Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Electrical Equipment

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The following information is being provided to highlight the requirements for the use of extension cords, electrical tools, temporary power and temporary lighting.
EXTENSION CORDS
a.  Extension cords shall be of the three-wire type and construction grade.Construction grade cords will be marked with one of the following: SJ, SJO, SJT, STO, S, SO, ST or STO.
b. All extension cords shall be visually inspected daily and tested quarterly in accordance with the assured grounding program.
c. Plastic and metal multoutlet strips are not in accordance with electrical regulations and are prohibited from use.
d. "Homemade" metal outlet box extension cords are not in accordance with electrical regulations and are prohibited from use.
e. Flat and two wire extension cords are prohibited from use.
f. Cords cannot be repaired if there is more than 3 repairs per 25 feet of cord or the inner insulation is damaged.
ELECTRICAL TOOLS
a. All electrical tools must be equipped with a third wire ground prong electrical cord or be double  insulated.
b.  Damaged tools must be taken out of service immediately and tagged or otherwise identified as damaged and in need of repair.
c. All electrical tools, including double insulated, shall be visually inspected daily and tested quarterly in accordance with the assured grounding program.
TEMPORARY POWER AND LIGHTING
a. All receptacles must be securely installed. Receptacles are not allowed to be supported or hang in place by the conductor wires.
b. Receptacles are not allowed to be attached to temporary lighting circuits.
c. All temporary lighting shall be protected from accidental breakage or contact.
By Assurance Agency

Monday, March 10, 2014

First Aid- Some Do’s and Don’ts

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When attempting to aid an accident victim, an untrained person may do more harm than good.

Even some of the first aid training you have had in the past may no longer be the best approach. If you have not had first aid training within the past year, limit your assistance to what is immediately necessary to save life and limb and remember these “don’ts.”

1.   Do not treat any injury involving blood or body fluids without first putting on latex gloves.
 
2.   Do not attempt to move a person with injuries to the back, neck legs or head. Protect them where they lie and especially do not try to get them to stand. Serious aggravation of broken bones, spinal cord injuries or internal bleeding may result.

3.   Do not attempt to straighten a twisted limb. Serious damage to blood vessels, nerves or skin may result.

4.   Do not use tourniquets; direct pressure with a clean bandage will control bleeding.

5.   Do not apply ointments or powders to cuts, scrapes or burns. Use only the clean, dry dressings supplied in the first aid kit.

6.   Do not attempt to rub or wipe a particle from a person’s eye.  Often repeated blinking  will do the trick.  Do take advantage of eye wash stations or eye wash solution in the first aid kit.

7.   Do not raid the first aid kit to replace home supplies. Do notify your supervisor when items are used or missing.




From Assurance Agency

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Behavior- Based Safety - OTJ Safety Talks

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There are many different views of behavior-based safety. Some consultants’ concepts are based on research; some are based on common sense. Some say behavior-based safety is all you need; others say it’s only part of the safety effort needed. Some say reinforcement is the answer; others say there are not enough opportunities for reinforcement in the workplace.
 

But, however your organization looks at it, behavior-based safety is the process of focusing on behavior to prevent/reduce occupational injuries.

Why should your company use behavior-based safety?
• Statistics reveal that 80% to 95% of incidents are caused by at-risk behavior.
• The frequency of injuries can be reduced.
• The entire workforce can participate in the process.
• Safety teams make safety improvements.
• Behavior-based safety requires progressive and proactive thinking.
• When added to a safety program already attempting to comply with regulations, behavior-based safety shows "good faith."

Key elements of behavior-based safety.
• Employee/management involvement.
• Identification of safe and at-risk behavior.
• Observation.
• Feedback.
• Intervention (instructional, motivational, or supportive).

What must I do?
• As an employee who is concerned with safety, you can participate in the company safety program. Follow the work rules and processes that the company develops.
• Use all supplied personal protective equipment.
• Cooperate with the safety manager, superintendent or safety committee if they observe you at your workplace, or if they request information from you on how you work.


Provides by Assurance Agency

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