24 Mar Fire Extinguishers
Posted at 10:26h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Fire Extinguishers One of the quickest ways to lose a job is to allow a fire to start. Sometimes fires do start and it then becomes a matter of putting the fire out as soon as possible. The best way is to use a fire extinguisher. Guide for Discussion Care and Use Be sure the fire extinguishers are charged, strategically located and ready for use. Everyone has a responsibility to check to see that fire extinguishers and fire hoses (as well as other dispensing components) are not blocked. Common Types of Extinguishers Class A Fires: Rubbish, paper, scrap, scrap lumber....
24 Mar Inspection And Use Of Slings
Inspection And Use Of Slings Equipment Hazards Each day before being used, all slings, fastenings and attachments must be inspected for damage or defects. Any damaged or defective sling must be immediately removed from service. Some general safe operating practices for slings of all types are: Slings, which are damaged or defective, shall not be used. Slings shall not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices. Sling legs shall not be kinked. Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities. Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage. Slings...
23 Mar Chainsaws
Posted at 11:07h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Chainsaws Except for log home builders and site clearer’s, it is rare that a chain saw is used on construction jobs. These are special tools that have their own special hazards. Before you use, review. Guide for Discussion Before Operations Always review operator instructions before you use a chain saw. Wear snug-fitting clothing; don’t wear any jewelry. Be sure to wear earplugs especially if you plan to cut for a long period of time. Always check for defects in the saw. Replace all defective parts before operating the tool. Don’t use a saw with a dull blade. Check the item...
23 Mar Tree Trimming Safety
Tree Trimming Safety Tree trimming operations require climbing, pruning, and felling trees. Hand and portable power tools such as loppers, trimmers, and chainsaws make the necessary cuts. Aerial lifts and chippers bring workers to the right height and clean up the worksite. The two leading causes of tree trimmer deaths are electrocutions and falls, so extra care and training is needed for work at heights and near power lines. Energized overhead or downed power lines can cause electrocutions if you come into direct or indirect contact with them. Don’t use conductive tools, ladders, or pole trimmers where they may contact...
22 Mar Safety Away From Work
Posted at 17:08h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Safety Away From Work Safety at work is hopefully a matter of routine. Just as important as safety on the job is safety at home. According to one study, you are actually safer at work than at home. For our discussion today, consider driving home and play. Guide for Discussion Driving Don’t speed. Drinking and driving don’t mix. Maintain your vehicle in good mechanical condition. Watch out for other drivers. Allow for proper stopping distances. Be courteous, especially if you’re in a company vehicle. Home Minimize electrical exposures. Eliminate slipping and tripping hazards. Don’t overextend on ladders. Teach your family...
22 Mar Refueling Equipment
Posted at 17:04h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Refueling Equipment Refueling equipment is a necessary part of each construction project. As such, it is important that this operation be conducted in as safe a manner as possible. Remember that gasoline and fuel oils are manufactured to cause an explosion (hopefully in the engine). Today, we want to talk about simple refueling rules. Guide for Discussion Concentrate on the task to be performed. Never smoke during refueling operations. Don’t refuel near an open flame or near a sparking situation. Keep a fire extinguisher within 25 feet and closer than 6 feet. If the equipment may accidentally move, chock the...
22 Mar Assured Grounding Program
Posted at 16:54h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Assured Grounding Program Instructor Note: OSHA strictly enforces the standards pertaining to electrical grounding. These standards require that a project use either Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) or an Assured Grounding Program. GFCI’s effectively prevent short circuits by tripping the entire circuit when a short occurs. It eliminates the possibility of electrocution and is the preferred method of protection. Introduction: Our company has an Assured Grounding program as a means to protect ourselves against accidental electrical shock. Guide for Discussion Program Components Have the company’s written policy on file. Our policy is located _____________ Have a competent person conduct all tests....
22 Mar Trenching
Posted at 16:43h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Trenching As far as safety is concerned, trenching and excavation operations are very similar. Both expose workers to the same types of hazards. Therefore, many of the same basic safety rules apply. The main difference is that a trench allows for only restricted working space. This restriction increases the potential for injury. As just one result, the need for safety awareness is increased when compared to excavation operations. Guide for Discussion Pre-operations: Locate all underground utilities. Determine, if possible, soil conditions. Determine if there is an overhead exposure. Based on the depth of the trench, determine the amount of shoring...
22 Mar Full Body Harnesses/Lifelines Discussion Points
Posted at 16:40h
in Safety Manual, Safety Meeting Topics, Safety Topics, Tailgate Safety Meetings, Toolbox Talks, Toolbox Topics
Full Body Harnesses/Lifelines Discussion Points Full Body Harnesses, a connector (for example, a self-retracting lanyard), lifelines and anchors are all part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (or PFAS). The days of having a safety belt and lanyard are over – just too many injuries and deaths to workers. PFAS is generally required when working at ten (10) feet in the workplace. That is an OSHA requirement. Insert company policy. Falls account for over a quarter of all construction injuries. It seems that some workers don’t want to take the time to put their PFAS on, or worse, feel they...