Monday, July 29, 2013

Confined Space safety training videos




Posted by at No comments:

Confined Space

Confined Space Safety Training



This Confined Space Entry Course is designed to help employees identify the proper sequence of events to follow for a successful entry, from hazard identification to rescue procedures. This course does not include rescue training certification. Attendees will also learn how to use specialized equipment often required in Confined Space Entry work. Participants receive useful reference material, and a wallet-sized certificate of completion from Safety Management Group.

Training - What is in it for me?

 
It may save your life, or a co-workers life, OSHA requires confined space training: specified by 29CFR1910.146 Most companies serious about safety require it for any confined space entry work at their site. 

What is a confined space?

 
A space subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants, or is oxygen deficient; and has limited or restricted means of entry/egress; a tank vessel, vault, pit, etc. more than 4 feet deep A space that is not designed for continuous human occupancy and is large enough and configured in a manner that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work
See Also:
Our professionals are ready to help with your safety training needs with combinations of lectures, printed and videotapes presentations, web-based programming, and comprehensive follow-up testing. With our flexibility we can provide training weekly, monthly or as needed, and we can bring all of our programs to your site for convenience and less downtime. We’ll also customize training programs for your specific pieces of equipment or operational procedures. For immediate registration and availability please contact our training team.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction

Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction, 4th Edition.....

NEBOSH is delighted to endorse the latest version of “Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction” for the popular National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
This textbook will introduce you to the fundamentals of health and safety on the construction site, whether studying for a course or in need of more information on the subject as part of your job.
Save 15% by purchasing these books directly from the publishers website. Click on the purchase now button and then add the book to your shopping cart. At the checkout simply apply discount code ‘nebosh15’ and the discount will be applied.
Purchase Now
DescriptionIntroduction to Health and Safety in Construction 4th edition is the definitive handbook to the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety, with each element of the syllabus explained in detail, and all relevant legislation summarised for quick reference.  To make studying easier, each chapter starts will learning outcomes and ends with questions taken from recent NEBOSH examinations, and a chapter of sample answers can be found at the end of the book.
This book covers the specific health and safety challenges faced by the construction industry, as well as the basics of occupational health and safety in general.  It covers all the essential elements of health and safety management: the legal framework, risk assessment, and control standards, and includes checklists, report forms and record sheets.  This book is also relevant for built environment and construction courses both in the UK and overseas, as well as providing a handy reference for managers and qualified professionals dealing with day-to-day health and safety issues.
New to this edition:
  • Over 60 new diagrams and photographs in full colour
  • Fully restructured in line with new 2010 NEBOSH syllabus
  • Covers new regulations on Tower Cranes, Supply of Machinery (safety) Regulations 2008, Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work, Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP4), and European Classification: Packaging and Labelling
  • Beyond the syllabus there is a chapter on environmental protection, including the new environmental permitting regime
  • A summary of  Lord Young’s 2010 report Common Sense, Common Safety
  • A chapter with guidance on searching the internet with a range of significant health and safety websites, where readers can access huge amounts of guidance and statistical data
ISBN: 978-0-08-097068-4 
This publication is endorsed by NEBOSH as offering high quality support for the delivery of NEBOSH qualifications. NEBOSH endorsement does not imply that this publication is essential to achieve a NEBOSH qualification, nor does it mean that this is the only suitable publication available to support NEBOSH qualifications. No endorsed material will be used verbatim in setting any NEBOSH examination and all responsibility for the content remains with the publisher. Copies of official specifications for all NEBOSH qualifications may be found on the NEBOSH website.
Posted by at No comments:

Nebosh Safety Training Depolma

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

The NEBOSH National Diploma is the flagship NEBOSH award and is the first UK vocational qualification to be developed specifically for health and safety professionals.  Since its introduction in 1988 it has become established as the most popular qualification of its kind, with over 10,000 students having successfully gained the Diploma.   
To download a free copy of the guide or examiners' report click here.
What kind of people take the NEBOSH National Diploma?
The NEBOSH National Diploma is the qualification for aspiring health and safety professionals, building directly upon the foundation of knowledge provided by the NEBOSH National General Certificate.  It is designed to provide students with the expertise required to undertake a career as a safety and health practitioner and also provides a sound basis for progression to postgraduate study.
Is this qualification recognised?
The qualification meets the academic requirements to apply for Graduate Membership (Grad IOSH) of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).  This is the first step to becoming a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).   
Holders of either the NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and either the NEBOSH National or International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety meet the headline entrance criteria requirements for Registered Construction Safety Practitioner (RMaPS) membership of the Association for Project Safety (APS).
The National Diploma provides a sound basis for progression to MSc level: A number of UK universities offer MSc programs that accept the National Diploma as a full or partial entry requirement.
Holders of the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety may use the designatory letters “DipNEBOSH” after their name and are invited to the annual NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony in the year following the successful completion of their award. 
The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational health and Safety has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).  It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 10 with 48 SCQF credit points.
SCQF Level 10 is comparable to NQF/QCF Level 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. See the “Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries” chart issued by the UK regulators, available here:
Where appropriate, the SQA logo will appear on certificates awarded for this qualification.  The SCQF logo, credit and level information will appear on the result transcript.  For further information on SCQF credit and levels see: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/4610.559.html
Posted by at 2 comments:

PPE,s (OSHAS)

Personal Protective Equipment
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA 3151-12R
2003

This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required.

This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

Contents

Introduction

The Requirement for PPE

The Hazard Assessment

Selecting PPE

Training Employees in the Proper Use of PPE
Eye and Face Protection
   Prescription Lenses
    Eye Protection for Exposed Workers
    Types of Eye Protection
    Welding Operations
    Laser Operations

Head Protection
    Types of Hard Hats
    Size and Care Considerations

Foot and Leg Protection
    Special Purpose Shoes
    Foundry Shoes
    Care of Protective Footwear

Hand and Arm Protection
    Types of Protective Gloves
    Leather, Canvas or Metal Mesh Gloves
    Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves
    Chemical- and Liquid-Resistant Gloves
    Care of Protective Gloves

Body Protection

Hearing Protection

OSHA Assistance
    Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
    State Programs
    Consultation Services
    Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
    Strategic Partnership Program
    Alliance Programs
    OSHA Training and Education
    Information Available Electronically
    OSHA Publications
    Contacting OSHA

OSHA Regional Offices

List of Tables

Table 1:
    Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy

Table 2:
    Construction Industry Requirements for Filter Lens Shade Numbers for Protection Against Radiant Energy

Table 3:
    Selecting Laser Safety Glass

Table 4:
    Chemical Resistance Selection Chart for Protective Gloves

Table 5:
    Permissible Noise Exposures

Appendix A: OSHA Standards that Require PPE


Introduction

Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury.

Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. Depending on the hazard or workplace conditions, OSHA recommends the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control; changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work practice control.

When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use. Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

This guide will help both employers and employees do the following:
  • Understand the types of PPE.
  • Know the basics of conducting a "hazard assessment" of the workplace.
  • Select appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances.
  • Understand what kind of training is needed in the proper use and care of PPE.
The information in this guide is general in nature and does not address all workplace hazards or PPE requirements. The information, methods and procedures in this guide are based on the OSHA requirements for PPE as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 29 CFR 1910.132 (General requirements); 29 CFR 1910.133 (Eye and face protection); 29 CFR 1910.135 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1910.136 (Foot protection); 29 CFR 1910. 137 (Electrical protective equipment); 29 CFR 1910.138 (Hand protection); and regulations that cover the construction industry, at 29 CFR 1926.95 (Criteria for personal protective equipment); 29 CFR 1926.96 (Occupational foot protection); 29 CFR 1926.100 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1926.101 (Hearing protection); and 29 CFR 1926.102 (Eye and face protection); and for the maritime industry at 29 CFR 1915.152 (General requirements); 29 CFR 1915.153 (Eye and face protection); 29 CFR 1915.155 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1915.156 (Foot protection); and 29 CFR 1915.157 (Hand and body protection).

This guide does not address PPE requirements related to respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134) as this information is covered in detail in OSHA Publication 3079, "Respiratory Protection". There is a brief discussion of hearing protection in this publication but users should refer to OSHA Publication 3074, "Hearing Conservation" for more detailed information on the requirements to protect employees' hearing in the workplace.


The Requirement for PPE

To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the cooperative efforts of both employers and employees will help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.

In general, employers are responsible for:
  • Performing a "hazard assessment" of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards.
  • Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees.
  • Training employees in the use and care of the PPE.
  • Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE.
  • Periodically reviewing, updating and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program.
In general, employees should:
  • Properly wear PPE,
  • Attend training sessions on PPE,
  • Care for, clean and maintain PPE, and
  • Inform a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE.
Specific requirements for PPE are presented in many different OSHA standards, published in 29 CFR. Some standards require that employers provide PPE at no cost to the employee while others simply state that the employer must provide PPE. Appendix A at page 40 lists those standards that require the employer to provide PPE and those that require the employer to provide PPE at no cost to the employee.


The Hazard Assessment

A first critical step in developing a comprehensive safety and health program is to identify physical and health hazards in the workplace. This process is known as a "hazard assessment." Potential hazards may be physical or health-related and a comprehensive hazard assessment should identify hazards in both categories. Examples of physical hazards include moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high intensity lighting, rolling or pinching objects, electrical connections and sharp edges. Examples of health hazards include overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals or radiation.

The hazard assessment should begin with a walk-through survey of the facility to develop a list of potential hazards in the following basic hazard categories:
  • Impact,
  • Penetration,
  • Compression (roll-over),
  • Chemical,
  • Heat/cold,
  • Harmful dust,
  • Light (optical) radiation, and
  • Biologic.
In addition to noting the basic layout of the facility and reviewing any history of occupational illnesses or injuries, things to look for during the walk-through survey include:
  • Sources of electricity.
  • Sources of motion such as machines or processes where movement may exist that could result in an impact between personnel and equipment.
  • Sources of high temperatures that could result in burns, eye injuries or fire.
  • Types of chemicals used in the workplace.
  • Sources of harmful dusts.
  • Sources of light radiation, such as welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating, high intensity lights, etc.
  • The potential for falling or dropping objects.
  • Sharp objects that could poke, cut, stab or puncture.
  • Biologic hazards such as blood or other potentially infected material.
When the walk-through is complete, the employer should organize and analyze the data so that it may be efficiently used in determining the proper types of PPE required at the worksite. The employer should become aware of the different types of PPE available and the levels of protection offered. It is definitely a good idea to select PPE that will provide a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from hazards.

The workplace should be periodically reassessed for any changes in conditions, equipment or operating procedures that could affect occupational hazards. This periodic reassessment should also include a review of injury and illness records to spot any trends or areas of concern and taking appropriate corrective action. The suitability of existing PPE, including an evaluation of its condition and age, should be included in the reassessment.

Documentation of the hazard assessment is required through a written certification that includes the following information:
  • Identification of the workplace evaluated;
  • Name of the person conducting the assessment;
  • Date of the assessment; and
  • Identification of the document certifying completion of the hazard assessment.


Selecting PPE

All PPE clothing and equipment should be of safe design and construction, and should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. Employers should take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when selecting appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will encourage employee use of PPE. Most protective devices are available in multiple sizes and care should be taken to select the proper size for each employee. If several different types of PPE are worn together, make sure they are compatible. If PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. It may not provide the level of protection desired and may discourage employee use.

OSHA requires that many categories of PPE meet or be equivalent to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI has been preparing safety standards since the 1920s, when the first safety standard was approved to protect the heads and eyes of industrial workers. Employers who need to provide PPE in the categories listed below must make certain that any new equipment procured meets the cited ANSI standard. Existing PPE stocks must meet the ANSI standard in effect at the time of its manufacture or provide protection equivalent to PPE manufactured to the ANSI criteria. Employers should inform employees who provide their own PPE of the employer's selection decisions and ensure that any employee-owned PPE used in the workplace conforms to the employer's criteria, based on the hazard assessment, OSHA requirements and ANSI standards. OSHA requires PPE to meet the following ANSI standards:
  • Eye and Face Protection: ANSI Z87.1-1989 (USA Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection).
  • Head Protection: ANSI Z89.1-1986.
  • Foot Protection: ANSI Z41.1-1991.
For hand protection, there is no ANSI standard for gloves but OSHA recommends that selection be based upon the tasks to be performed and the performance and construction characteristics of the glove material. For protection against chemicals, glove selection must be based on the chemicals encountered, the chemical resistance and the physical properties of the glove material.


Training Employees in the Proper Use of PPE

Employers are required to train each employee who must use PPE. Employees must be trained to know at least the following:
  • When PPE is necessary.
  • What PPE is necessary.
  • How to properly put on, take off, adjust and wear the PPE.
  • The limitations of the PPE.
  • Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.
Employers should make sure that each employee demonstrates an understanding of the PPE training as well as the ability to properly wear and use PPE before they are allowed to perform work requiring the use of the PPE. If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is not demonstrating the proper understanding and skill level in the use of PPE, that employee should receive retraining. Other situations that require additional or retraining of employees include the following circumstances: changes in the workplace or in the type of required PPE that make prior training obsolete.

The employer must document the training of each employee required to wear or use PPE by preparing a certification containing the name of each employee trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the subject of the certification.


Eye and Face Protection

Employees can be exposed to a large number of hazards that pose danger to their eyes and face. OSHA requires employers to ensure that employees have appropriate eye or face protection if they are exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material or potentially harmful light radiation.

Many occupational eye injuries occur because workers are not wearing any eye protection while others result from wearing improper or poorly fitting eye protection. Employers must be sure that their employees wear appropriate eye and face protection and that the selected form of protection is appropriate to the work being performed and properly fits each worker exposed to the hazard.

Prescription Lenses
Everyday use of prescription corrective lenses will not provide adequate protection against most occupational eye and face hazards, so employers must make sure that employees with corrective lenses either wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription into the design or wear additional eye protection over their prescription lenses. It is important to ensure that the protective eyewear does not disturb the proper positioning of the prescription lenses so that the employee's vision will not be inhibited or limited. Also, employees who wear contact lenses must wear eye or face PPE when working in hazardous conditions.

Eye Protection for Exposed Workers
OSHA suggests that eye protection be routinely considered for use by carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics, millwrights, plumbers and pipefitters, sheetmetal workers and tinsmiths, assemblers, sanders, grinding machine operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, chemical process operators and handlers, and timber cutting and logging workers. Employers of workers in other job categories should decide whether there is a need for eye and face PPE through a hazard assessment.

Examples of potential eye or face injuries include:
  • Dust, dirt, metal or wood chips entering the eye from activities such as chipping, grinding, sawing, hammering, the use of power tools or even strong wind forces.
  • Chemical splashes from corrosive substances, hot liquids, solvents or other hazardous solutions.
  • Objects swinging into the eye or face, such as tree limbs, chains, tools or ropes.
  • Radiant energy from welding, harmful rays from the use of lasers or other radiant light (as well as heat, glare, sparks, splash and flying particles).
Types of Eye Protection

Selecting the most suitable eye and face protection for employees should take into consideration the following elements:
  • Ability to protect against specific workplace hazards.
  • Should fit properly and be reasonably comfortable to wear.
  • Should provide unrestricted vision and movement.
  • Should be durable and cleanable.
  • Should allow unrestricted functioning of any other required PPE.
The eye and face protection selected for employee use must clearly identify the manufacturer. Any new eye and face protective devices must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989 or be at least as effective as this standard requires. Any equipment purchased before this requirement took effect on July 5, 1994, must comply with the earlier ANSI Standard (ANSI Z87.1-1968) or be shown to be equally effective.

An employer may choose to provide one pair of protective eyewear for each position rather than individual eyewear for each employee. If this is done, the employer must make sure that employees disinfect shared protective eyewear after each use. Protective eyewear with corrective lenses may only be used by the employee for whom the corrective prescription was issued and may not be shared among employees.

Some of the most common types of eye and face protection include the following:
  • Safety spectacles. These protective eyeglasses have safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and impact-resistant lenses. Side shields are available on some models.
  • Goggles. These are tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust and splashes. Some goggles will fit over corrective lenses.
  • Welding shields. Constructed of vulcanized fiber or fiberglass and fitted with a filtered lens, welding shields protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light; they also protect both the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering and cutting operations. OSHA requires filter lenses to have a shade number appropriate to protect against the specific hazards of the work being performed in order to protect against harmful light radiation.
  • Laser safety goggles. These specialty goggles protect against intense concentrations of light produced by lasers. The type of laser safety goggles an employer chooses will depend upon the equipment and operating conditions in the workplace.
  • Face shields. These transparent sheets of plastic extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across the entire width of the employee's head. Some are polarized for glare protection. Face shields protect against nuisance dusts and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids but will not provide adequate protection against impact hazards. Face shields used in combination with goggles or safety spectacles will provide additional protection against impact hazards.
Each type of protective eyewear is designed to protect against specific hazards. Employers can identify the specific workplace hazards that threaten employees' eyes and faces by completing a hazard assessment as outlined in the earlier section.

Welding Operations

The intense light associated with welding operations can cause serious and sometimes permanent eye damage if operators do not wear proper eye protection. The intensity of light or radiant energy produced by welding, cutting or brazing operations varies according to a number of factors including the task producing the light, the electrode size and the arc current. The following table shows the minimum protective shades for a variety of welding, cutting and brazing operations in general industry and in the shipbuilding industry.

Table 1
Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy

OperationsElectrode size in 1/32" (0.8mm)Arc currentMinimum* protective shade
Shielded metal arc welding< 3
3 - 5
5 - 8
> 8		< 60
60 - 160
160 - 250
250 - 550		7
8
10
11
Gas metal arc welding
and flux cored
arc welding		< 60
60 - 160
160 - 250
250 - 500		7
10
10
10
Gas tungsten
arc welding		< 50
50 - 150
150 - 500		8
8
10
Air carbon(light)< 50010
Arc cutting(heavy)500 - 1,00011
Plasma arc welding< 20
20 - 100
100 - 400
400 - 800		6
8
10
11
Plasma arc cutting(light)**
(medium)**
(heavy)**		< 300
300 - 400
400 - 800		8
9
10
Torch brazing3
Torch soldering2
Carbon arc welding14

Table 1
Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy
OperationsPlate thickness inchesPlate thickness mmMinimum* protective shade
Gas welding:
Light		< 1/8< 3.24
Gas welding:
Medium		1/8 - 1/23.2 - 12.75
Gas welding:
Heavy		> 1/2> 12.76
Oxygen cutting:
Light		< 1< 253
Oxygen cutting: Medium1 - 625 - 1504
Oxygen cutting:
Heavy		> 6> 1505
Source: 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5).

* As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the (spectrum) operation.

** These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters may be used when the arc is hidden by the workpiece.

The construction industry has separate requirements for filter lens protective levels for specific types of welding operations, as indicated in the table below:

Table 2
Construction Industry Requirements for Filter Lens Shade
Numbers for Protection Against Radiant Energy

Welding OperationShade Number
Shielded metal-arc welding
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch diameter electrodes		10
Gas-shielded arc welding (nonferrous)
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch diameter electrodes		11
Gas-shielded arc welding (ferrous)
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch diameter electrodes		12
Shielded metal-arc welding
3/16-, 7/32-, 1/4-inch diameter electrodes		12
5/16-, 3/8-inch diameter electrodes14
Atomic hydrogen welding10 - 14
Carbon-arc welding14
Soldering2
Torch brazing3 or 4
Light cutting, up to 1 inch3 or 4
Medium cutting, 1 to 6 inches4 or 5
Heavy cutting, more than 6 inches5 or 6
Gas welding (light), up to 1/8-inch4 or 5
Gas welding (medium), 1/8- to 1/2-inch5 or 6
Gas welding (heavy), more than 1/2-inch6 or 8

Source: 29 CFR 1926.102(b)(1).

Laser Operations

Laser light radiation can be extremely dangerous to the unprotected eye and direct or reflected beams can cause permanent eye damage. Laser retinal burns can be painless, so it is essential that all personnel in or around laser operations wear appropriate eye protection.

Laser safety goggles should protect for the specific wavelength of the laser and must be of sufficient optical density for the energy involved. Safety goggles intended for use with laser beams must be labeled with the laser wavelengths for which they are intended to be used, the optical density of those wavelengths and the visible light transmission.

The table below lists maximum power or energy densities and appropriate protection levels for optical densities 5 through 8.

Table 3
Selecting Laser Safety Glass
Intensity, CW maximum power density (watts/cm2)Attenuation
Optical density (O.D.)Attenuation factor
10-25105
10-16106
1.07107
10.08108
Source: 29 CFR 1926.102(b)(2).


Head Protection

Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury can impair an employee for life or it can be fatal. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee's head from injury. Hard hats can protect employees from impact and penetration hazards as well as from electrical shock and burn hazards.

Employers must ensure that their employees wear head protection if any of the following apply:
  • Objects might fall from above and strike them on the head;
  • They might bump their heads against fixed objects, such as exposed pipes or beams; or
  • There is a possibility of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.
Some examples of occupations in which employees should be required to wear head protection include construction workers, carpenters, electricians, linemen, plumbers and pipefitters, timber and log cutters, welders, among many others. Whenever there is a danger of objects falling from above, such as working below others who are using tools or working under a conveyor belt, head protection must be worn. Hard hats must be worn with the bill forward to protect employees properly.

In general, protective helmets or hard hats should do the following:
  • Resist penetration by objects.
  • Absorb the shock of a blow.
  • Be water-resistant and slow burning.
  • Have clear instructions explaining proper adjustment and replacement of the suspension and headband.
Hard hats must have a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell from 1 to 1 1/4 inches (2.54 cm to 3.18 cm) away from the head. This type of design provides shock absorption during an impact and ventilation during normal wear.

Protective headgear must meet ANSI Standard Z89.1-1986 (Protective Headgear for Industrial Workers) or provide an equivalent level of protection. Helmets purchased before July 5, 1994 must comply with the earlier ANSI Standard (Z89.1-1969) or provide equivalent protection.

Types of Hard Hats

There are many types of hard hats available in the marketplace today. In addition to selecting protective headgear that meets ANSI standard requirements, employers should ensure that employees wear hard hats that provide appropriate protection against potential workplace hazards. It is important for employers to understand all potential hazards when making this selection, including electrical hazards. This can be done through a comprehensive hazard analysis and an awareness of the different types of protective headgear available.

Hard hats are divided into three industrial classes:
  • Class A hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts).
  • Class B hard hats provide the highest level of protection against electrical hazards, with high-voltage shock and burn protection (up to 20,000 volts). They also provide protection from impact and penetration hazards by flying/falling objects.
  • Class C hard hats provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards.
Another class of protective headgear on the market is called a “bump hat," designed for use in areas with low head clearance. They are recommended for areas where protection is needed from head bumps and lacerations. These are not designed to protect against falling or flying objects and are not ANSI approved. It is essential to check the type of hard hat employees are using to ensure that the equipment provides appropriate protection. Each hat should bear a label inside the shell that lists the manufacturer, the ANSI designation and the class of the hat.

Size and Care Considerations
Head protection that is either too large or too small is inappropriate for use, even if it meets all other requirements. Protective headgear must fit appropriately on the body and for the head size of each individual. Most protective headgear comes in a variety of sizes with adjustable headbands to ensure a proper fit (many adjust in 1/8-inch increments). A proper fit should allow sufficient clearance between the shell and the suspension system for ventilation and distribution of an impact. The hat should not bind, slip, fall off or irritate the skin.

Some protective headgear allows for the use of various accessories to help employees deal with changing environmental conditions, such as slots for earmuffs, safety glasses, face shields and mounted lights. Optional brims may provide additional protection from the sun and some hats have channels that guide rainwater away from the face. Protective headgear accessories must not compromise the safety elements of the equipment.

Periodic cleaning and inspection will extend the useful life of protective headgear. A daily inspection of the hard hat shell, suspension system and other accessories for holes, cracks, tears or other damage that might compromise the protective value of the hat is essential. Paints, paint thinners and some cleaning agents can weaken the shells of hard hats and may eliminate electrical resistance. Consult the helmet manufacturer for information on the effects of paint and cleaning materials on their hard hats. Never drill holes, paint or apply labels to protective headgear as this may reduce the integrity of the protection. Do not store protective headgear in direct sunlight, such as on the rear window shelf of a car, since sunlight and extreme heat can damage them.

Hard hats with any of the following defects should be removed from service and replaced:
  • Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell;
  • Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals or ultraviolet light and other radiation (in addition to a loss of surface gloss, such signs include chalking or flaking).
Always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not noticeable. Suspension systems are offered as replacement parts and should be replaced when damaged or when excessive wear is noticed. It is not necessary to replace the entire hard hat when deterioration or tears of the suspension systems are noticed.


Foot and Leg Protection

Employees who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects or from crushing or penetrating materials should

wear protective footwear. Also, employees whose work involves exposure to hot substances or corrosive or poisonous materials must have protective gear to cover exposed body parts, including legs and feet. If an employee's feet may be exposed to electrical hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn. On the other hand, workplace exposure to static electricity may necessitate the use of conductive footwear.

Examples of situations in which an employee should wear foot and/or leg protection include:
  • When heavy objects such as barrels or tools might roll onto or fall on the employee's feet;
    Working with sharp objects such as nails or spikes that could pierce the soles or uppers of ordinary shoes;
    Exposure to molten metal that might splash on feet or legs;
    Working on or around hot, wet or slippery surfaces; and
  • Working when electrical hazards are present.
Posted by at No comments:

Personal Protective Equipments

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)



OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels. Employers are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers.
If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
PPE is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and longshoring.
Standards
This section highlights OSHA standards, preambles to final rules (background to final rules), Federal Registers (rules, proposed rules, and notices), directives (instructions for compliance officers), standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards), and national consensus standards related to PPE.
OSHA
Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.
General Industry (29 CFR 1910)
Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)
Marine Terminals (29 CFR 1917)
Longshoring (29 CFR 1918)
Preambles to Final Rules
Federal Registers
Directives
Standard Interpretations
National Consensus
Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)
  • 70, National Electric Code. (2008).

  • 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. (2004).

  • 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Firefighting and Proximity Firefighting. (2007).

  • 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies. (2005).

  • 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies. (2005).

  • 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents. (2007).
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
  • F 739-07, Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions of Continuous Contact. (2007).

  • F 903-03(2004), Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids. (2004).

  • F 1001-99a(2006), Standard Guide for Selection of Chemicals to Evaluate Protective Clothing Materials. (2006).
Construction
For information related to construction, see OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Construction page.
Hazards and Solutions
The following references aid in recognizing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and provides information about proper PPE selection and usage.
Evaluation
The following references aid in evaluating and improving personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment; Final Rule. OSHA Federal Register Final Rules 72:64341-64430, (2007, November 15). Stipulates that the employer must pay for required PPE, except in the limited cases specified in the standard. Safety-toe protective footwear and prescription safety glasses were excepted from the employer payment requirement, in large part because these items were considered to be very personal in nature and were often worn off the jobsite.

  • Recommendations for Chemical Protective Clothing Database. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (1998, February). Provides chemical protective clothing guidelines for chemicals listed in the pocket guide. 

  • A Guide for Evaluating the Performance of Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC). US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-109, (1990, June). Includes selection and evaluation guidelines for protective clothing.

  • The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Focuses expertise from many scientific disciplines to advance federal research on respirators and other personal protective technologies for workers. Also features links to PPE related topics.

  • Respirators. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)