The huge electrical loads that power operating equipment are not the only electrical hazards in the workplace. The little electrical issues, such as appliances being left on, overloaded outlets and daisy-chained extension cords, can also have big destructive power, but are often overlooked.
Turn it off
Have you ever walked into the control room in the morning and found the coffeepot still on from the night before? The smell of burnt coffee and melted heating elements fills the air. That was a near miss. There could have been a fire. Many commonplace, small electrical items pose big hazards. For example, a space heater could ignite combustible materials. Computers, portable refrigerators, PDAs, cell phones, circular fans, air filters, crockpots and radios stay on all night. Microwave ovens are huge power hogs that often cause a circuit breaker to pop. These items should be properly turned off and unplugged when they’re not being used.
Extend safely
Extension cords should be used only as temporary wiring. Snaking around doorways, rolled over by chairs, extension cords are unseen, abused and misshapen and prone to overheating and overloading. If an extension cord is used frequently for a particular appliance, consider having another outlet installed.
When using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the product being connected. Also, be sure to unplug and put away an extension cord when you’re finished with it. Never keep an extension cord plugged in when it isn’t being used; it’s still conducting electricity until it’s unplugged.
Plug wisely
Use correctly wired three-prong grounded electrical outlets. Many workers don’t realize how important grounding is to preventing electrocutions. Use only Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) listed products, and don’t overload the electrical circuits. Daisy-chaining extension cords often overloads circuits. Never plug in electrical products that, combined, draw more than 1,500 watts from the same circuit.
Inspect all electrical hazards
When conducting a site audit, make sure all appliances and personal electrical items are included. Check that every item is in good working order and remove those that do not appear to be in working order. Remove any antique fans that have an open grill and frayed fabric cord, as well as those old or homemade electrical items that look like accidents waiting to happen.
It doesn’t matter if an item being powered is big or small; electricity always demands your respect and attention.
by ICC Compliance Center on April 10, 2013 at 2:51 pm · in Ken's Blog, Safety
Pipe Marking for the Faint of Heart
In a GHS for Supervisors class recently I was asked about pipe markings and where it was stated in the OSHA regulations that they were required. When we look at the OSHA regulations or standards we find that there are not directly any OSHA pipe labeling requirements. However, in 29 CFR 1910.6, which is a list of standards referenced by OSHA, the ANSI A13.1 pipe labeling code requirements are included for some applications and industries. This ANSI pipe marking standard does not apply to buried pipelines or electrical conduit.
If that is the case, then why mark the pipes at all? Why is pipe marking important? Pipe marking ensures that individuals working in the facility are aware of what pipes are carrying as well as any potential hazards associated with the pipe contents. Pipe marking labels indicate which pipelines are dangerous, direction of flow, and pipe contents. And that makes for a safer working environment and lessens the chances of an employee being injured or an unexpected leak into the environment.
When we look at the above standards and I quote: “1910.6(e)(6) – ANSI A13.1-56 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, Included By Reference (IBR) approved for §§1910.253(d)(4)(ii) (welding and cutting gases); 1910.261(a)(3)(iii) (pulp and paper industry); 1910.262(c)(7) (textiles).”
According to the ANSI standards, ANSI separates materials transported in above-ground piping systems into three categories:
High-Hazard Materials: Encompasses several hazard areas including corrosive and caustic materials; substances that are toxic or capable of creating toxic gases; explosive and flammable materials; radioactive substances; and materials that, if released, would be hazardous due to extreme pressures or temperatures
Low-Hazard Materials: Materials that are not inherently hazardous and have a small chance of harming employees through mild temperatures and low pressures
Fire Suppression Materials: Fire protection materials such as foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), Halon and water.
Does this mean there are not any OSHA pipe labeling requirements outside of the above three areas? No, pipe labeling also falls within the OSHA General Duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) (General Duty Clause) of the OSH Act ). What this means is that OSHA, although not directly stated, requires labeling on pipes in compliance with the ANSI A13.1 standard.
This also reflects that the OSHA pipe labeling requirements are that pipe labels must be placed:
Adjacent to all valves and flanges
Adjacent to all changes in pipe direction
On both sides of wall, floor or ceiling penetrations
Every 50 feet on straight runs of pipe
Pipe labels must comply with the following color coding:
Fire quenching fluids – white text on red
Toxic and corrosive fluids – black text on orange
Flammable fluids – black text on yellow
Combustible fluids – White text on brown
Water – White text on green
Compressed air – White text on blue
Not only that, but the text size is regulated by the size of the pipe it is placed on. Please check the charts for the text size guidelines based on the size of the pipes in your installations or workplaces. So much for pipe markings not being regulated or required by OSHA.
OSHA usually finds the discrepancies in pipe markings when performing a Workplace Safety Audit (facility inspection). During the facility inspection they examine, not only the pipe marking but, other hazard identification with three questions in mind.
Do employees understand the potential hazards?
Do employees know how to avoid the hazards?
Are the employees aware of what to do in an emergency?
The training for recognizing these potential hazards should be addressed in your Hazardous Communication (HazComm) or Right to Know Training. Normally this training is during orientation or when things or jobs change in the workplace. Employees and contractors have a right to know about the workplace hazards in the areas that they will be working in. The new Globally Harmonized System or GHS regulations address the requirements requiring classification of the hazards.
What is this GHS? The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international approach to hazard communication, providing agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach to label elements and safety data sheets.
OSHA has modified the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to adopt the GHS to improve safety and health of workers through more effective communications on chemical hazards. Since it was first promulgated in 1983, the HCS has provided employers and employees extensive information about the chemicals in their workplaces. The original standard is performance-oriented, allowing chemical manufacturers and importers to convey information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they choose.
Adoption of the GHS in the US and around the world will also help to improve information received from other countries—since the US is both a major importer and exporter of chemicals, American workers often see labels and safety data sheets from other countries.
One last thing about GHS that I really like is that there will be a standardized SDS or Safety Data Sheet with 16 sections. The pictograms are pretty universal and tie into the Hazardous Materials labeling and placarding symbols.
Simply put, pipe marking is one of the most common types of labeling and it is fairly simple. The standards specify the minimum size of the labels and text on the labels. The locations are also specified. A good way to summarize the location requirements is to say that a pipe marker must be visible from any location in the facility. If you can see a pipe, you should also be able to see a label that identifies the pipe contents and direction of flow.
Remember that under the OSH Act, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. More specifically 1910.5(a) Each employer –
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
If you need assistance with your pipe marking or any other regulatory needs, please contact us.
by ICC Compliance Center on April 8, 2013 at 8:56 am · in Ken's Blog, Safety
Have you ever thought about what’s in your first aid kit? We walk by them and never even notice them until we need them. If you are not monitoring them on a regular basis and know what they contain, when you need them it may be too late. According to OSHA’s Medical and First Aid standard at §1910.151(b), you need to have “adequate” first aid supplies readily available in the workplace. OSHA doesn’t define exactly what is considered “adequate,” but the kit contents should reflect the particular hazards of your workplace. Also, you may want guidance in putting together a basic kit. For that, you’ll have to go to the ANSI Z308.1-1998 consensus standard which lists the minimum contents of a generic first aid kit adequate for small worksites.
The Basic First Aid Kit
The ANSI Z308.1-1998 consensus standard provides a list of minimum items for a workplace first aid kit. It also contains requirements for indoor and outdoor kits and provides guidelines for:
The standard sizes of cases;
Unit packaging, including color coding;
Specifications for the most commonly used items; and
The arrangement of first aid materials for easy identification, removal, and replacement
ANSI Z308-1 requires that the minimum acceptable contents of a first aid kit (for a small workplace) include:
An absorbent compress,
Adhesive bandages and tape,
Individual-use antiseptics,
Burn treatment applications,
Sterile pads,
Triangular bandage, and
Medical exam gloves.
The standard suggests that kit contents be inspected regularly and items past the expiration date disposed. Replace disposed items and add other items necessary to meet the hazards of your workplace. First aid kits that meet the ANSI standard’s requirements are marked with the ANSI designation.
Although the OSHA regulation states that first aid supplies “shall be readily available,” ANSI Z308.1 takes it a step farther by requiring that “each kit and/or location shall be visibly marked as a place where first aid supplies are located.”
Industry consensus standards become mandatory requirements only when, and if, they are adopted by OSHA. The ANSI Z308.1, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits, has not been adopted, but OSHA refers employers to it as a source of guidance for the minimum requirements for first aid kits.
According to ANSI Z308.1-2003, first kits that are to be used in a mobile and/or outdoor setting, must be of the Type III class. Type III first aid kits must be corrosion and moisture resistant, as well as impact resistant. Type III first aid kits must have a handle and a means of mounting them in a fixed location.
ANSI Z308.1-2003 Type III Mobile Outdoor First Aid Kit
Important! This kit meets ANSI Z308.1-2003 only when the minimum required fill is maintained, with first aids products marked “ANSI Z308.1-2003.”Required Minimum Fill
1 Absorbent Compress 4×8 in. minimum
5 yds. Adhesive Tape
10 Antiseptic applications 0.14 fl. oz. each
6 Burn Treatment applications 1/32 oz. each
4 Sterile Pads 3×3 in. minimum
2 pair Medical Exam Gloves
1 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in. minimum
16 Adhesive bandages 1×3 in
Where to Start
To get started, assess your workplace for hazards to which employees are exposed. In addition to a walk-through assessment, use your 300 Log, 301 Incident Reports, workers’ compensation injury reports, and first aid logs to identify any unique problems that necessitate other types of supplies. You may want to consult with the local fire department, rescue service, medical professionals, or other local emergency facilities for advice on adequate or unusual first aid supplies for your company.
If you have a large operation or multiple operations are conducted at the same location, you’ll need to determine if there is a need for additional:
First aid kits,
Types of first aid equipment and supplies, and
Quantities of supplies/equipment in the kits
Through a hazard assessment, you can ensure that reasonably anticipated supplies are available to treat most injuries and illnesses that could be expected to occur in your workplace.
Finally, another resource to consider is contracting with a medical supply company. These companies not only restock your first aid kits to ensure there are always adequate supplies, but they help determine what types and quantities of items should be in them.
Workplace First Aid Kits
According to ANSI Z308.1-2003, first kits that are to be used in a mobile and/or outdoor setting, must be of the Type III class. Type III first aid kits must be corrosion and moisture resistant, as well as impact resistant. Type III first aid kits must have a handle and a means of mounting them in a fixed location.
All First Aid kits shall be kept in a conspicuous and marked location. Each complete first aid kits shall contain the following information, which is typed in at least a 6 point font.
The Alberta government has issued Industrial Railway Circular No. 1 (Guideline for the Transfer of Dangerous Goods to or from a Railway Vehicle).
Although only a 7 page document, there are 11 sections:
General
Exceptions
Notification/site selection
Primary selection criteria
Additional selection criteria
Approvals
Inspections
Training
Documentation
Notification
Regulatory requirements
The guideline falls under the Railway (Alberta) Act and applies to companies that intend to transfer dangerous goods to or from a railway vehicle. This circular does not apply to Class 1 Explosives. These must be handled under the Federal Handling of Carloads of Explosives on Railway Trackage Regulations.
Railways that intend to construct or connect railway track to a service provider or construct railway works must have approval from the provincial government. Site selection is done in accordance with sections 4 and 5, and if the criteria cannot be met, the application may still be considered if an equivalent level of safety can be demonstrated.
The guideline suggests a dangerous goods transfer track/rack should meet minimum distances from residences, commercial establishments, schools, hospitals, recreation centres, etc..
Dangerous Goods Class
Distance
2.1
100 m
2.2
50 m
2.3
250 m
2.3
450 m
3 excluding inhalation hazard materials
50 m
4.1 molten sulphur
100 m
5.1 excluding inhalation hazard materials
50 m
6.1 excluding inhalation hazard materials
100 m
8
100 m
9
50 m
In addition, the site shall not be located next to busy highways, under a bridge or overpass, next to transformers, power lines, sources of ignition, etc.. The site shall be located so that emergency responders can access it as well as be near an emergency water source.
A company that intends to transfer dangerous goods from or to a railway vehicle must have operating approval from the Alberta Transportation Railway Administrator.
A competent person who is trained in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and is familiar with this Circular and the Industrial Railway Regulations must make periodic inspections looking for leaks, and if found, knows who to notify. Written records of all inspections must be kept for two (2) years after the rail cars have been released from holding.
A person who will be loading, unloading or transferring dangerous goods must be trained in the Industrial Railway Employee Qualification Standards. This person must also have a working knowledge of tank cars, fittings, products being transferred, and placarding requirements. This person must ensure that the correct documentation is provided to the carrier. In the event of an emergency involving dangerous goods, the person must provide emergency response information.
In the event of an incident or leakage of dangerous goods, CANUTEC, the local RCMP and the Alberta Transportation Coordination and Information Centre (1.800.272.9600) must be notified.
Regulatory requirements for loading of dangerous goods include:
ensuring all fittings and safeties are in proper condition
bottom discharge outlets must have caps and plugs removed
tank cars with heater coils must have inlet and outlet caps removed
sufficient ullage must be in the tank car
Regulatory requirements for loading or unloading of dangerous goods include:
dangerous goods that have a primary or subsidiary class of 2.1, 3, 4 or 5 must be grounded/bonded to prevent exposure to ignition sources or static electricity
hand brakes applied, 1 set of wheels blocked/chocked in both directions
track protection using locked switches or derails
use of caution signs set at either end of the track
keeping the immediate area free of combustible and other non-compatible materials
by James Henry, CDGT, CET on February 1, 2013 at 2:41 pm · in Jim's Blog, Safety
January 15, 2013 – 1 person dead, 45 injured on the E4 motorway in Sweden involving 100 vehicles. Preliminary investigation shows three transport trucks collided that created the chain reaction.
January 25, 2013 – 3 people injured seriously in approximately 60-80 vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Newtownville. Looking at the pictures in the link below, how is it someone wasn’t killed? Some reports have a transport truck jackknifing as the initial cause.
In both these accidents, visibility was poor, yet operators were not driving according to the road conditions.
Some jurisdictions (like Quebec) have made snow tires mandatory. And some in Sweden are calling for mandatory high-spec winter tires for trucks. But if the operator is not driving according to the road conditions, what’s the point?
Why is it that people feel the need to be on the road when the road conditions and visibility are poor? And when they are out there, the windows are not cleared of snow, the windscreen is fogged up and they drive like the roads are dry.
To all operators (passenger and transport), can we do the following:
prepare for the road and weather conditions
have properly inflated tires
full washer fluid container (including good wipers)
full fuel tank
all windows clear of snow, ice and fogging
ALL lights on
have emergency supplies – blanket, candles, first aid kit, snack bars, water, etc.
SLOW down, it’s not a race
And above all, look down the road, not your hood. Watch for changing weather conditions. Get off the road and wait it out if necessary. Keep an eye on the other guy and increase your distance. Look for the “out” so you can avoid the accident. All accidents are avoidable. Don’t become a statistic.
