Static Electricity Most of us are familiar with static electricity. We all have walked across the rug and reached for the door knob, only to have a spark jump from our hand to the knob. We have also seen the effects of "static cling," when our clothes cling together in the dryer. Static electricity, as a source of ignition for flammable vapors, gases, and dusts, is a hazard common to a wide variety of industries in Alaska. A static spark can occur when an electrical charge accumulates on the surfaces of two materials that have been brought together and then separated (between...

Barricades & Warning Devices Two types of construction work, which usually require a great deal of public protection, are new residential developments and highway work. Both should require modifying the existing traffic patterns and more importantly the existing driving habits of the public. Today we will discuss the use of barricades and signs. Guide for Discussion Types of Accidents Collision with construction equipment such as forklifts or trucks. Collision with other vehicles. Pedestrians (both construction workers and visitors) falling into excavations. Driving into excavations. Driving into work areas. Loss of control of vehicle due to changes in road conditions. Types of Warning Devices Signs Cones...

Site Safety Inspections Regular site safety inspections using site-specific checklists keep the workplace safe by identifying and correcting hazards in the workplace. Inspection frequency depends on the hazard level of the workplace; sites may need checks at every shift, daily, quarterly or annually. Document the inspection observations, identified hazards, and the corrective actions taken. Focus on the administrative records and postings at the workplace. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binders, safety programs, procedures, trainings, and records need to be up to date and accurate. Critical procedures (e.g. spill cleanup, evacuation) should be posted in prominent locations. Required employer postings (e.g. Cal/OSHA, Workers Compensation,...

Hammers/Chisels One of the most common causes of hand injuries is from the improper use of hammers and chisels. Both are responsible for a high number of eye injuries as a result of flying nails, metal or concrete chips. Guide for Discussion Chisel Use Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head. Always wear eye protection. Hold the chisel between the thumb and forefingers – don’t make a fist around the chisel. Do not grip a chisel if your hands are numb. If another worker is nearby, place yourself between the other worker and the chipping area. Always use sharp chisels. Hammer Use Use...

Sexual Harassment On The Job Do you have nude pictures in your workplace? Tell dirty jokes? Make suggestive remarks to other employees? If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be guilty of sexual harassment. Since enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the development of guidelines by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1980, sexual harassment is considered to be a form of sex discrimination-a Federal offense. To discriminate against a person is to deny them rights, benefits, wages, or opportunities because that person belongs to a certain group. Sexual harassment is defined as: "Unwelcome...

Foot Protection Foot protection is probably about the least talked about type of personal protection. Nevertheless, it is still an important safety topic. One nail puncture could cause weeks of lost time off the job. Guide for Discussion Characteristics of a Suitable Boot Puncture resistant soles. Steel toes. Boot extends above the ankle. Sole provides good traction. Type of Injuries Commonly Resulting from Poor Footwear Punctures from nails and tie wire. Bruises of the foot. Unsure footing. Blisters. Body fatigue. Mashing of foot resulting from dropped objects. Other Acceptable Footwear Buckle Overshoes – for work in mud, water and concrete. (*) Knee and...

Limitations Of Cartridge-Type Respirators A half mask cartridge-type respirator is the most common type used for protection against organic vapors, dusts, mists, acid gases, and fumes. You should be aware, however, that respirators of this type provide adequate protection only under limited conditions. This type of respirator is designed mainly for short-term operations that do not contain atmospheres that are "immediately dangerous to life." To use this type of respirator you must know both the type and concentration of contaminants in the air. Cartridge type respirators are approved only for low concentrations of contaminants in the air, the maximum permitted level of...

Gasoline Gasoline when harnessed properly serves as a vital source of energy. Treated carelessly, it can become an explosive monster. Many people are killed or seriously injured each year because they did not treat gasoline as a potential killer.  Today we will discuss how you protect yourself from being injured or causing a fire or explosion. Guide for Discussion Gasoline Facts Gasoline doesn’t It’s the gas vapors that burn. Gas vapors are heavier than As a result, they collect in low areas. Any type of spark can ignite gas Gasoline should never be allowed to come into contact with your skin. Immediately clean...

Personal Safety In Public Places Everyday activities in public places like driving, going to work, or walking down the street include some risk to your personal safety. Many workers commute long distances or have mobile jobs and contact with the public. Either through crime or circumstance, people and events can be unpredictable. You can’t avoid all risk but it isn’t wise to act without taking precautions. The best approach is to assess the risks involved with an activity and take the safety measures that are required and logical. Your best safety tools are your brain and common sense. Think how you would...

Basic Machine Safety Basic machine safety is essential. It's tough to imagine modern society without machines hard at work all around us. New and improved machinery leads to increased productivity, higher quality, and more affordable production. But misused machines can be as harmful as they are helpful. Machines that cut metal can cut off fingers. Machines that punch through steel can punch through flesh. Such injuries can cause career-ending disabilities as well as severe pain and suffering. Be alert to these areas when working around or operating machinery: The point of operation: That is where the work of the machine takes place. It's...