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

Air Contaminants - On the Job Tool Box Talks

An air contaminant is any substance that is accidentally or unintentionally introduced into the air, having the effect of rendering the air toxic or harmful to some degree.

Who is covered?
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

Power Tools - On the job Tool Box Talks

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 Agency.

Abrasive Wheels Tool Box Talks

Overview
Abrasive wheels are used to grind, cut, polish, and buff material or surfaces. There are different types of wheels, depending upon their uses. But all involve hazards.

Abrasive wheels have the hazard of flying particles, or that the wheel itself, or parts of the wheel, will fly off during use.

How can I protect myself?
Safety guards must be used, and be located between the operator and the wheel during use. The top half of the wheel must be enclosed at all times.

PPE to be used with abrasive wheels might include:
- eye and face protection: safety glasses, goggles, face shields.
- ear plugs or other hearing protection.
- steel-toed shoes or boots.
- respirator, if required.
Always select the right type of abrasive wheel for the job. Match the speed rating of the wheel to the speed of the tool.

Ring test
Check abrasive wheels using the “ring test.” Tap the wheel gently with a nonmetallic tool. A good wheel will give off a metallic ring.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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Slips/Trips/Falls - On the job Tool Box Talks

Slips
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

Winter Driving

Winter is again upon us and it is time to start re-orienting our minds and our driving habits to the hazards of operating vehicles in adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow and ice.

The principles of defensive driving apply during all seasons and in all areas of the country. Winter brings adverse weather conditions that increase the potential for accidents or breakdowns unless precautions are taken.

Visibility: Make sure you can see and be seen. Keep windows and mirrors clear of dirt, ice and snow. Frequently clean off headlights, side reflectors, taillights and mirrors. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with an anti-freeze cleaning solution. Replace worn or defective windshield wipers immediately. Keep your headlights on at all times.

Maintenance: Ensure that your vehicle and its safety devices, such as window-washing units, windshield defrosters, wiper blades, headlights, taillights, side reflector lights, tires, brakes, horns, tire chains and mirrors are kept in good working condition and replaced when necessary. Engine heaters, blankets, etc. should be inspected to ensure they are in good operating condition.

Driving on Slippery Roads: Avoid abrupt stops or turns on slippery pavement. Try to anticipate emergencies before they happen and avoid the need to make sudden maneuvers. Don’t cause your tires to spin by bearing down on the accelerator too fast. Don’t lock your wheels when attempting to stop by backing off the accelerator suddenly or braking too fast. Adjust your speed to the conditions of the road.

Appropriate Clothing: Sudden changes in weather, a vehicle breakdown or treacherous road conditions may cause you to be stranded or stalled for a period of time. Your survival may depend upon planning ahead for such an emergency. Your efforts should concentrate on staying warm, dry, nourished and calm. Ideally, a wool hat that covers the ears, woolen gloves or mittens, wool socks with polypropylene liners, loose-fitting layers of garments, and footwear that will keep your feet warm and dry will ensure that you can survive whatever weather conditions you may be exposed to. If stranded in a remote area, stay in your vehicle. Attempting to hike to a nearby town without proper clothing significantly increases the chance of hypothermia.

Emergency Supplies: It is important to prepare for unexpected emergencies by keeping certain items available in your vehicle, such as first aid supplies (including a blanket), a fire extinguisher, food, water, a shovel, flashlight/batteries and extra fuses and light bulbs.

Remember, preparation is the key to survival in hazardous weather conditions.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Cold - be Carefull

When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.

Two of the most common cold related illnesses and injuries are frostbite and hypothermia.

While frost bite is dangerous and can cause permanent injury, hypothermia is a medical emergency. If not handled properly, hypothermia can kill you.

Frost bite—What happens to your body?
Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

Hypothermia—a medical emergency—What happens to your body?
Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to or below 95°F; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

Things you can do to prevent difficulties from cold related illnesses and injuries
· Recognize the weather conditions that could cause cold related illnesses and injuries.
· Know the signs and symptoms of cold related illnesses/injuries and how to help yourself or a fellow worker.
· Wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer your clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water away from your skin (polypropylene).
· Avoid exhaustion or fatigue. Energy is needed to keep your muscles warm.
· Use the buddy system when working in cold conditions.
· Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.
· Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow your body to warm up; work during the warmest part of the day.

You are at increased risk when you:
· Have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
· Are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, or are older.
· Take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you while working in cold environments).

Read More about Frost Bite and Hypothermia


This information is provided by: Assurance Agency