SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK OF 3/18/10
TOPIC: DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Defensive driving means doing all the things necessary to avoid a vehicle collision despite the actions of other driver and/or driving conditions. It's about anticipating that other drivers are about to do BEFORE they do it, and taking action to avoid a collision. It's about anticipating what could result from the driving conditions and taking safe action BEFORE an incident occurs.
WEEK OF 11/5/09
TOPIC: EXCAVATION PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
There are (4) protective systems for entering an excavation. Any excavation that is 5 feet or deeper, a protective system should be in place and a competent person designated to oversee it.
1) Shield system
2) Shoring System
3) Sloping System
4) Benching System
WEEK OF 10/29/09
TOPIC: CONFINED SPACE
Confined space is a space large enough to perform work but has limited access, such as tanks, vaults, ducts and trenches.
- Potential hazards include insufficient oxygen, too much oxygen, flammable gases and vapors, and toxic substances.
- Atmosphere must be tested by competent person before entering space.
- After safe entry, atmosphere must still be tested periodically for changes.
- If space requires ventilation for safe entry, you must; continue monitoring for changes, use testing equipment with built-in hazard detection alarm, exit immediately if alarm sounds, don't re-enter until determined safe.
- If ventilation does not render the space safe continue to ventilate, monitor the atmosphere, wear proper respirator, qualified attendant present outside of space, wear appropriate safety harness, wrist-lets and retrieval line attached outside the space. When entry is vertical retrieval line must be attached to tripod with wench. Always maintain verbal contact with attendant outside space.
- If flammable gases are present, use Class 1, Division 1 electrical equipment.
WEEK OF 10/22/09
TOPIC: FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS
Fires and explosions that occur in mechanical industry are often the result of mishandling flammable or combustible liquids or gases. Some prevention guidelines are:
- Keep flammable or combustible liquids such as gas, diesel fuel, benzene, cleaning solvents only in small quantities
- Keep in containers specifically designed for them, such as UL approved metal cans with self closing lids
- Label flammable liquid containers with contents and hazard warnings.
- Ground the drum, then bond the drum to the container with bonding wire when transferring liquid to smaller container.
- Properly store flammable or combustible gas cylinders. Keep oxygen and acetlylene separate when not in use. Don't store LP gas inside of buidlings.
- When storing cylinders, turn valves off, secure valve covers, secure cylinders in upright position.
- Keep all flammable and combustible liquids, gas and oxygen cylinders away from ignition sources such as welders, torch cutting, pipe cutters, grinders, brazing, soldering, heaters, etc.
WEEK OF 10/15/09
TOPIC: EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The time it takes to locate emergency telephone number and equipment can mean the difference between life and death. Guidelines for responding to jobsite emergencies are:
- Learn where the landline telephones are located. Cell phones are great but the reception sometimes isn't.
- Learn where to quickly access emergency telephone numbers.
- Many locations have the 911 function for all emergencies.
- Learn where first aid kits are located.
- Learn where emergency eyewash stations are located.
- Locate the fire extinguishers in your work area. Be sure you know how to properly operate
WEEK OF 10/8/09
TOPIC: EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRST AID
Here are some basic emergency first aid guidelines for first responders.
- Survey the scene for hazards and safety. Send someone to call EMS, then send another.
- Protect yourself with gloves and a CPR breathing barrier (if needed)
- Protect the victim - do not move unless absolutely necessary
- Breathing - open airway by tilting head back lifting chin. Look, listen and feel.
- Response - if victim is not breathing, immediately start CPR
- Bleeding - apply direct pressure to wounds, elevate wounded arms or legs above the heart
- Shock - lay victim flat on back, keep body temperature normal, cover victim if needed, do not give food or water, elevate legs unless chance of spinal injury,
WEEK OF 10/1/09
TOPIC: CPR BASICS
- Check Victim for Breathing
- Perform Rescue Breaths (if not breathing) - 2 breaths
- Reposition the Airway if necessary
- Perform Chest Compressions - 30 compressions
- Check for Objects in Mouth (if choking is suspected)
- Repeat CPR Process
Continue CPR until an AED arrives and someone knows how to use it, the victim begins to move or EMS arrives.
WEEK OF 9/23/09
TOPIC: "GLOVES"
Different types of work need different types of work gloves, depending on the task and potential hazards. The following are some guidelines on proper work gloves:
- Standard leather gloves for material handling and most routine tasks
- Cut resistant gloves such as Kevlar for handling sheet metal and other sharp objects
- Chemical resistant gloves depends on the substance. Check the manufacturer's recommendations and select the appropriate glove. Some of the common gloves are Neoprene, Nitrile and Latex.
- Hot work gloves for tasks such as welding are typically leather, however there are many types of gloves for hot work. Select the glove that is best for the work you are performing.
WEEK OF 9/9/09
TOPIC: "PROPER USE OF GRINDERS AND GRINDING WHEELS"
To prevent injury proper use of grinders, wheels and guards is essential. HBL employees are instructed to use grinders with depressed center cutting/grinding wheels with a standard type 27 guard and inner flange.
WEEK OF 8/27/09
TOPIC: "WORKING OUTDOORS IN WARM CLIMATES"
Workers must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure, and other hazards. Employers and employees need to be aware of and manage these potential hazards.
SUN - Wear a hat, use sunscreen (SPF 30), wear UV eye protection, limit exposure when possible.
HEAT - Drink small amounts of water frequently, wear lightweight cotton clothing, avoid caffeine and alcohol, work in shade, eat smaller meals before activity.
The three heat related disorders are - heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Check out the symptoms and what to do at www.ohsa.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf
LYME DISEASE, WEST NILE VIRUS AND POISON IVY RELATED PLANTS are also risk factors when working in warm climates.
TIP: Did you know a lighter color hard hat will keep you cooler?
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