely: Permit only experienced and trained people to operate pneumatic tools. Inspect each tool before connecting it to the...
Pedestrians and Forklifts Pedestrians, whether they are walking down the aisle of a plant or walking down a city street, are no match against moving steel. As a matter of fact, as pedestrians, your fellow employees are probably much more aware of the dangers involved in being hit by a...
Bonding and Grounding 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 they...
Benzene Safety Benzene is acutely toxic if absorbed through the skin or if the vapors are inhaled. Symptoms of exposure to high concentrations of benzene vapors include euphoria, giddiness, breathlessness, and irritability. It may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Contact may also bring on a headache,...
Respirator Protection Respiratory hazards in the workplace should be controlled whenever possible using engineering, work practice, or administrative controls. However, if these controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employees may need to utilize respiratory protection. Respirator Basics: Respirators must always be inspected prior to donning. o...
Emergency Eye Wash and Deluge Showers 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 or a chemical spill on your body, an emergency eyewash station or deluge shower is the most important initial step...
Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace can be a serious problem. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death if it goes unnoticed in the air. It has been called the “silent killer” because without the proper safety equipment,...
Safety Signs Safety signs provide us with vital hazard information in a number of ways; through colors, words, and pictures. Signs tell you where the hazards are and how to protect against the danger. Safety signs come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Knowing what these signs mean and following...