14 Feb Sheet Metal Safety – Sheet Metal Worker Safety

Sheet Metal Safety – Sheet Metal Worker Safety

Sheet metal safety requires workers to recognize and control hazards associated with sharp metal edges, material handling, machinery, power tools, welding, electrical work, and elevated work. Sheet metal fabrication and installation can expose workers to serious cuts, crushing injuries, falls, burns, hazardous fumes, and other workplace hazards.

Guide for Discussion

Material Handling and Sharp Edges

Sheet metal stock, ductwork, and fabricated components may be heavy, bulky, awkward, and extremely sharp.

• Wear appropriate cut-resistant gloves when handling sheet metal.
• Wear sturdy safety footwear when there is a risk of dropped or heavy materials.
• Use long sleeves or other protective clothing when necessary to protect against sharp edges.
• Handle freshly cut material carefully because edges and burrs may be extremely sharp.
• Deburr or otherwise protect sharp edges when practical.
• Store sheet metal securely to prevent shifting, sliding, or falling.
• Never place hands where material could shift and create a pinch or crush hazard.

Use mechanical handling equipment or obtain assistance when materials cannot be safely handled by one person.

Safe Lifting and Material Movement

Before lifting or moving sheet metal:

• Determine the weight, size, and shape of the load.
• Make sure the travel path and destination are clear.
• Use carts, dollies, hoists, forklifts, or other mechanical assistance when appropriate.
• Get help with large, long, heavy, or awkward materials.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Lift with your legs and avoid twisting while carrying the load.
• Coordinate movements when two or more employees are handling the same material.

Do not attempt to prove that you can handle a load that is beyond your safe lifting capability.

Machine Safety

Fabrication equipment such as mechanical shears, brakes, presses, punches, rollers, saws, and forming machines can cause amputations, crushing injuries, and severe lacerations.

Before operating machinery:

• Inspect the equipment and safety devices.
• Make sure required guards are installed and functional.
• Keep hands and fingers away from blades, dies, rollers, and other points of operation.
• Never reach into operating machinery.
• Never bypass, remove, or defeat guards, interlocks, or safety devices.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and established operating procedures.
• Operate machinery only when trained and authorized.

Loose clothing, jewelry, long hair, and other items that could become caught in moving equipment must be appropriately secured or removed.

Lockout/Tagout

Hazardous energy must be controlled before servicing or maintaining equipment when unexpected startup, energization, or release of stored energy could cause injury.

• Shut down equipment using established procedures.
• Isolate applicable energy sources.
• Apply required lockout/tagout devices.
• Control or release stored energy.
• Verify isolation before beginning work.
• Never remove another employee’s lock or tag except under an established procedure that meets applicable requirements.

Only authorized employees may perform lockout/tagout activities.

Hand and Power Tools

Select tools appropriate for the material, sheet gauge, and work being performed.

• Inspect tools before use.
• Keep cutting tools properly maintained and sharp.
• Remove damaged tools from service.
• Keep hands out of the cutting path.
• Secure material when necessary before cutting, drilling, or fastening.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for powered equipment.
• Disconnect or otherwise isolate power before changing blades, bits, or accessories when required.
• Never modify or defeat tool guards.

Use extra caution with powered fastening equipment because unintended discharge can cause severe injuries.

Eye, Face, and Hearing Protection

Cutting, drilling, grinding, fastening, and forming sheet metal can generate flying particles and high noise levels.

Wear appropriate:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Goggles or face shields when additional protection is necessary.
• Hearing protection when noise exposure requires it.
• Hard hats where overhead or falling-object hazards are present.

A face shield does not normally replace required safety glasses or goggles.

Welding, Cutting, and Soldering

Welding, brazing, soldering, and other hot work can expose workers to burns, fire, fumes, gases, and hazardous radiation.

• Provide adequate ventilation or local exhaust where required.
• Remove or protect combustible materials.
• Use appropriate welding screens and fire-prevention measures.
• Wear appropriate eye, face, hand, and body protection.
• Follow applicable hot-work procedures.
• Keep suitable fire-extinguishing equipment readily available.
• Use respiratory protection when required by the exposure assessment and respiratory protection program.

Respirators should not be substituted for feasible engineering controls, and employees required to wear respirators must meet applicable medical evaluation, fit-testing, and training requirements.

Working at Heights

Installation of ductwork, roofing, siding, gutters, flashing, and similar components may require employees to work from ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, or other elevated surfaces.

Before beginning elevated work:

• Select the appropriate access equipment.
• Inspect ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts before use as required.
• Protect floor holes, roof openings, skylights, and other fall hazards.
• Use required guardrails or personal fall-protection systems.
• Never stand on makeshift platforms, boxes, buckets, or other unstable objects.
• Do not overreach from ladders or elevated platforms.
• Maintain appropriate clearance from overhead electrical conductors.

Follow the fall-protection requirements applicable to the specific work activity and equipment being used.

Building and Environmental Hazards

Installation, renovation, and demolition work may expose sheet metal workers to additional hazards, including:

• Asbestos-containing materials.
• Lead-containing coatings or materials.
• Silica-containing dust.
• Mold or other biological contaminants.
• Hazardous chemicals.
• Confined spaces.
• Energized electrical systems.

Do not disturb suspect hazardous materials until they have been appropriately evaluated and the necessary controls have been established.

Ergonomics and Awkward Work

Sheet metal work frequently requires bending, reaching, kneeling, crawling, overhead work, and working in confined or restricted locations.

To reduce strains and sprains:

• Position work between knee and shoulder height whenever practical.
• Avoid prolonged awkward postures.
• Use mechanical assistance for heavy materials.
• Rotate tasks when practical.
• Take appropriate recovery periods during physically demanding work.
• Use tools that minimize excessive force and awkward positioning.
• Reposition yourself instead of overreaching.

Housekeeping

Sharp scraps and discarded metal can quickly create serious hazards.

• Place scrap metal in designated containers.
• Do not leave sharp cutoffs on floors or work surfaces.
• Keep aisles, ladders, platforms, and access routes clear.
• Control cords and hoses to prevent tripping hazards.
• Clean work areas throughout the shift.
• Store tools and materials securely when not in use.

Remember

Sheet metal work combines many hazards in a single trade. Inspect equipment, protect yourself from sharp edges, use machinery and tools correctly, control hazardous energy, maintain fall protection, and get assistance when materials cannot be safely handled alone.