Module 1 Workplace Safety

Developed by: Wes Pelletier, April 2008

Work Place Safety

• Chemical Hazards • OSHA • MSDS • Hand Tools • Power Tools • PPE

• Cuts and Abrasions • Fire Prevention • Fire Extinguisher • First Aid • Slips, Trips and Falls • Housekeeping • Heat Stress

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Chemical Hazards

• Follow all rules regarding storage and handling of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

• Always use available safety gear when handling all HAZMAT items

• Be aware of potential flash points • Know how to use Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) and where they are located in the workplace

• Follow the companies Hazard Communication program Developed by:

Work Place Safety OSHA

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• It was created by Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules (called standards) for workplace safety and health

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• Is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance.

• An important component of product stewardship and workplace safety, it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Hand Tools

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

• Hand tools are non-powered. They

include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Hand Tools Cont.

• Using a screwdriver as a chisel may cause the tip of the screwdriver to break and fly, hitting the user or other employees.

• If a wooden handle on a tool such as a hammer or an axe is loose, splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or another worker.

• A wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung, because it might slip. • Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they have

mushroomed heads. The heads might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying.

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Power Tools

• Power tools can be hazardous when improperly used. There are several types of power tools, based on the power source they use: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder-actuated.

• Employees should be trained in the use of all tools - not just power tools. They should understand the potential hazards as well as the safety precautions to prevent those hazards from occurring.

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Power Tools Cont.

• Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. • Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing

accessories such as blades, bits and cutters. • All observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area. • Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool. • Avoid accidental starting. Never hold a finger on the switch button while a

carrying plugged-in tool. • Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance. • Proper clothing should be worn. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can

become caught in moving parts. • All portable electric tools that are damaged shall be removed from use.

Developed by:

Work Place Safety PPE

• Ensure your PPE is always in good working order

• Always wear appropriate gear for the

hazard you are exposed to ie. – Chemical – Loud Noises – Proper Eye protection – Hard Hats – Safety toe shoes / boots – Gloves

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Cuts and Abrasions

• Always wear proper hand protection when handling metal parts.

• Be aware of metal shavings after dressing out threads.

• Be aware of sharp edges on metal parts.

• Be aware of flying metal chips during thread maintenance.

• Be cautious when moving oversized or heavy parts.

• Watch pinch points or areas where hands or fingers could be caught

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Fire Protection

• Fire protection is the prevention and reduction of the hazards associated with fires

• Know your companies fire exit / escape plan • Know who to call, ie. 911 • Never smoke around combustible or

flammable materials / chemicals • Be aware of the hazards around you • Ensure hazardous materials are properly

stored in an approved container

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Fire Extinguisher

• The typical steps for operating a stored pressure fire extinguisher (described by the acronym "PASS") are the following: – P - Pull the safety pin and test – A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the

fire, from a safe distance (*about 1 to 3 meters (4 to 10 feet) away)

– S - Squeeze the handle – S - Sweep the extinguisher from side to

side while aiming at the base of the fire

Developed by:

Work Place Safety First Aid

• Call for help, ( 911 or co-worker ) • Inform people around to assist if needed • Seek medical attention • Know the location of nearest first-aid kit • If required, turn off electrical equipment • Accidents happened when you least expect it! • Always be prepared!

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Slips, Trips and Falls

• Keep work areas clean • Wipe up spills immediately • Ensure walking areas are free from

tripping hazards • Do not extend cords or cables across

pathways • Keep tool box drawers closed when

not in use • Use proper safety gear when working

on ladders or scaffolds • Wear proper foot gear

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Housekeeping

• Practicing good housekeeping eliminates accidents and fire hazards, saves energy, improves space management, minimizes material inventories, helps control property damage and encourages better working habits. – Put tools away in their proper place – Keep work areas free of clutter – Account for all tools used on the job – Clean up spills

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Heat Stress

• Four environmental factors

affect the amount of stress a worker faces in a hot work area: temperature, humidity, radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace) and air velocity. Perhaps most important to the level of stress an individual faces are personal characteristics such as age, weight, fitness, medical condition and acclimatization to the heat.

Developed by:

Work Place Safety Heat Stress Cont.

• Characteristic signs are:

– Heat Stroke - mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness,

convulsions or coma; a body temperature of 106 degrees F or higher; hot dry skin which may be red, mottled, or bluish.

– Heat exhaustion - results from loss of fluid through sweating when a

worker has failed to drink enough fluids or take in enough salt or both. The worker with heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache.

– Heat cramps - painful spasms of the muscles, are caused when workers

drink large quantities of water but fail to replace their bodies’ salt loss.

Developed by: