Crane Assembly/Disassembly

 

OSHA’s subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction, has specific requirements for the assembly and disassembly of cranes. Employers must comply with all manufacturer prohibitions regarding assembly and disassembly.

Assembly/disassembly responsibilities
Qualified person — a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/ resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Competent person — one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

The work has to be directed by an A/D (Assembly/Disassembly) director. The A/D director must meet the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person, or must be a competent person assisted by a qualified person. The A/D director must:
• Understand the applicable procedures.
• Review the procedures immediately prior to beginning work unless he or she understands the procedures and has used them before for that equipment type and configuration.
• Ensure that each member of the crew understands his or her tasks, the hazards of the tasks, and any hazardous positions or locations to avoid.
• Verify all capacities of any equipment used, including rigging, lifting lugs, etc.
• Address hazards associated with the operation, including 12 specified areas of concern: site and ground conditions, blocking material, proper location of blocking, verifying assist crane loads, boom and jib pick points, center of gravity, stability upon pin removal, snagging, struck by counterweights, boom hoist brake failure, loss of backward stability, and wind speed and weather.

Inspection
After assembly, but before use, a qualified person must inspect the crane to make sure it is configured according to the manufacturer equipment criteria. If these criteria are unavailable, the employer’s qualified person, with the assistance of a registered professional engineer if necessary, must develop the appropriate configuration criteria and ensure that these criteria are met.

Ground crew
A crew member who moves out of the operator’s view to a location where the crew member could be injured by movement of the equipment (or load) must inform the operator before going to that location. The operator must not move the equipment until that crew member informs the operator that he or she has relocated to a safe position.

Rigging
All rigging must be done by a qualified rigger. Follow manufacturer procedures when using synthetic slings during assembly or disassembly rigging (even when the employer has developed its own A/D procedure as an alternative to the manufacturer’s other procedures.)
Protect synthetic slings from abrasive, sharp or acute edges, and configurations that might reduce the rated capacity.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Entry Safety in Confined Spaces

 

The old cliche “it is better to be safe than sorry,” was made for confined spaces. Yet workers continue to make the mistake of entering deadly spaces without proper preparation. It is pretty much a given that you can go to your local library any day of the week and find a newspaper reporting on the latest victim of a confined space accident.

What is a confined or enclosed space?
The OSHA regulations for construction define a confined or enclosed space as any space having a limited means of getting out, and which can gather toxic or flammable gases, vapors, or has oxygen-deficient air. Examples of confined or enclosed spaces include storage tanks, process vessels, bins, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, excavations, manholes, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than four feet in depth, such as pits, tubs, vaults, and vessels.

Confined or enclosed space hazards
What makes a confined or enclosed space hazardous? Many situations and hazards can cause a confined space to become deadly. Materials being used such as cleaning or bonding liquids, work being done such as welding, or the effects of the environment can cause dangerous vapors, gases, and mists to accumulate in these spaces. The result can be fires, explosions, and physical hazards.

Entering confined spaces
If you are required to enter and work in a confined or enclosed space you must first receive instructions on what you might encounter. Your company will train you on:
• What kinds of hazards you might encounter and why those hazards are dangerous.
• The necessary precautions to take for each type of hazard.
• The use of any protective and/or emergency equipment and instruments required.

Often, the confined space you are entering will not appear to be hazardous. It may have been entered on the last shift with no problems, and may not give signs of being dangerous. At other times there may be indications of danger—the distinct odor of toxic atmospheres, arcing of electrical equipment, or the presence of loose material.

You should always follow your company’s confined space program and use protective equipment made available to you. If you follow the safety rules carefully, you will be able to work safely even in confined spaces.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Ventilation Confined Space

 

Ventilation is the best method for making a confined space atmosphere safe and free of hazardous air. Planning the confined space entry operation, and selecting the proper ventilation equipment is critical. It is almost an art form to ensure every nook and cranny of the confined space is continuously ventilated. It also takes a little math to figure out how long it takes to ventilate a certain sized confined space with the equipment you have.

Types of ventilation
Some confined spaces can be ventilated naturally. This is the case with most excavations. However, any time a naturally ventilated confined space is occupied, adequate precautions must be taken to prevent employee exposure to air containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen and other hazardous atmospheres.

Other confined spaces must be ventilated with mechanical equipment.  

Ventilation is important to:

• Clear the confined space of hazardous air before you are permitted to enter.
• Keep the confined space clear of hazardous air while you are working in the space.
• Keep the confined space comfortable by lowering temperatures and providing fresh air.

Types of equipment

Blowers provide a continuous supply of outside air. Ventilation blowers can work two ways. They can either force fresh air into the confined space or suck the contaminated air out and pull fresh air in. The most popular (and efficient) method of the two is forced air.

Ducting is also important. The positioning can mean proper circulation and venting of the whole confined space or leaving pockets of contaminated air in corners.

If you are using blower equipment in a potentially explosive hazardous atmosphere you must use equipment designed to be spark-proof and have the ability to dissipate static electricity.

Because of the complications of selecting the right equipment, your site’s competent person must know how to evaluate the confined space and select equipment powerful enough to exchange air in the space. The size and configuration of the space and the output of the blower must be evaluated.

Confined space work can be safe. Proper and continuous ventilation is one of the best and easier methods to accomplish a hazard free confined space.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Construction Rescue

 

The OSHA rule at 1926.21(b)(6)(i) says that your employer must instruct you as to the: (1) nature of confined space hazards, (2) precautions to be taken, and (3) the use of protective and emergency equipment required [for rescue]. This toolbox talk concentrates on the rescue aspect of confined space entry.
Some examples of situations where a confined space rescue program is required are:

Open surface tanks—If in emergencies, such as rescue work, it is necessary to enter a tank which may contain a hazardous atmosphere, suitable respirators must be used.

Welding—When a welder enters a confined space...means must be provided for quick removal in case of an emergency. When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached...that a welder cannot be jammed in a small opening. An attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure must be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of implementing rescue operations.

Excavations—Rescue equipment, such as breathing apparatus, a safety harness and line, or a basket stretcher, must be readily available where hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or may reasonably be expected to develop during excavation work. The equipment must be attended when in use. With regard to excavations, OSHA has stipulated that emergency rescue equipment is only required to be readily available where a competent person determines, based on the jobsite conditions, that hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or may reasonably be expected to develop during work in a particular excavation.

Work in manholes—While work is being done in manholes, an employee must be available nearby to give emergency assistance as may be required.

The minimum requirements you should look for in your company’s written emergency rescue procedure is that:
• Trained personnel must be available and stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space.
• The equipment must include a safety harness and lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space.
• If entry is required for rescue, the rescue person must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.

Of the approximately 54 workers who die each year in confined space accidents, almost two-thirds result from people attempting a rescue. Never attempt a rescue in a confined space if you are: (1) not trained, (2) do not have the proper equipment.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

OSHA Violations

 

Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities for construction workers. OSHA estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities each year due to falls from stairways and ladders. Nearly half of these injuries are serious enough to require time off the job.

The OSHA rules specify when stairways and ladders must be provided. The rules do not apply to ladders that are specifically manufactured for getting to and from scaffold working platforms, but do apply to job-made and manufactured portable ladders intended for general purpose use and which are then used for scaffold ladders.

#1 Ladder use—When portable ladders are used to get to an upper surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. If this is not possible because of the ladder’s length, it must be secured at the top to a rigid support and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, must be provided to assist in getting on and off the ladder.

The extension must never be so short that ladder deflection under a load will cause it to slip off its support.

#2 Stairrails and handrails—Stairways having 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, must be equipped with: (1) at least one handrail, and (2) one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.

When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the top edge must not be more than 37 inches nor less than 36 inches from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

#3 Ladders must only be used for the purpose for which they were designed—§1926.1053(b)(4)

#4 Access points—A stairway or ladder must be provided at all employee points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.

#5 Training—As necessary, your employer must provide a training program for employees that use ladders and stairways. The program must enable you to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and must train you in the procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards.

You must be trained by your company’s competent person.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Confined space Handout

 

The OSHA definition of a confined or enclosed space for construction activities is a space that:
• Has limited means of getting out, and
• Is subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable gases or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
Normally excavations are not considered confined spaces because they are usually subject to natural ventilation. Sometimes, however, excavations qualify as confined spaces if natural ventilation does not occur.

Hazardous atmospheres
Sometimes, you do find hazardous atmospheres in excavations. If so, a competent person must test excavations where oxygen deficiency (atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen), or a hazardous atmosphere exists or there is a chance it could exist. If that is the case, the air in the excavation must be tested before you enter any excavation more than four feet deep.

Also, adequate precaution must be taken to prevent your exposure to air containing a concentration of a flammable gas greater than 20 percent of its lower flammable limit.
Excavations that could raise a red flag as “could reasonably be expected to exist” are excava¬tions in landfill areas, areas where hazardous substances are stored nearby, hazardous waste cleanup sites, and underground storage tank digs.

Engineering controls
If hazardous conditions exist, controls such as proper respiratory protection or ventilation must be provided.
 

Ventilation is probably the best and most effective method of controlling a hazardous atmo¬sphere. In numerous places throughout the OSHA regulations it says you must engineer or administrate out hazardous atmospheres before resorting to respiratory protection.
 

When controls, such as ventilation, are used to reduce atmospheric contaminants to accept¬able levels, the atmosphere must be tested as necessary to ensure it remains safe.

Rescue operations
Where adverse atmospheric conditions may exist or develop in an excavation, the employer must provide and ensure that emergency rescue equipment (e.g., breathing apparatus, a safety harness and line, basket stretcher, etc.) is readily available. This equipment must be attended when used.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Compressed Gases

 

Overview
Compressed gases are extremely useful in our lives. At the same time, if not handled, stored and used properly, compressed gases can be hazardous.

Compressed gases can be hazardous because they may be:

• Stored under high pressure: When a high-pressure cylinder accidentally ruptures or when a valve assembly breaks off, rocketing can occur. A compressed gas cylinder has enough stored energy to blast through a concrete wall.

• Flammable: Flammable gases catch fire easily and burn quickly. Adding flammability to a compression hazard can create an extremely dangerous situation.

• Asphyxiant (inert): Inert gases can displace oxygen needed for breathing, leading to suffocation of exposed employees.

• Oxidizing: Oxidizing gases can explode violently when they come into contact with organic and combustible materials. Containers of oxidizing gases must be kept free of oils, greases, and other hydrocarbon-based materials.

• Corrosive: Corrosive gases attack exposed tissues and other materials. Special PPE and a self-contained breathing apparatus is required when handling these gases. Know the location of eyewashes and emergency showers.

• Toxic: Poisonous gases which should only be handled by specially trained workers. Appropriate PPE is always required when handling toxic gases.

• Cryogenic: Extremely cold gases or liquids which can cause frostbite or burned skin if they come into contact with exposed skin. These gases can also displace oxygen causing an asphyxiation hazard.

What must my employer do?
Your employer will:

• review the appropriate procedures for handling pressurized gases, and work practices in your workplace.

• demonstrate the appropriate use of PPE for the gases used in your workplace.

• show and explain the meanings of any hazardous warning signs used at the workplace.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Hazards of Asbestos

 

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Overview
Asbestos is a fiber or filament that is used in clothing, automotive parts, and building materials. It may have a fluffy appearance. When mixed, it can be found in forms such as Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite.

Where can asbestos be found?
Asbestos is found in installed products such as shingles, floor tiles, cement pipe and sheet, roofing felts, insulation, ceiling tiles, fire-resistant drywall, and acoustical products. Very few asbestos-containing products are currently being installed. Consequently, most worker exposures occur during the removal of asbestos and the renovation and maintenance of buildings and structures containing asbestos.

Asbestos Symptoms
Should exposure occur, asbestos symptoms may not surface for many years. Acute exposure can cause shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, or irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. Chronic exposure can cause breathing difficulty, dry cough, broadening and thickening of the ends of the fingers, and bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

How can it hurt me?
Asbestos fibers enter the body by the inhalation or ingestion of airborne particles that become embedded in the tissues of the respiratory or digestive systems. The long-term effects associated with asbestos include:
• Asbestosis (an emphysema-like condition).
• Lung cancer.
• Mesothelioma (a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in the cells of membranes covering the lungs and body organs).
• Gastrointestinal cancer.
• The symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 20 or more years after initial exposure.

How can I protect myself?
There are several methods of controlling exposure to asbestos.

Personal protective equipment - Only respirators that have been approved by NIOSH can be worn.
Protective clothing, such as full bodysuits, gloves, and footwear, must be worn when asbestos fiber concentrations exceed the permissible exposure limit. Contaminated clothing shall be placed and stored in closed containers that prevent dispersion of the asbestos outside the container.

Signs - Listed below is the wording for an asbestos warning:
DANGER
ASBESTOS
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA

Are state and local government employees protected?
EPA has recently amended the Asbestos Worker Protection Rule and the Asbestos-in-Schools Rule to protect state and local government employees from the health risks of exposure to asbestos. State and local government employees who are performing construction work, custodial work, and automotive brake and clutch repair work are now protected to the same extent as private-sector employees. The Asbestos-in Schools Rule amendments provide coverage for employees of local public education agencies who perform operations, maintenance, and repair activities.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Risk Management Update

 

 

Captive Insurance  
A captive can be a powerful tool for your organization to take complete control of its risk while gaining greater financial flexibility and coverage.
Watch this short video to learn if a captive is right for you.

Risk Management Association - Case Study
Sample: A carpentry contractor in Illinois joined the RMA to seek a more proactive claims management process to manage workers’ compensation incidents.
When a severe incident occurred onsite, they turned to their RMA partnership for guidance.
Read the entire Case Study

llinois Contractor’s Risk Management Association
Do you qualify as one of Illinois’ best in class contractors?
If you answered yes, you deserve an insurance program that takes your superior operations into account.
Read an exclusive program for the industry’s best contractors.  

More Information https://rcecusa.org/rma.html

Air Contaminants

 

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29 CFR 1910.1000 Air contaminants protects employees from occupational exposure to air contaminants. The regulation applies to all workers who may be subjected to workplace air contaminants.

§1910.1000 lists various substances along with permissible exposure limits (PELs) for an eight-hour period. Your employer has a responsibility to notify you of potential hazards in the workplace, including air contaminants.

What must my employer do?

Your employer:

• Is responsible for controlling sources of air contamination by using engineering controls, or, if necessary, by using personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must let you know what air contaminants are in the workplace and how you can protect yourself from them.
• Will discuss any necessary PPE with you and demonstrate proper use, cleaning, and storage of the equipment.

Must periodically test the air in the facility for the presence of air contaminants.  You, or your representative, have a right to see the results of those tests.

If your employer chooses to use PPE in addition to engineering and work practice controls, the PPE must be provided free of charge

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Heavy Equipment Overview

 The OSHA rules for heavy equipment are broken down into two sections: motor vehicles and materials handling equipment. The motor vehicles section covers off-road vehicles, and on-road vehicles such as dump trucks and pick-ups when they are off-road. The materials handling section is further broken down into: earth moving equipment such as scrapers, loaders, and dozers; and materials moving equipment such as forklifts and telescopic handlers. This handout will help you get the big picture of how OSHA approaches the safety rules for heavy equipment.

General safety and health provisions
Using any machinery, tool, material, or equipment not in compliance with OSHA standards is prohibited. They must be identified as unsafe by tagging or locking the controls, or be physically removed from the jobsite.
 

Only employees qualified by training or experience can operate equipment and machinery.

Motor vehicles and mechanized equipment-General requirements
This section covers equipment in general. It discusses:
• Leaving equipment unattended at night.
• Using safety tire racks and cages when inflating tires.
• Suspending, blocking, and cribbing equipment to prevent falling or shifting during maintenance.
• Moving in the vicinity of power lines or energized transmitters.
• Parking brakes, safety glass, and other safety equipment.

Motor vehicles
This section covers motor vehicles that operate at off-highway jobsites, not open to public traffic. This section discusses:
• vehicle safety equipment such as brakes and lights,
• horns and reverse signal alarms,
• windshields and seat belts, and
• inspections.

Earthmoving equipment
These rules apply to earthmoving equipment such as scrapers, loaders, crawlers, wheel tractors, bulldozers, off-highway trucks, graders, and similar equipment. This section covers:
• seat belts,
• roadways and grades,
• brakes,
• fenders,
• rollover protective structures, and
• horns.

Materials handling equipment
These rules apply to lift trucks, stackers, forklifts, handlers, and similar equipment. This section covers:
• rated capacities,
• modifications and additions,
• steering mechanisms,
• overhead guards, and
• personnel platforms attached to forks.
The OSHA regulations and your operators manual, together, are good companions and give you the tools you need to make your equipment operations and your jobsite safer.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Electrical Grounding

 

Why Electrical Grounding Is Important
Electricity can kill if not used properly. Power tools and other electrical equipment can easily cause electrical shocks if they’re not in good condition, if insulation is inadequate or if they come into contact with water or moisture. The most important thing you can do to ensure your safety around electricity is to properly ground all electrical tools and equipment.

Grounding Tools and Equipment
When there’s a current leakage from a tool or piece of equipment, the current will flow through any available conductor until it reaches the ground. If your body is in contact with that tool, you are the nearest conductor, unless the tool is grounded.

To prevent ground-fault hazards, all electrical tools should be connected by a three-pronged, grounded plug. If grounding is not available, always use double-insulated tools, which are covered with a nonconductive surface to protect you from contact with the circuit. Another device, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), is required at most construction sites. It shuts off electricity if a ground fault occurs.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
A ground fault circuit interrupter provides extra protection from electrical shock, especially when you work in wet or outside areas.

A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in a circuit caused by current leakage and, in a fraction of a second, shuts off the electricity. A GFCI protects against shock, overheating, fires and destruction of wire insulation. However, it won’t protect you against line-to-line contact hazards, such as direct contact with two live wires.

Install GFCI outlets where power tools are used or wherever electrical equipment is used near water or dampness, such as outdoors. GFCIs can be wired into circuits at a panel box or used to replace ordinary outlets.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Designated Path

 

Overview
All buildings must have a way of allowing occupants fast exit to the outside or a safe place of refuge in case of an emergency. These exits can be hallways, corridors, balconies, ramps, stairs, or lobbies.

The designated paths of exit must be arranged and maintained to provide a free and unob¬structed means to exit all parts of the building at all times. Employers must also ensure that these paths are accessible to occupants who have impaired mobility.

Exits must lead directly outside, to a refuge area, or to an open space with access to the outside. The area beyond the exit has to have enough room to accommodate the people who are likely to use the exit.

Exit doors:

   • must be able to be readily opened without having to use keys, tools, or special knowledge.

   • cannot have any alarm or device that would restrict emergency use of the exit if the device fails

What must my employer do?
Your employer will explain how to locate exits in your facility, and what you should do if you are required to exit the building in an emergency

What must I do?
You must become aware of at least two exits from your area of the workplace.

You have the duty to not block exits or paths of exits, and alert your employer if you notice exits that are blocked.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Sexual Harassment on the Job

 

Do you have nude pictures in your workplace? Tell dirty jokes? Make suggestive remarks to other employees? If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be guilty of sexual harassment. Since enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the development of guidelines by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1980, sexual harassment is considered to be a form of sex discrimination-a Federal offense.

To discriminate against a person is to deny them rights, benefits, wages, or opportunities because that person belongs to a certain group. Sexual harassment is defined as:

· "Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is expressed or implied as a condition of employment;

· Submission to or rejection of such conduct, used as a basis for employment decisions;

· When such conduct substantially interferes with a person's work performance;

· The creation of an intimidating, hostile or offensive* working environment."

Basically, sexual harassment is any inappropriate and unwelcome behavior with a sexual overtone that causes a negative effect on a person's work environment. Examples of sexual harassment, if carried out in the workplace include:

1. Displaying obscene or offensive pictures or reading materials

2. Making suggestive gestures or sounds

3. Whistling or leering

4. Exerting unwanted pressure for dates

5. Sending letters or making telephone calls not wanted by the receiver

6. Inappropriate touching, patting, etc.

7. Telling dirty jokes

8. Extorting sexual favors from a subordinate

We usually think of an injury as a traumatic event resulting in broken bones, or blood gushing from open wounds. People also suffer injuries that have no outwardly observable signs. These are psychological injuries which can be just as devastating, disabling and scarring as any visible injury. Victims of sexual harassment often suffer from embarrassment, loss of reputation, fear of retaliation, criticism, blame, loss of their jobs, stress, low productivity, absenteeism, and low morale.

Everyone-the harasser, the victim, and the employer suffer when sexual harassment exists in the workplace. Think about your behavior around other employees for a moment. Are you guilty of sexual harassment? If you are, stop now. And if you are the victim of sexual harassment, you do not have to put up with this. Report it to your supervisor immediately.

* Some behaviors may not seem offensive in your view, but they may be offensive to others.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Electrical Safety- Extension Cords

 

Extension cords are one of the most misused pieces of electrical equipment. When exposed to “normal” construction use, extension cords can experience rapid deterioration. When you subject the cord to additional misuse, such as removing the ability to ground the cord, the cord can be a ticket to the emergency room or even the morgue.

3-prong connectors
One of the most common tricks to get extension cords to work faster is to remove the third prong from a 3-prong connector. Removing this third prong can result in electrocution because the path to ground is now lost.

Repairing extension cords with electrical tape
Another common mistake is to use electrical tape to repair extension cords. OSHA doesn’t recommend it for a couple reasons: If the tape is applied too thickly if could change the cord’s original flexibility and lead to internal damage: also, the depth of the abrasions and cuts cannot be monitored to see if they get worse (unless of course you remove the tape).

Hard or Extra Hard Service cords
OSHA often cites construction companies because they fail to use extension cords that are rated correctly. For instance, a two wire ribbon type cord is not designed for hard usage. OSHA requires that construction extension cords must be either Hard or Extra Hard Service cords. Hard Service or Extra Hard Service cords are marked with one of the following designations: S, ST, SO, STO, SJ, SJO, SJT, and SJTO.

Strain relief
Another common citation OSHA issues deals with the lack of strain relief on extension cords. The plug area of an extension cord is one of the weakest areas of the cord.  When devices or fittings designed to relieve cord strain are not used, insulation tends to pull back and expose conductors.

What you can do to prevent accidents when using extension cords

• Visually inspect all electrical equipment prior to use. Any defects such as frayed cords, missing ground prongs, etc., should be corrected by taking the tool out-of-service.

• Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure the path to ground is continuous. Continually audit extension cords at your jobsite. Take any cords that are not Hard or Extra Hard out-of-service immediately.

• Use only cords that are equipped with strain relief.

• Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plug, not the cord.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

 

A Personal fall arrest system is required when working at height levels with an unprotected side or edge. When it is not possible to provide a safe working platform, i.e. secured full deck board with guardrails including toe guards and means of safe access and there is risk of fall from height, then use of personal fall arrest or personal fall protection equipment is mandatory.

Appropriate connectors assembly along with full body harness required for each work shall be determined based on the level of exposure, nature of work, type of roof/surface/platform, etc. and shall be listed in the permit to work.

Generally, a personal fall arrest systems consist of anchors (connector), full body harness and lanyard with shock absorber.

Regulations – Personal fall arrest system
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 gives guidelines on Fall protection systems criteria and practices.

Body belts are not acceptable as part of personal fall arrest system according to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(b) because they can cause serious injury during fall.
When workers are exposed to fall of 6 feet or more to a lower level, they must wear personal fall arrest. Personal fall arrest system must be designed and setup according to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 (d)(16)(iii

Safe work practices and controls
1. Plan and organize the work in advance through the work permit system and the Job Safety Analysis to assess the requirement of personal fall protection system.

2. Make sure, all personal protective equipment used for working is inspected before use.

3. Workers must be trained in the use of personal fall arrest equipment and must work under the constant supervision of a competent person.

4. Workers with health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, psychosis, epilepsy, or one of these diseases should be considered unfit.

5. It is very important to calculate the proper length of lanyard, anchorage position and the distance to the lower level i.e. fall clearance distance to prevent contact with lower surface in the event of fall.

6. The pendulum effect must be predicted for the fallen worker so that it cannot be hit on the nearby structure. There anchor point must be above the work area.

8. A personal fall arrest system includes an anchorage (where the lanyard’s snap hook is attached), Full body harness and connector i.e. lanyard with shock absorber or lifeline. Connector couples the body harness to the anchorage. Lifeline may be self-retractive type or with deceleration device.

9. How to wear full body safety harness properly:
 
  - Before use, inspect your harness for any damaged straps, buckles, D-ring and lines. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep in mind that most of the harness are withstanding 140 kg load.
 
  - Hold the harness by D-ring in your right hand and shake it to allow all straps to hang down. If any strap i.e. chest, thighs or waist are already buckled then unbuckle them before wearing.
 
  - Slip straps over shoulders and ensure the D-ring of harness at center i.e. between the worker’s shoulder blades. Lanyard should be attached to the D-ring.
 
  - Adjust the harness to fit comfortably. Make sure all straps are fastened and adjusted correctly.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

RCEC/RHBA 2021 Economic Conference

 

2021 Virtual Economic Conference
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Register Online
Download the Flyer, includes Phone and USPS Registration

Arc Flash & Blast

 

Arc flashes are caused by an electrical equipment failure (like a short circuit) or human error (such as holding a metal object too close to energized equipment). If you have two energized points which are not contacting each other solidly, the current can jump from one point to the other. This is called an electric arc or arc flash.

One-second duration
Unlike a flash fire, an electric arc can begin and end in less than a second. Bystanders see a flash and hear an extremely loud boom and it is over.

Electric arc
A person can be severely injured or killed by the huge amount of heat generated by this arc. Temperature of the arc can range from 15,000 to 35,000 degrees F. You can imagine what this heat can do to the human body. (Heat in excess of 122 degrees F. can cause third degree burns, which do not heal.)

Flying molten metal
The arc also immediately turns the electrical conductors into molten metal droplets that fly away from the source at near the speed of sound. These projectiles can travel quite a distance, starting clothing and other materials on fire.

Arc blast
Not only does the electric arc generate an excessive amount of heat, this heat causes an intense pressure wave that usually throws the employees working nearby away from the arc. This wave is so strong it can break ear drums and cause concussions and broken bones.

Explosions and/or fire
The heat from electric arcs can ignite combustible or flammable vapors in the air causing an explosion. Materials stored nearby can also start on fire.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Whenever electrical workers have the chance to be exposed to an electric arc they must wear clothing and eye protection resistant to the flash. Make sure your employer provides you with the necessary PPE. (Part II, Chapter 3 of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces covers the standards for PPE.)

Cost of an electric arc accident
The monetary cost of an electric arc accident can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Damage to equipment and facility, lost production time, increased insurance expense, medical bills, worker’s compensation, and legal costs can all be the result of one electric arc accident.

Questions?
Talk to your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns about working around energized electrical equipment.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Emergency Action Plans

 

Overview
There is always the potential for emergencies to occur at your facility. To reduce your exposure to potential emergencies, your employer has developed an emergency action plan.

Emergency actions plans are developed to provide guidelines on what actions to take if an emergency should occur at your facility.

What is an emergency action plan?
In 29 CFR 1910.38(c), OSHA lists the minimum elements which should be included in an emergency action plan. These elements include:

1. Evacuation procedures and exit route assignments. Your employer will also point out the location of internal shelter areas, and exterior safe areas for evacuation.

2. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Some critical plant operations include gas, electrical, power, and water. Chemical manufacturing processes could also be included.

3. Headcount procedures to account for you and your coworkers after emergency evacuation has been completed.

4. Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them.

5. Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies.

6. Names or regular job titles of persons or departments who can be contacted for further information or an explanation of duties under the plan.

Additional information
Your employer will also explain:

• How to report fires, hazardous chemical spills, and other emergencies.

• Procedures for sounding emergency alarms on-site.

• Who to notify in the event of an emergency.

• What phones to use and numbers to call.

• Location and use of emergency fire alarms.

• Critical plant operations and those responsible for their operation/shut down.

• Accounting for all employees after emergency evacuation.

• Personnel designated to perform rescue and medical duties.

• Alarm system.

• Recognition of different alarms, such as audio and visual.

• Who is to be contacted for more information on the emergency action plan.

• Where a written copy of the plan can be obtained.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Deenergizing Lines & Equipment

 

Before starting work on power transmission/distribution systems, crews must determine existing conditions by inspection or test. One critical condition that must be determined is whether lines and equipment are energized or deenergized.

Deenergizing lines and equipment
When deenergizing lines/equipment operated in excess of 600 volts, and the means of disconnecting from electric energy is not visibly open or visibly locked out, the following rules apply:

• The particular section of line or equipment to be deenergized must be clearly identified, and it must be isolated from all sources of voltage.

• Notification and assurance from a designated employee must be obtained that:
   - All switches/disconnectors through which electrical energy may be supplied to the particular section of line or equipment to be worked on have been deenergized.
   - All switches/disconnectors are plainly tagged indicating that employees are at work.
   - Where the design of the switches and disconnectors permits, they have been rendered inoperable.

• After all designated switches and disconnectors have been opened, rendered inoperable, and tagged, visual inspection or tests must be conducted to ensure that equipment or lines have been deenergized.

• Protective grounds must be applied on the disconnected lines/equipment to be worked on.

• Guards or barriers must be erected as necessary to adjacent energized lines.

• When more than one independent crew requires the same line or equipment to be deenergized, a prominent tag for each crew must be placed on the line or equipment by the designated employee in charge.

• When completed with work on deenergized lines or equipment, designated employees in charge must determine that all employees in their crew are clear, that protective grounds installed by their crew have been removed, and they report to the designated authority that all tags protecting their crew may be removed.

When a crew working on a line or equipment can clearly see that the means of disconnecting from electric energy are visibly open or visibly locked-out, the following provisions will apply:
• Guards or barriers must be erected as necessary to adjacent lines.

• Upon completion of work on deenergized lines or equipment, each designated employee in charge must determine that all employees in their crew are clear, that protective grounds installed by their crew have been removed, and they must report to the designated authority that all tags protecting their crew may be removed.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com