Electrical Sources in Hazardous Locations Electrical fires can be reduced by using the proper electrical installations and the proper equipment. Hazardous locations require specially designed electrical equipment to protect people and property against increased fire potential. Certain electrical components and instruments are engineered specifically for locations designated as hazardous due to the possible presence of ignitable quantities of flammable liquids, gases, vapors, combustible dust or ignitable fibers. Hazardous locations are classified as Class I, Class II, or Class III. The class is dependent on the physical properties of the combustible materials that may be expected to be present. Class I locations are those...

Safe Operation Of Forklifts - Equipment Hazards Forklifts are a very important part of material handling in many industries. They are also a source of serious accidents. All personnel who operate forklifts must be trained and certified in safe operation at least once a year. The training includes both classroom and vehicle operation. Written and driving tests are administered by the instructor. Here are some basic safety rules to remember when operating a forklift. OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY The operator is in charge of his/her own vehicle. As such they are responsible for their own safety, vehicle, load, company property and equipment and other...

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - GFCI Definition: GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in an electrical circuit caused by the electrical current leaking to ground. If this imbalance occurs, the GFCI shuts off the electricity within a fraction of a second. How it works: The GFCI device continually matches the amount of current going to an electrical device against the amount of current returning from the device along the electrical circuit path. Whenever the amount "going" differs from the amount "returning" by approximately 5 milliamps, the GFCI interrupts the electric power...

Defensive Driving - Are You? A vehicle, whether it's a company vehicle or personal transportation, can be a deadly machine in the hands of a careless driver. A good defensive driving attitude is the key to your safety on the road. Follow these tips and become a better "defensive" driver. If you get tired while driving long distances, stop and rest. Get out of the car and take a break. Always use your seat belt. This includes your lap belt as well as your shoulder belt. Both are necessary for safety. If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, you must...

Don’t Let This Be You – Electrical Safety A crew of four linemen were installing intermediate poles on an existing single phase 14.4 KV distribution line. Three of the workers were journeymen with 30 or more years of experience. The fourth was an apprentice with almost 3 years experience. The following summary describes a tragic accident: One of the journeymen and the apprentice were belted off below the neutral bracket on a newly installed pole, using hot sticks to tie off the energized conductor. Another journeymen on the ground was using a hold-down to keep the conductor in place while the wraplock...

Do You Need To Travel With a Load? It is well known that vehicle accidents result in many occupational fatalities. Vehicle inspection and maintenance are important elements to a comprehensive fleet safety program. Another subject that deserves attention has to do with the cargo you are hauling. When traveling with loads, part of the pre-trip vehicle inspection process should include a thorough check to determine whether your load is adequately secured. An unsecured load may shift during your trip and could cause or contribute to an accident. Check the condition of tie downs and ropes to assure they are not damaged or...

Static Electricity – It can be a shocker! Remember when you dragged your feet across the rug and then touched your brother or sister’s ear! That got their attention! 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. 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 two solids, between a solid and a liquid,...

Forklift Safety-General Operating Rules Operating a forklift takes skill and knowledge. Forklift Safety is a key component to operating a forklift. The forklift operator and those around the operator must treat the forklift with proper respect. Using proper procedures, such as those listed below, will minimize the potential for accidents and injuries, as well as make your job easier. Pre-Trip Inspection: Check the following for proper condition and correct all deficiencies: Engine oil and other fluid levels Tire pressure Steering and hydraulic controls Warning devices Service and parking brakes Battery level Gauges and instruments Cable connections Fuel level and propane tank connections ...

Reporting and Investigating Accidents You should be constantly alert to potential causes of accidents - before they happen. All unsafe acts or conditions should be reported to your supervisor immediately, even if no one was hurt! A complete accident investigation determines the following: What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Who was involved? Why did it happen? How can it be prevented from happening again? The observations of co-workers can be critical. As a co-worker, you can assist in an investigation by: Making mental or written notes about the accident before the investigation starts. Avoid talking to others before talking...

Material Handling Material handling accounts for about one quarter of all occupational injuries; the most common injuries being strains, sprains and contusions. The principal causes of the injuries are the mishaps resulting from improper lifting, failing to use available equipment and unsafe work practices. Some pointers for the prevention of injuries during manual material handling are: Inspect the load to be lifted for jagged or sharp edges. Use gloves when necessary. Size up the load. Is it manageable, or will this task take two? Inspect the route where the load will be carried. Especially look for tripping hazards and adequate room to...