1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012eere.energy.gov Safe Work Practices WEATHERIZATION ENERGY AUDITOR SINGLE FAMILY

1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere.energy.gov

Safe Work PracticesWEATHERIZATION ENERGY AUDITOR SINGLE FAMILY

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012


Learning Objectives

By attending this session, participants will be able to:• Describe basic workplace safety requirements for energy auditors.

• Explain the purpose of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

• Identify where to find guidelines for working with lead, mold, and asbestos.

• Describe which homes require lead-safe weatherization practices and certified renovators.

• Define what a materials safety data sheet (MSDS) is and why it is important to communicate hazards.

• Explain the function and importance of using ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) equipment.

• Identify personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by auditors.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


Program Requirements

Auditors must possess a working knowledge of:

•Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program regulations and policy.

•Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for asbestos, lead, mold, and other health hazards.

•Material safety data sheets (MSDS).

•Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


SAFE WORK PRACTICES

OSHA Standards

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Standards

•Ladder safety

•Fall protection

•Personal protective equipment (PPE)

•Respiratory protection

•Motor vehicles

•Power-operated hand tools

•Fire prevention

•Permit-required confined spaces

•Other worker-related OSHA standards


SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Energy Auditor Safety Procedures

Auditors must demonstrate the ability to:

• Safely use basic hand and power tools.

• Identify serious mold or other unsanitary conditions.

• Assess and communicate work area safety hazards.

o High ambient carbon monoxide levels

o Electrical hazards

o Structural hazards


• Protective suit • Respirator• Gloves• Steel toe boots

In Attics

Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


How Much Mold Is OK?


SAFE WORK PRACTICES


Material Safety Data Sheets

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


MSDS generally require the following information:

• Product and contact information of the manufacturer

• Hazard ingredients/identifying information

• Fire and explosion hazard data

• Reactivity data

• Health hazard data

• Emergency and first aid procedures

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

MSDS Requirements

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for carbon monoxide of 35 ppm.

CO Exposure Monitoring

BW Honeywell Gas Alert Clip Extreme CO Monitor

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Image courtesy of BW Honeywell


Live Wire Testing

Live wire tester. Especially useful for determining if knob

and tube wiring is still live.

Live wire tester. Especially useful for determining if knob

and tube wiring is still live.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES



Ground Fault Circuit Interruption

This could save your life.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Photo courtesy of www.health.howstuffworks.com. Photo courtesy of Coleman Cable, Inc.


Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

Always put a GFCI between yourself and a power tool.

Lind Equipment

Garvin Industries

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Photos courtesy of Garvin Industries and Lind Equipment


• Ensure you have the proper gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, protective clothing, and respirators.

• Ensure you have the proper fit: fit test for respirators.

• Refer to the MSDS if in doubt about what gear you need.

Personal Protective Equipment

Photo courtesy of Environmental Health & Safety, Univ. of VA

Respirators should meet or exceed MSDS requirements and be assessed based on

OSHA’s fit test guidelines.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


Required by OSHA where workers could fall at least 6 ft. (or 10 ft. if working on scaffolding).

Options include:•Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)•Safety netting•Guardrails/covers

Fall Protection

Image courtesy of Kentuckiana Industrial Safety Training

A PFAS is often the most practical fall protection for weatherization work.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


• Use ladders as they were designed.

• Keep bottom free of obstructions and slip hazards.

• Position bottom ¼ of the working height away from surface.

• If accessing upper level, ladder must extend 3 ft. above that level.

Ladders

Photo courtesy of blog.safesourcing.com

One example of what not to do!

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


Safe Work Practices Exercise

Safe Work Practices

(45 minutes)

SAFE WORK PRACTICES


Summary

• OSHA regulations are designed to keep auditors and workers safe.

• Following EPA guidelines when dealing with hazardous materials protects the health of clients, workers, and their families.

• Auditors should be aware of MSDS when specifying chemical products for use by weatherization technicians.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment to reduce risk of injury.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Documents

1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012eere.energy.gov Safe Work Practices WEATHERIZATION ENERGY AUDITOR SINGLE FAMILY