Site Security

 

One security area that is often overlooked is proper identification of employees. Some companies require employees to wear identification badges or carry identification cards. The most effective IDs have the employee's picture, along with his or her name and department, on the badge. This is the most effective way to determine if the person belongs in the building. It also is good deterrent to the theft of the ID.

Never allow just anyone into your workplace. It is good company policy to require each employee to use his or her own ID to enter the building. If you are using a scanning device to open the entry door and there are other people behind you who want to enter, make sure you know that they actually are current employees if you hold the door open. To ensure better security, insist that they use their own employee IDs to scan and enter the building.

Visitor identification Visitors to your company should be required to register at an entrance location before they move about your company. They should be met at this secure location by the employee they have come to visit. After verification that they are to be allowed into your workplace, require that they wear some form of identification. These visitors should be restricted to traveling with the employee they have come to see and should not be allowed to wander off alone. Outside maintenance or construction personnel working at your company should also be screened, registered, and required to wear an identification badge. After the meeting has taken place or the work completed, make sure these visitors return the ID badges and indicate on the record that they have left the building. If the public has access to your workplace, limit the areas they can enter. Provide employees with ID cards or keys that will allow them to enter secured areas that are locked to the public. Keep alert for suspicious activities Watch for people or other employees: • Attempting to access something that is normally denied them, such as: classified materials, chemicals, hazardous materials, or admission to prohibited or secure areas. • Carrying a weapon (unless they are authorized to do so). • Making unusual requests or demands.   Report suspicious activities to the company's security office.

Steel Erection

 

Steel erection is a critical phase in construction that involves the assembly of steel structures. While it is essential for building integrity, it also presents significant hazards. This toolbox talk will cover the importance of steel erection safety, relevant OSHA standards, and specific fall protection requirements based on job tasks and heights.

Fall Protection Triggers and Height Requirements

1. Specific Job Tasks Triggering Fall Protection:
• Erecting Steel Beams and Columns: Fall protection is required when working at heights of 15 feet or more during the erection of steel beams and columns.
• Installing Steel Decking: Fall protection is required when workers are on steel decking that is 15 feet or more above a lower level.
• Working on Open Steel Joists: When working on open steel joists, fall protection is required at heights of 15 feet or more.
• Connecting Steel Members:
• Connectors:
• Connectors must be protected by conventional fall protection when working on a surface with an unprotected edge more than two stories or 30 feet above a lower level. [29 CFR 1926.760(b)(1)]
• Connectors must have completed the connector training described in 29 CFR 1926.761. [29 CFR 1926.760(b)(2)]
• While working at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet, connectors must be provided with a complete personal fall arrest system or other allowable fall protection and wear the equipment necessary for tying off. [29 CFR 1926.760(b)(3)]
• Deckers: Workers installing steel decking must have fall protection in place when working at heights of 15 feet or more. This can include the use of guardrails or personal fall arrest systems.
2. Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) Requirements:
• A Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) can be established as a substitute for fall protection where metal decking is initially being installed and forms the leading edge of a work area over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)]
• Leading-edge workers in a CDZ are required to:
• Be protected from fall hazards above 2 stories or 30 feet (whichever is less). [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(1)]
• Have completed CDZ training in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.761. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(4)]
• Employees who are not engaged in leading-edge work and properly trained in the hazards involved are prohibited from entering the CDZ. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(2) and 29 CFR 1926.760(c)(4)]
• The CDZ is required to:
• Be no more than 90 feet wide and 90 feet deep from any leading edge. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(3)]
• Not exceed 3,000 square feet of unsecured decking. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(5)]
• Have designated and clearly marked boundaries with control lines or the equivalent. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(3)] NOTE: Control lines are commonly used as a marker because they create a highly visible boundary.
• Have safety deck attachments placed from the leading edge back to the control line. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(6)]
• Have at least two safety deck attachments for each metal decking panel. [29 CFR 1926.760(c)(6)]
• Final deck attachments and the installation of shear connectors are prohibited from being done in the CDZ.

Best Practices for Steel Erection Safety

• Planning and Coordination: Conduct a thorough job hazard analysis (JHA) before starting steel erection activities.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and fall protection gear.
• Rigging and Lifting: Use qualified riggers to ensure that all lifting operations are conducted safely.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the worksite, equipment, and safety measures to identify and address hazards.
• Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency response plan in place and ensure all workers are familiar with it.

Steel erection safety is critical in preventing accidents and injuries on construction sites. By understanding and implementing proper safety measures and adhering to OSHA standards, we can create a safer work environment for everyone. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility. Stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and look out for one another.

Spill Prevention, Control, & Countermeasure

 

Overview

 

Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for facilities with high quantities of certain materials such as oil and fuel on-site.

 

Definitions

 

Discharge- Including, but not limited to, any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emptying, or dumping of oil

 

Harmful Quantities- Any amount of oil or fuel that causes a film, sheen or discoloration of water or causes sludge beneath the surface of the water

 

Spill Prevention

 

•  Properly constructed  storage tanks

o Compatible with materials

o Double-walled, steel

•  Inspection and maintenance of tanks

o Conducted monthly

o Minor leaks repaired early

•  Storage away from storm drains

 

Spill Control Equipment

 

•  Absorbent Booms/ Berms

o Floats to confine / absorb water oil on water

o Hugs ground for land-based spill containment

o Rope runs length of boom for easy retrieval

o Clips and rings allow you to link booms together

•  Empty Drums, Shovels, Brooms

 

•  Granular Absorbent

o Grains of absorbent material (clay)

o Placed onto the spill to absorb the spilled material

Spill Control Procedures

 

1.   Notify your Supervisor

2.   Use the boom / berm to contain the spill

3.   Place the granular absorbent on the spill

4.   Use broom to spread the granular absorbent if needed

5.   Use shovel to pick up the used granular absorbent

6.   Place in empty drum to dispose

 

Once a spill has occurred, it must be contained as quickly as possible!