This is not the best way to work and return home alive to your family. The picture explains everything.???? He should at least have a safety harass which he can hook onto the cable ?????
SERIOUSLY... If you can not think for yourself... who will?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Working at Heights
This is not the best way to work and return home alive to your family. The picture explains everything.???? He should at least have a safety harass which he can hook onto the cable ?????
SERIOUSLY... If you can not think for yourself... who will?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Safety and Health Topics
OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposure to acceptable levels. Employers are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers.If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and lonshoring.
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and lonshoring.
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
Friday, September 7, 2007
10 Steps to Childproofing Your Home Office
those of us who work at home may dream of beavering away in isolated splendor, the reality is that our home office spaces are also living spaces where spouses and kids and pets and work all co-mingle. Small children love to play and explore, sticking small fingers into all kinds of spaces we would never think of sticking ours. So it’s important to make sure that our home office spaces are as child safe and pet safe as we can make them.
These ten steps to childproofing your home office will help ensure that you can all cohabit in your office space safely.
1) Put the small stuff away.
Rubber bands, paper clips, paper - a lot of innocuous looking office supplies can be choking hazards to small children. So keep them put away in drawers rather than letting them sit around in the open where kids could pick them up and swallow them.
2) Secure the child-reach zone.
Toddlers especially love to grab things to steady themselves or pull themselves up. A good "child-test" when you're childproofing your home office is to crawl around it on your hands and knees to see what there is to grab at or what’s protruding just at child-height. Then secure anything that could topple over on your child and put corner cushions on your office furniture’s dangerous edges.
3) Nix or fix the blinds.
Too many children have already been injured or killed because of the dangling cords of window blinds. The best way to avoid this hazard is to get rid of it; curtains or drapes will do the job just as well and look just as nice. If you're going to keep blinds in your home office, childproof them by looping up and securing the cords so children can’t get at them.
4) Secure all cords and wires.
Loose cords and wires are a hazard to people of any age. Wires or cables near the perimeter of your home office can be taped or stapled down as close to walls as possible to decrease the chance that people will trip over them. If this isn't possible, you may want to invest in some cord covers. You can also clear up the cord mess by taking up extra cord with a Cable Turtle (or by folding, wrapping and tying the excess cord).
5) Cover all the outlets.
When you're childproofing your home office, it's important to put outlet covers over all the exposed outlets. I don't know why kids find these so fascinating, but they do and it's a lot easier to cover the outlets then to spend chunks of your work time saying, "Don't touch! Don't touch!" If you have a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) in your office, you should get a cover for it, too.
6) Put magnets and/or locks on doors and drawers.
Simple magnets on the insides of cupboard doors can deter your children from opening the cupboards (and getting into whatever is inside) by making the doors more difficult to open. For even better childproofing, invest in some locks.
7) Get your computer off the ground.
If you have a PC, having the tower sit on the ground or on a lower shelf below the desktop is a common home office configuration. Protect it from sticky hands or the possibility of having something jammed into the disk drive by moving it to a higher position, such as sitting on the top of your desk.
8) Use your computer's security features.
Don't just get up and walk away from a work session; get in the habit of logging off so no one can use the computer without logging in. Punching keys or buttons is another thing that children find irresistible and if you've left your document in an accessible mode while you go off to get that coffee, it may be gone when you come back. For even better security, password protect your documents.
9) Control entrances and exits.
Door knob covers will prevent your children entering or leaving your office without your knowledge. Safety gates and play pens work well to keep small children where you can keep an eye on them and away from potential dangers. If you have windows in your home office, make sure that they have locking latches. Even a short fall can be fatal to a child.
10) Put your paper shredder away.
The sharp teeth of a paper shredder can be dangerous to children even when it's not turned on. Childproof it by moving your shredder to a position up out of reach of small children or by keeping it in a locked cupboard when not in use.
Being able to spend more time with your children is one of the great things about working at home. But if your children are going to be spending any time in your home office, you need to make sure your office is a safe place for them to be. Fortunately, childproofing your home office isn't expensive or difficult; it's mainly a matter of taking the time to make things safe.
These ten steps to childproofing your home office will help ensure that you can all cohabit in your office space safely.
1) Put the small stuff away.
Rubber bands, paper clips, paper - a lot of innocuous looking office supplies can be choking hazards to small children. So keep them put away in drawers rather than letting them sit around in the open where kids could pick them up and swallow them.
2) Secure the child-reach zone.
Toddlers especially love to grab things to steady themselves or pull themselves up. A good "child-test" when you're childproofing your home office is to crawl around it on your hands and knees to see what there is to grab at or what’s protruding just at child-height. Then secure anything that could topple over on your child and put corner cushions on your office furniture’s dangerous edges.
3) Nix or fix the blinds.
Too many children have already been injured or killed because of the dangling cords of window blinds. The best way to avoid this hazard is to get rid of it; curtains or drapes will do the job just as well and look just as nice. If you're going to keep blinds in your home office, childproof them by looping up and securing the cords so children can’t get at them.
4) Secure all cords and wires.
Loose cords and wires are a hazard to people of any age. Wires or cables near the perimeter of your home office can be taped or stapled down as close to walls as possible to decrease the chance that people will trip over them. If this isn't possible, you may want to invest in some cord covers. You can also clear up the cord mess by taking up extra cord with a Cable Turtle (or by folding, wrapping and tying the excess cord).
5) Cover all the outlets.
When you're childproofing your home office, it's important to put outlet covers over all the exposed outlets. I don't know why kids find these so fascinating, but they do and it's a lot easier to cover the outlets then to spend chunks of your work time saying, "Don't touch! Don't touch!" If you have a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) in your office, you should get a cover for it, too.
6) Put magnets and/or locks on doors and drawers.
Simple magnets on the insides of cupboard doors can deter your children from opening the cupboards (and getting into whatever is inside) by making the doors more difficult to open. For even better childproofing, invest in some locks.
7) Get your computer off the ground.
If you have a PC, having the tower sit on the ground or on a lower shelf below the desktop is a common home office configuration. Protect it from sticky hands or the possibility of having something jammed into the disk drive by moving it to a higher position, such as sitting on the top of your desk.
8) Use your computer's security features.
Don't just get up and walk away from a work session; get in the habit of logging off so no one can use the computer without logging in. Punching keys or buttons is another thing that children find irresistible and if you've left your document in an accessible mode while you go off to get that coffee, it may be gone when you come back. For even better security, password protect your documents.
9) Control entrances and exits.
Door knob covers will prevent your children entering or leaving your office without your knowledge. Safety gates and play pens work well to keep small children where you can keep an eye on them and away from potential dangers. If you have windows in your home office, make sure that they have locking latches. Even a short fall can be fatal to a child.
10) Put your paper shredder away.
The sharp teeth of a paper shredder can be dangerous to children even when it's not turned on. Childproof it by moving your shredder to a position up out of reach of small children or by keeping it in a locked cupboard when not in use.
Being able to spend more time with your children is one of the great things about working at home. But if your children are going to be spending any time in your home office, you need to make sure your office is a safe place for them to be. Fortunately, childproofing your home office isn't expensive or difficult; it's mainly a matter of taking the time to make things safe.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Electrical Safety At Work
Electricity kills and injures people. Around 1000 electrical accidents at work are reported to HSE each year and about 25 people die of their injuries. Many deaths and injuries arise from: - use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
- work near overhead power lines
- contact with underground power cables during excavation work
- mains electricity supplies (230 volt)
- use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying booths
Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause many additional deaths and injuries.
Simple precautions - Work using electrically powered equipment
You should make sure that electrical equipment used for a work is safe. Here are a list of actions that should be taken to ensure this is so:
Check that the electrical equipment is suitable
The equipment should be physically capable of doing the job, and designed and constructed so that mechanical and electrical stresses do not cause the equipment to become unsafe.
If the environment is damp you may choose to use battery or air powered equipment, or equipment that operates at a reduced voltage such as that supplied by a transformer with an output that is centre tapped to earth (this halves the voltage between a live wire and earth).
These are used in the construction industry and are readily available from hire shops.
If there is the chance that there is an explosive atmosphere (containing flammable aerosols, vapours, gases or dusts) nearby you should ensure the work can be carried out safely and that the right equipment is chosen.
Check that the electrical equipment is in good condition
Many faults with work equipment can be found during a simple visual inspection: Switch off and unplug the equipment before you start any checks.
Check that the plug is correctly wired (but only if you are competent to do so).
Ensure the fuse is correctly rated by checking the equipment rating plate or instruction book.
Check that the plug is not damaged and that the cable is properly secured with no internal wires visible.
Check the electrical cable is not damaged and has not been repaired with insulating tape or an unsuitable connector. Damaged cable should be replaced with a new cable by a competent person.
Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged in a way that will give rise to electrical or mechanical hazards.
Check for burn marks or staining that suggests the equipment is overheating. Position any trailing wires so that they are not a trip hazard and are less likely to get damaged.
If you are concerned about the safety of the equipment you should stop it from being used and ask a competent person to undertake a more thorough check.
These inspections should be performed by a competent person using suitable equipment, and often enough to ensure equipment does not become unsafe between the inspections.
Check that the electrical equipment is suitable for the electrical supply
Make sure that the electrical equipment you are intending to use is suitable for the electrical supply to which you are connecting it.
Check the voltage is correct and that the supply can deliver the current required by the equipment (the power requirements of the equipment will be shown on its rating plate).
Check the electrical supply is safe to use
You should be sure that the electrical supply is safe to use. Regular tests performed by a competent person, using suitable equipment are a good way of reducing risks. Where there is evidence that the supply may not be safe, such as damaged equipment or wiring, the supply should not be used until work has been done to correct this. Some simple user checks can be carried out on electrical socket outlets using an electrical socket tester, but it is essential that the correct type of tester is used . If any doubt remains regarding the safety of the electrical supply, a competent person should be consulted.
Use a Residual Current Device (RCD)
A Residual Current Device (RCD) can reduce the likelihood of an electrical injury but a shock can still cause very serious or fatal injuries, so an RCD should only be used as a secondary means of reducing the risk of people being injured by electricity. RCD’s are not designed to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere and should not be used for this purpose.
The best place for an RCD is built into the main switchboard, as this means that the electrical supply is permanently protected. If this is not possible, an electrical socket outlet incorporating an RCD, or a plug in RCD adaptor, can also provide additional safety.
An RCD detects some, but not all, faults in the electrical system and rapidly switches off the supply, reducing the potential for injury caused by a common type of electric shock. To reduce the likelihood of injury to people the RCD should have a tripping current of not more than 30 milliamps (mA). RCDs with a higher tripping current are used to protect against fire.
Remember:
An RCD is a valuable safety device, never bypass it; if the RCD trips, it is a sign there is a fault. Check the system before using it again; if the RCD trips frequently and no fault can be found in the system, consult the manufacturer of the RCD; the RCD has a test button to check that its mechanism is free and functioning. Use this regularly.
If lighting circuits are protected by the same RCD that also protects other equipment, a fault that causes the RCD to trip will also result in the loss of lighting that could give rise to a number of risks (such as trips and falls or the dangers from moving machinery). You should perform a risk assessment to identify the effect of fitting an RCD to electrical circuits.
- work near overhead power lines
- contact with underground power cables during excavation work
- mains electricity supplies (230 volt)
- use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying booths
Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause many additional deaths and injuries.
Simple precautions - Work using electrically powered equipment
You should make sure that electrical equipment used for a work is safe. Here are a list of actions that should be taken to ensure this is so:
Check that the electrical equipment is suitable
The equipment should be physically capable of doing the job, and designed and constructed so that mechanical and electrical stresses do not cause the equipment to become unsafe.
If the environment is damp you may choose to use battery or air powered equipment, or equipment that operates at a reduced voltage such as that supplied by a transformer with an output that is centre tapped to earth (this halves the voltage between a live wire and earth).
These are used in the construction industry and are readily available from hire shops.
If there is the chance that there is an explosive atmosphere (containing flammable aerosols, vapours, gases or dusts) nearby you should ensure the work can be carried out safely and that the right equipment is chosen.
Check that the electrical equipment is in good condition
Many faults with work equipment can be found during a simple visual inspection: Switch off and unplug the equipment before you start any checks.
Check that the plug is correctly wired (but only if you are competent to do so).
Ensure the fuse is correctly rated by checking the equipment rating plate or instruction book.
Check that the plug is not damaged and that the cable is properly secured with no internal wires visible.
Check the electrical cable is not damaged and has not been repaired with insulating tape or an unsuitable connector. Damaged cable should be replaced with a new cable by a competent person.
Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged in a way that will give rise to electrical or mechanical hazards.
Check for burn marks or staining that suggests the equipment is overheating. Position any trailing wires so that they are not a trip hazard and are less likely to get damaged.
If you are concerned about the safety of the equipment you should stop it from being used and ask a competent person to undertake a more thorough check.
These inspections should be performed by a competent person using suitable equipment, and often enough to ensure equipment does not become unsafe between the inspections.
Check that the electrical equipment is suitable for the electrical supply
Make sure that the electrical equipment you are intending to use is suitable for the electrical supply to which you are connecting it.
Check the voltage is correct and that the supply can deliver the current required by the equipment (the power requirements of the equipment will be shown on its rating plate).
Check the electrical supply is safe to use
You should be sure that the electrical supply is safe to use. Regular tests performed by a competent person, using suitable equipment are a good way of reducing risks. Where there is evidence that the supply may not be safe, such as damaged equipment or wiring, the supply should not be used until work has been done to correct this. Some simple user checks can be carried out on electrical socket outlets using an electrical socket tester, but it is essential that the correct type of tester is used . If any doubt remains regarding the safety of the electrical supply, a competent person should be consulted.
Use a Residual Current Device (RCD)
A Residual Current Device (RCD) can reduce the likelihood of an electrical injury but a shock can still cause very serious or fatal injuries, so an RCD should only be used as a secondary means of reducing the risk of people being injured by electricity. RCD’s are not designed to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere and should not be used for this purpose.
The best place for an RCD is built into the main switchboard, as this means that the electrical supply is permanently protected. If this is not possible, an electrical socket outlet incorporating an RCD, or a plug in RCD adaptor, can also provide additional safety.
An RCD detects some, but not all, faults in the electrical system and rapidly switches off the supply, reducing the potential for injury caused by a common type of electric shock. To reduce the likelihood of injury to people the RCD should have a tripping current of not more than 30 milliamps (mA). RCDs with a higher tripping current are used to protect against fire.
Remember:
An RCD is a valuable safety device, never bypass it; if the RCD trips, it is a sign there is a fault. Check the system before using it again; if the RCD trips frequently and no fault can be found in the system, consult the manufacturer of the RCD; the RCD has a test button to check that its mechanism is free and functioning. Use this regularly.
If lighting circuits are protected by the same RCD that also protects other equipment, a fault that causes the RCD to trip will also result in the loss of lighting that could give rise to a number of risks (such as trips and falls or the dangers from moving machinery). You should perform a risk assessment to identify the effect of fitting an RCD to electrical circuits.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
How to Select Personal Protection Equipment
The selection of appropriate protective gear is based on the hazards anticipated or recognized. Complete protection calls for assembling a set of gear including respirator, hardhat, safety glasses or faceshield (preferably both), body covering (coveralls, pants and jacket), gloves and safety boots/shoes (steel toe and shank). Omitting one item may compromise the individual's safety.
Some pieces of protective equipment, such as hardhats and boots, have specific standards for manufacture and only those items meeting these standards should be used. However, there are no such standards for chemical protective clothing. Selections must be based upon judgment.
Head Protection
The hardhat, a basic piece of safety equipment used in any work operations, must meet ANSI Z89.1 1986 specifications for protection. Manufacturers have adapted hardhats so that ear protection and faceshields may be easily attached. Hardhats are adjustable so a liner can be worn during cold weather. A chin strap is advantageous when work involves bending and ducking. It also helps secure the hardhat to the head when full face masks are worn.
Faceshields that attach to hardhats provide added protection. A combination that leaves no gap between the shield and the brim of the cap is best because it prevents overhead splashes from running down inside the faceshield. The faceshield must meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989 specifications.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses must also meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989. They should be standard safety gear when the respiratory protection is a half‑face mask with no faceshield. Both safety glasses/goggles and a faceshield are advisable as long as they do not impair visibility. Safety glasses should be of the type that incorporate face shields.
Ear Protection
Ear plugs or muffs should be issued when noise may be a problem, such as around heavy machinery and impact tools.
Foot Protection
Footwear worn during site activities (including leather work boots and rubber boots) must meet the specifications of ANSI Z41‑1991. The material used to make the boots is not subject to any standards.
Protection against liquid hazardous chemicals requires a boot of neoprene, PVC, butyl rubber, to some other chemical resistant material.
Boots are available in two styles: pullover and shoeboot. Pullovers may be inexpensive enough to be considered disposable; otherwise they must be completely decontaminated. With chemical resistant boots, the pant leg should be outside and over the boots to prevent liquids from entering.
Hand Protection - Gloves
The hands are as susceptible to contamination as the feet. Gloves must resist puncturing and tearing as well as provide the necessary chemical resistance. Most of the materials discussed earlier can be used in gloves.
Heavy leather gloves may be worn over chemical protective gloves when doing heavy work. If they become contaminated, they should be discarded because leather is difficult to decontaminate.
Jacket cuffs should be worn over glove cuffs to prevent any liquid from spilling into the gloves. If hands are elevated above the head during work, the gloves should be sealed with tape to the coveralls or splashsuit.
When selecting gloves consider thickness and cuff length. The thicker and longer the glove the greater the protection. However, the material should not be so thick that it interferes with the necessary dexterity.
Two pair of gloves should also be considered for extra protection of the hands if the outer glove is torn or permeated. A pair of inner gloves also adds an extra layer of protection for the hands during the removal of outer gloves and other chemically protective items.
Body Protection
Clothing to protect the body against hazardous liquids, gases, or vapors is available in a variety of styles and materials.
If the hazard present is known to be minor or simply a nuisance, minimal protection is warranted. This may be in the form of garments of Tyvek which are disposable or Nomex which are durable. Both are available as coveralls suitable for field use. As the hazards to the body increase, so does the level of protection needed. A splash suit made of PVC is suitable for a liquid such as an acid or base or when there will be minimal contact with organic materials. Some are inexpensive enough to be disposable.
If the material is more toxic, then more protection must be utilized. Splash suits similar in design to the PVC splash suits are good barriers against toxic hazards. These are made of neoprene and butyl rubber.
Toxic vapor/gases require the most complete protection, the best being fully encapsulating suits. The suit must not allow any penetration or permeation. Zippers must be properly sealed and seams properly connected and sealed to protect against vapors. Fully encapsulating suits also require the basic safety items such as safety boots and hardhat, along with a source of breathing air.
Wearing protective clothing creates some problems, the main one being that the body is shielded from normal circulation of air. Perspiration does not evaporate, thus eliminating the body's main mechanism for cooling. A cool towel on the nape (back of the neck) will effectively cause the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat to reduce the body's temperature immediately by 2 - 4 degrees in a heat stress situation. With that gone, the body is prone to heat stress, including heat stroke, which can be fatal. Heat related problems are very common when temperature rises above 75 degrees F. Work schedules for persons wearing fully encapsulating clothing must be closely and conservatively regulated lest heat stress becomes more of a threat than the chemical hazard itself.
The best way to combat heat stress is to allow the body to cool normally. The most efficient body cooling process is by evaporation. Someone wearing protective clothing that has no ventilation perspires profusely. If the perspiration remains in contact with the skin, it has a better chance of evaporating and cooling the body surface. If the perspiration is allowed to run off the body quickly, less evaporation occurs. This happens when shorts are worn under a fully encapsulating suit.
Suit material can become very hot and cause severe burns if it contacts the wearer's bare skin. Long cotton underwear is a good solution to this problem. It clings to the body when soaked with perspiration, thus allowing the greatest amount of cooling by evaporation and also protects the body from burns caused by the suit itself.
During extended periods of work in fully encapsulating suits, some sort of "cooling" must be provided to the wearer. The best method is to schedule frequent rest periods. If this is not adequate, a cooling device should be employed. Effective cooling units are available for use with supplied‑air units. A vortex tube separates the air into cool and warm components, releasing the warm air outside the suit. When self-contained air is used for breathing, the cooling device must also be self-contained. For example, vests have been designed to carry ice packs. There are other commercial devices available to combat heat generated by fully encapsulating suits.
Many workers spend some part of their working day in a hot environment. Workers in foundries, laundries, construction projects, and bakeries, to name a few industries, often face hot conditions which pose special hazards to safety and health.
Chemical Resistance
Protective material must be able to resist degradation, penetration, and permeation by the contaminant. Any of these actions may result upon contact, depending on factors such as concentration and contact time.
Degradation
Degradation is the result of a chemical reaction between the contaminant and the protective material. Damage to the material may be slight or as severe as complete deterioration. The reaction may cause the material to shrink or swell, become brittle or very soft, or completely change its chemical and physical structure. Changes such as these may enhance or restrict permeation or allow penetration by the contaminant.
Penetrability
A chemical penetrates a protective garment because of its design and construction imperfections, not because of the inherent material from which it is made. Stitched seams, button holes, porous fabric, and zippers can provide an avenue for the contaminant to penetrate the garment. A well designed and constructed protective suit with self‑sealing zippers and lapped seams made of a nonporous degradation‑resistant material prevents penetration, but as soon as the suit is ripped or punctured it loses its ability to prevent penetration. A material may also be easily penetrated once degraded.
Permeability
The ability of a protective material to resist permeation is an inherent property. A contaminant in contact with the protective material establishes a concentration gradient. The concentration is high on the contact surface and low inside. Because the tendency is to establish equilibrium, diffusion and other molecular forces "drive" the contaminant into the material.
When the contaminant passes through the material to the inside surface, it condenses there. The process of permeation continues as long as the concentration remains greater at the contact surface. The permeation rate is based on several factors. Rate is inversely proportional to the thickness of the material and directly proportional to the concentration of the contaminant.
The amount or degree of permeation is related to the exposure conditions, especially contact time, which ultimately dictates how much of the contaminant permeates the protective material. Thus a conscious effort should be made to avoid prolonged exposure or contact with any hazardous contaminant, even when wearing protective clothing. No material resists permeation by all agents.
Decontamination
Once a contaminant contacts a protective material, the garment must be decontaminated. With many materials, it is impossible to completely remove all contamination. Materials such as butyl rubber and Viton, which can be effectively decontaminated and cleaned, are also expensive. In some situations disposable clothing may be advantageous.
Chemical Resistance Charts
Tables are available indicating relative effectiveness of various protective materials against generic classes of chemicals. Most tables only reflect ability to resist degradation. A protective material may resist degradation by a contaminant, but still be very permeable to it. Such charts are useful when used with discretion and when the seriousness of the hazard is properly evaluated. If a chemical is extremely toxic, then any activity involving it should be re‑evaluated.
Permeability data are available from manufacturers and independent testing laboratories. If there is a question about permeability of a material in contact with a specific contaminant, a sample swatch of the material should be tested by a recognized laboratory for permeability to that chemical.
Some pieces of protective equipment, such as hardhats and boots, have specific standards for manufacture and only those items meeting these standards should be used. However, there are no such standards for chemical protective clothing. Selections must be based upon judgment.
Head Protection
The hardhat, a basic piece of safety equipment used in any work operations, must meet ANSI Z89.1 1986 specifications for protection. Manufacturers have adapted hardhats so that ear protection and faceshields may be easily attached. Hardhats are adjustable so a liner can be worn during cold weather. A chin strap is advantageous when work involves bending and ducking. It also helps secure the hardhat to the head when full face masks are worn.
Faceshields that attach to hardhats provide added protection. A combination that leaves no gap between the shield and the brim of the cap is best because it prevents overhead splashes from running down inside the faceshield. The faceshield must meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989 specifications.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses must also meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989. They should be standard safety gear when the respiratory protection is a half‑face mask with no faceshield. Both safety glasses/goggles and a faceshield are advisable as long as they do not impair visibility. Safety glasses should be of the type that incorporate face shields.
Ear Protection
Ear plugs or muffs should be issued when noise may be a problem, such as around heavy machinery and impact tools.
Foot Protection
Footwear worn during site activities (including leather work boots and rubber boots) must meet the specifications of ANSI Z41‑1991. The material used to make the boots is not subject to any standards.
Protection against liquid hazardous chemicals requires a boot of neoprene, PVC, butyl rubber, to some other chemical resistant material.
Boots are available in two styles: pullover and shoeboot. Pullovers may be inexpensive enough to be considered disposable; otherwise they must be completely decontaminated. With chemical resistant boots, the pant leg should be outside and over the boots to prevent liquids from entering.
Hand Protection - Gloves
The hands are as susceptible to contamination as the feet. Gloves must resist puncturing and tearing as well as provide the necessary chemical resistance. Most of the materials discussed earlier can be used in gloves.
Heavy leather gloves may be worn over chemical protective gloves when doing heavy work. If they become contaminated, they should be discarded because leather is difficult to decontaminate.
Jacket cuffs should be worn over glove cuffs to prevent any liquid from spilling into the gloves. If hands are elevated above the head during work, the gloves should be sealed with tape to the coveralls or splashsuit.
When selecting gloves consider thickness and cuff length. The thicker and longer the glove the greater the protection. However, the material should not be so thick that it interferes with the necessary dexterity.
Two pair of gloves should also be considered for extra protection of the hands if the outer glove is torn or permeated. A pair of inner gloves also adds an extra layer of protection for the hands during the removal of outer gloves and other chemically protective items.
Body Protection
Clothing to protect the body against hazardous liquids, gases, or vapors is available in a variety of styles and materials.
If the hazard present is known to be minor or simply a nuisance, minimal protection is warranted. This may be in the form of garments of Tyvek which are disposable or Nomex which are durable. Both are available as coveralls suitable for field use. As the hazards to the body increase, so does the level of protection needed. A splash suit made of PVC is suitable for a liquid such as an acid or base or when there will be minimal contact with organic materials. Some are inexpensive enough to be disposable.
If the material is more toxic, then more protection must be utilized. Splash suits similar in design to the PVC splash suits are good barriers against toxic hazards. These are made of neoprene and butyl rubber.
Toxic vapor/gases require the most complete protection, the best being fully encapsulating suits. The suit must not allow any penetration or permeation. Zippers must be properly sealed and seams properly connected and sealed to protect against vapors. Fully encapsulating suits also require the basic safety items such as safety boots and hardhat, along with a source of breathing air.
Wearing protective clothing creates some problems, the main one being that the body is shielded from normal circulation of air. Perspiration does not evaporate, thus eliminating the body's main mechanism for cooling. A cool towel on the nape (back of the neck) will effectively cause the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat to reduce the body's temperature immediately by 2 - 4 degrees in a heat stress situation. With that gone, the body is prone to heat stress, including heat stroke, which can be fatal. Heat related problems are very common when temperature rises above 75 degrees F. Work schedules for persons wearing fully encapsulating clothing must be closely and conservatively regulated lest heat stress becomes more of a threat than the chemical hazard itself.
The best way to combat heat stress is to allow the body to cool normally. The most efficient body cooling process is by evaporation. Someone wearing protective clothing that has no ventilation perspires profusely. If the perspiration remains in contact with the skin, it has a better chance of evaporating and cooling the body surface. If the perspiration is allowed to run off the body quickly, less evaporation occurs. This happens when shorts are worn under a fully encapsulating suit.
Suit material can become very hot and cause severe burns if it contacts the wearer's bare skin. Long cotton underwear is a good solution to this problem. It clings to the body when soaked with perspiration, thus allowing the greatest amount of cooling by evaporation and also protects the body from burns caused by the suit itself.
During extended periods of work in fully encapsulating suits, some sort of "cooling" must be provided to the wearer. The best method is to schedule frequent rest periods. If this is not adequate, a cooling device should be employed. Effective cooling units are available for use with supplied‑air units. A vortex tube separates the air into cool and warm components, releasing the warm air outside the suit. When self-contained air is used for breathing, the cooling device must also be self-contained. For example, vests have been designed to carry ice packs. There are other commercial devices available to combat heat generated by fully encapsulating suits.
Many workers spend some part of their working day in a hot environment. Workers in foundries, laundries, construction projects, and bakeries, to name a few industries, often face hot conditions which pose special hazards to safety and health.
Chemical Resistance
Protective material must be able to resist degradation, penetration, and permeation by the contaminant. Any of these actions may result upon contact, depending on factors such as concentration and contact time.
Degradation
Degradation is the result of a chemical reaction between the contaminant and the protective material. Damage to the material may be slight or as severe as complete deterioration. The reaction may cause the material to shrink or swell, become brittle or very soft, or completely change its chemical and physical structure. Changes such as these may enhance or restrict permeation or allow penetration by the contaminant.
Penetrability
A chemical penetrates a protective garment because of its design and construction imperfections, not because of the inherent material from which it is made. Stitched seams, button holes, porous fabric, and zippers can provide an avenue for the contaminant to penetrate the garment. A well designed and constructed protective suit with self‑sealing zippers and lapped seams made of a nonporous degradation‑resistant material prevents penetration, but as soon as the suit is ripped or punctured it loses its ability to prevent penetration. A material may also be easily penetrated once degraded.
Permeability
The ability of a protective material to resist permeation is an inherent property. A contaminant in contact with the protective material establishes a concentration gradient. The concentration is high on the contact surface and low inside. Because the tendency is to establish equilibrium, diffusion and other molecular forces "drive" the contaminant into the material.
When the contaminant passes through the material to the inside surface, it condenses there. The process of permeation continues as long as the concentration remains greater at the contact surface. The permeation rate is based on several factors. Rate is inversely proportional to the thickness of the material and directly proportional to the concentration of the contaminant.
The amount or degree of permeation is related to the exposure conditions, especially contact time, which ultimately dictates how much of the contaminant permeates the protective material. Thus a conscious effort should be made to avoid prolonged exposure or contact with any hazardous contaminant, even when wearing protective clothing. No material resists permeation by all agents.
Decontamination
Once a contaminant contacts a protective material, the garment must be decontaminated. With many materials, it is impossible to completely remove all contamination. Materials such as butyl rubber and Viton, which can be effectively decontaminated and cleaned, are also expensive. In some situations disposable clothing may be advantageous.
Chemical Resistance Charts
Tables are available indicating relative effectiveness of various protective materials against generic classes of chemicals. Most tables only reflect ability to resist degradation. A protective material may resist degradation by a contaminant, but still be very permeable to it. Such charts are useful when used with discretion and when the seriousness of the hazard is properly evaluated. If a chemical is extremely toxic, then any activity involving it should be re‑evaluated.
Permeability data are available from manufacturers and independent testing laboratories. If there is a question about permeability of a material in contact with a specific contaminant, a sample swatch of the material should be tested by a recognized laboratory for permeability to that chemical.
Safety Harness Vest design
Two-point, fully elasticated, heavy-duty harness with rear and front anchorage (front anchorage are webbing loops) Flexible design combined with side, shoulder and front adjustments on jacket ensure a perfect fit Easy to fit and release with front zipper and quick buckles Shoulder padding reduces heavy workload discomfort and wear-and-tear on the harness Pressure studs between lining and jacket allow ready access for harness inspection Store equipment in the multiple pockets – the lateral loops can even carry a tool bag Suitable for Scaffolding, Telecommunications, General Site Workers - High and Low Level, Cherry Pickers and Rescue workersFriday, August 10, 2007
Fire Resistant Clothing
Flame-resistant clothing
by Mark Saner May 24, 2007
Why you may need it, and how to be in compliance ?
You may be taking a first look or a closer look at flame-resistant (FR) clothing for a simple reason: Legal regulations and voluntary industry safety standards encompassing personal protective equipment (PPE) are becoming more exact and pervasive. NFPA 70E, a national consensus standard that establishes safety guidelines for workers exposed to electrical hazards, is a prime example. 70E is driving changes across numerous businesses and facilities where employees access electrical systems and energized components. Many sites contain a variety of electrical work hazards, illustrating the increasing call for FR clothing.
When it comes to FR protection, you have to ask two questions:
1. Does my company have employees that need to be in FR clothing? And, if so…
2. How do we comply with industry regulation or standards?
Two primary hazards FR clothing is designed to protect workers from two specific types of hazards: flash fire and electric arc flash.
A flash fire is a rapidly spreading fire caused by igniting an atmosphere derived from hydrocarbon vapors of an ignitable liquid or finely divided combustible particles (e.g., coal dust or grain) in a concentration exceeding the chemical’s lower explosive limit. Temperatures can reach 1,000°F to 1,900°F. Flash fire is a primary hazard in industries that create a combustible material as a product or byproduct, such as petrochemical or metallurgy.
An electric arc flash is the passage of substantial electrical current through ionized air, created by an electric fault. Typically lasting less than one second, an arc flash explosion generates extremely high radiant heat and releases acoustical energy, a pressure wave and molten debris. Temperatures can reach 35,000°F.
Arc flash is an obvious concern at electrical utilities; however, exposed electrical equipment at 50 volts and above is the threshold that requires the use of NFPA 70E’s electrical safety practices. Most manufacturers have employees whose work falls under this description.
Standards help
Consensus standards play an important role in helping safety pros meet safety standards. While OSHA regulations focus on the “what” that needs to be done, industry best practices can provide companies the methodology for the “how” to address safety issues.
For example, with electric arc flash type hazards you must perform a Flash Hazard Analysis of your facility. This is a difficult and often time-consuming job. It can be accomplished in several ways including the following:
• Have an inside electrical resource perform the analysis using NFPA 70E formulas. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of each electrical task likely to be performed. There is software available to assist, but you must have the data for each task to input.
• A second method is to match each of the electrical tasks to one of the task tables in NFPA 70E. Again, you must be knowledgeable enough to determine where your tasks match the tables.
• A third alternative is to hire an outside expert to perform the analysis for you. This is the easiest and likely the most comprehensive action, but probably the most expensive.
Match hazard with clothing
The process of correlating hazards to appropriate FR clothing often goes as follows:
1. Identify hazard type – either flash fire or electric arc flash. This review will not only determine the presence of potential hazards, but will guide your ultimate choice in FR clothing regarding materials, hazard ratings and product types.
2. Review the applicable standard for your hazard. There may be new standards applicable to your industry or the hazard present. Double-check.
3. Determine the level of protection needed. FR garments are rated based on the protection they provide, typically measured in calories (heat energy) applied per square centimeter of surface area. Using garments of insufficient ratings has understandably negative consequences. Conversely, using garments rated higher than your hazards dictate can subject workers to unnecessary discomfort and impose added costs on your company.
4. Research the various PPE offerings available to meet your needs. There are many different types of FR fabrics providing the foundation for finished garments. Garments themselves come in a multitude of cuts, colors and configurations. Comfort, durability, price and service support should be considered.
5. Evaluate the various garments through wear trials, peer references, safety committees, etc. Fabric manufacturers, garment manufacturers, uniform supply companies and others in the FR sales chain have plenty of data to help you decide. Safety organizations are also excellent sources of information.
6. Install an FR garment program in which the required PPE is made available for each affected employee. This can be either directly purchased by the employer and provided to the employees or rented from an industrial laundering company and coordinated by them.
7. Train employees on safe work practices and proper use of PPE.
by Mark Saner May 24, 2007
Why you may need it, and how to be in compliance ?
You may be taking a first look or a closer look at flame-resistant (FR) clothing for a simple reason: Legal regulations and voluntary industry safety standards encompassing personal protective equipment (PPE) are becoming more exact and pervasive. NFPA 70E, a national consensus standard that establishes safety guidelines for workers exposed to electrical hazards, is a prime example. 70E is driving changes across numerous businesses and facilities where employees access electrical systems and energized components. Many sites contain a variety of electrical work hazards, illustrating the increasing call for FR clothing.
When it comes to FR protection, you have to ask two questions:
1. Does my company have employees that need to be in FR clothing? And, if so…
2. How do we comply with industry regulation or standards?
Two primary hazards FR clothing is designed to protect workers from two specific types of hazards: flash fire and electric arc flash.
A flash fire is a rapidly spreading fire caused by igniting an atmosphere derived from hydrocarbon vapors of an ignitable liquid or finely divided combustible particles (e.g., coal dust or grain) in a concentration exceeding the chemical’s lower explosive limit. Temperatures can reach 1,000°F to 1,900°F. Flash fire is a primary hazard in industries that create a combustible material as a product or byproduct, such as petrochemical or metallurgy.
An electric arc flash is the passage of substantial electrical current through ionized air, created by an electric fault. Typically lasting less than one second, an arc flash explosion generates extremely high radiant heat and releases acoustical energy, a pressure wave and molten debris. Temperatures can reach 35,000°F.
Arc flash is an obvious concern at electrical utilities; however, exposed electrical equipment at 50 volts and above is the threshold that requires the use of NFPA 70E’s electrical safety practices. Most manufacturers have employees whose work falls under this description.
Standards help
Consensus standards play an important role in helping safety pros meet safety standards. While OSHA regulations focus on the “what” that needs to be done, industry best practices can provide companies the methodology for the “how” to address safety issues.
For example, with electric arc flash type hazards you must perform a Flash Hazard Analysis of your facility. This is a difficult and often time-consuming job. It can be accomplished in several ways including the following:
• Have an inside electrical resource perform the analysis using NFPA 70E formulas. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of each electrical task likely to be performed. There is software available to assist, but you must have the data for each task to input.
• A second method is to match each of the electrical tasks to one of the task tables in NFPA 70E. Again, you must be knowledgeable enough to determine where your tasks match the tables.
• A third alternative is to hire an outside expert to perform the analysis for you. This is the easiest and likely the most comprehensive action, but probably the most expensive.
Match hazard with clothing
The process of correlating hazards to appropriate FR clothing often goes as follows:
1. Identify hazard type – either flash fire or electric arc flash. This review will not only determine the presence of potential hazards, but will guide your ultimate choice in FR clothing regarding materials, hazard ratings and product types.
2. Review the applicable standard for your hazard. There may be new standards applicable to your industry or the hazard present. Double-check.
3. Determine the level of protection needed. FR garments are rated based on the protection they provide, typically measured in calories (heat energy) applied per square centimeter of surface area. Using garments of insufficient ratings has understandably negative consequences. Conversely, using garments rated higher than your hazards dictate can subject workers to unnecessary discomfort and impose added costs on your company.
4. Research the various PPE offerings available to meet your needs. There are many different types of FR fabrics providing the foundation for finished garments. Garments themselves come in a multitude of cuts, colors and configurations. Comfort, durability, price and service support should be considered.
5. Evaluate the various garments through wear trials, peer references, safety committees, etc. Fabric manufacturers, garment manufacturers, uniform supply companies and others in the FR sales chain have plenty of data to help you decide. Safety organizations are also excellent sources of information.
6. Install an FR garment program in which the required PPE is made available for each affected employee. This can be either directly purchased by the employer and provided to the employees or rented from an industrial laundering company and coordinated by them.
7. Train employees on safe work practices and proper use of PPE.
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