Working In Confined Spaces

• A "confined space" may be generally defined as any area which has limited means of egress and is subject to oxygen deficient atmosphere or to the accumulation of toxic or flammable gases or vapors. Examples of these are:
Tanks, Vats, Boilers, Bins, Hoppers, Process, Vessels, Sewers, Pits, Vaults, Silos

• Working in any confined space is a potential killer. The hazards are lack of oxygen and a variety of gases/vapors which may replace the oxygen and/or accumulate to toxic or explosive levels.

• A normal atmosphere contains approximately 20% oxygen. Any atmosphere containing less than 19.5 % oxygen is considered to be oxygen deficient. Air containing 16 % or less oxygen is lethal. An oxygen deficient atmosphere may be produced by consumption of oxygen without replacement or displacement of oxygen by another gas.

• The following safety precautions should be taken to avoid death or serious injury when working in confined spaces:

- Don't enter any confined space without knowing what is in it, what was in it and what precautions should be taken.

- If possible, purge the involved space with steam, water, compressed air or fresh air using exhaust and blowing devices. Retest the atmosphere after purging.

- Have competent people test the atmosphere with gas detection equipment to determine if there are any toxic gases and if there is sufficient oxygen to support life.

- Close and lock-out any supply lines, chutes, pipes, etc., to confined space in which work is being done. Continue to monitor the atmosphere in a confined space even if it was "safe" when work began.

- Remove any remaining sludge or other deposits. This must be done carefully since some caustic cleaning solvents can react violently with some residues.

- Where an explosive or flammable atmosphere is present, avoid all possible sources of ignition and use extreme care in purging the contaminated space.

- If purging is impossible or impractical:
          1 Inform employees of the hazards, what they can expect and what they must do.
          2 Provide sufficient general ventilation to guarantee fresh air.
          3 Provide an approved air-supplied respirator and safety harness with a life line if there is a possibility of the atmosphere becoming hazardous.
          4 Don't contaminate your own air. Avoid use of toxic solvents, leaky acetylene hoses, carbon tetrachloride and other similar lethal materials.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency

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Powered Tools

Overview
Tools are such a common part of our everyday lives that it is difficult to remember that they may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind, but sometimes a serious accident often occurs before steps can be taken to avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

How can I protect myself?
Choose tools made from good quality, durable materials. Metal tools must be able to resist bending, cracking, chipping or excessive wear.
Wear the appropriate PPE. Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, sparks, or debris could get into your eyes.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts from sharp tools or material edges.
Wear proper foot protection when using heavy tools.

Tool Inspection
Inspect tools before and after each use. Damage or wear to look for includes:
• Cracked or loose handles.
• Dull, rounded, or chipped cutting surfaces.
• Damage to gripping surfaces.

What safety rules should I follow?
• Prevent hazards from tools by following these rules.
• Keep tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Examine each tool for damage before and after using.
• Use the tool the way it is designed to be used.
• Use the correct PPE as provided.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agnecy

Slips/Trips/Falls - Overview

Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow. Slips are more likely to occur when you hurry or run, wear the wrong kind of shoes, or don’t pay attention to where you’re walking.

You can help avoid slips by following these safety precautions:
• Practice safe walking skills. Take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under you, and point your feet slightly outward.
• Clean up or report spills right away. Even minor spills can be very dangerous.
• Don’t let grease accumulate at your work place.
• Be extra cautious on smooth surfaces such as newly waxed floors. Also be careful walking on loose carpeting.

Trips
Trips occur whenever your foot hits an object and you are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance. You can help avoid trips when you:
• Make sure you can see where you are walking. Don’t carry loads that you cannot see over.
• Keep walking and working areas well lit, especially at night.
• Keep the workplace clean and tidy. Store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas.
• Arrange furniture and office equipment so that it doesn’t interfere with walkways or pedestrian traffic in your area.
• Properly maintain walking areas, and alert appropriate authorities regarding potential maintenance related hazards.

Falls
To avoid falls consider the following measures:
• Don’t jump off landings or loading docks. Use the stairs.
• Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken.
• Keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit.
• Wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Annual Economic Conference

September 22, 2016
Maggiano's Oakbrook
240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
Registration 7:30 am
Program 8:30 am 




Speakers: William Strauss, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Lance Romella, John Burns Real Estate Consulting  



Download the Flyer and mail in registration
Register and pay Online for this event
View the video from 2015

Members $40
Non members $50
There is a $2 service charge for online payments   

Behavior- Based Safety - Tool Box Safety Talks

Overview
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.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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Recognizing Medical Conditions - Tool Box Talks

Medical emergencies are a workplace reality. Not every supervisor needs to know first aid and CPR, but supervisors should know who in the building is trained to handle emergencies and what they can do in the meantime. Here are some common medical emergencies and some helpful responses:

Choking
First, ask if the person needs help. If he says no, you may only make matters worse if you interfere. If he nods yes—or motions for help— use the Heimlich maneuver. Call for help if the situation doesn’t clear immediately.

Allergy Attacks
Allergy attacks are more likely to happen when a person is around paint, chemical vapors or insects (bees). Symptoms include itching, hives, swelling of the eyes or mouth and difficulty breathing. Have the person sit down in an area with clear air. If he or she is having trouble breathing or goes into shock, call for help immediately.

Heart Attacks
Symptoms include chest pain, shoulder pain, nausea, fatigue and/or sweating. Call for emergency help immediately. Have someone start CPR if necessary.

Diabetic Complications
Symptoms include extreme thirst, lethargy, weakness, mental confusion or coma. Call for help immediately. If the person is conscious, give him or her fruit juice or hard candy.

Seizure Disorders
During minor seizures (petit mal) the person loses awareness, stares and twitches. Once the episode is over, encourage the person to go to the hospital or see a doctor. During a severe seizure (grand mal) the person may lose consciousness, become very stiff and then twitch and jerk. Do not try to hold the person down or keep him still. Clear the immediate area to help prevent injury. Call for help immediately.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Lightning Safety

The U.S. lightning season is summer but lightning can strike year round! The July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning. Thunderstorms and lightning are most likely to develop on hot, humid days. Thunderstorms and lightning can be very dangerous, especially if a person is outdoors without proper protection. If lightning is seen or heard, take protective action immediately. Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Completing a work shift isn’t worth death or crippling injury. 

Facts

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous   - Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.

Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. - Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter. 

You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder - If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment. 

Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death - On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects. 

Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind - Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety! 

Safety Tips 
 
1. Postpone activities promptly. Don't wait for rain. Many people take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by lightning are not in the rain! Go quickly inside a completely enclosed house.  If no enclosed house is convenient, get inside a hard-topped vehicle. 

2. Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Don't be the second tallest object during a lightning storm! Crouch down if you are in an exposed area.   Roof sheeting, and ladder work should be suspended when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.  

3. Keep an eye on the sky.  Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching thunderstorm. 

4. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, go to a safe shelter immediately. 

5. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get inside the vehicle or inside a building 

6. Avoid metal! Don’t carry metal ladders.

7. Wait 30 minutes.  Do not return to the outdoors until 30 minutes have past after last lightning. 

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency