Hot Water and Steam Cleaning Hot water and steam are effective for cleaning equipment, floors, walls, and other surfaces, but they introduce serious hazards. High temperatures, pressure, chemicals, electricity, and reduced visibility can cause severe injuries if proper precautions are not followed. Burn and Scald Hazards Hot water and steam can cause severe...

Hot Work Procedures Hot work includes operations that produce flames, sparks, or sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials. Examples include welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, torch-applied heating, and other spark- or heat-producing activities. Because these operations can ignite materials some distance from the work, careful planning and fire-prevention measures are required. Before...

Health & Safety – Heat Stress Disorders Heat stress can occur whenever the body is unable to adequately cool itself. Although hot summer weather is a common cause, heat-related illness can also occur indoors and during any season when employees work around furnaces, boilers, hot equipment, welding or cutting operations, or...

Skin Protection Should Be a Priority Skin protection should be a priority whenever employees may be exposed to chemicals, sunlight, extreme temperatures, biological agents, or other substances that can damage the skin. Because the skin provides an important protective barrier for the body, preventing exposure is much easier than treating an...

Preventing Heat Stress Preventing heat stress requires recognizing heat-related hazards early, staying hydrated, allowing workers to acclimatize, and responding immediately when symptoms develop. Heat stress can occur when the body cannot adequately cool itself during work in hot or humid conditions. Physical exertion, direct sunlight, protective clothing, limited air movement, and inadequate...

Landscaping Safety Landscaping safety requires awareness of the hazards associated with powered equipment, chemicals, electrical sources, outdoor conditions, lifting, and working at heights. Inspect the work area and equipment before beginning each task and use the appropriate controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Power Tools and Equipment Inspect mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, blowers,...

Heat Exhaustion Working in hot environments can place significant stress on the body. Heat, humidity, direct sunlight, strenuous physical activity, heavy or impermeable clothing, and inadequate hydration can contribute to heat-related illness. Heat can also affect concentration, coordination, reaction time, and judgment, increasing the potential for workplace accidents. Employees should recognize heat-related...

Animal Processing Safety Animal processing facilities combine several serious workplace hazards, including live animals, sharp tools, moving machinery, wet floors, biological exposures, electrical equipment, and temperature extremes. Employees should be trained in the specific equipment, processes, and animal-handling procedures required for their work. Working Around Live Animals Animals can react unpredictably, particularly when...

Boiler Safety Boilers are closed vessels that heat water or other fluids to produce hot water or steam for heating, power, processing, and other industrial applications. Because boilers operate under high temperatures and pressure and may use combustible fuels, a malfunction can result in serious burns, fires, explosions, or other injuries. Boiler...

Fire Protection and Control Fires can develop quickly and may result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Good housekeeping, proper storage of combustible and flammable materials, safe electrical practices, and prompt correction of fire hazards can significantly reduce the risk. Employees should know how to report a fire, when to evacuate,...