Use caution with solvents

Use caution with solvents
Industrial solvents are powerful substances. No matter what kind of solvent you use, whether on a daily or infrequent basis, be sure you know the chemical properties, understand the health hazards, and follow the correct handling procedures before you use it.
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your coworkers from the harmful effects of solvents. Be an informed user of solvents. Use appropriate ventilation equipment. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Handle solvents with care. And, always clean up and dispose of solvents and solvent residue in a safe and responsible manner.

What is a solvent?
A solvent is any substance that dissolves something else. A very simple example of a solvent is water. Many common household products contain solvents: charcoal lighter fluid, windshield washer fluid, paint, or household cleaners.
Industrial solvents are used for:
• Cleaning.
• Degreasing.
• Removing paint, ink, or other coatings.
• Producing adhesives, paints, inks, coatings, varnishes, and other sealers.

Recognize the health hazards
Use the product's material safety data sheet (MSDS) to help you understand a solvent's health hazards. There may be serious health hazards associated with overexposure to some solvents.
Typical routes of entry for solvent overexposures include breathing the solvent’s vapors or direct contact with the solvent.

Most solvents are irritants and many are central nervous system depressants. Short-term, acute, effects can include dizziness and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation, dryness, itching, or dermatitis. Long-term overexposure to some solvents can lead to chronic diseases, even cancer.

Know the physical hazards
The physical hazards of the solvents used in your workplace are explained in the product’s MSDS. Many solvents are combustible or flammable liquids. This means that they can easily ignite and burn. Acetone and methanol are examples of flammable solvents. Many types of petroleum distillates have a higher flash point and are considered to be combustible liquids.

Use solvents safely

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency 

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

From all of us at the RCEC.

Cathy Kirin

 

Muddy Conditions - On the job tool box talks

With the change from summer to fall usually means the change from dry ground to muddy conditions. Slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen during these times. Unfortunately we are unable to control the weather, so we must adapt to conditions daily. Simple steps taken can be the difference in preventing an accident.

1. Keep boots free of mud. Employee should clean boots of mud once they reach the house or unit they are to work in. This may have to be done every time you leave and return. No employee should access top plates or roofs if their boots are muddy.

2. Keep ladders free of mud. If you are using a ladder in mud, tracking mud up the rungs of the ladders creates a very slippery and dangerous condition. Employees should use the bottom rung to scrap mud from there boots. If mud does accumulate, you may need to take a rag or towel and clean the rungs.

3. Walk in areas were stone driveways/paths have been provided. If a stone path is not provided, you may want to use some plywood or planks to create a walkway to the work area.

4. Store material/lumber close to the house to minimize having to walk in the mud to reach piles or stacks.

5. Move slowly – don’t be in a rush. Carrying material or equipment through mud could cause you to slip. Several strains and sprains have been cause as the result of a slip.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency 

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HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Overview Handout-Trench Cave-Ins-Tool Box Talks

Trench cave-ins can be prevented. Yet every year there are an estimated 75 to 200 deaths and more than 1,000 lost work days per year from trenching accidents.

What does the competent person look for?
According to OSHA, your company competent person must inspect all excavations each day for evidence of a situation that could result in:
• possible cave-ins.
• indications of failure of protective systems.
• hazardous atmospheres.
• other hazardous conditions.
However, if you work in trenches/excavations you should know much of the same information your competent person does. Why a sudden change could mean disaster for you and fellow workers.

What are unsafe conditions?
Some of the things that could cause an immediate change at an excavation site are:
• A bulldozer or excavator coming too close to your trench could cause a surcharge (overloading) and stress cracks at or near the edge of the trench.
• A sudden downpour could fill the trench or cause rain-soaked soil to give way.
• Accidently striking an underground utility line with a tool could present an immediate electrocution or hazardous atmosphere hazard.
These are just a few of the sudden incidents that need immediate attention and decision-making. That’s why the OSHA rules require your company to train you in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions, the regulations applicable to your work environment, and to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

What does OSHA's regulation cover?
OSHA’s excavation rules apply to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface including trenches. The regulation is in the construction standards at §1926.650-.652 and covers:

Scope and application—The rule applies to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface. Excavations are defined to include trenches.

Specific excavation requirements—to include surface hazards, underground utilities, getting in and out of the excavation, traffic hazards, hazardous atmospheres, emergency rescue, inspections, and fall protection.

Requirements for protective systems—The rule says each employee in an excavation must be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with the OSHA regulations for:
• sloping and benching systems, or
• support, shield, and other protective systems.

Exceptions would be when:
• Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or
• Excavations are less than five feet deep and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.
• Excavations are one of the most dangerous places in construction work. Your knowledge of the hazards and a constant vigil could make a life or death difference.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency


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How to Handle an OSHA Inspection

Workplace Inspections
OSHA is authorized under the OSH Act to conduct workplace inspections without delay and at reasonable times where work is performed by an employee or employer. Most inspections are a result of the following:

• Imminent   Danger - there is reasonable certainty that danger exists and can be expected to cause death or serious physical harm.  

• Catastrophes  and  Fatal  Accidents - investigation of a fatality or a single event that results in the hospitalization of 3 or more employees. These types of accidents must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours.

• Employee   Complaints - the act gives each employee the right to request an OSHA inspection where they feel hazard exists on the job. (This is a common cause of OSHA inspections on construction projects.) 
   
• Local and National Emphasis Programs - in our region these operations include high-rises, trenching and excavations, falls, silica, high hazard workplaces and interior renovation projects in Chicago. 
   
• Focused  Inspections - these are centered on the Focus 4 hazards: Falls, electrical, caught-in/between and struck-by hazards.

READ MORE

ThIs information is provided by Assurance Agency.


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Emergency Response Procedures

Respond to spills immediately 

  

* Identify  the spill –  Do not rush into unknown situations  

* Notify-  Supervisor and appropriate personnel  

* Limit access to the area  

* Stop the source/spill  

* Contain the spill as fast as possible (use your spill kit)  

* Protect drains and waterways first  

* Clean up  

  This information was provided by: Assurance Agency