Compressed Gases Most of us know what the various compressed gas cylinders are used for on the job, but how many of us realize that the gases stored in those cylinders are under pressure of from 250 psi to 2200 psi? These pressures make the cylinders not only dangerous from a fire standpoint but if not handled and stored properly, you are looking at a bomb or a rocket. Today we want to talk about the safe use of compressed gas cylinders. Guide for Discussion Always store compressed gas cylinders in a secure upright position. Always store with caps over the valves. ...

Guardrails One of the more common OSHA citations is for lack of or improperly erected guardrails. There are two basic types of guardrails – the perimeter guardrail (i.e., found on flat roofs, upper stories before framing walls) and floor opening guardrails. Both are constructed the same way and are designed to provide the same type of protection. Guide for Discussion The following items should be reviewed when discussing guardrails: When are they required? All open-sided floors or floor openings exposing workers to a fall of six feet or greater (Four feet – general industry). Standard Specifications The top rail should be 42” high and constructed...

Personal Protective Equipment - Concrete Construction Concrete construction has unique requirements for the need of personal protective equipment (also called PPE). Today we are going to discuss the various types of PPE and why. Guide for Discussion Construction Common Some sort of head gear. If there is a danger of falling objects, wear a hard hat. If working in cold weather, wear a hat to keep the body warm. Eye protection. Wear safety glasses or goggles when pouring concrete. That way any splashing concrete stays out of your eyes. Gloves. It makes common sense to protect our hands as much as possible. Wearing...

Heavy Equipment Heavy equipment has been designed to handle very large volumes or large loads. As such, heavy equipment is powerful machines and can be dangerous to all around them if not operated correctly. It is important to remember the proper methods used to move them from one site to another, and how to work around them properly. Guide for Discussion General Rules When Heavy Equipment is Nearby Always remain alert to the equipment moving around you. Do not get near moving equipment unless necessary. Never ride on equipment unless it has been designed to carry you. This means it must have a...

Eye Protection The protection of your sight requires three extremes: extremely easy, extremely important, and too often, extremely forgotten. Once you have lost an eye or your ability to see, it’s too late. Protecting your eyes is the easiest thing to do, if you care about your eyes. Guide for Discussion Types of Eye Injuries Small flying objects such as dust or other microscopic objects. Particles resulting from chipping, grinding, sawing, brushing, hammering or using power tools (including nail guns). Liquids such as chemicals, tar, asphalt solvents, paints or masonry cleaning solutions. Invisible light rays such as those generated by welding operations or...

Traffic Control Almost every job at one time or another needs traffic control. This often involves the use of flaggers and signs. It should be remembered that the intent of traffic control procedures is to prevent a tie-up in the operation of the construction project and to allow the general public to move as efficiently as possible around the construction site. It is important that all flagger remember that they represent the company and will come into contact with many people while flagging. Therefore be courteous at all times. Guide for Discussion Is the flagger trained and certified? Set-Up Pre-plan the entire traffic control operation. ...

Head Protection There are some practical reasons for wearing a hard hat. They help keep your head cooler in summer; dry during rain; and helps shield your ears from noise. But the main reason to wear a hard hat is that it protects the control center part of your body—your head. Guide for Discussion What a Hard Hat Does Protects you from falling objects. Protects your head in case of a fall or a bump into an object. Protects you from electrical shocks and burns if it's a non-conductive hat. It is a neat place to put stickers and decals, such as first...

Electricity “Low voltage” does not imply safety Wet conditions can intensify electric current Make sure work-boots are non-conductive Watch for overhead power lines – handle metal studs in a safe manner If a fluorescent light fixture is falling don’t try to catch it Occasionally check power cords and other electrical equipment for wear Only use equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratory or other accrediting agency Wear protective gear Don’t overload circuits ...

Excavations Cave-ins are a major cause of deaths in the construction industry each year. Excavations must be properly shored or cut back to an acceptable angle of repose; otherwise, there will be a constant threat of a cave-in and the associated chance of injury or loss of life. A qualified person must be involved in planning and having a safe excavation project. Guide for Discussion Before Excavation Review Underground utilities located? (Checked with local utility companies or property owner.) Call Dig-Safe Any overhead hazards (i.e., falling rock, soil, or other materials or equipment)? Will there be any heavy equipment operating in the...