TO: All Company Employees FROM: Safety & Health Program Safety for our employees has always been a prime concern of this company. We have a good safety record over the years. However, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm my belief in a strong safety program, which will continue to create and thus provide a safe place for all employees to work. Accident cost time and money, but most of all, accidents often cost lives. I hope you will share my concern for providing a safe place in which to work, because to make a safety program effective all of us must work together. Help yourself and your co-employees to be aware of and practice safe work habits. Sincerely, Tony Collins President

TO: All TGM Job Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen GUIDELINES FOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND SAFETY RULES When first moving onto a job site and meeting with the customer’s representative, ask about and define the following: 1. Emergency first aid for employees, hospital and ambulance services and phone

numbers.

A. Does the plant have a full time first aid person to aid in case of serious injury?

B. Closest hospital and the phone number. C. Ambulance: if the plant has one or must an outside service be used, such

as 911. D. Which plant supervisors to notify in case of an emergency.

2. Plant Emergency Fire Procedures

A. Do they have their own fire brigade? B. Locations and types of fire extinguishers around or near unit to be worked

on. C. Evacuation procedures and designated meeting area for our employees.

3. ASBESTOS

A. Location, if asbestos is presents B. Have customer remove if it is in an area TGM employees will be working

in. C. Have customer clearly mark all areas in or around TGM working areas

that contain asbestos, and have encapsulated if necessary. D. If asbestos is present in area, have customer take air samples prior to and

during any work being done. TGM is not in the business of asbestos abatement and does not have the trained personnel to work in or around asbestos.

4. Solvents and disposal of waste oil and solvents

A. Who will supply the solvents and disposal? B. Obtain and keep on file material safety data sheets on all solvents and

gases. C. Make sure all containers are clearly labeled as to content.

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T.G.M. CHECK LIST FOR ALL JOB SITES 1. Are OSHA posters posted (State and Federal)? 2. Is OSHA Form 200 (accident report) posted? 3. Office address and phone numbers (main office and job site) posted for

employees. 4. Is first aid kit properly stocked? 5. Locate and inform employees of locations of emergency showers and eye wash

systems.

6. Hold a safety meeting with employees and explain TGM policies and objectives on each job site (remember this is a team effort). Have a safety meeting once a week (or more when necessary). Keep a written record of each safety meeting, topics discussed and have each employee sign and keep on file.

7. Are all emergency phone numbers posted? Hospital, ambulance, etc.

8. Safety is everyone’s job.

9. Keep job site and work area clean and clear of trip and fire hazards.

10. Are tools in proper working order? Repair or have repaired if needed.

11. Check all electrical cords for bare spots, proper-grounded plugs, etc.

12. Is there a sufficient inventory of:

a. Safety glasses

b. Face shields

c. Rubber gloves

d. Welding gloves

e. Dust masks and/or respirators (if needed)

f. Ear plugs

13. Make sure state employment signs are posted.

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MSDS UNAVAILABE—OSHA NOTIFICATION

Date:

From: (Your Company Name and Address)

To: OSHA—Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20210

Attention: Construction Standards/Hazard Communication Department

Subject: Unavailability of MSDS for (Chemical Name and ID#), from (Name and Address of Manufacturer or Importer).

Pursuant to the Hazard Communications Standard 29 CFR 1926.59(g)(1) Material Safety Data Sheets, our company requested writing a MSDS for (chemical name & ID#) from (chemical manufacture—distributor name & address) on (date). To date we have not received the requested MSDS.

Be advised that this letter will serve as notice to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of our effort to comply with the standards requirements.

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Generic MSDS Available AGC Computer MSDS and Chemical Information Database Associated General Contractors of America 1957 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 393-2040. AGC maintains a chemical information database for hazardous chemicals and an MSDS library. Available upon request to members at a nominal fee. OHS Occupational Health Services, Inc. 400 Drive Secaucus, N.J. 07094 (201) 865-7500 Over 10,000 data sheets, mostly on pure chemicals, updates these sheets at least quarterly with computer tape and microfiche service. The information usually found on manufacturers’ data sheets us supplemented by other information founding the safety and health literature. Data sheets are indexed and referenced by substance name, Trade Name, Chemical Abstracts Registry Number and OHS Number. Available in paper, microfiche, personal computer format, on-line or computer tape. HIS Information Handling Services Inc. 15 Inverness Way East P.O. Box 1154 Englewood, Colorado 80150 (800) 525-7052 Over 36,000 MSDS (about 10500 substances) from over 1100 industrial sources. Ample cross indices enable retrieval by Chemical Abstract Registry Number, supplier name, chemical name, brand name, trade name or synonym. New and revised MSDS are distributed every 60 days. Paper index with microfiche. Material Safety Data Sheets Genium Publishing Corporation 1145 Catalyn Street Schnectady, N.Y. 12303 (518) 377-8854 Publishing by the Genium Publishing Corporation, Schnectady, New York, with selected updates every 120 days. Detailed information arranged in a format similar to that of the OSHA Form 20 or OSHA Form 174 is given for over 850 substances. It is available on VAX minicomputers and Apple and IBM-compatible microcomputers. To aid compliance with in-house labeling requirements, GENIUM has developed The Label Handbook for Hazard Communication Compliance, containing model labels for over 500 materials.

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Chemtox VNR Information Services (VIS) 115 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10003 (212) 254-3232 Over 3200 chemicals in MSDS-like format, including identifiers, physical and chemical properties, toxicological data, regulatory data, emergency response and personal protection data. Through the uses of the REVELATION database manager and MSDS ACCESS on IBM and PC-compatibles, users can manipulate and correlate data, store and retrieve information. TOXIC ALERT Hazox P.O. Box 637 Chadds Fords PA 19317 (215) 388-2030 Databases of MSDS prepared by ICF, Inc. for the Environmental Protection Agency (about 400 chemicals) and the Northridge TOX Center MSDS (over 1000 chemicals). Available for IBM PC and PC-compatibles.

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Hazardous Chemicals – OSHA’s Definition A Hazardous chemical under the HCS is any chemical labeled as hazardous by a recognized authority such as OSHA or the manufacturer and any chemical that can create an effect on a person even if that effect is temporary. Under the current standard most chemicals, unless specifically exempted, should be treated as hazardous. Under the HCS there are no exposure limits set, so any amount of a chemical could trigger the standards requirements. Potential as well as actual exposure of a chemical to an employee must be considered when determining what chemicals should be treated as hazardous. OSHA defines Hazardous Chemicals as:

1. Any chemical listed in the toxic registry found to be carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

2. Listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP)

3. Regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen. 4. Corrosive as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A 49

CFR Part 173. 5. Highly toxic (any chemical recognized as poisonous). 6. Irritants—a chemical that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living

tissue. 7. Sensitizer—a chemical that cause a substantial proportion of persons or

animals to develop an allergic reaction. 8. Any by-product produced that has any effects listed above.

By-Products The current scope of the expanded Hazard Communication Standard includes the production of by-products as potential hazardous chemicals. OSHA cites a specific example of a by-product, considered a hazardous chemical, as wood dust. OSHA states that “the potential for exposures to wood dust within the workplace, especially with regard to respirable particles, is not self evident, nor is it obviously hazardous. However, wood dust is a recognized health hazard with exposure limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists”. Using this rational OSHA would also include under HCS coverage any by-product produced during a construction operation that is a recognized chemical hazard as defined under the HCS, including: welding fumes, grinding dust, concrete dust, mineral wool fiber dust and other by-products produced by chemical, mechanical or thermal action.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION

I. INTRODUCTION A. Supervisors

B. Employees C. Safety and Hazard Training and Pre-Job Talk

1. Training Rules 2. Pre-Job Talk 3. Company Safety Rules 4. General Safety Rules 5. Training Session – sign in for pre-job talk 6. Hazard Communication Standard 7. Safety Meeting – sign in sheet 8. MSDS Collection Poster 9. Hazard Program Poster

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Accidents, fire and Property Damage B. Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms C. Employees Break Areas D. Safety Meetings E. Security F. Tool & Office Trailers G. Vehicles and Traffic Regulations H. Working in an Operating Unit

III. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. Housekeeping B. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Head, Eyes and Face 2. Ears 3. Respiratory 4. Hands 5. Feet 6. Safety Belt and Lanyards

C. Tools

1. Hand Tools 2. Power-Operated Hand Tools

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D. Equipment 1. Air Compressor 2. Compressed Air 3. Gas Cylinders 4. Hoist and Hydraulic Cranes 5. Hoses 6. Ladders 7. Scaffolds 8. Slings and Rigging 9. Welding and Burning

E. Barricades F. Electrical G. Lock and Tag Procedure H. First Aid and Accident Reporting

IV. TECHNICAL REFERENCE

A. How Cold is the Wind B. Storage of Cylinders C. Installation Safety Requirements D. Wiring Design Protection E. Wiring Components F. Assured Equipment Grounding G. Hazards of Low Voltage Electricity H. Eye and Face Protection I. Fires J. Fire Extinguishers K. Housekeeping L. Knots, Shackles and Plank Strength M. Ladders N. Operating Signals O. Power Saws P. Rigging Equipment Q. Eyewear Use

V. HAZARD COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK

A. Introduction B. Hazard Communication Written Program

Container Inventory Container Labeling Material Safety Data Sheets

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Employee Training Personnel Protective Equipment Emergency Response Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks Informing Other Employees

C. Chemical Inventory List D. Chemical Inventory Classification E. Hazardous Chemicals – OSHA’s Definition F. List of Stand Chemicals G. Generic MSDS Available and Sample Letter to

Acquire Them H. The Hazard Communication Standard I. Chemical Facts J. How to Use a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

VI. OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD VII. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS VIII. TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS IX. SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

III

I. INTRODUCTION This safety manual contains the minimum safety rules and procedures for the performance of work by Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. employees. TGM considers safety precautions t be a vital part of daily work and should be an ongoing concern. A. Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for the action of their workers. Supervisors should: 1. Set an example in matters of safety. 2. Personally observe and correct safety violations or any potential

work hazards. 3. Take necessary corrective action against employees who violate

safety standards. 4. Acquaint employees with safety standards. 5. Personally assist in accident investigations. 6. Report all accident, near misses and fires. 7. Correct or report all hazards or violations observed by any

employee. 8. Provide employees with material and equipment that are adequate

to perform their job safely. 9. Maintain their work sites in an orderly manner by insisting on

good housekeeping. 10. Maintain continuous safety planning to cover job where

circumstances have changed and new hazards require new controls.

11. Conduct safety meetings.

B. Employees

Employees should abide by all safety regulations and be advised that repeated safety violations will be grounds for dismissal. The following should also be adhered to: ~ no horseplay or running in plant ~ proper dress, no sleeveless shirts or tank tops ~ no wandering through customer property ~ no sleeping at jobsites ~ no modifying of personal safety equipment ~ attendance to safety meetings is required

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TRAINING – AN EMPLOYER OBLIGATION The Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry 29 CFR Part 1926.21 (b), Safety Training and Education states, “The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards of other exposure to illness or injury”. Training can take many forms and is synonymous with education and can be attained in a number if ways. 1. Company Safety Rules – Issuance of your company’s safety rules on each job site when it first gets underway. Employees should read the rules and understand them. The issuance of these rules should be logged and signed receipts should be kept on file. Each new employee, as he arrives on the job, should be approached in the same manner. Special attention should be given to the training of new apprentices. 2. Periodic Safety Talks – Contractors should attempt to hold a safety talk with their employees on a weekly basis. The talk may consist merely of restating the company safety rules of warning of dangerous conditions which exist during that phase of the project. A particular subject may be covered, such as trenching, shoring, or fire prevention, in what us referred to as “Tool Box Talks.” 3. Changed Conditions – When a new phase of the job operation begins or when new hazardous materials are brought on the site, employees should be made aware of new or added potential dangerous situations that might occur and the proper action employees can take to maintain a safe workplace. 4. Safety Equipment – Employees should not simply be issued protective equipment. They should be instructed as to its proper and safe use. 5. Consistency/Redundancy – The employer must consistently and routinely entertain the concept of safety training. Once is not enough. At the indoctrination meeting of new employees on a project, on through the follow-up weekly safety talks, the central theme must be to dwell on employees not committing unsafe acts. 6. Management Follow-Up – Management must not be content with advising employees on unsafe practices. A follow-up of employee’s actions must be made. The Supervisor (s) must be instructed to watch for employees committing unsafe acts. Employees should be reprimanded when found doing unsafe acts.

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7. Documentation – All actions taken by Management as it relates to Safety Training/Education should be documented. Documentation of good faith efforts in meeting the training requirements can be invaluable in defending a lawsuit that resulted from an injury due to an unsafe act by an employee. Also, documentation substantiates your commitment to and compliance with the OSHA Training Requirements. 8. Individual/Group Instruction – Safety Education can e aimed at a group such as at a weekly safety talk or at an individual as in a case where the employee is being given instruction of use of a new tool, etc., by the Supervisor (s). Whichever the case may be, it should be documented. Many contractors do a great deal of safety training but do not document their efforts and so compliance with the training requirements is difficult to prove. IN SUMMARY Safety training must be ongoing. It must be given to all employees and members of management. Documentation of instruction and other forms of safety awareness techniques must be made. Never assume everyone knows the safest way of performing his or her task.

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TRAINING RULES

1. At the beginning of each job, the superintendent will have a “pre-job talk” with all members of the crew, the foremen and the project manager/expediter.

2. The company safety rules will be presented.

3. Plant rules will be explained.

4. All participants will sign in their attendance on “Training Session on Hazard Communication.”

5. Superintendents will also explain Hazard Communication Standard and update chemical list for each job.

6. Superintendent/Expediter will post safety rules, MSDS collection poster, emergency phone numbers and the poster stating TGM has a Hazard Communication Program.

7. Safety meetings should be held weekly. The safety meeting attendance sheet should be filled out and faxed to the Cape Coral office. Safety rules should be reviewed at each meeting. Any hazards on jobs should be reported. Other safety meeting subjects can be found in Tool Box Talks Section.

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PRE-JOB TALK

1. Introduce myself as Project Manager/Superintendent, then introduce other Turbine Generator Management.

2. Explain job objective, importance of harmony between shifts (family approach).

3. Explain Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. Policy.

4. Explain Plant Rules – (Do not wander around plant or use plant facilities).

5. Importance of proper procedures and labeling of parts, bolts, etc. A place for everything and everything in its place. Lock and tag out procedures.

6. Safety procedures: In case of injury…In case of fire…In case of explosion…In case of natural disaster…Designate meeting place for head count in case of an emergency.

7. Job Safety: Use of solvents, safety equipment, guards on grinders, etc.; face shields, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, compressed air, etc.

8. There was no drug-alcohol test given when you were hired, however, if you are injured, you will be given a drug-alcohol test at that time. Talk about drug-alcohol abuse form.

9. Coffee Breaks – Lunch – Supper – Give length of time of breaks and times they should be taken.

10. Fire Extinguishers: Locations and Which to Use and How to Use.

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COMPANY SAFETY RULES

ALL EMPLOYEES WILL ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING RULES:

1. Immediately report unsafe conditions, acts, tools and equipment to their immediate Supervisor.

2. Promptly report all injuries to their immediate Supervisor.

3. Wear hard hats on the jobsite at all times.

4. Use eye and face protection where there is danger from flying objects or particles, such as when grinding, chipping, burning and welding, etc.

5. Dress properly. Wear appropriate work clothes, gloves and shoes or boots. Loose clothing, tennis shoes and jewelry must not be worn.

6. Never operate any machine unless all guards and safety devices are in place and in proper operating condition.

7. Keep all tools in safe working condition. Never use defective tools or equipment.

8. Properly care for and be responsible for all personal protective equipment.

9. Be alert and keep out from under overhead loads.

10. Do not operate machinery if you are not an authorized operator.

11. Do not leave materials in aisles, walkways, stairways, roads or other points of egress.

12. Practice good housekeeping at all times.

13. Riding material hoists or other moving equipment is prohibited except on seats provided.

14. Place ladders on substantial base and do not use ladders with broken, split or missing rungs or rails. All ladders are to extend at least three feet above the landing platform and be securely fastened.

15. Gasoline in amounts of 5 gallons or less must be stored and transported in safety cans only. Engines must be shut off when refueling and no smoking anywhere near flammable liquids.

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16. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position and caps must be on when not in use. (29CFR 1926.350)

17. Where flammable gas is being used, a fire extinguisher is required to be close at hand at all times when burning or welding is being done. (29CFR 1926.150)

18. The use, possession, transportation, solicitation or sale of drugs (illegal drugs or unprescribed drugs) by anyone while on company business or premises is absolutely prohibited. In addition, the company prohibits any employee being at work or working under the influence of drugs, irrespective of the degree of physical or mental impairment the employee may be experiencing. This policy includes the intentional misuse of prescribed drugs as well as the illegal use of unprescribed drugs. Any violation of these rules by an employee while on company business or premises will be cause for disciplinary action ranging from verbal or written reprimand to immediate discharge and referral to law enforcement agencies.

19. Safety rules must be posted in a conspicuous place and must be obeyed and not removed except by management’s authorization.

20. Comply at all times with all known federal, state and local safety laws, employer regulations and policies.

21. Horseplay causes accidents and will not be tolerated.

Violations of any of these rules will be cause for immediate disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES

1. ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES, regardless of their nature, shall be reported to your supervisor for immediate attention.

2. JOB CLEANLINESS shall be practiced on all construction projects. Excess material or material no needed on present operation shall be stockpiled or stacked until needed. Protruding nails, wires, etc., shall be bent over, cut or pulled out immediately. Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate and shall be removed frequently.

3. HARD HATS shall be worn on the job by all personnel.

4. SAFETY GLASSES, GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELDS, shall be worn on all concrete breaking, metal chipping, welding or other operations where eye injuries may result.

5. SHOES shall be first grade, hard soled and ankle high.

6. CLOTHING shall be appropriate to duties being performed and should not include cuffed trouser, torn or loose clothing.

7. EXCAVATION AND TRENCH CONSTRUCTION shall, where there is danger of slides or cave-ins, be braced on sloped to an angle to relieve danger or cave-ins of the material being excavated.

8. HAND TOOLS, shall not be used for any other purpose than that intended and all damaged or worn parts promptly repaired or replaced.

9. POWER TOOLS, shall be operated only by authorized personnel, with guards furnished by the manufacturer “in place”, and if electrical, shall be grounded.

10. POWER ACTIVATED TOOLS shall be used only by delegated persons who have been instructed and trained in their safe use.

11. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS, shall be chained or otherwise secured in an upright position and shall be placed in cylinder carts whenever being transported to different locations on the project.

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12. SOURCES OF IGNITION shall be prohibited from areas where flammable liquids are stored or issued and appropriate warning signs shall be posted at these locations.

13. INTOXICATING BEVERAGES, possession or use before or during working hours is strictly forbidden.

14. RIDING OF EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED, no person shall ride any hook, hoist or other material handling equipment.

15. MACHINERY WHEN OPERATING, shall NOT be oiled, cleaned, adjusted or refueled.

16. WELDING AND BURNING OPERATIONS shall be carried on only by authorized personnel with appropriate individual protective equipment.

17. GLOVES shall be worn by men handling debris, old lumber and rough or sharp edged material.

18. SUPERINTENDENT OR FOREMAN, shall enforce these safety rules, instruct men in performing duties in a safe manner, put men to work in place only when he is sure that no dangerous condition exists and instruct new men in regards to these safety rules.

19. HORSEPLAY OR PRACTICAL JOKES shall not be permitted on the job, during, before or after working hours.

20. ALL POSTED SAFETY RULES shall be obeyed and shall not be removed except by management’s authorization. Violation of these safety rules may be cause for dismissal of any employee.

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TRAINING SESSION ON HAZARD COMMUNICATION

I know where the Material Safety Data Sheets for my work are kept. I understand the safe work procedures and precautions to be taken when working these products including use of protective equipment and/or apparel.

I know where emergency supplies are kept.

I know where the emergency phone number and Hazard Communication Information are posted.

I am aware that I may review copies of the hazardous chemical list, the company’s written program and MSDS’s.

Job Location or Name: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

Attendees:

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

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THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely with hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.

The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly label chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user of their products.

Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical Inventory List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make available information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.

Employers must provide training to workers in: the provision of the Hazard Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use, Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine tasks and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are brought into the workplace.

The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at the jobsite.

Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program and Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to talk to, to review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.

Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide you with access to the needed information but its up to you to handle chemicals safely and to use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are working with chemicals.

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Safety Meeting – Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.

Date: _______________________________________

Location: ____________________________________

Conducted by: ________________________________

Items Discussed:

1) __________________________________________

2) __________________________________________

3) __________________________________________

Employee Safety Recommendations: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attendees:

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

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THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET COLLECTION For hazardous chemicals on this jobsite is located at:

THE WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM For this jobsite is located at:

THE HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL LIST For this jobsite is located at: Questions regarding chemicals, chemical handling or health and safety should be directed to:

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THIS COMPANY HAS A WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

IN COMPLIANCE WITH OSHA 1926.59

In accordance with the standard the following items are available to you on request.

* Copy of the company Written Hazard Communication Program

* Copy of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

* Copy of the company’s List of Hazardous Chemicals for your workplace

* Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for any covered chemicals to which your are exposed.

TO OBTAIN ANY OR ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CONTACT

YOUR SUPERVISOR

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II. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Accidents, Fire and Property Damage

1. The Supervisor will be notified immediately in the event of any death, occupational disease, disabling injury of potentially significant injury to a TGM employee.

2. A written report must be submitted by the Superintendent on every injury requiring medical treatment of any kind, to the Cape Coral office no later than 10:00 A.M. of the day following the injury. Forms will be supplied by Cape Coral.

3. Employees must report injury to their immediate supervisor even though it may be considered slight.

4. All “near misses” involving employees or equipment must be reported to the Superintendent.

B. Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms

1. The possession or use of drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated anywhere on any jobsite, including parking lots.

2. Firearms will not be brought onto any jobsite, including parking lots.

3. Violators are subject to immediate termination.

C. Employee’s Break Areas

1. Areas will be assigned by the Superintendent.

2. No sleeping allowed.

3. Employee must remain in assigned area and not wander about jobsite.

D. Safety Meetings

1. Contractor’s supervisors will hold a documented weekly “gangbox” safety meeting.

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2. The topic will be listed and each employee shall sign his or her name.

3. A completed copy will be submitted to the Cape Coral Office by 10:00 A.M. of the following day.

E. Security

1. Tools and equipment should be marked with TGM identification.

2. Superintendents are responsible for securing TGM tools and equipment on jobsite.

3. All losses of tools, equipment or break-ins must be reported immediately to the Superintendent.

4. Lay-down areas will be assigned by Superintendent.

F. Tool and Office Regulations

1. Location and set-up will be controlled by the Superintendent or Expediter.

2. Areas around trailers shall be kept clean and in an orderly manner.

3. Trailers should be locked when unoccupied.

G. Vehicle and Traffic Regulations

1. Automobiles and trucks permitted to enter plant may be limited. Permission will be controlled by the Superintendent.

2. No employee shall ride on the sides, running board or tailgate of any transport vehicle.

3. No employee shall ride atop equipment or materials being transported.

4. Hauled materials that overhang the sides or ends of a truck shall be red-flagged at the extent of the overhang.

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5. No vehicle or equipment will be left in emergency lanes unattended.

6. All plant traffic signs and signals will be obeyed.

H. Working in an Operating Unit

1. Supervisors should make themselves aware of chemicals or products existing in a work area and are responsible for advising their employees and providing suitable personal protective equipment. Material safety data sheets should be available from customer.

2. No unscheduled work will take place within an operating unit.

3. No equipment, materials or tools will obstruct or create a safety hazard to customer’s personnel.

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III. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. Housekeeping 1. All jobsites are to be maintained in a clean, safe and orderly

fashion. The customer representative should be contacted concerning proper disposal of waste material.

2. All tools, materials and equipment must be stored in a stable manner to prevent them from rolling or falling.

3. Routine clean up is required at the jobsite as well as break areas.

4. Lay-down areas will be kept in order.

5. Spills will be immediately cleaned up.

B. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Head, Eyes and Face a. Hard hats are to be worn at all times as well as safety

glasses when required. Over-the-counter sunglasses that are not industrial grade are prohibited.

b. TGM will not provide prescription safety glasses.

c. Goggles must be worn when:

(1) Entering designated areas.

(2) Handling chemicals.

d. Persons in close proximity to employees performing work-requiring goggles or face shields must also wear them.

2. Ears

a. Approved ear protection will be worn in all designated areas identified by signs.

b. Approved ear protection must be worn when in close proximity to high noise level equipment.

3. Respiratory – TGM is responsible for providing acceptable respiratory protection for employees if it is required.

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4. Hands

a. Gloves – Suitable gloves are to be worn on all work where hand injuries are likely to occur.

(1) Chemical gloves – coated gloves are for special type work (example: Solvents, Corrosives).

(2) Di-electrically tested lineman rubber gloves are to be used on all power line work and when there is possible contact with energized circuits.

(3) Leather gloves – Leather or specially treated flame retardant gloves must be used while welding or performing similar flame work. Plastic, cloth or similar gloves of combustible material should not be worn.

(4) Cotton gloves – for general-purpose work.

b. Tag Lines

(1) Tag lines are to control loads and keep personnel away on all lifts made by mechanical equipment.

(2) Do not wrap tag line around your hands or body.

(3) Shall be used on all loads to control swing.

(4) Suspended loads must be tied off while being moved by a mobile crane.

5. Feet

a. Safety shoes are strongly recommended.

b. Canvas shoes, sneakers, sandals or similar type shoes are not allowed.

6. Safety Belt and Lanyards – Are to be worn by employees when performing work in elevated positions where the use of scaffolds or ladders is impractical and where a slip might result in a serious fall. Lanyards are to be attached above the employee to an object of sufficient holding strength. Lanyards should be tied off to result in a minimum fall. Lanyard length will be such that it will permit a fall of no more than 6 feet.

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C. Tools

1. Hand Tools

a. Wrenches, including adjustable, pipe end and socket, shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.

b. Wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.

c. Uninsulated conductive tools shall no be used in or around live electrical wiring.

d. Tools shall not be used for other than their designed purpose.

e. 2.

2. Power-Operated Hand Tools

a. The use of unsafe power-operated hand tools is not permitted.

b. All manually held pneumatic, electric-power or hydro-blast tools shall be equipped with a “dead man” type control which shall not be locked or secured in the “on” position.

c. When power-operated tools are designed to accommodate guards, they shall be equipped with such guards when in use. Guards shall not be modified.

d. All electric powered tools shall be either of the approved double-insulated type or grounded.

(1) Use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering of tools shall not be permitted.

e. Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to hose or whip by some positive means.

(1) Air pressure must be valve off and bled down before adjusting, changing tools or disconnecting the hose.

(2) Manufacturer’s safe operating standards for hose, pipes, valves, filters and other fittings shall not be exceeded.

C. Equipment

1. Air Compressors

a. Location of compressors shall be as near work as possible for reducing hose use.

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b. Noise level will be considered when locating compressor. 2. Compressed Air

a. Do not use compressed air to:

(1) Cleaning clothing,

(2) Blow air on another person,

(3) Clean up floors in lieu of using a broom or wash-up hose.

b. Where compressed air must be used to clean machinery, goggles must be worn by both the employees using the air and others in the area. Safety glasses are not the proper eye protection when using compressed air.

3. Gas Cylinders

a. Gas and oxygen cylinders shall be handled with care, properly supported in an upright position away from any source of heath or flame and securely tied off. All cylinders not in use shall have their caps in place.

b. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders, full or empty, shall not be stored together.

c. Never transport an acetylene cylinder in the horizontal position.

d. Cylinder valves must be closed when cylinders are not in use and the hose pressure must be bled down.

e. Acetylene valves must not be opened more than one and one-half turns.

f. Oxygen valves must not be opened more than one and one-half turns.

g. Gas cylinders shall not be placed beneath welding or burning operations.

4. Hoist and Hydraulic Cranes

a. The Supervisor shall verify weights of loads to be lifted. No load shall be lifted which exceeds the manufacturers rated capacity of the crane.

b. Operator shall not leave his position at the controls while the load is suspended.

c. A tag line shall be used for controlling all loads.

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d. No one shall ride on the load, hook or ball of any crane.

e. Cranes shall not be used for side pulls unless authorized by the customer.

f. Chainfalls are not to be secured to handrails.

g. Wire rope shall be removed from service when:

(1) There is evidence of heat damage.

(2) Abrasion, scrapping, flattening or pulling causing a loss of more than one third of the original diameter of outside wires occurs.

5. Hoses

a. Hose shall not be crimped to reduce or shut-off pressure.

b. Only hose in good condition shall be used.

6. Ladders

a. Ladders obstructing passageways shall be barricaded or adequately protected from sudden jolts.

b. When ascending or descending a ladder, the user must face the ladder and used the side rails for hand support.

c. All ladders shall be equipped with safety shoes to prevent slipping.

d. The top two (2) rungs of a straight ladder or the top of a stepladder or platform ladder shall not be used to stand on.

e. Only one worker shall be allowed to work from a ladder unless it is designed for two people.

f. Extension ladders shall not be taken apart in order to use the tow sections separately.

g. Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.

h. Ladders with improvised repair shall not be used.

i. Job made ladders will not be permitted without approval of a Supervisor.

j. Stepladders and platform ladders must be fully opened and locked while being used.

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7. Scaffolds

a. The following rules apply to all scaffolds:

(1) Scaffold materials shall be inspected prior to the erection of the scaffold. All scaffolds and parts must be kept in safe condition and any material or parts that have deteriorated or have been damaged shall be removed from the Owner’s property.

(2) All scaffolds must be plumb and level at all times.

(3) All work levels of a scaffold must, if practical, be fully planked. If, of necessity, a work platform is not completely planked, personnel working on that platform must use properly tied off safety belts.

(a) Scaffold boards shall be used exclusively for work platforms.

(4) All scaffolds shall be guyed and tied off at every 18 feet of elevation.

(5) All scaffolds, regardless of height must be equipped with an access ladder easily accessible and lined up from top to bottom.

(6) All scaffolds, regardless of height, must be equipped with handrails at a height sufficient to provide maximum personnel safety. Scaffolds over 10 feet in height must also be equipped with midrails whenever some work is to be performed below the height of the handrail. The midrail may be omitted where it would interfere with access to the work platform. If the location of the scaffold prohibits the use of handrails or midrails, the Superintendent must approve the scaffold prior to use.

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(7) Where one side of a scaffold is left open (without guardrails) to facilitate work being performed (such as against building walls or tank walls), there shall be no gaps greater than 11 inches between the work platform and the adjacent structure.

(8) All scaffolds over 10 feet in height must be equipped with toe boards at least 4 inches (1”x4” nominal) in height on all sides. Additionally, if people are working near the base of the scaffold, the area must be barricaded or taped off. Where the circumstances are such that toe boards cannot be installed, the Superintendent must approve the scaffold prior to its use.

(9) Scaffolds must not be used as material hoist towers or for mounting derricks without first determining the loads and stresses involved.

b. The following rules apply to all patented metal scaffolds:

(1) Scaffolds must be erected with proper fixtures made from each type of scaffolding. Scaffolding and associated equipment must not be modified in any manner that reduces the manufacturer’s designated performance.

(2) Do not force braces to fit. Adjust evenness of scaffold until proper fit can be made with ease.

(3) Horizontal diagonal bracing shall be used at bottom and intermediate levels of twenty feet.

(4) A minimum or 2x2 inch cleats shall be secure under side each end of plank with 2-1/4 inch carriage bolts or accepted nails. An acceptable substitute must be approved by the Superintendent.

c. Scaffold work platforms must meet the following requirements:

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(1) Lumber used in construction of scaffolds shall be of scaffold grade. Planking shall be of No. 2 scaffold grade and shall not be painted all over, as this would conceal defects. When wooden handrails are to be used, nothing less than 2x4 inch (nominal) material shall be used for this purpose.

(2) The normal size of planking shall be determined from Table I. These values are for planks with the wide face up, with the loads concentrated at the center. Loads given in the table are net. Allowance has been made for the weight of the planking. If select structural coast region Douglas fir or merchantable structural square and sound Southern pine is used, the loads may be increased 45 percent.

(3) Planks used for platforms shall be of uniform thickness, laid close together. These plants must extend at least six (6) inches but no more than twelve (12) inches beyond the end support.

(4) All nails used in scaffold construction shall be driven full length. If double headed nails are used, they shall e driven to the first head only and may not be used on platforms or walkways. No nail smaller than 8d shall be used in this construction and enough nails must be driven to support the designed loads. The design must e such that no nail is subject to direct pull.

(5) Where beams are used in scaffolding, the schedule of loads shown in Table II shall e followed.

8. Slings and Rigging

a. Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the Superintendent. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant.

b. Temporarily repaired slings are not allowed.

c. Whenever any sling is used, the following practices shall be observed:

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(1) Slings that are damaged or defective shall not be used.

(2) Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices.

(3) Sling leg shall not be kinked.

(4) Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities. When appropriate, use tag lines to control loads.

(5) Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slippage.

(6) Slings shall be securely attached to their loads.

(7) Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads.

(8) Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions.

(9) All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads.

(10) Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load.

(11) Shock loading is prohibited.

(12) A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when a load is resting on the sling.

(13) Shackles shall be used where multiple slings are involved.

(14) Shackles shall be used when two slings have to be “tied” together.

(15) When using a shackle, the “running” end of the rope or sling shall be over the curve of the shackle and not over the shackle pin.

(16) When making temporary eye on a wire cable using clips, ensure the clips are installed so that the U-bolt bears against the short end of the wire cable.

d. When synthetic slings are used, the following precautions shall be taken:

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(1) Nylon web slings shall not be used where fumes, vapor sprays, miss or liquids of acids or phenolics are present.

e. Synthetic well slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

(1) Acid or caustic burns.

(2) Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface.

(3) Snags, punctures, tears or cuts.

(4) Broken or worn stitches.

(5) Distortion of fittings.

f. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

(1) Abnormal wear.

(2) Powdered fiber between strands.

(3) Broken or cut fibers.

(4) Variations in the size or roundness of strands.

(5) Discoloration or rotting.

(6) Distortion of hardware in the sling.

g. Persons performing rigging will be qualified -

(1) Load in center of hook, never on the point.

(2) Never use plate grips, tongs, pipe clamps, etc., as substitute for beam clamps.

(3) Hooks, shackles, beam and beam clamps shall be inspected prior to each use.

(4) Never allow foot traffic beneath load.

(5) Loads shall e “test lifted” for load stability.

(6) Workers in area of swing loading shall be warned.

9. Welding and Burning

a. Pipelines containing gases or flammable liquids or conduits containing electrical circuits, shall not be used as a ground return.

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b. When a structure or pipeline is employed as a ground return circuit, it shall be determined that the required electrical contact exists at all joints. The generation of an arc, sparks or heat at any point shall cause rejection of the structures as a ground circuit.

c. Cable lugs shall be securely fastened together to give good electrical contact and the exposed metal parts of the lugs shall be completely insulated.

d. Fire extinguishers shall be kept within reach of all welding, cutting or brazing operations.

e. Welding cable not in us shall be stored on an appropriate rack or neatly coiled out of walking area.

f. Electrode holders and welding cables shall not be allowed to contact any compressed gas cylinders.

g. Welding cables shall be spread out (uncoiled) before use to avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation.

h. Welding cables should be frequently inspected for damage.

i. Welding cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare conductors shall be repaired or replaced.

j. All fire hazards or flammable material near welding operations shall be removed or protected against heat, sparks and hot slag.

k. After welding operations are completed, the welder shall mark the hot metal or provide some other means of warming other workers.

l. Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices and not by matches or from hot work.

m. Do not lay a lighted torch down or attempt to ascend a ladder with a lighted torch.

n. Hoses shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders and stairs.

o. For quick closing, valves on gas cylinders shall not be opened more than 1-1/2 turns. All oxyacetylene regulators must be equipped with antiflashback valves.

(1) At workday end, all torches will be disconnected from leads and stored.

(2) Acetylene regulator pressure must not exceed 15 psig to avoid possibility of fire or explosion.

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E. Barricades

1. Barricades shall be erected around jobs that present hazards such as falls, falling objects, spilling chemicals or open floor holes.

2. Only authorized personnel shall enter a barricaded area.

3. All barricades must be removed when the temporary hazard no longer exists.

F. Electrical

1. All electrical tools and equipment used on the job shall be grounded.

2. All portable lights shall have hoards to protect the bulb.

3. Worn or frayed electric cables shall not be used.

4. Electric cords shall not be strung across wet ground or wet floors.

5. Before working on a de-energized circuit, it shall be tested with a voltage-measuring device to see that it has been properly cleared. Prove the instrument on a live circuit before and after testing the circuit to be worked on.

6. Electric cords not in use shall be neatly coiled and stored.

G. Lock and Tag Procedure

1. Lock and tag procedure is a safety system used to prevent accidents and injuries. Its purpose is to establish and maintain safe conditions for a particular job or situation and to clearly determine the end of the job or situation.

a. The Superintendent and the customer representative control all locks and tags.

b. All Supervisors whose employees will directly or indirectly be affected by this system shall attend a safety meeting covering this procedure.

c. Under no conditions shall any employee:

(1) Remove or alter locks or tags.

(2) Operate a tagged or locked control point.

(3) Use or cause to be used a tagged or locked system.

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To: All TGM Job Managers, Superintendents, and Foreman

RESPIRATORY PROGRAM

TGM Responsibility

OSHA Standards (1910.134) require that the proper respirator be provided and used where there are inhalation hazards. As an employer your must anticipate and identify the hazards and provide the proper respiratory protection and instruct the employees in its use.

As in all Safety Procedures, TGM and our Job Managers, Superintendents and Foreman are required to take the initiative in respiratory protection requirements. It is up to us to analyze the work coming up and specify and supply the proper respirator and then enforce its use. The chart below outlines the Selection of Respirators. This information, coupled with requirements shown on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and job knowledge should dictate the type of respiratory protection to be used.

Employees should not be assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators, unless it has been determined that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. A local physician should determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent if necessary.

Where practical, the respirators should be assigned to our employee for their exclusive use.

1. All respiratory protective devices shall be acceptable to the U.S. Department of Labor for the specific contaminant to which the employee is exposed.

2. Respirator Selection.

The chemical and physical properties of the contaminant, as well as the toxicity and concentration of the hazardous material, shall be considered in selecting the proper respirators. Also see the MSDS for this information.

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CHART

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3. Selection, issuance, use and care of respirators.

Employees required to use respiratory protective equipment approved for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life shall be thoroughly trained in its use. Employees required to use other types of respiratory protective equipment shall be instructed in the use and limitations of such equipment.

Respiratory protective equipment shall be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Gas mask canisters and chemical cartridges shall be replaced as necessary so as to provide complete protection. Mechanical filters shall be cleaned or replaced as necessary so as to avoid undue resistance to breathing.

Respiratory protective equipment which has been previously used shall be cleaned and disinfected before it is issued by TGM to another employee. Emergency rescue equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected immediately after each use.

4. Respirator Storage and Maintenance

Respirators shall be stored in the office trailer in a convenient, clean and most sanitary location.

Prior to the start of any job, all respirators shall be inspected and cleaned. Any worn or deteriorated parts should be replaced.

At many job sites, our customers require respiratory training/guidelines for our employees. It is your responsibility to maintain those requirements.

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CHART

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FIRST AID AND ACCIDENT REPORTING

1. First aid is defined as the IMMEDIATE and TEMPORARY care given the victim of an accident or sudden illness until the services of a physician can be obtained.

2. Each job shall have sufficient first aid supplies to care for their particular size work force.

3. Each job shall have posted by a telephone the name, number and address of a doctor, clinic, hospital and ambulance service.

4. In emergency cases, always use an ambulance, never a car or truck.

5. Never move a person with a broken or fractured bone unless there is greater danger in leaving him where he is.

6. Use extreme care in case of fractured spine, neck or skull. Do not move the person and get immediate medical help.

7. In cases of near drowning, gas poisoning, electric shock, heart failure or suffocation, attempt to restore breathing with artificial respiration while another person calls for a fire department resuscitator.

8. In cases of severe bleeding attempt to control bleeding by putting a clean cloth over wound and applying direct pressure.

9. The most important thing to do for an injured person is to keep him quiet, protected and reassured that everything possible is being done for him as quickly as possible.

10. Anyone injured on the job, no matter how small the injury, shall report to his foreman immediately.

11. The foreman should make out an accident report on any person sent to a doctor, hospital or clinic.

12. In case of lost time or serious injury or fatality, foreman should notify the area safetyman and the main office safetyman immediately.

13. Foreman should also interview any witnesses and obtain statements concerning lost time cases, fire, damage, theft, equipment damage and vehicle accident.

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION IMPORTANT – KEEP POSTED CONSPICUOUSLY

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Fire Department______________________________________ Phone______________

Police Department____________________________________ Phone ______________

Ambulance__________________________________________ Phone______________

Hospital_____________________________________________ Phone______________

Doctor________________Address________________________Phone______________

Address of Job Site____________________________________ Phone______________

Name of Construction Co.______________________________ Phone______________

Job Superintendent____________________________________ Phone______________

Owner of Project______________________________________ Phone______________

First Aid Supplies On Premises First Aid Supplies Checked Daily And Replaced 3-18

FORM

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IV. TECHNICAL REFERENCE

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4-2

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

Storage of Cylinders 1. Keep cylinders away from sources of heat. If stored in buildings, keep away from

highly combustible materials, stoves, radiators, etc.

2. Store securely. Cylinders should be securely placed, to prevent tipping over and should not be piled near elevators, gangways or other places where they are likely to be knocked over.

3. Cylinders of oxygen should not be stored close to cylinders of acetylene or other fuel gas.

4. Cylinders stored in the open should be protected from accumulations of ice and snow and should be shielded from the direct rays of the sun where the temperatures are high.

5. Close valves on empty cylinders.

6. Valve protecting caps, should always be in place when cylinders are not connected.

7. Cylinders should be stored so as to avoid possible destruction or obliteration of coloring, tags and other means of identifying the contents.

8. While in use, valve key wrench should be kept in place on valve spindle.

9. Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance or 20 feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.

Use of Cylinders 1. Gas cylinders are exposed to many dangers at the construction site. Select a

location for setting up cylinders which will be exposed to as little contact as possible from moving equipment, materials and the like.

2. Cylinders should be placed in a rack, chained or otherwise positively secured against tipping over.

3. Cylinders should be used in the order received from the supplier. When empty, valve should be closed and cylinder marked accordingly.

4. Keep cylinders from contact with electric wires.

5. Shield from sparks or flame from welding and cutting.

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6. Do not allow storing, temporary or otherwise of tools, materials or anything else on top of cylinders.

Handling Cylinders 1. Whenever cylinder is being moved, be sure valve protection cap is in place and

closed.

2. Never use valves or caps for lifting.

3. For raising or lowering, use suitable sling, boat, cradle or platform.

4. Always handle carefully. Do not drop or jar.

5. Do not lift with electric magnets.

6. Cylinders may be moved by tilting and rolling on bottom edge, avoid dragging and sliding.

7. When moving with hand truck, be sure cylinders are securely held in place.

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INSTALLATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. The employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

2. All equipment shall have the manufactures’ name and trademark placed on it.

3. All disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose.

4. Live parts of electrical operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by cabinets or other forms or enclosure.

WIRING DESIGN AND PROTECTION

1. No grounded conductor shall be attached to any terminal or lead as to reverse designated polarity.

2. The employer shall use either ground-fault circuit interrupters or assured equipment grounding conductor program to protect employees on construction sites.

Note: Receptacles on a two-wire single-phase portable or vehicle-mounted generator rated not more than 5kw, where the circuit conductors of the generator are insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces need not be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters. A grounding rod shall not be driven for this type of generator.

*See page 4-7, 4-8 and 4-9 for samples of Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Programs.

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WIRING COMPONENTS

1. Extension cords shall be of the three-wire type and shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Flexible cords for temporary lights shall also be designed for hard or extra usage.

(They shall have a marking of S, ST, SO, STO, SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO on the cord).

2. “Knockout boxes” shall not be used as a receptacle on the end of extension cords unless:

a) Unused openings are closed.

b) Boxes have covers installed.

3. Temporary light strings shall not be used as extension cords.

4. Temporary light strings shall not be supported by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this.

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ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM

1. Scope This program defines the minimum requirements to assure the installation and

maintenance of equipment grounding conductors in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections 210-7©, 250-59 and 305-2(d) of the 1975 National Electric Code.

2. Purpose The purpose of this program is to ensure the proper installation, maintenance,

inspection and testing of equipment grounding conductors on construction sites in order to minimized injuries due to electrical ground faults.

3. Installation Equipment grounding conductors shall be installed as follows:

A. All 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles shall be in a grounding type and their grounding contacts shall be grounded by connection to the equipment grounding conductor of the circuit supplying the receptacles in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections 210-7 © and 305-2 (d) of the National Electric Code.

B. All 120-volt flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall have an equipment-grounding conductor, which shall be connected to the grounding contacts of the connection(s) on each end of the cord.

C. The exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of 120 volt cord and plug-connected tools and equipment that are likely to become energized shall be grounded in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections 250-45 and 250-59 of the National Electric Code.

4. Visual Inspection The employees shall be instructed that each cord set and any equipment connected by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage, shall be visually inspected by the user before each day’s use for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage and for indication of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or defective may not be used until repaired.

5. Testing All 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles, 120 volt flexible cord sets and 120 volt equipment connected by cord and plug which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structures shall be tested to assure that electrical continuity is maintained through all required equipment grounding conductors and their connectors. These tests shall be conducted as follows:

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A. All equipment grounding conductors shall be tested for continuity and shall be electrically continuous.

B. Each receptacle, attachment cap and plug and receptacle of cord sets shall be tested for correct attachment of the equipment-grounding conductor. The equipment-grounding conductor shall be connected to its proper terminal.

6. Testing Intervals All required tests shall be performed:

A. Before the first use.

B. Before equipment is returned to service following any repairs.

C. Before equipment is used after any incident which can be reasonably suspected to have caused damage (for example, when a cord set is run over); and

D. At intervals not to exceed 3 months, except that cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage shall be tested at intervals not exceeding 6 months.

Do not make available or permit the use by employees any equipment, which has not passed the required tests.

7. Test Equipment All receptacles, attachment caps and plug and receptacle of cord sets shall be tested as in the following manner:

A. While in service with receptacle circuit tester.

B. When not in service with a continuity tester.

This will meet the test requirements of Section 6-A and 6-B. All equipment connected by cord and plug shall be tested for ground wire continuity with a volt-OHM meter or a continuity tester.

8. Test Verification Tests shall be documented by means of color-coding. The following color-coding system is suggested to verify that testing is current and that all receptacles, portable cords and tools have been inspected and tested as required.

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COLOR CODING SCHEME Quarterly 6 Months

January – March White January – June White

April – June Green July – December Green

July – September Red

October – December Orange

All quarterly color-coding shall be accomplished by properly attaching the appropriately colored panduit cable tie at each end of cords and at plug and handle ends of tools. Cords should have tape identification by number of area and number. Fixed cords and receptacles may be identified by tape only.

9. Test Recording All tests must be recorded and records maintained at job sites. Records must contain location of construction site, name of construction site employer complying with this program and name of competent person designated to implement this program. A sample copy of log sheet is attached.

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HAZARDS OF LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY

From U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards

Low Voltage Electricity (110-120 Volts) Is DANGEROUS It can cause painful shock.

It can cause violent muscular contraction.

It can cause DEATH.

LOW VOLTAGE does not mean LOW HAZARD

Some Facts About Electricity Energy is converted to elect4icity in a power station by a generator. The PRESSURE, which drives the electricity, is called VOLTAGE. The material or substance through which the electricity flows puts up a RESISTANCE. Some substances (metals-copper, iron, aluminum) offer very little resistance. Other substances (rubber, mica, bakelite, porcelain, dry wood) are called insulators because they offer such high resistance. The nature, sized and condition of the substance determine the extent of the resistance. The amount of RESISTANCE is measured in OHMS.

With pressure (VOLTS) pushing the electricity and resistance (OHMS) holding back, a certain quantity (AMPERES) flows from the generator through the wire and any other items (motors, lights, etc.) and then BACK to the generator making a “circuit.”

THE HIGHER THE RESISTANCE THE LOWER THE QUANTITY

Ohm’s Law puts it this way:

Pressure (Volts)

Quantity (Amperes) = -----------------------

Resistance (Ohms)

To determine the number of Amperes, the number of volts is divided by the Ohms of Resistance. As the number of Volts has been determined as 110, it is necessary to determine the Resistance.

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Examples of number of Ohms of Resistance:

Human Body -

Dry Wood - 100,000 to 100,000,000 ohms per cm. Dry skin – 100,000 to 500,000 ohms

Wet Wood - 1,000 to 50,000 ohms per cm. *Perspiring - down to 1,000 ohms

#10 Copper Wire – 1 ohm per 1,000 ft. In water – down to 150 ohms

Sample Calculation:

110 volts divided by *1,000 ohms = .11 Amperes or 110 Milliamperes – enough to cause paralysis of breathing.

The SEVERITY of SHOCK a person can receive from electricity depends mostly on:

1. QUANTITY (Amperes) of current through the body.

2. PATH of current through the body.

3. LENGTH OF TIME the body is in the circuit.

BODY REACTIONS TO AMPERES Generally fall into these ranges:

½ to 2 Milliamperes – Some sensation.

2 to 10 Milliamperes –Muscular contraction (which could cause a person to “hold on”,

extending the LENGTH OF TIME in the circuit).

5 to 25 Milliamperes – Painful shock – inability to let go.

50 to 200 Milliamperes – Heart convulsions.

Over 100 Milliamperes – Paralysis of breathing.

(1,000 Milliamperes = 1 Ampere)

REACTIONS TO PATH OF CURRENT The path of the current through the body is important because of the damage that might result. Current flowing from one finger to another on the same hand would not pass through vital organs – while from one hand to the other would pass through the heart and lungs, as would current from the head to feet.

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REACTION TO LENGTH OF TIME The longer the body is in the circuit, the greater the damage to the body.

HOW ELECTRIC SHOCK OCCURS As electricity travels from its source and returns to that source, either through another wire or through the ground, it makes a complete circuit. If anything coming in contact with the current-carrying wires has lower resistance than the wire, the electricity will follow that lower resistance.

PREVENTING ELECTRIC SHOCK Grounding –

Grounding of electric tools and machines is one of the most important factors in the control of hazards of low voltage electricity.

If the insulation is elect4reical equipment should break down or if a wire should become loose and contact a noncurrent-carrying part of the machine, the frame and other parts of that tool or machine become energized. The electricity has escaped the normal bounds of the insulated wire and is ready to follow a path to ground. If a properly grounded wire is attached, the current will follow that wire. If there is no such wire and someone touches the tool or machine, he becomes part of the circuit as the electricity goes through him to ground. The extent of injury he receives will be dependent on the factors previously mentioned.

OBVIOUSLY, ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE GROUNDED GROUND TO WHAT?

1. Metallic water piping system.

2. Metal frame of grounded building.

3. Underground metallic gas pipe.

4. Driven pipes or rods or buried plates or metal grid.

5. ALL above systems must be continuous.

HOW TO GROUND?

Motors and equipment with permanent wiring are grounded by connecting the grounding conductor to the frame (or other noncurrent-carrying metal parts) by means of suitable lugs, pressure connectors or clamps.

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Portable equipment may be grounded by means of a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors in the cable assembly or flexible cord, provided an approved multi-prong plug or equivalent is used.

Electrical Safety Through – Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Inspection at regular intervals.

Records of inspection findings.

Making repairs or withdrawing equipment from service.

Inspection of portable electric tools before each use.

Protection From Live Conductors Permanent fencing, doors and gates locked in areas where exposed conductors exist.

Protection against accidental shock.

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FIRES ON CONSTUCTION PROJECTS Some very disastrous fires occur on construction jobs. Most of them are caused by a violation of a simple, basic fire safety regulation. Here are nine simple, basic fire prevention regulations:

1. Rubbish Cleanup prevents fires. Remove all rubbish and debris daily.

2. Heaters Use only safe, U.L. or F.M. approved heaters. These should be in good condition, insulated from the floor and sturdy enough that they won’t be knocked over by a careless act. They must be placed well away from flammable materials, vented to the outside or placed in an adequately vented area.

3. Flammable Liquids These must be kept in U.L. approved containers. This means no storage in “GI” cans or open containers. All engines of vehicles or equipment must be shut off before fueling. Smoking must be prohibited in the area as well as welding and cutting operations. Temporary heaters must also be kept out of the area where these liquids are stored.

4. Fire Extinguishers Provide the required number of extinguishers. Make certain they are the correct type for the hazard and that there location is properly marked. These must be checked and inspected periodically. Every man on the job should know both where they are located and how to use them. It is too late for instruction after the fire starts.

5. Welding and Cutting Fire extinguishing equipment must be kept nearby and in a state of readiness. Remove or cover all flammables in the area. Watch where the sparks are going. Check for smoldering sparks or fires both during the operation and about one-half hour later.

6. No Smoking This rule can prevent fires as well as going a long way towards preventing lung cancer. Smoking may be hazardous to the job as well as to your health. Enforce this regulation. Take special care to check for butts at break and quitting time.

7. Exits and Exit Signs Provide at least two means of exit. These must be remote from each other and not able to be blocked at the same time. Erect and extra ladder or two if need be. Exit signs are cheap. It’s better to have too many than none at all.

8. Access Make certain that a fire lane is kept clear at all times for fire equipment to reach the building.

9. What To Do In Case Of Fire The FIRST thing to do is to ring the fire alarm in two places – on the job and in the fire station. Second, evacuate all personnel as quickly as possible. Third, direct the fire department to the fire and try to put it out yourself if possible. Remember, your men are construction workers and not firemen. Even if you have a fire brigade they must be concerned with their own safety above all else.

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HOUSEKEEPING 1. Plan Ahead. A materials storage yard which has been planned is almost always

more orderly than one which has just grown haphazardly.

2. Detail Responsibilities. If the size of the job and working force merit, a crew might be specifically detailed to clean up and maintenance, on a full or part-time basis as needed. In any event, housekeeping should not be haphazard; duties should be assigned to one or more responsible persons.

3. Put It On The Program. Housekeeping should be part of the daily routine, with clean-up being a continuous procedure.

4. Storage Areas. All materials should be maintained in neat stockpiles for ease of access. Keep aisles and walkways clear of loose material and tools.

5. Work Areas. Clean up loose material, waste, ect., immediately. This is especially important in aisles and in the vicinity of ladders, ramps, stairs and machinery. Tools and loose materials should be removed immediately if a hazard is created.

6. Areas Used By Personnel. Empty bottles, containers and papers should not be allowed to accumulate where lunches are eaten on the jobsite. Trash disposal cans should be provided.

7. Oil And Grease. Oil, grease or other liquid should not be allowed to accumulate, as the possibility of slipping or providing a fire hazard will be increased. Remove or sprinkle with sand.

8. Dispose Of Waste. An effective means of preventing careless litter is the provision of suitable receptacles for waste, scrap, etc. Combustible waste, such as oily rags, paper, etc., should be stored in a safe place such as a covered metal container and disposed of regularly.

9. Remove The Nail Hazards. One of the most frequent dangers on the jobsite is the presence of nails in lumber from staging, crating, etc. All lumber, debris and other material with projecting nails should be removed to a designated area and nails removed. Workmen performing this task should wear heavy gloves and heavy-soled shoes. Nails in the tops of kegs and boxes should be completely removed and lumber stored in orderly piles. If lumber is to be reused, nails should be removed. Shoes with puncture-proof insoles eliminate much of the nail hazard in work areas.

10. Lighting. Adequate lighting should be provided in all work areas, passageways, stairs, ladders and other areas used by personnel.

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COMPANY POLICY – EYE WEAR USE Your Responsibility OSHA Standards (29 CRF 1910.133 & 1926.102) require that the proper equipment be provided and used where there are chemical or mechanical hazards. As an employer you must anticipate and identify the hazards and provide the proper protection and instruct the employees in its use. If an employee provides his own eyewear, you are still responsible for the adequacy, maintenance and sanitation of his equipment.

As in all other Safety Procedures, the employer and his superintendents, foremen, etc. are required to take the initiative in eye safety. It is up to us to analyze the work coming up and specify and supply the proper protection and then enforce its use. The Selection Chart on page 4-14 of the Technical Reference Section of the SAFE Manual should be of help in the first step. This chart and other information available through manufacturers should be made available to your superintendents and foremen. This information, coupled with job knowledge and common sense should dictate the type of protection to be used (ie. Face shields vs. goggles, goggles vs. spectacles etc.).

Choosing the Right Type By and large the most common forms of eye protection are spectacles with metal frames, side shields and impact resistant lenses. These will serve the wearer will in most average situations. These are also available in prescription lenses.

For protection in these same circumstances for someone who wears standard prescription glasses on the job coverall goggles are necessary.

Welding and burning goggles are available in both eyecup and coverspec configurations (for those who wear prescription lenses).

Glare from molten metals or welding work can cause severe retinal damage in a relatively short time. The proper shade of filter should be used in conjunction with either welding goggles or the welding helmet depending on the situation and color or intensity of the light.

Maintenance Eye protection is no safety aid if it impairs vision and endangers the worker. They must be kept clean. Periodic inspection should be made to insure that they are in good repair. Pitted lenses, broken frames or broken earpieces should be replaced. When not in use they should be stored in their own protective case.

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Materials The choice of metal vs. plastic frames is a matter of personal preference. Either way they should be rigid through enough to hold the spectacles in the proper position with each eye looking through the center of its respective lens. When deciding between glass or plastic lenses keep the following in mind:

Glass Plastic

Equal Impact resistance Equal

Sharp object resistance Slightly better

Small objects at high speed Slightly better resistance

Glass Shatters Hot metals Better resistance

Glass superior Abrasion

Fogging Better resistance

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MOVITATING EMPLOYEES One of the biggest stumbling blocks to eye safety is employee attitude. Over coming this obstacle requires a two-pronged attack.

The first step is to raise eye safety consciousness among employees. Through the series of safety posters available from The Construction Advancement Foundation (931.0337) and safety meetings you must stress the danger to eyes presented on a construction site. In these meetings emphasize how vulnerable the eye is to dirt, flying chips, sparks, etc. Then explain the different types of protection available and how they apply to different jobs. Present eye protection equipment as a tool that is to be used and maintained properly.

Overcoming Objections Despite all your salesmanship there will be a few complainers. In order to help you deal with these we have prepared the following outline:

“Glasses are uncomfortable” Proper fit is essential for this equipment. Frames should be straight and earpieces adjusted to the width of the head. The length of the earpieces should also be of the proper size. While many complaints of this sort are from people who have never worn glasses and are either the result of vanity or difficulty in adjustment to wearing spectacles, these complaints should be taken seriously and adjustments made.

“Goggles give me headaches” Again proper fit is essential. The eyes should look through the lens centers and the nose rest should sit firmly on the bridge of the nose. Strap tension should be just enough to hold the goggles secure.

“I can’t see with these things” Dirty lenses should be cleaned and those pitted scratched or otherwise permanently impaired should be replaced. Lenses should never introduce distortion or prism effects. If they do, consult the manufacturer.

“The fog up” Recommend the anti-fog spray you should have on hand.

“I hate these things! They’re a damned nuisance!” Tell them they’ll hate being blind even more.

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK

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INTRODUCTION The Federal OSHA Hazard Communications Standard requires employers to:

1. Develop a specific written hazard communications program for each work site. The written program must include a chemical inventory list and establish the methods to provide information to employees on the following:

• Container labeling,

• Other forms of hazard warning,

• Material safety data sheets (MSDS),

• The requirements of the hazard communication standard and

• Hazards associated with non-routine tasks.

2. Establish a method to communicate with other employers about chemical hazards on the site.

3. Establish a training program for employees before they work with hazardous chemicals and when new hazardous chemicals are introduced into the workplace. Such programs can be integrated into existing safety programs.

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION WRITTEN PROGRAM This program has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Federal OSHA standard 1926.59 and to insure that information necessary for the safe use, handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is provided to and made available to employees.

The program includes guidelines on identification of chemical hazards and the preparations and proper use of container labels, placards and other types of warning devices.

A. Container Inventory 1. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. maintains an inventory of all known

chemicals in use on the worksite. A chemical inventory list is available from the Superintendent.

2. Hazardous chemicals brought on the worksite by Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. will be included on the hazardous chemical inventory list.

B. Container Labeling 1. All chemicals on site will be stored in their original or approved containers

with a proper label attached, except small quantities for immediate use. Any container not properly labeled should be given to the Superintendent for labeling or proper disposal.

2. Workers may dispense chemicals from original containers only in small quantities intended for immediate use. Any chemical left after work is completed must be returned to the original container or your Supervisor for proper handling.

3. No unmarked containers of any size are to be left in the work area unattended.

4. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. will rely on manufacturer applied labels whenever possible and will ensure that these labels are maintained. Containers that are not labeled or on which the manufacturer’s label has been removed will be relabeled.

5. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. will ensure that each container is labeled with the identity of the hazardous chemical contained and with appropriate hazard warnings.

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C. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 1. Employees working with a hazardous chemical may request a copy of the

material safety data sheet (MSDS). Requests for MSDS’s should be made to your supervisor.

2. MSDS should be available and standard chemical reference may also be available on the site to provide immediate reference to chemical safety information.

3. An emergency procedure to gain access to MSDS’s information will be established.

D. Employee Training Employees will be trained to work safely with hazardous chemicals. Employee training will include:

1. Methods that may be used to detect a release of a hazardous chemical (s) in the workplace

2. Physical and health hazards associated with chemicals.

3. Protective measures to be taken.

4. Safe work practices, emergency responses and use of personnel protective equipment.

5. Information on the Hazard Communication Standard including:

• Labeling and warning systems

• An explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets

E. Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) Required PPE is available from your supervisor. Any employee found in violation of OEE requirements may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including discharge.

F. Emergency Response 1. Any incident of over exposure or spill of hazardous chemical/substance

must be reported to your supervisor at once.

2. The foreman or the immediate supervisor will be responsible for insuring that proper emergency response actions are taken in leak/spill situations.

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G. Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks 1. Supervisors will inform employees of any special tasks that may arise

which would involve possible exposure to hazardous chemicals.

2. Review of safe work procedures and use of required PPE will be conducted prior to the start of such tasks. Where necessary, areas will be posted to indicate the nature of the hazard involved.

H. Informing Other Employers 1. Other on site employers are required to adhere to the provisions of the

Hazard Communication Standard.

2. Information on hazardous chemicals known to be present will be exchanged with other employers. Employers will be responsible for providing necessary information to their employees.

3. Other on site employers will be provided with a copy of Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc.’s Hazard Communication Program.

I. Posting Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. has posted information for employees at the job site on the Hazard Communication Standard. This information can be found in the TGM office trailer.

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CHEMICAL INVENTORY CLASSIFICATIONS A Hazardous Chemical is any chemical that carriers a manufacturer’s warning on the container label such as “Warning, This Product is Hazardous To Your Health.” Or a chemical listed as hazardous on the products Materials Safety Data Sheet. When making a hazardous determination, refer to the definition of chemicals classified by the HCS as Hazardous.

A Non-Hazardous Chemical is one that either has no warning language on the label or one that does not meet the criteria for a hazardous chemical under HCS. If the manufacturer does not provide a warning label on the container or a Material Safety Data Sheet for the product, the employer can treat it as a non-hazardous chemical not subject to the HCS requirements.

Consumer Product A chemical defined as a consumer product and regulated under the provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is not included within coverage of hazardous chemicals in the HCS. If you purchase a product in the same packaging and use that product for its intended use in accordance with consumer warning labels, the product is a consumer product and exempt from HCS coverage. However, if you intend to use any consumer product in a manner it was not designed for or in circumstances that a consumer would not be exposed to such as confined space use, the chemical should be treated as hazardous.

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HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS – OSHA’S DEFINITION A Hazardous chemical under the HCS is any chemical labeled as hazardous by a

recognized authority such as OSHA or the manufacturer and any chemical that can create an effect on a person even if that effect is temporary. Under the current standard most chemicals, unless specifically exempted, should be treated as hazardous.

Under the HCS there are no exposure limits set, so any amount of a chemical could trigger the standards requirements. Potential as well as actual exposure of a chemical to an employee must be considered when determining what chemicals should be treated as hazardous.

OSHA defines Hazardous Chemicals as:

1. Any chemical listed in the toxic registry found to be carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

2. Listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

3. Regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.

4. Corrosive as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A 49 CFR Part 173.

5. Highly toxic (any chemical recognized as poisonous).

6. Irritants – a chemical that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue.

7. Sensitizer – a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of persons or animals to develop an allergic reaction.

8. Any by-product produced that has any effects listed above.

BY-PRODUCTS The current scope of the expanded Hazard Communication Standard includes the production of by-products as potential hazardous chemicals. OSHA cites a specific example of a by-product, considered a hazardous chemical, as wood dust. OSHA states that “the potential for exposures to wood dust within the workplace especially with regard to respirable particles, is not self evident nor is it obviously hazardous. However, wood dust is a recognized heath hazard with exposure limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.”

Using this rational OSHA would also include under HXA coverage any by-product produced during a construction operation that is a recognized chemical hazard as defined under the HCS, including: welding fumes, grinding dust, concrete dust, mineral wool fiber dust and other by-products produced by chemical, mechanical or thermal action.

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GENERIC MSDS AVAILABLE AGC Computer MSDS and Chemical Information Database

Associated General Contractors of America

1957 E. Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

AGC maintains a chemical information Database for hazardous chemicals and an MSDS library. Available upon request to members at a nominal fee.

OHS Occupational Health Services, Inc.

400 Drive

Secaucus, N.J. 07094 (201) 865-7500

Over 10,000 data sheets, mostly on pure chemicals, updates these sheets at least quarterly with computer tape and microfiche service. The information usually found on manufacturers’ data sheets is supplemented by other information found I the safety and health literature. Data sheets are indexed and referenced by substance name, Trade Name, Chemical Abstracts Registry Number and OHS Number. Available in paper, microfiche, personal computer format, on-line or computer tape.

HIS Information Handling Services Inc.

15 Inverness Way East

P.O. Box 11154

Englewood, Colorado 80150 (800) 525-7052

Over 36,000 MSDS (about 10,500 substances) from 1,100 industrial sources. Ample cross indices enable retrieval by Chemical Abstract Registry Number, supplier name, chemical name, brand name, trade name or synonym. New and revised MSDS are distributed every 60 days. Paper index with microfiche.

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Material Safety Data Sheets

Genium Publishing Corporation

1145 Catalyn Street

Schnectady, N.Y. 12303 (518) 377-8854

Published by the Genium Publishing Corporation, Schnectady, N.Y., with selected updates every 120 days. Detailed information arranged in a format similar to that of the OSHA Form 20 or OSHA For 174 is given for over 850 substances. It is available on VAX minicomputers and Apple and IBM-compatible microcomputers. To aid compliance with in house labeling requirements, GENIUM has developed The Label Handbook for Hazard Communication Compliance, containing model labels for over 500 materials.

Chemtox

VNR Information Services (VIS)

115 Fifth Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10003 (212) 254-3232

Over 3,200 chemicals in MSDS-like format, including identifiers, physical and chemical properties, toxicological data, regulatory data, emergency response and person protection data. Through the use of the REVELATION database manager and MSDS ACCESS on IBM and PC-compatibles, users can manipulate and correlate data, store and retrieve information.

Toxic Alert

Hazox

P.O. Box 637

Chadds Ford, P.A. 19317 (215) 388-2030

Databases of MSDS prepared by ICF, Inc. for the Environmental Protection Agency (about 400 chemicals) and the Northridge TOX Center MSDS (1,000) chemicals). Available for IBM PC and PC-compatibles.

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SAMPLE LETTER Date:

From: Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.

To: Manufacturer or Distributor Name and Address

Subject: Chemical Name and ID #

Our company utilizes the above-identified product in our work operations.

In accordance with the provisions of the Hazard Communications Standard 29 CFR-1926.59, we are requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet for (Name and ID # of chemical substance) along with any additional information, safety data or supplemental material safety data sheets available now or in the future.

Please send the information requested to the following address:

Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.

4635 Coronado Pkwy #7

Cape Coral, FL 33904

Attention: Anthony V. Collins, President

Thank you.

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CHEMICAL FACTS How Chemicals Enter Your Body

In order for a chemical to have any effect on you, you have to come in contact with a chemical in its solid, liquid or gas form.

There are four “routes of entry” or paths a chemical can take.

Breathing (inhalation) – Chemicals can enter through your lungs as your breathe the air around you. Some chemicals can irritate your lungs, nose and throat like ammonia. Others can be absorbed into your blood, traveling to and affecting the organs in your body. Prolonged exposure to Hazardous substances like asbestos and other solid fiver materials can cause irritation, scarring and damage.

Regardless of the type of chemical you work with, your first line of defense against breathing in hazardous chemicals is to use and approved respirator.

Through Your Skin (absorption) – Although the skin is a very effective barrier to most chemicals, it can be penetrated. Damage to the skin from cuts, scrapes, cracking, dryness or other conditions can allow a chemical to enter into the body. Some chemicals can damage the skin on contact and others pass through the skin and into your bloodstream. A group of chemicals solvents such as toluene, gasoline and mineral spirits are absorbed easily through your skin. Some pesticides like parathion can easily pass through the skin, building up to poisonous levels in the body.

There are two easily steps which will prevent absorption – wearing gloves that are chemical resistant and washing off any chemical that contacts the skin as soon as possible. When you’re washing, make sure you use a product designed for washing skin and not products like paint thinner, turpentine and benzene.

Swallowing (ingestion) – A chemical can enter into your body if you accidentally swallow it or if your food or drink becomes contaminated. Simply by not washing your hands before you eat after working with chemicals or eating, smoking or drinking in an area where chemicals are in use could lead to trouble.

Injection – Like the shot you get from your doctor when you’re ill, chemicals can be accidentally injected into your body. If you work around high-pressure equipment of any kind like compressed air, grease guns or hydraulic lines, the potential exists for this kind of accident. Be extra cautious around any kind of pressurized spray equipment or high-pressure lines and never use compressed air to clean off your hands, arms or clothing.

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) Using A MSDS

An MSDS provides information the manufacturer of a chemical considers necessary for you the worker to determine what chemicals are in a product and what steps to take to protect yourself when using the product.

Although MSDSs from different sources may look very different, they all contain the same type of information. MSDS may look difficult and yes there is a lot of technical language and data but the information you need to identify, understand and work safely with a chemical product is fairly easy to find.

MSDSs are divided into sections usually beginning with the chemical and common name of the product. Besides knowing what this product is called, it’s important to know who makes it and where to reach the manufacturer. The manufacturer can answer questions about his product and help you if an emergency arises. You will usually find a phone number for the manufacturer in this section.

An important section to look for is usually called “Health Hazards” which tells you how dangerous the product can be, the type of danger it represents and what happens if you are overexposed to this product.

Equally important is the section that deals with “First Aid.” This section will give you some basic steps to take if you or another person are affected by the chemicals in this product.

Another section deals with “Protective Equipment.” Here specific recommendations for safety equipment and procedures are listed. This section tells you how to protect yourself from exposure when working with or near this product.

By taking the time to read the MSDS you have found some important basic information about the chemical (s) you work with including:

~What’s it called

~What’s in it

~What happens if the chemical affects you

~What first aid steps to take if exposure occurs

~How to protect yourself and work safely with the chemical

Other sections of a MSDS will tell you what the chemical looks, smells and feels like; how to safely handle and store the chemical; what happens to the chemical in the event of a fire; and what if any exposure limits have been set or recommended for the chemical (s) or product.

More information on MSDS, chemical information references and chemical safety can be obtained by asking your supervisor.

Under the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard, you have the opportunity to review your company’s HCS program, chemical inventory list and copies of MSDSs for chemicals you are working with.

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OSHA 1926.59

VI. HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

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1926.59 – HAZARD COMMUNICATION

(A) Purpose. (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee training.

(2) This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees and to preempt any legal requirements of a state or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to the subject. Evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example but not limited to, provisions for: developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program fro the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the Act, no state or political subdivision of a state may adopt or enforce, through any court or agency, any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this Federal standard, except pursuant to a Federally approved state plan.

(B) Scope and Application. (1) This section requires chemical manufacturers or importers to assess the hazards of chemicals which they produce or import and all employers to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets, information and training. In addition, this section requires distributors to transmit the required information to employers.

(2) This section applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.

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(3) This section applies to laboratories only as follows:

(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;

(ii) Employers shall maintain any material safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals and ensure that they are readily accessible to laboratory employees; and,

(iii) Employers shall ensure that laboratory employees are apprised of the hazards of the chemicals in their workplaces in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.

(4) In work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers which are not opened under normal conditions of use (such as are found in marine cargo handling, warehousing or retail sales), this section applies to these operations only as follows:

(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;

(ii) Employers shall maintain copies of any material safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed containers of hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a material safety data sheet for sealed containers of hazardous chemicals received without a material safety data sheet if an employee requests the material safety data sheet and shall ensure that the material safety data sheets are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area (s); and,

(iii) Employers shall ensure that employers shall ensure that employees are provided with information and training in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section (except for the location and availability of the written hazard communication program under paragraph (h)(1)(iii)), to extent necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical from a sealed container.

(5) This section does not require labeling of the following chemicals:

(i) Any pesticide as such term is defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency;

(ii) Any food, food additive, color additive, drug, cosmetic, medical or veterinary device, including materials intended for use as ingredients in such products (e.g. flavors and fragrances), as such terms are defined in

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the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) and regulations issued under that Act, when they are subject to the labeling requirements under that Act by the Food and Drug Administration;

(iii) Any distilled spirits (beverage alcohols), wine or malt beverage intended for nonindustrial use, as such terms are defined in the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and regulations issued under that Act, when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under that Act by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and,

(iv) Any consumer product or hazardous substance as those terms are defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively, when subject to a consumer product safety standard or labeling requirement of those Acts or regulations issued under those Acts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

(6) This section does not apply to:

(i) Any hazardous waste as such term is defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), when subject to regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency;

(ii) Tobacco or tobacco products;

(iii) Wood or wood products;

(iv) Articles;

(v) Food, drugs or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace;

(vi) Foods, drugs or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace;

(vii) Any consumer product or hazardous substance, as those terms are defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively, where the employer can demonstrate it is used in the workplace in the same manner as normal consumer use and which use results in a duration and frequency of exposure which is not greater than exposures experienced by consumers; and,

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(viii) Any drug, as that term is defined in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), when it is in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient (i.e. tablets or pills).

© Definitions. “Article” means a manufactured item:

(i) Which is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture;

(ii) Which has end use function (s) dependent in whole or in part upon its shape or design during end use; and,

(iii) Which does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions of use.

“Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor or designee.

“Chemical” means any element, chemical compound or mixture of elements and/or compounds.

“Chemical manufacturer” means an employer with a workplace where chemical(s) are produced for use or distribution.

“Chemical name” means the scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with the nomenclature system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) rules of nomenclature or a name which will clearly identify the chemical for the purpose of conducting a hazard evaluation.

“Combustible liquid” means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 ºF (37.8 ºC) but below 200º F (93.3 ºC), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 ºF (93.3 ºC) or higher, the total volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.

“Common name” means any designation or identification such as code name, code number, trade name, brand name or generic name used to identify a chemical other than by its chemical name.

“Compressed Gas” means:

(i) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 ºF (21.1 ºC); or

(ii) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 ºF (54.4 ºC) regardless of the pressure at 70 ºF (21.1 ºC); or

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(iii) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 ºF (37.8 ºC) as determined by ASTM d-323-72.

“Container” means any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like that contains a hazardous chemical. For purposes of this section, pipes or piping systems and engines, fuel tanks or other operating systems in a vehicle, are not considered to be containers.

“Designated representative” means any individual or organization to whom an employee gives written authorization to exercise such employee’s rights under this section. A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent shall without regard to written employee authorization.

“Distributor” means a business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer, which supplies hazardous chemicals to other distributors or to employers.

“Employee” means a worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies. Workers such as office workers or bank tellers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in non-routine, isolated instances are not covered.

“Employer” means a person engaged in a business where chemicals are either used, distributed or are produced for use or distribution, including a contractor or subcontractor.

“Explosive” means a chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas and heat when subject to sudden shock, pressure or high temperature.

“Exposure” or “exposed” means that an employee is subjected to a hazardous chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or absorption, etc.) and includes potential (e.g. accidental or possible) exposure.

“Flammable” means a chemical that falls into one of the following categories:

(i) “Aerosol, flammable” means an aerosol that, when tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yields a flame projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening or a flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve opening;

(ii) “Gas, flammable” means:

(a) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of thirteen (13) percent by volume or less; or

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(b) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a range of flammable mixtures with air wider than twelve (12) percent by volume, regardless of the lower limit;

(iii) “Liquid, flammable” means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100º F (37.8º C), except any mixture having components with flash-points of 100º F (37.8º C) or higher, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture;

(iv) “Solid, flammable” means a solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in paragraph 190.109(a), that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change or retained heat from manufacturing or processing or which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently as to create a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered to be a flammable solid if, when tested by the method described in 16 DFR 1500.44, it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than one-tenth of an inch per second along its major axis.

“Flashpoint” means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite when tested as follows:

(i) Tagliabue Closed Tester (See American National Standard Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tested, Z11.24-1979 (ASTM D 56-79)) for liquids with a viscosity of less than 45 Saybolt University Seconds (SUS) at 100º F (37.8º C), that do not contain suspended solids and do not have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or

(ii) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (See American National Standard Method for Test for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-1979 (ASTM D 93-79)) for liquids with a viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at 100º F (37.8º C) or that contain suspended solids or that have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or

(iii) Setaflash Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTMD 3278-78))

Organic peroxides, which undergo auto accelerating thermal decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint determination methods specified above.

“Foreseeable emergency” means any potential occurrence such as but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers or failure of control equipment, which could result in an uncontrolled release of hazardous chemical into the workplace.

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“Hazardous chemical” means any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard.

“Hazard warning” means any words, pictures, symbols or combination thereof appearing on a label or other appropriate form of warning which convey the hazard(s) of the chemical(s) in the container(s).

“Health hazard” means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Appendix A provides further definitions and explanations of the scope of health hazards covered by this section and Appendix B describes the criteria to be used to determine whether or not a chemical is to be considered hazardous for purposes of this standard.

“Identity” means any chemical or common name, which is indicated on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the chemical. The identity used shall permit cross-references to be made among the required list of hazardous chemicals, the label and the MSDS.

“Immediate use” means that the hazardous chemical will be under the control of and used only by the person who transfers it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.

“Importer” means the first business with employees within the Customs Territory of United States, which receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries for the purpose of supplying them to distributors or employers within the United States.

“Label” means any written, printed or graphic material, displayed on or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals.

“Material safety data sheet (MSDS)” means written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical, which is prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.

“Mixture” means any combination of two or more chemicals if the combination is not, in whole or in part, the result of a chemical reaction.

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“Organic peroxide” means an organic compound that contains the bivalent-O-O-structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an organic radical.

“Oxidizer” means a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in paragraph 1910.109(a), that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.

“Physical hazard” means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.

“Produce” means to manufacture, process, formulate or repackage.

“Pyrophoric: means a chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130º F (54.4º C) or below.

“Responsible party” means someone who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.

“Specific chemical identity” means the chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number or any other information that reveals the precise chemical designation of the substance.

“Trade secret” means any confidential formula, pattern, process, device, information or compilation of information that is used in an employer’s business and that gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. Appendix D sets out the criteria to be used in evaluating trade secrets.

“Unstable (reactive)” means a chemical, which in the pure state or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or will become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.

“Use” means to package, handle, react or transfer.

“Water-reactive” means a chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard.

“Work area” means a room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals are produced or used and where employees are present.

“Workplace” means an establishment, job site or project, at one geographical location containing one or more work areas.

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(D) Hazard Determination. (1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall evaluate chemicals produced in their workplaces or imported by them to determine if they are hazardous. Employers are not required to evaluate chemicals unless they choose not to rely on the evaluation performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer for the chemical to satisfy this requirement.

(2) Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers evaluating chemicals shall identify and consider the available scientific evidence concerning such hazards. For health hazards, evidence which is statistically significant and which is based on at least one positive study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles is considered to be sufficient to establish a hazardous effect if the results of the study meet the definitions of health hazards in this section. Appendix A shall be consulted for the scope of health hazards covered and Appendix B shall be consulted for the criteria to be followed with respect to the completeness of the evaluation and the data to be reported.

(3) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer evaluating chemicals shall treat the following sources as establishing that the chemicals listed in them are hazardous:

(i) 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); or,

(ii) Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment, American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)(latest edition).

The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer is still responsible for evaluating the hazards associated with the chemicals in these source lists in accordance with the requirements of this standard.

(4) Chemical manufacturers, importers and employers evaluating chemicals shall treat the following sources as establishing that a chemical is a carcinogen or potential carcinogen for hazard communication purposes:

(i) National Toxicology Program (NTP), Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition);

(ii) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions); or

(iii) 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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Note – The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicates whether a chemical has been found by NTP or IARC to be potential carcinogen.

(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall determine the ‘ hazards of mixtures of chemicals as follows:

(i) If a mixture has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the results of such testing shall be used to determine whether the mixture is hazardous;

(ii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the mixture is a health hazard, the mixture shall be assumed to present the same health hazards as do the components which comprise one percent (by weight or volume) or greater of the mixture, except that the mixture shall be assumed to present a carcinogenic hazard if it contains a component in concentrations of 0.1 percent or greater which is considered to be a carcinogen under paragraph (D)(4) of this section;

(iii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the mixture is a physical hazard, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may use whatever scientifically valid data is available to evaluate the physical hazard potential of the mixture; and,

(iv) If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer has evidence to indicate that a component present in the mixture in concentrations of less than one percent (or in the case of carcinogens, less than 0.1 percent) could be released in concentrations which would exceed an established OSHA permissible exposure limit or ACGIH Threshold Limit Value or could present a health hazard to employees in those concentrations, the mixture shall be assumed to present the same hazard.

(6) Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers evaluating chemicals shall describe in writing the procedures they use to determine the hazards of the chemical they evaluate. The written procedures are to be made available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director. The written description may be incorporated into the written hazard communication program required under paragraph (E) of this section.

(E) Written Hazard Communication Program. (1) Employers shall develop, implement and maintain at the workplace, a written

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hazard communication program fro their workplaces which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (F), (G) and (H) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee information and training will be met and which also includes the following:

(i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using an identity that is referenced on the appropriate material safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas); and,

(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels) and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas.

(2) Multi-employer workplaces. Employers who produce, use or store hazardous chemicals at a workplace in such a way that the employees of other employer(s) may be exposed (for example, employees of a construction contractor working on-site) shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs developed and implemented under this paragraph (E) include the following:

(i) The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s) with a copy of the material safety data sheet or to make it available at a central location in the workplace, for each hazardous chemical the other employer(s)’ employees may be exposed to while working;

(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees during the workplace’s normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies; and,

(iii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace.

(3) The employer may rely on an existing hazard communication program to comply with these requirements, provided that it meets the criteria established in this paragraph (E).

(4) The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.20(e).

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(F) Labels and Other Forms of Warning. (1) The chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information;

(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s);

(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings; and

(iii) Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.

(2) For solid metal (such as a steel beam or a metal casting) that is not exempted as an article due to its downstream use, the required label may be transmitted to the customer at the time of the initial shipment and need not be included with subsequent shipments to the same employer unless the information on the label changes. The label may be transmitted with the initial shipment itself or with the material safety data sheet that is to be provided prior to or at the time of the first shipment. This exception to requiring labels on every container of hazardous chemicals is only for the solid metal itself and does not apply to hazardous chemicals used in conjunction with or known to be present with the metal and to which employees handling the metal may be exposed (for example, cutting fluids or lubricants).

(3) Chemical manufacturers, importers or distributors shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked in accordance with this section in a manner which does not conflict with the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and regulations issued under that Act by the Department of Transportation.

(4) If the hazardous chemical is regulated by OSHA in a substance-specific health standard, the chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer shall ensure that the labels or other forms of warning used are in accordance with the requirements of that standard.

(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (F)(6) and (F)(7) the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:

(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein; and

(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings.

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(6) The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures or other such written materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method identifies the containers to which it is applicable and conveys the information required by paragraph (F)(5) of this section to be on a label. The written materials shall be readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift.

(7) The employer is not required to label portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers and which are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer.

(8) The employer shall not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.

(9) The employer shall ensure that labels or other forms of warning are legible, in English and prominently displayed on the container or readily available in the work area throughout each shift. Employers having employees who speak other languages may add the information in their language to the material presented, as long as the information is presented in English as well.

(10) The chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer need not affix new labels to comply with this section if existing labels already convey the required information.

(G) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical which they use.

(2) Each material safety data sheet shall be in English and shall contain at least the following information:

(i) The identity used on the label and except as provided for in paragraph (i) of this section on trade secrets:

(a) If the hazardous chemical is a single substance, its chemical and common name(s);

(b) If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the chemical and common name(s) of the ingredients which contribute to these known hazards and the common name(s) of the mixture itself; or,

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© If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has not been tested as a whole;

(1) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except that chemicals identified as carcinogens under paragraph (D)(4) of this section shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,

(2) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards and which comprise 1% (0.1% for carcinogens) of the mixture, if there is evidence that the ingredient(s) could be released from the mixture in concentrations which would exceed an established OSHA permissible exposure limit or ACGIH Threshold Limit Value or could present a health hazard to employees; and,

(3) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;

(ii) Physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);

(iii) The physical hazards of the hazardous chemical, including the potential for fire, explosion and reactivity;

(iv) The health hazards of the hazardous chemical, including signs and symptoms of exposure and any medical conditions which are generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;

(v) The primary route(s) of entry;

(vi) The OSHA permissible exposure limit, ACGIH Threshold Limit Value and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, where available;

(vii) Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP), Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or by OSHA;

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(viii) Any generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;

(ix) Any generally applicable control measures which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices or personal protective equipment;

(x) Emergency and first aid procedures;

(xi) The date of preparation of the material safety data sheet or the last change to it; and,

(xii) The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the material safety data sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.

(3) If not relevant information is found for any given category on the material safety data sheet, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet shall mark it to indicate that no applicable information was found.

(4) Where complex mixtures have similar hazards and contents (i.e. the chemical ingredients are essentially the same, but the specific composition varies from mixture to mixture), the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may prepare one material safety data sheet to apply to all of these similar mixtures.

(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet shall ensure that the information recorded accurately reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet becomes newly aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the material safety data sheet within three months. If the chemical is not currently being produced or imported the chemical manufacturer or importer shall add the information to the material safety data sheet before the chemical is introduced into the workplace again.

(6) Chemical manufacturers or importers shall ensure that distributors and employers are provided an appropriate material safety data sheet with their initial

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shipment and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is updated. The chemical manufacturer or importer shall either provide material safety data sheets with the shipped containers or send them to the employer prior to or at the time of the shipment. If the material safety data sheet is not provided with a shipment that has been labeled as a hazardous chemical, the employer shall obtain one from the chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor as soon as possible.

(7) Distributors shall ensure that material safety data sheets and updated information are provided to other distributors and employers. Retail distributors which sell hazardous chemicals to commercial customers shall provide a material safety data sheet to such employers upon request and shall post a sign or otherwise inform them that a material safety data sheet is available. Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors need not provide material safety data sheets to retail distributors which have informed them that the retail distributor does not sell the product to commercial customers or open the sealed container to use it in their own workplaces.

(8) The employer shall maintain copies of the required material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical in the workplace and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).

(9) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift, i.e., their work is carried out at more than one geographical location, the material safety data sheets may be kept at a central location at the primary workplace facility. In this situation, the employer shall ensure that employees can immediately obtain the required information in an emergency.

(10) Material safety data sheets may be kept in any form, including operating procedures and may be designed to cover groups of hazardous chemicals in a work area where it may be more appropriate to address the hazards of a process rather than individual hazardous chemicals. However, the employer shall ensure that in all cases the required information is provided for each hazardous chemical and is readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).

(11) Material safety data sheets shall also be made readily available upon request, to designated representatives and to the Assistant Secretary in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.20(e). The director shall also be given access to material safety data sheets in the same manner.

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(H) Employee Information and Training. Employers shall provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area.

(1) Information. Employees shall be informed of:

(i) The requirements of this section:

(ii) Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present; and,

(iii) The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals and material safety data sheets required by this section.

(2) Training. Employee training shall include at least:

(i) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.)’

(ii) The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area;

(iii) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used; and,

(iv) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labeling system and the material safety data sheet and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.

(I) Trade Secrets. (1) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may withhold the specific chemical identity, including the chemical name and other specific identification of a hazardous chemical from the material safety data sheet, provided that:

(i) The claim that the information withheld is a trade secret can be supported;

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(ii) Information contained in the material safety data sheet concerning the properties and effects of the hazardous chemical is disclosed;

(iii) The material safety data sheet indicates that the specific chemical identity is being withheld as a trade secret; and,

(iv)The specific chemical identity is made available to health professionals, employees and designated representatives in accordance with the applicable provisions of this paragraph.

(2) Where a treating physician or nurse determines that a medical emergency exists and the specific chemical identity of a hazardous chemical is necessary for emergency or first-aid treatment, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall immediately disclose the specific chemical identity of a trade secret chemical to that treating physician or nurse, regardless of the existence of a written statement of need of a confidentiality agreement. The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may require a written statement of need and confidentiality agreement, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (I)(3) and (4) of this section, as soon as circumstances permit.

(3) In non-emergency situations, a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall, upon request, disclose a specific chemical identity, otherwise permitted to be withheld under paragraph (I)(1) of this section, to a health professional (i.e. physician, industrial hygienist, toxicologist, epidemiologist or occupational health nurse) providing medical or other occupational health services to exposed employee(s) and to employees or designated representatives, if:

(i) The request is in writing;

(ii) The request describes with reasonable detail one or more of the following occupational health needs for the information:

(a) To assess the hazards of the chemicals to which employees will be exposed;

(b) To conduct or assess sampling of the workplace atmosphere to determine employee exposure levels;

© To conduct pre-assignment or periodic medical surveillance of exposed employees;

(d) To provide medical treatment to exposed employees;

(e) To select or assess appropriate personal protective equipment for exposed employees;

(f) To design or assess engineering controls or other protective measures for exposed employees; and,

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(g) To conduct studies to determine the health effects of exposure.

(iii) The request explains in detail why the disclosure of the specific chemical identity is essential and that, in lieu thereof, the disclosure of the following information to the health professional, employee or designated representative, would not satisfy the purposes described in paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this section:

(a) The properties and effects of the chemical;

(b) Measures for controlling workers’ exposure to the chemical;

© Methods of monitoring and analyzing worker exposure to the chemical; and,

(d) Methods of diagnosing and treating harmful exposures to the chemical;

(iv) The request includes a description of the procedures to be used to maintain the confidentiality of the disclosed information; and,

(v) The health professional and the employer or contractor of the services of the health professional (i.e. downstream employer, labor organization or individual employee), employee or designated representative, agree in a written confidentiality agreement that the health professional, employee or designated representative, will not use the trade secret information for any purpose other than the health need(s) asserted and agree not to release the information under any circumstances other than to OSHA, as provided in paragraph (I)(6) of this section, except as authorized by the terms of the agreement or by the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer.

(4) The confidentiality agreement authorized by paragraph (I)(3)(iv) of this section;

(i) May restrict the use of the information to the health purposes indicated in the written statement of need;

(ii) May provide for appropriate legal remedies in the even of a breach of the agreement, including stipulation of a reasonable pre-estimate of likely damages; and,

(iii) May not include requirements for the posting of a penalty bond.

(5) Nothing in this standard is meant to preclude the parties from pursuing non-contractual remedies to the extent permitted by law.

(6) If the health professional, employee or designated representative receiving the trade secret information decides that there is a need to disclose it to OSHA, the

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chemical manufacturer, importer or employer who provided the information shall be informed by the health professional, employee or designated representative prior to or at the same time as such disclosure.

(7) If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer denies a written request for disclosure of a specific chemical identity, the denial must:

(i) Be provided to the health professional, employee or designated representative, within thirty days of the request;

(ii) Be in writing;

(iii) Include evidence to support the claim that the specific chemical identity is a trade secret;

(iv) State the specific reasons why the request is being denied; and,

(v) Explain in detail how alternative information may satisfy the specific medical or occupational health need without revealing the specific chemical identity.

(8) The health professional, employee or designated representative whose request for information is denied under paragraph (I)(3) of this section may refer the request and the written denial of the request to OSHA for consideration.

(9) When a health professional, employee or designated representative refers the denial to OSHA under paragraph (I)(8) of this section, OSHA shall consider the evidence to determine if:

(i) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer has supported the claim that the specific chemical identity is a trade secret;

(ii) The health professional, employee or designated representative has supported the claim that there is a medical or occupational health need for the information; and,

(iii) The health professional, employee or designated representative has demonstrated adequate means to protect the confidentiality.

(10)

(i) If OSHA determines that the specific chemical identity requested under paragraph (I)(3) of this section is not a bona fide trade secret or that it is a trade secret but the requesting health professional, employee or designated representative has a legitimate medical or occupational health need for the information, has executed a written confidentiality agreement and has shown adequate means to protect the confidentiality of the information, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer will be subject to citation by OSHA.

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(ii) If a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer demonstrates to OSHA that the execution of a confidentiality agreement would not provide sufficient protection against the potential harm from the unauthorized disclosure of a trade secret specific chemical identity, the Assistant Secretary may issue such orders or impose such additional limitations or conditions upon the disclosure of the requested chemical information as may be appropriate to assure that the occupational health services are provided without an undue risk of harm to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer.

(11) If a citation for a failure to release specific chemical identity information is contested by the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer, the matter will be adjudicated before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission in accordance with the Act’s enforcement scheme and the applicable Commission rules of procedure. In accordance with the Commission rules, when a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer continues to withhold the information during the contest, the administrative Law Judge may review the citation and supporting documentation in camera or issue appropriate orders to protect the confidentiality or such matters.

(12) Not withstanding the existence of a trade secret claim, a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall, upon request, disclose to the Assistant Secretary any information which this section requires the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer to make available. Where there is no later than at the time the information is provided to the Assistant Secretary so that suitable determinations of trade secret status can be made and the necessary protections can be implemented.

(13) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring the disclosure under any circumstances of process or percentage of mixture information which is a trade secret.

(J) Effective dates. (1) Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors shall ensure that material safety data sheets are provided with the next shipment of hazardous chemicals to employers after September 23, 1987.

(2) Employers in the nonmanufacturing sector shall be in compliance with all provisions of this section by May 23, 1988. (Note: Employers in the manufacturing sector (SIS Codes 20 through 39) are already required to be in compliance with this section).

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APPENDIX A TO 1926.59 HEALTH HAZARD DEFINITIONS (MANDATORY)

Although safety hazards related to the physical characteristics of a chemical can be objectively defined in terms of testing requirements (e.g. flammability), health hazard definitions are less precise and more subjective. Health hazards may cause measurable changes in the body – such as shortness of breath, a non-measurable, subjective feeling. Employees exposed to such hazards must be apprised of both the change in body function and the signs and symptoms that may occur to signal that change.

The determination of occupational health hazards is complicated by the fact that may of the effects or signs and symptoms occur commonly in non-occupationally exposed populations, so that effects of exposure are difficult to separate from normally occurring illnesses. Occasionally, a substance causes an effect that is rarely seen in the population at large, such as angiosarcomas caused by vinyl chloride exposure, thus making it easier to ascertain that the occupational exposure was the primary causactive factor. More often, however, the effects are common, such as lung cancer. The situation is further complicated by the fact that most chemicals have not been adequately tested to determine their health hazard potential and data do not exist to substantiate these effects.

There have been many attempts to categorize effects and to define them in various ways. Generally, the terms “acute” and “chronic” are used to delineate between effects on the basis of severity or duration. “Acute” effects usually occur rapidly as a result of short-term exposures and are of short duration. “Chronic” effects generally occur as a result of long-term exposure and are of long duration.

The acute effects referred to most frequently are those defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for Precautionary Labeling of Hazardous Industrial Chemicals (Z129.1-1982) – irritation, corrosivity, sensitization and lethal dose. Although these are important health effects, they do not adequately cover the considerable range of acute affected which may occur as a result of occupational exposure, such as, for example narcosis.

Similarly, the term chronic effect is often used to cover only carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and mutagenicity. These effects are obviously a concern in the workplace but again, do not adequately cover the area of chronic effects, excluding, for example, blood dyscrasias (such as anemia), chronic bronchitis and liver atrophy.

The goal of defining precisely, in measurable terms, every possible health effect that may occur in the workplace as a result of chemical exposures cannot realistically be accomplished. This does not negate the need for employees to be informed of such effects and protected from them. Appendix B, which is also mandatory, outlines the principles and procedures of hazardous assessment.

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For purposes of this section, any chemicals which meet any of the following definitions, as determined by the criteria set forth in Appendix B are health hazards:

1. Carcinogen: A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if:

(a) It has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found to be a carcinogen or potential carcinogen; or

(b) It is listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or,

© It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.

2. Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. For example, a chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described by the U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 173, it destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the site of contact following an exposure period of four hours. This term shell not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.

3. Highly toxic: A chemical falling within any of the following categories:

(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.

© A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

4. Irritant: A chemical, which is not corrosive, but which causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is a skin irritant if when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 CFR 1500.41 for four hours exposure or by other appropriate techniques, it results in an empirical score of five or more. A chemicals is an eye irritant if so determined under the procedure listed in 16 CFR 1500.42 or other appropriate techniques.

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5. Sensitizer: A chemical that causes a substantial proportion to exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical.

6. Toxic. A chemical falling within any of the following categories:

(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram but not more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.

© A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of more than 200 parts per million but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor or more than two milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

7. Target organ effects. The following is a target organ categorization of effects which may occur, including examples of signs and symptoms and chemicals which have been found to cause such effects. These examples are presented to illustrated the range and diversity of effects and hazards found in the workplace and the broad scope employers must consider in this area but are not intended to be all-inclusive.

(a) Hepatotoxins: Chemicals which produce liver damage Signs & Symptoms: Jaundice: liver enlargement Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride: nitrosamines

(b) Nephrotoxins: Chemicals which produce kidney damage

Signs & Symptoms: Edema: proteinuria

Chemicals: Halogenated hydrocarbons: uranium

© Neurotoxins: Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system

Signs & Symptoms: Narcosis: behavioral changes: decrease in motor functions

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Chemicals: Mercury: carbon disulfide

(d) Agents which act on the blood or hematopoietic system: Decrease hemoglobin function: deprive the body tissues of oxygen

Signs & Symptoms: Cyanosis: loss of consciousness

Chemicals: Carbon monoxide: cyanides

(e) Agents which damage the lung: Chemicals which irritate or damage the pulmonary tissue

Signs & Symptoms: Cough: tightness in chest: shortness of breath

Chemicals: Silica: asbestos

(f) Reproductive toxins: Chemicals which affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis)

Signs & Symptoms: Birth defects: sterility

Chemicals: Lead: DBCP

(g) Cutaneous hazards: Chemicals which affect the dermal layer of the body

Signs & Symptoms: Defatting of the skin: rashes: irritation

Chemicals: Ketones: Chlorinated compounds

(h) Eye hazards: Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity

Signs & Symptoms: Conjunctivitis: corneal damage

Chemicals: Organic solvents: acids

APPENDIX B TO PARAGRAPH 1926.59 HAZARD DETERMINATION (MANDATORY)

The quality of a hazard communication program is largely dependent upon the adequacy and accuracy of the hazard determination. The hazard determination requirement of this standard is performance-oriented. Chemical manufacturers, importers and employers evaluating chemicals are not required to follow any specific methods for determining hazards but they must be able to demonstrate that they have adequately ascertained the hazards of the chemicals produced or imported in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Appendix.

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Hazard evaluation is a process which relies heavily on the professional judgment of the evaluator, particularly in the area of chronic hazards. The performance-orientation of the hazard determination does not diminish the duty of the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer to conduct a thorough evaluation, examining all relevant data and producing a scientifically defensible evaluation. For purposes of this standard, the following criteria shall be used in making hazard determinations that meet the requirements of this standard.

1. Carcinogenicity: As described in paragraph (D)(4) and Appendix A of this section, a determination by the National Toxicology Program, the International Agency for Research on Cancer or OSHA that a chemical is a carcinogen or potential carcinogen will be considered conclusive evidence for purposes of this section.

2. Human data: Where available, epidemiological studies and case reports of adverse health effects shall be considered in the evaluation.

3. Animal data: Human evidence of health effects in exposed populations is generally not available for the majority of chemicals produced or used in the workplace. Therefore, the available results of toxicological testing in animal populations shall be used to predict the health effects that may be experienced by exposed workers. In particular, the definitions of certain acute hazards refer to specific animal testing results (see Appendix A).

4. Adequacy and reporting of data. The results of any studies which are designed and conducted according to established scientific principles and which report statistically significant conclusions regarding the health effects of a chemical, shall be a sufficient basis for a hazard determination and reported on any material safety data sheet. The chemical manufacturer, importer and employer may also report the results of other scientifically valid studies, which tend to refute the findings of hazard.

APPENDIX C TO 1926.59 INFORMATION SOURCES (ADVISORY)

The following is a list of available data sources which the chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer may wish to consult to evaluate the hazards of chemicals they produce or import:

• Any information in their own company files, such as toxicity testing results or illness experience of company employees.

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• Safety data sheets or product safety bulletins.

• Any pertinent information obtained from the following source list (latest editions should be used):

Condensed Chemical Dictionary Van Nostrand Reinhold CO. any information obtained from the supplier of the chemical, such as material

135 West 50th Street

New York, NY 10020

The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals and Drugs Merck and Company, Inc.

126 E. Lincoln Ave.

Rahway, NJ 07065

IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-pPresent. (Multi-volume work). Summaries are available in supplement volumes. 49 Sheridan Street

Albany, NY 12210

Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, by F.A. Patty John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

New York, NY (Multi-volume work)

Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products Gleason, Gosselin and Hodge

Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology; The Basic Science of Poisons Doull, Klaassen and Amdur, Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.

New York, NY

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Industrial Toxicology, by Alice Hamilton and Harriet L. Hardy Publishing Sciences Group, Inc.

Acton, MA

Toxicology of the Eye, by W. Morton Grant Charles C. Thomas

301-327 East Lawrence Ave.

Springfield, IL

Recognition of Health Hazards in Industry William A. Burgess, John Wiley and Sons

605 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10158

Chemical Hazards of the Workplace Nick H. Proctor and James P. Hughes, J.P. Lipincott Company

6 Winchester Terrace

New York, NY 10022

Handbook of Chemistry and Physics Chemical Rubber Company

18901 Cranwood Parkway

Cleveland, OH 44128

Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment and Biological Exposure Indices with Intended Changes American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

6500 Glenway Ave.

Bldg. D-5

Cincinnati, OH 45211

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Information found on the physical hazards of chemicals may be found in publications of the National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

Note – The following documents may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Occupational Health Guidelines

NIOSH/OSHA (NIOSH Pub. No. 81-123)

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

NIOSH Pub. No. 85-114

Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances

NIOSH Pub. No. 80-102

Miscellaneous Documents published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health:

Criteria documents.

Special Hazard Reviews.

Occupational Hazard Assessments.

Current Intelligence Bulletins.

OSHA’s General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910)

NTP Annual Report on Carcinogens and Summary of the Annual Report on Carcinogens.

National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

(703) 487-4650

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BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA BASES Service Provider File Name

Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS) Biosis Previews

1200 Route 7 CA Search

Latham, NY 12110 Medlars

NTIS

Hazardline

American Chemical Society Journal

Excerpta Medica

IRCS Mecial Science Journal

Pre-Med

Intl. Pharmaceutical Abstracts

Paper Chem

Lockheed – DIALOG information Service, Inc Biosis Prev. Files

3460 Hillview Avenue CA Search Files

Polo Alto, CA 94304 CAB Abstracts

Chemical Exposure

Chemname

Chemsis Files

Chemzero

Embase Files

Environmental Bibliographies

Enviroline

Federal Research in Progress

IRL Life Science collection

NTIS

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Service Provider File Name

Occupational Safety and

Health (NIOSH)

Paper Chem

SDC – Orbit, SDC Information Service CAS Files

2500 Colorado Avenue Chemdex, 2,3

Santa Monica, CA 90406 NTIS

National Library of Medicine, Hazardous Substances Data

Department of Health and Bank (NSDB)

Human Services, Public Health Medline files

Service, National Institute of Health Taxline Files

Bethesda, MD 20209 Concerlit

RTECS

Chemline

Pergamon International Information Laboratory Hazard Bulletin

Corp., 1340 Old Chain Bridge Rd.

McLean, VA 22101

Questel, Inc., 1625 Eye Street, NW CIS/ILO

Suite 818, Washington, DC 20006 Concernet

Chemical Information System Structure and Nomenclature

ICI (ICIS), Bureau of National Affairs Search System (SANSS)

1133 5th Street, NW, Suite 300 Acute Toxicity (RTECS)

Washington, DC 20005 Clinical Toxicology of Commercial

Products

Oil and Hazardous Materials

Technical Assistance Data System

CCRIS

CESARS

Occupational Health Services, MSDS

400 Plaza Drive Hazardline

Secaucus, NJ 07094

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APPENDIS D TO 1926.59 DEFINITION OF “TRADE SECRET” (MANDATORY)

The following is a reprint of the Restatement of Torts section 757, comment (1939):

b. Definition of trade secret. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device or compilation of information which is used in one’s business and which gives him an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. It may be a formula for a chemical compound, process of manufacturing, treating or preserving materials, a pattern for a machine or other device or a list of customers. It differs from other secret information in a business (see paragraph 759 of the Restatement of torts which is not included in this Appendix in that it is not simply information as to single or ephemeral events in the conduct of the business, as, for example, the amount or other terms of a secret bid for a contract or the salary of certain employees or the announcement of a new policy or for bringing out a new model or the like. A trade secret is a process or device for continuous use in the operations of the business. Generally it relates to the production of goods, as, for example, a machine or formula for the production of an article. It may, however, relate to the sale of goods or to other operations in the business, such as a code for determining discounts, rebates or other concessions in a price list or catalogue or a list of specialized customers or a method or bookkeeping or other office management.

Secrecy. The subject matter of a trade secret must be secret. Matters of public knowledge or of general knowledge in an industry cannot be appropriated by one as his secret. Matters which are completely disclosed by the goods which one markets cannot be his secret. Substantially, a trade secret is known only in the particular business in which it is used. It is not requisite that only the proprietor of the business know it. He may, without losing his protection, communicate it to employees involved in its use. He may likewise communicate it to others pledge to secrecy. Others may also know of it independently, as, for example, when they have discovered the process or formula by independent invention and are keeping it secret. Nevertheless, a substantial element of secrecy must exist, so that, except by the use of improper means. There would be difficulty in acquiring the information. An exact definition of a trade secret is not possible. Some factors to be considered in determining whether given information is one’s trade secret are: (1) The extent to which the information is known outside of his business; (2) the extent to which it is known by employees and others involved in his business; (3) the extent of measures taken by him to guard the secrecy of the information; (4) the value of the information to him and his competitors; (5) the amount of effort or money expended by him in developing the information; (6) the ease or difficulty with which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated by others.

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Novelty or prior art. A trade secret may be a device or process which is patentable; but it need not be that. It may be a device or process which is clearly anticipated in the prior art or one which is merely a mechanical improvement that a good mechanic can make. Novelty and invention are not requisite for a trade secret as they are for patentability.

These requirements are essential to patenability because a patent protects against unlicensed use of the patented device or process even by one who discovers it properly through independent research. The patent monopoly is a reward to the inventor. But such is not the case with a trade secret. Its protection is not based on a policy of rewarding or otherwise encouraging the development of secret processes or devices. The protection is merely against breach of faith and reprehensible means of learning another’s secret. For this limited protection it is not appropriate to require also the kind of novelty and invention which is a requisite of patentability. The nature of the secret is, however, an important factor in determining the kind of relief that is appropriate against one who is subject to liability under the rule stated in this section. Thus, if the secret consists of a device or process which is novel invention, one who acquires the secret wrongfully is ordinarily enjoined from further use of it and is required to account fro the profits derived from his past use. If, on the other hand, the secret consists of mechanical improvements that a good mechanic can make without resort to the secret, the wrongdoer’s liability may be limited to damages and an injunction against future use of the improvements made with the aid of the secret may be inappropriate.

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TURBINE GENERATOR MAINTENANCE, INC. SAFETY REGULATIONS

Turbine Generator Maintenance is committed to safety and has taken steps to protect you from injury on the job. Your help is vital for your own protection. Please observe the following safety rules at all times.

1. Hardhats, safety glasses and earplugs are to be worn at all times.

2. No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job or allowed on company property at any time.

3. Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.

4. All non-emergency treatment for accidents must be authorized by your supervisor first.

5. Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles, company leased vehicles or while performing duties for the company.

6. Wear a face shield at all times when grinding and be sure all proper guards are in place on the grinder.

7. Lift with your legs, not your back and get assistance with heavy loads.

8. Do not remove or by-pass any guards on any machinery at any time.

9. Do not use compressed air to clean off clothing.

10. The lid to the cleaning solvent tank is to be keep closed when not in use. Rubber gloves and face shields or goggles shall be worn when using solvent tank.

11. Keep the tops on all oxygen and acetylene bottles when not in use. Keep bottles in upright position and secured at all times.

12. Inspect and be sure of proper rigging and procedures when lifting anything.

13. Inspect all air and electrical tools to make sure they are in proper working order before using. Report all damaged or defective tools to your supervisor.

14. No firearms will be allowed on company property.

15. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand when cutting or welding.

16. Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.

17. Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.

________________________________________ _______________

Signature Date

________________________________________ _______________

Supervisor Date

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION WRITTEN PROGRAM This program has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Federal OSHA standard 1926.59 and to insure that information necessary for the safe use, handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is provided to and made available to employees.

This program includes guidelines on identification of chemical hazards and the preparation and proper use of container labels, placards and other types of warning devices.

A. Chemical Inventory

1. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. maintains an inventory of all known chemicals in use on the worksite. A chemical inventory list is available from the Project Manager/Supervisor.

2. Hazardous chemicals brought on the worksite by Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. will be included on the hazardous chemical inventory list.

B. Container Labeling

1. All chemicals on site will be stored in their original or approved containers with a proper label attached, except small quantities for immediate use. Any container not properly labeled should be given to the Project Manager/Supervisor for labeling or proper disposal.

2. Workers may dispense chemicals from original containers only in small quantities intended for immediate use. Any chemical left after work is completed must be returned to the original container or Project Manager/Supervisor for proper handling.

3. No unmarked containers of any size are to be left in the work are unattended.

4. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. will rely on manufacturer applied labels whenever possible and will ensure that these labels are maintained. Containers that are not labeled or on which the manufacturer’s label has been removed will be relabeled.

5. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. will ensure that each container is labeled with the identity of the hazardous chemical contained and any appropriate hazard warnings.

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C. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 1. Employees working with a Hazardous Chemical may request a copy of the

material safety data sheet (MSDS). Requests for MSDS’s should be made to the Project Manager/Supervisor.

2. MSDS should be available and standard chemical reference may also be available on the site to provide immediate reference to chemical safety information.

3. An emergency procedure to gain access to MSDS’s information will be established.

D. Employee Training

Employees will be trained to work safely with hazardous chemicals. Employee training will include:

(1) Methods that may be used to detect a release of a hazardous chemical(s) in the workplace,

(2) Physical and health hazards associated with chemicals,

(3) Protective measures to be taken,

(4) Safe work practices, emergency responses and use of personnel protective equipment,

(5) Information on the Hazard Communication Standard including:

• Labeling and warning systems and

• An explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets. E. Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required PPE is available from the Project Manager/Supervisor. Any employee found in violation on PPE requirements may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including discharge.

F. Emergency Response

1. Any incident of over exposure or spill of a hazardous chemical/substance must be reported to the Project Manager/Supervisor at once.

2. The foremen or the immediate supervisor will be responsible for insuring that proper emergency response actions are taken in leak/spill situations.

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G. Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks

1. Supervisors will inform employees of any special tasks that may arise which would involve possible exposure to hazardous chemicals.

2. Review of save work procedures and use of required PPE will be conducted prior to the start of such tasks. Where necessary, areas will be posted to indicate the nature of the hazard involved.

H. Informing Other Employers

1. Other on site employers are required to adhere to the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard.

2. Information on hazardous chemicals known to be present will be exchanged with other employers. Employers will be responsible for providing necessary information to their employees.

3. Other on site employers will be provided with a copy of the Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.’s hazard communication program.

I. Posting

Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. has posted information for employees at this job site on the Hazard Communication Standard. This information can be found at the job site office.

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HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL INVENTORY Currently, the scope of the hazard communication standard establishes no exposure limits, so any quantity of chemical in use may trigger the standard’s requirements.

OSHA’s definition of a Hazardous Chemical is any chemical that a recognized authority has labeled as hazardous and any chemical that produces cellular effect of some kind in any potential or possible exposure in normal use or foreseeable emergency.

In order to insure compliance employers will need to establish and maintain an inventory of all chemicals used, stored or ordered for each jobsite.

Step 1 – Obtaining Needed Information Chemicals on the jobsite must be located and the following information copied from the label on the container and put on chemical information sheet (appendix A):

a. name of the product,

b. chemical name(s),

c. manufacturer’s name and address,

d. container size,

e. container count (how many),

f. location,

g. product use,

h. trades involved,

i. ID# (if on label) and

j. any product warnings

Step 2 – Establish a Chemical Inventory Using the chemical information sheets (Appendix A) locate each chemical and fill in the information indicated. The chemical information sheets are utilized to develop a chemical inventory list (Appendix B). The chemical inventory sheet has a classification column. There are only three chemical classifications: Hazardous, Non-Hazardous or consumer Product. [See reverse side of Chemical Inventory Sheet (Appendix B) for definitions and more detailed information in Appendix C].

While the inventory is being conducted any containers found unlabeled should be properly discarded or relabeled.

Step 3 – Compilation of Jobsite and Company Wide Information By collecting the chemical information sheets for each worksite, a chemical inventory sheet can be compiled for each project and/or for the company as a whole.

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CHEMICAL INFORMATION SHEET No._____________________

Directions: Complete a chemical information sheet for each chemical/substance/mixture/product found on the jobsite.

Product Name:_________________________________________________________

Chemical(s) as listed on label:_____________________________________________

Manufacturer’s Name:___________________________________________________

Manufacturer’s Address:_________________________________________________

Phone: ( )___________________________________________________________

Product # from label:_____________________________________________________

Label Warnings:_________________________________________________________

Container Size:_________________________________Container Count:___________

Location:_______________________________________________________________

Is this container properly labeled?_________ Yes ___________ No

(If No, remove container from jobsite for proper disposal).

Product used for _________________________________________________________

Trades involved in use ____________________________________________________

Inspection Date:________________ Location________________________________

Inspected by: (Print Name) ________________________________________________

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CLEANING DRUMS One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.

The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.

I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old drum before re-use.

The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:

1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special explosion-proof extension lights.

2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.

3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and you’ll be instructed on that).

4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or other stuff that would prevent good draining.

The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry the drum with a stream of warm air.

Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using a explosion-proof light to make sure it is clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding on the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.

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GUIDELINES FOR CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT When the job to be done involves a chemical that rapidly attacks the skins, eyes and respiratory system, the following protective equipment should be considered:

A. Slicker Suit

B. Rubber Boots

C. Rubber Gloves

D. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask

For chemicals that rapidly attack the skin or eyes, but not likely to be inhaled:

A. Slicker Suit

B. Rubber Boots

C. Rubber Gloves

D. Chemical Goggles

E. Face Shield

Chemicals that rapidly attack the respiratory system, may be irritating to the eyes, but are not hazardous to the skin:

A. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask

Where there is a latent possibility for exposure of personnel to flammable mixtures, appropriate flash protective gear should be used.

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CHART

LIST OF STANDARD CHEMICALS COMMON IN CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

7-9

CHART LIST OF STANDARD CHEMICALS COMMON IN

CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

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MSDS NEEDED LETTER Date:

From: (Your Company Name and Address)

To: (Manufacturer or Distributor Name and Address

Subject: (Chemical Name and ID#)

Our Company utilizes the above identified product in our work operations.

In accordance with the provisions of the Hazard Communications Standard 29 DFR—1926.59 we are requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet for (Name and ID# of chemical/substance) along with any additional information, safety data or supplemental material safety data sheets available now or in the future.

Please send the information requested to the following address:

Company Name:

Mailing Address:

Attention:

Thank You

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS The Hazard Communication Standard requires that manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of hazardous chemicals provide copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to customers. A sample MSDS is reproduced as Appendix D.

Employers must have a Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical in use. A list of standard chemicals common in construction operations is listed in Appendix G. The Appendix also identifies the chemicals with their chemical abstract service registry (CAS) number. MSDS’s must be made available upon request to employees, employee representatives, OSHA, state and community emergency planning groups and also fire departments.

MSDS provide both the employer/employee with information necessary for working safely with a specific chemical.

When a MSDS is needed, contact the manufacturer, distributor or supplier in writing (see Appendix E).

If an MSDS is not available from a manufacturer, OSHA should be notified in writing (see Appendix F).

MSDS files and/or MSDS information can be maintained in any format An MSDS files should be maintained at the jobsite and in the company’s home office.

Employers may also want to obtain a standard chemical reference guide.

An emergency procedure can be established using the fastest and mot accessible means of communication during normal working hours for hazard chemical information.

A generic MSDS is available from a variety of sources (see Appendix H) for use in place of MSDSs requested but not yet received.

1. According to an OSHA report on enforcement of the Hazard Communication Standard in the manufacturing industry, the lack of MSDSs, a chemical list and a written program account for the majority of citations issued since 1984. It is important that the paperwork requirements of this standard be maintained in an up-to-date manner if citations are to be avoided.

2. At present time the requirement that MSDSs be maintained on each jobsite has not been approved by OMG under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Guide recommends that MSDSs be maintained at the site only to protect employers from likely citations by OSHA under the general duty clause.

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CHART

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (SAMPLE)

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CHART

SAFETY DATA SHEET (CONT.)

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SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH The operations of the Safety Shower/Eye Wash assembly is very simple. However, when the need arises for using this assembly, unless you have studied its components and learned precisely how they function, you will be unable to help yourself. Today I am asking the supervisors to review the hardware and the procedure for using it with you and then take everyone to a station and physically demonstrate how it works. The supervisor should also generally locate the shower stations in the block for you.

The arrangement consists of a shower head, actuated by a pull arm; an eye wash, operated by a push lever; and an alarm, actuated by a push button or wobble stick.

Should you get chemical in your eyes go to nearest shower station, turn on the eye wash and press the alarm button. The operations personnel will respond. Continue to irrigate your eyes until the ambulance arrives and you are directed to leave.

Should you get chemical on your body, go to the nearest shower station, turn on the shower and press the alarm. Remove the contaminated clothing and continue to shower until directed otherwise by operations personnel.

Each day as you go on your job, locate the nearest shower station so you will not have to search for one if the need occurs. Remember, in the even that you should get chemical in your eyes, your vision will almost certainly be momentarily impaired and your ability to find a shower station severely restricted. Be prepared for what might happen. It may very well save your eyesight.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS SCENT OF DANGER

We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.

At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.

So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.

We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.

When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.

We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.

We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke. There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.

Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.

The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.

It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.

In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.

A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We must base a plan of action on the smell.

Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

Eye protective devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of your know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore their goggles at the right time.

Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a facemask or spectacle-type safety glasses. There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective lenses may need goggles, which can be worn over them for protection against damage or breakage. This ”covers all protection” cam be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye shield.

Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it, you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In face, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t protect your eyes.

There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:

• Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete

• Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools

• Caulking, brushing and grinding

• Drilling, scaling and scraping

• Babbitting, soldering and casting or hot metals

• Handling of hot tar, oils, liquids and molten substances

• Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials

• Gas welding, cutting and brazing

• Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes to flying particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids

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It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present, suitable goggles will give helpful protection.

Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles. Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.

Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fact is they just don’t fit. Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart; lets use eye protection when eye hazards are present.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY

The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries. Ultra-violet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive ultra-violet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.

The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning operations:

OPERATION SHADE NUMBER

Soldering 2

Torch Brazing 3 or 4

Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4

Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5

Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6

Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5

Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6

Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8

Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14

Carbon-arc welding 14

It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position yourself “up-wind’ from the point of operation.

When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!

In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are taken.

Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from physical damage.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES

There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important points.

First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head. Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.

All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.

The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.

Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.

All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds. There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.

Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode. It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the acetylene as the pressure is bled off.

Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for

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acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that fellow.

Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.

Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under pressure.

The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas

Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders together hard, both might let go.

Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever, be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and healthy and avoid a fire.

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TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:

1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used. Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when necessary.

2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.

3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.

4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.

5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are open flames, particularly welding operations.

6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or removed from the degreaser.

7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator. A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a full-face airline respirator.

Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:

1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No Smoking” enforced.

2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.

3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.

4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash the fluid from the body.

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5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a large dose, cause unconsciousness.

Emergency procedures 1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed

to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.

2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure complete washing.

3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free of all trichloroethylene odors.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS SPECIAL HAZARDS

Compressed Air A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep he pressure as low as possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.

Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing. A compressed air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe injuries and even death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor who tried to be funny with compressed air.

Compressed Gas Cylinders Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in transit. The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use/ Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not be subject to excessive variations in temperature. Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder controls, for oil and oxygen can explode.

Chemical Agents Air contaminants – Always use hood, exhaust systems or special enclosures (if available) to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced by grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other such operations.

Labeling – Containers form chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells the name of the product, gives a signal word, states hazards and lists precautionary measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers. Read the labels. Don’t remove them.

Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean. Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.

Physical Agents Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at arc welding or gas welding operations unless you are wearing proper eye protection.

Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.

Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.

Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure no fire has started.

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COMMON SOLVENTS Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at dissolving them and washing the dirt away.

Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages. That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided due to its toxicity.

Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you know the hazards and the way to control them.

Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.

Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor. If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally, if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as vapor.

The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.

When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over, plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.

Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

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TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS RESPECT OXYACETYLENE

Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only 10%of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that should be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:

1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of any commonly used gas)

2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated with acetone)

3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)

4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i. (Defeats the purpose of the acetone in the cylinder making it safe to store and use)

5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)

6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)

7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended. (Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where a spark from any source can explode it)

8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the temperature of boiling water. (don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch them)

9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding from the cylinder in recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank)

10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can be opened at any given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to escape into the room)

IT TAKES ONE…

Minute to build a safety thought hour to make a guard week to study plant conditions month to develop a safety program year to make it operate lifetime to make a good safe workman second to destroy it with one accident anonymous.

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CHART SARA List of Reportable Quantities

Chemicals Listed on OSHA Safety Audit A&B List Common To Construction Operations

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CHART

HCS JOBSITE POSTER (1)

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CHART

HCS JOBSTE POSTER (2)

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OSHA 1926.59 HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDART

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VIII. TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS

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HELPFUL TIPS FOR TOOLBOX TALKS Your safety training will be more successful, useful and interesting if you plan. Here are some tips for more effective meetings.

Plan the content. Make sure each meeting has a definite subject, one that is directly related to those who will attend. Consider the continuity from meeting to meeting. If possible, plan in advance so you have time to gather materials.

Use visual and training aids. Equipment and materials that illustrate your point will help learning by reaching the employee through several routes, eyes and ears. But be sure such aids relate to the point you are trying to make.

Have only one topic per meeting. Use a rifle, not a shotgun, approach. This allows full attention to be brought to the problem.

Use demonstrations. Thy hold attention better than straight lecture. If you can get the group to participate in the session, even only one or two or the group, all the attendees will pay more attention.

Tell them what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them. Preparing an audience, then doing it and following up with summary lets them hear it more than once. Try to use different words, different examples so as to give each employee several ways to understand your point.

Ask questions that can’t be answered by yes or no. Questions that require students to use part of the information you have presented cause them to think more and provide you with a test of our effectiveness.

Get participation. If an employee can do something – use a fire extinguisher, pull a demo fire alarm – he is more likely to remember how. Encourage questions.

Stick to the point. Don’t stray from the chosen topic. If necessary, suggest you get back to them later if any employees have question on other subjects.

Review and summarize at the end of the meeting. If you can write the main points on a blackboard or use a flipchart as you review them, this will help the employee remember them. It may also help you be sure you have covered all points.

End the meeting with a punch by assigning each employee a specific follow up activity. If it is something he must do immediately after the meeting, he will be more likely to benefit from it – and the meeting.

Test your results. Check to see if the employees got your point. This might be by a quick pencil test, some specific behavior or a casual question a couple of days later. If you follow up your safety meetings, they can be an effective addition to your overall program.

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Safety Meeting – Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.

Date: _______________________________________

Location: ____________________________________

Conducted by: ________________________________

Items Discussed:

1) __________________________________________

2) __________________________________________

3) __________________________________________

Employee Safety Recommendations: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attendees:

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

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TOOL BOX TRAINING MATERIALS THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD CHENMICAL FACTS MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

LOVENTS

ACIDE, BASES, ALKALI

METALS

OUR SKIN AROUND US

CLEANING DRUMS

CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH

SCENT OF DANGER

GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY

ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES

TRICHLORETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

DERMATITIS IN CONCRETE

HANDLING GASOLINE

CARBON MONOXIDE

COMPRESSED AIR

COMMON SOLVENTS

OXYACETYLENE

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THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely with hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.

The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly label chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user of their products

Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical Inventory List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make available information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.

Employers must provide training to workers in: the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use, Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine tasks and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are brought into the workplace.

The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at the jobsite.

Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program and Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to talk to, to review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.

Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide you with access to the needed information but its up to you to handle chemicals safely and to use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are working with chemicals.

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SOLVENTS A solvent in simple language is a liquid that dissolves another substance. In construction, we most often see them as cleaners, degreasers, thinners, fuels and glues.

Solvents are lumped into three main types of classes. Those containing water (aqueous solutions) like liquid forms of acids, alkalis and detergents and those containing carbon organic solvents) like acetone, toluene and gasoline. The third group contains chlorine and their chemical makeup and are called chlorinated solvents like methylene-chloride and trichloroethylene.

Solvents can enter into your body in two ways, be breathing or by contact with your skin.

Any solvent you breath (inhalation) can cause dizziness or headache as it affects your central nervous system. If you continue to breath the vapors of a solvent you could develop nose, throat, eye and lung irritation and even damage to the liver, blood, kidneys and digestive system.

Solvents on your skin can be absorbed into the body. Because solvents dissolve oils and greases, contact with your skin can dry it out producing irritation, cracking and skin rashes. Once a solvent penetrates through the skin, it enters into the bloodstream and can attack the central nervous system and body organs.

Like all chemicals the effect upon you will depend on a number of factors – how toxic it is, how long were you exposed, your own body’s sensitivity and how concentrated or strong the solvent is.

You can protect yourself from solvent hazards by following a few simple rules:

• Know what chemicals you are working with,

• Use protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses and proper respirators recommended for that chemical,

• Make sure your work area has plenty of fresh air,

• Avoid skin contact with solvents,

• Wash with plenty of soap and water if contact with your skin and a solvent occurs,

• If a solvent splashes into your eye, flush with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get medical help.

More information on the chemicals you work with is available from your supervisor.

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ACIDS, BASESS, ALKALI Acids and bases (Caustics) can easily damage skin and eyes. How serious the damage is depends on how strong the chemical is, how long contact is maintained and what actions you take.

Acids and bases can be liquids, solid granules, powders, vapors or gases. A few commonly used acids include: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid and nitric acid. Some common bases (caustics) are lye (sodium hydroxide) and potash (potassium hydroxide).

Both acids and bases can be corrosive, causing damage to whatever they come in contact with. The more concentrated the chemical them ore dangerous it can be. Vinegar is a mild form of acetic acid and as such it can be swallowed or rubbed into the skin with no damage, but a concentrated solution of acetic acid can cause serious burns.

Different acids react differently when they contact your skin. Sulfuric acid mixes with water to produce heat; when it contacts your skin it reacts with moisture causing burns. Hydrofluoric acid may not even be noticed if it spills on your skin but hours later as the acid is absorbed into the muscle tissue, it can cause deep burns that are very painful. Most acids in a gas or vapor form when you breathe them in react with the moisture in your nose and throat causing irritation or damage. Acetic and nitric acids don’t react with water so when these vapors are breathed in they quickly penetrate into the lungs causing serious damage.

Bases as a class of chemicals fee slippery or soapy, in fact, soap is made from a mixture of a base (lye) and animal fat. Concentrated bases dissolve tissue easily and therefore can cause severe skin damage on contact. Concentrated caustic gases like ammonia vapors can damage the skin, eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Even dry power forms of bases can damage you when you breathe them in because they react with the moisture in your skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Cement and mortar are alkali compounds in their wet or dry form. As dust and powder they can cause damage to skin and eyes when they react with moisture in your body. Concrete and mortar can also cause an allergic reaction in people who become sensitive to them. These compounds are abrasive and can damage your skin by the sandpaper-like quality they possess.

Always follow these rules when working with acids and bases:

• Know what chemicals you are working with and how strong (concentrated) they are.

• Use Personnel Protective Equipment as required.

• In case of skin or eye contact, flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes buy do not rub the skin or eyes.

• Always add acid to water to prevent splatter.

• Keep acids and bases apart, store separately and clean up spills promptly.

• Check with your supervisor if you need more information.

8-7

METALS We don’t usually think of chemicals when we talk about metals, but the fact is that every time we weld, braze, torch cut, solder, grind, polish, coat, finish or drill metals we may be producing dust, fumes and vapors containing that metal.

The metal in dust, fumes and vapors can easily be deposited in the lungs and then into the blood stream. Although breathing in the dust or fume form of a metal is the most common way for metals to get into your body, you could swallow metal particles or compounds if you smoke, drink, chew gum or eat your lunch in an area where these compounds are present. Some metals are mercury and certain compounds of lead can be absorbed by your skin.

Common Construction Metals CADMIUM – Cadmium and its compounds can be toxic. A condition called metal fume fever, with flu-like symptoms can occur when small doses are inhaled. In larger doses cadmium inhalation can be fatal. Small repetitive doses can cause kidney damage or lead to emphysema. Welding cadmium-coated metals is the most common cause of exposure, adequate ventilation and an approved respirator will protect you.

NICKEL – Exposure to metal dust or fumes containing nickel and nickel compounds can inflame and irritate the skin causing an itching rash. Inhalation of nickel compounds has been linked to cancer of the lungs and nasal sinuses.

LEAD – Lead exists normally in the body but can easily build to a level that is toxic. Early signs of lead poisoning – fatigue, irritability, headache, cramps, stomach pain, loss of appetite – are likely to be ignored. Continual buildup can damage the nervous system, brain, kidneys and reproductive system. Soldering Pipes, casting lead seals and repairing piping are common lead producers; but lead is also found in gasoline, canned food and most city water supplies.

ZINC, COPPER, BRASS AND MAGNESIUM – Fumes, powders and compounds of these metals are sometimes encountered in welding, brazing, cutting and spray metalizing work. Inhalation of these metals can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like condition with coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, profuse sweating and chest pains.

Following a few simple procedures will protect you from metal exposure:

• Know what is in the metals you are working with.

• When dust or fumes are produced, use the appropriate respirator properly.

• Always make sure you have plenty of ventilation.

• Pay attention to personal hygiene and housekeeping. Before eating, drinking and smoking, wash your hands and keep your work area separate from your lunch area.

8-8

CLEANING DRUMS One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.

The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.

I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old drum before re-use.

The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:

1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special explosion-proof extension lights.

2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.

3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and you’ll be instructed on that).

4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or other stuff that would prevent good draining.

The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry the drum with a stream of warm air.

Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using an explosion-proof light to make sure it is clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding on the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.

8-9

OUR SKIN AROUND US The human body, as we know it, is completely covered with protective covering call skin. This covering is necessary for our everyday well being as well as being vital to sustaining life. Skin disorders can result from exposure to any number of things and are incurred at home, work or play. To better understand disorders of the skin and how to protect ourselves, to prevent these disease, we should know more of how the skin functions.

The skin is composed of several substances. In fact, it is composed of the same material as the hair and fingernails. It is quite brittle and the chemical substances of the skin requires body oils and water to keep it soft and pliable. If the oil is removed from the skin through the action of solvents, such as kerosene, gasoline, pain thinner, lacquer thinner and others, the skin may become dry and tend to crack.

Similarly, during cold, dry month, the skin loses some of its moisture and becomes more brittle. The skin can then very easily crack. Once there are breaks in the skin, grease and grime can enter very easily and cause infection.

Another way that the skin can become broken, making it possible for infection to take place, is through abrasion of the skin. The skin can become scuffed from a fall, from working with fine chips or from constant rapping of the fingers or hands against sharp objects. Once a sufficient number of openings have developed, infection has an easy target.

Acids and alkaline materials act in different manners; but if a material is too caustic, it will cause a severe skin irritation. Some acids that are weak will not harm the skin since the skin itself is mildly acidic in nature. Some weak acids, however, such as the acid in the vinegar, will dissolve the skin itself.

Continual exposure to substances that are mildly alkaline, such as many soaps and detergents, some soluble cutting oils and the like, can also cause dermatitis. As we mentioned previously, the skin is normally acid in nature. If, however, the skin is continually exposed to alkaline material, the acid in the skin is neutralized and the skin cannot function properly. It dries and cracks and makes possible bacterial invasion.

All of these materials can cause what is called contact dermatitis. It is given this name because contact must take place between the skin and material before a dermatitis condition will develop.

A second type of dermatitis is caused by working with a material which may not cause any difficulty for a long period of time. Then, suddenly, the person breaks out in a rash for no apparent reason. This is what is termed sensitivity dermatitis. This type of dermatitis can also occur from breathing the vapors of many materials, from contact with or ingestion of the materials. These materials act from within. It should be pointed out that many of the materials which can cause sensitivity dermatitis also cause contact dermatitis.

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Several general controls which should be applied to different conditions are:

1. Skin cleanliness is extremely important. The skin should receive a regular cleaning with a good industrial hand cleaner, regardless of the type of exposure.

2. Solvents should not be used to clean the hands.

3. Depending on the type of exposure, it may be necessary to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, aprons, glasses and boots.

4. Protective hand creams are helpful in controlling some exposures.

5. Before starting to work with a new material, find out the composition of the material, the exposure it presents and plan controls for its use.

Skin problems, which may arise from time to time, are not associated with just a few types of industries but many. Therefore, the foregoing general control procedures, if followed, will help minimize skin irritation caused by industrial materials and processes.

8-11

GUIDELINES FOR CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT When the job to be done involves a chemical that rapidly attacks the skins, eyes and respiratory system, the following protective equipment should be considered:

A. Slicker Suit

B. Rubber Boots

C. Rubber Gloves

D. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask

For chemicals that rapidly attack the skin or eyes, but not likely to be inhaled:

A. Slicker Suit

B. Rubber Boots

C. Rubber Gloves

D. Chemical Goggles

E. Face Shield

Chemicals that rapidly attack the respiratory system, may be irritating to the eyes, but are not hazardous to the skin:

A. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask

Where there is a latent possibility for exposure of personnel to flammable mixtures, appropriate flash protective gear should be used.

8-12

SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH The operations of the Safety Shower/Eye Wash assembly is very simple. However, when the need arises for using this assembly, unless you have studied its components and learned precisely how they function, you will be unable to help yourself. Today I am asking the supervisors to review the hardware and the procedure for using it with you and then take everyone to a station and physically demonstrate how it works. The supervisor should also generally locate the shower stations in the block for you.

The arrangement consists of a shower head, actuated by a pull arm; an eye wash, operated by a push lever; and an alarm, actuated by a push button or wobble stick.

Should you get chemical in your eyes go to nearest shower station, turn on the eyewash and press the alarm button. The operations personnel will respond. Continue to irrigate your eyes until the ambulance arrives and you are directed to leave.

Should you get chemical on your body, go to the nearest shower station, turn on the shower and press the alarm. Remove the contaminated clothing and continue to shower until directed otherwise by operations personnel.

Each day as you go on your job, locate the nearest shower station so you will not have to search for one if the need occurs. Remember, in the even that you should get chemical in your eyes, your vision will almost certainly be momentarily impaired and your ability to find a shower station severely restricted. Be prepared for what might happen. It may very well save your eyesight.

8-13

TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS SCENT OF DANGER

We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.

At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.

So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.

We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.

When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.

We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.

We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke. There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.

Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.

The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.

It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.

In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.

A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We must base a plan of action on the smell.

Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.

8-14

TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

Eye protective devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of your know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore their goggles at the right time.

Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a facemask or spectacle-type safety glasses. There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective lenses may need goggles, which can be worn over them for protection against damage or breakage. This ”covers all protection” cam be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye shield.

Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it, you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In face, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t protect your eyes.

There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:

• Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete

• Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools

• Caulking, brushing and grinding

• Drilling, scaling and scraping

• Babbitting, soldering and casting or hot metals

• Handling of hot tar, oils, liquids and molten substances

• Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials

• Gas welding, cutting and brazing

• Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes to flying particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids

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It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present, suitable goggles will give helpful protection.

Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles. Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.

Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fact is they just don’t fit. Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart; lets use eye protection when eye hazards are present.

8-16

TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY

The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries. Ultra-violet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive ultra-violet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.

The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning operations:

OPERATION SHADE NUMBER

Soldering 2

Torch Brazing 3 or 4

Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4

Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5

Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6

Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5

Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6

Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8

Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14

Carbon-arc welding 14

It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position yourself “up-wind’ from the point of operation.

When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!

In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are taken.

Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from physical damage.

8-17

TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES

There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important points.

First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head. Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.

All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.

The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.

Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.

All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds. There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.

Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode. It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the acetylene as the pressure is bled off.

Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for

8-18

acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that fellow.

Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.

Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under pressure.

The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas

Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders together hard, both might let go.

Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever, be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and healthy and avoid a fire.

8-19

TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:

1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used. Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when necessary.

2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.

3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.

4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.

5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are open flames, particularly welding operations.

6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or removed from the degreaser.

7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator. A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a full-face airline respirator.

Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:

1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No Smoking” enforced.

2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.

3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.

4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash the fluid from the body.

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5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a large dose, cause unconsciousness.

Emergency procedures 1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed

to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.

2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure complete washing.

3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free of all trichloroethylene odors.

8-21

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) SOME CO STATISTICS

Carbon monoxide kills about 1,300 people a year in the United States. In addition, perhaps one-half of the nearly 6,800 non-transport annual fire deaths result from carbon monoxide intoxication. At least 10,000 to 12,000 additional persons seek medical attention each year for CO exposure. More deaths occur in the winter months, a time when confinement indoor and heater use are prevalent.

FIRST AID FOR CO VICTIMS

An individual suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide should be removed immediately from the contaminated area and into an area free from the gas and kept comfortably warm.

If breathing has stopped or the individual is weak or breathes in spasms, artificial respiration should be administered as soon as possible. Pure oxygen is preferred.

It is extremely important to keep the patient warm and away from drafts. Blankets may be used to maintain body temperature.

The victim should be resting and lying down to prevent a strain on his heart. As an aid to circulation, his body should be treated as a convalescent and given plenty of time to rest and recuperate.

The after-effects of CO poisoning should be treated symptomatically by a physician. They may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization.

THE GREEKS ALSO KNEW CO

The toxicity of this deadly gas is not a new phenomenon. Carbon monoxide has polluted our air since the advent of fire on this planet and it has been recorded as a lethal poison since the time of ancient Greece. In the world today, nearly 200 million tons (400 billion pounds) of CO are produced yearly. Three-fourths of that amount comes from automobile exhaust but home appliances, heaters, recreations campers and factories contribute their share. It should be no surprise to us that the highly industrialized and affluent nation in which we live contributes more than half of the world’s output of carbon monoxide.

8-22

DERMATITIS IN THE HANDLING OF CEMENT PRODUCTS Cement is the major cause of skin irritation. The more lime it contains, the more irritating the cement is to the skin. Adding water to cement generates heat, thus aiding the possibility of reddening or burning of the skin upon contact.

When cement with little moisture comes into contact with the skin, the skin becomes hard, dry and thickened. The dry skin is then likely to crack and become fissured and slowly developing ulcers may form. The nails become dry and brittle. Cement can also cause inflammation of the eyelids and chronic conjunctivitis. Ulcers can result in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth upon inhalation of cement.

Factors which can contribute to the development of dermatitis are:

1. Excessive sweating – workers who perspire freely are more likely to develop cement dermatitis first on exposed parts of the body and later on the covered parts. For this reason, cement dermatitis occurs more frequently in hot weather.

2. The lack of cleanliness.

3. Pre-existing non occupational dermatitis or allergy.

Dermatitis may also be caused by using harsh or poor quality skin cleansers, especially if you have dry skin or work with alkalis. It is believed that lanolin is the best agent to counteract the fat removing and dehydrating action of harsh soap on the skin. A water-type barrier cream is thought to be effective.

Proper personal hygiene is the most important facet in the prevention of dermatitis among cement workers. Workers should know the proper preventative measures, this includes showers after each shift and changing of clothing daily. During the work shift, a lanolin-based soap should be used to wash hands.

Lanolin should be applied to exposed areas before putting on gloves, for those workers who are inclined to develop dryness and cracking of the skin.

Medical care should be sought for those who develop dermatitis. If necessary, they should be taken off the job until they recover.

With reasonable care and cleanliness, cement dermatitis need not occur among workers with normal skin.

8-23

HANDLING GASOLINE Gasoline is made for one purpose: to cause an explosion and thereby release energy for power. If misused, it can cause serious injury or death. Improper use kills many people annually. Follow these suggestions when handling gasoline and you won’t become a fatal statistic:

1. Gasoline should always be kept in an approved container. The container must be red, labeled with the name of the product and with the word “FLAMMABLE.” Never use glass containers.

2. Pouring gasoline from one container to another can generate a charge of static electricity. Bond one can to the other by use of an insulated wire.

3. Build a dike at least 18” high around gasoline storage drums to control spillage.

4. Wipe up gasoline spills immediately so that no vapors are allowed to form.

5. Remove saturated clothing immediately. Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water; otherwise severe irritation or rashes will result. Stay away from ignition sources.

6. Avoid inhaling vapors.

7. Never use gasoline for cleaning purposes, whether it be clothes, tools or your hands.

8. Never smoke on service station drives.

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SPECIAL HAZARDS

Compressed Air A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep he pressure as low as possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.

Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing. A compressed air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe injuries and even death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor who tried to be funny with compressed air.

Compressed Gas Cylinders Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in transit. The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use/ Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not be subject to excessive variations in temperature. Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder controls, for oil and oxygen can explode.

Chemical Agents Air contaminants – Always use hood, exhaust systems or special enclosures (if available) to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced by grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other such operations.

Labeling – Containers form chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells the name of the product, gives a signal word, states hazards and lists precautionary measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers. Read the labels. Don’t remove them.

Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean. Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.

Physical Agents Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at arc welding or gas welding operations unless you are wearing proper eye protection.

Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.

Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.

Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure no fire has started.

8-25

COMMON SOLVENTS Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at dissolving them and washing the dirt away.

Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages. That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided due to its toxicity.

Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you know the hazards and the way to control them.

Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.

Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor. If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally, if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as vapor.

The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.

When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over, plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.

Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

8-26

RESPECT OXYACETYLENE Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only 10%of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that should be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:

1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of any commonly used gas)

2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated with acetone)

3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)

4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i. (Defeats the purpose of the acetone in the cylinder making it safe to store and use)

5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)

6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)

7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended. (Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where a spark from any source can explode it)

8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the temperature of boiling water. (don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch them)

9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding from the cylinder in recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank)

10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can be opened at any given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to escape into the room)

IT TAKES ONE…

Minute to build a safety thought hour to make a guard week to study plant conditions month to develop a safety program year to make it operate lifetime to make a good safe workman second to destroy it with one accident anonymous.

8-27

CHART

TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS

8-28

TO THE CONTRACTOR This expanded series of Tool Box Safety Talks was designed specifically for your supervisors to use on a job site.

The talks are not intended to serve as a complete safety program but rather to provide your supervisors with a “selling” tool to use in their safety briefings.

If you desire additional copies of the Tool Box Safety Talks, pleas contact your industry fund office of Associated General Contractors of Indiana, Inc.

8-29

TABLE OF CONTENTS Talk No. 1 To The Supervisor ………………………… 8-37

Talk No. 2 Accidents – Causes of …………………….. 8-38

Talk No. 3 Accidents – What to do ……………………. 8-39

Talk No. 4 Accidents – What an employee can do ……. 8-40

Talk No. 5 Accidents – When they happen ……………. 8-41

Talk No. 6 Accidents – Who got hurt? ………………... 8-42

Talk No. 7 Acetylene and Fuel Gases …………………. 8-43

Talk No. 8 Artificial Respiration ……………………….8-45

Talk No. 9 Barbed Wire – Safety Practices …………… 8-46

Talk No. 10 Barricades and Warning Devices …………. 8-47

Talk No. 11 Battery Bombs ……………………………. 8-48

Talk No. 12 Carbon Monoxide (CO) …………………... 8-49

Talk No. 13 Carpenters – Driving & Pulling Nails …….. 8-50

Talk No. 14 Carpenters – Safe Practices ……………….. 8-52

Talk No. 15 Carpenters – Wood Rip Saws …………….. 8-53

Talk No. 16 Cave-Ins – Rescue ………………………… 8-55

Talk No. 17 Chisels – Do’s and Don’ts ………………… 8-56

Talk No. 18 Chisel – Cold, Use of ……………………... 8-57

Talk No. 19 Compressed Air …………………………… 8-58

Talk No. 20 Concrete …………………………………... 8-59

Talk No. 21 Concrete Construction – General …………. 8-60

Talk No. 22 Construction Practices #1 …………………. 8-61

Talk No. 23 Construction Practices #2 …………………. 8-62

Talk No. 24 Construction Practices #3 …………………. 8-63

Talk No. 25 Construction Practices #4 …………………. 8-64

Talk No. 26 Crane – Mobile ……………………………. 8-65

Talk No. 27 Crane Boom Loading ……………………… 8-66

8-30

Talk No. 28 Demolition – Safety Rules ………………… 8-67

Talk No. 29 Drills – Using a Star Drill …………………. 8-68

Talk No. 30 Driving – Cures Can Kill ………………….. 8-70

Talk No. 31 Driving – Defensive ……………………….. 8-72

Talk No. 32 Driving – Driver In The Dark …………….. 8-73

Talk No. 33 Driving – Forecast – Lousy! ………………. 8-75

Talk No. 34 Driving – Highway ………………………... 8-77

Talk No. 35 Driving – Highway Hazards ………………. 8-79

Talk No. 36 Driving – How Close is Too Close? ………. 8-81

Talk No. 37 Driving – I Never Saw Him ……………….. 8-82

Talk No. 38 Driving – Mr. Nice Guy …………………… 8-83

Talk No. 39 Driving – Skid Row ……………………….. 8-84

Talk No. 40 Driving – The Silent Killer (CO) ………….. 8-85

Talk No. 41 Driving – Those Country Roads …………... 8-86

Talk No. 42 Driving – Triple Threat ……………………. 8-88

Talk No. 43 Driving – What Every Driver Should Know ………………………. 8-89

Talk No. 44 Driving – What Happened? ……………….. 8-90

Talk No. 45 Driving – When An Accident Happens …… 8-92

Talk No. 46 Driving – Winter Time ……………………. 8-94

Talk No. 47 Driving – You Can’t Fool Mother Nature ……………………… 8-95

Talk No. 48 Electrical – Outlets ………………………… 8-97

Talk No. 49 Electrical – Safety …………………………. 8-98

Talk No. 50 Electrical – General Regulations ………….. 8-99

Talk No. 51 Elevators – Material Elevators …………….. 8-100

Talk No. 52 Equipment – From Head to Foot ………….. 8-101

Talk No. 53 Equipment – Personal Protective ………….. 8-102

Talk No. 54 Eye Care – A Priceless Possession ……….. 8-103

8-31

Talk No. 55 Eye Care – Foresight Preserves Eyesight …………………… 8-104

Talk No. 56 Eye Care – Last To Go ……………………. 8-105

Talk No. 57 Eye Care – Negative Reaction …………….. 8-106

Talk No. 58 Eye Care – Never Let Down ……………… 8-107

Talk No. 59 Falling or Moving Objects ………………… 8-108

Talk No. 60 Falls – Let’s Eliminate Falls ………………. 8-109

Talk No. 61 Falls – The Dangerous Four ………………. 8-110

Talk No. 62 Fire Extinguishers …………………………. 8-111

Talk No. 63 Fire and Fire Extinguishers ……………….. 8-112

Talk No. 64 Fire Prevention ……………………………..8-113

Talk No. 65 First Aid – General Directions …………….. 8-114

Talk No. 66 Foot Protection …………………………….. 8-115

Talk No. 67 Gas – Compressed Gas Cylinders – A …….. 8-116

Talk No. 68 Gas – Compressed Gas Cylinders – B …….. 8-117

Talk No. 69 Gas – LP Gas Heaters ……………………... 8-119

Talk No. 70 Gas – LP Gas Leaks & Fire Control ………. 8-121

Talk No. 71 Goggles vs. Eye Injuries ………………….. 8-124

Talk No. 72 Grinders – Portable Abrasive Wheels ……... 8-126

Talk No. 73 Grinders – Safe Use of Bench & Stand …… 8-128

Talk No. 74 Hazardous Cylinders ……………………… 8-129

Talk No. 75 Hard Hats – Why Wear …………………… 8-130

Talk No. 76 Handling of Cement Products …………….. 8-131

Talk No. 77 Heating Devices …………………………… 8-132

Talk No. 78 Heating Devices – Warnings on Use ……… 8-133

Talk No. 79 Heat Strokes & Exhaustion ……………….. 8-135

Talk No. 80 Heavy Equipment – Safe Practices ………... 8-136

Talk No. 81 Hoisting Safely ……………………………. 8-137

Talk No. 82 Injuries – Causes of ……………………….. 8-138

8-32

Talk No. 83 Injuries – Prevention of ……………………. 8-140

Talk No. 84 Injuries – What to do ………………………. 8-141

Talk No. 85 Ladders – Check Ladders ………………….. 8-142

Talk No. 86 Ladders – Ladder Downfalls ………………. 8-143

Talk No. 87 Ladders – Use of …………………………... 8-144

Talk No. 88 Ladders – Use of …………………………... 8-145

Talk No. 89 Ladders – Safety with ……………………... 8-146

Talk No. 90 Lifting – General Guidelines ……………… 8-147

Talk No. 91 Lifting – How ……………………………… 8-149

Talk No. 92 Lifting – How to Lift Properly ……………. 8-150

Talk No. 93 Lifting – Look Before you Lift ……………. 8-151

Talk No. 94 Lift Truck Operators Rules ………………... 8-152

Talk No. 95 Laser – Hazard Controls …………………... 8-153

Talk No. 96 Machinery …………………………………. 8-154

Talk No. 97 Machinery – General Precautions for Oilers ………………….. 8-155

Talk No. 98 Material Handling Equipment …………….. 8-156

Talk No. 99 Mechanics – Safety for Mechanics ………... 8-157

Talk No. 100 Openings – Covers ………………………... 8-158

Talk No. 101 Openings – Plywood Covers ……………... 8-159

Talk No. 102 OSHA – Role of Employees ………………. 8-160

Talk No. 103 OSHA – Construction Standards Most Violated …………………… 8-162

Talk No. 104 OSHA – Supervisor Key to Success ………. 8-163

Talk No. 105 Oxyacetylene – Respect For ………………. 8-165

Talk No. 106 Pipe – Proper Handling …………………… 8-166

Talk No. 107 Refueling Equipment – Use and Maintenance ………………. 8-168

Talk No. 108 Safety – A Belt Can Help …………………. 8-169

8-33

Talk No. 109 Safety – Avoid Unsafe Acts ………………. 8-171

Talk No. 110 Safety – Belts ……………………………… 8-173

Talk No. 111 Safety – Influencing Attitudes …………….. 8-174

Talk No. 112 Safety – Safe Practices Pay ………………... 8-175

Talk No. 113 Safety – Safety Always – All Ways ……….. 8-177

Talk No. 114 Safety – The Positive Approach …………... 8-178

Talk No. 115 Scaffolds – General ………………………... 8-179

Talk No. 116 Special Hazards …………………………… 8-180

Talk No. 117 Scaffolds – General Requirements ………... 8-182

Talk No. 118 Scaffolds – For Safety …………………….. 8-183

Talk No. 119 Scaffold – Rolling …………………………. 8-184

Talk No. 120 Scaffold – Steel ……………………………. 8-185

Talk No. 121 Screwdrivers and Screws ………………….. 8-187

Talk No. 122 Steel Construction – General ……………… 8-188

Talk No. 123 Structural Steel …………………………….. 8-189

Talk No. 124 Tools – Grounding Electric ……………….. 8-190

Talk No. 125 Tools – Guards Protect You ………………. 8-191

Talk No. 126 Tools – Handling Hand …………………… 8-193

Talk No. 127 Tools – Care of ……………………………. 8-194

Talk No. 128 Tools – Avoiding Injuries …………………. 8-195

Talk No. 129 Tools – Handling Power Tools ……………. 8-196

Talk No. 130 Tools – Portable Electric …………………... 8-198

Talk No. 131 Tools – Power Rules ………………………. 8-199

Talk No. 132 Safe Use of Hand Tools …………………… 8-200

Talk No. 133 Tools – Torsion ……………………………. 8-201

Talk No. 134 Tools – Powder Actuated ………………….. 8-202

Talk No. 135 Tools – Striking …………………………… 8-203

Talk No. 136 Trench – Excavation and Shoring ………… 8-204

8-34

Talk No. 137 Trench – Trench Excavation ………………. 8-205

Talk No. 138 Trench – Trenching Operations …………… 8-207

Talk No. 139 Trucks – Mounting Heavy Duty Tires & Rims ……………… 8-208

Talk No. 140 Trucks – Premix Trucks …………………… 8-209

Talk No. 141 Water Hazards …………………………….. 8-210

Talk No. 142 Welding and Burning Safety ………………. 8-211

Talk No. 143 Welding – Safe Practices ………………….. 8-212

Talk No. 144 Wrenches – Using Wrenches ……………… 8-213

Talk No. 145 General Subject – Accept It – It’s Yours ….. 8-215

Talk No. 146 General Subject – Action ………………….. 8-216

Talk No. 147 General Subject – After …………………… 8-217

Talk No. 148 General Subject – An Open Market for Safety ………………….. 8-218

Talk No. 149 General Subject – Before and After ………..8-219

Talk No. 150 General Subject – Cleaning Drums ………...8-220

Talk No. 151 General Subject – Common Sense Safety … 8-222

Talk No. 152 General Subject – Fighting Words …………8-224

Talk No. 153 General Subject – Foresight or Hindsight … 8-225

Talk No. 154 General Subject – Good Housekeeping …… 8-226

Talk No. 155 General Subject – It’s Simple as 1-2-3 ……. 8-227

Talk No. 156 General Subject – Long Hair – Fashion or Hazard ………………….. 8-228

Talk No. 157 General Subject – Look and Live …………. 8-229

Talk No. 158 General Subject – Near Misses ……………. 8-230

Talk No. 159 General Subject – Panic! …………………... 8-231

Talk No. 160 General Subject – Safety Dividends ………. 8-232

Talk No. 161 General Subject – Scent of Danger ……….. 8-233

Talk No. 162 General Subject – The Deadly Dozen ……... 8-234

8-35

Talk No. 163 General Subject – The Little Things That Count ………………… 8-235

Talk No. 164 General Subject – Think Safety …………… 8-236

Talk No. 165 General Subject – We Know Better But …... 8-237

Talk No. 166 General Subject – What Of It? …………….. 8-239

Talk No. 167 General Subject – Who Am I ……………… 8-241

Talk No. 168 General Subject – Who is the Safety Expert ………………. 8-242

Talk No. 169 General Subject – Thoughts To Start The Day ……………………. 8-243

Talk No. 170 General Subject – Be Kind To Your Neighbors ……………. 8-244

Talk No. 171 General Subject – 15 Years to DIE ………...8-245

Talk No. 172 General Subject – 1½ Safe? ………………. 8-246

Talk No. 173 The Hazard communication Standard …….. 8-247

Talk No. 174 Chemical Facts ……………………………. 8-248

Talk No. 175 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) ……... 8-249

Talk No. 176 Our Skin Around Us ………………………. 8-250

Talk No. 177 Acids, Bases, Alkali ……………………….. 8-252

Talk No. 178 Cleaning Drums …………………………… 8-253

Talk No. 179 Common Solvents …………………………. 8-254

Talk No. 180 Metals ……………………………………… 8-255

Talk No. 181 Solvents ……………………………………. 8-256

Talk No. 182 Trichloroethylene Safety Precautions ……... 8-257

Safety Talk Record Sheet …………………………………………. 8-259

8-36

Talk No. 1 TO THE SUPERVISOR

Your job in management embraces many duties and not the least of these if your responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of the workers in your charge. No other obligation is of greater importance than this.

As foreman, it is your duty to police your men and your job. You are to be on the alert, at all times, for unsafe conditions and unsafe actions. You are to take immediate remedial action when necessary.

As an added insurance to en effective safety program, it is imperative that you talk to your men, from time to time, on safety performance. We would suggest that you try to do this at least once a week and to assist you in this phase of your operation, these short bulletin-type talks have been furnished. The last pages provide space to record dates and talks given.

You are not expected to be a finished orator you should, however, make it clear that you have the courage of your convictions – and that you intend to do everything in your power to protect your men – and the equipment in your charge – from accident and injury.

Teach your workers to think SAFETY – it just might save their lives!

8-37

Talk No. 2

THE DEADLY DOZEN

We have often heard of the “Daily Dozen” with regard to proper exercise and maintaining good health. The “Daily Dozen” has a counter-part, known as the “Deadly Dozen”, which is applicable to safety on the job and which also has an important bearing on health and welfare.

These causes of accidents are classified in two categories of 12 each; “Unsafe Actions” and Unsafe Conditions.” If we acquaint ourselves with these enemies, a majority of accidents can be eliminated.

UNSAFE ACTIONS:

1. Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.

2. Failure to secure or tie down against unexpected movement.

3. Operating or working at an unsafe speed.

4. Failure to warn or signal as required.

5. Removing or making safety devices inoperative.

6. Using defective tools or equipment.

7. Using tools or equipment unsafely.

8. Standing in an unsafe place or taking an unsafe posture.

9. Servicing moving or working equipment.

10. Riding hazardous moving equipment.

11. Horseplay, distracting, startling and kidding.

12. Failure to wear personal protective equipment.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS

1, Lack of adequate guards or safety devices.

2. Lack of adequate warning system.

3. Fire and explosion hazards.

4. Unexpected movement hazards.

5. Poor housekeeping.

6. Protruding object hazards.

7. Close clearance and congestion hazards.

8. Hazardous atmospheric conditions.

9. Hazardous arrangement, placement or storage.

10. Hazardous defects of tools, equipment, etc.

11. Inadequate illumination or intense noise.

12. Hazardous personal attire.

8-38

Talk No. 3 WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ACCIDENT OCCURS ON YOUR JOB

Major Injuries

The number one problem at the scene of a major injury is remaining calm. Do not get excited for two reasons:

1. You can lose control of the situation and create a lot of confusion.

2. If the injured person knows you are confused about what to do, he becomes overly concerned about his own condition.

The following are recommendations for handling severe injuries:

1. Have someone call an ambulance.

2. Do not move the patient unless he is in danger of further injury.

3. Do not leave the patient alone. Someone should be with him at all times.

4. Reassure the patient he will be all right. A good mental attitude is important.

5. Use the proper First Aid for the injury.

Once a patient has been removed by the ambulance, take the following steps:

1. Investigate the accident. Get ALL the facts. Get the names of witnesses.

2. Notify the company office. Be sure to make a full written report.

3. If the victim of the accident dies from his/her injuries then IOSHA/OSHA must be notified within 48 hours of the death.

Minor Injuries

All injuries not matter how minor should be given First Aid and a notation made in the daily work book regarding who-when-where and treatment. Minor accidents can become major accidents. All accidents should be investigated, the cause determined and corrective action taken to prevent recurrence.

8-39

Talk No. 4

WHAT CAN THE EMPLOYEE DO ABOUT ACCIDENT PREVENTION Oftentimes, following a safety meeting, an employee will remark: “What can I do about accident prevention? I just work here.” And, more often than not, one finds it hard to come up with a quick answer to that question. It is obvious though, that since safe or unsafe, conditions and practices occur at the employee level, there must be a lot the employee can do about accident prevention. In face, he has almost total control of safety procedures in your organization.

Following are a few answers to that question:

1. Accept accident prevention as part of your daily duties and as a personal challenge. You can’t pass the buck and leave it to the other fellow.

2. Report unsafe working conditions. If you see an unsafe working condition, report it promptly to your supervisor.

3. Avoid horseplay and discourage others from playing practical jokes.

4. Follow instructions. Stick to safe, approved methods and do the job the right way. Your supervisor has considered beforehand the best and safest way to undertake the job. Follow his plan. You may inadvertently create an unsafe condition for fellow workers.

5. Make suggestions. Develop an interest in your work and study your job. Find out how your work ties in with the work of others. Try to improve methods, quality and production and you will also improve safety. Discuss your ideas with your supervisor.

6. Keep your work area neat and orderly. Don’t let unnecessary trash, materials and equipment accumulate. Maintain a safe place to work.

7. Dress for the job. Dressing safely will help you work safely. Leave off rings; wear appropriate shoes; don’t wear oil-soaked or too loose clothing. Dress cool in summer and warm in winter.

8-40

Talk No. 5

WHEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS

As drivers, we must do all we can to prevent accidents. But if you’re in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not, you should know what to do so the situation isn’t made worse and so that needed help is called immediately. You should be so sure what to do that your actions are almost automatic.

Every accident must be reported at once, no matter who’s responsible. And it’s a criminal offense to leave the scene of any accident before identifying yourself.

If possible get off the road. Turn off your ignition. Commercial drivers must comply with BMCS regulations and set up reflective triangles and flags or flares.

Stay at the scene of the accident until someone relieves you, unless you need medical attention or go to call for help. The professional driver should set an example by his behavior at the accident scene. He should be calm and businesslike.

Call the police and your home office immediately. Get the license numbers of all vehicles involved and the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers. If there’s been any property damage, note the name and address of the owner or owners. List the companies that insure the property and vehicles. Include the names and addresses of anyone at the scene, whether they actually saw the accident or not.

Never argue. People are emotionally upset at an accident and will argue without making much sense. Arguing only prevents you from getting the facts down on paper.

If the accident involves an unattended vehicle, make a reasonable search for the owner. If he can’t be found, leave a note in a conspicuous place so he can notify you. Inform the police and ask if they want you to remain at the scene or not.

Never move any of the victims unless it’s absolutely necessary to get them away from fire or danger from passing traffic. You can easily make their condition worse, especially if they have internal injuries. Call a doctor or see that one is called immediately. If you know how, give first aid, but don’t try it unless you know what you’re doing. Try to stop bleeding by applying some material in the form of a compress.

If it’s essential to drag people out of the wreckage, make sure there’s nothing to hinder moving them. If wreckage has to be lifted from a victim, be sure there are enough people to do the lifting so nothing is dropped again on the person caught under it. Don’t move a corpse until it’s been examined by authorities.

If people gather around, help keep them away from the victims. Make sure they don’t remove or destroy any of the evidence such as skid marks and parts of vehicles. Keep everyone away from spilled gasoline. A careless cigarette can turn a minor accident into a major one.

Take pictures if you have a camera. Take photos from different angles including the directions from which the vehicles approached the accident scene.

As soon as there’s time, write an account of the accident as it looked to you. Fill out all required local forms and insurance reports. Even though such reports may seen like a burden at the time, remember that your description can be the basis for preventing such accidents in the future.

Above all be thoroughly familiar with y our company’s policies and procedures in regard to accidents and follow them to the letter.

8-41

Talk No. 6 WHO GOT HURT?

The Employee, the Foreman, the Superintendent, the Company

A fatal injury occurred recently on a work site located near one of our members major contracts. When first reports of the accident reached the public, our office was deluged with calls from new media and others requesting information about the incident. So, even though we were not involved, we got hurt a little because the calls tied up our phones and interrupted our people’s work.

It appears that the answer to the stock question, “Who got hurt?” can be answered in one word: “Everybody.” Let’s consider all the people who suffer a loss of one kind or another when an accident occurs.

First of all, there is the employee who had the accident. Even if he is not injured, his work has been delayed, his ability to satisfactorily perform his work has been placed in doubt and he has suffered annoyance of having his plans suddenly changed by an undesirable event.

If he is injured, his loss will include some or all of the following: pain, discomfort, disability, loss of earnings, loss of physical ability to continue in his craft, total disability or even his life. There is not doubt that he got hurt.

Second, let’s consider the foreman. He is expected to get a reasonable amount of work with the manpower under his supervision. Anything which injures or delays one of his men, damages the material or equipment involved or interrupts the orderly accomplishment of the job, reflects unfavorably on his ability to control and direct the work for which his id responsible. Accidents certainly hurt him.

Suppose we consider the superintendent next. He is charged with competing a specific assignment by a designated date at an established cost. Each incident which delays the construction, damages the material or equipment, injures a workman or prevents the efficient supervision of the work being performed, also damages his reputation as a manager. He got hurt too!

What about the loss suffered by our company? Every accident which occurs on a job reflects a shadow of doubt on our ability to engineer and construct a facility, to provide capable supervision, to attract a capable work force and to fulfill a contract. The reputation of our company is hurt by our failure to prevent accidents.

Other areas for consideration are the loss suffered by the customer when completion of the contract is delayed, the additional insurance cost which the construction industry must

Pay and even the welfare loss imposed on the public.

We are proud of our improved injury experience. That is why we insist on the orderly application of our program for accident prevention measures. That is why we are continually working to improve the skills of our supervisors. That is why we are soliciting your cooperation.

Wherever you fit into the picture, we don’t want you to get hurt!

8-42

Talk No. 7 ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES

There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important points.

First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head. Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.

All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.

The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.

Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.

All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds. There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.

Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode. It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the acetylene as the pressure is bled off.

Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for

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acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that fellow.

Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.

Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under pressure.

The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas

Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders together hard, both might let go.

Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever, be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and healthy and avoid a fire.

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Talk No. 8 FIRST AID

Artificial Respiration If the victim is not breathing, begin some form of artificial respiration at once. Wipe out quickly any foreign matter visible in the moth using your fingers or a cloth wrapped around your fingers.

Two Methods Mouth to mouth (mouth to nose) method 1. Tilt the victim’s head back. Pull or push the jaw into a jutting-out position.

2. Blow into the victim’s lungs

a. If the victim is a child, place your mouth tightly over his mouth and nose and blow gently into his lungs about twenty times a minute.

b. If the victim is an adult, cover the mouth with your mouth, pinch his nostrils shut and blow vigorously about twelve times a minute.

3. If you are unable to get air into the victim’s lungs and if his head and jaw positions are correct, you should look for foreign matter in his throat. To remove it, suspend a small child momentarily by the ankles or place the child on his feet, bent at the waist and with head and arms down. Slap him between the shoulder blades.

4. If the victim is an adult and is conscious, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver). Chest thrusts should be given to a person who is in the late stages of pregnancy. For an unconscious adult victim you should do a finger sweep to clear obstruction and chest thrusts, followed by artificial respiration. Everyone should take a basic Red Cross First Aid Course.

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Talk No. 9 BARBED WIRE

The use of barbed wire has caused many injuries and deaths to its users. Barbed wire was introduced in the West nearly a hundred years ago to lend better control on one’s land and livestock. Deaths resulted when range wars ensued between those favoring and opposing its use.

Although barbed wire has been accepted philosophically now – users are still facing injuries when handling and installing the wire.

Barbs have a purpose and unfortunately at times, they also cause injury to the installer. These are among the precautions which should be adhered to when working with barbed wire:

1. When handling barbed wire, don’t be afraid of it but respect it. Treat it like a loaded firearm; know that it is loaded and handle it accordingly.

2. Always use leather faced gloves when handling barbed wire.

3. Never pick up or handle barbed wire gingerly – grasp it firmly. You may get a prick, but this is better than a torn hand caused by the wire slipping through your fingers.

4. When stretching barbed wire, never straddle or stand directly over the wire. Hold the wire to one side of your body and grasp firmly.

5. Don’t wear loose clothing which might become entangled in the wire.

6. Be careful when laying out wire so as not to kink it. Kinking will cause the wire to break when stretched. We’re not as concerned about the broken wire as we are about what happens to you when it breaks and you are standing near it – it will coil fast and wrap you up tighter than a Christmas package.

7. When clipping wire to posts, don’t twist it too tight as this may break the wire.

8. Be sure all tools you are using are in good condition.

9. Wear a long sleeve shirt to help protect your arms from the barbs.

10. Be sure everyone on the crew knows the wire is being stretched.

11. Work smart!

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Talk No. 10 BARRICADES AND WARNING DEVICES

Safety planning calls for first things first, and the first step in highway construction is the handling of traffic through or around the area involved.

Major sources of injuries involving the public and the worker caused by accidents which happen during highway construction or maintenance operation are:

1. Collision with construction equipment.

2. Collision with other vehicles.

3. Pedestrians falling into open excavation work.

4. Driving into open excavation work.

5. Driving into work areas.

6. Loss of car control because of minor road repairs, soft shoulder, etc. barricades and other warning devices will minimize the likelihood of such accidents. BARRICADES: Barricades are usually of two types, the horse type and the fence type. The fence type of barricade is recommended for use as a roadblock and around heavy equipment; the horse type is used for all other purposes. Barricades should be properly striped for visibility. It is recommended that stripes be six inches wide and inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal.

SIGNS: Signs should be conform in shape, size and color to the recommended specifications. Signs should be used freely to designate approach to the operation. Secondary approach warnings, one lane traffic, speed limit, etc.

FLAGMEN: The flagman’s duties are of the utmost importance and he should be made aware of this importance. Flagmen should place themselves where they will be visible to incoming traffic for at least 500 feet. They should stand on the shoulder opposite the roadblock or in the blocked lane, never in the traffic lane, and should face traffic at all times. Flagmen should use their traffic control flags with authority and not in a haphazard manner. When two flagmen are being used one at their signals and make sure that oncoming vehicles are not endangered.

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Talk No. 11 BATTERY BOMBS

Just about any motorist who has driven during the winter months has seen a car battery jumped. The procedure has always looked simple. Hook the terminals of the dead battery and booster battery together with jumper cables and the dead battery will receive enough assistance to turn the engine over and start the car.

The only drawback to this method is that many car batteries have exploded and showered motorists with sulfuric acid. One Ohio doctor, for example, reported treating three battery explosion victims in a single month.

Here’s what causes the explosions: Every car battery produces hydrogen gas as part of its chemical process. When a battery is being charged (as is the case when two batteries re hooked to each other with jumper cables) more of this hydrogen gas is produced. If the gas is allowed to accumulate in a small area, any spark or flame will set it off.

To avoid battery explosions you want to avoid concentrating the hydrogen gas as well as any spark or flame that might set it off. So take the following precautions:

• Don’t smoke when working near your car’s battery

• Do nothing that would make a spark near your car’s battery. A favorite test of many motorists is to hook the two cables to the booster battery and then touch the other ends of the cables together. If they make a spark, then they are assured that there is current. If the hydrogen gas in or over your battery contacts that spark it can explode.

• The last cable connection should not be to the grounded terminal of the dead battery, but to a ground away from the dead battery. Attach the last cable clamp to the engine block, generator/alternator bracket or any other ground at least a foot from the dead battery. The reasoning is sound: This last connection will complete the electrical circuit and when any circuit is closed there is apt to be a spark. Naturally you want to keep any spark away from the hydrogen gas in the battery.

• Remove the vent caps on both batteries and inspect to see that the fluid is at the proper level before connecting the cables. Leaving the battery vent caps off during the charging cycle enables the generated gases to escape more readily.

• Remember that the last two connections in the jumping procedure should be to hook the grounded terminal of the booster battery to a ground at least a foot from the dead battery. If you cannot tell which terminals are grounded and which are not, it is advisable to have someone who can tell make the connections.

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Task No. 12 CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

SOME CO STATISTICS

Carbon monoxide kills about 1,300 people a year in the United States. In addition, perhaps one-half of the nearly 6,800 non-transport annual fire deaths result from carbon monoxide intoxication. At least 10,000 to 12,000 additional persons seek medical attention each year for CO exposure. More deaths occur in the winter months, a time when confinement indoors and heater use are prevalent.

FIRST AID FOR CO VICTIMS

An individual suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide should be removed immediately from the contaminated area and into an area free from the gas and kept comfortably warm.

If breathing has stopped or the individual is weak or breathes in spasms, artificial respiration should be administered as soon as possible. Pure oxygen is preferred.

It is extremely important to keep the patient warm and away from drafts. Blankets may be used to maintain body temperature.

The victim should be resting and lying down to prevent a strain on his heart. As an aid to circulation, his body should be treated as a convalescent and given plenty of time to rest and recuperate.

The after-effects of CO poisoning should be treated symptomatically by a physician. They may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization.

THE GREEKS ALSO KNEW CO

The toxicity of this deadly gas is not a new phenomenon. Carbon monoxide has polluted our air since the advent of fire on this planet and it has been recorded as a lethal poison since the time of ancient Greece. In the world today, nearly 200 million tons (400 billion pounds) of CO are produced yearly. Three-fourths of that amount comes from automobile exhaust but home appliances, heaters, recreations campers and factories contribute their share. It should be no surprise to us that the highly industrialized and affluent nation in which we live contributes more than half of the world’s output of carbon monoxide.

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Talk No. 13 DRIVING AND PULLING NAILS

Having any of you ever though about safety in driving or pulling nails? Perhaps you think there isn’t much to it. I might think so, too, if I didn’t know that just about everyone who drives a few nails now and then gets a bruised finger or ganged-up-fingernail sooner or later.

Other unpleasant things can happen, too, when you’re driving and pulling nails. For instance, a badly hit nail may fly and strike someone – even put out an eye. Loose hammerheads are likely to fly off and they can land a nasty wallop when you’re taking a full arm swing at a spike. A cracked handle can spoil the swing and cause a glancing blow or even a miss.

Sometimes such a handle can push a sliver deep into the palm of your hand. It not only hurts like the very devil, but such a wound is particularly likely to become infected.

You should get first aid at once for a silver. That sort of injury is usually far more dangerous than most open wounds.

Carpenters learn the knack of driving nails cleanly and quickly without ganging their fingers. They have to or they couldn’t be carpenters. Few other men ever do, probably because they figure that “any fool can drive a nail.” Anyone can, but unless he takes a little care and uses his head, he won’t do a good job or do it safely. It seems so easy, but in reality it isn’t.

The hammer must be right. The head must be set at the proper angle and on good and tight. The handle must be smooth, straight grained and shaped to give a good grip and of the right length and weight to give good balance. The size of the hammer should be right for the size of the nail. Try driving a 3/8 inch brad with a full grown claw hammer, and you’ll see what I mean. You’ll probably bang a finger. The condition of the hammer face is important. It should not be chipped or worn away from the shape the manufacturer gave it, just a trifle off flat from edge to center.

When you drive a nail, the center of the hammer face should always meet the nail head. The direction of the blow should be exactly in line with the nail. If it isn’t, the nail may fly at the first blow or bend at the second.

It requires practice to hit a nail right every time or practically so. You have to learn to “groove” your swing, that is, make the hammer head go through the same path every time and hit the nail head always dead center and at the right angle, you simply set a nail, hold the center of the hammer face on the nail head and move the handle up or down until the face is perpendicular to the length of the nail. That’s the position the hammer should be in when the blow lands.

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With practice, anyone can develop the knack of “grooving” a hammer, but few go to the trouble.

Actually, it’s worthwhile many times over because if you don’t have this knack you waste a lot of time pulling out bent nails, you waste nails, you don’t do good work and you’ll probably bang a finger now and then.

People even get hurt pulling nails. For example, one ”do it yourself” guy went after a 20-penny spike with an ordinary claw hammer. When it didn’t come, he threw his weight into it. The handle broke, and his knuckles landed with an awful wallop on the edge of the beam. Two of them were broken. That job called for a pry bar, as he knows now.

Men have fallen off ladders when they took a good yank at a nail that let go easily. And there have been more cases just as silly. You fellows can figure out plenty of ways to get hurt pulling nails if you’ll just use your imagination. You’ll also see just how such accidents can be avoided.

It really all boils down to this: keep your tools in good condition, choose the right tool for the job and use a little judgment.

Finally, never leave nails sticking out unless you’re going to hang something on them and then be sure they’re so located that they present no hazard. Deep nail wounds, like any other puncture wounds, are very dangerous. So pull out projecting nails and bend them over flush with the wood so the points can’t be anyone.

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Talk No. 14 SAFE PRACTICES FOR CARPENTERS

1. Erect scaffolds and supports from sound material of ample strength to carry the load. Construct platforms of sound lumber. Secure toe boards and handrails in place.

2. Use both hands to hold on to side rails when going up or down a ladder. Use rope to raise or lower material or tools.

3. Sharp cutting tools are safer to work with than dull ones. Do not use tools with defective handles or mushroomed heads. Keep saws properly set.

4. Keep boards with nails in them out of passageways and working spaces. Nails should be pulled out or boards piled out of the way.

5. Never leave loose boards or tools on scaffolds, runways or platforms where they may be knocked off onto people below or cause workers to trip.

6. Keep work shoes in good condition so that your footing will always be solid and secure. Turn trousers cuffs up inside and sew.

7. Do not carry sharp-edged tools in your pockets unless the edges are protected in a sheath.

8. Clean up all loose material at the end of each workday.

9. Place an adequate number of red lights or warning devices in place to indicate material piled close to a walk or passageway used at night. Barricade passageways where there is danger of products falling from overhead.

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Talk No. 15 WOOD RIP SAWS

No fully satisfactory guard has ever been developed for the ordinary wood table saw because so many different kinds of jobs are done on these saws. Each kind of sawing job can be very well guarded but no single kind of guard will handle all kinds of jobs. So anyone using a saw must be sure he knows the safe way to perform each operation and must always do it that way. Bear in mind that wood table saws probably cut off more fingers than any other kind of machine.

First, when you have a sawing job, look to your footing. Make sure that the floor isn’t slippery and that there’s nothing for you to stumble over. Place your feet securely and comfortable and see that there’s nothing loose on the saw table to get in the way.

Next, check the guard. If it’s the kind that rides on top of the work, as it should be for all ordinary sawing, particularly ripping, see that it moves up and down freely without side play. If the guard has antikick back dogs, and it should, see that they move freely and are sharp so they’ll dig into the stock if it starts to kick back. If there’s a spreader, and there should be, see that it’s close to the saw teeth, stiff and well secured. Check the guide (fence) to make sure it lines up perfectly with the saw blade and set it for the cut you want.

If you have more than a piece or two to rip, have the stock on a hand truck or stand, placed so you can reach it easily from your position at the saw table. Start the saw, and see that it runs smoothly and quietly. If it doesn’t, don’t use it until the trouble has been corrected. If you do, it will probably heat up and run snaky and the teeth may catch in the work. That spells trouble. Your hand could be dragged into the saw or, if the antikick back dogs don’t hold, the piece being sawed could be thrown right back at you, hard.

Take the right position at the table, far enough out of line with the saw blade for a kick back to miss you, but not so far that it’s awkward to feed the wood through. In some shops, an extension is added to the saw table so the operator can’t stand directly in line with the saw blade and so long stock can be controlled more easily.

Unless you have seen a kick back, you don’t realize how vicious one can be. Those saw teeth are moving at not less than 10,000 feet per minute, perhaps nearly double that. The teeth at the top of the saw blade are running toward you. If they get caught in the wood, they’ll shoot it right back the way it came. If you’re in the way, it’s just too bad.

Saws don’t kick back if they’re treated right. A properly mounted saw blade in good condition, if used correctly, will cut its way cleanly through the wood. But if you don’t feet the wood in straight, it will get against those up-running back teeth, and they’re apt to grab it, lift it up and throw it right back at you.

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Another good way to insult a saw is to feed green or twisty wood through it without a spreader right behind the teeth to keep the stock from binding. The antikick back dogs should be there too, though, because the wood might get against the teeth before it reaches the spreader.

Some will tell you that the way to prevent kickbacks is to keep the saw as low as you can and still have it cut through the wood. They’re right if those teeth are in first-class condition so they’ll cut clean and if the stock is fed straight. But if the teeth do catch, they don’t need to lift the wood to throw it.

Feeding the lumber into the saw is the touchy part. It looks easy and is, if you use care. But it’s easy, too, to do it wrong and get into trouble. Keep your mind on the job. Place the front end of the piece on the saw table against the guide and being careful to hold it straight, slide it smoothly ahead along the guide to and through the saw. Be sure to keep it against the guide all the way through.

Always keep your hands a safe distance away from that saw blade, at least 6 inches, preferable 12. You can do so by using a push stick. If the stick is made right to fit the lumber and has a good handle, you can do a better job with it at the finish of the cut then you can with your hand.

Finally, don’t crowd the saw. A saw blade in good condition will take the wood easily. It will almost feed itself. If it doesn’t, there’s something wrong, and until it’s fixed you’d better use the old handsaw.

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Talk No. 16 SUGGESTIONS FOR CAVE-IN RESCUE

General Guide Lines: Prior to arrival of the Rescue Team or ambulance. Immediate steps to extricate trapped personnel SAFELY!

A. Call fire department and/or ambulance service for assistance, giving:

1. Accurate directions to accident location.

2. Circumstances of accident.

B. Call doctor if company has obtained services of one for emergency situations.

C. If necessary, call Sheriff or Police for their assistance in controlling traffic and the public.

D. One person to direct operations, usually foreman or superintendent.

E. Take all necessary safety precautions in rescue effort.

1. Shoring, etc.

2. Remain calm.

F. Determine depth of trench where individual is trapped, use mechanical equipment (shovels, sharp edge tools) with extreme caution.

G. When you get close to victim use hands to remove dirt.

H. Begin artificial respiration as soon as possible and continue until emergency team is available.

Information To Give Rescue Team 1. State who is in charge of rescue from contracting company.

2. What steps have been taken so far!

3. Depth of trench.

4. What are the ground conditions in area of accident.

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Talk No. 17 CHISELS

There are many misconceptions about chisels and chiseling which results in misuse and abuse and could lead to possible injury.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts compiled by the Hand Tools Institute for the safe use of these tools:

1. Before doing any kind of chiseling, put on safety goggles for eye protection. Also make sure the work is securely braced or clamped.

2. Then check the condition of the chisel. It should have a sharp, properly ground cutting edge, not only to do a better job but to accomplish the work safer and quicker. Also check the head or striking surface. If the head is mushroomed, chipped or badly battered, the chisel should not be used.

3. Next, never use a common nail hammer to strike a cold chisel because chipping of the hammer or chisel could result, causing eye or other bodily injury. Instead, use a ball peen hammer of the proper size or a hand sledge. The face of the hammer should be larger than the head of the chisel.

4. Finally, make sure you are using the proper chisel for the job. Cold chisels are used for cutting and chipping metal and they should never be used on stone or concrete. Brick chisels are designed for scoring and cutting brick. They should be struck with a heavy hand drilling hammer, not a bricklayer’s hammer which is used for cutting masonry. A brick chisel should never be used on metal.

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Talk No. 18 USING A COLD CHISEL

Keep safe practices in mind when you use a chisel.

First, the hazards of chisel work, the ways that men get hurt using these tools. Chips from mushroomed heads give the doctors a lot of business and now and then give some to manufacturers of glass eyes. Chips from over tempered chisels or from the material being chiseled sometimes do the same.

Fingers get smashed and knuckles skinned or even broken when the chisel isn’t held correctly or the hammer isn’t kept in the groove. If a chisel is too short, the hazard is increased. It should be long enough to allow a full four-finger grip with clearance of at least 2 inches from the head of the chisel and similar clearance from the work.

Be fussy about the chisel. Don’t use it if the head is mushroomed or the cutting edge is nicked (that means it’s too hard). And make sure that hammer handle is not split and the head is on firmly. Check the condition of the hammer face and try the hammer for balance.

The number of injured and lost eyes has proved many times over that eye protection should always be worn on chisel jobs. Probably most safety men prefer goggles to face shields but many men who object to goggles are will to wear face shields. There’s one thing for sure, a face shield that is faithfully worn is a lot safer than goggles that are now on, now off.

There’s some difference of opinion as to the safest way to hold a chisel. Some say you hold it in the hollow of your hand with the palm up, with the first and second fingers in back of it and thumb and third finger in from of it. Others prefer a full four-finger grip. Whatever grip you use, the important thing is to keep the chisel steady so that the properly handled (grooved) hammer will always meet it squarely.

A hammer is said to be grooved when blow after blow goes through exactly the same path (the same swing) and the hammer is held so that the force of the blow is always directly down through the centerline of the chisel to the work. That way you smash no knuckles, strike no glancing blows and get the most work done.

A properly balanced hammer with a handle the right size and shape to fit a man’s hand right is easy to groove, but it takes practice. Once you’ve learned to groove your hammer and to hold your chisel properly, you’ll never miss; the hammer will find the chisel every time.

Don’t forget to look out for your footing. You need good balance, and you can’t keep it if your feet aren’t solidly and comfortably placed. You need plenty of room for your hammer swing and hand and finger room to hold the chisel steady. You have to be able to see the work. And don’t forget your eye protection.

One last point, before you start to work, figure out which way any chips or the cut-off ends may fly and be sure they can’t hit someone.

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Talk No. 19 COMPRESSED AIR – NO JOKE!

Compressed air is a necessary tool in our everyday work; however, we must realize that it can be dangerous, even to the point of death.

Experience has shown that a blast of air at 40 pounds per square inch can rupture an eardrum at a distance of four inches. Much worse, it can cause a brain hemorrhage and be fatal.

It can be very dangerous to use compressed air to blow dust or dirt from your body or clothing. As little as 12 psi can “pop” an eyeball from its socket. Air can enter the naval, even through a layer of clothing and inflate and rupture the intestines. Compressed air, under 80 pounds pressure, has struck a small wound on a person’s hand and blown the arm as round as a grapefruit and caused shooting pains from the fingers to the shoulder. It can cause bubbles of air to enter the bloodstream.

There is absolutely no place for horseplay in using compressed air equipment. A reliable authority advises us that it has been estimated that as little as four pounds of pressure can rupture the bowel. Directed at the mouth, it can rupture the lungs and the intestines.

Compressed air tools can be safe and reliable pieces of equipment. But the above examples clearly demonstrate that compressed air can be a lethal weapon if used improperly.

The fact that compressed air is “only air” sometimes leads people to think it is harmless. It is only air but air driven at a high velocity. A hurricane or a tornado are also “only air” but they can be deadly.

When used to operate equipment, compressed air can be our friend, a very valuable work-saving device. But when improperly or carelessly used, it can be very dangerous.

Always wear prescribed personal protective equipment. Continuously check the condition of tools and air hose to make sure that they do not show evidence of damage or failure and that connections and couplings are tight. A loose air hose under 80 pounds of pressure makes a pretty effective bullwhip.

We caution you to never look into or to point toward any part of the body, your or others, the business end of any compressed air apparatus. This is as foolish as looking down the barrel of a gun.

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Talk No. 20 CONCRETE

Anyone working around or with concrete should be aware of the hazards and safety precautions related to this operation.

Employees working more than 6 feet above any adjacent working surface, placing and typing reinforcing steel in walls, piers, columns, etc., shall use a safety belt or equivalent device.

Employees shall not be permitted to work above vertically protruding reinforcing steel unless it has been protected to eliminate the hazard of impalement. In other words, the rebar has to be protected from the worker.

Handles on bull floats shall be of nonconductive materials or insulated with a nonconductive sheath when used around energized electrical conductors.

When using a powered or rotating type troweling machine, the control switch will automatically shut off the power when the operator removed his hands from the handle – DO NOT USE “TIE-DOWNS” on the control switches.

Riding concrete buckets for any purposes shall be prohibited.

Vibrator crews shall be kept out from under concrete buckets suspended from cranes or cableways.

When discharging on a slope, make sure the ready-mix truck’s wheels are blocked and the brakes set to prevent movement.

Personal protective equipment shall be used when needed.

All equipment, hand and power, shall be checked and in safe working condition before use, replace or repair all defective tools.

If concrete splatters on the skin, wash off as soon as possible.

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Take No. 21 CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Shoring erected for concrete construction demands strict attention to safety.

Every shoring job requires attention to the character of the soil and the effect of weather conditions. You should be careful to erect the shoring that is applicable to the instructions that you are given.

Steel frame shores must be inspected before erection for defects such as rusting, dents and damaged welds. Locking devices should be in good working order on frames and bases. Do not attempt to straighten buckled struts and braces for reuse.

Only men who are actively working should be permitted in the area during form stripping operations. Safety belts and lanyards must be used when working at heights. Hard hats are essential equipment and gloves and heavy soled shoes should also be worn.

Do not cut wires that are under tension when stripping forms. Backlash may cause wires to strike eyes, face or other parts of the body.

Job clean up is important in preventing injuries caused by nails, splinters and by tools or other objects that can trip or fall upon workmen. Stripped form lumber for salvage should be cleaned and stacked neatly after all of the nails have been removed. Nails in scrap lumber should be removed bent over.

Concrete buggies should be kept clean and materials not allowed to collect on the sides.

A wheelbarrow is raised into position by standing between the handles, keeping the back straight and letting the leg muscles do the work. Look ahead for holes and obstacles so that you can avoid them before they overturn your load.

Build runways of sufficient width so that buggies will not run off. Runways should be kept free of ice, snow, grease and mud. Run cleats, if provided, should be kept clean and in good repair.

MATERIALS HAZARDS

The presence of chemical components in construction materials can sometimes cause various types of skin disorders.

Skin irritations can be prevented by personal cleanliness. Wash hands as frequently as possible, or use a protective hand cream or ointment on exposed skin surfaces.

Try to keep exposed parts of the body away from direct contact with lime and cement. Wear clothing made of durable materials and which fits snugly around neck, wrists and ankles.

Go to First Aid in case of cement burn. For cement in the eye, hold the eye open and flush out with water.

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Talk No. 22 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #1

Keep oily cloths away from oxygen (explosion danger).

Always light torch with a “torch lighter” (never use a match or cigarette – and never in a keg or drum).

Open compressed gas cylinders slowly to avoid valve damage.

Keep salamanders or other portable heating equipment away form combustible material.

Make sure engines in buildings are away from combustibles – and exhaust is properly ventilated.

After work,. Check clothing for hidden hot slag or molten metal. Do no wear oil-soaked clothing.

Check for clear path first. Then have clear view while carrying load.

Face ladder when climbing. Use both hands. Use hand line or material hoist to lift loads.

Use only sturdy ladders on firm base. Where possible angle out base one-fourth of ladder working length. Keep are clear of debris.

Have ladder reach at least three feet above handing for easy access. Tie off ladder at top (secure bottom and brace long ladders).

Use scaffold if solid footing or safe ladder access is not possible; made of straight-grained lumber, free of defects and knots. Test plank strength.

Platform planks should overlap supports not less than six inches nor more than twelve inches; be secured from shifting.

Consider all wires “live” until checked and locked out. Keep safe distance from “live” electricity.

Have electrical power tools and equipment properly grounded.

Do not use electrical power tools or equipment while standing in water.

All electrical power tools and extension cords should have rubber insulation. Damaged cords should be replaced not repaired.

Only qualified personnel should make electrical repairs or installations. Do not use metal ladders and hats near high-powered electricity.

Have all cords, leads, hose, etc., placed to avoid tripping hazards or getting damaged and away from oil grease.

Remove or clinch nails in old lumber.

Oil, grease and water spills must be cleaned up right away. Delay can cause an accident.

Keep loose material off stairs, walkways, ramps, platforms, etc.

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Talk No. 23 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #2

Report to work rested and physically fit to perform your job.

Wear clothing suitable for weather and your work. Torn or loose clothing, cuffs and neckwear are hazardous.

Wear approved safety footwear suitable for your trade …in good condition.

Use gloves, aprons or other suitable skin protection when handling rough materials, chemicals, hot or cold objects. Replace if worn.

Jewelry (rings, bracelet, neck chains, etc.) should not be worn.

Special safety equipment is provided for your protection. Use when required. Keep in good condition. Report loss or damage immediately.

In or near old construction locate gas, power and water sources before starting work. Contact utility companies.

“No Smoking” signs stand guard near fire dangers. Obey them – always!

Know location and use of fire extinguishing equipment and how to give fire alarm.

Flammable liquid containers should be clearly labeled and stored in a protected, separate area.

Flammable liquids should be used only in small amounts and in approved metal safety cans.

Do not refuel a hot running engine.

Do not block aisles, traffic lanes, fire exits.

Have safe access to work areas, the safe way is the right way.

Avoid shortcut, use ramps, stairs, walkways, ladders, etc.

Properly brace or shore up excavation side wall if not sloped.

Place excavation spoil far enough away to avoid load strain on walls. Remove surface rocks that may fall in.

Do not permit vehicles too close to edge of cut.

Bend knees, keep back nearly straight when lifting. Leg muscles, not your back, should do the work.

Get help with heavy or bulky materials to avoid dropping load or getting thrown off balance.

Have just one-person give commands when team lifting big loads.

Intoxicants and non-prescribed drugs are NOT PERMITTED – cause of disciplinary action.

Rely on your supervisor’s knowledge and experience if you do not understand any rule or work operation.

Work with care and good judgment at all times to avoid accidents – whether or not a specific rule is obtained in this manual.

Give your wholehearted support to safety access. Preventing your accident depends mostly on YOU!

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Talk No. 24 GENERAL CONTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #3

Never adjust or repair machinery while it is in motion. “Lockout” when maintenance job requires.

Operate machinery and vehicles within rated capacity and at safe speeds.

Report defective power tools or machinery to supervisor immediately.

Never point an air hose at anyone or use it to clean clothing – extremely dangerous!

Be sure you have clear area behind you before swinging sledgehammer, other tools or materials.

Keep constant check on blocks, cables, clamp[s and other tackle. Repair or replace if defective.

Store oily wiping rags in covered metal containers or dispose of them safely.

Never use an air hose or pressure to empty gasoline drums.

Welding, cutting operations should be closely supervised. Remove or shield nearby combustibles.

Keep a fire watch with adequate fire extinguishers during and after “hot work” as job location requires.

Do not look at welding or cutting operations without wearing proper eye protection.

Check hose, fittings, valves for leaks (use soapy water).

Keep all tools and materials away from edge of scaffolds, platforms, shaft openings, etc.

Do not use tools with split, broken or loose handles.

Have tools with burred or mushroomed heads dressed. Keep cutting tools sharp – and carry in a container (not in your pocket).

Know correct use of hand and power tools before using. Use the right tool for the job.

Only qualified personnel should operate or service power tools, vehicles and other machinery.

Before starting machinery, opening valves, switches, etc., check safety of workmen. Have all safety guards attached.

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Talk No. 25 GENERAL CONTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #4

When entering different work areas, familiarize yourself with any required safety precautions.

Be sure your footing is well supported before stepping. Watch out for overhanging planks, slippery spots, loose objects, etc.

Be aware of work going on around you. Keep clear of suspended loads, traffic areas, etc.

Always have enough light on stairs, aisles, basements, work areas, etc.

Place barricades and signs to warn of traffic, overhead dangers, etc. Have warning lights, flagman or watchman, if necessary.

Place fencing or barricades at excavations, floor openings.

Do not ride on vehicles or mobile equipment unless specifically authorized.

Always be seated when riding authorized vehicles (unless designed for standing).

Report any injuries immediately. Even small cuts can become seriously infected.

Report any unsafe conditions or equipment to your supervisor.

Keep “horseplay” and roughhousing away from the job. Practical jokes often become painful injuries.

Keep your mind on your job and temper under control, always.

Hard hats must be worn in all areas indicated (visitors included).

Wear proper eye protection if exposed to flying objects, dust, hot splashing metal, harmful rays and chemicals.

Wear proper respiratory equipment when spray painting, burning, exposed to dust or other toxic hazards, as required.

Keep materials orderly. Prevent piles from falling or shifting (tie down or support, if necessary).

Shavings, dust, scraps, oil or grease must not accumulate. Make good housekeeping part of the job.

Refuse piles must be removed as soon as possible.

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Talk No. 26 SAFETY TIPS FOR MOBILE CRANE OPERATIONS

1. 34% of injuries through crane accidents are the result of workers standing or working under suspended loads or the loss of the load because of unsafe rigging, hooks or slings.

2. Cables and fastenings should be looked at every day of operations and inspected thoroughly at least weekly, more often toward the end of their useful life. The number of broken wires, the amount of wear of the outside wires, and evidence of corrosion are indications of its condition. If an 6 by 9 or 6 by 25 cable has six broken wires in one lay, that section of the rope is seriously weakened.

3. Hooks deteriorate from fatigue and from the bad practice of lifting a load on the point, which causes the hook to open or spread. When these conditions are found, the hook should be replaced. A swivel type hook minimizes during by a load during a lift. A safety hook has a latch which prevents a sling from coming off the hook.

4. Operating a crane on soft or sloping ground is dangerous. The crane should always be level before it is put into operation. Outriggers give reliable stability only when used on solid ground.

5. Overloading causes particularly serious accidents, such as overturning, collapse of the boom, and cable failure. Each manufacturer posts the safe loads for various boom angles in the cab. The load limits specified on capacity plates must never be exceeded; furthermore, other instructions should be strictly observed.

6. Before leaving the crane for any reason, the operator should set the brakes, block the wheels, lock the boom and place the levers and controls in a neutral position.

7. Exert the utmost of care when operating a crane in the vicinity of overhead wires regardless of the known voltage. If the crane must be operated near power lines, the power company should be consulted about precautions and its safety recommendations observed strictly.

8. Metal water dispensers should not be placed on a crane as a central location for workers.

9. Engines should not be refueled while running. If refueling is done by hose connection from a tank or from drums by means of pumps, metallic connection between the hose nozzle and fill pipe should be maintained. A suitable fire extinguisher should be kept in the cab of the rig.

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Talk No. 27 CRANE BOOM LOADING

Crane and rigging safety is of extreme importance to the construction industry. Much of this kind of work is performed in congested areas where the general public can easily become involved in an accident.

Hazardous loading of crane booms, which could lead to either overturning the crane or to buckling the boom, can be avoided if you understand crane ratings. Every construction crane should be provided with a chart showing its rated capacity. This rated capacity can be safely handled if you pay attention to the following points:

1. The safe load depends upon the boom length and the radius. Make sure that you know what length of boom you are using. Remember that radius is measured from the center of rotation not from the boom foot pin.

2. The published load does not include the weight of the hook or materials handling devices. Subtract the weight of equalizer jobs, concrete buckets or job extension from the rated loads to determine the weight of material that can be handled.

3. Ratings are based on operating on firm ground and in the case of mobile cranes with the outriggers full extended. Make sure that the crane is not operating on ground that is too soft or with outriggers that are not properly blocked and loaded.

4. Ratings are based on operating on level ground. Operating on grades increases boom stress. If you pick up a load on the high side of a slope and swing the low side, the radius will increase and can cause the crane to tip. If operating at high boom angles, a swing from the low side to the high side can cause the boom to collapse over the cab.

5. Avoid fast operations. Fast swings cause the load to swing out, this increasing the radius. Rapid hoisting or braking of the load increases the boom stresses and can overload the rigging.

6. Do not handle heavy loads with a large surface area when there are high winds. Wing gusts can create an unstable condition.

7. Make sure the crane is properly rigged, that it has the correct counterweight, the proper boom, the right boom mounting position, the gantry properly rigged and his adequate parts of line.

8. Avoid traveling with a heavy load. The boom is subjected to shock and bending stresses if moving over uneven ground and swinging of the boom creates inertia forces which can cause collapse of the boom.

9. Do not use a crane with a bent or damaged boom. Booms must be straightened and in good repair.

10. If in doubt as to the ability of a machine to lift a load, make sure that you attempt the lift in the most stable position. For example, with a truck crane, pick the load up over the rear where stability is greatest and then boom up before swinging over the side.

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Talk No. 28 SAFETY RULES FOR DEMOLITION PROJECTS

Before beginning the actual work of demolition, a careful study should be made of the structure that is to be torn down and of its surroundings. A definite plan of procedure then should be mapped out and thereafter followed as closely as possible. The following rules should be incorporated as part of this plan:

1. Shoring of other buildings is often necessary and full provision should be made for carrying out all operations of this kind promptly.

2. If a structure has been wrecked by fire, flood, explosion or other catastrophe, it may be necessary to shore up or brace some of the walls of the building that are to be taken down, before the wrecking operations can be safely started.

3. Before the wrecking operations begin, protection of the public against falling objects should be provided when the buildings stand close to a street or to a much frequented thoroughfare of any kind. The entire sidewalk adjoining the building should be fenced off and sidewalk sheds constructed where necessary. Sidewalk sheds should be capable of supporting a load of 150 pounds per square foot. It material is to be piled on the sheds, they should be able to support 300 pounds per square foot.

4. The demolition should always proceed systematically, story by story and the work on the upper floors should be completed before any of the supporting members on the lower floors are disturbed.

5. All gas, electricity and water should be shut off at the outset and all windows, glass doors and other fragile fixtures removed before proceeding with any other work. The lath and plaster then should be stripped off throughout the entire building.

6. Material should never be thrown to the ground. It should be lowered to the ground or to the top of the sidewalk shed by means of rope and suitable tackle. Debris should be removed by means of wooden or metal chutes.

7. All projecting nails in boards, planks and timber should be carefully removed, hammered in or bent in a safe way. Good housekeeping is of importance.

8. Employees should be use personal protective equipment. Hard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes and gloves are particularly recommended.

9. All floor openings should be kept covered, except where in actual use for lowering materials. If this is not feasible, toe-boards and hand rails should be installed around the openings.

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Talk No. 29 USING A STAR DRILL

Using drills are safe enough in themselves, but just the same, men get hurt using them.

Part of the reason is that they’re often used in places where it’s difficult to work, up on ladders or scaffolds, under ceilings, in close quarters and so on.

That fact gives a fellow who gets hurt an alibi but not a very good one, because in every case he could have kept from being hurt by using his head.

When you use a star drill you should always protect your eyes. If you’re working in a place where the lenses would get dirty easily or fog up much, a face shield might be better than goggles. But sometimes to keep the chips and dust out of your eyes is a must. And in some cases, ear protection may be needed.

Drilling upward is particularly bad. You have to look up once in a while at least and that seems to be just the time when a lot of little pieces of mortar or brick let all holds go and dive for your eyes.

Mortar can really burn them. Concrete is bad too and chips can fly hard when you’re starting the hole.

The head of a star drill has to take a lot of battering. The head mushrooms rather quickly and has to be dressed often if you don’t want to stop a hard-hitting piece of it with your face once in a while. The safety-minded guy watches it and redresses it every time it starts to mushroom a little. The unsafety-minded fellow waits until pieces start to break off.

For fast, easy drilling, the center of the hammer face should meet the drill head squarely, with the direction of the stroke straight with the drill. That means that the hammer face, when it hits, should be exactly at right angles with the drill, exactly perpendicular to it. That’s what is meant by “grooving” your swing. It takes a little practice, but it’s worth it.

Most fellows learn to groove their swing just by pounding away at that old drill. They hit a lot of glancing blows that way, though, before they get the knack of it. They may smash a finger or two learning and sock their hands some, besides. It’s better to practice a while first.

Decide on the best hold on the drill, the right grip on the hammer and just the right swing. Then practice until you have it.

Some fellows miss the drill head or hit it off center because the drill sticks and they tug at it and pull it out of line. The way to prevent this is to turn the drill only while the hammer is on the upswing. Then you can either hold your swing or go on with it in hope that the next blow will break the drill loose.

It takes fast work with the drill hand and good timing, but once you get the knack it’s easy. You should never tug at the drill without checking your swing.

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Some men like to hold the drill with a special ratchet tool. It gives leverage to break the drill loose when it sticks and keeps your hand out of danger. It’s harder to hold the drill straight with it then it is with your hand, though; so experienced men don’t seem to take to it so well. Beginners seem to like it and once they get the knack; make good speed with it. It can be very helpful in tight places and for drilling upwards.

Finally, just as in any other work in any sort of place, look to your footing. If you’re working overhead, be sure your scaffold or whatever you’re working from is safe. Doing a star drill job from an ordinary ladder is not a good idea. You need better footing than a ladder rung can give. So figure out a safer way and use it. Don’t take chances.

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Talk No. 30 CURES CAN KILL

Operating a motor vehicle is a job that demands your undivided attention. But there are so many new drugs on the market today that anyone who drives must be extremely careful of any medications he takes.

Drugstore counters are crowded with heavily advertised products containing promised relief from colds, flu, arthritic pain, stomach and other common disorders. Many of these drugs and what they contain, are a mystery to most of us. They’re nothing like the simple household remedies our parents used. In face any exact knowledge of them is pretty well restricted to doctors and pharmacists.

Each drug must be tested before it comes on the market for general sale. Usually, what happens is that a new drug or a combination of several drugs is administered to patients in hospitals, with their consent, under carefully controlled conditions. This is done after studying the reactions of the drugs on animals.

The patients report their own reactions to the drug being studied. These reactions, along with medial tests on the patient, are reported in detail. From such experience, the rates of tolerance are determined for different people.

Remember the old saying, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison?” Keep that in mid and remember that one’s tolerance of a drug is a highly individual matter. What one person can take with ease can cause another person a great deal of discomfort and sometimes even can be fatal. In testing to find out the range of tolerance for a wide variety of people, there is always the possibility that your type of person can be overlooked. You may have inherited tendencies, chemical makeup or trauma that result in very different reactions to a drug than the typical reaction for the group that was tested.

Generally, it’s true that nearly every drug produces side effects of some kind. Common aspirin tablets cause many people to perspire; penicillin makes some people shed skin like a snake; cortisone can cause convulsive nausea and swelling, aching joints.

Although it’s against the principles of many doctors to tell you what’s in the pills they prescribe, it is important that the doctor should know your medical history and physical condition. Whether be asks or not, make sure you tell him you are a professional driver and that you have to make quick decisions and must be constantly alert to avoid accidents. Always ask if the medicine will make you drowsy or affect your reflexes and quick reaction to traffic hazards.

You may be tempted to stop in a strange town or see a new doctor for a batch of pills to get you over a cold, the flu or some other ailment. Try to avoid this unless you are up against an emergency that requires immediate care. Why? Because the doctor doesn’t know your full medical history and probably won’t ever see you again. It’s also unlikely

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that you can fill him in on all the details that your family doctor knows or has records to confirm. Being unfamiliar with you the out-of-town doctor may prescribe a “cure” that’s worse than what ails you.

Not only should you be cautious in the use of drugs prescribed by a physician, and follow his directions exactly, but you must also exercise extreme care in the use of drugs that don’t require a prescription.

Never take a new remedy just before driving, or while driving. The antihistamines and the more potent pain killers can make you so sleepy you may lose control of the wheel or react too slowly to avoid a collision. If you must try an unknown drug without first asking your doctor, do it while you are off duty and note carefully how it affects you. Always challenge what is says on the package with your own individual test. And don’t drive until several hours later.

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Talk No. 31 DEGENSIVE DRIVING

While a good offense may be the best defense in football, this doesn’t hold true in driving. A Professional Driver is a top Defensive Driver! He seems to have eyes (or mirrors) in the back of his head! He stays out of the other fellow’s way.

The Professional Driver:

1. Knows and obeys the company rules for the operation of his vehicle.

2. Knows and obeys the traffic rules and regulations applicable to the area in which he is driving.

3. Is aware of the traffic situations far ahead on both sides and to the rear of his vehicle.

4. Is constantly alert to illegal acts and errors of others.

5. Is willing to yield the right-of-way to prevent accidents and does not tail-gate.

6. He is particularly cautious approaching intersections. He lessens the odds of an accident by taking his foot off the gas and putting it on the brake to shorten his reaction time for stopping.

7. Knows and adjusts his driving to the special hazards of: (a) pedestrians (b) the road (c) weather (d) traffic (e) degree of light and (f) the added dangers brought on by his own emotions such as anger and worry.

8. Requires an ATTITUDE of confidence that he can drive without ever having an accident. He is POSITIVE about accident prevention.

9. He drives as though every child in the street is his own and every motorist is a dear relative of friend.

10. He knows the secret of safe driving: DO IT THE SAFE WAY EVERY TIME.

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Talk No. 32 DRIVER IN THE DARK

Only one-third of all driving is done after dark, two thirds of all fatal accidents happen in the dark.

As a driver, what particular problems do you face when darkness falls?

The most obvious is limited vision. Out on the highway, with just your headlights to light your way, you’re boxed into a visual area that extends only about 300 feet ahead of you. You depend on your headlights and reflect light to see.

When an object appears that does not have a light or does not reflect yours, you can be in for trouble. Recent studies show that drivers see unexpected objects only half as far away as expected objects.

The fact that your vision is limited to about 300 feet means that if you are traveling faster than 55 miles an hour in the dark, you can’t possibly stop in time to avoid an object, even if you see it. Forty-five miles an hour is the maximum speed for stopping within 300 feet on wet pavement. If the road is icy, 25 miles an hour is the fastest you can afford to go in order to stop in time.

Because vision is so tricky at night, it’s essential that you keep your windshield as spotless as possible. Distances are very hard to judge, what may look, at a distance, like something small can suddenly loom up as a dangerous obstacle in the road. Even a light film of dirt can reduce your visibility as much as 40 percent without you being aware of it.

Further studies show that the faster you’re moving at night, the shorter the distance you can see ahead. That’s because your eyes get confused from constantly trying to adjust themselves to rapidly changing distances and conditions. For example, a driver going 20 miles an hour at night can see and identify objects 80 feet farther away than a driver going 60 miles an hour.

Always lower you headlight beams when an oncoming vehicle is about 1,000 feet away. The driver of the approaching vehicle may be blinded by your lights and sideswipe you. If the other driver doesn’t lower his lights, don’t put your brights back on to “teach him a lesson”. You only put yourself in danger by confusing him. It’s always possible that mechanical failure, rather than lack of courtesy, keeps him from lowering his lights.

Even when the approaching driver lowers his lights, keep looking at the right side of the road, so you aren’t blinded. Even lowered lights can cause glare on parts of the road. Of course, while looking at the right side of the road, don’t lose track of where the other vehicle is.

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Take curves a lot slower at night. Your headlights pointing straight ahead will shine off the road, leaving you with much less than the usual 300 feet of vision. Depending on how sharp the curve is, your view of the road ahead can be cut to less than 100 feet. Distances are harder to judge when it’s dark. Objects that in daylight help you to relate to other objects can’t always be seen. Don’t use small objects such as taillights and far-away signs or posts to try to figure how far you are from another vehicle. Small objects will change very little in size as you approach from a distance and so can be deceiving.

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Talk No. 33 FORECAST – LOUSY!

It doesn’t happen often, but there are times when you can encounter all sorts of weather – rain, snow, wind, sunshine and fog – all within a day’s time. When this happens, we have to adjust quickly to each type of weather condition.

Sudden changes in weather can change what you see and how you see it – even what you hear and how you hear it – not to mention how you have to react in order to control the vehicle. Because, in addition to any trouble seeing or hearing due to weather conditions, your vehicle performs differently on some surfaces than on others – whether it’s ice, snow, wet leaves or rain.

Let’s take rain. In some cities the traffic accident rate doubles on rainy days. The danger comes chiefly from what traffic experts call “traffic film”. This is a slick coating of oily residue left on the streets and highways by thousands of passing vehicles. It’s especially dangerous during the first half hour to an hour of rain, depending on how much water falls. After a while there’s enough water to wash the traffic film away, but at first the water combines with greasy residue left by passing cars form a soapy, slippery surface that’s almost as slick as ice.

Another hazard is the way rain distorts everything you see through your windshield. During a heavy rain, no windshield wiper is fast enough to give you a clear image that won’t waver. Added to your limited visibility is the hazard of pedestrians who dart in front of you trying to keep from getting wet and the risk of collision with some vehicle that unpredictably goes into a skid.

Here are some suggestions when you see rain coming, or when you suddenly hit a stretch of wet road. Cut your speed at least 10 miles an hour – even more in a hard rain. Test your brakes when there are not other vehicles around, by tapping them. Allow more distance than usual between you and the care ahead – not only because it will take longer to stop, but to avoid getting road splatter sprayed on the windshield.

Snow and ice cause accidents way out of proportion to the few days when they occur, and the number of vehicles on the road. Your visibility is worse due to falling snow, fogged windshield and snowdrifts that hide hazards. Hearing is reduced by snowdrifts that hide hazards. Hearing is reduced by closed windows and sounds can be muffled by a cushion of snow or the noise from a car heater or radio.

Cut your speed to about half and allow plenty of distance between you and the car ahead. It can take up to 10 times more distance to stop at 55 miles an hour on ice than on dry pavement and as much as five times more distance, even at 20 miles an hour. Avoid

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making any sudden changes in vehicle direction or speed. Drive smoothly, keeping about the same pressure on the accelerator, steering wheel and bakes. If your bakes grab, release them and pump again. If you skid, turn the wheels in the direction of the skid.

Freezing rain can be especially dangerous because you don’t always realize what it is in time. It combines the menaces of both rain an dice. Temperature can change as much as 20 degrees in less than a mile and driving conditions will change with them.

Fog makes you nearsighted and requires reduced speed. Watch for dips in the road – places where it usually accumulates, such as valleys, ravines, and near bodies of water. Us your low beams, as fog is made up of small drops of water that reflects like mirrors and high beams can blind you and oncoming drivers. Start your wipers to clear the condensation on your windshield. Keep to the right as much as possible, using the right hand side of the road to guide you.

The main answer to al bad weather conditions is slow down. Your can’t rely on speed limit signs to tell you what’s a safe speed. These signs don’t have barometers attached and can’t change as weather conditions change. The change is up to you.

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Talk No. 34 HIGHWAY DRIVING

Every year there are more people being killed in motor vehicle accidents. The annual death toll is now over 55,000 and it is going up, not down.

We are building more roads, more toll roads, more superhighways. We are building automobiles at an even faster pace and as a result our highways are becoming increasingly crowded.

We can no longer afford the terrible toll of motor vehicle accidents…one accident every three seconds, a person injured every eleven seconds, and traffic death every ten minutes.

Part of the blame for automobile accidents is due to automobiles, part is due to highways but the main cause is the driver.

You probably feel that you are a good driver, most people do. But are you?

A person in poor physical health is generally a poor driver because he may not be able to react with sufficient speed in an emergency. There may be defects that affect both mind and body and while these defects may be regrettable, they are another reason for our soaring accident rate.

Certain visual deficiencies are common. Millions of persons are afflicted with night blindness, which makes it far more difficult or even impossible to distinguish objects in the dark. Glare recovery from a sudden brightly light may be prolonged in some cases for as long as six seconds and during this time the driver is blind and a potential victim to highway hazard.

Driver attitudes are an important factor in accident prevention…hot-tempered drivers, show-off drivers who take unnecessary chances in order to attract attention - know-it-all drivers who pay no attention to traffic rules - careless drivers who fail to realize that safety is a full time necessity - absent-minded drivers - inconsiderate drivers who feel that no one else has any rights on the highway.

Habit patterns also affect driving – one hand on the wheel and the other on the room of the car or holding a cigarette outside the window or always driving about five to ten miles above the speed limit.

The drinking driver is the greatest menace on the roads. When his blood alcohol reaches a figure definitely indicating intoxication, the probability of his causing an accident increases 25 times.

Because the body absorbs alcohol quickly and eliminates it slowly. It is important to determine how long a time should elapse between drinking and driving. This depends upon several factors – number of drinks, amount of alcohol in each drink, the food that is

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consumed just before and after or while drinking, the size and weight of this individual doing the drinking. All of these elements have been carefully figured and are available to persons who take their driving seriously.

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol. The driver who falls asleep at the wheel is dangerous to others as well as to himself.

The good driver must not only be able to manage his own care, but also be prepared for anything that inexperience or careless drivers may do. There must be no accidents, for accidents can be fatal.

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Talk No. 35 HIGHWAY HAZARDS

The ever increasing number of traffic accidents is sufficient proof of emergency and hazardous situations.

Cities have serious driving problems, such as narrow streets in congested business districts. The fact that city motor vehicle traffic is concentrated in morning and evening rush periods make a bad situation that much worse. Stop lights at every corner, masses of pedestrians, the noise and confusion of a busy city, all combine to create a tension which is difficult even for the experienced driver.

Relax. Rush hours are inevitable. Here are some things you can do.

Obey traffic laws – they are designed to make driving as safe as possible for you. Cooperate with traffic officers. They are trying to keep traffic moving smoothly and safely.

Show courtesy and consideration to other drivers. Honking your horn and screaming at others in crowded traffic only adds to the confusion.

Use common sense driving. Don’t try to jump lights or crowd ahead of the other fellow.

Driving on rural roads has hazards all its own, especially when driving at excessive speeds. A tire blowout, a car suddenly darting out form a crossroad, an unexpected stretch of badly broken pavement, can all lead to an accident.

Modern expressways and toll roads present dangers that begin on entering the highway. Don’t try to edge in slowly. Wait for a break in traffic and try to enter at a speed commensurate with that of other cars on the road.

Traffic moves at such high a rate of speed on expressways that any type of accident can result in a series of chain crashes. Stay at a sufficient distance behind the car ahead. A good rule of thumb for a sufficient distance is from one to two car lengths for each ten miles of speed. Avoid unnecessary lane changes on expressways.

EMERGENCIES

Know what to do in emergencies and hazardous situations.

If you have a blowout, don’t brake too hard. Keep control of your car by coasting to a stop. Move to the side of the road – signaling your intention.

If forced off the roadway at high speed, you must recover control of your car. Keep a firm hold of the wheel, slow down your car and then get back on the road.

If your brakes fail, use your hand brake and steer in the curb if necessary to stop

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If your car skids, steer into the skid and pump the brake pedal with your foot. Between each jab you can steer.

If you drive at high speed in a heavy rain, your car can hydroplane – in other words, the front wheels actually lave the road and climb upon a tough film of rain. Under these conditions, slow down if you have new tires, come to a safe stop if the treads are worn.

Night driving requires extra skill and care, for more than one-half of all traffic fatalities occur at night. Drive slower after dark, obey road markers, be alert for unlighted vehicles or obstacles.

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Talk No. 36 HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE

For years, experts have been struggling to find some easy, practical way to teach and to convince drivers that most rear-end collisions can be prevented. But, as traffic constantly increases, as we get more and more vehicles on the road, the number of rear-end collisions continues to go up. All sorts of methods and techniques have been tried in an effort to determine how close is too close. Even the inventors have been getting into the act, coming up with electronic devices that are supposed to alert the driver by a buzzer or a flashing light or by automatically applying the brakes.

One of the first techniques developed was the old reliable “one vehicle-length for each 10 miles of speed.” Now, this is a good system, but it has certain limitations. First, conditions have to be perfect for its application. In wet weather, you have to increase this to two, three or even more vehicle lengths. But even more important – and this has been borne out by a number of informal tests – very few people can estimate what a vehicle length is.

Another technique used by some drivers is license-plate visibility. Some drivers say that, at freeway speeds with perfect visibility, you’re too close if you can read the plate on the care ahead at 60 mph, or at 40-45 when visibility is poorer. Of course, one of the problems here is eyesight. Everyone’s vision is different, and some plates can be covered with mud you couldn’t read them if you were standing two feet away. However, this is another technique that your might consider.

Then, there’s the “timed interval” idea. Here, you “time” yourself by picking a reference mark on or alongside the road some distance ahead and counting – one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three etc. – until you’ve reached the mark. You allow one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length of you vehicle. If you’re driving a passenger car that’s about 20 feet long, you count to two seconds. If you’re driving a 40 foot rig, you allow four seconds; a 60 foot rig – six seconds, etc. You start counting as the rear of the vehicle in from of you passes that mark and if you reach the mark before you finish counting the correct number of seconds, you are too close.

Some freeway drivers use what’s called “the rule of thumb” technique. They extend an arm in from of them, sight over their thumb, and if their thumb doesn’t cover the vehicle in front of them, they’re too close. There’s an obvious weakness in this technique, too, but it’s another method that may work for some people.

Try out each of these systems. Find something that works for you. Above all, though, make sure you know your own and your vehicle’s capabilities, so that if the fellow in front of you makes a panic stop, you have plenty of room to make an easy stop. A panic stop on your part may cause the fellow behind to rear-end you.

How close is too close? Too close is when you are unable to come to a gradual stop if the fellow in front of you makes a sudden stop.

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Talk No. 37 I NEVER SAW HIM

After you’ve analyzed a number of accident reports, you find certain phrases that pop up repeatedly. One of these is, “I never saw him…” Another is, “He came out of nowhere.” The sad part about these statements is that in a way they’re true. But the fact that they may be true doesn’t make them valid excuses for an accident happening. What it does mean is that the driver either didn’t know what to look for in the traffic stream or he was inattentive to what was going on – or what is usually more common, he looked right at the source of danger but didn’t see it.

How can you look right at something and not see it? Simple! The next time you see someone look his watch, ask him a few seconds later what time it is. Almost without fail he’ll look at his watch again. The first time he looked, he got only a vague impression of time in reference to some even. For example, he may have been thinking “It isn’t time for lunch yet,” or “I have plenty of time before I catch the train.”

The eyes faithfully send impressions back to the brain the same way that a camera records all the details of a scene on the film. But even though the brain receives every detail of information that comes through the eyes, it is very selective in what is uses. It ignores everything except those items that are meaningful to it and have some bearing on the immediate situation. For example, when you’re driving, your eyes will tell your brain that the sky is blue, the grass is green, there’s an airplane off in the distance, the on-coming cars are green, blue, black, etc. Even though all of this is being fed in, your brain doesn’t want to concern itself with all these details. What it’s really interested in is what color the traffic light up ahead may be, whether the car coming at you through an intersection is slowing down or speeding or that the pedestrian up ahead might step off the curb into the path of your vehicle. Through experience you’ve learned that those are some of things that are important in driving. Now, here’s where a lot of us get unto trouble. Either through lack of experience or lack of training, we never learn how to use our eyes while driving or how to sort out important things from the unimportant ones.

The good driver knows he’s got to keep his eyes moving – that he can’t afford to stare at any one fixed point for more than a second or two. He knows that the faster he drives, the farther down the road he must look. He knows it’s important to check his inside and outside rear view mirrors. His eyes are constantly moving – staying on one scene for only a second or two and then moving to another.

Good driving begins with good seeing habits. Seeing habits have to be developed through training and experience if you, as a driver, want to stay accident-free.

The good driver knows what to look for and how to use his eyes properly so nothing important is missed. Then, his brain receives the information it needs to direct him safely in traffic.

It works like a computer. If you put in the right information in the right way, you’ll get back the right answers.

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Talk No. 38 MR. NICE GUY

Why is it that a man who’s usually a gentleman in every sense of the work sometimes becomes a rude, boor when he gets behind a steering wheel? The man, when he’s not driving, will step aside to let a lady precede him through a doorway But on the road, he’ll cuss the same lady if he thinks she cut him off.

Every day on the road we see drivers using bad manners. What is it that turns a driver who is usually a “nice guy” into an aggressive, ill-mannered “me-first” clown when he gets behind the wheel? We’ll leave that for the psychologists to explain!

It’s funny, though – if someone is polite and friendly in a traffic situation, it seems to be contagious. At first, the other fellow is surprised. Then e smiles and seems happy hat somebody was nice to him. Usually this feeling stays with him for a wile and if he ahs the occasion, he’ll probably be courteous to other drivers he meets.

Let’s look at a few other things Mr. Nice Guy would do in some traffic situations. If he sees there are puddles and pools of water along the roadway, he’ll slow down as he goes through them so he won’t splash pedestrians or other cars. If he spots a vehicle trying to come out of a driveway, he’ll stop, wave the driver out and usually get a grateful smile in return. When he’s behind another vehicle at a traffic light, and the light turns to green, he doesn’t lay on the horn and try to blow the other guy through the intersection. Once in a while the other fellow may stall and blowing your horn doesn’t help him one bit; it just makes him made.

When our Mr. Nice Guy comes up behind another care at night, he switches to low beam far enough back so that the reflection in the other fellow’s mirrors isn’t blinding. Also, he doesn’t wave his arms and scream at other drivers who irritate him.

Aggressive reactions only get other drivers mad at you. This leads to a lot of unreasonable, foolish actions and chance-taking. The attitude of “I’ll show you, you so-and-so” is a great way to get yourself or somebody else killed.

Which is the real you? When you’re boorish on the road, are you showing your true self?

Develop and practice patience and consideration in all situations. You’ll be a much better person – and much better driver – if you do.

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Talk No. 39 SKID ROW

It’s an unfortunate fact of our driving lives that hardly any drivers ever get a chance to practice skid control and recovery. Many drivers, especially the pros, have read about what to do in skids, spins and slides. But reading advice and then following it instinctively are two different things. The instructions for skid recovery call for an unnatural reaction by the driver. So too many of us – when we go into an actual skid – usually let reflexes take over and make the wrong moves.

We usually associate loss of control through skids with icy roads. But that’s only one of many ways that the friction between your tires and the road can be reduced. A road, right after the start of a rain, will get very slick due to the mixture of water with the oily road film that’s on the surface of the pavement.

During a heavy rain, water on the pavement an lead to a phenomenon known as hydroplaning. The front wheels of the vehicle actually can rise off the road surface and ride on a wedge of water. There’s a complete loss of steering control and the only solution is to reduce speed. This doesn’t mean slamming on the brakes in panic. It means that you gradually reduce pressure on the accelerator and bring the speed down.

Skids, spins and slides cam also happen on dry surfaces when the vehicle is going fast enough and the driver tries to change direction too quickly. As a matter of fact, most of the time when a car goes into a skid or slide, it’s because the vehicle is going around a corner or changing its forward direction.

Here are the basic rules for keeping control:

1. Learn to recognize the sort of situations that cause skidding. Wet roads, icy roads, oil slicks, sand or gravel on the road, bald tires, high speed – all can set you up for a skid.

2. Ease off on the accelerator and avoid heavy breaking. A hard, solid application of the brake usually only makes the skid worse.

3. “Stab” or pump-braking is the correct way. Here, there is a momentary application and release of the brakes. You don’t want to lock up the wheels, but just bring them to the point where they’re still turning. Once you go into lock-up, you’ve lost steering control.

4. Turn your front wheels n the same direction the rear wheels are sliding. The second you feel the skid coming under control, turn the front wheels back into the opposite direction and then into a straight line.

Probably one of the most important pieces of advice that can be given is to try to find an opportunity to practice going into skids, spins and slides at low speeds on a wide open area such as a vacant, icy, wide-open parking lot. Practice such as this may save your life or keep you out of serious trouble.

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Talk No. 40 THE SILENT KILLER

Most of us know that carbon monoxide gas (CO) is present in engine exhaust and we have enough sense not to let an engine run in a closed garage. Safety experts have suspected for years that carbon monoxide contributes to many more vehicle accidents than we’re able to prove. This insidious gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and nonirritating. It can kill without ever being detected by the senses. When you smell exhaust fumes, you aren’t smelling the carbon monoxide – you’re smelling unburned hydrocarbons.

Here are some points to help you keep the silent killer from making you one of its victims:

1. Be sure all parts of the manifold, exhaust pipe and muffler are sealed against leaks.

2. Keep you engine properly tuned so that combustion will be as complete as possible.

3. Before starting your engine, open the garage doors wide or if you have an exhaust venting system, be sure it’s operating.

4. Never crawl under your vehicle while the engine is running. (There are many other good reasons for this).

5. Never drive without a fresh air supply coming into your vehicle.

6. Avoid following other vehicles too closely, their exhausts contain carbon monoxide that can be drawn into your vehicle.

7. If you feel a little sleep while driving, or feel a tightness across your forehead, or get a headache, or your temples start throbbing, you may be inhaling some carbon monoxide. Other signs while driving at night are that the oncoming lights seem brighter and more glaring than usual and you’re slower in recovering you vision from the glare, or that the darkness seems blacker than usual. If you notice any of these signs, stop at once, get out and walk about in open air and then drive with the windows open.

Carbon Monoxide can slow down your brain and your reflexes, dim your vision and lead you into an accident. During the cooler months we’re more apt to drive with all the windows closed. Always have some fresh air coming in . the oxygen in fresh air is what you need more than anything else to offset the carbon monoxide.

Most people don’t realize how little carbon monoxide it takes to be poisonous to the human body. Only 50 parts of CO per million parts of air, by volume, is considered dangerous. And there have been cases where that much of the deadly gas been found in underpasses on city streets.

Carbon monoxide doesn’t suffocate you, it kills you by chemical action. It’s an asphyxiant. It combines directly with the blood in your body so the blood can’t carry oxygen to the tissues. In a sense, you die from oxygen starvation. So, if you have even the least suspicion you’re inhaling too much carbon monoxide, get some fresh air or pure oxygen as fast as you can.

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Talk No. 41 THOSE COUNTRY ROADS

So much driving is done today on expressways, it’s easy to forget the old-fashioned hazards of driving on country roads – blind intersections, narrow bridges, chuck holes, slow-moving farm equipment and wandering animals.

Be especially careful of gravel and dirt roads, because you can skid at just about any speed if you have to stop or turn suddenly. Wet leaves are equally dangerous. Take it easy on gravel, dirt or wet leaves.

Never drive in a cloud of dust. If the vehicle in front of you is barreling along, throwing dust all over the landscape, don’t follow him too closely. He may have to stop or turn suddenly and you’ll be right on top of him. If the dust gets too thick for you to see, pull off the road and stop. Wait for it to settle. Just be sure you’re off the road, out of traffic. When you start up again, drive slowly so you can find the right speed – one that won’t kick up so much dust it blocks your rear vision. Or, if the vehicle ahead of you is throwing up a lot of dust, drop behind him far enough to make sure you have a clear view of the road. Never try to pass any vehicle – horse-drawn or motorized – if you don’t have a clear view of the road ahead.

Black top country roads can mean trouble, too. Be ready for holes and loose gravel, especially at bends in the road, where the extra force of turning vehicles breaks up the surface faster. Such holes can throw you into a ditch. The loose gravel can send you skidding off the road or into another vehicle.

There are not as many signs along country roads to tell you what to expect, so try to watch as far ahead as possible and give yourself time to handle any emergency. Curves may not be marked – or if they are, the sign may not tell you how sharp or how long a turn it is.

When you see a farmhouse, remember it means you’re near a driveway. Maybe it’s hidden by trees or bushes or by a cornfield, but be ready in case a vehicle suddenly appears in your path. As soon as you see a house, slow down and watch for the driveway. If you enter a rural road from a driveway, come to a full stop at the roadway and check thoroughly for traffic. Get out of your vehicle if it’s necessary so you can see around brush, crops or other obstacles.

Many country bridges are narrow or one-lane and their surfaces often aren’t in the best shape. Approach small bridges slowly and look to see if there are clearances and load limit signs, or if a vehicles is starting to cross from the other approach. If there is, stop your own vehicle and pull to the right to let it pass. Watch for any water on bridge floor that could cause you to skid. Ice usually forms faster on the surface of the road approaching it.

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Road surfaces can change radically as you go from one county into another. That’s because conditions depend on the county board’s budget and the interest taken by the board members. Be ready to pass suddenly from a smooth, paved surface to one full of chuck holes or even to loose gravel whenever you see a county-line sign.

Slow-moving farm vehicles, whether they’re pulled by horses or motor-driven, may look far away and then suddenly appear within a few feet of you. Whenever you spot farm equipment, slow down. GE sure the driver knows you’re behind him. If he pulls over, pass him cautiously.

Never pass a school bus unless it’s moving. Always stop when a school bus stops, because the door may open to let children dash in all directions. Give yourself plenty of room to stop behind the bus.

More than 100,000 deer are killed each year by vehicles, and a lot of the motorists who hit them as well. Farm animals are equally dangerous, especially at night when they can’t be seen easily. Be extra alert if your driving in unfenced range country. If you see an animal, whether it’s wild or domestic, dim your lights. Your high beam will blind him. By lowering your lights, you give the animal a chance to look around and see where it can run. If necessary, honk your horn to scare him away.

City and country driving each have their own kinds of hazards. The real professional knows how to handle either one.

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Talk No. 42 TRIPLE THREAT

In the old days of two-way football, before the specialists took over, the greatest compliment you could pay a backfield man was to call him a triple threat. This meant that he could run, pass and kick. It was taken for granted that everyone could block and tackle, so they didn’t add those two and make the man a quintuple threat. But sometimes the term was also used in a derogatory sense. Occasionally a player was so bad that he was a triple threat to his own team – he would stumble, tumble and fumble.

Now, the same description could be used for drivers. Some are skillful, law-abiding and safety-conscious. Others are clumsy, take all kinds of chances and break laws every time they get behind the wheel.

Of course there are some people who just can’t learn to react properly, or they’re too nervous or they haven’t got the coordination needed to drive. Not many, but a few. In most cases, bad driving is simply due to lack of training and practice. If you’re not very good at backing then find the right way to do it, and practice it until you have it letter-perfect. The same thing applies to negotiating turns at intersections, handling skids, etc.

As for obeying the laws, no driver can call himself a true professional unless he’s familiar with the laws and ordinances that cover his vehicle on the road. He should also know all the rules, regulations and policies of his company that relate to his driving. But knowing the rules is still not enough – they must be observed. What if you don’t agree with them? What if you think they just restrict your activities? Well, rules have been set down for a reason. Until they’re changed or improved, it’s up to you to observe them.

Safety-consciousness is the most difficult of all habits to learn, but it’s probably the most important of all in making or breaking you as a driver. Safety starts with a proper attitude of respect for your own welfare, the well-being of others and their property. When you take foolish chances, you endanger not only your own life but also those of other people. You’ll most likely end up damaging the vehicle you’re in , or another vehicle or the property you may hit. At any rate, safety starts with you wanting to be safe and then learning how to avoid all the hazardous situation that can get you into an accident.

To be a professional in any field calls for a lot of hard work, training and practice. A real pro has to be so good at what many other people can do fairly well that others are willing to pay him for his performance. There are many cases where a person was lucky enough to have lots of natural talent for something. But he didn’t develop it, and the fellow with less talent who worked hare at it passed him right by.

So the kind of a triple threat that you can be is up to you – you can be a star or a bench warmer. You can be a true professional driver or you can be just another wheel jockey until your weaknesses catch up with you.

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Talk No. 43 WHAT EVERY DRIVER SHOULD KNOW

A good driver knows how to operate his car safely at all times and under all conditions. He may find himself confronted with emergencies, but emergency situations are the exception rather than the rule. He must understand how to start and how to drive under normal conditions, how to make turns, how to stop and how to park.

There are certain things that a good driver does every time he enters his car. First of all, he enters safely from the curb side, rather than walking around the automobile and risking danger from speeding cars on the street side.

Upon entering the care, the driver adjusts the seat for comfortable and safe driving, checks the mirrors, locks the doors, applies pressure to the brake pedal to check the braking system and fastens his seat belt. He also looks to see if the parking brake is on and the gear selector in park or neutral.

Once he has started his engine the driver should check the instruments on this dashboard.

When starting, the driver should check oncoming traffic before pulling out from the curb. When driving, the chief concern should be with the care ahead, and a sufficient interval must be allowed to guard against a sudden stop.

Many accidents occur with the changing of stop lights at busy intersections. A good driver has his car under control when approaching a stop light. If he is traveling at too high a rate of speed he must make a split second decision as to whether to try to come to a sudden stop or to beat the traffic coming from the cross direction – either of which presents hazards. If he is waiting at the intersection of a light change, he should watch traffic as well as the green light.

A “Stop” sign means stop. The driver must come to a compete stop and look both ways to make certain there is no approaching traffic before proceeding.

Right turns offer no unusual difficulties, provided the driver has the common sense to stay in the right lane and not attempt a turn from the middle of the street.

Left turns are another matter. First of all, make certain that left turns are permitted. Next, do not take chances that you can beat cars coming from the other direction, and that they can or will slow down for you.

Lane changes are mainly a matter of watching traffic and showing consideration for other drivers. Think twice before making lane changes and decide whether they are really necessary. The nervous driver who keep cutting in from one lane to another is a real menace. Adjust speed to other traffic. Use turn signals!

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Talk No. 44 WHAT HAPPENED?

How often do you check your vehicle for signs of trouble?

Prominent fleet safety directory spoke on this subject recently. He was addressing fleet safety directors from all over the country, and he said something like this:

“What’s happened to drivers who really know what they’re doing?”

“What’s happened to drivers who used to look at their gauges and instrument panels once in a while?”

“What’s happened to drivers who have a feel for their equipment?”

“What’s happened to the ‘old pros’ who could recognized symptoms leading up to mechanical failure, and who reported them promptly to the shop?”

“What’s happened to drivers who could hear odd noises possibly leading up to a malfunction?”

“What’s happened to drivers who know what really makes their wheels go ‘round?”

“We suspect sometimes that they’ve all retired.”

He had pretty good reason for thinking so, too – judging by some of the costly mechanical failures of his fleet equipment.

One driver ran for well over tow hours with a water pump leak. He gradually ran out of water and burned up a diesel engine that cost over $3,500 to replace. Obviously, he never looked at his temperature gauge because he had to drive many miles while his heat climbed slowly to the critical temperature. When it was all over, this driver claimed he never knew anything was wrong until the engine froze up!

Another case involved a bad oil leak. The driver said he made a coffee stop and checked his equipment. He couldn’t have looked underneath it, because if he had, he wouldn’t have missed the oil leak. The result? Same as in the first case. His engine slowly heated up, the oil pressure slowly dropped and he never knew it! The question is, why didn’t he know it? He couldn’t possibly have looked at all his gauges and instruments for nearly 300 miles; it took that long before the engine froze-up.

Here’s another case of engine seizure. The driver with 15 years’ experience checked his water at a truck stop. He said afterwards that he thought the cooling system took an awful lot of water. He was absolutely right, because 55 miles down the road his engine seized. It was out of water. With one look in the right place he may have found the leak. Just the fact that he used “an awful lot of water” should have reminded him to watch his temperature gauge.

It’s things like these that make you wonder; What happened?

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The repair records of every fleet company are filled with cases like these. Cases that are caused by plain, simple neglect of duties and responsibilities – or at the best, incompetency.

Now our safety director was not talking about a few isolated cases here and there. This sort of thing is happening every day. Any good, professional driver knows that before he starts out, he should make a thorough pre-trip inspection. The “pro” goes over his vehicle from stem to stem, looks under the hood, under the engine, and is alert for any leaks that may indicate trouble. He checks out all his instruments carefully to be sure they’re functioning properly. He continues to check them while enroute so that he knows the condition of his electrical system, his brakes, his operating temperature, etc.

No pilot in his right mind would try to fly a plane without making continuous references to his gauges and instruments; no professional driver should attempt to drive without doing the same thing.

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Talk No. 45 WHEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS

As drivers, we must do all we can to prevent accidents. But if you’re in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not, you should know what to do so the situation isn’t made worse, and so that needed help is called immediately. You should be so sure what to do that your actions are almost automatic.

Every accident must be reported at once, no matter who’s responsible. And it’s a criminal offense to leave the scene of any accident before identifying yourself.

If possible, get off the road. Turn off your ignition. Commercial drivers must comply with BMCS regulations and set up reflective triangles and flags or flares.

Stay at the scene of the accident until someone relieves you, unless you need medical attention or go to al help. The professional driver should set an example by his behavior at the accident scene. He should be calm and businesslike.

Call the police and your home office immediately. Get the license numbers of all vehicles involved and the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers. If there’s been any property damage, note the name and address of the owner or owners. List the companies that insure the property and vehicles. Include the names and addresses of anyone at the scene, whether they actually saw the accident or not.

Never argue. People are emotionally upset at an accident and will argue without making much sense. Arguing only prevents you from getting the facts down on paper.

If the accident involves an unattended vehicle, make a reasonable search for the owner. If he can’t be found, leave a note in a conspicuous place so he can notify you . Inform the police and ask if they want you to remain at the scene or not.

Never move any of the victims unless it’s absolutely necessary to get them away from fire or danger from passing traffic. You can easily make their condition worse, especially if they have internal injuries. Call a doctor or see that one is called immediately. If you know how, give first aid, but don’t try it unless you know what you’re doing. Try to stop bleeding by applying some material in the form of a compress.

If it’s essential to drag people out of the wreckage, make sure there’s nothing to hinder moving them. If wreckage has to be lifted from a victim, be sure there are enough people to do the lifting, so nothing is dropped again on the person caught under it. Don’t move a corpse until it’s been examined by authorities.

If people gather around, help keep them away from the victims. Make sure they don’t remove or destroy any of the evidence such as skid marks and parts of vehicles. Keep everyone away from spilled gasoline. A careless cigarette can turn a minor accident into a major one.

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Take pictures if you have a camera. Take photos from different angles, including the directions from which the vehicles approached the accident scene.

As soon as there’s time, write an account of the accident as it looked to you. Fill out all required local forms and insurance reports. Even though such reports may seem like a burden at the time, remember that your description can be the basis for preventing such accidents in the future.

Above all, be thoroughly familiar with your company’s policies and procedures in regard to accidents – and follow them to the letter.

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Talk No. 46 WINTER-TIME DRIVING

Fair or foul weather, driving always presents hazards. But winter months curse drivers wit conditions that are far different than those they face during the summer.

Seven Tips For Winter Driving 1. Be able to see and be seen. Clean all the snow and ice off of your windshield,

other windows, outside mirrors, lights and reflectors. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with good wiper blades, and that wiper arms are exerting enough pressure on the blades to ensure a clean sweep. If moisture or ice builds up on the inside or outside of your windshield, stop and clean it off.

2. Tires: Tires with good deep treads are essential for good cornering and handling on slippery roads. Check the air pressure frequently to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

3. Get the feel of the road. Occasionally try your brakes, or gently depress your accelerator while driving. When you have found out just how slippery the road is, adjust your speed accordingly. Rising temperatures greatly increase the slipperiness of ice and snow.

4. Stretch your “following” distance. Knowing that winter surfaces increase stopping distance three to 12 times , the smart driver increases his normal dry road following distance. Heavy trucks require a longer stopping distance on slippery roads than passenger cars. And don’t tailgate.

5. Brake before curves. All vehicles are particularly sensitive to over-powering, over-steering and over-braking on curves. Unseen hazards around the bend may require an evasive action, so around the bend may require an evasive action, so turn your steering wheel slowly and smoothly, keep a constant speed in the turn, and pump your brakes carefully if it’s necessary to slow down or stop.

6. Pump your brakes. The key to stopping under control on slippery surfaces is to avoid locking the wheels. A rapid pumping of brakes will provide short intervals of braking and of rolling wheels alternately and will enable you to maintain steering control while stopping.

7. Use proper lights. Never drive with parking lights instead of head-lights in winter’s early dusk and poor visibility. Parking lights can cause an oncoming driver to think you are farther away than you are. Keep head-lights clean; dirty ones can greatly reduce your own seeing distance at night.

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Talk No. 47 YOU CAN’T FOOL MOTHER NATURE

As a driver, you’re supposed to know the laws about operating your vehicle. By failing to obey them you can be arrested, have your license suspended, get fined, and maybe put in jail. It’s important, too, that you understand the physical laws that operate when you drive. By ignoring them, you can lose a lot more than your driver’s license or some folding money.

Centrifugal force is one of these physical laws. As a child, you may have demonstrated it by holding a bucket half full of water by the bail and whirling it around you. Even with one side of the bucket parallel to the ground, the water stayed in the bucket if you swung it fast enough.

When you swing around the curve of a road, this same force is at work. Like the water in the bucket, your vehicle hugs the outside of the curve. The force is so strong that, if you’re moving fast enough, your vehicle will leave the road.

Some of the newer highways have curves that are banked to compensate for the centrifugal force of cars going around them. When you come to an ordinary curve that isn’t banked, you have to reduce your speed to stay on the road. The sharper the curve, the slower you must go. As you round the curve, your tires must grip the surface strongly enough to overcome the centrifugal force. This means that both the road surface and your tires must be in good shape for your vehicle to hole the road properly. Anything such as water, ice, gravel or oil film reduce the grip needed to hold the road and overcome the pull of centrifugal force. Roads with crowns in the middle add to the danger.

Friction or gripping power is another natural force that greatly influences the behavior of your vehicle. In a passenger car there are only four contact points with the road, each about the size of the sole of your shoe. Trucks, because they’re heavier and have bigger tires and often more of them, have a lot more gripping surface. This helps the driver to control the vehicle and hold it on the road.

Brakes are gripping devices that create friction. They turn the energy of the turning wheels into heat. Friction between the brake shoes and the drum stops the wheels, and the friction between the tires and the road pushes against the car’s movement.

Water, mud, gravel and sand – not to mention ice and snow – all reduce the grip of your tires on the road. And don’t forget that washboard roads do the same thing.

Skids are caused by lack of friction. If there’s almost no friction, as ice melting at about 32 degrees, your vehicle is likely to skid in any direction. Centrifugal force causes sideslip. Skids also happen as a result of unequal tire pressure or brake pressure.

Gravity is another force of nature that helps hold your vehicle on the road. This has to do with the weight of your vehicle and it’s most important going up and down hills.

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With a slight downgrade, just releasing pressure on the accelerator may be enough to take you down quickly. On moderately steep grades, you may have to help the braking action of the engine by using the foot brakes. On a very steep downgrade, shifting into a lower gear to use the full braking power of the engine and save the brake linings may be necessary. Figure out what gear you want before you start down. It can be difficult to change gears once your start rolling.

Use the same gear going uphill as going down. Today’s vehicles can go up and over steep hills at high speed, but it’s best to slow down. There may be a vehicle ahead in your lane, just over the crest of the hill, that’s moving slower than you. If you don’t see him in time you can get on top of him without enough distance to avoid a collision. Watch your temperature gauge; if you’re climbing a long grade the temperature will rise if you use too high a gear. Too low a gear will show a temperature drop.

The force of impact is another physical law you should know something about. It’s hard to picture the force with which a moving vehicle can hit, but a vehicle hitting a stationary object at 20 miles an hour would collide with a force equal to its being dropped 13 ½ feet; at 40 miles an hour, it would hit with a force equal to its dropping a distance of 54 feet; and at 60 miles an hour the dropping distance is 121 ½ feet. Did you ever jump off the high dive at a swimming pool? Usually it’s about 10 feet above the water. So, if you can imagine raising the diving board to 13 ½ feet, then 54 and finally 121 ½, you get some idea of the force with which your vehicle would hit – with you inside – if there wasn’t any water in the pool.

Speed multiplies the effects of the physical laws. The faster a vehicle goes, the more centrifugal force you have to overcome in going around a curve, and the less friction you’ve got to help you stay on the road. When you add speed to the pull of gravity downhill, the greater the force of impact will be if you hit a moving or stationary object. Respect these physical laws and make sure they don’t take the control of your vehicle out of your hands.

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Talk No. 48 OUTLETS – ELECTIRICAL

BEFORE USING – make safety check for loose cable connections, bare wires, cracked outlets and missing or damaged face plates.

WHEN USING – be sure plug fits firmly and check for any signs of heating caused by faulty connections.

To Remove Cord – Grab At Plug Yanking a cord form an outlet can:

• Break cord insulation and wires.

• Pull loose wire connections.

• Bend plug prongs.

• Spread clips inside outlet.

About The Three (3) Prong Plug Guard it! It is your shock LIFEGUARD. Never cut off the third prong to fit an older tow-hole outlet. Never use a two-wire extension cord with this three-prong plug. If using an adapter at a two-hole outlet, be sure the ground lung is attached to the face plate center screw. (NOTE: The screw must be tested for an adequate source to ground).

(CAUTION! An adapter which has a pig tail is dangerous and illegal and must never be used.

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Talk No. 49 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

With electricity we are dealing with something that cannot be seen and is still the most useful power controlled by man. It is useful but can be a very destructive power to both man and material if the proper precautions are not taken. The danger is always there and we must know what means of protection can be used to eliminate the hazards.

Portable Power Tools In construction portable power tools with defective wiring cause many injuries. The following safe practices are recommended:

1. Use tools with three wire plug and make sure connections are tight.

2. Check tool, equipment and cables frequently for safe conditions.

3. Disconnect tool before making adjustments or repairs.

4. When using power tools in a wet area, use caution. The shock hazard is increased.

Temporary Electrical Installations Only skilled electricians should be allowed to perform any kind of electrical work. Foremen have the responsibility of making certain that electricians are provided with and use the proper protective equipment. The following are safety suggestions for installation and use of temporary electrical systems:

1. Do not overload circuits.

2. Use proper size wire for amps to be carried and also for grounding.

3. All circuits must be fused or circuit breakers installed to give adequate protection.

4. All circuits must be properly grounded.

5. Wire must be protected from vehicle traffic.

6. Temporary wiring must not be hung over nails, re-bar or other metal objects.

7. Periodic inspections should be made of all temporary electrical systems to ensure they are in a safe condition.

8. If a circuit is de-energized for any reason, tag and/or lock it “out of service” until it can be safely returned to service.

9. Know the hazards of electricity. It will help prevent injuries or even death!

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Talk No. 50 ELECTRICAL

The following regulations apply only to electrical installations used on the jobsite, both temporary and permanent:

1. Extension cords used with portable electrical tools and appliances shall be of three-wire types. Grounds are never to be removed from the extension cords.

2. Temporary lights shall be equipped with guards to prevent accidental contact with the bulb. Guards are not required when the reflector is constructed in such a way that the bulb is deeply recessed.

3. Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension.

4. Splices shall have insulation equal to that of the cable.

5. Electrical and extension cords or cables are not to be laid on floors, in walkways, etc., unless it is impractical to do otherwise. They should be suspended or secured in such a way as not to block or hang in walkways, doorways or work areas.

6. Panel boxes shall have a cover on them at all times, except when being serviced and when a temporary cover is in place it should be marked “HOT” to denote live current.

7. Explain to the employees which ground fault system your company has in effect, either GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS OR ASSURED EQUIPMENT GOUDNING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM.

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Talk No. 51 MATERIAL ELEVATORS

TOWERS:

1. Use only experienced men in the erection and taking down of towers. Construct towers of sound material only and of ample strength to carry the loads intended.

2. Towers and all parts thereof should be regularly and frequently inspected and a substantial ladder securely fastened must extend the entire height of the tower.

3. Platforms of ample size and strength with railings and toe boards must be built at each level where men work and the bottom of the tower must be screened or planked in on as many sides as possible.

4. All platform hoists must be guarded at all floors with suitable gates two feet away from opening.

5. Interior shafts or towers in which buckets or cages are operated must be barricaded so that no traffic is possible through them. At basement level where cage runs only occasionally, railings or gates and danger signs must be provided.

CAGES OR PLATFORMS:

1. Platforms of elevators must be of sufficient size so that wheelbarrow handles will not project over the edge. Stop cleats must be nailed on platforms for wheelbarrows. Care must be taken in piling empty barrows on hoists to prevent slipping.

2. Platforms of elevators must be strongly built and have toe boards on unused sides.

3. Construct roof of 2-inch plank on the head of the cage to protect men loading from falling objects.

BUCKET HOISTS:

1. When working bucket hoist, men must not be allowed to work in pits without first resting the bucket on timbers place across opening and resting on solid supports on two sides of the pit.

GENERAL:

1. Inspect all cables frequently and report any that are found to be worn, frayed or partially broken.

2. Sheaves of largest practical diameter should be used for all cables of installation. They must be frequently inspected and kept will oiled.

3. Post danger signs on material hoists and elevators, to warn men that they must not ride on them – this applies to everyone.

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Talk No. 52 FROM HEAD TO FOOT

Business reviews would indicate that today, the American male is spending more for clothing than anytime in history. This is in accordance with American standards and to deny the advantages of being merticulous in dress would be an insult to manhood.

And yet, we take so much pride in the social aspect of our dress – what about the really important angle? What about the manner in which we dress for work with safety in mind?

1. Are we meticulous in the protection of our skull, the important guardian of our brain center, through the wearing of a hard hat?

2. What about our eyes, our most important sense? Do we have them examined periodically…if necessary, do we used our glasses when reading…and above all, do we cover them with safety goggles when the occasion demands?

3. The shirt, an important piece of apparel. If we operate, or are engaged around moving machinery and equipment, do we wear short sleeve shirts, or have straight cuffs? The same goes for jackets. Never wear a loose fitting jacket, keep it buttoned or zippered shut at least chest high.

4. Our hands are a very vulnerable part of our body. If our work calls for it, do we wear gloves? Also remember, worn or tattered gloves are more dangerous than no gloves at all.

5. Wearing overalls or pants with cuffed or rolled up legs is a poor practice. If the legs are too long have them cut off and hemmed. Straight legs reduce the self-tripping hazard.

6. How about shoes; they don’t have to shine with a brilliant luster, but they must e practical. A safe working shoe has a thick sole; thin sole shoes can result in serious foot punctures. To protect against toe injuries, steel capped shoes are most practical. Shoe laces should not be too long.

7. Accessories…fine for social life, but are dangerous as a part of our working attire. Never wear loose watch chains, straps, keys on belt, etc., or any item that might hook on something and place you in a hazardous position. Rings, wristlets and wrist watches belong at home and not on the job.

REMEMBER TO DRESS PROPERLY FOR THE JOB YOU’RE DOING.

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Talk No. 53 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Hard hats shall be worn at all times, even on coffee and lunch breaks on the jobsite.

Hearing protection shall be provided and used whenever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures. A safe working condition is 90 dBA for eight hours.

Eye and face protection shall be worn when there is present danger of injury.

1. Don’t wear pants with cuffs or bell bottoms.

2. Shirt sleeves should be buttoned and not left hanging.

3. Nylon shirts and jackets should not be worn around welding or cutting operations.

4. Wear safety shoes (steel toe) when lifting materials either by machine or manually.

5. Wearing “sneakers” or tennis shoes, high heel platform shoes, etc., should be prohibited on a construction site or in a shop area.

6. Gloves should be worn when work requires such.

7. Lift with your legs – not your back.

8. Report all injuries, no matter how minor, to someone in authority.

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Talk No. 54 A PRICELESS POSSESSION

Let’s take a quick elementary test…how many basic senses are we endowed with at birth, and name each of them. It is one…two…four?…I’m sure we’ll all agree the answer is five and these five senses are SIGHT…HEARING…TASTE…TOUCH…SMELL.

And now to pose a more serious problem. Supposing we were faced with the sacrificing of four of these five basic senses, which one would we retain? If we are to go along with the average, we definitely would retain the sense of SIGHT. And yet on so many occasions how lightly we treat this most priceless possession.

The eye is so much like a camera, and yet so intangible in value. A camera consists primarily of a lens, usually rather expensive. This lens gathers light rays, focuses them and forms an image on a sensitized film, this mechanically creating a picture.

The eye, too, has a very valuable lens. The eye also consists of the retina, iris, cornea and optic nerve. These five members of the human body, in an almost supernatural fashion, coordinate their activities to transmit impulses to the brain and it is these impulses that provide vision, the miracle of color, perception and the ability to learn. Eighty percent of everything we know comes through the eyes.

It is a moral obligation to take care of our eyes, but we still neglect them. I recall investigating an accident in which a man lost the sight of one eye when a grinding wheel exploded. This man wore a pair of safety goggles at the time of the accident, but unfortunately they were on his forehead. The ironic part of this story is that the injured person was an ardent camera ‘bug’, owned many valuable cameras, and the lens of each was well protected with a leather cap type cover, this to eliminate the slightest scratch or piece of lint. Something that could be judged in dollars and cents was worth protecting, but his own sight was just taken for granted.

Medical science today works near miracles, but we were given just two eyes and science will not replace them. Let’s keep them and take care of them.

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Talk No. 55 FORESIGHT PRESERVES EYESIGHT

“He should have worn his safety glasses.” That’s a hindsight statement that crops up every time someone suffers an eye injury. And too often it’s too late; someone’s eyesight is gone, due to lack of foresight!

You’ve always got to remember that there are serious eye dangers involved in construction work – flying particles of dirt, dust, rust, rock, bits of concrete – and the only answer is EYE PROTECTION!

Any time you see that you are going to be exposed to special eye hazards, use foresight; wear eye protection. Your good judgment will tell you when anyone’s sight will be in special danger – when work is going to be done with jack-hammers…when men work underneath materials with loosely-clinging particles (be sure to wear hard hats, too)… or when you are working outside in windy weather.

If any member of your crew gets something in his eye, serious injury can be prevented by hustling him off to first aid. No one but a professional medical person should ever try to remove anything from an eye if it’s near the pupil, or if there is bleeding, or if a particle appears to be imbedded, or if it appears that there might be a puncture or other injury. In such case, simply place a clean pad lightly over the eye and rush the man to a doctor.

Eyesight is precious…and irreplaceable. Foresight can save vision … but the best of hindsight can never bring it back, once it’s lost!

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Talk No. 56 LAST TO GO

Man is gifted with a number of abilities. Some of them are known as senses. Man is able to see, hear, smell, feel or touch and he can taste. These are the well-known five senses. Sometimes we talk of a sixth sense…that of perception or intuition. Some people have a remarkable sense of perception or uncanny intuition. In some people, one or more of the six senses is more highly developed than the others. For example, a handicapped person very often overdevelops one sense in order to compensate for another that has been lost. Many a blind person has a super sense of hearing or touch.

Considering how dependent you are upon all your senses – what sense, if you had to, would you be willing to give up? Let’s take a hypothetical situation. For some reason or other, you have to part with one of your senses. The choice would be yours. Most people would probably vote to give up the sense of touch. While very difficult to live without, a loss of the sense of touch might not posse the problems that the loss of one of the other senses could cause.

Probably the next to go would be smell. In some people’s book, this might be the first to go. Others might rank the sense of taste as lees important than the sense of smell. Some would want to retain the sense of taste over the sense of smell, even though some experts tell us that the taste buds do not work accurately when the sense of smell is not present.

The last two senses to be given up in anyone’s book would be the sense of hearing and the sense of sight. While no one would like to be deaf, he would rather be deaf than blind. It is almost universally accepted that the sense of sight is the most precious sense we have. It would be the last to go on any imagined or hypothetical list.

But consider this: Why is it that workmen take so many chances with their most precious sense? Every day people are blinded or suffer serious eye injuries because of failure to wear protective eye equipment. It is almost as if the sense of sight was considered the least valued on the list…instead of the last to go.

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Talk No. 57 NEGATIVE REACTION

Remember the excitement an eclipse of the sun could cause years ago? Eclipses, of course, are still a rare event but in this age of space rocketry, television and all the other modern-day wonders, eclipses just aren’t the exciting event they once were.

As for forthcoming eclipse was announced, people would scurry about to find some tinted or smoked material to look through. One of the more popular items was a photograph negative. The darker the negative, the better. A photograph negative was considered to be excellent filter to see the notched out portion of the sun. the anxious spectator would hold it over his yes and turn his face skyward. He would be gazing directly into the blazing sun with only a piece of blackened celluloid covering his eyes.

The number of damaged human eyes will never be known. The only factor that precluded serious and permanent eye damage to millions was the limited frequency of eclipse occurrences.

In the beginning, the risks were taken unknowingly. But even as the hazards of sun gazing became known and were publicized, some people till took the chance in order to see one of nature’s rare shows.

People today often take chances with their eyes that are about foolish as gazing at the sun through a photograph negative. The welder’s helper that uses plain sunglasses or turns his head slightly to avoid a direct look at the arc is taking a worse gamble than the eclipse gazer. The passerby who stares fascinated at a welding arc might as well be looking at the sun through an inadequate filter.

The workman using a bench grinder or performing a chipping operation without adequate eye protection makes the old-time sun-gazer look like a smalltime risk-taker.

The thing that saved the eyes of the eclipse watchers was the rarity of the event. Infrequency of a certain task or job will not save a workman’s eyes. Many blinding eye injuries occurred the first time the person ever used the grinding wheel or an air gun.

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Talk No. 58 NEVER LET DOWN

People who must wear glasses become so accustomed to them that the minor disadvantages of wearing them are seldom thought of – keeping them clean, having an extra article of personal gear to look after, keeping the prescription current, being careful not to break them. Some people have worn glasses for so long that the small inconveniences become instinctive. They seldom even come to mind.

Not too many years ago, a lot of people needing glasses went to the nearest “five and dime” store for them. The person needing glasses selected a pair that fit comfortable, and if he or she could read the newspaper usually supplied at the counter, the spectacles were purchased and the failing eyesight problem was solved. Little concern was given to underlying causes that might cause loss of sight.

Times have changed. Most people now go to eye specialists for their prescriptions and as the condition of their eyes change, the specialists adjust the prescription to correct or accommodate changes in the eyes.

A lot of people regard eye protection in the same casual way that the early purchasers of “something to see with” did. One of the advantages the constant or frequent wearer of glasses has is that he usually selects his eyewear with though and care…for protection both on and off the job.

People who do not wear glasses seem to be more lax in wearing eye protection when it is necessary or required. They just seem to forget to put it on.

How could someone thirty or forty years ago trust variety store? The same person asking that questions will often trust to luck that an eye injury could never happen to him.

Never let down on eye protection. Always wear proper eye protection even when a hazard to your eyes seems very remote.

Safety is a simple thing that may add a little time and bother to the job, but without it you may never get the job done.

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Talk No. 59 FALLING OR MOVING OBJECTS

Falling or Moving Objects – Falling or moving objects disable more than 260,000 workers a year. Of every 100 workers hurt, 14 get hit by something.

WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Safety glasses will save your eyes from misguided missiles! Always wear safety glasses or shields when the job calls for them. Keep glasses clean and have them adjusted.

HARD HATS

Head protection is a must on certain jobs especially around overhead work or where there might be falling objects. Be hard-hatted – not hard headed!

SAFETY SHOES

That hidden steel toe cap often is the difference between a crushed foot and no injury at all. It’s really foolish not to wear safety shoes at work no matter what your job.

PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Stay out from under cranes, suspended loads and overhead work.

2. Stand clear when you hear warning bells or horns or power trucks and overhead equipment.

3. Keep clear of barricaded areas.

4. Wear protective equipment as required.

PROTECT THE OTHER GUY

1. Warn unauthorized personnel away from danger areas.

2. Take care that tools or material don’t fall from overhead work.

Weak Spot: Failure to wear personal protective equipment “just this once.”

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Talk No. 60 LET’S ELIMINATE FALLS

The only way to be safe from falls is to avoid falling. A simple and basic philosophy, but oh so true. The year 1961 evidenced 91,500 people dying as the result of accidents. Of this number, 18,400, or more than 20% died from falls. This figure is exceeded only by traffic fatalities as the greatest killer.

With particular reference to the construction industry, let’s explore just a few of the factors contributing to falls and their serious results. Where do these accidents occur?

Stairways: Running – carrying objects that block view of the steps – failure to use handrail – inattention. To avoid these causes of falls, take time, look where you step and use the hand rail.

Ladders: Select a ladder that suits the job – be sure it is in good condition – place it securely. Face the ladder too far out when working. When using a step ladder, be sure it’s long enough for your to stand on the second step below the top.

Scaffolds: Never erect a temporary scaffold. Even if a scaffold is to be used only a short time, it should be as solidly constructed as a permanent structure, with plenty of uprights uniformly spaced, horizontal bracing in both directions, railings and toe-boards to prevent falls of men and materials and diagonal bracing to prevent sway.

Housekeeping: A secure footing is the prime requisite in avoiding falls, and good housekeeping is essential to secure footing. Carelessly strewn nails, accumulations of wood, trash, grease, oil, etc., lead to certain falls.

Floor Openings: Floor openings must be covered. The hole should be covered securely, with a cover big enough and rigid enough to prevent failure. It should be marked with a warning sign and every employee on the job should be warned about it.

These are but a few of the many hazards involving falls. Alertness and surefootedness is the greatest insurance against this particularly dangerous type of accident. Let’s be alert!

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Talk No. 61 THE DANGEROUS FOUR

Falls – Falls disable 400,000 workers a year. Of every 100 workers hurt, 20 fall down. Almost as many happen on the level as from elevated places.

If you are on the level, you should:

1. Watch out for slippery spots such as oil, grease or water spills.

2. Use aisles. Don’t take shortcuts through storage and machinery areas.

3. Look out for objects on the floor that can roll, slide or trip you up.

If you are higher up: 1. Don’t run on stairs. Use the handrail.

2. Inspect safety belts and lines before using them.

3. Never jump from work stages, trucks or loading docks.

4. Use ladders the right way.

Ladder Sense 1. Inspect a ladder for cracks and loose rungs.

2. Choose a ladder long enough so you can stay off the top rungs.

3. Climb with both hands holding the rungs. Hoist tools and materials by hand line.

4. Don’t overreach. Be sure of your balance by keeping your belt buckle between the rails.

5. A ladder should have safety feet. Use a board on soft earth or to level the feet.

6. The 4 to 1 rule: Set the ladder one foot out for every four feet up to the point of support. Rungs are one foot apart so it’s easy to figure the angle.

Weak Spot: Inattention is the weak spot in the defense against falls… Watch where you are going!

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Talk No. 62 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Have you inspected your fire extinguishers lately? Are thy fully charged, strategically located, accessible and ready for use? Or, are they laden with dust, obscurely hidden in some off corner affording a false sense of security?

So often, fire extinguishers are purchased with enthusiasm, a vital need; and then, suddenly, because they are not regularly used, they are relegated to a secondary position in our operation.

The fact that fire extinguishers are our first line of defense in event of fire should warrant a periodic and thorough inspection. Fire extinguishers must be kept clean to attract attention, they must be kept accessible to eliminate lost time when needed, and the rubber hose, horn or other dispensing component must be checked to assure against blockage.

The following is a brief resume of the classification of fire and the recommended extinguisher to be used on each:

Class “A: Fires: Ordinary combustibles such as rubbish, paper, rags, scrap lumber etc. These are fires that require a cooling agent for extinguishment. Recommended extinguishers are – Water through use of hose, pump type water cans, pressurized extinguishers and soda-acid extinguishers.

Class “B” Fires: Flammable liquids, oils and grease. First that required a smothering effect for extinguishment. Recommended extinguishers – Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical and Foam.

Class “C” Fires: Electrical equipment. Fires that require a non-conducting extinguishing agent. Recommended extinguishers – Carbon Dioxide and Dry Chemical. Many sources recommend the use of vaporizing liquid (carbon-tetrachloride) on electrical fires. However, because of the danger involved through the generating of a phosgenic type gas, I would advise against the use of this type of extinguisher.

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Talk No. 63 FIRE AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Good housekeeping and fire prevention go hand-and-hand for obvious reasons, not only on your jobsites but in the home and office, as well. Fires can start anywhere at anytime and this is why it is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher and which extinguisher to use on different fires.

TYPES OF FIRES

Class “A” – These fires consist of wood, paper, rages, rubbish and other ordinary combustible materials.

RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS

Water, through the use of a hose, pump type water cans, pressurized extinguishers and soda-acid extinguishers.

FIGHTING THE FIRE

Soak a fire completely – even the smoking embers.

Class “B” Fires - Flammable liquids, oils and grease.

RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS

ABC units, dry chemical, foam and carbon dioxide.

FIGHTING THE FIRE

Start at the base of the fire and use a swinging motion from left to right always keeping the fire in front of you.

Class “C” Fires - Electrical equipment.

RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS

Carbon Dioxide and dry chemical (ABC units)

FIGHTING THE FIRE

Use short bursts on the fire. When the electrical current is shut off on Class “C” fire, it can become a Class “A” fire when the materials around the electrical fire become ignited.

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Talk No. 64 FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING

Always obey smoking regulations. These are made for the protection of you and of others. Usually the “No Smoking” sign indicates that there are flammable materials or conditions in the area. You cannot see vapors, but lighting match could involve you in a fire.

Dispose of all flammable wastes quickly and efficiently. Flammable scrap, wiping rags, or rubbish go in metal containers provided. Gasoline, kerosene, oil or other flammable liquids go in special containers provided – never pour down drains or sewers.

Know where and how to turn in a fire alarm. Know where the fire extinguishers are kept in your area and know what type fire they are meant for. Know the fire exit you should use in an emergency. Help emergency fire brigades, but do not get in their way.

Change your clothes right away if they get soaked with oil, kerosene, naphtha or other flammable liquid. Not only will changing prevent skin troubles but it will prevent a bad burn if the retained vapor catches on fire.

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Talk No. 65 GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR GIVING FIRST AID

SUPERVISOR: You should read and explain the following procedures for giving first aid. If possible, have someone on hand to demonstrate as you read/explain.

1. Keep the injured person lying down.

2. Do not give liquids to the unconscious.

3. Control bleeding by pressing on the wound.

4. Restart breathing by giving mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration.

5. Dilute swallowed poisons

6. Keep broken bones from moving.

7. Cover burns with thick layers of cloth.

8. Keep heart attack cases quiet.

9. For someone who has fainted, keep head lower than heart.

10. Cover eye injuries with a gauze pad.

11. Always call a doctor.

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Talk No. 66 FOOT PROTECTION

Nearly a quarter of a million disabling foot injuries occur on the job annually.

Adequate foot protection must guard against a host of hazards, from simple dermatitis to rushing injuries caused by impact from heavy objects.

Within this broad range, attention must be given to possible attack from caustics, chemicals, extreme cold, and excessive heat; slippery surfaces; puncture from hails and other sharp objects; electricity – both live and static, causing shock or explosion; and contamination from bacteria or radiation.

As generally used, the term “safety shoe” means a shoe with a reinforced steel toe. Where it is felt that impact-resistance must be compromised with the need for insulation, box toes of fiber or plastic are sometimes used. Such shoes, however, are not classed as “safety shoes”. Safety shoes fall into five general categories, determined by intended use:

• Steel box toe (general use);

• Conductive;

• Non-sparking (explosives-resistant);

• Shock-resisting (electrical hazards), and

• Foundry In addition, there are foot guards – plastic, aluminum ally, or galvanized steel foot coverings – which are attached to the shoes temporarily to protect not only the toe but also the instep (metatarsal area), and shin guards.

Other items covered by the broad term “foot protection” include rubber and rubber-like boots and foot coverings, wood-soled shoes, slip-resistant soles, steel-reinforced soles, shoe liners, disposable shoe covers, etc. Even barrier creams, fungicide ointments, sprays and powders.

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Talk No. 67 COMRESSED GAS CYLINDERS - A

One of the most frequently observed violations of safety procedures is the misuse of and careless attitude toward the handling of compressed gas cylinders.

In the construction industry, the gases most commonly used are in the form of oxygen and acetylene. Their use is confined, primarily, to main pain operations, but are frequently used in the field. During inspection tours, rare is the occasion that safe procedures are observed in the handling and storing of cylinders.

The following suggestions regarding the handling and storing of cylinders will contribute to a safer operation.

1. Accept only cylinders approved for use in interstate commerce (marked ICC). Never accept cylinders not provided with a valve protection cap.

2. Cylinders should be moved by means of a hand truck or other mechanical means and never by magnetic crane. If absolutely necessary to move them by hand, roll them on the bottom edge – never drag them.

3. Do not drop or permit cylinders to strike each other.

4. Cylinders should always be stored securely in an upright position.

5. When empty cylinders are to be returned to the vendor, mark them Empty or MT; close the valve and replace the valve protection cap.

6. When in doubt, always consider cylinders to be full and handle them accordingly. Accidents have resulted when containers under partial pressure were thought to be empty.

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Talk No. 68 COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS – B

Compressed gas cylinders are tricky things to handle. They are heavy; they are smooth and hard to get a grip on; they have valves that can be easily damaged; and finally, they are full of gas under pressure that can cause plenty of trouble if one gets loose in the shop.

There have been many cases of injury, death and heavy property damage caused by compressed gas cylinders, becoming projectiles propelled at high speed by escaping gas when ruptured at the neck by rough handling.

If you have to move a cylinder a short distance, you can tip it and roll it along on the bottom edge. But never drag it along the floor. Any rough handling that scratches or cuts the surface may cause an accident later.

Don’t try to carry a cylinder by hand – not even with two men. Use a truck or else a special carrying device.

Don’t ever hoist one with an electro-magnet or in a sling.

Treat the cylinders gently. They may seem solid and strong – but a dropped cylinder, if not ruptured and turned into a wild missile, may develop a weak spot that will let the gas escape. Don’t bang them together.

Try to move them and handle them so as to avoid unnecessary jolting and jarring.

Sometimes a guy is tempted to use one or more of the gas cylinders as rollers, or to support something. Don’t do it – don’t ever use one for any other purpose than the one it was designed for, the storage of gas.

Figure that every single gas cylinder is full. Sometimes you may think one is empty, and therefore safe but there may be enough pressure left in it to cause trouble.

Some kinds of cylinders have what are called fusible plugs – that is, openings closed with a bit of metal with a low melting point. In acetylene cylinders, the melting point is just about the boiling point of water.

So, if you ever have to thaw out a frozen valve on one of these, use warm, not boiling, water, and never, under any circumstances, use flame to warm the valve or cylinder.

If a cylinder leaks, get it outdoors as quickly as possible, some place well away from any flames or sparks. Notify me at once. Post warning signs telling people to keep cigarettes and fires away from the area. It is usually best to leave a valve slightly open so that the gas can escape gradually.

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Even if a cylinder is not leaking, keep it away from sparks, molten metal, electric currents or flame. It is just flirting with disaster to bring compressed gases in reach of such sources of heat. There are some special pointers on oxygen cylinders. Oxygen, you know, is the stuff in air that makes fires burn. Pure oxygen is a lot better supporter of fire than air, and it can even start a fire where no spark or ember exists – particularly if it comes in contact with oily material.

So the rule on oxygen cylinders is never to handle them with oily hands, gloves or clothing. Never use oil or grease to lubricate valves or attachments on these cylinders. Keep the cylinders away from oil and grease.

Never store oxygen cylinders near those of flammable gases and never try to use the oxygen for compressed air.

Gas cylinders are well made and they are safe if properly handled. But so is a gun or a stick of dynamite.

Badly handled, compressed gas cylinders can cause fires, explosions or deaths.

So handle them carefully; don’t bang them around.

If you have any doubt about the way to handle a cylinder, come to me before you try to move it.

Our business needs gas and lots of it. We’re going to have to live and work with these cylinders for a long time. Let’s learn to live with them and then we won’t die form them!

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Talk No. 69 LP – GAS HEATERS

LP-gas (propane, butane or mixture) is, in many cases, an indispensable fuel for industrial space heating.

When use of portable containers is necessary and their location outside of buildings or structures is impracticable, containers and equipment may be used inside in accordance with the provisions of NFPA Pamphlet 58 as are applicable to the particular use of occupancy. The common sense rules in this bulletin should be applied for the safe use of LP-gas in such instances.

Space heating refers to the heat for personnel or other requirements and usually means infra-red heaters, salamanders or standard space heaters.

Locate containers, regulators, piping and hose where they will not be subjected to damage, tampering or excessive temperature. Container valves should be protected from physical damage while in us either by being recessed or by a suitable protective collar. Containers, in use, must be upright and on a firm foundation or secured.

Do not drop containers.

Temporary space heating units must be designed for use with LP-gas and should be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as American Gas Association, Underwriters’ Laboratories, Canadian Gas Association and/or be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Heaters shall be located at least 6 ft. from any LP-gas container. This shall not prohibit the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard, providing they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater onto the container. Blower and radiant type heaters shall not be directed toward any LP-gas container within 20 ft.

Containers not in use should be stored upright, in a specified outside location and protected against damage or tampering. Valves should be closed and protective collars in place.

When transporting containers on a truck, forklift, etc., the containers should be firmly secured in an upright position with valves closed and protective collar shall be in place.

For temporary inside installations only approved containers such as ICC 26, ICC 4B-240 or ICC 4B-300 with a maximum capacity of 100 lb. Or LP-gas may be used. Each container shall be equipped with an excess flow valve as an integral part of the container valve or in the connection to the container valve outlet.

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When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total LP-gas capacity of containers manifolded together in connection to a heater or heaters shall not be greater than 300 lb. Such manifolds shall be separated from each other by at least 20 fl.

Regulators, if used, shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container valves. The regulator shall be suitable for use with LP-gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least250 psig service pressure.

For flexible connection between the regulator outlet and the heater, use only approved LP-gas hose of the shortest practical length which should have a working pressure of at least 250 psig. Protect all hose from damage and excessive heat.

Heaters should be operated only where there is sufficient air for combustion. Use only heaters or salamanders equipped with 100% safety shut-off valves. Do not use controls utilized bi-metal strips.

Upon changing containers and making hose connections, check all fittings for leaks with soap solution or other suitable leak detector solution.

In addition to the specific points covered below, all installations should comply fully with NFPA Pamphlet 58, “Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, (Division I)” or applicable local LP-gas regulations.

CHART

REQUIEMENTS FOR VARIOUS OCUPANCIES

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Talk No. 70 LP-GAS LEAKS AND FIRE CONTROL

As in any emergency situation, it is of paramount importance to avoid endangering human life in ____ of fire involving or exposing LP-Gas equipment, or serious leakage of LP-Gas without fire.

BASIC PRECAUTIONS

1. Approach the fire or gas leak form upwind.

2. Keep all persons out of vapor cloud area. If necessary to evacuate any are which is in the path of vapor cloud, do so immediately, eliminating all sources of ignition at the same time.

3. Police the area. Keep all persons except those necessary to cope with the condition completely out of the area, but in no case less than one to two thousand feet.

LEAKAGE WITHOUT FIRE

1. If escaping LP-Gas is not burning, close any ale available that can stop the flow of gas. Small lines such as copper tubing can be flattened to stop the flow. If an LP-Gas vehicle is involved, consult the driver; or if storage facilities are involved, consult plant personnel regarding possibilities of shutting off leaks.

2. Water spray is effective in dispersing LP-Gas vapor. If available it should be used as soon as possible, directing the spray stream across the normal vapor path and dispersing the vapor into a safe location. Those handling the hose should avoid entering the vapor cloud and should keep low behind the spray so that they will be somewhat protected from radiant heat if the vapor should be ignited unexpectedly.

3. In some instances of leakage from a tank without a fire, it may be desirable to move the tank to some remote area such as a blocked-off isolated roadway or open field where it an leak safely away from a source of ignition. However, if this is done, the tank should be moved only in an upright position. Never drag the tank in a manner which might damage valves or piping. Any attempt to turn a tank upright for moving it to some remote location should be done carefully to avoid damage to valves and piping and preferably under cover of water spray.

LEAKAGE WITH FIRE

1. Do not extinguish unless leakage can be stopped, except under certain conditions.

2. If the escaping gas is on fire, apply large quantities of water as quickly as possible to all surfaces exposed to heat. Approach the tank(s) from the sides. Concentrate

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on piping and metal surfaces of vessels or adjoining vessels, equipment or combustible surfaces exposed to flame or intense radiant heat, especially the upper position of the tank(s) shell (see Step No. 7). If an number of tanks are involved, use additional streams from the opposite sides for adequate cooling.

3. Consult driver or vehicle or plant operating personnel (as the case may be) regarding possibilities of shutting off fuel supply. Stopping the flow of gas should be the first consideration after water cooling is established.

4. If the only valve that can be used to stop the flow of fuel is involved in the fire, consider the possibility of effecting shutoff by protective clothing and gloves, while they are closing the valve. Proceed slowly to avoid any flashbacks or trapping firemen in the flames.

5. The controlled burning of escaping LP-Gas (which cannot be shut off by closing a valve) is commonly accepted fire-fighting practice. Application of sufficient water to keep the shell of the vessel and piping cool will allow the fire to consume the product in the tank without danger of causing failure.

6. Dry chemical portable extinguishers are effective for extinguishing small LP-Gas fires. Extinguishing agent should be directed toward point of vapor discharge. Carbon dioxide may also be used.

7. Failure of LP-Gas tanks usually occurs only when some portion of the metal surface in the vapor space of the vessel becomes overheated, softens and weakens to the point that it will not contain the pressure of the product. In the absence of sufficient water to keep the metal surface cool where it is exposed to direct flames or extreme radiant heat, there is danger of the tank rupturing. PROTECT VAPOR AREA BY SPRAYING WITH WATER. SOMETIMES FROST LINE SHOWS LIQUID LEVEL.

8. When sufficient water is not available to keep the tank cool, where excessive heat is present, some warning of increased pressure may be noted from the increase in volume of the fire or of noise level. This should be a signal to consider withdrawal of all men to a safe area.

9. Shooting holes in an LP-Gas tank that is involved in fire does not serve any useful purpose and should not be permitted.

10. Where possible, remove container from area before flames of burning building reach the container. It may be advisable to move the container under cover of water spray. It should be moved in only an upright position. Never drag it in a manner that might further damage valves. Any attempt to turn the tank upright to remove it to some remote location to facilitate product withdrawal should be done carefully to avoid damage to valves and piping.

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EXPOSURE TO FIRE

1. It is always important to control any exposure fire. In addition, when LP-Gas storage vessels or equipment are subjected to serious fire exposure such as from a nearby burning building or a fire involving another fuel, it is of prime importance to apply sufficient water to keep the shell of the vessel and piping cool to avoid any unnecessary release of LP-Gas.

2. If the LP-Gas storage vessel becomes heated to the point of causing the relief valve to function, the discharge should be allowed to burn if it becomes ignited. At the same time, continue to apply large volumes of water to the vessel and piping to keep them cool and to allow the relief valve to close after the excess pressure has been relieved.

3. Portable LP-Gas cylinders that are exposed to a fire should be moved, if feasible, to a safe location.

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Talk No. 71 GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

Eye protection devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of you know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore their goggles at the right time.

Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a face mask or spectacle-type safety glasses. There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective lenses may need goggles which can be worn over them for protection against damage or breakage. This “covers all protection” can be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye shield.

Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it, you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In fact, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t protect your eyes.

There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:

Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete.

Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools:

Caulking, brushing, grinding

Drilling, scaling and scraping

Babbitting, soldering and casting of hot metals

Handling of hot tar, oils and liquids, and molten substances

Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials.

Gas welding, cutting, brazing

Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes for flying particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids.

It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present, suitable goggles will give helpful protection.

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Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles. Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.

Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fast is they just don’t fit. Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart let’s use eye protection when eye hazards are present.

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Talk No. 72 PORTABLE ABRASIVE WHEELS

Portable abrasive wheels have most of the hazards of the wheels mounted on fixed stands. The act hat they’re portable makes them more hazardous in some ways. They have to take lots of punishment because they get banged around and dropped. Unless the wheel has already stopped before it’s dropped, it’s apt to jump around some and that’s not as good.

If portable wheels are properly mounted and used right, you won’t get hurt, but if you misuse them, you’re apt to. The biggest danger is that the wheel may explode. It’s probably running at 2,000 or 3,000 rpm, and if you bang it into something or give it a good blow it’s apt to let go. Don’t forget that those chunks from an exploding wheel are plenty hard and have sharp corners. They can crack your skull and tear your flesh.

Over-speed can explode a wheel, too, but you can hardly over-speed a motor-driven wheel unless you mount an oversized wheel on the grinder, for instance, put an 8-inch wheel on in place of a 4-inch one. You’d get twice the rim speed that way, and the wheel would probably let go. Of course, you’d have to take the guard off to put the 8-incher on, and that would be a fool thing to do, for sure. It’s been done, though.

You should never use a portable grinder on any ordinary grinding job without a guard. The guard should cover at least half the wheel. See that it’s secure and set to give you the best possible protection if the wheel should let go. Always handle the grinder and yourself so as to keep the guard between your face and the wheel. That can mean the difference between getting a chunk of wheel in the face and merely hearing it zip past you. The guard will turn a lot of the dust and sparks away from you, too. Without a guard you’d eat plenty of it.

Suppose we run through the safe way to do a job with a portable grinder. First, check the tool over carefully. Is the cord in good condition? Is the guard on tight? Are the washers full size? They should just cover the paper washers that are glued onto the wheel. Does the trigger work right? Does it cut off the juice when you take your finger off? Does the wheel run smoothly and without vibration?

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” you’re ready to get on with the job. Or are you? How about your goggles? Safety shoes, too? You shouldn’t drop that grinder, but you might and a grinder dropped on your toes would make them plenty sore for a while.

Next, check the “surround,” the area around the job. If there’s anything loose underfoot, pick it up. If there’s anything you can’t pick up that you might trip over – like a pipe – notice where it is and keep clear of it. Then decide where you want to run the extension

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cord. You don’t want anyone to trip over it or interfere with it and you don’t want to get your feet tangled in it. The record shows that an extension cord which isn’t safely out of the way is practically a sure-fire device for causing injury, usually to the guy with the grinder. If the cord isn’t long enough to run where it’s safe, get another and hook it up. Don’t take chances with that kind of trouble.

This preparation doesn’t need to take long – probably not as long as it has taken me to run through it. Anyway, it would be worthwhile no matter how long it took.

Now you’re ready to do your grinding. Keep a firm hold on your grinder. You not only want to hold it steady, but you also want to be able to apply just the right pressure with it – the right touch. You know, of course, how important the right touch is in sharpening a tool on a stand grinder. It isn’t hard to get the knack, but it does take a little care and some practice.

Some portable grinders are run by air. If you use that kind, make plenty sure that the governor works. Hold the wheel up and away from you, and press the trigger. The wheel should come up to full speed smoothly and run smooth with a steady hum or whirl. If the tone isn’t steady, it isn’t right. Don’t use the tool until it’s fixed.

If your grinder is powered by electricity, be sure to ground it, especially in wet places.

Finally, treat your grinder with respect. The wheel is brittle. It doesn’t like shocks. Lay it down carefully where it will be safe every time you stop your grinding. Respect it and it will be a real help to you.

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Talk No. 73 SAFE USE OF BENCH AND STAND GRINDERS

The abrasive grinding wheel is probably the most universally used power tool in all industry. Because it is used indiscriminately, by many persons, frequent injuries result from lack of training, ignorance of hazards and incorrect setup and operation.

Some causes of injury involving abrasive wheels include:

1. Failure to use eye protective equipment or the eye shield mounted on the grinder itself. Cup-type goggles should be used for extremely rough grinding.

2. Holding the work improperly.

3. No work rest or an improperly adjusted work rest. (Work rest should be no more than one-eighth inch from the wheel).

4. Cleaning, adjusting or gauging work while the machine is in motion.

5. Improper wheel guards; excessive wheel speed.

6. Taking too heavy a cut.

7. Applying work too quickly to a cold wheel.

8. Side grinding.

9. Vibration and bursting of wheels.

10. Using a spindle with incorrect diameter; threads on spindle cut so that the nut tends to loosen as spindle revolves.

11. Incorrect dressing of wheel; wheel out of balance.

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Talk No. 74 HAZARDOUS CYLINDERS

Everyone knows that gas cylinders are exposed to many dangers. If we can follow these common sense rules, we may be able to eliminate some of the hazards.

1. Cylinders should be placed in a rack and secured in an upright position to guard against tipping over.

2. When the cylinder is empty it should be tagged or otherwise marked as such and the valve completely closed off and the cap replaced.

3. Keep cylinders from contact with electrical wire or sources of heat.

4. Shield from sparks or flames from welding or cutting.

5. Do not store anything on top of cylinders.

6. When you move a cylinder make sure the valve is closed and the cap is on.

7. Never use valves or caps for raising or lowering.

8. Use a suitable rack or cradle for raising or lowering.

9. Never use a flame if the outlet valve on any type of cylinder becomes clogged with ice or snow. Use warm water.

10. Do not lay the valve in any area where oil or dirt can come into contact with any part of the valve.

11. Always “HANDLE WITH CARE” – do not drop or jar.

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Talk No. 75 WHY WEAR HARD HATS?

The average safety hard hat weights about 14 ounces. The average man’s head weights 14 pounds. So there’s an ounce of safety for every pound of head – provided the head protection is properly worn and maintained.

The brain is the control center of the body. The slightest damage to any part of the brain will cause malfunction of some area of the body. The skull, under normal circumstances, protects the brain. But when a possibility of injury from falling or flying objects exists, additional protection is required. This is the objective of the use of hard hats.

The force of a falling object can be calculated approximately by multiplying the weight of the object by the distance of its fall. A three and one half ounce washer, for example, falling thirty-two feet, will generate a force of seven foot pounds of impact. Should this washer strike an unprotected head, the force of the blow would be equivalent to 560 pounds; when a hard hat is worn, the force transmitted to the neck and spine is reduced to only 127 pounds.

Often workmen are reluctant to wear hard hats because of an expressed concern of the weight and discomfort of heat during warm weather. Considering the protection afforded, the weight theory is negligible. The average hard hat weights 14 ounces as compared to the three pounds of the helmet used in World War II and the Korean Conflict. However, under duress of battle, the helmet afforded a psychological feeling of security. Whey then, in certain areas of employment, shouldn’t the hard hat give this same feeling of security in industry.

Regarding the so-called discomfort of heat, a test in temperature of 110 degrees showed that the inside temperature of a cloth cap and a felt hat were 2 degrees cooler than the prevailing outside temperature. The same test revealed the inside temperature of hard hats varied from 5 to 12 degrees cooler. The material, reflection and air space were the governing factors.

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Talk No. 76 HANDLING OF CEMENT PRODUCTS

Cement is the major cause of skin irritation. The more lime it contains, the more irritating the cement is to the skin. Adding water to cement generates heat, thus aiding the possibility of reddening or burning o the skin upon contact.

When cement with little moisture comes into contact with the skin, the skin becomes hard, dry and thickened. The dry skin is then likely to crack and become fissured and slowly developing ulcers may form. The nails become dry and brittle. Cement can also cause inflammation of the eyelids and chronic conjunctivitis. Ulcers can result in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth upon inhalation of cement.

Factors which can contribute to the development of dermatitis are:

1. Excessive sweating – workers who perspire freely are more likely to develop cement dermatitis firs ton the exposed parts of the body and later on the covered parts. For this reason, cement dermatitis occurs more frequently in hot weather.

2. The lack of cleanliness.

3. Pre-existing non-occupational dermatitis or allergy.

Dermatitis may also be caused by using harsh or poor quality skin cleansers, especially if you have dry skin or work wit alkalis. It is believed that Lanolin is the best agent to counteract the fat removing and dehydrating action of harsh soap on the skin. A water-type barrier cream is thought to be effective.

Proper personal hygiene is the most important facet in the prevention of dermatitis among cement workers. Workers should know the proper preventive measures, this includes showers after each shift and change of clothing daily. During the work shift, a lanolin-based soap should be used to wash hands.

Lanolin should be applied to exposed areas before putting on gloves, for those workers who are inclined to develop dryness and cracking of the skin.

Medical care should be sought for those who develop dermatitis. If necessary, they should be taken off the job until they recover.

With reasonable care and cleanliness, cement dermatitis need not occur among workers with normal skin.

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Talk No. 77 HEATING DEVICES

The Use of the Friendly Fire Introduction: The use of the heating devices allows cold weather construction and directly enables building tradesmen to be employed in the winter months. Defining Terms: The term “friendly fire” is used to describe heating devices and other types of controlled combustion or burning operations – the useful and wanted fire.

The “unfriendly fire” is described as that which burns in an uncontrolled fashion – usually harmful and destructive burning event.

Responsibility: Building tradesmen have the responsibility to themselves to prevent injury and to the contractor to prevent the damage of equipment or materials due to fire.

Types of devices: The heating devices normally used include: portable fuel oil and low pressure gas heaters of various capacities, and salamanders.

Dangers: The dangers that can be normally observed and corrected with little effort are unprotected fuel lines that are susceptible to damage or rupture; control valves that have been damaged and, therefore, no longer function properly; and the storage of fuel tank too close to the heating device itself or in an area where they can be damaged or knocked over. These items all contribute to the possibility of fire and/or explosion which could seriously injure men and create damage to the building project.

Other fire dangers are over-heating and placing heating devices too close to wood and other combustible materials and insufficient clearance for vents that go through wooden walls.

A health atmosphere: Frequently temporary heating devices, in tightly enclosed areas, consume much of the available oxygen supply and therefore, create an atmosphere that is not healthful for workers. It is recommended that efforts be made to have adequate ventilation- fresh air.

Report: When tradesmen observe a questionable situation, the foreman or superintendent should be immediately advised – report what is seen. Supervisors are expected to know how the equipment should be installed and the proper clearance to materials that will burn.

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Talk No. 78 WARNINGS ON USE OF SPACE HEATERS

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, millions of consumers rely on space heaters to warm their homes. Millions more use smaller heaters, some portable, some gas and some electric to take the chill out of cold mornings and nights in their campers and tents. Many consumers, however, fail to follow instructions or rules of safety, forgetting for a moment that death and serious injuries, including burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, strike thousands of Americans each year.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that last year more than five thousand persons received hospital room emergency treatment for injuries associated with gas, kerosene, oil and electric space heaters. The Commission estimates that more than two-thirds of those injured required treatment for burns and about half of all the injured victims were children under five years of age.

At least twelve million American homes use fuel oil space heaters and health officials estimate that thousands more have heaters that emit excessive amounts of carbon monoxide – the odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can kill a sleeping person in less than two hours. Unvented heaters which burn natural gas, liquefied petroleum and other fuels pose the greatest threat of carbon monoxide poisoning because they require a constant supply of fresh air to operate safely and avert a buildup of poisonous gases. Unvented heaters have been outlawed in some areas.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be as mild as drowsiness, headaches, or nausea and frequently may be misdiagnosed. Exposure to carbon monoxide can also result in severe brain damage and could be injurious for elderly persons, especially those with heart problems, those with anemia, pregnant women and the very young.

Fire and burn problems are common to both fuel and electric space heaters. The Commission’s investigations of emergency room cases reveal that children and adults often contact exposed flame or hot exterior surfaces of heaters and suffer severe burns as a result of clothing catching on fire or direct skin contact.

All equipment, particularly old or long idle equipment should be inspected annually before use by a qualified service person. Installation and repairs should be done by a qualified service person. Heaters should be located out of traffic and away from furniture, draperies and anything combustible. Children and adults should be alert to the hazards of high surface temperatures and should keep far enough away to avoid igniting clothing. Young children should be carefully supervised when they are in the same area with a space heater.

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Use heaters with a thermostat control and an automatic device that turns the heater off if it tips over. Warn children never to insert fingers or objects through the protective guard. They could be burned or received an electric shock.

Avoid the use of extension cords for heaters and if one is absolutely necessary, use heavy duty cords that are appropriate for the wattage of the heater. The ordinary home extension cord is probably inadequate for a heater and even home wiring could be inadequate for some higher wattage heaters.

A person should exert special caution when using an electric heater in the bathroom; accumulation of moisture or direct contact with water and grounded plumbing fixtures could cause electric shocks. Never place the heater near the tub or sink where it could fall in the water.

Although gas and electric heaters are most common, some families may still have kerosene heaters. The National Fire Protection Association urges care when filling kerosene heaters because spillage could ignite. The association warns that if the reservoir is filled to the brim, the coal oil could later expand, overflow and flare up. Also, they warn never to make fuel substitutions or to convert heaters to another fuel without expert advice.

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Talk No. 79 HEAT STROKES, HEAT EXHAUSTION: WHOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

It’s time again for all contractors and subcontractors to familiarize themselves with the symptoms and treatment for those hot weather dangers: heat strokes and heat exhaustion.

Any time the temperature rises above 90 degrees, the danger exists that persons exposed to the direct sun may be affected with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It is important that you – and your foremen – know the symptoms and emergency treatment of these two different types of illness.

Heat Stroke The symptoms of heat stroke often appear quite suddenly and are characterized by collapse, delirium or coma. Certain characteristics include diminished sweating; dry, hot skin and flushed face; rapid pulse; headaches, dizziness and irritability, nausea and vomiting; an extra high body temperature ranging from 105 to 110 degrees; and an extremely rapid pulse.

The heat stroke victim should be taken to a hospital or doctor immediately. Attempts also should be made to lower the body temperature. This can be done by removing all the patient’s clothes except for shorts and sprinkling his entire body with water. A fine spray of water evaporates more rapidly and produces a better cooling effect.

During transportation, windows should be left down so that air passing over the patient’s body will evaporate the water.

The patient’s arms, legs and trunk should be rubbed briskly to increase circulation to the skin. If ice is available, an ice bag or towel wrung out in ice water should be applied to the head.

Heat Exhaustion The symptoms of the slightly less serious heat exhaustion are different form heat stroke in that the patient’s skin normally is cold, clammy and covered with perspiration instead of hot and dry. The face is pale; other symptoms include a headache, loss of appetite, drowsiness, cramps of the limbs and abdominal muscles, faintness or unconsciousness. The pupils of the eyes sometimes are dilated.

To treat heat exhaustion, move the patient to a cool place where hey may rest and keep him lying down with head level low. If you have salt available, give him small amounts mixed with water. It’s not a bad idea to send the patient to the doctor for a checkup after he rests a few moments.

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Talk No. 80

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFE PRACTICES

The primary sources of injury to operators and other personnel working around heavy equipment are:

1. Repairing and servicing equipment in dangerous positions.

2. Striking individuals or other vehicles with the equipment, particularly its blade.

3. Unexpected violent tipping of the equipment.

4. Uncontrolled traffic within or through the work area.

5. Unexpected violent shocks or jars to the machine.

6. Sudden movement of a power unit while it is being attached to earth moving equipment.

7. Limbs of trees or overhead obstructions.

8. Leaving earth moving or other equipment in dangerous positions while unattended.

9. Failure of lifting mechanisms.

General Operating Precautions:

1. Machines should be maintained in good working order. All vital parts such as motors, chassis, blades, blade holders, tracks, drives, hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms, and transmissions should be thoroughly inspected each day.

2. Before starting a job, the operator should be given instructions regarding the work to be done.

3. Before using the starting motor, the operator should check to make sure that all operating controls are in the neutral position.

4. Machines should be operated at speeds and in a manner consistent with conditions on the particular job.

5. At no time should a piece of equipment be left unattended while the motor is running, especially if the machine is on a inclined surface or on loose material.

6. If possible, equipment should be driven entirely off the road at night. When any portion of the machine projects into the road, it should be adequately marked with red lights or flares. Red flags should be used in daytime.

7. Personnel should stop motors and refrain from smoking during refueling operations.

8. The operator should keep deck plates or steps on equipment free from grease, oil, ice and mud. Corded sole shoes are recommended.

9. Employees, other than operator, should not ride on equipment.

10. Operators should not wear loose clothing, which can get caught in moving parts of equipment.

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Talk No. 81 HOISTING SAFELY

Hoisting if done improperly can present hazards for the operator and other workers in the vicinity. But, if proper precautions and techniques for operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair are followed, the risks can be reduced.

Using hoists safely can be broken down into several areas, the most important being SAFE OPERATION.

Operators of hoists should be told to:

• Know and do not exceed the safe load limit of the hoisting equipment.

• Check controls to see that the proper reaction results from the operation of a certain control.

• Check pendant control cable for cuts, kinking or signs of wear.

• Visually check hoist cables for fraying, kinking, crushing and twisting of the cables between the cable and the drum.

• Look at the hoist drum for proper cable alignment, stacking of the cable on the drum and cable alignment in the drum guides.

• Visually inspect the hook for cracks, bending or distortion and the safety latch for proper operation.

• Not operate the hoist if not physically fit.

• Not attempt to lengthen or repair the load chain.

• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and all instructions and warnings on the hoist.

• Position and the hoist directly over the load.

• Avoid swinging of load or hook when traveling the hoist.

• Pull in a straight line so that neither hoist body nor load chain or rope are angled around anything.

• After the hook is placed in the lifting ring, apply slight pressure to the hoist to ensure that the lifting ring is seated in the bottom of the hook and that the hook is properly aligned.

• Between lifts, check to see that the rope is properly reeved on the drum.

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• Attach sufficient guide ropes to control the unit being moved.

• Check the intended movement path to see that it is clear of people and obstructions and to see if the intended destination is ready to receive the load.

• Not tamper with any part of the hoist.

• Check brakes for excessive drift.

• Be sure there is proper clearance for movement.

• Get positioned on the pendant side of the hoist to get maximum clearance from the load and to prevent entanglement of cables.

• Avoid sudden starts, stops or reverses to avoid shock loading.

• Raise the load only high enough to avoid obstructions.

• Do not hoist loads over workers – wait until area is vacated.

• Not permit the operator or guide rope handlers to become distracted.

• Be alert for any variation of hoist operation and any possible malfunction.

• Not leave a load suspended in the air – if a short delay is unavoidable, look the controls.

• Not allow unqualified personnel to operate hoists.

• Never carry anyone on the hook or load.

• Not operate hoist to extreme limits of chain or rope.

• Avoid sharp contact between two hoists, between hoist and end post, and between hooks and hoist body.

• Never use the hoist rope or chain as a sling.

• Not use chain or rope as ground for welding nor touch a live welding electrode to the chain or rope.

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Talk No. 82 STOP INJURIES

The big causes:

Handling Objects 23 percent

Falls 20 percent

Hit by Objects 14 percent

Machinery 10 percent

Vehicles 7 percent

Hit Against 7 percent

All Others 19 percent

WHY: Human errors are a factor in 80 percent of all injuries.

We nee your safe actions to prevent most accidents.

The safe way is required always per our work policy and OSHA law. A safe place is uncluttered, clean and orderly. Emergency equipment and aisles are kept clear, machine guards are kept in place. If you see machine trouble, electrical hazard or other unsafe conditions, report them immediately to your supervisor.

For safe actions use equipment only if permitted, obey all signs, be reasonable, wear protective equipment when needed. Keep horseplay of the job and report any injuries.

Give us your hand for safety.

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Talk No. 83 PREVENTING COMMON INJURIES

The largest number of injuries occur to fingers and hands. Here are some pointers on how to avoid those common injuries.

1. Inspect materials for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, rough or slippery surfaces.

2. Get a firm grip on the object.

3. Keep fingers away from pinch points, especially when setting down materials.

4. When handling lumber, pipe or other long objects, keep hands away from the ends to prevent them from being pinched.

5. Wipe off greasy, wet, slippery or dirty objects before trying to handle them.

6. Keep hands free of oil and grease.

In most cases, gloves have to be used to prevent hand injuries.

If injuries do occur, report such injuries and have them treated. Cuts or scratches can become infected unless properly cared for.

In addition to the specifics just related to, here are some general rules that should be adhered to in order to prevent injuries to yourself or your fellow worker.

1. Order is the first step in doing anything right. Practice good housekeeping everywhere. A work area is in order when there are no unnecessary objects about and everything is in its place.

2. Learn the right way to do your job. That will be the safe way. If you are not sure you thoroughly understand the job, ask your super for further instructions.

3. Work at a safe speed. Foolish hurry such as running in passageways or on stairs, is dangerous.

4. Jumping from an elevation such as a table, bench or platform is liable to result in serious injury. Don’t do it.

5. Work clear of suspended loads. If a load is moved above where you are working, stand aside until it has passed by.

6. Obey warning tags and signs. They are posted to point out hazards.

7. Avoid practical jokes and horseplay. Such actions lead to accidents and are forbidden on the jobsite.

8. Make suggestions that will assist in safe performance of work. Bring to the supers attention any unsafe condition found in the job or on the jobsite.

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Talk No. 84 WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS INJURED

The first rule of first aid is that if you don’t know how to give it, don’t try to. You may do more harm than good. It’s important to know not only what to do, but also what NOT to do.

For instance, don’t try to move an injured person unless you know that moving him will not worsen the injury. Improper, and/or careless moving can increase the severity of an injury and even cause death. In case of a fracture or broken bone, it’s often best to let the victim lie where he is until competent help arrives. Wait until a person arrives who is experienced in first aid.

As an example of what to do if an accident occurs, let’s take the situation where a man has come in contact with a live wire. The very first thing to do is to free the man from the live wires or source of shock, but the rescuer must exert extreme caution and care or he may lose his own life. If the current cannot be turned off, pull the wire away from the victim with a dry stick, dry rope, dry coat, or other nonconductor. Don’t get too close. Stand on a dry surface. If they’re handy, use heavy rubber gloves. After you’ve pulled the wire away start artificial respiration at once. Remember that damp materials may conduct enough current to kill, and that high voltage will arc on damp days.

Of course, these are the big accidents. Most often you’ll run up against smaller injuries – burns, cuts and scratches. The danger here is in the fact that most men don’t bother to get first aid for these minor injuries. But unless they are properly treated, these little injuries can develop into serious infection cases. Remember the old adage about a stitch in time. Work carefully – but if you do get hurt or someone else gets hurt, get expert attention as soon as you can. Time is often very important.

When any injury occurs – serious or minor – be sure that it receives the right kind of treatment, as early as possible.

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Talk No. 85 CHECK LADDERS

A ladder is one thing you have to have to bet your life on.

A good ladder used right is a safe and convenient helper.

But a defective ladder or a ladder misused can kill or cripple.

Before you climb, always check the ladder for defects. Here are some things to look for:

• Loose, split, cracked or missing rungs

• Missing or damaged feet (if the ladder is equipped with them)

• Any signs of rot

• Excessive warping

• Cracks or excessive checking in the rails, especially cracks near the rungs. We have plenty of good ladders, so don’t use a defective one.

Be sure the ladder is the right type for the job. Soft ground or slippery flooring may demand a ladder with safety feet. A metal ladder may be too hazardous around electricity. Certain jobs may need a platform ladder. Get the type that fits you need.

Handle the ladder carefully. A large ladder is tricky to handle. Don’t hesitate to get help.

Be sure you know where you are putting it. Don’t let is contact live electric wires and don’t rest it on gutters, glass or other weak supporting surfaces.

Don’t climb with your hands full or gear. If you can’t sling what you need over your shoulders, put the stuff in a pail or bag fastened to a line which goes up the ladder with you. When you get to the working level, hoist the stuff up and fasten it to the platform or to a rung.

If you are climbing in an area where people are walking or running power trucks, post someone at the base of the ladder to keep traffic away.

When climbing a ladder, hold on to the rails, not to the rungs. As you climb, check the ladder to be sure each rung and the rails are safe. This is in addition to your initial check.

Case Study Art _________ used a ladder with a cracked rung. He had noticed it and took care to avoid the broken rung as he went up. But coming down he forgot about it and, or course, did not see it below his feet. His weight broke the rung, and he fell eight feet to a cement floor. He died of a skull-fracture.

Discussion Points Where and under what conditions are ladders used by your group? What types and sizes of ladders are available? Are there any problems or any needs not now being met?

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Talk No. 86 LADDER DOWNFALLS

Ladders are such familiar items of equipment that every man, woman and child seems to take it for granted that he or she knows how to use them. Too many times, however people break the rules for safe use of ladders. The result can be a bad fall, and such falls can be fatal. Ladder accidents happen in the shop, at home while painting or hanging storm windows, even in the kitchen. But don’t get the idea ladder accidents happen only to people who are inexperienced. Many victims of ladder falls were experienced men. For example:

Case History An experienced millwright was going to dress a weld in the metal drip edge of a building. He got a straight ladder equipped with safety shoes – the kind with both steel spurs and rubber soles. The ground below where he had to work was a gravel slope, but he set the ladder up with the rubber ends of the safety feet on the gravel. The top of the ladder reached to about five or six inches above the drip edge. The millwright climbed the ladder and started to dress the weld, but he found he’d have to cut off a burr. So down he went, and got a hammer and a cold chisel. He climbed up again with these tools. Then, as he was swinging the hammer, the ladder slipped on the gravel below. The millwright lost his balance, fell about eight feet to the ground, and broke his shoulder.

THOUGHT PROVOKERS

Falls are the source of many serious injuries and ladders are involved in many of them. When using such equipment, we should make sure that ladders are kept in perfect condition and as we use them we should be sure that we take ever precaution t avoid a dangerous fall.

What rules of safety were violated in this case? How could he have made the ladder secure? What about the top of the ladder? Should he have used a longer ladder? If you place a 12 foot ladder against a structure, how far out from the base of the structure should the feet of the ladder be placed? In spite of his experience, it is clear that this man acted unsafely in several ways. He should have used a longer ladder. The feet of the ladder should have been more firmly set, steel spurs down, so they would not slide. It would have been better to have a man holding the ladder from the ground. The ladder might have been secured at the top by some method of lashing. What about carrying tools up a ladder? What should you do with them?

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Talk No. 87 LADDERS

Ladders present on e of the major hazards in construction work and their use is the cause of many serious accidents.

1. Construction a. Wood – Stock ladders should be solidly constructed of straight grain

materials and free from defects. Side rails should be of spruce, maple, cypress or similar species of woods, perfectly smooth and free from slivers. Rungs should be oak, hickory or ash.

b. Metal – Side rails of metal ladders should be of sufficient cross-section to prevent extreme deflection when in use. Rungs should be corrugated, coated with skid resistant materials or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.

2. Inspection and Testing a. Wood – Wood ladders should be inspected frequently for damage and

deterioration. Close visual inspection is recommended in preference to load testing. Jumping on a ladder which is supported horizontally subjects the ladder to more severe loads than it is intended to carry and may result in damage that can lead to sudden failure while in use.

b. Metal – Frequent inspection of metal ladders is recommended. All parts should be checked for wear, corrosion and structural failure.

3. Maintenance a. Wood – Wood ladders should be periodically treated with a clear

preservative such as varnish, shellac or linseed oil. Painting is not advisable as defects and deterioration may be covered up.

b. Metal – Rungs should be cleaned to prevent accumulation of materials that might destroy non-slipping properties and all metal fittings should be carefully checked.

c. All types of ladders – When not in use, all types of ladders should be stored under suitable cover for protection from the weather. Ladders stored horizontally should be supported at both ends as well as the intermediate points to prevent sagging which will loosen the rungs and warp the rails.

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Talk No. 88 LADDERS

General requirements – the use of ladders with broken or missing rungs, broken or split side rails or other faulty or defective construction is prohibited.

Portable ladder feet shall be placed on a substantial base, and the area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.

Ladders shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways or scaffolds.

JOB MADE LADERS

Ladders shall not be placed in passageways, doorways, driveways or any location where they may be displaced by activities being conducted on any other work, unless protected by barricades or guards.

The side rails of ladders shall extend not less than thirty-six inches above the landing. When this is not practical, grab rails, which provide a secure grip for an employee moving to or from the point of access, shall be installed.

Portable ladders shall be tied, blocked or otherwise secured to prevent movement.

Portable metal ladders shall not be used for electrical work.

A double cleated ladder shall not exceed twenty-four feet in length.

A single cleated ladder shall not exceed thirty feet in length and be at least fifteen inches wide but no more than twenty inches between rails at the top.

All ladders shall extend thirty-six inches above the landing.

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Talk No. 89 SAFETY WITH LADDERS

1. Inspect ladders at frequent regular intervals; if any ladder is found defective, red tag it until it is repaired or discarded. NEVER use a defective ladder.

2. Use shellac, varnish or two coats of oil as a preservative; pain conceals defects.

3. Avoid the use of metal ladders when the possibility of contact with electrical power exists.

4. Clean mud or greasy substances from your shoes before climbing up a ladder.

5. Place the ladder securely, against a solid backing, at a safe angle of about 75 degrees with the horizontal.

6. Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands, whether climbing up or down.

7. Carry tools in suitable pockets or have tools and other objects hoisted with rope and bucket.

8. Work facing the ladder and hold on with one hand.

9. Use a safety belt if the type of work requires it.

10. It is dangerous to reach out too far from a ladder in any direction; move the ladder as the work requires.

11. It is unsafe to use a ladder as a horizontal member of a scaffold.

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Talk No. 90 LIFTING

In spite of the increased use of machinery and equipment in construction work, most of the materials put into a structure are moved by hand during some phase of its building. The human body is subject to severe damage in the form of back injuries and hernia if caution is not observed in this handling process. Each worker should know the proper method of lifting heavy objects.

The general guidelines for lifting are:

• Get a good footing.

• Place feet about shoulder width apart.

• Bend at the knees to grasp the weight.

• Keep the back straight.

• Get a firm hold.

• Keep the back as straight as possible.

• Lift gradually by straightening the legs.

• When the lift is too heavy or bulky for you to lift comfortably – GET HELP!

• When putting the load down, reverse the procedure.

• Remember: LIFT PROPERLY – THINK.

THE DANGEROUS FOUR

1. Handling Materials

2. Machinery

3. Falls

4. Falling or Moving Objects

These four kinds of accidents cause more than two out of three work injuries!

Handling Materials – Nearly a half million disabling injuries on the job every year – most of them back injuries. Of every one hundred workers hurt, twenty-three are handling materials.

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Lift this way:

1. Check weight and size – A bulky, awkward load can cause more strain than a compact, heavier one.

2. Plant your feet firmly – Well apart and squat down.

3. Watch for sharp edges – Get a good grip before lifting.

4. Keep your back straight – Lift slowly (don’t jerk) by pushing up with your legs.

5. Don’t twist your body with the load – Shift your feet.

Is the load too big, too long, too heavy? If in doubt, consult your supervisor.

Weak Spot: Acute bending is the weak spot in the defense against back strain. LIFT WITH YOUR KNEES!

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Talk No. 91 HOW TO LIFT

How many of you have been instructed on the proper method of lifting? Recently a considerable number of construction workers have reported to First Aid with back strains – many of which were result of improper lifting. Since there is a right way to do everything, let’s make sure that each of you is instructed as to the right way of lifting. Back strain and hernia are likely to develop if we bend at the waist when we lean over to pick up a heavy or awkward object or piece of material. As we all know, such injuries are not only very painful, they often have serious and lasting consequences.

First, there’s always the chance of something slipping and landing on your toes. Always make sure that they are protected by safety shoes. When lifting objects that have rough or sharp edges, make sure that you have a pair of good tough gloves. The safe way to life, as you’ve heard dozens of times, is “bend the knees; keep the back straight”. This is necessary because, if you bend at your waist and lean over with your back horizontal, the load is too far from the center of balance. All the strain is on the lower back muscles, which aren’t built to take it. The result can be a sprained back or worse injury.

By “bending your knees” we don’t mean to squat until you sit on your heels. You won’t have any leg power to raise a load from that position. Your position at the start of the lift should be more of a crouch, so the power of your leg muscles can be exerted. When we say, “Keep the back straight”, we don’t mean straight up like a flagpole for you’d be off balance. We mean reasonable straight, so the back muscles won’t be doing all the work.

The most important rules to remember for safe lifting are these:

1. Wear gloves when handling rough equipment or material.

2. Be sure of a good grip and good footing.

3. Keep the load close to the body.

4. See that your fingers and toes are in the clear.

5. Bend your knees and use your leg muscles.

6. Don’t twist your body while lifting.

7. Don’t try to lift or carry a load that’s beyond your physical ability – get help!

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Talk No. 92

HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY

One out of every four work injuries results from materials handling.

But you say that’s not a part of your job. The trouble is that many of those who are injured get hurt because they LIFT and PUSH and PULL when it’s NOT a part of their job.

So go easy on the heavy work.

DON’T BUST IT – BUSTER!

Whether it’s a part of your job or not, sooner or later you’re going to lift something. So you may as well do it right.

First…look at what you’re lifting. If the load has sharp edges, slivers, protruding nails or is slippery, you should know about it before you hold it in your hands. Find out how heavy it is. Check the footing to be sure that the floor is clear.

Now you’re ready to lift. Bend your knees, keep your feet apart, get a good grip. Lift by straightening your legs with your back vertical, so that your strong leg muscles do all the work.

When you carry a load, watch where you’re going. Don’t’ skin your knuckles at doorways and tight places.

Don’t try to change the position of a load while you’re carrying it. Set it down or rest it against some object, and then readjust your grip.

You set it down the way you picked it up – by bending your knees, with your back straight up and down, but don’t set it on your hands. Put down one corner of the load first and then slide your hands away.

That’s the way to get it from there to here.

To lift a load shoulder high or above your head…first lift it waist high, rest it on a support and change your grip. Then bend your knees to get added power for the big push.

Lots of objects, like lots of people, have strange and assorted shapes.

…Sacked materials should be grasped by diagonal corners and swung to the shoulder with a boost from the knee.

…Drums or barrels should be rolled with your hands against the sides. Grasping the ends with your hands can mean crushed fingers – using your feet can mean crushed toes.

Take a long hard look at a load before you lift it. If it’s too heavy or bulky, get someone to help you. It’s quicker and easier and safer.

Long objects, regardless of weight, should be carried by two or more persons when possible, walking instep. If you handle it alone, keep the front end as high as possible. Long objects can easily sway up and down or sideways, and it’s no trick at all to smash someone’s head or a window.

If you get help before you try to lift you will not need help afterward.

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Talk No. 93 HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY

Use spine-saving methods whenever there are things to be hoisted and handled. Before you bend down and give with the old heave-ho, ask yourself some questions:

• What kind of a load is it? How heavy? How awkward?

• Is it smart to get help? Splinters? Oil? Grease? Moisture to make it slippery? Sharp edges? Do I need gloves or other protection?

• Where will I put the load? Is a spot cleared for it? Any stumbling blocks is may path?

• Can I walk with the load and see clearly where I’m going?

HERE’S HOW TO SPARE YOUR SPINE

1. Footing is as important in lifting as it is in the batter’s box. Feet close to the object; far enough apart for good balance (about shoulder-width). One foot slightly ahead of the other seems best for many.

2. Bend knees, go down to a crouch, but not a full squat. It takes double the effort to straighten up from a full squat as it does from a crouch.

3. Keep back as straight as possible; don’t arch it.

4. Get a good, firm grip; no lifting until your hold is strong and slip-proof.

5. Lift object by straightening your legs, keeping load close to you as you come up.

6. If you have to change direction, don’t twist body. Lift object to carrying position, then turn your whole body by changing position of your feet.

7. In setting load down, go down with back straight, knees bent, to a crouch.

BEWARE WHEN YOU’VE BEEN AWAY

Even if you’re a rugged, seasoned lifter, remember that muscles quickly get out of shape during vacation, or spell of illness. Be doubly careful those first few days back on the job; ease into it gradually.

AND REMEMBER

Whenever conveyors, hand and lift trucks, other mechanical-handling equipment can do the job, let it take the strain and spare your spine.

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Talk No. 94 OPERATING RULES FOR LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS

A. RESPONSIBILITY

Safety rules are work rules and as such are part of your responsibility for efficient production.

1. The operator is in charge of his own vehicle. As such he is responsible for his own safety, his truck, his load, company property and equipment and other employees or pedestrians.

2. Only qualified drivers may operate trucks. This will be determined by the supervisor. Also, these rules will be interpreted in the same manner.

3. Wear hard hat, safety glasses and safety shoes as required.

4. Horseplay is prohibited.

5. Report all accidents immediately.

B. TRAFFIC

In general, observe the usual traffic rules and regulations wherever possible. This includes:

1. Keep to the right on roadways and wide aisles.

2. Drive at a reasonable speed depending on location and condition of surface.

3. Slow down at intersections, corners, ramps and other danger points.

4. Leave plenty of space between trucks when traveling.

5. Use horn in “blind” spots but don’t overdo it.

6. Watch in turning that you don’t cut short.

7. Be alert for wet and slippery surfaces while driving.

8. Give pedestrians the right of way. Assume they are not thinking about lift trucks.

9. Stop at all stop signs.

10. (a) When parking do not block traffic.

(b) Park with forks on the floor.

© Turn off the power and take the key with you.

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Talk No. 95 LASER – HAZARD CONTROLS

The type of laser which has found the greatest use in the construction industry has been the helium-neon (He-Ne) gas laser. Its beam has been used to project a reference line for construction equipment in such operations as dredging, tunneling, pipe laying, bridge building and marine construction.

HAZARD CONTROLS

1. Lasers should not be left unattended during operation. Beam shutter or caps should be utilized or the laser turned off when laser transmission is not actually required.

2. Personnel who work with laser units should become aware of the potential eye hazards and the importance of limiting unnecessary exposure.

3. A warning sign should be attached to laser equipment in a conspicuous location indicating the potential eye hazard associated with the laser and warning against looking into the primary beam.

4. The use of corner cube retro-reflectors should be avoided at close ranges if the reflected beam is to be observed.

5. The use of binoculars of aiming telescopes should not be used to view the direct beam unless the beam intensities are greatly below safe levels.

6. During the alignment and set-up procedures, care should be taken to avoid aiming the laser into potentially occupied areas.

7. Stable mounts for the laser are important so that it can be readily controlled.

Despite the potential hazards, the laser beam can be used safely if the proper procedures and necessary precautions are followed: No employee other than highly trained persons should be permitted to work in an area where he could come into direct contact with a laser beam. The work area should be brightly lighted to prevent dilation of the pupils. All surfaces in laser area must be nonreflective. Work areas should be monitored regularly for ozone or other potential contaminants and stray radiation.

The guidelines should only be applied to the small HE-NE lasers and are not by any means complete. In utilizing a laser please check manufacturer’s precautions and guidelines for that particular unit.

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Talk No. 96 MACHINERY

Machinery – Almost 200,000 workers are crippled by machinery each year. Of every 100 workers hurt, 10 are caused by machinery.

The Menace of Motion There are basically two kinds of motion in machinery – rotating or sliding (reciprocating).

Rotating: A shaft rotates. So does a drill press, a roller, a belt and pulley, gears. Rotating motion can pull you in a nip point or wind up your clothing – then smash or tear.

Sliding: A power press slides. So does a shear and a planer. The sliding motion moves up and down or back and forth. It can crush and it can chop.

Don’t Get Caught 1. Operate a machine only when all guards are in place and you and everyone else is

clear of moving parts.

2. Turn off a machine when you clear it, clean it, fix it and every time you leave it. Lock and tag main power switch during repairs. Never let a machine run unattended.

3. Use a machine only the way it’s designed to be used, only when it is in good operating order, only when you’re dressed properly (no jewelry or big clothing) and only when you’re sure you know how.

Weak Spot: Disregard for guards. Use of proper guards may save you from human error.

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Talk No. 97 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR OILERS

1. Whenever possible, shut off all machinery before working on it.

2. Wear tight-fitting clothing – no long ties, gloves or loose or unbuttoned sleeves.

3. Select the right ladder and place it correctly. Be sure it is securely anchored or have an assistant hold it.

4. Do not place a ladder astride machinery in motion. Avoid overreaching.

5. Do not stand on or climb over machinery.

6. Do not reach over or between moving belts, pulleys or shafts.

7. Do not use waste or rags to wipe excess oil or grease from moving machine parts.

8. Replace guards immediately after each oiling and grease job.

9. Do not allow excess grease, lubricants or oils to become a slipping hazard for others.

10. Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.

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Talk No. 98 MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

These rules apply to the following types of earth-moving equipment: scrapers, loaders, crawlers or steel tractors, bulldozers, off-highway trucks, agriculture and industrial tractors and similar equipment (this does not include compactors and rubber-tired “skidsteer” equipment).

1. Anytime equipment or its parts are suspended by use of slings, hoists or jacks, they shall be blocked or cribbed to prevent falling or shifting before employees are permitted to work under or between them.

2. Dozer and scraper blades, end loader buckets, dump bodies and similar equipment, shall either be fully lowered or blocked when being repaired or when not in use.

3. All controls shall be in neutral position with the motors stopped and brakes set unless work being performed requires otherwise.

4. Seat belts need not be provided for equipment which is designed only for stand-up operations; i.e., graders, or for equipment which does not have roll over protection structure (ROPS) or adequate canopy protection. In other words, if you have overhead protection you must wear a seat belt unless it is designed for stand-up operations.

5. Check the braking system on all equipment – it must be capable for stopping and holding the equipment fully loaded.

6. Watch for changing road conditions – icy and wet roads should be used with extreme caution.

7. Keep ladders, walkways and tracks clear of mud, ice, snow, etc. to insure proper footing.

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Talk No. 99 SAFETY FOR MECHANICS

1. Never depend solely on jacks or chain hoists to support a vehicle you have to work under. Use blocks.

2. Use electric extension lamps and portable electric tools only when cords and fittings are in good condition.

3. Be sure your feet are clear of passing automobiles or moving machinery when you get under a vehicle.

4. Guard against carbon monoxide gas from the exhausts of running engines. See that there is proper ventilation.

5. Do not leave gasoline standing around in open containers. Whenever possible, use Stoddard Solvent or other relatively safe preparations to clean parts.

6. Don’t attempt to lift anything too heavy for you – get help or use a hoist.

7. Watch the wrenches and other tools you use. Keep them in safe working condition.

8. Keep a pair of safety goggles handy and wear them when doing any work in which eye protection is necessary.

9. Be sure that mechanics’ creepers are in safe operating condition.

10. Never consider a job complete until you have checked to make sure that all lock washers and cotter pins are in place.

11. Never allow grease and oil to remain on the floor where you or others might slip and fall on it.

12. Always keep a suitable fire extinguisher near at hand and ready for use.

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Talk No. 100 COVERS OVER FLOOR AND ROOF OPENINGS

Safely covering an opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying the material over the hole.

1. The hole shall be covered with a cover large enough an d of sufficient strength to prevent failure and secured in place to prevent displacement.

2. It should b marked with a danger warning.

3. Every employee on the job should be warned about the hazard.

4. Never leave an opening uncovered or unprotected.

If covering a hole is impractical, guardrails shall be installed with toe boards.

Ladder-way floor openings for platforms shall be guarded by standard railings and toe boards on all exposed sides, except at entrances to openings. The entrance shall also be protected so that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.

How many times have you heard of someone picking up a piece of plywood off the floor, thinking it was just loose materials, and discovering to their dismay (as they were falling through the hole) that the plywood was actually covering a hole?

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Talk No. 101 PLYWOOD COVERS ON FLOOR OPENINGS

Safely covering a floor opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying the material over the hole or even nailing it down.

Total safety on the job means a total job of eliminating a hazard. Half a job…inadequate or incomplete jobs of covering hole hazards can result only in half, inadequate or incomplete accident prevention.

A recent accident illustrates the point. A carpenter on a floor above called down to a laborer to hand him a sheet of plywood. The laborer walked over to a sheet lying on the floor, picked it up, took a step or two forward in the act of standing the plywood up and he went sailing right down through a hole in the floor. Why did it happen?

Although originally nailed down with concrete nails, a small piece of plywood over the hole wasn’t large enough to overlap it adequately. Traffic over it, springing the plywood, loosened the nails.

The plywood over the hole wasn’t marked in any way. There was no warning of any kind on it. The man mistook it for a piece of loose material laying on the floor.

The man wasn’t told about it. He wasn’t made aware of the fact that the covering of floor openings was a job procedure calculated to prevent accidents. Nor was he told that he must maintain and report such danger spots.

Anything less than total safety is no safety at all. The total safety attitude must be kept in mind when floor openings are being covered:

1. The hole should be covered securely, with a cover big enough and rigid enough to prevent failure.

2. It should be marked with danger warning.

3. Every employee on the job should be warned about it.

4. The cover shall be secured in place to prevent displacement.

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Talk No. 102 WHAT IS THE ROLE OF EMPLOYEES?

OSHA The Act requires each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards, as well as al rules, regulations and orders issued under the Act the apply to his or her own actions and conduct.

Employee Responsibilities Here’s a checklist. As an employee, you should:

• Read the OSHA poster at our jobsite;

• Comply with any applicable OSHA standards;

• Follow all of your employer’s safety and health standards and rules;

• Wear or use prescribed protective equipment;

• Report any hazardous conditions to your supervisor;

• Report any job-related injuries or illnesses to your employer and seek treatment promptly;

• Cooperate with the OSHA compliance officer conducting an inspection if he inquires about conditions at your jobsite;

• Use your rights under the Act responsibly.

Employee Rights The Act provides that employees have certain rights. Here’s a checklist. As an employee, you may:

• Obtain a copy of the OSHA standards and other rules, regulations and requirements form your employer, the nearest OSHA office or the government Printing Office’

• Request information form your employer on safety and health hazards in your work area, on precautions you need to take, and on what you must do if you’re involved in an accident or exposed to toxic substances;

• Accompany the OSHA compliance officer during the inspection walk around if you are designated by your union or employee association;

• Observe monitoring or measuring of hazardous materials, including the right of access t records on those materials, as specified in regulations under the Act;

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• Submit a written request to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for information on whether any substance in your workplace has potentially toxic effects in the concentration being used and have your name withheld form your employer if you so desire;

• Request the OSHA area director, in writing, to conduct an inspection if you believe a hazardous condition exists in your workplace. You must be specific and name the hazard that concerns you (you should, however, first make a good-faith effort to have your employer correct the condition);

• Have your name withheld from you employer; obtain your request to OSHA, if you file a complaint; be advised of OSHA actions regarding your complaint and have an informal review, if you request it, of any decision not to make in inspection;

• File a complaint to OSHA within 30 days if you believe you have been discriminated against because you asserted a right under the Act and be notified by OSHA of its decision within 90 days of your filing;

• Object to the abatement period fixed in the citation issued to your employer by appealing to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (it is not possible to do this without having your name revealed since the area director must send your objection to the Review Commission);

• Be notified by your employer if he applies for a variance (waiver) from an OSHA standard, testify at a variance hearing, and appeal the final decision;

• Submit information or comment to OSHA on the issuance, modification or revocation of OSHA standards and request a public hearing.

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Talk No. 103

TOP 25 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS CITED (OCTOBER 1, 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1987)

1. 1926.50(f) Emergency phone numbers not posted.

2. 1926.404(f) (6) No effective grounding – ground wire not continuous.

3. 1926.404(b) (1) No GFCI or Assured Equipment Grounding Program.

4. 1926.150© (1) (i) No fire protection for the work area.

5. 1926.50(d) (1) No first aid supplies.

6. 1926.152(a) (1) No safety cans for flammable liquids.

7. 1926.602(a) (9) (i) No horn for operator on bi-directional machine.

8. 1926.150(e) (2) Fire alarm codes not posted at phone and entrance.

9. 1926.25(a) Housekeeping.

10. 1926.416(e) (1) Worn or frayed electric cords and cables.

11. 1926.28(a) Require employees to wear personal protective equipment.

12. 1926.100(a) Employees not protected with hard hats.

13. 1926.405(g) (2) (iv) Plugs on cords without effective cord grips.

14. 1926.150© (1) (iv) Inadequate fire extinguishers in multi-story building.

15. 1926.450(a) (10) Ladders not tied off or blocked to prevent displacement.

16. 1926.150(e) (1) No fire alarm system to alert employees and fire department.

17. 1926.500(e) (1) (iii) No stair railings – less 44” – open both sides.

18. 1926.450(a) (2) Broken ladders in use.

19. 1926.403(h) Disconnects not marked as to purpose.

20. 1926.500(e) (1) (iv) No stair rails – 44” to 88” – open on one side.

21. 1926.350(a) (9) Gas cylinders not secured.

22. 1926.152(g) (9) “No smoking” signs not posted.

23. 1926.1904.5 Annual summary not posted in February.

24. 1926.350(j) Oxygen cylinders not separated from fuel.

25. 1926.450(a) (1) Ladders not provided for safe access.

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Talk No. 104

SUPERVISOR IS KEY TO OSHACT SUCCESS

If I were asked to put my finger on the one thing that can do more than any other to improve safety in every industry, I would not pull out a copy of OSHA’s standards. I would not speak of first-instance sanctions or federal vs. state plans. I would point directly at you – the first-line supervisor.

You are the guys who know the jobs. You are the guys who know the hazards – because you have worked around them and because you’re here, gives proof that you survived them. You are the men whom the workers listen to and look to for direction.

OSHA’s inspectors may visit a plant once in a lifetime. The safety committee or the safety engineer may come around once a month or so. But you are on the job every day – all through a working shift period. You can see hazards developing. You can see a worker sliding into careless habits. You can spot the faulty equipment, the dangerous situation, as soon as it begins.

And you correct it. You can force the change in the workman’s habits; you can see to it that the dangerous tool is repaired or retired.

Yet are you doing these things?

It may mean “chewing out” a personal friend, or hassling with your own boss. But you may be richly rewarded. You may have saved a life or a limb.

If I seem to be saying that each of you should be a safety expert, then you are hearing me dead right. Each of you, when you think about it, must be a safety expert – you should know the dangers of our workplace.

All the laws, all the studies, all the books, however important they may be, can never take the place of your common sense. And no one is in a better position to use that common sense.

Let me pose a question. If a lathe or an earth-mover or a press were ruined because you didn’t insist that the machine be properly oiled, what would happen to you? You know the answer: You’d probably be fired or demoted.

Let me pose a second question. When was the last time you heard of a foreman being fired because on e of his crew had been injured in an accident? The answer, of course, is practically never.

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Yet loss of a man is always worse than loss of a machine. And your men must be a much greater responsibility than your machines. That time has come. Industry must realize 1his and act upon it, now.

We hear a good deal about the importance of top management taking an interest in safety. And it is important – damned important. But no front office can do the job the way the foreman can do it.

I believe we are fast moving toward the day when, to hold his job, a foreman will first have to hold a certificate proving his knowledge of safe practices, standards and detection of hazards. This requirement may first be seen in the long-shoring industry. Other industries will follow.

There’s nothing really new in what I’m saying. Fifty year ago, the Associated General Contractors put out its first safety manual. It said: “No hard and fast rules will insure safety on a job. This can be secured only by constant and careful attention on the part of the superintendent and foreman, with the cooperation of the workmen.” The manual goes on: “Accidents do not happen in convention or in the contractor’s office. Accidents happen on the job”.

And that’s where you men are. And because you are there, on the job, where the accidents happen, I urge you to remember your importance in making the job safe, and in keeping it safe. And I urge you to take the same message to your fellow supervisors.

Because of your special knowledge, you hold in your hands the effectiveness and productivity of your co-worker. And often you hold his safety – his very life.

It is a big responsibility; one that must be met unequivocally by people like you all across the country. Only then can we reach our highest aim: the safest possible working conditions for each man and woman in America.

If all of us, working together, can achieve that, we will automatically achieve a lot of other things as well – higher morale – greater productivity – which should mean higher returns to each man for his labor.

But each of us will also achieve, for himself as an individual, the greatest satisfaction I know of, the knowledge that he has lived well and benefited his fellow human beings.

Sometimes, just before I go to sleep, I can look back over what I’ve done that day and feel pretty good. I can feel that maybe I’ve saved a man’s arm or finger or an eye, maybe a life.

If this kind of satisfaction can come to me, many miles distant from the workplace, how much more rewarding it must be for you to know, quietly, at the end of a day, that you have done the same.

Not for a statistic or a percentage or a fraction of some tally of workmen; but for Joe or Bill or Gus – the men who work with you.

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Talk No. 105 RESPECT OXYACETYLENE

Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only 10 percent of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that should be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:

1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of any commonly used gas)

2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated with acetone)

3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)

4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i. (Acetylene will self ignite and explode when compressed in the gaseous form at pressures slightly greater than 15 p.s.i.).

5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)

6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)

7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended. (Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where a spark from any source can explode it)

8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the temperature of boiling water. (Don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch them.

9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding form the cylinder in recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank).

10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can opened at any given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to escape into the room)

IT TAKES ONE…minute to build a safety thought; hour to make a guard; week to study plant conditions; month to develop safety program; year to make it operate; lifetime to make a good safe workman; second to destroy it with on accident

Anonymous

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Talk No. 106 PROPER HANDLING

Have you ever tried to stop a joint of 16” pipe rolling downhill or even on level ground after it picked up a little speed? If you have, let that be your last time; and if you have not, talk with the man who has before you put yourself in such a hazardous position. Workmen must stand in the clear when pipe is rolling. Some persons have a habit of waiting until a section is ready to strike them and then jumping over it as it goes by. But sometimes they slip, the pipe knocks them down, and they suffer a broken leg or at least some painful bruises. Or, perhaps a man will stand behind a pipe rack where pipe is being stacked and the first joint of a new layer will roll off the rack and strike him.

Occasionally we hear about a workman being injured because he jumped in the ditch to do something at the time a section of pipe was being lowered and the section fell on him. When pipe is directly overhead and is being put on place, by side boom tractors or other machinery – stay clear of it! Something may go wrong and cause a severe injury or even a fatality.

When pipe is being moved by side boom tractors using slings made of wire or belting, several important factors must be remembered. First, be sure the section is balanced so it won’t slip out of the sing when it is raised. Second, only one loose section should be moved at a time; if more than one section is handled, the chances are the load will not be balanced and the pipe will slide out of the sling when the load is lifted.

Third, don’t attempt to move pipe using a sling when the pipe is covered with frost, ice or snow. It is almost impossible to hold the section in the sling under such conditions. The safest method of handling separate sections using machinery is to provide a caliper type clamp.

Those who are guiding pipe that is being moved should keep their hands on the outside of the pipe. Sometimes persons will grab the end of a section by placing their fingers on the inside of the pipe. When the pipe moves, their hands may be cut from the sharp edges, or if the end of the section strikes something, their fingers may be cut off.

Of course, all equipment should be checked frequently. Be sure your pipe skids will hold the load that you intend to place on them. When pipe is hauled on trailers, make sure the load is secured. The bolsters on the two-wheeled pole trailers should have a wooden strip or a piece of belting across the top. This will cause the load to be held firm when the binder is tightened. If the pipe rides directly on a steel bolster, it is difficult to bind it tight enough to hold. When storing pipe, use sleepers between each layer and have each layer securely chocked or tied.

When carrying small diameter pipe, such as one or two each, must work as a team. When two persons are carrying one or more joints on their shoulders, a definite understanding must be had between the men a to when the pipe is to be lifted and when it is to be put

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down. When two men are carrying a joint of two inch 20’ long, it should be on the same shoulder of each man and the men should keep in step. Many injuries occur when one man drops his end of pipe and the other man holds onto his end. This practice may cause a man who holds his end of the pipe to get jarred or jerked in such a way as to receive a bad strain.

Back injuries can be avoided if the proper method of lifting is practiced; that is, with leg muscles rather than back muscles.

In summary, here are some important things to remember when you are handling pipe:

1. Stay out of the path of rolling pipe.

2. Stay clear of pipe when it is being transported.

3. Always wear gloves and goggles when needed. The wearing of safety shoes is also recommended. Wear your hard hat.

4. Keep pipe balanced when it’s in a sling.

5. When guiding pipe, keep your hands on the outside.

6. Check tools, equipment, and skids frequently.

7. Understand what your fellow workmen are going to do next, and make sure they know what you intend to do.

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Talk No. 107 CONSTRUCTION USE AND MAINTENANCE OF REFUELING EQUIPMENT

A survey made recently of the 50 states indicates that few of the jurisdictions queried have a code specific to the construction, maintenance and use of refueling equipment.

It is almost universal that each state requires contractors to comply with the basic rules for refueling equipment:

1. Shut off motors before refueling.

2. Make sure that the nozzle of the dispensing unit makes contact with the filler cap.

3. No smoking in refueling area.

4. Use ALL possible care to prevent running fuel tank over. Should gasoline be spilled, be sure that no fuel is on the equipment before restarting.

5. Fill the tank from the windward side whenever possible to prevent excessive burns in the event of ignition.

6. Allow a sufficient vapor space in the fuel drum or tank to permit expansion of the liquid with changing temperatures. Gasoline expands at the rate of one percent for each 14 degree F. rise in temperature.

7. Equip electric motors having sparking contacts with explosion proof enclosures.

8. Install adequate hold down devices to anchor each drum or tank in a suitable manner to prevent movement. Turnbuckles, tie rod and eye bolt connections or similar positive action devices for drawing the tank or drum down tight on the truck bed are recommended.

9. Mark each side and rear of the refueling truck with the words “Flammable – NO Smoking” in letters three inches high. Each container should be marked as to its contents.

10. Equip each vehicle with at least one suitable size extinguisher having a C rating.

11. Take precautions to prevent ignition in locations where flammable vapors are present. Sources of ignition may be open flames, smoking, cutting and welding and hot surfaces.

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Talk No 108 A BELT CAN HELP

How hard does a vehicle hit something at 60 miles an hour?

In one of our talks the force of impact in a collision was mentioned, and it was suggested that you compare it to the high dive at a swimming pool. Usually that’s about 10 feet above the water. Imagine raising the board to a height of 121 ½ feet above a pool with no water in it. Now, if you drop a vehicle into the empty poof from that height, that’s how hard it would hit a wall or some other stationary object at 60 miles an hour – with you inside. The vehicle is stopped by the wall, but you continue at the same speed – right through the windshield or into the steering wheel.

Although careful driving helps avoid sudden stops caused by braking or collision at high speeds, it’s still necessary to take the precaution of wearing safety belts. Many thousands of lives could be saved each year if safety belts were installed – and used – in every vehicle.

It’s the sudden reduction in speed and not the speed itself, that kills and injures people. Even a low-speed collision or a sudden stop can throw you forward with such force that it can cause death or severe injury.

In a crash you’re much safer if you aren’t thrown out of your vehicle. In one study 12.8 percent of the people thrown from the vehicles were killed, but only 2.6 percent of those who weren’t thrown out were killed. So your chances of being killed are five times greater if you are thrown out. Even if you stay inside the vehicle, you are 60 percent safer with a belt than without one.

You’re also more likely to keep control of the vehicle in an unexpected crash or sudden swerve, because the belt will keep you in a position behind the wheel. By keeping control, you’re better able to prevent any additional crash.

Safety belts are useful if the vehicle is submerged or catches fire, because they help keep you from being knocked unconscious. The second or two it takes to unhitch a safety belt is enough time to get clear in an emergency. If you’re knocked unconscious you may regain your senses before the oxygen in the air has been taken away by fire or water.

Get in the habit of fastening your belt just before you turn your ignition key. This brings up a good point – how important it is to hook up for even the shortest trips.

Strange as it may seem it’s a know fact you need safety belts more for short trips than for long ones! That’s right . Two-thirds of the drivers who get into fatal accident have them within 25 miles from home. More than half of all injuries happen in cities and towns, where speeds are low and trips are short. Low speeds are just as capable as high speeds of throwing you against a hard object unless you’re held in place with a safety belt. Remember it’s the slowing-down time that determines how hard you hit. The faster the vehicle stops or slows down, the more you are thrown forward.

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The wisdom of using safety belts on long trips over highways should be obvious. Speeds can vary, but traveling at high speeds and then suddenly slowing down ins your number one problem. Safety belts give you the advantage of your body being held in place so that, in a sudden stop, you can keep control of your vehicle. They also hold you in place so you’re jostled around less and therefore less tired after a long trip. At the same time, they give you enough room to let you change position to avoid fatigue that comes from being held in one spot for a long time.

Safety belts aren’t meant to do away with the need for careful driving. That always comes first. But they will help you stay alive and in one piece when you’re forced to stop fast.

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Talk No. 109 AVOID UNSAFE ACTS

An accident is an unplanned event caused by either an unsafe act, an unsafe condition, or both. Injuries and accidents trace back to unsafe acts or conditions.

Injuries on the job don’t just happen – they are caused! An injury is the final link in a chain of events or circumstances. We are fortunate indeed to be able to say that most unsafe acts or conditions do not complete the chain of events that leads to an injury-producing accident.

Let me compare unsafe acts or conditions to something that has probably thrilled most of us ever since we were kids. I’m thinking of several acts in the circus that always thrill the crowds that attend. One act that would certainly be classes as an unsafe act would be the one done by the trapeze performers. Another would be the one put on by the trampoline stars.

I am always fearful that the man swinging through the air will just miss his fellow performer and drop to the hard floor below.

When I see a performer on the trampoline, I wonder if the fellow will misjudge his descent and come down in such a way that he straddles the framework which holds up he stretched fabric. What a surprised guy he would be!

In fact, I also wouldn’t engage in some of the unsafe acts that I’ve seen workers commit. Again, I wouldn’t want to run the risk of getting hurt.

Some figures have been rather widely used to show that only 30 out of 330 accidents result in injuries. These figures also show that out of the 30 injury-producing accidents, 20 require first aid and only one is serious enough to disable the worker or to cause loss of time from the job.

What does this mean to you? It means that you can’t afford to take a chance on an unsafe act or an unsafe condition. The odds are such that if you continue to take chances you will be involved in an injury-producing accident. Your injury could very well be so serious that it would cause you to lose time from work or be laid up in the hospital.

I suppose that each of you realizes that both unsafe acts and unsafe conditions cause almost every kind of work accident that can happen or has happened. Let’s talk a little about the four most common sources of injury-producing accidents in the order of their frequency:

1. Manual handling of materials is the source of about one-fourth of all compensable work injuries. Injuries due to improper lifting occur quite often. There are also many cases involving bruised and smashed fingers and toes.

2. There are many types of falls; falls on slippery floors and tripping over objects left on floors, falls on stairs, falls from slight elevations, and falls from heights.

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3. Next are the injuries caused by falling or moving objects. You can get hit with anything from falling tool to a load swung by a crane.

4. Machinery is safe if you know how to handle it and if you utilize the safety devices. Machinery is dangerous for the inexperienced worker to operate, or for the one who takes chances.

I’m going to be looking for unsafe conditions on the job and I’ll be trying to spot the unsafe acts that each of you may engage in without realizing it. Here are some of the unsafe acts that I am going to be looking for:

1. Operating machines or equipment without authority, failure to secure it or warn others.

2. Operating equipment at an unsafe speed.

3. Bypassing safety devices.

4. Using unsafe equipment or using equipment unsafely.

5. Handling of material in an unsafe manner.

6. Taking an unsafe position or posture.

7. Indulging in horseplay or inattention.

8. Failing to use protective equipment.

You, too, can help in our safety program if you’ll agree to practice safety and to warn others when you seen them endangering themselves. If you see a dangerous condition, report it to me! Always wear your protective clothing where your work demands it.

Let’s leave the unsafe acts for the circus performer!

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Talk No. 110 SAFETY BELTS

A safety belt, purchased for the sole purpose of preventing injury, was recently observed lying on the ground partially covered with a large cement block. This important piece of equipment, prior to the days end would be used to afford life saving benefits to a trusting worker once more lulled into false sense of security.

If we are to expect maximum results from personal protective equipment as vital as a safety belt, we certainly must render it the maximum care as follows:

1. Inspect and test your belt and hardware carefully before use to be sure there are not defects; use a belt that you know is entirely safe. Any safety belt subjected to in-service loading, shall be removed from service.

2. Do not permit acids, caustic or other corrosive materials to get on leather or ordinary web belts.

3. Never weaken the belt or strap by cutting or rough-punching extra holes in it.

4. Handle you belt with care; never drop it on the ground; keep it away from sharp tools or other objects which might scratch or cut it.

5. Wipe a wet leather belt with a clean dry cloth; let it dry slowly at a temperature no higher than your hand can bear. Do not expose any wet belt to extreme cold or heat.

6. Store belts in separate dry compartments or hand them so they will no be rushed, worn or creased.

7. Apply a light coating of neatsfoot oil occasionally to a leather belt especially after it has been wet; use only special dressing on fabric belts.

8. Oil, wash with saddle soap and thoroughly inspect leather safety belts at least once every 90 days; never use gasoline or other drying solvents to clean any belt.

9. If the belt is accidentally cut or damaged, turn it in for repair or for salvage of usable parts.

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Talk No. 111 INFLUENCING ATTITUDES FOR SAFETY

Attitudes have much to do with employee safety performance and job performance. Many safety people have made the mistake of talking mainly about the attitudes that cause accidents. Some of these are:

• Safety is just a matter of chance. I’ll get it when my number is up.

• It’s necessary to take chances to get anything done.

• If I’m tough and strong I can take chances and get away with it.

• The company doesn’t really care about safety.

• The other men will think I’m a sissy if I’m always careful. These “Attitudes for Accidents” may have been overemphasized, since it often amounts to scolding or finding fault and as such really doesn’t change any attitudes.

If we want people to have good attitudes for safety we ought to think about what the safe attitudes are. Here are a few:

• Accidents have causes. They can be prevented.

• Accidents interfere with production. Safe work is efficient work.

• My fellow employees will respect me if I show good judgment and work safely.

• Working safely is a mark of skill. We are proud of our safety record. There are many other Attitudes for Safety. If we accept positive attitudes for safety they will rub off on the people we associate with and become a part of our daily conversation.

Attitudes grow, and like anything that grows, they flourish best in a favorable environment. So if we create a good environment for safety ideas, everyone is more likely to accept them.

Attitudes also are influenced by example. If we set an example of working safely and working for safety, others will be influenced by what they see. Particularly, new employees are influenced by the behavior of veteran workers and others who they look to as leaders.

Attitudes for safety will grow if people take part in discussions about how accidents can be prevented. It is natural for people on the job to talk about accidents. If the ideas expressed are sound, it tends to kill off the unsound, superstitious beliefs.

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Talk No. 112 SAFE PRACTICES PAY

When you think of dice or cards, you naturally think of gambling – you know that there is a risk of losing money! When betting on the horses, you run the same risk.

But you could get hurt or seriously injured when gambling with your own safety.

For instance, if you engage in unsafe acts there is a gamble that the accident might cause you to lose time from work, suffer an amputated finer, toe, foot, hand, arm or leg or other type of serious injury.

So, do safe practices really pay off for any of you? I think you’ll have to admit the answer is yes! If you don’t admit it now, I hope you’ll be convinced after our discussion today.

Safe practices really do pay off for you as well as for the company. I know you understand that I am so sold on safety, that I want you to have a reason for observing safe practices in your work.

In other words, your wish to observe safe practices may be, in part, prompted by your knowledge that avoiding an injury on the job will save you money.

I hope that a cost consciousness will be part of your reason s for working safely. I mean an awareness of the cost to you in pain and suffering, and also your loss of money caused by a serious accident.

Speaking of cost consciousness, the management of our company has its share of it. You couldn’t expect otherwise. In face, we all should be glad that management is because that gives us assurance that we will have jobs for a long time. Our jobs are tied in with the successful and economical operation of our company.

It is true that our management puts a lot of money into the safety program and that management is interested in your safety. Management does get benefits from the money it puts into the safety program. How do they profit financially?

Well, one way is through a reduction in insurance costs. Our company carries workmen’s compensation insurance through an insurance company. Our accident prevention program will help to reduce losses that would otherwise be paid out in compensation payments. Therefore, the improved loss experience of the company causes a reduction in premium payments. Money is saved!

Then there is the reduction in indirect costs. Management realizes that accidents take men from the job; that training new men costs money; that damaged materials, equipment, and tools cost money; that equipment idled by an accident also raises production costs. There are many other incidental casts that can be classes as indirect losses.

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The company benefits by an increase in operating efficiency if the accident record is good.

You know that when accidents are prevented, production usually goes up. The things that eventually cause accidents are continually causing inefficiency in our operations.

So you can see why our company has been so sold on a well-planned accident prevention program. Management knows that safety and safe practices really pay off because the figures prove it.

It is true that the company must put some cash into the safety program in order to save money in the long run. You and I can lose money if we take a risk or gamble with our own safety. Yes, a man who takes a risk at work is the biggest gambler in existence. You may get away with an unsafe act a number of times, but sooner or later it will catch up with you.

Does it cost you money when you are off from work losing time as a result of an accident? It surely does – you do get compensation payments for disabling work injuries, but they amount to only a percentage of your pay.

I don’t believe that there is a person working for this company who would knowingly consent to a reduction in pay. Yet that is exactly what you are doing when you lay yourself wide open for an accident.

With that as my final point, I know that we are all bound to agree that safe practices really pay off. I feel sure that none of you will be willing to take that shortcut or gamble in any of your work operations.

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Talk No. 113 SAFETY ALWAYS – ALL WAYS

While a great deal of emphasis is placed on practicing safety at work, this only partially serves our purpose. We cannot be one-third safe – we must practice ‘Safety Always – All Ways!’

On the job, it is our responsibility to exert every effort to avoid accident and injury. We must constantly be on the alert and exercise good judgment. It is our obligation to contribute our share to overall good housekeeping in the work area, thus eliminating unsafe conditions. Personal protective equipment is made to afford the worker maximum protection. It should be worn whenever the work makes it necessary.

Statistics indicate that we are safer on the job than at home. It is, therefore, imperative that we direct certain efforts toward making our homes safer for ourselves and for our families. As self-appointed home safety engineers, we must be on the lookout for unsafe conditions and unsafe practices on the par of our families. Storage areas should be kept free of unnecessary items that present fire hazards. Paints, thinners, pesticides and other solvents, constituting potential danger, should be kept under lock and key. The medicine cabinet represents a contribution to our safe being, but it should not be used to store items of a dangerous nature. All gas and electrical appliances should be inspected frequently to assure A-1 operating conditions.

The automobile is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity; driving cannot be regarded as a right, it is a privilege. If we are to adhere to around-the-clock safety, we must include responsibility with an automobile as a paramount part of 24-hour safety. Like the professional driver, we must drive defensively, being ever on the alert for the unexpected.

Safety must also be considered at play. If swimming is your sport, enjoy it; but never swim alone or immediately after eating. Nine holes of golf may be relaxing, while eighteen may mean overexertion – you must be the judge. Boating and water skiing are great recreational activities, but both demand the application of safety rules.

Always be alert – practice safety all the time.

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Talk No. 114 THE POSITIVE APPROACH

Here are attitudes you must develop if you are to make Safety work for you and if you are to do your work without accidents:

1. Accidents can be prevented.

2. Preventing accidents is more important than blaming the people who cause them.

3. Safety rules and regulations are reasonable and important.

4. The fellows I work with will respect me for practicing Safety.

5. Safety is a mark of intelligence and skill.

6. It’s dumb to take chances.

7. I have a responsibility to do something toward correcting any hazard that I see.

Any worker who develops attitudes such as these will not only work Safely himself and avoid accidents; he will also be a strong force for Safety in the plant.

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Talk No. 115 SCAFFOLDS

Many construction accidents result from improper construction and use of scaffolds. Height is not the only factor – short falls are also dangerous.

While each type of scaffold has its own particular hazards, there are certain major problems which are common to all. Men fall from scaffolds and injure themselves – tools fall off scaffolds and injure others.

When scaffolds and staging are properly designed and constructed and when workmen observe proper safety measures and maintenance, there need be no greater hazards on scaffolds than in any other work area.

Scaffolds constructed for safety provide safe working conditions.

There must be secure footing for uprights. This is especially important when they rest on earth, sand or other loose material.

Top and mid guard rails and toe boards make for safe working conditions on scaffolds. Hand rails on open ends keep men from falling off scaffolds and working platforms.

Toe boards are fastened to inside of uprights. With metal tubular scaffolds, toe boards are nailed to platform plants or bolted to inside of uprights.

When constructing scaffolds, nails should be of the proper size and used properly. A minimum of four nails per joint is recommended and all nails should be driven home. No nail should be subjected to direct pull.

Only designated scaffolding materials shall be used.

Scaffold working platforms must be kept free of rubbish and of snow, ice, oil or grease.

Tools should not be left on scaffolds overnight, nor should there be stockpiling of materials on scaffolds. Never build an open fire upon or near wooden scaffolds, or metal scaffolds with flammable components.

Men working on a swinging scaffold should wear a safety belt with lanyard properly fastened to an independent safety line.

Hard hats must be worn by men on scaffolds, particularly if work is being carried on overhead.

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Talk No. 116 SPECIAL HAZARDS

Compressed Air A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep the pressure as low as possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.

Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing.

A compressed air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe injuries and even death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor who tried to be funny with compressed air.

Compressed Gas Cylinders Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in transit.

The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use.

Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not e subject to excessive variations in temperature.

Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder controls, for oil and oxygen can explode.

Chemical Agents Air contaminants – Always use hoods, exhaust systems, or special enclosures (if available) to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced by grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other such operations.

Labeling – Containers for chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells the name of the product, gives a signal work, states hazards and lists precautionary measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers. Read the labels. Don’t remove them.

Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean. Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.

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Physical Agents Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at any welding or gas welding operations unless you are wearing proper eye protection.

Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.

Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.

Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure ho fire has started.

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Talk No. 117 SCAFFOLDS

No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of competent persons.

These general requirements for scaffolds should be followed to have a safe working platform:

1. Guardrails and toe boards shall be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms more than ten feet above the ground of floor (EXCEPT NEEDLE BEAM SCAFFOLDS AND FLOATS).

2. Scaffolds four feet to ten feet in height, having a minimum horizontal dimension in either direction of less than forty-five inches, shall have standard guardrails installed on all open sides and ends of the platform.

3. Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches, or the equivalent, and approximately forty-two inches high. Supports shall be at intervals not to exceed eight feet. Toe boards shall be a minimum of four inches in height.

4. When persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, they shall be provided with a screen between the toe board and the guardrail – extending along the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 Gauge U.S. Standard Wire and one half inch mesh or the equivalent.

5. Any employee working on a needle beam scaffold shall be protected by a safety belt and lifeline.

6. Planking for scaffolds shall be secured.

7. All parts of the casters for the rolling scaffolds should be in good working condition.

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Talk No. 118 SCAFFOLDS ARE FOR SAFETY

Scarcely a day passes that we don’t read of or hear about someone being injured or killed in a scaffold fall. Faulty design and inadequate construction are sometimes involved by, in most cases, scaffold accident are caused by careless maintenance and improper use. Help keep your scaffolds safe for your safety by observing these simple procedures:

• Inspect scaffolds daily prior to use; particularly guard rails, connectors, fastenings, footings, tie-ins and bracing.

• Keep platforms closely boarded, fenced and securely fastened.

• Don’t stockpile materials on scaffolds; remove all materials and tools at the end of the day.

• Never overload scaffolds. Pile materials being worked over ledger and bearer points to minimize platform loading.

• Don’t work on scaffolds during storms or high winds and clear platforms of all ice and snow before using. Sand wet planking to prevent slipping.

• Protect scaffolds…don’t bump or strike against scaffolds with vehicles or materials…control hoisted material from ground with taglines.

• Keep platforms and area around scaffold cleared of debris, un-needed equipment, material and other hazards that will cause you to trip or fall.

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Talk No. 119 ROLLING SCAFFOLD SAFETY RULES

The following Additional Rules Apply:

1. DO NOT RIDE ROLLING SCAFFOLDS.

2. REMOVE ALL MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT from platform before moving scaffold.

3. CASTER BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED at all time when scaffolds are not being moved.

4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE A ROLLING SCAFFOLD WITHOUT SUFFICIENT HELP – watch out for holes in floor and overhead obstructions.

5. DO NOT EXTEND ADJUSTING SCREWS ON ROLLING SCAFOLS MORE THAN 12”.

6. USE HORIZONTAL DIAGONAL BRACING near the bottom, top and at intermediate levels of 30’.

7. DO NOT USE BRACKETS ON ROLLING SCAFFOLDS without consideration of overturning effect.

8. THE WORKING PLATFORM HEIGHT OF A ROLLING SCAFFOLD must not exceed four times the smallest base dimension unless guyed or otherwise stabilized.

For “PUTOGS” and “TRUSSES” the following additional rules apply:

1. DO NOT CANTILEVER OR EXTEND PUTLOGS/TRUSSES as side brackets without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.

2. PUTLOGS/TRUSSES SHOULD EXTEND AT LEAST 6” beyond point of support.

3. PLACE PROPER BRACING BETWEEN PUTLOGS/TRUSSES when the span of putlog/truss is more than 12’.

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Talk No. 120 STEEL SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES

Following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of steel scaffolding. These rules are illustrative and suggestive only and are intended to deal only with some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of scaffolding. The rules do not purport to be all-inclusive or to supplant or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures to cover usual or unusual conditions.

1. POST THESE SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES in a conspicuous place and be sure that all persons who erect, dismantle or use scaffolding are aware of them.

2. FOLLOW LOCAL CODES, ORDINANCES and regulations pertaining to scaffolding.

3. INSPECT ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE USING – Never use any equipment that is damaged or deteriorated in any way.

4. KEEP ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR. Avoid using rusted equipment – the strength of rusted equipment is not known.

5. INSPECT ERECTED SCAFFOLDS REGULARLY to be sure that they are maintained in safe condition.

6. CONSULT YOUR SCAFFOLDING SUPPLIER WHEN IN DOUBT – scaffolding is his business. NEVER TAKE CHANCES.

7. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SILLS for scaffold posts and use base plates.

8. USE ADJUSTING SCREWS instead of blocking to adjust to uneven grade conditions.

9. PLUMB AND LEVEL ALL SCAFFOLDS as the erection proceeds. Do not force braces to fit – level the scaffold until proper fit can be made easily.

10. FASTEN ALL BRACES SECURELY.

11. DO NOT CLIMB CROSS BRACES.

12. ON WALL SCAFFOLDS PLACE AND MAINTAIN ANCHORS securely between structure and scaffold at least every 30’ of length and 25’ of height.

13. FREE STANDING SCAFFOLD TOWERS MUST BE RESTRAINED FROM TIPPING by guying or other means.

14. EQUIP ALL PLANKED OR STAGED AREAS with proper guard rails and add toe boards when required.

15. POWER LINES NEAR SCAFFOLDS are dangerous – use caution and consult the power service company for advice.

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16. DO NOT USE ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase the height.

17. DO NOT OVERLOAD SCAFFOLDS.

18. PLAKING:

• Use only lumber that is properly inspected and graded as scaffold plank.

• Planking shall have at least 12” of overlap and extend 6” beyond center of support or be cleated at both ends to prevent sliding off supports.

• Do not allow unsupported ends of plank to extend an unsafe distance beyond supports.

• Secure plank to scaffold when necessary.

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Talk No. 121 GENERAL SAFETY RULES – SCREWDRIVERS AND SAWS

Screwdrivers Screwdrivers are another common tool in industry. Some tips on their proper use include:

• Use of screwdrivers as punches, wedges, pinch bars or pries should be discouraged.

• They should be in a good repair – a broken handle, bent blade or a dull or twisted tip may cause a screwdriver to slip out of the slot and cause a hand injury.

• Cross-slot screwdrivers are safer than the square bit type because they have less tendency to slip.

• A sharp, square-edged bit will not slip as easily as a dull, rounded one.

• The part to be worked on should not be held in the hand; it should be placed on a flat surface or in a vise – if the tools slips, there is less chance of hand injury.

• No screwdriver used for electrical work should have a blade or rivet extending through the handle – blade and handle should be insulated except at the tip.

Saws To a large extent, handsaws have been replaced with power equipment, but handsaws and hacksaws are still in use. Pointers in the safe use of such tools include:

• Install hacksaw blades with the teeth pointing forward and avoid having the blade buckle because it could break and send pieces flying.

• When using a new blade in a hacksaw, start a new cut because a new blade could break in an old cut.

• Heated hacksaw blades can break – prevent heat buildup with the use of light machine oil.

• With handsaws, avoid causing the blade to buckle – it could break or send teeth flying.

• Store saws so that they are not dangerous to others.

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Talk No. 122 STEEL CONSTRUCITON

Live power wires constitute one of the greatest dangers with steel hoisting equipment – both to operators and other workmen. Whenever possible, power lines should be relocated or taken out of service

Cranes and derricks should be operated at a safe distance from power lines. A high voltage wire can cut wire rope instantly and drop the load onto vehicles, workmen or pedestrians.

There is also the danger of electrocution of workmen when cranes, derricks or other machinery come into contact with live wires.

Unless necessary for some important reason, steel should never be hoisted to a structure under construction until it is ready to be set into position and fastened.

In setting steel, each piece must be bolted securely before the line is take off.

Steel trusses and skeleton steel frames, when being set, should be guyed or braced securely until permanently secured or braced.

Great care must be taken when throwing rivets or bolts in order that they do not fall and strike workmen or property below.

Metal buckets, pails or cans that are used for catching bolts or rivets should have false bottoms of soft wood. Cone shaped cans should be used when they are available.

The snaps and plungers of pneumatic hammers used in riveting sometimes drop out. They should be secured by a piece of annealed wire fastened around the handle so that there will be sufficient slack to operate the hammer properly, but not enough to allow the snap to drop out of place.

Canvas, leather or rope slings should be used for riveting dollies. Do not use chain slings.

Rivets, bolts, nuts, dollies, wrenches and other articles should always be kept in boxes. If allowed to be loose, vibration may cause them to creep and fall over the edge of planking.

Riveters and rivet heaters should use all precautions to prevent fires.

Float scaffolds are small open platforms secured by four heavy manila ropes tied to the structural steel. Workmen stand on the platform with a few light tools for bolting or riveting.

When a man neglects to secure his safety belt he can step off the edge of the platform or stumble over a tool. You can never fall more than once from a float scaffold.

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Talk No. 123 SAFE PRACTICES FOR STRUCTURAL IRON WORKER

• Riding loads is forbidden. Take the safest way of moving about structure. Do not jump from one place to another.

• Secure bundles of material before hoisting. Avoid overstraining of chains or slings. Frequently inspect al rigging. Know the capacity of the equipment.

• Keep clear of suspended or moving loads. Keep hands off loads that may nest or pinch fingers. Use guide lines for swinging loads.

• When pulling or dragging material make certain that all workers are clear of the cable and load.

• Securely bolt pieces before taking off line. Securely tie or cross brae trusses until they are permanently braced.

• Set and secure temporary flooring as soon as possible to provide protection for workers below, to provide a safe working floor and to limit any fall.

• Secure all wrenches, bull pins, etc. in your belt holster so that they will not fall out.

• Do not knock out drift pins or bolts until you make certain that they will not hit anyone. Make provisions to catch them.

• Secure snaps and plungers of pneumatic hammers. Inspect wire or holding clamp daily.

• If you normally wear glasses, do not go aloft without them. Do not wear bifocal lenses.

• Keep rivets, bolts, nuts, dollies, wrenches and other loose articles in boxes, canvas bags or other suitable containers so that vibration will not cause them to fall through or off planking.

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Talk No. 124 GROUNDING ELECTRIC TOOLS

A recent accident involving a portable electric drill and resulting in burns to a workman warrants a review of electrically powered tools. Regarding this particular accident the employee was standing on top of a form about 6 feet from floor level and was preparing to drill holes with an electric drill. The employee had an arm around a metal pole for support. When the drill was turned on the man, he received a severe shock and could not release the drill. The dampness of perspiration plus placing his hand around the metal pole contributed to the electric shock. Another employee working nearby immediately pulled the pug cutting off the power. The employee injured sustained burns to his neck and both hands. Had the workman been alone, he might well have died.

Several years ago an Iowa contractor had a young man using a portable grinder during the building of a high school. I had just rained and the floor deck had several puddles on it. The young man stopped work for a break, laid his grinder on the edge of a shallow pool. He was electrocuted instantly when he returned and picked up the grinder. I the toll had been grounded, he’d be alive today.

Grounding of portable electric tools provides the most convenient and efficient way of safe guarding the operator. If there is any defect or short inside the tool, the current is drained from the metal fame through a ground wire and does not pass through the operators body. The most efficient method of grounding is through the use of the three wire system. If this system is not possible then it is recommended that a ground be installed by fastening one end of a wire of at least number 18 gauge to the metal frame of the tool and the other end to a ground by means of a battery clip or permanently attached clip. Insulating platforms, rubber mats and rubber gloves are other means to guard against electrical shock. Tools should be inspected frequently for the following malfunctions to reduce the hazard of electrical shock.

1. Defective or broken insulation or cord.

2. Improper or poorly made connections to the terminals.

3. Broken or otherwise defective plug.

4. Loose or broken switch.

5. Brushes arcing.

Remember the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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Talk No. 125 GUARDS PROTECT YOU

Whenever we hear of a terrible accident we have the tendency to say to ourselves that we would never have done what the person who caused the accident did.

But when we examine a large number of histories of such cases, we are surprised to find that the main cause of the trouble, in almost every case, is the sort of thing that we, ourselves, have often done. WE have to conclude that we have just been lucky.

I would hate to ask for a count on how many of us had ever removed a safety device from a machine and gone on using the machine without protection. I am afraid that most of us would have to plead guilty.

Sometimes the guard gets in the way and we are in a great hurry. We forget safety, remove the guard and run the risk of a serious accident to ourselves or others.

I have a story that comes from an old style tin mill. In the hot mill department they had a floor level power shear which trimmed one end of the hot packs after they had been partially rolled. The shear man grasps the pack with tongs and thrusts it under the knife of the shear, which is in continuous operation.

On one of these shears there happened to be a crack in the steel floor plate just in front of the shear. A piece of thin steel sheet had been put over to keep the packs from catching in the crack. The back edge of the thin sheet had been bend up slightly in the course of the operation.

There was a guard on the knife which made it perfectly safe to operate, but it made it a little difficult for the workman to get his packs over the bent-up edge of the thin sheet.

So he removed the guard and operated the shear for more than half an hour without it. Soon a pack caught on the bent sheet and the operator kicked at the edge to straighten it just as the shear knife came down. All the toes on that foot were sheared off.

Now this was a perfectly human thing for that workman to do; just the kind of thing that many workmen do and get away with. But it was in direct violation of a safety rule, which says that workmen shall never remove an existing guard and that if the machine is defective, the foreman in charge shall be notified at once.

This workman had a high school education and admitted that he knew better than to remove the guard and operate the shear without it. But some obstinacy or recklessness led him to violate the rule, violate his own knowledge of what was safe and sensible and lose five toes.

He should have reported that the floor patch interfered with his job.

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As we have said again and again, we are sorry for the fellow who gets hurt. But we cannot forget that he did a very foolish thing in removing the guard. We cannot excuse him, but he is not the only one who ever removed a guard. Sooner or later though, that kind of a workman gets just such an awakening as came to this young man.

I am going to say something I think will be true for every man who has worked for any length of time in any modern factory. I would like you to write it down and remember it. Post it near some safety rail or guard, which you have sometimes wished was out of the way. Here it is:

”You can thank the guards for your life and safety”. I sincerely believe it is true. Without these guards, many more of us would have lost eyes or legs, or hands or even our lives. Let us, therefore, always respect them and keep them where they belong.

You can thank the guards for your life and safety.

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Talk No. 126 HANDLING HAND TOOLS

Keep tools clean. Check their condition before you use them. If heads of striking tools become mushroomed or burred, have them dressed. If handles are splintered, broken or loose, have them replaced before you use the tool.

Each tool should have its own storage place. Tools must be returned to their proper places, and not be allowed to lie around where they could fall on, or trip you or someone else.

Carrying tools in your pockets is dangerous, especially if the tools are sharp or pointed. Use a kit or tool belt.

Do not use excessive pressure or force on any hand tool.

When chipping or doing other work that may cause particles to fly, protect your eyes by wearing eye protection.

Here are specific rules:

Screwdrivers: Use the size and type of screwdriver for the job. Do not hold the work in the palm of your hand – the screwdriver may slip and injure you. Screwdrivers should be filed properly to prevent slipping. Do not hammer on them as you would a chisel or use them for a pry.

Hammers: Use a machinist’s hammer for machine work and a claw hammer for carpentry work. In using a sledge or maul, always look behind you before you begin your back swing.

Wrenches: In using any wrench, it is better to pull than to push. If it is necessary to push, use your open palm. When using an adjustable wrench, exert presser toward the movable jaw. Stand to one side when you are pulling down on wrenches above your head. Do not hammer on wrenches or use a pipe extension. Use a proper size wrench.

Saws: Saws that are sharp and free of rust are less likely to bind or jump. Start cuts with both wood saws and hack saws by guiding the blade with your thumb.

Files: Do not use a file without a handle. Do not use a file for a pry, as it is brittle and breaks easily.

Pry Bars: Be sure your bite is secure by applying first a slight pressure. Then check your own balance before you exert your full force. This will prevent a fall in case the pry slips.

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Talk No. 127 THE CARE OF HAND TOOLS

Hand tools are used every day on a construction site. They are used so much and so often that the proper care is many times forgotten. As we list some important points on proper care of hand tools please refresh your memory concerning these points.

Proper Care of Tools 1. Take good care of tools. Use tools carefully and you will have less need for a

first-aid kit.

2. Keep tools clean. Protect them against damage form corrosion. Dip tools occasionally in cleaning fluids or solvents and wipe them clean. Lubricate adjustable and moving parts to prevent wear and misalignment.

3. Keep cutting edges sharp. Sharp tools are much safer than dull ones.

4. When sharpening, redressing or repairing tools, sharpen, grind, hone, file, fit and set them properly, using other tools suited for each purpose.

5. For sharpening tools, either an oil stone or a grind stone is preferable.

6. Tools which are struck by hammers, such as chisels or punches, should have the head ground periodically to prevent mushrooming.

7. When tools are not in use keep them in suitable boxes, racks, or trays. Put them down carefully and in an orderly manner on work benches, with cutting edges turned away from you.

8. Place tools so they cannot fall and where no one can strike against or trip over them. Tools should be placed on elevated benches, tables or platforms so they cannot roll or be kicked or knocked off.

9. When carrying tools protect the cutting edges and carry the tools in such a way that you will not endanger yourself or others.

10. Carry pointed or sharp-edged tools in pouches or holsters.

11. Refit or replace loose or split handles. Do not rely on friction tape to secure split handles.

12. Keep handles wedged tightly in the heads of all tools. Keep them smooth and free of rough or jagged surfaces.

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Talk No. 128 AVOIDING HAND TOOL INJURIES

Hand tools have been with us probably as long as the use of fire has. And like fire, hand tools cause their share of injuries to users.

For instance, according to Accident Facts, hand tools are involved in six percent of all cases of compensable work injuries. The average cost of a hand tool injury is listed as $850 – just counting compensation costs.

Causes of hand tool injuries can often be traced to some type of improper use of hand tool – be it manual or some type of power tool (electrical, hydraulic, gasoline, powder, etc.).

Some ways to avoid hand tool injuries are:

• Use the right tool for the job. Some examples of misuse of tools are using a wrench as a hammer, pliers as a wrench and a claw hammer as a ball peen hammer.

• Keep tools in good condition. Broken or worn tools (wrenches with cracked or worn jaws, electric tools with broken plugs, etc.) should be repaired or discarded.

• Use tools in the way they were intended to be used (e.g., instruct users to cut away from the body when using knives, ground all electric tools, etc.).

• Keep tools in a safe place. Many accidents have been caused by tools falling from overhead, and by sharp tools carried in pockets or left in toolboxes with the cutting edges exposed.

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Talk No. 129 HANDLING POWER FOOLS SAFETY

Power tools present far greater accident hazards then hand tools, Portable power tools – because they must be handled – are even more dangerous than stationary power machinery. The most frequent accidents are cuts, punctures, electric shock, burns and eye damage from flying particles.

Nearly all power tool accidents are due to improper handling and poor maintenance. Clean tools regularly.

Guards are for your protection. Power tool hazards are vastly increased when workmen neglect using the guards or wedge the guard open on electric saws and other equipment.

Disconnect the power source before adjusting, oiling or changing accessories – never fail to replace the guards afterward.

When stringing temporary extension cords and hoses, make certain that they are protected and do not present a tripping hazard.

Make a daily check of the insulation on the wires of the power tools that you are using and couplings on pneumatic hoses. Repair or report them if they are frayed or broken.

Every electric power tool must be grounded. This averts the possibility of the body of the operator becoming a part of the energized circuit. Grounding is done automatically on unaltered three-pronged plugs when the plug is inserted.

SAW SAFELY WITH SAWS – Operators of table saws must always have the guards in proper position.

Even though the saw may be guarded, it is advisable to employ a push stick push work past the saw blade rather than feed work with the hands only.

It is important that circular saw be stopped completely before they are approached for adjustment. Idling saws can be the cause of amputations.

Portable power saws must be equipped with a free moving guard that covers the blade when the work is completed.

As feeding is entirely by hand with hand saws and the hand must come close to the blade, the guard must not be too high.

Portable hand power saws must never be used without the guard in safe working condition.

Chain saws require extreme caution. As the cutting mechanism is exposed, proper protective clothing must be worn when using.

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DRILLS – Before using a drill on a wall, floor or ceiling, make certain that it will not strike electric wires, gas lines and high pressure lines.

GRINDERS – Inspect the grinding wheel, as a cracked wheel may fly to pieces.

Portable grinders should be used with a retaining hood covering at least half of the wheel.

SANDERS – The abrasive belt or disc cannot be guarded so that caution is the only way of avoiding injury.

Sanders should be moved away from the body when using.

PWDER ACTUATED TOOLS – Only properly trained and certified operators should use powder actuated tools.

Tools must always be left unloaded until ready for actual use. Studs should be driven a safe distance from the edge of material.

Operators should wear safety goggles or face shields.

Do not use cartridge tools for driving studs in walls, ceilings or floors when people are working on the other side.

Always use proper cartridge and stud for the work at hand.

Treat powder actuated tools like powder arms.

PNEUMATIC IMPACT TOOLS – Tools such as jack hammers and riveting guns receive their impact from a piston driven by compressed air.

Operators must wear safety goggles to guard against flying chips, and screens should be set up to protect other employees working nearby and the public.

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Talk No. 130 ELECTRIC PORTABLE TOOLS

A recent accident, involving a portable electric drill and resulting in burns to a workman, warrants a review of the use of electrically powered tools.

Concerning this particular accident, the employee was standing on the top of a form, about six feet from floor level, preparing to drill holes with an electric drill. Employee had arm around metal pole for support. When the drill was turned on the man, he received a shock and could not release grip on drill. Another employee working nearby immediately pulled the pug cutting off the power. The employee injured sustained burns to his neck and both hands.

Assuming the man was standing on a wood form and being off the floor or surface level his body resistance was considerably lessened. The dampness of perspiration, plus placing his arm around the metal pole, also contributed to the electrical shock.

Grounding of portable electric tools provides the most convenient way of safeguarding the operator. If there is any defect or short inside the tool, the current is drained from the metal frame through a ground wire and does not pass through the operator’s body. The most assurable method of grounding is through the use of a three-prong plug and receptacle, more commonly known as the third wire system. If this system is not possible, then it is recommended that a ground be installed by fastening one end of a wire of at least No. 18 gauge to the metal frame of the tool and the other end to a ground by means of a battery clip or permanently attached clamp.

Insulating platforms, rubber mats and rubber gloves are other means to guard against electrical shock. Tools should be inspected frequently for the following malfunctions to reduce the hazard of electrical shock.

6. Defective or broken insulation or cord.

7. Improper or poorly made connections to the terminals.

8. Broken or otherwise defective plug.

9. Loose or broken switch.

10. Brushes arcing.

NOTE: All employees using 110V. cord and plug connected equipment must use a GFCI device or use equipment and outlets that are on an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program.

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Talk No. 131 SAFETY RULES FOR POWER TOOLS

KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL – Read the owner’s manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations as well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to this tool.

GROUND ALL TOOLS – UNLESS DOUBLE-INSULATED – If tool is equipped with the three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle. If adapter is used to accommodate two-prong receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. Never remove third prong.

KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN – Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.

AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT – Don’t use power tools in damp or wet locations. Keep work area well lit.

STORE IDLE TOOLS – When not in use, tools should be stored in dry, high or locked up place.

DON’T FORCE TOOL – It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

USE RIGHT TOOL – Don’t force small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty tool.

WEAR PROPER APPAREL – No loose clothing or jewelry to get caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and footwear are recommended when working outdoors.

USE SAFETY GLASSS with most tools. Also face or dust masks if cutting operating is dusty.

DON’T ABUSE CORD – Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.

SECURE WORK – use clamps or a vise to hold work. It’s safer than using your hand and it frees both hands to operate tool.

DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE – Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

DISCONNECT TOOLS – When not in use; before servicing; when changing accessories such as blades, bits, cutters, etc.

REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES – Form habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.

AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING – Don’t carry plugged-in tool with finger on switch.

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Talk No. 132 SAFE USE OF HAND TOOLS

Of all the equipment placed at our disposal, the common hand tools, which we take for granted, are the most useful and the most often abused.

A recent review of construction injuries reveal quite a number of minor incidents involving the use offhand tools. To counteract this trend, it would be wise to review the basic rules governing the use of hand tools.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. NEVER USE A MAKESHIFT.

2. USE ONLY TOOLS IN GOOD CONDITION. NO TOOLS WITH CRACKED OR BROKEN HANDLES, NONE WITHOUT HANDLES, NONE WITH MUSHROOMED OR BROKEN HEADS.

3. KEEP KEEN-EDGED BLADES SHARP; STORE THEM SAFELY WHEN NOT IN USE.

4. DO NOT USE A HAMMER WITH A HARDENED FACE ON A HIGHLY TEMPERED TOOL SUCH AS A DRILL, FILE, DIE OR JIG. CHIPS MAY FLY.

5. USE WRENCHES OF THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE JOB. FACE THE JAWS OF AN ADJUSTALE WRENCH IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PULL.

6. NEVER APPLY A WRENCH TO MOVING MACHINERY; STOP THE MACHINE, THEN REMOVE ALL TOOLS BEFORE STARTING IT AGAIN.

7. SEE THAT PIPE WRENCH JAWS ARE SHARP AND CHAINS IN GOOD CONDITION SO THEY WILL NOT SLIP.

8. NEVER USE ANY TOOL IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU WILL BE INJURED IF IT SLIPS. PRE-ANALYZE YOUR MOVEMENTS AND POSITION YOUR BODY ACCORDINGLY.

9. THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CALLS FOR THE USE OF MANY TYPES OFHAND TOOLS. HANDLE THEM WITH CARE; TREAT THEM CAREFULLY AND USE THEM EXACTLY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY WERE MADE.

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Talk No. 133

TORSION TOOLS

Any tool applying torque is potentially dangerous – the more torque involved, the more serious the potential injury.

Possibly the most commonly used torsion tools are wrenches. Some basic rules for their safe use include:

• Never use a “cheater” to increase the leverage of any wrench.

• Use a wrench whose opening exactly fits the nut – too large an opening can spread the jaws of an open-end wrench and batter the points of a box or socket wrench making it prone to slipping.

• If possible, always pull on a wrench and adjust stance to prevent a fall if something suddenly gives.

• Try to use a box or socket wrench and a straight (rather than off-set) handle wherever possible.

• To free a “frozen” nut or bolt, apply penetrating oil and use a striking face box wrench or a heavy-duty box or socket wrench.

• Be sure the nut or bolt head is fully seated in the jaw of an open end wrench – avoid tilting the wrench.

• On adjustable wrenches, adjust tightly and pull so that the force goes against the fixed jaw.

• Use a torque wrench whenever possible.

• Never expose a wrench to excessive heat – such as from a blow torch – this can draw temper and ruin the tool.

• Wrenches should not be ground to change their shape.

• Remember, ordinary plastic-dipped handles are designed for comfort, NOT electrical insulation.

• When using hand-socket wrenches always stay within safe torque limits when changing to smaller or larger sockets and never use on power or impact wrenches.

• Use a hammer on a striking face wrench only – use a sledge and always wear safety goggles.

• Discard any wrench with broken or battered points.

• Never pull on a loosely adjusted adjustable wrench.

• Never use a pipe wrench to bend, raise, or lift a pipe.

• Never use a pipe wrench as a hammer.

• When such tools are subjected to severe vibration, they should be wired or taped closed to prevent accidental opening.

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Talk No. 134 POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS

A number of tools utilizing explosive charges to drive fastenings, cut cables and perform similar functions have been developed in recent years, and are now widely used throughout industry. The manufacturers of these devices provide detailed instructions regarding their use, and these instructions should be closely adhered to at all times. The following general recommendations apply to all powder actuated tools.

1. Only properly trained and qualified operators should use powder actuated tools. Users should possess Qualified Operator’s Cards which are, after thorough training, issued by a particular manufacturer’s authorized dealer or distributor or other competent source.

2. A loaded tool should never be carried away from the worksite. The tool should always be left unloaded until ready for actual use.

3. The tool should never be pointed at anyone, whether loaded or unloaded and hands should be kept clear of open muzzle end.

4. Powder actuated tools should never be stored or used in explosive atmospheres or in the vicinity of highly flammable materials, or where nonsparking tools are required.

5. Tool should be held firmly against and perpendicular to the surface being driven into.

6. Safety goggles should be worn by operator, and face should be protected if there is danger of spilling materials. Transparent face shields provide both eye and face protection.

7. Manufacturers’ recommendations should be sought if there is any doubt about the material being driven into. Most manufacturers recommend against driving into very hard or brittle materials such as cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, hollow tile and similar materials.

8. In order to prevent flying hazards no stud or attachment should be driven without first making sure that it will not pass completely through the material being driven into.

9. Tool should be loaded only if it is to be used immediately.

In areas where stud drivers are being extensively used, signs and barricades identifying the high hazard area are recommended.

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Talk No. 135 STRIKING TOOLS

There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools. Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it is intended. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking tools.

Some other rules that apply particularly to hammers are:

• Strike blows squarely – a glancing blow increases the chances of striking a finger or hand or chipping the head.

• Never strike with the side of the hammer.

• Never strike one hammer with another.

• When striking chisels, punches, wedges, etc., the hammer face should be larger than the head of the struck tool.

One other point to remember about striking tools: Axes and hatchets are meant to strike wood. They should never be struck against metal, stone, or concrete. Striking faces can be used to drive common nails, but not cold chisels, rock drills, etc.

STRUCK TOOLS Struck tools include rock and star drills, cold chisels, hot chisels, wood chisels, brick chisels, drift pins and wedges.

Common rules for the safe use of struck tools include:

• Always wear safety goggles.

• Use the proper tool for the job – never use cold chisels on stone or concrete, hot chisels on cold metal, stone or concrete, wood chisels on metal, etc.

• Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge – dull edges can be sharpened.

• Never use a punch with a mushroomed head, a slanted or chipped point or a loose or damaged handle.

• Never use a drift pin as a punch or strike one if the struck end is chipped or mushroomed.

• Never use a star drill with a dull cutting edge or damaged head and never on anything but masonry.

• Don’t use brick chisels and sets on metal or use one in bad conditions.

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Talk No. 136

EXCAVATION AND SHORING

Shoring is employed in many construction operations. Excavation shoring, as concerns building excavations and trenches, is intended for the protection of workmen and property, and often the general public as well.

Men working in excavations must always be aware of the fact that much of their safety depends upon themselves. Even though there is a daily inspection of bracing systems, certain conditions may arise suddenly that come to the attention only of the man on the job. You must be able to recognize dangers when you see them and report them before they cause injury to yourself or those around you.

Accidents such as falls or being struck by objects in and about excavations and trenches often result because workmen fail to follow the safety instructions that have been given them.

Shoring presents problems and hazards. That is another of the reasons why safety education has become so important in the field of construction.

One of the major purposes of shoring is to protect you while you work in the excavation. Bracing systems are intended to prevent sliding, slipping, caving, squeezing or any other movement of the face of the excavation that could endanger men in the excavation.

At times, soil conditions make it possible to slope excavations, but in many cases the sides must be supported by shoring. Regular physical inspection should be loose materials. Any surface with dangerous material should be scaled. Workmen should not work one above another where there is danger of falling rock or materials.

Shoring of adjacent buildings may be necessary when their walls are weakened by excavation. Sidewalks, if undermined during construction, require shoring for the protection of the public and the men working below.

Always make use of stairways, ramps or ladders when you enter or leave an excavation. Climbing or jumping is hazardous.

Because shoring is often subjected to considerable pressures, it demands regular inspection. Every workman engaged in excavation must take the responsibility of helping to check on shoring because your own safety is at stake. If you detect any unusual conditions you must report them immediately.

When using screw jacks in shoring, be careful of them slipping and throwing you. The jack will not kick out when the load is properly centered. Nevertheless, blocking should be carried forward with jacking in order to reduce the hazards due to failure or slipping of jacks.

In general, you should not work under structures or other objects that are supported by jacks alone.

Operators of equipment and all workmen on excavations must be alert to the danger of shoring and walls being struck by swinging loads.

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Talk No. 137 TRENCH EXCAVATION

A necessary consideration in the planning of sewer, pipeline, and similar subsurface work by the cut and cover (trench and backfill) method is preventing trench wall cave-in and soil movement. Either, or both, may result in death or serious injury to workers, plus damage to adjacent structures, utilities, and facilities.

1. The hazards of trench excavation are:

• Death by suffocation or crushing when falling soil buries a worker.

• Materials falling on a worker in the trench.

• Falls of persons when climbing into or our of the excavation.

• Men working too close together.

• Stumbling over equipment or excavated material or falling into the trench.

• Encountering toxic, irritating or flammable gases. 2. Caving of side walls is the worst hazard. Most accidents like this type occur

because:

• Taking a chance without shoring; or inadequate shoring in an attempt to reduce cost.

• Inadequate knowledge of the shoring necessary or misjudgment of soil stability.

• Failure of apparently adequate shoring due to unexpected or transient loads superimposed on the shoring structure or ground surface at the edge of the trench or from vibration due to traffic.

• Use of defective shoring material.

• Failure to maintain shoring properly after changes incidental to operations, or after damage by washouts or heavy rains.

• Failure to place removed soil at a safe distance from the edge of the excavation.

• Undercutting of trench walls by trenching machines not properly leveled. 3. Proper sheeting and bracing (shoring) will prevent both cave-in and probable soil

movement.

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4. Proper trench shoring cannot be reduced to a standard formula. Each job just be treated as an individual problem, because of the variable conditions existing on each job. Some of the important factors to be considered in planning the job are:

• Natural of soil structure. Soil structure varies from hard rock at one extreme to soil containing sufficient water to produce hydrostatic pressure. Hard rock may contain faults in strata which make it unstable when cut through. Normal moisture content in soil affects its stability; possible variations in moisture content must be considered in determining margins of safety. Sandy soil, or soil which has been backfilled, is very unstable and usually requires tight sheeting where the trench depth exceeds four feet.

• Fluctuating weather and moisture conditions. Rainfall, freezing and thawing, overflow of adjacent streams, storm drains, or sewers and melting of snow all produce change in the condition o the soil that should be considered. Water from any source probably will increase the rate of seepage and may reduce the cohesion of the soil or swell the soil thereby increasing the pressure on the sheeting and bracing. A trench in frozen ground may be safe with little or no sheeting; thawing may cause the entire bank to cave.

• Proximity of other structures or sources of vibration. Shoring not otherwise necessary may be needed to prevent dislocation of foundation soil or structure of an adjoining building or of curb lines, trees or utility poles. Also to be considered is vibration which may arise from machine operations (as from punch presses or forging hammers) in nearby building, passing vehicular or railway traffic or blasting. Equipment used on the job (such as material trucks, pile drivers, air spades or power ramrods) may also produce vibration which should be considered in planning shoring.

• Trench dimensions. As width of the trench increases, the cross braces or struts must be increased in cross-section to maintain the necessary rigidity. Remember that with soil possessing sufficient cohesion to act as a solid, the side pressures reach a maximum at a point slightly higher than one-half the depth of the cut…and with dry granular and saturated soils, the side pressures increase in proportion to the depth of the excavation

5. Standing shoring tables are available in any safety manual and should be consulted before excavation begins. Greater factors of safety should be provided as required by job conditions. Heavier than minimum sizes of materials will usually be required if the trench is to be kept open for a considerable period.

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Talk No. 138 TRENCHING OPERATIONS

Trenching operations account for many injuries. Accidents can happen to men working in trenches to other workmen as a result of excavated materials and to men working in the vicinity of trenches.

As is the case with most accident situations, a few simple precautions take most of the risk out of trench construction.

First of all, men working in trenches must have hard hats and should wear sturdy shoes.

Men should be safely spaced out in a trench unless there is a necessity of working together. They should also stay out of the immediate area of excavating equipment, and not work ahead of the shoring.

Workmen are sometimes injured by slides of earth or rock into the trench in which they are working. All excavated materials should be placed a safe distance back from the edge of the trench. Men should check with their supervisor for instructions as to how far back material should be placed.

Even when this is done, large heavy objects can roll or slide down the incline and into the trench. Tools and rocks should either be placed on the outer slope of the excavated materials or else on the other side of the trench if the surface is flat.

When men are working on hard surface roads where a flow of traffic is being maintained, it is important that small stones be removed of the road. Stones are sometimes thrown with great speed by the tires of passing cars and can cause serious accidents.

Broken arms and legs and other injuries can result when workmen fall into construction trenches. They result because men fail to look where they are going, when they walk too close to the edge, or when they attempt to leap across the trench.

Rocks and tools thrown near the edge are not only a hazard to men working in the trenches, but can cause falls into the trench by men walking on the surface.

Use extra care in venturing near the edges of trenches and other excavation when the weather is bad and there are icy or muddy conditions.

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Talk No. 139 MOUNTING HEAVY DUTY TIRES AND RIMS

The principle hazard is assembling, mounting, storing and handling truck wheels, rims, tires and their parts is that of rings or removable flanges blowing off. Such blow-offs may cause lockrings, rims or other fastenings to be thrown violently through the air, striking persons or property.

A blow-off is most likely to occur while a tire that has just been mounted on a rim is being inflated or immediately after it has been inflated. Blow-offs that have caused the greatest number of injuries appear to have been due to improper mounting, use of defective parts or interchange of unmatched parts.

Blowouts may occur because of over-inflation of the tire, improper placement of the tire on the rim of the wheel (causing pinching or chafing of the tire or tube), or improper mounting of lockrings or rims. Tires, rims and lockrings should be inspected frequently while in service.

A few general precautions to be taken while changing tires are:

1. Block the truck with chock blocks so that it cannot roll or move.

2. Completely deflate the tire by removing the valve core before doing any work.

3. Loosen, but do not remove, the nuts before jacking up the wheel.

4. On dual wheel assemblies, be sure that the nuts on the inside wheels are securely tightened before mounting the outside wheels.

5. Never over-inflate or under-inflate a tire.

6. Never inflate a hot tire.

7. Never inflate a tire that has been run flat, as the lockring may have come loose.

Wheels, tires and rims are heavy and unwieldly and should always be stored in sturdy racks. Whenever possible, mechanical handling equipment should be used. Wheels, tires and rims should not be thrown, dropped or otherwise roughly handled. Tires should be inflated only in some restraining device which will contain flying parts should a blow-off occur.

All trucks should be supplied with wheel chocks, jacks, tools and gauges as well as flags, flares and warning devices in case a tire must be changed on the highway.

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Talk No. 140 SAFETY HINT FOR PRE-MIX TRUCKS

It’s Happened Before! A workman climbs up from the step of the catwalk on his pre-mix truck, then onto the top of the equipment where the drum was turned so that the manhole was at the top end of the drum’s circuit. To carry out his work, the man lowered himself through the manhole, stepping on the mixer blade to ease his descent. However, as he stepped on the blade along the side of the drum, the drum began to revolve, due to the man’s weight. His head or neck was caught between the rim of the manhole and the outer rails of the vehicle, resulting in serious injuries to the workman.

The drum had been in gear and obviously the workman had used the gear lever to raise himself to the catwalk from the step, thus pulling it into neutral position.

One suggested solution is a safety bar made of 2” or 3” channel iron with clamps on each end. Two strong feet or dogs are located in the central part of the bar, which is placed across the top of the vehicle with the dogs placed on the manhole, against the rim of the hole and the clamps secured on each of the two top side rails and tightened into place by wing-nuts.

When the bar is proper installed across the manhole, it is impossible for the drum to revolve, and the workman may carry on in the utmost of safety. It is also considered advisable to have a fan operating in the rear of the exit pipe to keep a fresh supply of air circulating in the drum for the workman.

Late model pre-mix trucks are not equipped with the side rails, and the control lever is removed from the catwalk area. However, when necessary to enter the drum, the workman should remove the ignition keys, post a notice to the effect that he is within the drum, and if possible, have another worker stand by to assure that no action will take place to cause the drum to revolve.

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Talk No. 141 YEAR-AROUND WATER HAZARDS

Most of us don’t worry about drowning accident until the weather is warm enough to put on our swim suits. But the National Safety Council warns sportsmen that drowning and other water hazards present a threat the year-around.

Statistics recently released by the Council show that approximately 8,700 persons drowned in 1973. About 3,3.. of these victims were swimming or playing in the water. The remaining 5,400 drownings were “non-swimming” fatalities; that is, persons falling into the water from docks, bridges, shores, etc., or from home, work or recreational accidents.

Not surprisingly, most fishing and recreational boating accident fatalities were drownings. What is not widely known is that drowning takes many lives in other fall, winter and year-around sports. Some non-water sports that claimed drowning victims in 1973, according to Safety Council figures, including snowmobiling, sledding and skiing, ice skating, hunting, hiking, camping and even horseback riding.

Drowning is not the only year-around water hazard to sportsmen. Hypothermia (the lowering of body temperature from exposure to cold) is always a serious threat to persons immersed in cold water. To prevent or minimize water hazards to sportsmen in fall and winter, the National Safety Council offers the following suggestions:

• Wear protective clothing and even flotation devices where there is any possibility that you might fall or be thrown into a body of water.

• Know you terrain when hunting, snowmobiling, etc., so that you will suddenly find yourself on or in a body of water.

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Talk No. 142 WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY

The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries. Ultraviolet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.

The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning operations:

OPERATION SHADE NUMBER

Soldering 2

Torch Brazing 3 or 4

Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4

Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5

Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6

Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5

Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6

Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8

Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11

Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12

Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14

Carbon-arc welding 14

It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position yourself “up-wind” from the point of operation.

When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!

In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are taken.

Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from physical damage.

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Talk No. 143 SAFE PRACTICES FOR ARC WELDING AND CUTTING

1. Wear clothing which will protect all of you body from the rays of the arc and from hot metal sparks.

2. Wear shoes that extend above ankles or spats and trousers extending below tops of shoes. Turn trouser cuffs up on inside and sew.

3. See that sufficient ventilation is provided or wear airline respirator when welding in confined places.

4. Be sure your hood is in place before striking an arc and at all times while welding. Wear hardened filter lens goggles under hood or shield.

5. Keep shield in place to protect others from the rays of the arc. Warn them to avoid looking at the arc.

6. If persons working nearby are unprotected by the shield, advise them to wear protective goggles.

7. Prior to commencing operation, thoroughly inspect area to make sure that there are no combustible materials close by. Keep fire extinguisher on hand on all welding jobs.

8. Welding cable is subjected to severe abuse as it is dragged over work under construction and across sharp corners. Special cable with high quality insulation should be used. The fact that welding circuit voltages are low may lead to laxity in keeping the welding cable in good repair. Frequent inspection should be made and defective cable replaced or repaired immediately.

9. Put rod stubs in a container; if they are thrown loosely around they present a slipping hazard.

10. If a gasoline powered welding generator is used inside a building or in a confined area, the engine exhaust should lead to the outside atmosphere.

11. Use fully insulated electrode holders (stingers). Do not dip hot electrode holders in water for cooling purposes.

12. Before welding on any drum or container which has contained gasoline, oils or other flammable liquids, make sure that proper cleaning methods are used prior to welding operation.

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Talk No. 144 USING WRENCHES

In grandfather’s day, the good, old-fashioned monkey wrench was used everywhere for just about everything. The big family of wrenches we have today wouldn’t have been practical then because nuts and bolts hadn’t been standardized. Nuts came in all sizes and shapes. No mechanic’s tool box would have been big enough to hold all the fixed jaw wrenches he would have needed. So he did his work with monkey wrenches of three or four sizes. By the way, they’re called “monkey” wrenches because the inventor was Charles Monkey, one of the best mechanics who ever handled a wrench.

Now nuts come in standard sizes – not so many sizes but enough that a set of fixed jaw wrenches and tow or three with adjustable jaws will handle most kinds of jobs. This standardization has helped safety a lot because having many different kinds of nuts and bolts made for confusion and bother and that always makes for accidents. When you know that your wrenches will fit the nuts just right, you can work faster, more surely and more safely.

Nowadays, all sorts of things are standardized. It’s good for safety in a lot of ways. Wrenches are just one example. In the old days every mechanic was expected to be an “all around” man able to handle just about any kind of repair job. He learned his trade partly from an older mechanic and partly in the school of hard knocks. “Safety First” hadn’t come yet – not in many places, anyway.

As a result, you could usually tell old mechanics by their hands – missing fingers or parts of fingers, stiff joint, big joints, scars and so much grease and metal dust ground into the skin and under their fingernails that they never could get it out.

Things are different now. We still have accidents, but not nearly so many. Men still get hurt, but they don’t need to. If they’ll just follow the safe practices they’re taught and use their heads, they won’t get hurt.

The reports of accidents from work with wrenches show two main causes – unsafe surroundings and unthinking, sometimes downright foolish acts. In practically every case, you can either get rid of the hazards around the job or set the job up in a way to avoid them. And you can always act safely. It just takes a little planning, a little headwork and some carefulness.

Whenever you have a job to do that calls for a wrench, take time to look it over and size it up. Can you do it from the floor? If so, will you have good footing and plenty of foot room: If it’s overhead, where are you going to work from? You need a secure place, you know. When you’re working on a stubborn nut up near the ceiling, you don’t want to

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have to do a balancing act. So make sure you won’t have to. If that calls for scaffold, put it up. Is there anything you’ll want to protect yourself against, like electric wiring or steam pipes?

Is there any delicate equipment that should be protected against you, like a gauge glass or a pressure gauge or perhaps a regulator of some sort? One fellow lost his eyesight when his wrench slipped and broke the water gauge glass on a boiler.

What wrench or wrenches will be best for the job? Say there are nuts of only three or four sizes to deal with, and they are all standard. Fixed jaw wrenches it is then, because the jaw sizes are set to give just the right fit on nuts of standards size.

If there are some special-sized nuts, adjustable jaw wrenches will be better. Keep in mind the fact that they’re not as strong as fixed jaw wrenches. Also, you want to set them for a close fit. Place them so the pull is taken by the fixed jaws. An adjustable jaw can’t take as much.

There really isn’t much more to it, except go easy on a nut until you get the feel of it. Put on a little pressure. If it doesn’t come, put on more, but not with a jerk. And don’t give it all you’ve go unless you’re sure the bolt is big enough to take it. If you do, be sure to brace yourself so you won’t do a ground loop if the nut lets go suddenly.

Use your safety-mindedness and stay unhurt.

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Talk No. 145 ACCEPT IT – IT’S YOURS

Accident prevention is the responsibility of everyone. You’ve heard that statement probably more times than you can remember. But it is a fact.

Safety responsibility has to be the responsibility of each and everyone of us. No one man or department can constantly watch, guide or instruct every operation that is going on throughout a company each day.

Top management is vitally concerned with your safety. So are your department heads, the safety supervisors and foreman. However, these people can’t be with you every minute on every job, and you have to accept your own responsibility for safety.

It’s not such an overwhelming task. You should know how to do your job safely. The training that you have received, the departmental work procedures, the safety rule book and the use of everyday common sense will prevent you from being involved in an accident.

Don’t be ashamed to ask questions about a job assigned to you. A workman trying to bluff his way through a job he doesn’t understand is just asking for trouble. Even if you think you know the correct procedures, a review may bring out an important phase of the job that had slipped your mind. At the same time, your questions and the answers you get may be helping a new or less experienced man on the job who is too bashful to ask questions.

But your responsibility for accident prevention doesn’t stop with the job. At home, behind the wheel, at play, you’ve got a keep your safety guard up. Not just for your own safety, but for the safety of others as well.

Face your safety responsibility as you do the other obligations that make up your daily live and each day will be completed without an untimely accident or injury.

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Talk No. 146 ACTION

A great many people are avid sports fans who enjoy watching favorite players in action – a goalie on a hockey team, a baseball catcher, maybe a pro-football linebacker, a prizefighter or possibly a race car driver. No matter what the sport or type of action, they enjoy watching these people, some of them the best in the business.

Many sports have a variety of hazards, and in order to cope with the hazards, the participants all have something in common – they all use protective equipment. The consequences if they didn’t use their equipment are obvious.

Most people know that in many industries hazards are always present on the job. If someone mentions protective equipment to you on the job, do you automatically think of nuisance items or are you like the sports star and think of items to keep you from being injured or killed – items that may keep you healthy for next year’s action?

Sometimes a degree of comfort and ease of movement have to be traded off for personal protection. No one has ever said that protective clothing and equipment are as comfortable or convenient as everyday apparel. A boxer would have a heck of a time trying to eat popcorn at a movie with his mouth guard in, but “on the job” he can’t do without it.

Of course you can’t or don’t want to wear protective equipment around the clock, but if not worn in the situation for which the equipment is intended, you not only cheat yourself but co-workers and family as well. Should the unexpected occur, protective equipment could well be the “second chance.”

Just as a ballplayer who feels safe and secure is a better player, a worker who feels safe and secure is a better worker and a better family man. Let protective equipment help keep you around for next year’s action.

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Talk No. 147 AFTER THOUGHTS

1. That’s the way I’ve always done it before (this accident occurred).

2. I never thought that a hard hat could have protected me against such an incident (or I wouldn’t have this bloomin’ headache).

3. If I had taken that First Aid Course I probably could have helped him (and chances are he wouldn’t be of for two months).

4. I noticed that board with the projecting rusty nail earlier (gee, but those tetanus shots sting).

5. Golly, I never realized that a fire and could get out of control so fast (if I’d checked that extinguisher this morning I’d be going to work tomorrow).

6. Oh, I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg muscles instead of the back muscles (wonder how long I’ll have to remain in this traction).

7. I’ll be off work for two weeks, I had to ruin that good shoe by cutting off the toe section and this fractured toe still hurts (for another $1.29 I could have bought those safety shoes).

8. So my carelessness spoiled our safety record, so what? (I’ll sure feel lousy going back and facing the boys).

9. A few years ago it didn’t bother me to jump across a 42 inch trench carrying a piece of pipe (what in the heck is an inguinal hernia)?

10. We were only going to use the scaffold for one day, I never thought of a hammer slipping form the floorboard and striking someone (I had the feeling I should have taken a minute to nail on a toe-board).

11. I had the right-of-way at the intersection, officer, but this other fellow must have been day dreaming (I guess defensive driving alertness would have eliminated this).

12. The safety supervisor always insisted that the tool rest be no more than one-eight inch from the grinding wheel, but as I told him, what difference does another quarter inch make (I sure was lucky, when that chisel became wedged that wheel exploded in a thousand pieces).

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Talk No. 148 AN OPEN MARKET FOR SAFETY

Many years ago writer John Donne hit the nail on the head when he said that no man is an island unto himself. Old as those words are, its message is as meaningful today as it was when it was written.

We live together and work together. No man lives or works entirely alone. He is involved with people around him, affected by their accomplishments, marked by their failures.

If a worker fails the man beside him, he fails himself too. Both share the burden of that loss.

One of the most disturbing penalties paid when an accident happens is when a man realizes that because of his own failure someone else was injured. It isn’t easy for a man to live with the feeling that someone has failed him.

Safety is something we shouldn’t have to “sell.” But we have to keep selling because people keep getting hurt. And if enough of us talk about safety long enough, we’re going to get more “buyers.”

When we do, accidents will drop. Increased motivation on our part in promoting safe practices will lessen the number of failures caused by the untrained, the unskilled and the gamblers who accept risk unnecessarily.

Nobody wants to be a failure and few of us are without pride. There’s embarrassment in failure, but usually that’s the least serious aspect of the matter involved.

It is believed that accidents are conceived in improper attitudes and born in moments of action without thought. They will cease only when proper attitude is strong enough to prevent the act…when the right attitude creates awareness that controls the act.

The solution to accident prevention is personal responsibility. The philosophy of personal responsibility isn’t anything new. It’s an essential part of our American way of life.

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Talk No. 149 BEFRORE…AND AFTER

In almost every terrible construction accident that ever happened, there’s a simple thing or two that could have been done to prevent the fateful chain reaction or stop it short of its tragic climax.

Of course, it’s far easier looking back than looking ahead. But a foreman has to keep trying to look ahead, think ahead and always with the big question, “What if…?” in his mind. If he can do this, who knows what he might save his crew and his company!

If we’d only think to snuff out the spark…tighten up the loose bolt…shore the trench… secure the ladder… inspect the cable… make the guy put on his hard hat. Before hand, it’s quick and easy; afterwards, it’s beyond all human reach, beyond all human knowledge – beyond every power we’ve every know, or will know.

Before hand, it’s rubbing out a single spark; afterwards, it’s fire roaring through human lives and resources.

Before hand, it’s snugging up a loose bolt and nipping malfunction in the bud; afterwards, it’s three fingers or a hand, smashed out of existence.

Before hand it’s getting a responsible signalman to guide backing equipment; afterwards, it’s some unsuspecting guy getting it for good.

Before hand it’s shoring up a questionable trench; afterwards, it’s the whole caving in on someone.

Before hand, it’s taking suspicious ladder out of service; afterwards, it’s a sickening crack of defective wood and permanent disability.

Before hand, it’s barricading a floor opening; afterwards, it’s a scream, a brief downward flight and a widow and four kids.

Before hand, the little things are sometimes hard to see – but they’re seldom completely invisible; and even if they are, they can still be visualized with a little imagination, with a little double-checking sparked by that important question, “What if…?”

Before hand, a supervisor has the power to act, to prevent, to turn a key and lock out cruel and terrible things. Afterwards, there’s no power within us or upon God’s green earth that can do anything…anything at all.

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Talk No. 150 CLEANING DRUMS

An empty drum isn’t empty!

Not a drum which has contained flammable liquids, anyway. You can pour out the liquid to the very last drop, and still you can’t empty the drum!

The reason for that is that the liquid leaves a vapor which mixes with the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.

Now, many of you already know that such a mixture of vapor and air is what produces explosions. That’s what explodes in the cylinders of your car to run it and that’s what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s empty.

You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid – oils, solvents, shellac, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s mishandled.

So, before we re-use an old drum and before we make any repairs on it by welding, it has to be thoroughly cleaned.

Here’s a step-by-step procedure for cleaning that will avoid danger:

• First, remove all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and electric switches. If you can’t remove the sources of ignition, do the work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special explosion proof extension lights.

• Second, put on the protective clothing you need – rubber boots and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.

• Third, remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and you’ll be instructed on that).

• Fourth, using the explosion proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or other stuff that would prevent good draining.

• Nest, place the drum on the steam rack or upend it against some support and let it drain another five minutes. Be sure the bung is at the low end.

• Apply steam for at least ten minutes. Some materials take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and rotate the drums for at least five minutes. (Different types of material need special caustics – you’ll be instructed on that.) Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet to loosen scale.

• Next, flush the drum with hot water, allowing all water to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water.

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• Then dry the drum with a stream of warm air.

• When it is dry, inspect it carefully with an explosion-proof light and if you find it isn’t clean, steam it again.

• We have equipment for testing a drum to see whether it is free of explosive vapors. Always get a safe test on the drum before you call it clean.

• Even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested, always make a new test before you start any welding on the drum.

• Don’t try to clean out a drum which contained material you’re not used to working with. Some cases call for special handling, so be sure you know the right way before you work on a drum.

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Talk No. 151 COMMON SENSE SAFETY

Do you want to know another way to say safety? It is this simple: it is just common sense! If you use common sense precautions, you’ll have the real core or what is meant by the terms safety, accident prevention, loss prevention or whatever you choose to call our efforts to work on an accident free basis.

In other safety talks, the various causes of accidents are discussed…where and why they happen and more important what each of us should do to prevent similar accidents from happening. A common sense way of looking at the accident problem as it affects each of us is to consider it in this way:

“If I am the one who has an accident, I am the one who is going to suffer the pain that goes with a serious injury at the time it happens. And that may be just the start of pain and suffering I’ll have to endure. Maybe I’ll be laid up in the hospital with surgery or the setting of broken bones.”

If you would think of your stake in the safety program in this way, you’d place a higher regard on common sense precautions than ever before.

A single moment of inattention or lapsing into an unsafe act may cause you to be injured and laid up for days, weeks or even months. Your injury could last a long time – even forever.

You could be disfigured or badly maimed, so that you would never again look like yourself. You could be crippled so that you couldn’t perform your normal work. Whether you became crippled, disfigured or a bundle of permanent ashes, you would be a living example of what happens to a worker when he doesn’t use common sense and take safety precautions.

Of course, your accident might not have been caused by your failure to take common sense precautions. But there’s not much consolation in knowing that a fellow worker didn’t use common sense in his work.

Accidents can cost you plenty. We’ve already talked about your loss of money when you are on compensation pay. Will your compensation payments allow you to maintain your present standard of living? Will your family suffer from a lowered income that was caused by the injury? Questions like these will lead all of us to the common sense precautions that we should have been taking in the first place.

Let’s consider some of the common sense safety precautions that each of you should be taking in your everyday work. You wouldn’t:

1. Walk under suspended loads.

2. chip or grind without safety glasses or goggles.

3. Clean machines parts with flammable solvents, especially in a confined place.

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4. Block out guards.

5. Use an ungrounded portable electric hand tool.

6. Look for a gas leak with a lighted match, torch or lantern.

7. Talk a shortcut by climbing over a moving conveyor.

8. Oil or adjust unguarded moving machinery.

9. Wipe of oil from in running rolls.

10. Lift loads that are too heavy.

11. Overload a scaffold or a pile of material.

12. Bypass safety devices.

That’s one dozen things that I trust none of you would think of doing because they are obviously the wrong and dangerous things to do. There must be dozens more that you could name. How many violations of good common sense precautions have you seen right here at work?

Unfortunately most of the things that we have just mentioned have been the cause of accidental injuries. The thought that comes to mind when I describe all of these violations is: a little safety-mindedness and the use of good common sense would have prevented injuries.

I suppose that every one of us is guilty of violating these precautions at some time or other. The accident records prove that such violations do occur.

So, I think that we are going to benefit a lot by this discussion. I hope that you might have a little different outlook on how to practice safety. All that each of us has to do is use common sense for our own preservation.

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Talk No. 152 FIGHTING WORDS

“This is a hell of a way to die,” said the general, as they lifted him into the ambulance.

Those are words to be remembered. Remember them as words that speak the bitter tragedy and the utter irony of accidents. Maybe the words should be put on the highway billboards or pasted on dashboards near the speedometers or lettered on rear license plates. Better still, memorize them and remember them while driving.

“A hell of a way to die.”

Tough words of a tough man. A man feared by the whole Nazi army. A man who had known the stark danger of war…danger that is continuous and terrible even with precaution and preparedness. A man who had seen the bloody violence that is necessary once a war is on. A man who was himself brave and shrewd and appreciative of life.

But General Patton died a few days before Christmas 1945 as a result of an ordinary traffic collision between a trick and the car in which he was riding on a hunting trip. Just a peacetime motor vehicle accident. The kind that happens every day on our streets and highways. The kind that may happen just as suddenly, just as tragically, though perhaps not a dramatically, to someone you know or to strangers along your traffic routes. It was what some people call “just one of those things.”

The eulogies for General Patton have long ago been spoken and written. Younger men and women have possibly seen the movie made about him. But, whatever else is remembered about him and his accomplishments, let’s also remember those bitter words which, without pointing the accusing finger at anyone in particular, forcefully and convincingly state the whole case against accidents.

Yes, even in his last battle – for his life – hard fighting General Patton charge forward against an enemy of mankind that is till to be conquered.

The general gave us a battle cry: “This is a hell of a way to die.”

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Talk No. 153 FORESIGHT OR HINDSIGHT?

Would you start out on a trip from your home to a destination a thousand miles away or so without some planning or forethought? Most people would say, “Of course not!” That would be foolhardy.

Would you purchase a model ship of the Queen Mary if it didn’t have a set of instructions with it or if some of the parts were missing? Again, you’d probably answer with a definite, “No.”

This all leads up to the subject of Job Briefing, a subject probably spoken and written about as much as any phase of accident prevention. Yet, this phase of accident prevention is overlooked many times.

Analyzing a lot of on-the-job accidents over the past few years, it becomes plain that a large percentage of them could have been prevented had a proper job briefing been conducted.

Everyone can learn from mistakes…their own and others. But mistakes – and accidents – don’t need to happen. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision, and when you investigate almost any accident it’s usually obvious that the cause was always there and should have been noticed – and corrected – before the accident happened.

The questions that should be going through everyone’s mind are: “Why aren’t we seeing these things? Why don’t we say something if and when we do spot a problem area?” that’s what a job briefing or a job appraisal is all about.

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Talk No. 154 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Good housekeeping is an integral part of every company’s safe work practices. Many times during the course of a work day, you may find that all of a sudden you’re starting to walk around or trip and stumble over tools, equipment or debris in a work area that was clear before. The job has become difficult to do in a safe and efficient manner.

It is a proven fact that a clean work area helps prevent accidents. Many times in reading over accident reports it’s apparent that had the work area been cleaned up, there would have been no accident.

It is everybody’s responsibility to keep his work area clear and safe. Good housekeeping not only makes trucks, trailer, work areas, offices and garages look good, but it also makes for an efficient and safe operation.

There’s an added bonus. Trucks, trailers and many work areas are often observed by the public. A truck or trailer, for instance, that looks shoddy and ill-kept leaves a bad impression on customers. Once again, good housekeeping has an effect.

How clean is your work area or office? Do you clean enough to get by or do you do a job to really be proud of? There is always room for improvement and housekeeping is one area in which everyone can improve. Housecleaning is not just a rainy-day deal or a once a month chore, but it is a job that should be done daily.

Work areas reflect the neatness and abilities of their occupants. If each individual would leave his work area in the condition he would like to find it, everyone’s work could be done more efficiently and safely. Good housekeeping is a team effort!

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Talk No. 155 IT’S SIMPLE AS 1-2-3

Some people say that safety rules and practices complicate the job. They slow down production and even, in some cases, border on the ridiculous. Well, maybe. But let’s examine those charges and then make an honest appraisal of them.

Does safety really complicate the job? If you were an airplane pilot, for example, you would be required to first file a flight plan. This is primarily a safety precaution, but it does take time and effort. Before take-off you would be required to obtain permission from the control tower. Numerous instrument checks must be made. Now these things do add some degree of complication to the job.

The space industry observes many long hours of countdown, while astronauts and mission control run thousands of checks to assure that everything is operable and safer for “blast off.” This, too, complicates the job. But how complicated is it to stop for a stop sign…to place a lock on a switch…to copy down a switching order and read it back?

No, doubt about it, safety procedures may slow down a job 20 or 30 minutes. To install welding shields around the work area, for instance, may add as much as 15 minutes to the job…15 minutes that could be used in productive work. But what’s the other side of the story? By skipping safety considerations, you save 10 minutes today, 30 minutes tomorrow, perhaps several hours and this goes on for some time. Then there is an accident. The entire crew, department, supervisors, safety people and others spend days investigating the accident and filing reports. But the important thing is that a skilled workman may be out of production for a long time.

It is true that sometimes there may be a tendency to overdo…to bottle things up with so many rules and regulations that it does border on the ridiculous. But that’s the exception rather than the rule. You can’t overdo safety.

Basically, safety is ad simple as 1-2-3.

1. Know the job.

2. Spot the hazards.

3. Keep your mind on the job.

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Talk No. 156 LONG HAIR – FASHION OR HAZARD?

One of the more recent controversies facing those responsible for company safety programs involves hair styles of their employees. Safety administrators from companies of all sizes and functions have wrestled with the question – How long is too long, when hair length or style become a hazard? In construction, no set standard has been set in writing. However, as a general rule, these observations are made. Hair length and beards are to be restricted whenever there is a possibility hair may catch on fire or become entangled in moving machinery. Beards are to be restricted if they restrict the use of air masks whenever or wherever the masks may be required or if there is a fire hazard. Long hair should either be tucked into you hard hat, contained in a hair net, or trimmed to a length not to protrude beyond your collar. Beards should be trimmed in order that they do not affect the complete sealing of an air mask and to prevent becoming entangled in moving machinery. Employees are also being reminded of the importance of keeping their hair and beards clean. Construction work, by necessity, is dirty. We work in dusty conditions, with concrete, asphalt and other substances which may lead to dermatitis or skin problems if they are not washed and groomed regularly. As your employer, we do not want to preclude your free choice of hair styles – nor do we want to see you scalped or burned in an accident.

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Talk No. 157 LOOK AND LIVE

Accidents on construction jobs occur because the person who is injured fails to “look.” Look where you walk, stand, sit or climb. It’s one of the most important and basic principles of accident prevention on a construction job. We’ve all heard of the painter who stepped back to admire his work and fell from his scaffolding which was five stories high. It’s good to admire your work but certainly it’s important to look before stepping in any direction. You might step into an open stairwell, off the edge of a platform, onto a pile of lumbar, in the path of a moving vehicle or into the path of a swinging load. Materials and equipment are constantly being handled and moved on any construction job. It’s important that those working on the job be constantly alert to such movements. Look up, look down and look all around, so that there will be no occasion when you will walk into the path of a moving truck, an earth moving piece of machinery, an elevator or other type of hoisting equipment. Normally, persons on a construction job don’t do much sitting around. There are times, however, when the opportunity presents itself. It’s important to look where you sit. On rare occasions men have been killed because they chose to sit close to or behind machinery which suddenly moved. One of the most common excuses for an accident is the childish expression “I didn’t see.” On a construction job this is hardly a valid excuse. How can you explain the fact that you were struck by a piece of moving equipment by saying “I didn’t see it coming.” What that really means is “I wasn’t looking.” On a construction job scrap material and debris are removed from the structure by throwing or dropping it to the ground level. No such materials should be thrown from a structure unless the person doing the throwing first looks to see, for sure, that there is no one in the way. No worker should walk under a swinging load if it can be prevented at all. Being alert to what is going on overhead is very important for all workers and the best way to be alert to overhead conditions is to occasionally look up. Men have been killed on construction jobs as a result of falling through false ceilings or temporary floor covering. They did not take the time to look where they were stepping. By the same token, men have been injured while working in poorly lighted area merely because they could not see. So, if the occasion present itself for you to work in a poorly lighted place, it is important for you to be especially cautious. Your eyes are your greatest asset on a contruction job; take care of them! On grinding jobs, sawing jobs, welding jobs and the like, wear suitable eye protection so you will always have eyes for looking. If your eyesight is below normal, have glasses fitted so you can see what you’re doing.

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Talk No. 158 NEAR MISSES

"Foul ball," the umpire shouts, as a hard-hit liner lands in the left field stands. The season is only a few weeks old. And Jeff Hardy, a long-ball hitter, is having trouble keeping his drives in fair territory. The players in the opposing dugout are really riding him. "So they call you Home-Run Hardy?" "No extra bases on foul balls, Jeff." "Hey, Hardy! A miss is as good as a mile." Today, the boys on the other team are having a good time. But they know that with drives coming that close to the foul pole, it is just a matter of time before Hardy finds the range. In accident prevention, too, a lot of near misses mean a sure hit sooner or later. That is why safety conscious people keep a close check on minor accidents and near misses. They know that a fraction of a second or a few thousandths of an inch may be all there is between a close call and a serious accident. When a worker has a close call, people usually say, "Well, he was lucky that time." That also means: He may not be lucky next time.

It's important to get quick treatment for any near miss injury. There's a twofold reason. First, it helps to ward off serious complications that can come of minor cuts and bruises. Second, it impresses everyone with the importance of simple, safety precautions.

Near misses should be investigated as thoroughly as real accidents. What were the circumstances surrounding the near miss? Is there a safety rule covering the situation? If so, was the worker properly instructed in the rule? If not, is a new rule needed? Were safety devices used properly? What does the worker have to say about the near miss? Are there some personal factors that may account for the slip? Is the man a "repeater" – does he frequently have near misses and accidents?

How can you prevent lapses of safety consciousness? Brush up on safe practices. Follow safety rules. Accept the notion that every near miss is a caution sign.

Unlike the ballplayer sliding into second base, you are never "safe by a mile."

Near misses are important danger signals. They are symptoms of unsafe conditions. Pay attention to them to prevent more serious mishaps.

IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION…

A MISS IS NOT AS GOOD AS A MILE.

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Talk No. 159 PANIC!

Why does the dictionary define panic as "sudden, extreme and groundless fear?" What's interesting is that work "groundless." Certainly there's no doubt that when panic sets in, the fear is "groundless" means that it shouldn't exist. It means there's no reason for the person to be afraid.

That definitions isn't quiet accurate. Panic sets in when you get into a situation that threatens your survival and you don't know how to handle it. Probably no one ever lived who never felt fear. Even our greatest heroes in some of their most desperate predicaments confessed to fear. But they didn't let their fear turn into panic.

The important thing is that you can be afraid and still handle the situation. If you're inexperienced and untrained, this fear can turn into panic and the way you react may be exactly the wrong way.

Panic kills many people in situations such as theatre fires or sinking ships. In either case, there probably are many who realize that if they act sensibly, and proceed in an orderly fashion to the exits or lifeboats, their lives can e saved. Others let their fear give way to panic, and their terrified rushing throws the whole situation into chaos. In one such case, many bodies were found piled against a door that opened inward. The mass of people ran blindly and pushed against the door when all that was needed was for those nearest the door to step back for a moment and open it inward.

Another case where panic caused death involved a bomber crew member whose chute failed to open. When his body was examined, it was found that when he had put on his parachute he had hooked it with the handle to the left. These crew members had chest parachutes that, when put on normally and correctly, would have the handle on the right-hand side. With his right hand, he had clawed through his clothing and the flesh on his right side, desperately trying to find the handle of the chute. If he had only tried using his left hand, the chute would have opened and saved his life. Fear had become panic and his frantic, wrong response caused his death.

In your everyday driving, are you ready for emergencies and unusual situations? Do you know what you would do if your vehicle caught fire? Do you know what you would do if you brakes failed on a downgrade? Do you know what you would do if your vehicle went off a bridge and into the water? It would be great if you could practice your response to emergencies before they happen. But there are many cases where this is impossible. The alternative is to have a course of action clear in your mind – and rehearsed, mentally, over and over. That was, when the worse happens, you're prepared to act in a way that will greatly improve your chances of survival.

There is no shame in feeling fear, but it is a great tragedy to let fear turn into panic when it could have been controlled with a little foresight and preparation.

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Talk No. 160 SAFETY DIVIDENDS

Why should you be interested in safety? Look at it from a selfish standpoint, you are the fellow who gets hurt. Sure, you collect workmen's compensation if you are hurt on the job but don't kid yourself, workmen's compensation payments are nowhere near the wages you receive while working.

I'll bet that some of you are still pretty skeptical about how much interest we have in you – so let's talk about the Company. It is true the Company stands to gain when we don't have accidents, because accidents cost time and money. Preventing accidents saves time and Company money. But, remember, the Company can't feel the pain of a broken arm or a broken leg. It is your widow, not the Company, who must scrimp and save in order to make ends meet when the breadwinner is killed or permanently disabled.

Keep in mind, it is almost impossible for a worker to make up the total loss that results from an accident. Usually, a disabled worker finds that his income is lower, therefore, his standard of living is lower. Gone forever is the chance of providing that college education. Gone is the dream of a new care or a new home.

We have a good safety program but we still have accidents. With everyone taking an active part in accident prevention, I am sure we can reduce the number of accidents even more.

Each of you should recognize what safety programs are trying to accomplish. The most important lesson to be learned from this meeting is that everyone, including your fellow workers, is trying to help you. When we call your attention to an unsafe condition on your job and ask you to correct it, we are helping you in two ways. By eliminating obstacles or job hindrances, we are helping you to do a better job. And, when we help you to work safely, we are helping to insure that you get home safely tonight and every night.

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Talk No. 161 SCENT OF DANGER

We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.

At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.

So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.

We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.

When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.

We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.

We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke. There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.

Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.

The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.

It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.

In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.

A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We must base a plan of action on the smell.

Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.

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Talk No. 162 THE DEADLY DOZEN

We have often heard of the ‘Daily Dozen’ with regard to proper exercise and maintaining good heath. The ‘Daily Dozen,’ has a counter part, known as the ‘Deadly Dozen,’ which is applicable to safety on the job and which also has an important bearing on health and welfare.

These causes of accidents are classified in two categories of 12 each; ‘Unsafe Actions’ and ‘Unsafe Conditions.’ If we acquaint ourselves with these enemies, a majority of accidents can be eliminated.

UNSAFE ACTIONS

1. Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.

2. Failure to secure or tie down against unexpected movement.

3. Operating or working at an unsafe speed.

4. Failure to warn or signal as required.

5. Removing or making safety devices inoperative.

6. Using defective tools or equipment.

7. Using tools or equipment unsafely.

8. Standing in an unsafe place or taking an unsafe posture.

9. Servicing moving or working equipment.

10. Riding hazardous moving equipment.

11. Horse-play, distracting, startling and kidding.

12. Failure to wear personal protective equipment.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS

1. Lack of adequate guards or safety devices.

2. Lack of adequate warning system.

3. Fire and explosion hazards.

4. Unexpected movement hazards.

5. Poor housekeeping.

6. Protruding object hazards.

7. Close clearance and congestion hazards.

8. Hazardous atmospheric conditions.

9. Hazardous arrangement, placement, storage.

10. Hazardous defects of tools, equipment, etc.

11. Inadequate illumination, intense noise.

12. Hazardous personal attire.

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Talk No. 163 THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

An employee of a construction firm, while walking from one area of a project to another, observed a ¾ inch lock nut lying on the ground. Other than his casually noticing this nut, he paid no particular attention and continued on to his work point.

After working a short while, he discovered that his mind was not concentrated on his work efforts, but his thoughts were being directed to the small nut lying on the ground. Having been indoctrinated in the safety movement, and curious as to where the nut came from, he decided to investigate.

He located the nut and delivered it to his supervisor, explaining to him his theory that the nut was not, to his knowledge, a component of project materials being used. He suggested that perhaps it had loosened from a piece of operating equipment and that an unsafe condition may have been created. The supervisor was rather dubious as to the man’s thinking but decided to investigate.

Final investigation and inspection of equipment revealed that the nut had become detached from an important holding bolt of the blade frame structure of a bulldozer being operated nearby. The bolt was still partially in position but had commenced to dislodge from its intended operation. The superintendent of the project asserted that had the bolt not been detected, serious injury to the operator or other employees could have been the result.

This incident illustrates that importance of ever being on the alert for the “little” infractions of accident prevention – a small lock nut, a split shovel handle, a protruding nail, a carelessly discarded piece of wood. Eliminate the little things and you’re on your way to a safe operation.

‘The Little Things That Count’ is akin to the phrased so often used to best describe fire prevention, “Extinguish the Incipient Fire, and the Infernal Blaze is Denied Birth.”

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Talk No. 164 THINK SAFETY

If you were asked to define ‘Safety’ in one word, what would be your reply? Would you define safety as alertness, always ready for the unexpected? Would you define safety as skill, the art of being ultra adept? Would you define safety as experience, asserting that the veteran never gets hurt?

Would you define safety as cooperation, the ability to exercise patience and get along with your fellow worker? Or, after due deliberation, would you finally define safety with use of the single word THINK?

Perhaps Alertness, Skill, Experience and Cooperation could be associated with safety ,but these are subservient to the word Think and must be construed as secondary definitions. A well known business executive has made the work ‘THINK’ synonymous with success, and as in other phases of industry, the application of the meaning of the work is also very necessary if we are to reduce the umber of accidents and injuries. As has been so often stated, ninety percent of all accidents are attributed to unsafe acts on the part of the worker, and failure to think before acting constitutes the cause of practically all accidents in this category.

A carpenter removes a guard from a table saw for the purpose of expediency; an injury results. The man has not given thought to the original purpose of the guard and has suffered the unfortunate consequences. Another individual, again in the essence of time, fails to don safety goggles for a project ‘that will take only a minute.’ Again, injury results because of failure to think of the possible negative result. A truck driver is involved in an accident because he knew he had the right-of-way but failed to think that perhaps the second party involved would not recognize this established right.

Many accidents could be averted if we would only discipline ourselves to give full thought prior to the application of our actions.

Think Safety – Then Act Safely.

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Talk No. 165 WE KNOW BETTER

Most of use have the necessary knowledge and experience to do our jobs and most of us don’t want to hurt ourselves or others.

Why, then, do we often ignore our good friend “common sense” and set ourselves or others up for accidental injury?

Yes, we know better—but! Here are a few things that we know…along with the things that we do, even though we know we shouldn’t do them:

1. Carbon monoxide can kill – but we sometimes work in a closed garage with our automobile engine running!

2. A bump on the head hurts – but we don’t think about that for a minute when we walk under an overhead load!

3. A circular saw can cut off a finger – but we go right ahead and operate a saw without a guard!

4. There is a safe way to climb a ladder, which we use here at work – but we take a chance and fall from a ladder while painting our house!

5. Excessive speed in an automobile may cause an accident – but we try it anyhow and wrap the family car around a tree!

6. Radioactive fallout is dangerous – but we think nothing about leaving household poisons around where kids can get at them!

7. It is dangerous for children to run out in front of cars – but we drag them across the street on the red light!

8. It is important for teenagers to learn safe driving habits – but we violate a traffic law with our teenage son or daughter right in the car with us!

9. A loose board on a stairway can trip someone – but we don’t bother to report it!

10. Grease and oil spills can cause a nasty fall – but we “forget” that we should cover these spills with oil absorbent materials!

11. Tools and parts can become falling objects or we can trip over them – but we fail to put them back where they belong!

12. We know an unsafe condition when we see one – but we pay no attention to material or trucks in the aisles!

13. We know an unsafe act when we see one – but we oil, adjust or try to fix a machine without even bothering to stop it!

14. We shouldn’t take a chance when operating equipment – but we drive a forklift truck with the load carried high and try to turn a corner while gong too fast!

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15. We can’t fool safety devices – but we remove or fasten a machine guard so it won’t give us the protection we need!

16. It is dangerous for us to block fire-fighting equipment – but we pile boxes and cartons in front of fire extinguishers and store material right up to the underside of sprinklers.

17. We should wear protective equipment – but we wear our goggles around our neck and leave our hard hat in our locker, our car or on the shelf while at work!

18. Horseplay causes a lot of injuries – but we blast Gus with an air hose just for the heck of it.

I realize that we all know better and I’m sure that most of you aren’t guilty of doing the many things that I have covered. But you’ll have to admit that some of these things are a possibility, even for each of us with all our knowledge of the safe way of doing things.

Yes, we know better! But, since knowing is only half the job, we must act on our knowledge to be safe.

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Talk No.166 WHAT OF IT?

Sometimes it does us good to get back to the first principles of safety by asking such a question as “Why should we care, if we do get hurt or killed?”

It seems impossible that any sane man would ask such a question, but it is not so very unusual when you talk about safety to hear a man say, “Oh, well, what of it?” He may not use the words of the first question, but by asking the second question, he implies all that is in the first.

And what shall we answer to this question, “Oh, well, what of it?” We all know a dozen answers at once, but let’s organize them a little. Let’s start with “What of it, to the man himself?” And our answers might fall in the following order:

1. Pain. However indifferent we may seem to be to human suffering, when the agony grips our own flesh, we cry for mercy. When the punishment for carelessness is the pain of a compound fracture, the suffering alone is enough to make a man wish he had been more careful.

2. Lost time. He will be away from his job. He may think that the compensation, relief or insurance that he will receive balances the economic loss, but experience proves that it never does. It doesn’t even equal the actual wages he might have earned. In analyzing lost time, we find it contains the following factors:

• Loss of money.

• Loss of skill.

• Loss of contact with friends.

• Also a question in the minds of the management concerning the value of that man as a workman.

Then we might take it up from the point of view of “What of it to the man’s family?” We analyze this one as follows:

1. Mental anguish. This includes:

• Worry concerning his condition.

• Anxiety concerning food and clothing for the mother and children.

• Fear concerning his job for the future. 2. Actual suffering.

• Lack of food, clothing or shelter.

• Lack of his parental care and guidance.

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We haven’t covered the ground thoroughly, but we have indicated clearly that there is a definite answer to the question “What of it?”

One possibility, which we purposely left out of our outline is the death of the workman. We need to consider the question, “What of it?” should he die almost as a separate question – because men, sometimes, before taking careful though, consider it of no importance to themselves to die.

But, leaving eternity out of the question, what man is there who prefers death to the opportunities in the world today? Show me such a man and I will show you haw he has neglected to count his blessing and measure the possibilities of continued existence in this world.

How blind he must be to the love of his wife and his children, the beauties of nature, and the joys of successful contest with the problems of life!

However, due to our safety programs and teaching, this attitude toward safety is rapidly passing, but occasionally, we meet a man with the “What of it?” attitude. Our answer to him is our slogan for today: Look out or be at rest!

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Talk No. 167 WHO AM I?

1. I try, at all times, to practice good housekeeping habits. I believe in following the policy of “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

2. I am careful when using hand tools, which I use only for the purpose for which they were designed. I look for defects, such as loose or split handles, loose or bent shovel blades, worn or sprung wrench jaws. If I discover a defective tool, I turn it in for replacement.

3. I firmly believe in wearing personal protective equipment. I am fully aware of the many times, in the past, that my use of hard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes and gloves has enabled me to avert injury.

4. When assigned to a job that requires lifting, I follow correct lifting procedures, using leg muscles rather than back muscles. If it appears that the weight is beyond my limits, I make it a habit to ask for help.

5. When operating heavy equipment, I recognize the hazards involved and take necessary precautionary measures. Before starting a piece of equipment, I walk around it to see that neither workmen or materials will be endangered. When I leave equipment unattended, I make certain that scoops, shovels, blades, etc., are resting on ground level. I take necessary precautions against any chance of the equipment’s being started by an unauthorized person.

6. When driving mobile equipment on streets and highways, I obey all traffic rules and regulations. As a professional driver, I am alert to the possible inadequacies of other drivers and am prepared to make necessary allowances.

7. I anticipate possible dangers in any given operation and make every effort to analyze these before starting on the work involved.

8. With full realization that unattended cuts and scratches can result in serious complications, I report for first aid care at any time that I receive an injury of this type.

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Talk No. 168 WHO IS THE SAFETY EXPERT?

The term “safety expert” is used frequently by those not actively engaged in the field for accident prevention. You seldom hear it in conversation or discussion among participants in the safety movement. Men in the field of safety will refer to each other as safety engineers or more likely, safety men. The term expert implies the ability to move about unerringly pointing out exactly how specific hazards can be eliminated and laying down the ideal rule that will prevent accidents.

You may have your own idea of what a “safety expert” is. But…try to keep in mind that a “safety expert,” on the basis of performance, could be anyone who successfully discharges the duty of preventing accidents on a certain operation or series of operations.

As a for instance, let’s look at a crew replacing a transformer. The ob has been planned by the superintendent and given to the foreman to carry on. The crew drives to the job, unloads the tools and equipment and the foreman explains the plans and procedure to be followed. Under his direction the linemen cover all exposed energized conductors. With each man doing his part, the old transformer is lowered to the ground, the new transformer installed, the voltages checked, the linemen remove the protective equipment and return to the ground. The crew places all tools and material on the truck, cleans up the area and is ready to move on to the next job.

Who on this job was the safety expert? The foreman was one, of course, but so were the linemen, ground men and the truck driver. All were safety experts who played their parts without accident. On any crew the foreman has the greatest responsibility for getting the job done without accident. So you, too, can consider yourself a safety expert just so long as you think and act in accordance with the best work practices.

You’ve probably been a safety expert for years without knowing it. Here’s to many more years for you as a safety expert and a growing pride in your continued safety on the job.

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Talk No. 169 THOUGHTS TO START THE WORK DAY

Do you realize how important your safety is to you and to your family? Are you “on the alert” every minute of the day…to the dangers of using unsafe procedures? Many safe procedures have been designed to protect you on the job. These safe procedures are vital to you…for you are up against a tough enemy who has an arsenal of missiles to launch against one of your most vulnerable targets…your hands. SAFE PROCEDURES PROTECT HANDS against injury’s missiles, such as sharp edges…improperly conditioned hand tools, improperly handled material and other pinch points.

Be on guard every minute of the day. Failure to observe just one safe procedure…just one time…can cause injury to those vulnerable “tools…YOUR HANDS.

If you have learned the safety know-how of your job and learned it well, it will be easy for you to catch anything some other fellow does that isn’t as safe as it should be. If you see it and don’t say anything and he gets hurt, aren’t you partly to blame? Think it over.

Keeping an eye out for the other fellow’s safety can help you too… a lot, sometimes. We all make mistakes. We slip up once in a while. After all, we’re only human. But if each of us is keeping the other fellow’s safety in mind and he is doing the same for us, he’s likely to catch our slips or at least the serious ones. You help him, he helps you. One hand washes the other. Believe me, it pays.

How are you fixed for safety? …Have you enough left the last until the next hazard comes along? Be sure before you answer.

Buying safety is pretty much the same process as buying anything.

Most employees buy it. Some by more than others. Big buyers, naturally, are less likely to be injured on the job. They are also less likely to injure someone else.

The question isn’t always how much safety does an employee WANT, but rather, how much safety does he NEED…How are you fixed for safety?

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Talk No. 170

BE KIND TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

Construction projects in heavily populated areas give the contractor an opportunity to demonstrate how to be a good neighbor. An essential element in being a good neighbor is showing concern to avoid accidents involving those who live or work near the construction site…as well as your own workers.

The following are some important things to watch:

Burning during Clearing and Grubbing

1. Have fire fighting equipment nearby for emergency use.

2. Check wind velocity and direction before starting fires.

3. Be sure that smoke will not obstruct vision of passing motorists.

4. Do not let the fire get out of control.

Blasting

1. Before blasting in populated areas and near railroads or roads in use, notify your insurance company. A representative may want to suggest ways to minimize blast vibrations.

2. Notify all residents in the vicinity before blasting.

3. Erect adequate shielding to prevent flying rock from causing injury or damaging property.

4. Stop all traffic at safe distances during shooting.

Trenching and Excavation

1. Check with the utility companies to learn location of underground facilities and mark their location.

2. If exact locations are not known, proceed cautiously. Excavate by hand when you may be near utility facilities.

3. Adequately support and protect all exposed utilities.

4. Check local codes and standards for shoring of trenches.

5. Keep the length of open trenches to a minimum particularly in residential or congested areas.

6. Keep all excavations well fenced and pumped out especially during weekends.

General

1. Stack materials so they will not topple or roll even if climbed on.

2. Keep spoil piles small, well barricaded and lighted at night.

3. Discourage children from playing around the job site.

4. Assign watchmen where necessary.

5. Make an effort to control dust and smoke.

6. Instruct equipment operators to cross railroads only at authorized crossovers.

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Talk No. 171 15 YEARS TO D…I…E!

It was an obituary that really set you to thinking!

Local man, age 36, dies after fifteen years in the hospital, following construction accident.

Fifteen years of staring at the same ceiling;

180 months of complete dependence upon others;

780 weeks of hope-erosion, with expenses towering to crowd everything else off the skyline;

5,475 days of waiting for the night;

5,475 nights of waiting for the day;

131,400 hours of four walls, fading flowers, medicinal smells, useless sympathy;

7,844,000 minutes of vegetation with roots withering in hopelessness, spirits shrinking in stagnation;

473,040,000 seconds of death before burial, and probably because of some “little” rigging error the handing scaffold gave way, the end dropped. One man was instantly killed. Another is now selling real estate, unable to work in the trade.

This man wasn’t so lucky.

Death at 36! After 15 years of dying!

Within that period of time, a man usually marries, has a family, climbs upward in the world, travels, fishes, hunts, begins to mature, enjoys a million sights, sounds and sensations.

Over these same 15 years, this man was a castaway on a lonely bed-island. He absorbed tasteless food, slept a desperate sleep, suffered, cursed, cried, felt the bitterness kink his insides into knots at such ordinary sounds as laughter, free footsteps and hearty talk. For every person who dies in construction accidents, many others spend agonizing weeks, months, lifetimes of disability.

ARE YOU BORED WITH ALL THIS SAFETY TALK?

You risk a lifetime of disability or 15 years of dying when you forget to be safety conscious. Do you realize this? Do you know what errors are yours, and what you must do to correct them?

“The life you save might be your own.”

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Talk No. 172 1 ½ SAFE?

Ever heard this one? “If a hen and a half can lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will 12 hens lay in 12 days?”

It’s an old problem and a tricky one. But if you’ve worked it before or if you tackle it now, you’ll realize there is only one correct answer.

Here’s another one: “If a worker and a half can have an accident and a half minute and a half, how many accidents will one worker have in his lifetime?”

Well! That’s something different. It’s an old problem and a tough on e to solve. But what makes it so much more complicated than the strictly theoretical egg-laying deal is that it is real-life problem and so it has many angles and many possible answers.

In the first place, who ever heard of half a worker? Then you get to thinking – some workers are just about half as thoughtful or half as careful as they should be.

Would half a worker know better than to use only half of the proper tools, machinery or protective equipment required?

How could any worker or half a worker have half an accident? Well, maybe that would be one of those near-accidents that a person only half remembers and does nothing about.

Then, of course, the answer to the problem depends somewhat on the severity of the accident. Maybe that one worker mentioned will have no more accidents in his lifetime because he will have no more lifetime!

The answer depends, too, on the attitude of the worker. That’s the real key to the solution of the problem. Will the worker learn anything from his one accident or his half-accident experience.

The simplest and best solution is to use the safe-work formula. Let C stand for Courtesy and Common Sense. Let S stand for Safety and Savvy, H for Hazards, T for Time and A for Accidents. Then 2C plus 25 minus H, times T = A times O. (Eggs – 96; Accidents – “0”)

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Talk No. 173 THE HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS STANDARD

The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely with hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.

The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly label chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user of their products.

Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical Inventory List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make available information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.

Employers must provide training to workers in: the provision of the Hazard Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use, Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine tasks, and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are brought into the workplace.

The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at the jobsite.

Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program and Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to talk to, to review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.

Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide you with access to the needed information but it is up to you to handle chemicals safely, and to use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are working with chemicals.

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Talk No. 174 HOW CHEMICALS ENTER YOUR BODY

In order for a chemical to have any effect on you, you have to come in contact with a chemical in its solid, liquid or gas form.

There are four “routes of entry” or paths a chemical can take.

BREATHING (INHALATION)

Chemicals can enter through your lungs as you breath the air around you. Some chemicals can irritate your lungs, nose and throat, like ammonia. Others can be absorbed into you blood, traveling to and affecting the organs in your body. Prolonged exposure to Hazardous Substances like asbestos and other solid fiber materials can cause serious health problems. Dusts and fibers can become trapped in your lungs causing irritation, scarring and damage.

Regardless of the type of chemical you work with, your first line of defense against breathing hazardous chemicals is to use an approved respirator.

THROUGH YOU SKIN (ABSORPTION)

Although the skin is a very effective barrier to most chemicals, it can be penetrated. Damage to the skin from cuts, scrapes, cracking, dryness or other conditions can allow a chemical to enter into the body. Some chemicals can damage the skin on contact and others pass through the skin and into your bloodstream. A group of chemicals solvents such as toluene, gasoline and mineral spirits are absorbed easily through your skin. Some pesticides like parathion can easily pass through the skin, building up to poisonous levels in the body.

There are two easy steps which will prevent absorption – wearing gloves that are chemical resistant and washing off any chemical that contacts the skin as soon as possible. When you’re washing, make sure you use a product designed for washing skin and not products like paint thinner, turpentine and benzene.

SWALLOWING (INGESTION)

A chemical can enter into your body if you accidentally swallow it or if your food or drink become contaminated. Simply by not washing you hands before you eat after working with chemicals or eating, smoking or drinking in an area where chemicals are in use could lead to trouble.

INJECTION

Like the shot you get from your doctor when you’re ill, chemicals can be accidentally injected into your body. If you work around high pressure equipment of any kind like compressed air, grease guns, or hydraulic lines, the potential exists for this kind of accident. Be extra cautious around any kind of pressurized spray equipment or high pressure ones and never use compressed air to clean off your hands, arms or clothing.

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Talk No. 175 USING A MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

An MSDS provides information the manufacturer of a chemical considers necessary for you the worker to determine what chemicals are in a product and what steps to take to protect yourself when using the product. Although MSDSs from different sources may look very different, they all contain the same type of information. MSDS may look difficult and yes there is a lot of technical language and data but the information you need to identify, understand and work safely with a chemical product is fairly easy to find.

MSDSs are divided into sections usually beginning with the chemical and common name of the product. Besides knowing what this product is called, it’s important to know who makes it and where to reach the manufacturer. The manufacturer can answer questions about his product and help you if an emergency arises. You will usually find a phone number for the manufacturer in this section.

An important section to look for is usually called “Health Hazards” which tells you how dangerous the product can be, the type of danger it represents and what happens if you are overexposed to this product.

Equally important is the section that deals with “First Aid.” This section will give you some basic steps to take if you or another person are affected by the chemicals in this product.

Another section deals with “Protective Equipment.” Here specific recommendations for safety equipment and procedures are listed. This section tells you how to protect yourself from exposure when working with or near this product.

By taking the time to read the MSDS you have found some important basic information about the chemical (s) you work with including:

~What’s it called

~What’s in it

~What happens if the chemical affects you

~What first aid steps to take if exposure occurs

~How to protect yourself and work safely with the chemical

Other sections of a MSDS will tell you what the chemical looks, smells and feels like; how to safely handle and store the chemical; what happens to the chemical in the event of a fire; and what if any exposure limits have been set or recommended for the chemical (s) or product.

More information on MSDS, chemical information references and chemical safety can be obtained by asking your supervisor.

Under the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard, you have the opportunity to review your company’s HCS program, chemical inventory list and copies of MSDSs for chemicals you are working with.

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Talk No. 176 OUR SKIN AROUND US

The human body, as we know it, is completely covered with protective covering call skin. This covering is necessary for our everyday well being as well as being vital to sustaining life. Skin disorders can result from exposure to any number of things and are incurred at home, work or play. To better understand disorders of the skin and how to protect ourselves, to prevent these disease, we should know more of how the skin functions.

The skin is composed of several substances. In fact, it is composed of the same material as the hair and fingernails. It is quite brittle and the chemical substances of the skin requires body oils and water to keep it soft and pliable. If the oil is removed from the skin through the action of solvents, such as kerosene, gasoline, pain thinner, lacquer thinner and others, the skin may become dry and tend to crack.

Similarly, during cold, dry month, the skin loses some of its moisture and becomes more brittle. The skin can then very easily crack. Once there are breaks in the skin, grease and grime can enter very easily and cause infection.

Another way that the skin can become broken, making it possible for infection to take place, is through abrasion of the skin. The skin can become scuffed from a fall, from working with fine chips or from constant rapping of the fingers or hands against sharp objects. Once a sufficient number of openings have developed, infection has an easy target.

Acids and alkaline materials act in different manners; but if a material is too caustic, it will cause a severe skin irritation. Some acids that are weak will not harm the skin since the skin itself is mildly acidic in nature. Some weak acids, however, such as the acid in the vinegar, will dissolve the skin itself.

Continual exposure to substances that are mildly alkaline, such as many soaps and detergents, some soluble cutting oils and the like, can also cause dermatitis. As we mentioned previously, the skin is normally acid in nature. If, however, the skin is continually exposed to alkaline material, the acid in the skin is neutralized and the skin cannot function properly. It dries and cracks and makes possible bacterial invasion.

All of these materials can cause what is called contact dermatitis. It is given this name because contact must take place between the skin and material before a dermatitis condition will develop.

A second type of dermatitis is caused by working with a material which may not cause any difficulty for a long period of time. Then, suddenly, the person breaks out in a rash for no apparent reason. This is what is termed sensitivity dermatitis. This type of dermatitis can also occur from breathing the vapors of many materials, from contact with or ingestion of the materials. These materials act from within. It should be pointed out that many of the materials which can cause sensitivity dermatitis also cause contact dermatitis.

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Several general controls which should be applied to different conditions are:

1. Skin cleanliness is extremely important. The skin should receive a regular cleaning with a good industrial hand cleaner, regardless of the type of exposure.

2. Solvents should not be used to clean the hands.

3. Depending on the type of exposure, it may be necessary to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, aprons, glasses and boots.

4. Protective hand creams are helpful in controlling some exposures.

5. Before starting to work with a new material, find out the composition of the material, the exposure it presents and plan controls for its use.

Skin problems, which may arise from time to time, are not associated with just a few types of industries but many. Therefore, the foregoing general control procedures, if followed, will help minimize skin irritation caused by industrial materials and processes.

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Talk No. 177 ACIDS, BASESS, ALKALI

Acids and bases (Caustics) can easily damage skin and eyes. How serious the damage is depends on how strong the chemical is, how long contact is maintained and what actions you take.

Acids and bases can be liquids, solid granules, powders, vapors or gases. A few commonly used acids include: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid and nitric acid. Some common bases (caustics) are lye (sodium hydroxide) and potash (potassium hydroxide).

Both acids and bases can be corrosive, causing damage to whatever they come in contact with. The more concentrated the chemical them ore dangerous it can be. Vinegar is a mild form of acetic acid and as such it can be swallowed or rubbed into the skin with no damage, but a concentrated solution of acetic acid can cause serious burns.

Different acids react differently when they contact your skin. Sulfuric acid mixes with water to produce heat; when it contacts your skin it reacts with moisture causing burns. Hydrofluoric acid may not even be noticed if it spills on your skin but hours later as the acid is absorbed into the muscle tissue, it can cause deep burns that are very painful. Most acids in a gas or vapor form when you breathe them in react with the moisture in your nose and throat causing irritation or damage. Acetic and nitric acids don’t react with water so when these vapors are breathed in they quickly penetrate into the lungs causing serious damage.

Bases as a class of chemicals fee slippery or soapy, in fact, soap is made from a mixture of a base (lye) and animal fat. Concentrated bases dissolve tissue easily and therefore can cause severe skin damage on contact. Concentrated caustic gases like ammonia vapors can damage the skin, eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Even dry power forms of bases can damage you when you breathe them in because they react with the moisture in your skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Cement and mortar are alkali compounds in their wet or dry form. As dust and powder they can cause damage to skin and eyes when they react with moisture in your body. Concrete and mortar can also cause an allergic reaction in people who become sensitive to them. These compounds are abrasive and can damage your skin by the sandpaper-like quality they possess.

Always follow these rules when working with acids and bases:

• Know what chemicals you are working with and how strong (concentrated) they are.

• Use Personnel Protective Equipment as required.

• In case of skin or eye contact, flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes buy do not rub the skin or eyes.

• Always add acid to water to prevent splatter.

• Keep acids and bases apart, store separately and clean up spills promptly.

• Check with your supervisor if you need more information.

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Talk No. 178 CLEANING DRUMS

One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.

The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.

I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old drum before re-use.

The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:

1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special explosion-proof extension lights.

2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.

3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and you’ll be instructed on that).

4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or other stuff that would prevent good draining.

The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry the drum with a stream of warm air.

Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using an explosion-proof light to make sure it is clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding on the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.

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Talk No. 179 COMMON SOLVENTS

Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at dissolving them and washing the dirt away.

Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages. That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided due to its toxicity.

Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you know the hazards and the way to control them.

Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.

Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor. If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally, if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as vapor.

The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.

When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over, plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.

Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

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Talk No. 180

METALS We don’t usually think of chemicals when we talk about metals, but the fact is that every time we weld, braze, torch cut, solder, grind, polish, coat, finish or drill metals we may be producing dust, fumes and vapors containing that metal.

The metal in dust, fumes and vapors can easily be deposited in the lungs and then into the blood stream. Although breathing in the dust or fume form of a metal is the most common way for metals to get into your body, you could swallow metal particles or compounds if you smoke, drink, chew gum or eat your lunch in an area where these compounds are present. Some metals are mercury and certain compounds of lead can be absorbed by your skin.

Common Construction Metals CADMIUM – Cadmium and its compounds can be toxic. A condition called metal fume fever, with flu-like symptoms can occur when small doses are inhaled. In larger doses cadmium inhalation can be fatal. Small repetitive doses can cause kidney damage or lead to emphysema. Welding cadmium-coated metals is the most common cause of exposure, adequate ventilation and an approved respirator will protect you.

NICKEL – Exposure to metal dust or fumes containing nickel and nickel compounds can inflame and irritate the skin causing an itching rash. Inhalation of nickel compounds has been linked to cancer of the lungs and nasal sinuses.

LEAD – Lead exists normally in the body but can easily build to a level that is toxic. Early signs of lead poisoning – fatigue, irritability, headache, cramps, stomach pain, loss of appetite – are likely to be ignored. Continual buildup can damage the nervous system, brain, kidneys and reproductive system. Soldering Pipes, casting lead seals and repairing piping are common lead producers; but lead is also found in gasoline, canned food and most city water supplies.

ZINC, COPPER, BRASS AND MAGNESIUM – Fumes, powders and compounds of these metals are sometimes encountered in welding, brazing, cutting and spray metalizing work. Inhalation of these metals can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like condition with coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, profuse sweating and chest pains.

Following a few simple procedures will protect you from metal exposure:

• Know what is in the metals you are working with.

• When dust or fumes are produced, use the appropriate respirator properly.

• Always make sure you have plenty of ventilation.

• Pay attention to personal hygiene and housekeeping. Before eating, drinking and smoking, wash your hands and keep your work area separate from your lunch area.

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Talk No. 181 SOLVENTS

A solvent in simple language is a liquid that dissolves another substance. In construction, we most often see them as cleaners, degreasers, thinners, fuels and glues.

Solvents are lumped into three main types of classes. Those containing water (aqueous solutions) like liquid forms of acids, alkalis and detergents and those containing carbon organic solvents) like acetone, toluene and gasoline. The third group contains chlorine and their chemical makeup and are called chlorinated solvents like methylene-chloride and trichloroethylene.

Solvents can enter into your body in two ways, be breathing or by contact with your skin.

Any solvent you breath (inhalation) can cause dizziness or headache as it affects your central nervous system. If you continue to breath the vapors of a solvent you could develop nose, throat, eye and lung irritation and even damage to the liver, blood, kidneys and digestive system.

Solvents on your skin can be absorbed into the body. Because solvents dissolve oils and greases, contact with your skin can dry it out producing irritation, cracking and skin rashes. Once a solvent penetrates through the skin, it enters into the bloodstream and can attack the central nervous system and body organs.

Like all chemicals the effect upon you will depend on a number of factors – how toxic it is, how long were you exposed, your own body’s sensitivity and how concentrated or strong the solvent is.

You can protect yourself from solvent hazards by following a few simple rules:

• Know what chemicals you are working with,

• Use protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses and proper respirators recommended for that chemical,

• Make sure your work area has plenty of fresh air,

• Avoid skin contact with solvents,

• Wash with plenty of soap and water if contact with your skin and a solvent occurs,

• If a solvent splashes into your eye, flush with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get medical help.

More information on the chemicals you work with is available from your supervisor.

8-256

Talk No. 182 TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:

1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used. Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when necessary.

2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.

3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.

4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.

5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are open flames, particularly welding operations.

6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or removed from the degreaser.

7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator. A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a full-face airline respirator.

Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:

1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No Smoking” enforced.

2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.

3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.

4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash the fluid from the body.

8-257

5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a large dose, cause unconsciousness.

Emergency procedures 1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed

to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.

2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure complete washing.

3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free of all trichloroethylene odors.

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SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

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SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

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SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

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SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

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SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

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IX. SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-1

CHART

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

9-2

CHART

SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-3

CONTENTS FOREWORD …………………………………………………………………….. 9-15

Methylene Chloride and its formulations………………………………………….. 9-15

Trichlorethylene formulations …………………………………………………….. 9-15

1,1,1-Trichloroethane formulations ………………………………………………. 9-15

Perchloroethylene formulations …………………………………………………… 9-15

INTRODUCTION ….……………………………………………………………. 9-15

1.1 A commitment To The Health And Safety Of Dow Customers ………….. 9-16

Background information ………………………………….……………….. 9-16

Dow commitment to protecting workers’ health and safety ………………. 9-16

Availability of Dow’s Technical Service team ……………………………. 9-16

1.2 Product Stewardship ……………………………………………….……….. 9-16

Aid on environmental and safety considerations ………………………….. 9-16

Hazards, protective equipment, first aid ………………………….………...9-16

Guide for users of chlorinated solvents …………………………………….9-16

User responsibility ………………………………………………………….9-16

User responsibility for specific end use …………………………………… 9-16

1.3 Review Material Safety Data Sheets Before Handling Dow Chlorinated Solvents ………………………………………………………… 9-17

MSD sheets available ……………………………………………………… 9-17

MSD sheets reflect most recent detailed information ……………………... 9-17

1.4 Health & Safety Services …………………………………………………….9-17

Dow Health & Safety Services ……………………………………………. 9-17

Emergency & Information Phone Numbers ………………………………. 9-17

TOXICITY AND USE HAZARDS OF DOW SPECIALTY SOLFENTS …… 9-18

2.1 Toxicity Versus Hazard ………………………………………………………9-18

Definition of toxicity ………………………………………………………. 9-18

Definition of hazard ……………………………………………………….. 9-18

9-4

2.2 Routes of Exposure ………………………………………………………….. 9-18

2.2.1 Inhalation …………………………………………………………..9-18

Accumulation in poorly ventilated areas ………………………….. 9-18

Varied individual response ………………………………………... 9-18

Characteristic odor ………………………………………………… 9-19

Odor signals problems …………………………………………….. 9-19

Proper odor detection ……………………………………………… 9-19

General effects of excessive exposure …………………………….. 9-19

Exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane …………………………………. 9-19

Special consideration: Methylene Chloride ………………………. 9-19

2.2.2 Ingestion …………………………………………………………... 9-19

Low single dose oral toxicity ……………………………………… 9-19

Effects of ingestion ………………………………………………... 9-20

Possible aspiration into lungs ……………………………………... 9-20

2.2.3 Skin ……………………………………………………………….. 9-20

Brief contact: adverse effects not likely ………………………….. 9-20

Special considerations: Perchloroethylene SVG, Methylene Chloride, Urethane Grade …………………………………………. 9-20 Table A: Summary of Responses and Limits for

Inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents ……………………………………. 9-21

2.2.4 Eyes ……………………………………………………………….. 9-22

Effects of eye exposure ……………………………………………. 9-22

2.3 Effects Of Long –Term Exposure …………………………………………... 9-22

Results of long-term animal studies on Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity ………………………………………… 9-22

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ………………………………………………….. 9-23

3.1 Avoid Workplace Hazards ………………………………………………….. 9-23

Maintain and cleanup present greatest hazards ……………………………. 9-23

3.1.1 General Safety Rules …………………………………………….. 9-23

9-5

Be aware of toxicity and hazards of specific solvent ……………… 9-23

Before using solvent, consult MSD ……………………………….. 9-23

Wear protective garments, use safety equipment …………………. 9-23

Provide adequate ventilation ………………………………………. 9-23

Be alert, avoid potential overexposure situations …………………. 9-23

Monitor solvent concentrations in air by trained person ………….. 9-23

Leave work area if lightheadedness or dizziness occur …………… 9-24

Do not use near open flames or heat ………………………………. 9-24

Do not weld or torch-cut near solvent vapors ……………………... 9-24

Do not weld or torch-cut empty solvent drums …………………… 9-24

Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin …………………… 9-24

Prohibit smoking where solvents are in use ………………………. 9-24

Avoid alcohol before and after contact …………………………… 9-24

Clean up small spills and leaks immediately ……………………… 9-24

Wear respiratory equipment when cleaning major spills …………. 9-24

Properly label any transfer container ……………………………… 9-24

Standard procedures when vapor accumulates ……………………. 9-24

Precautions before entering tank ………………………………….. 9-24 Figure 1: Hydrogen Chloride, Chlorine and Phosgene Releases Produced in Glove Box Welding Studies ………………………………. 9-25

Use the “buddy system,” have others nearby ………………………9-26

Be aware of any signs of overexposure or illness …………………. 9-26

3.1.2 Tank Entry Procedures ………………………………………….. 9-26

Thoroughly trained personnel should direct ………………………. 9-26

Get written permission from supervisor …………………………... 9-26

Prepare tank before entering ………………………………………. 9-26

Ventilate tank before entering …………………………………….. 9-26

Test air in tank to confirm presence of oxygen ……………………. 9-27

Monitor air in tank with instruments ……………………………… 9-27

9-6

Supervisor should check escape routes and rescue gear …………...9-27

Supervisor check worker and observer equipment ………………... 9-27

3.1.3 Operating Degreasers Safely ……………………………………. 9-27

Understand degreasing theory, know your degreaser …………….. 9-27

Follow recommended startup procedure ………………………….. 9-27

Maintain good housekeeping ……………………………………… 9-27

Do not smoke ……………………………………………………… 9-27

Do not overload degreaser or work too fast ……………………….. 9-27

Avoid porous equipment which will remove solvent ……………... 9-27

Do not clean absorbent items in degreaser ………………………... 9-28

Do not use fans near degreaser opening while operating …………. 9-28

Keep excessive heat and open flames away ………………………. 9-28

3.2 Flammability Of Chlorinated Solvents …………………………………….. 9-28

Comment on flash and fire points …………………………………………. 9-28

Low solvent flammability …………………………………………………. 9-28

Flammable limits ………………………………………………………….. 9-28

Ground all tanks …………………………………………………………… 9-28

Solvent vapors decompose in heat ………………………………………… 9-28

Hydrogen chloride created ………………………………………………… 9-28

Table B: Flammable Limits in Air ……………………………………………. 9-28

Hydrogen chloride provides warning ……………………………………… 9-29

Avoid hot processes or provide adequate venting ………………………… 9-29

3.3 Protecting Personnel ………………………………………………………… 9-29

Health status ……………………………………………………………….. 9-29

Personnel must be properly equipped ……………………………………... 9-29

Use protective equipment as recommended ………………………………. 9-29

Have eyebaths and showers available ……………………………………... 9-29

Equipment no substitute for safe practices ………………………………... 9-29

Review MSD sheets first for recent details ………………………………... 9-29

9-7

Operating personnel safety equipment …………………………………….. 9-30

Equipment for maintenance personnel …………………………………….. 9-30

Approved industrial respirators permissible ………………………………. 9-30

Discard canisters after use ………………………………………………… 9-30

Maintain and service equipment …………………………………………... 9-30

Respiratory programs must meet OSHA code …………………………….. 9-30

Monitoring the work environment ………………………………………… 9-30

Use of halide detector ……………………………………………………... 9-31

Limitations of halide detector ……………………………………………... 9-31

Visual inspection may be employed ………………………………………. 9-31

Sealing joint connections ………………………………………………….. 9-31

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS …………………………………………………………….. 9-32

4.1 The Effects Of Legislation …………………………………………………... 9-32

Regulation is increasing …………………………………………………… 9-32

Federal regulations ………………………………………………………… 9-32

Responsibilities of states …………………………………………………... 9-32

State vs. federal regulations ……………………………………………….. 9-32

Compliance by solvent users ……………………………………………… 9-33

4.2 Air Quality …………………………………………………………………… 9-33

EPA Standards …………………………………………………………….. 9-33

General scope of EPA controls ……………………………………………. 9-33

State Implementation Plans (SIPs) ………………………………………… 9-33

Purpose of SIPs ……………………………………………………………. 9-33

Scope of SIPs ……………………………………………………………… 9-33

SIPs guide compliance …………………………………………………….. 9-33

Approaches for achieving compliance …………………………………….. 9-33

4.3 Exempt Solvents ……………………………………………………………... 9-33

EPA allows some exemptions ……………………………………………... 9-33

9-8

Most SIPs exempt 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride …………….. 9-33

Degreasers can be converted to use exempt solvents ……………………... 9-33

Conversion costs compared ……………………………………………….. 9-33

4.4 Controlling Worker Exposure To Solvent Vapors ………………………... 9-33

OSHA prescribes Permissible Exposure Limits …………………………... 9-33

Time-Weighted Average for 40-hour weeks ……………………………… 9-33

Short-Term Exposure Limits within TWA ………………………………... 9-33

Other limits for some chemicals: ACC, AMP, PEL defined ……………… 9-33

Acceptable Ceiling Concentration defined ………………………………... 9-34

Acceptable Maximum Peak defined ………………………………………. 9-34

Table C: Possible Health Effect, Handling Procedures, First Aid ………………... 9-35

TLV a guideline only ……………………………………………………… 9-35

Essential to minimize worker exposure always …………………………… 9-36

Instructing employees ……………………………………………………... 9-36

First aid, rescue, escape training …………………………………………... 9-36

Importance of first aid ……………………………………………………... 9-36

CAUTION: secure medical attention ……………………………………... 9-36

4.5 Safe Storage And Disposal Of Chlorinated Solvents ……………………… 9-37

RCRA ……………………………………………………………………… 9-37

User compliance …………………………………………………………… 9-37

Environmental contamination from small amounts ……………………….. 9-37

Sources of contamination ………………………………………………….. 9-37

Storage of contaminated solvents …………………………………………. 9-37

4.5.1 Action To Take For Spills/Leaks/Releases ……………………... 9-38

Keep out of sewers, groundwater ………………………………….. 9-38

Preventive measures ……………………………………………….. 9-38

Regular inspection and maintenance ……………………………… 9-38

Use proper protective equipment; act promptly …………………... 9-38

For small spills/leaks ……………………………………………… 9-38

9-9

For large spills/leaks ……………………………………………… 9-38

Comply with all applicable laws ………………………………….. 9-38

Emergency response phone numbers ……………………………… 9-38

4.5.2 Disposal Procedures For Chlorinated Solvents ………………... 9-38

Preferred disposal options …………………………………………. 9-38

Comply with all applicable laws …………………………………... 9-38

Dispose of containers ……………………………………………… 9-39

4.6 Community Right-To-Know ………………………………………………... 9-39

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act ………………………... 9-39

SOLVENT SAMPLING …………………………………………………………. 9-40

5.1 General Information ………………………………………………………… 9-40

Introduction ………………………………………………………………. 9-40

Sampling container specifications ………………………………………… 9-40

Do no use aluminum in any form …………………………………………. 9-40

Sampling devices ………………………………………………………….. 9-40

Labeling and storing samples ……………………………………………… 9-40

5.2 Sampling From Tank Trucks Or Tank Cars ……………………………… 9-40

Details on sampling ………………………………………………………... 9-40

5.3 Sampling From Storage Tanks ……………………………………………... 9-40

Details on sampling ………………………………………………………... 9-40

Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic ……………………………………………….. 9-41

UNLOADING BULK CHLOINATED SOLVENTS …………………………... 9-42

6.1 General Information …………………………………………………………. 9-42

Operator in attendance (CFR 49) ………………………………………….. 9-42

Material Safety Data Sheets available …………………………………….. 9-42

Transportation Equipment Data Sheets …………………………………… 9-42

Vapor piping system ……………………………………………………… 9-42

Spill, leak, drainage containment …………………………………………. 9-42

Repackaging bulk chlorinated solvents …………………………………... 9-42

9-10

Dow recommends that aluminum not be used ……………………………. 9-42

6.2 Tank Car ……………………………………………………………………... 9-42

6.2.1 Specifications ……………………………………………………... 9-42

Tank car equipment ………………………………………………... 9-43

Maximum allowable pressures, work platform …………………… 9-43

Other car specifications, equipment ………………………………..9-43

6.2.2 Unloading Hose ……………………………………………………9-43 Hose specifications …………………………………………………………9-43

6.2.3 Unloading Preparations and Precautions ……………………….9-43

Properly equipped and trained employees ………………………… 9-43

Spotting tank cars …………………………………………………..9-43

Grounding tank cars ……………………………………………….. 9-43

Derails and derail signs ……………………………………………. 9-43

Identify receiving tank …………………………………………….. 9-43

Figure 3: Suggested Unloading System Diagram ………………………. 9-44

Do not unload in dark ……………………………………………... 9-45

6.2.4 Bottom Unloading By Gravity …………………………………... 9-45

Unloading procedures ……………………………………………... 9-45

6.2.5 Top Unloading By Pump Or Gas Pressure …………………….. 9-45

Unloading procedures ……………………………………………... 9-45

Inert gas line may be used …………………………………………. 9-46

6.2.6 Unloading Completion …………………………………………… 9-46

Specifications of completion ………………………………………. 9-46 Figure 4: Suggested Semiautomatic Drumming Station Using A Scale For Drumming Solvents From Tank Trucks ……………………… 9-47

6.3 TANK TRUCKS …………………………………………………………….. 9-48

6.3.1 Specifications …………………………………………………….. 9-48

Types of trucks that may be used …………………………………. 9-48

9-11

6.3.2 Loading Compartmented Trucks ……………………………….. 9-48

Load heavier solvent over wheels …………………………………. 9-48

6.3.3 Unloading Hose …………………………………………………... 9-48

Hose specifications ………………………………………………... 9-48

6.3.4 Unloading Preparations And Precautions ……………………… 9-48

Properly trained and equipped employees ………………………… 9-48

Parking tank trucks ………………………………………………... 9-48

Grounding tank trucks …………………………………………….. 9-48

6.3.5 Pump Or Gravity Unloading ……………………………………. 9-49

Pump preferable …………………………………………………… 9-49

What customer supplies; what Dow supplies ……………………... 9-49

Unloading procedure ………………………………………………. 9-49

6.3.6 Unloading Completion …………………………………………… 9-49

Determining completion …………………………………………... 9-49

Close and disconnect peripherals ………………………………….. 9-49

6.3.7 Inert Gas Unloading ……………………………………………... 9-49

Inert gas usually not recommended ……………………………….. 9-49

STORING AND TRANSFERRING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ... 9-50

7.1 Tank Storage ………………………………………………………………… 9-50

7.1.1 Materials Of Construction ………………………………………. 9-50

Keep chlorinated solvents dry ……………………………………... 9-50

Do not use aluminum ……………………………………………… 9-50

Tanks built to ASME code ………………………………………… 9-50

Specific gravity, specifications ……………………………………. 9-50

7.1.2 Selection And Preparation ………………………………………. 9-50

Tank size …………………………………………………………... 9-50

Pre-service preparation ……………………………………………. 9-50

Used tanks …………………………………………………………. 9-50

Checking out tank before purchase ………………………………... 9-51

9-12

Tank Accessories ………………………………………………….. 9-51

Fabricated vent dryers …………………………………………….. 9-51

Position of dryer …………………………………………………... 9-51

Electrical grounding ……………………………………………….. 9-51

7.1.3 Types And Locations Of Tanks …………………………………. 9-51

Amendments to RCRA ……………………………………………. 9-51

Tanks already in use ……………………………………………….. 9-51

Establish inspection schedule ……………………………………... 9-51

Maintenance review program ……………………………………... 9-51

Figure 5: Vertical Solvent Storage System …………………………….. 9-52

Paint for tanks ……………………………………………………... 9-53

Vertical vs. Horizontal tanks ……………………………………… 9-53

Proper foundation …………………………………………………. 9-53

Design for emptying by gravity …………………………………… 9-53

Horizontal aboveground tank requirements ………………………. 9-53

7.2 Secondary Containment For Chlorinated Solvents ……………………….. 9-53

To prevent leakage into water or ground ………………………………….. 9-53

7.2.1 Design ……………………………………………………………... 9-53

Consult regulations ………………………………………………... 9-53

For specific chemical involved ……………………………………. 9-54

Impermeable, compatible dikes …………………………………… 9-54

Consider horizontal trajectory of leak …………………………….. 9-54

No breaks in dike ………………………………………………….. 9-54

Containment for pumps and joints ………………………………… 9-54

Provide proper drainage; allow for rain water …………………….. 9-54

Containment for trucks and rail cars ………………………………. 9-54

7.2.2 Volume ……………………………………………………………. 9-54

Volume of dike defined …………………………………………… 9-54 For single tank …………………………………………………………….9-54

For more than one tank ………………………………………………….. 9-54

9-13

For tanks containing Class A, B or C RCRA materials …………………. 9-54

Figure 6: Typical Details of Horizontal Above ground Storage Tank …….. 9-55

7.2.3 Inspection And Leak Detection ……………………………………….. 9-56

Inspect for structural soundness regularly ………………………………. 9-56

Leak detection systems recommended …………………………………... 9-56

Systems using instrumentation ………………………………………….. 9-56

Annual hydrotesting recommended ……………………………………… 9-56

7.3 Related Equipment …………………………………………………………………. 9-56

7.3.1 Pumps …………………………………………………………………… 9-56

Consider high vapor pressure of methylene chloride …………….……… 9-56

Pump specifications ………………………………………………………9-56

7.3.2 Piping …………………………………………………………….……… 9-56

7.3.3 Valves ……………………………………………………………………. 9-56

Special requirements …………………………………………………….. 9-57

7.3.4 Gaskets ………………………………………………………….………. 9-57

7.3.5 Meters …………………………………………………………………… 9-57

7.4 Tank Cleaning And Repairs ……………………………………………….……….. 9-57

Trained personnel ………………………………………………………………… 9-57

7.5 Transfer Of Solvents From Storage ……………………………………….………..9-57

Introduction ……………………………………………………………….……….9-57

7.5.1 Gravity Flow ……………………………………………………………. 9-57

Simplest, most economical method ……………………………………… 9-57

7.5.2 Pumping ………………………………………………………….……... 9-57

Alternative to gravity flow ………………………………………………. 9-57

Figure 7: Solvent Transfer By Pump ……………………………………. 9-58

7.5.3 Portable Tanks …………………………………………………………. 9-59

On wheels or skids ………………………………………………………. 9-59

Specifications, recommendations ……………………………………….. 9-59

Delivery plumbing or tubing ……………………………………………. 9-59

7.6 Maintenance ………………………………………………………………………… 9-59

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations ………………………………………... 9-59

Continuous maintenance to prevent losses ……………………………….……….9-59

9-14

FOREWORD This manual is intended as a guide for the safe handling of the chlorinated solvents discussed herein and as a review of environmental considerations related to their use. As such, it is limited to a discussion of toxicological considerations, safe handling and storage and approved disposal techniques. For details on general physical properties of chlorinated solvents, the selection of solvents and of equipment for specific end uses and for general use information, consult your Dow representative and request literature pertaining to your specific application/solvent.

The following chlorinated solvents are discussed in this manual:

METHYLENE CHLORIDE AND ITS FORMULATIONS

• AEROTHENE* MM Solvent †

• Methylene Chloride, Technical Grade

• Methylene Chloride Urethane Grade

• Methylene Chloride, Vapor Degreasing Grade

• Methylene Chloide, FCC/NF 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE FORMULATIONS

• AEROTHENE TT Solvent †

• CHLOROTHENE* SM Solvent †

• DOWCLENE LS Solvent

• Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized

• PROACT * Solvent

TRICHLOROETHYLENE FORMULATIONS

• HI-TRI* Solvent

• NEU-TRI* Solvent

PERCHLOROETHYLENE FORMULATIONS

• DOWPER* Solvent

• Perchloroethylene SVG

• Perchloroethylene Industrial The Dow Chemical Company recommends that every individual who handles, stores, uses or regularly comes into incidental contact with these chemicals read this manual in its entirety and become familiar with its contents. *Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

† Note: AEROTHENE MM solvent is based on methylene chloride and AEROTHENE solvent is based on 1,1,1-trichloroethane

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 A Commitment To The Health And Safety Of Dow Customers Chlorinated solvents have been in widespread use of more than 50 years and have proven useful in applications ranging from dry cleaning, industrial coating, paint removal and metal cleaning to food processing, urethane foam production and pharmaceutical applications.

As the world’s leading producer of chlorinated solvents. The Dow Chemical Company is committed to encouraging proper use to protect the health and safety of industrial workers, the public and the environment. For this reason, Dow has dedicated extensive capital and human resources to technological advancement in the safe and effective use of chlorinated solvents.

As a user of Dow chlorinated solvents, you benefit from the company’s commitment to Product Stewardship through the efforts of Dow’s Technical Service team, a highly experienced group of solvents experts who are available to answer your questions about nearly every aspect of chlorinated solvent use.

1.2 Product Stewardship The Dow Chemical Company has always maintained an active concern for the safe handling of its products and has established an excellent safety record. To help ensure that Dow products are not used in ways other then as intended or tested, Dow encourages its customers to review their applications from the standpoint of health and environmental concern. Dow specialists are ready to assist customers in dealing with environmental user safety considerations. Your Dow representative can arrange the proper contacts.

The safeguard worker health, promote maximum safety and maintain solvent exposure levels below current industrial health standards, it is essential for all persons who may contact solvents to b thoroughly trained in safe work practices and the proper use of handling equipment. All personnel should be aware of potential hazards, understand how to use protective safety equipment and know how to administer first aid.

This document is offered to users of chlorinated solvents as a guide to the safe handling and disposal of Dow’s Specialty Solvents.

Dow believes the information and recommendations herein to be accurate and reliable as of June, 1990 and that Dow products discussed are reasonable fit for the recommended purposes. However, as use conditions are not within its control, The Dow Chemical Company does not guarantee results from use of these products or of the information furnished herein. As governmental regulations and use conditions are subject to change, it is the user’s responsibility to determine the appropriateness of these products and these recommendations for specific end uses.

9-16

1.3 REVIEW MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS BEFORE HANDLING DOW CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

Guidelines for handling these and other Dow chlorinated solvents are covered in individual Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets, which are updated regularly and therefore, supersede this manual.

MSD sheets reflect the most recent detailed information on health effects, handling precautions and first aid. Always Review MSD Sheets Before Handling Dow Products.

1.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES Dow has developed many special services to assist customers in safeguarding health and safety. CHEMAWARE† Enhanced Product and Environmental Stewardship is designed to assist customers in safeguarding employee health and safety and protecting the environment. A number of special services are included under the CHEMAWARE program. Your Dow representative can provide you with information on services such as these:

• Equipment inspection

• Solvent analysis services

• Formulation development

• Acid acceptance test kits

• Vapor degreasing conversion assistance and evaluation

• Chlorinated solvent vapor measurements

• Health and safety information

• Information regarding governmental regulations

• Assistance in training degreaser operators

• Physicians (for consultation with other physicians)

For help in handling emergencies involving Dow chlorinated solvents, telephone:

Dow Emergency Response

(409) 238-2112 For help in handling emergencies involving chemicals in general, telephone:

Chemtrec Emergency Response

(800) 424-9300 For Material Safety Data Sheets on Dow chlorinated solvents or additional product literature, telephone:

Customer Information Center

800 447-4DOW(4369)

9-17

2. TOXICITY AND USE HAZARDS OF DOW SPECIALTY SOLVENTS

2.1 Toxicity Versus Hazard

Toxicity may be defined as a property that defines the capability of a substance to produce a harmful effect to a living organism at some level or frequency of exposure via inhalation, ingestion or direct skin or eye contact. Toxicity, therefore, is a property of all chemicals.

All substances are potentially hazardous if they are handled in a way that can cause injury. During handling of chlorinated solvents, the use of engineering controls, fume hoods, respirators, chemical goggles and other safety equipment can minimize the possibility and amount of exposure, this minimizing hazard. Used properly by trained personnel (see 1.2) and stored carefully in accordance with accepted practice, these solvents should present little or no practical hazard to workers. At levels below current industrial health criteria, it is unlikely that any of these solvents would produce adverse effects, even from repeated exposure.

TOXICITY INFORMATION

Note: Entries in this section are cross-referenced to the appropriate comments in the section on safe handling and vice versa.

2.2 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Inhalation 2.2.1

Breathing solvent vapor is the most likely route of exposure to these materials and it is essential to maintain atmospheric levels in the workplace below the exposure guidelines (see 1.1, page 9-16 and Table A, page 9-21).

Solvent vapor can readily accumulate in tanks, pits, degreasers, small rooms and other confined or poorly ventilated areas, resulting in concentrations that can cause unconsciousness and death. The hazards and cautions given in the sections on tank cleaning and entering vapor degreasers should be carefully studied and understood by personnel working near tanks, pits and degreasers and those working in confined or poorly ventilated areas.

There can be considerable differences in the levels of exposure causing subjective results (for example, odor detection, eye irritation) in various individuals. Even in the same person, the response level will vary with the length of exposure and probably with variations in the individual’s physical condition.

9-18

The presence of solvent vapor in the air produces various intensities of odor. The characteristic odor of the chlorinated solvents has been described as “sweetish”, “aromatic”, or “ether-like”.

Although odor by itself is not an acceptable measure of vapor concentration, it can serve as a warning of a condition that requires investigation.

The intensity of odors can be related to vapor concentration in the air. People may be able to detect the odor at levels below established exposure guidelines for that particular solvent (see 4.4, page 9-33). In time, however, individuals can become accustomed to the odor; therefore, the perception of odor is not sufficient warning of excessive exposure. (See Table A: Summary of Responses and Limits for Inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents on page 9-21). To assure worker safety, the work area should be monitored regularly by a trained individual.

Exposures to vapor concentrations within recommended exposure guideline levels will not result in any known adverse effects for most people. Exposure to these materials above guideline levels, however, may cause various adverse effects, including anesthetic or narcotic effects, central nervous system effects and liver and/or kidney effects.

Of the four types of Specialty Solvents, 1,1,1-trichloroethane presents the lowest degree of hazard from inhalation (Table A, page 9-21). Minimal anesthetic or narcotic effects from 1,1,1-trichloroethane exposure may be seen in the range from 500 to 1000 parts per million (ppm). Progressively higher levels of 1,1,1-trichloroethane over 1000 ppm may cause eye irritation, dizziness and drunkenness. Concentrations as low as 10,000 ppm can cause unconsciousness or death.

Special Consideration: Methylene Chloride. When methylene chloride is inhaled, the body converts a portion of it to carbon monoxide. When the solvent is used properly, the resulting levels of carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide combined with hemoglobin) will not be high enough to be hazardous to an individual with unimpaired blood circulation.

Ingestion 2.2.2

The basic measure of acute oral toxicity is the LD50, the single dose expressed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight calculated on the basis of acute lethality studies in animals to kill 50% of animals treated.

The single dose oral toxicity of these chlorinated solvents is low.

9-19

Amounts that might be ingested as a result of handling these solvents are not likely to cause injury. Ingestion of larger amounts, accidentally or intentionally, could result in serious injury or death. Ingestion occurs, do not induce vomiting. Call a physician or take the worker to an emergency medical facility.

If the liquid is aspirated into the lung, it may be rapidly absorbed by the lung tissue and this may result in injury to other body systems. Do not induce vomiting. Call a physician or take the worker to an emergency facility. The decision whether to induce vomiting should be made by the attending physician. (See First Aid, Table C, pages 9-35).

Skin 2.2.3

All of the chlorinated solvents can defat the skin. This may allow infection and dermatitis to develop, especially when there is frequent gross daily contact. Also, chlorinated solvents may produce a burn if the solvent is confined against skin in shoes, clothing or gloves.

Occasional brief skin contact with chlorinated solvents is not likely to produce any significant adverse effects and a single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in absorption of harmful amounts through the skin. (If any contact occurs, the skin should be thoroughly washed with water immediately, as specified in Table C, First Aid pages 9-35).

Special Considerations: Perchloroethylene SVG has been specifically developed as an outstanding vapor degreasing solvent for cleaning metals and is intended for that use only. Because the stabilizers which contribute to its superior performance may cause skin sensitization, it should not be used in operations where skin contact will normally occur, such as dry cleaning or cold cleaning. Methylene Chloride, Urethane Grade, should be used only for urethane Grade, should be used only for urethane foam applications

9-20

CHART

TABLE A

Summary of Responses and Limits for Inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents (PPM)

9-21

Eyes 2.2.4

Both liquid solvents and excessive levels of vapors are capable of causing pain and severe eye irritation; therefore, suitable eye protection should be provided and used consistently. (See page 9-35).

Methylene chloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane may cause slight, usually transient and reversible, corneal injury. Corneal injury from exposure to trichloroethylene and perchloroethyene is unlikely. Exposure to any of the chlorinated solvents should be treated by immediate irrigation with water under the eyelids for at least 5 minutes and medical attention should be secured. If the individual was exposed to methylene chloride or 1,1,1-trichloroethane, eye irrigation may be continued for as long as 15 minutes for added insurance against corneal injury. (See Table C, First Aid, pages 9-35).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM EXPOSURE

Numerous long-term studies in animals, as well as genetic toxicity tests and human epidemiology studies, have been conducted with chlorinated solvents. When the results of these studies are considered in total, there is no indication that workers exposed to chlorinated solvents in the workplace are likely to develop cancer from these exposures. Also, studies in animals do not indicate that exposure to chlorinated solvents will produce birth defects in the children of exposed workers.

9-22

3. PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

3.1 Avoid Workplace Hazards

Potential problems with chlorinated solvents are most likely to arise during maintenance operations and spill cleanup. Refer any problem or question concerning solvent handling or equipment maintenance to your solvent representative.

General Safety Rules 3.1.1

Most potential problems can be avoided if personnel adhere consistently to the following general safety rules when working with chlorinated solvents:

• Be aware of the toxic properties and hazards associated with the use of the specific solvent involved. (Become thoroughly familiar with Chapter 2).

• Always consult the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets before using chlorinated solvents. (See 1.3, page 9-17)

• Always wear protective garments and use safety equipment appropriate to the tasks being performed. Use of eye protection is always advisable. (See 3.3, page 9-29).

• Do not use chlorinated solvents in open containers unless ventilation is adequate to draw the vapors safely away from the work area and any other area of potential accumulation.

• Be alert when working with chlorinated solvents and constantly avoid situations that might result in overexposure.

• Odor alone cannot be relied on as an indicator of hazardous exposure levels. Solvent concentrations in the air should be monitored regularly by a trained individual to assure worker safety, as well as compliance with governmental regulations. See Table A, Summary of Responses and Limits for inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents, page 9-21.

9-23

• A worker who becomes lightheaded or dizzy while working with chlorinated solvents should leave the work area immediately, seek fresh air and report to the supervisor. Beyond toxic effects, dizziness and uncoordination can lead to other accidents.

• Do not use chlorinated solvents near open flame (e.g., ovens, furnaces, space heaters, welding operations, pilot lights) or excessive heat, because of the potential hazards associated with thermal decomposition of the solvent. (See 3.2, page 9-28 for a discussion of these hazards).

• Do not arc weld or torch cut in any area where there may be chlorinated solvent vapors. (See 3.2 page 9-28 and Figure 1, Hydrogen Chloride, Chlorine and Phosgene Releases Produced in Glove Box Welding Studies, Page 9-25). Arc welding near equipment containing these solvents is not advisable because air currents might direct vapors toward the welding operation.

• Do not weld or torch cut any drums which have contained a chlorinated solvent. The residual vapors in the drum could be in a flammable range and an explosion could result. (See 3.2, page 9-28 and Table B, Flammable Limits in Air, page 9-28).

• Avoid prolonged or repeated contact of chlorinated solvents with the skin. (See Appendix II, page 9-62).

• Smoking should be prohibited in areas where chlorinated solvents are being used.

• Avoid the consumption of alcohol before using chlorinated solvents or after possible excessive exposure to chlorinated solvents, since the presence of alcohol in the body may lower the adverse effect threshold from breathing solvent vapor.

• Clean up small spills and leaks immediately, placing solvent-laden rags or absorbent in a closed container.

• For clean up of major spills, wear respiratory equipment as described under Maintenance Personnel Equipment, page 9-29.

• When a chlorinated solvent has been transferred from its original container, the new container should be properly labeled to identify its contents and to display the proper use, storage, hazards and disposal practices listed on the original Dow label.

• The vapors of al chlorinated solvents are heavier than air and high concentrations tend to collect in low, unventilated spaces, such as tanks, pits and degreasers. Needless fatalities have occurred because workers have failed to follow standard tank entry procedures. (See 3.1.2, page 9-26).

• Do not enter tanks, pits or degreasers without wearing a supplied-air positive-pressure breathing apparatus and a rescue harness with a lifeline. An identically equipped observer stationed outside the vessel must be capable of performing rescue and be prepared to do so. Other workers should be within calling distance.

9-24

CHART

FIGURE 1: HYDROGEN CHLORIDE, CHLORINE, AND PHOSGENE RELEASES

9-25

• Entry into tanks, degreasers or other confined, unventilated spaces when solvent vapors are present without the aid of adequate protective equipment and a supplied-air positive-pressure breathing apparatus can result in exposure to extremely high vapor concentrations. This may cause dizziness, drunkenness, unconsciousness or death.

• Do not enter the area without wearing appropriate protective equipment and until the tank or degreaser has been emptied and ventilated until visually dry and another properly equipped person is present. (See 3.1.2, page 9-26 and 3.3, page 9-29).

• Use the “buddy system.” Have an appropriately equipped observer standing by for rescue as specified in 3.3, page 9-29. In addition, other workers should be within calling distance.

• When working inside a tank or degreaser or as an observer outside, be alert for any sign of overexposure or illness in your fellow workers. Such signs may include loss of inhibitions, light-headedness, giddiness or “drunkenness” and loss of coordination. Also, be alert for any stinging sensation in your eyes, nose or throat or feelings of headache, nausea or dizziness. These can be signs of overexposure.

Tank Entry Procedures 3.1.2 See The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice of Confined Entry (Designation: D4276-84), Dow Form #100-6075. Cleaning of degreasers and storage tanks should be directed by thoroughly trained personnel who are completely familiar with the hazards, appropriate safety precautions equipment, rescue and first aid procedures associated with the use of chlorinated solvents.

Observe the following procedures for tank entry:

Get written permission from the supervisor.

Prepare the tank as follows”

• Lock out power feeds.

• Shut off heating systems.

• Drain solvent.

• Steam clean from outside if necessary to remove sludge or deposits from tank walls. (Lines supplying steam should be large enough to raise the tank wall temperature above the boiling point of a solvent/water mixture).

• Air-dry the tank.

• Vent solvent vapors properly.

9-26

• Disconnect all pipelines, including vents, into or out of the tank. Cap pipe ends or install a blank in the pipeline.

• Post “Worker in Tank” signs in approaches.

• Test atmosphere in tank for vapor levels. Ventilate the tank during the entire cleaning or repair operations through openings at the bottom or by mechanical exhaust with intake at the lower part of the enclosure.

BEFORE anyone enters the tank, it should always be tested to assure that no oxygen deficiency exists.

Monitor the inside with instruments to assure:

• Oxygen at least 19.5%

• Solvent vapors below appropriate exposure limits listed in Table A, page 9-21).

• Flammable vapors are absent. Before cleaning or repairs, the crew supervisor should inspect the tank carefully. The supervisor should also make certain that manholes are easily accessible, well lighted and of sufficient size to accommodate safety gear and that steps and ladders are rigid and well secured. (It is advisable to provide mechanical hoisting equipment, if possible, for removal of injured or disabled workers.).

Supervisors should check to see that all workers entering the tank or serving as observers are equipped with necessary protective equipment (including gloves, chemical goggles, face shields, hard hats, aprons, boots, jackets and trousers), use a rescue harness and lifeline and have either a positive-pressure supplied-air or self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus close at hand for emergency use. Supervisors should also check the fit, operation and appropriateness of all safety equipment, clothing and breathing apparatuses.

Operating Degreasers Safely 3.1.3 Understand the basic theory of solvent degreasing (consult the Dow publication, Degreasing, Form No. 100-6096).

Maintain good housekeeping around the degreaser.

Do not smoke while operating a degreaser or in an area where solvent vapors may be present.

To avoid pulling solvent vapors out of the degreaser, do not overload the degreaser or process the work too rapidly.

Do not use baskets, racks or hangers made of porous materials which will absorb solvent and remove it from the degreaser.

9-27

Never clean textiles, leather gloves or other absorbent materials in a degreaser, because such materials will remove solvent from the degreaser.

Do not use a fan blowing across the degreaser opening during normal operation of the unit, because the air current will draw vapor from the degreaser into the workplace.

Do not permit excessive heat or any open flames in the proximity of a degreaser. (See 3.2, on this page).

3.2 Flammability Of Chlorinated Solvents The solvents discussed in this bulletin have no flash point or fire point as determined by standard test methods (Tag Closed Cup, Setaflash, Tag Open Cup).

The Practically nonflammable properties of these solvents have been demonstrated in a wide variety of applications.

These solvents, except perchloroethylene, do, however, have flammable limits in air and have a flammable range when high concentrations are mixed in air (see Table B) and exposed to a high energy source. For this reason, only electrical equipment approved for use in hazardous locations is recommended for use in closed tanks, in areas where high vapor concentrations may occur due to a spill or other mishap, or in other locations where high concentrations of solvent vapor may accumulate. Take care to eliminate all ignition sources.

TABLE B

9-28

Because it is a strong respiratory irritant, hydrogen chloride provides a warning that decomposition is occurring. This will generally allow users to correct the condition or vacate the area before hazardous levels of vapors can accumulate. Note, however, that with perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene, dangerous concentrations of chlorine or phosgene can sometimes build up before the warning properties of hydrogen chloride become intolerable. Levels of certain breakdown products can cause serious injury or death.

If hot processes, such as welding operations, must be performed in an area where solvent vapors may be present, the products of combustion should be vented outside the building through corrosion-resistant ducts. Also, where solvent vapors may be present, air for combustion in space heaters, ovens or heat-treating furnaces should be drawn from the outside atmosphere, well away from the outlet of any exhaust vent. Be sure that ground leads used in arc welding will not allow stray currents into potentially flammable levels of solvent vapors.

3.3 Protecting personnel

Health Status. There are no special or specific requirements for persons assigned to jobs involving the handling of chlorinated solvents, except as noted in Special Consideration: Methylene Chloride (See 2.2.1, page 9-19).

Regardless of health status, only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted in areas contaminated by solvent vapor from leaking or otherwise malfunctioning equipment.

Protective equipment should be provided and used consistently in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all state and federal regulations to safeguard the health and assure the safety of operators, maintenance workers and all others who work with chlorinated solvents.

Eye baths and showers should be readily available to the workplace for emergency use as specified by governmental regulations and walkways to these facilities should be free of obstructions.

Safety equipment is not intended as a substitute for proper operating and maintenance practices.

MSD sheets reflect the most recent information on health effects, handling precautions and first aid. ALWAYS REVIEW HSD SHEETS BEFORE HANDLING DOW PRODUCTS.

9-29

Operating personnel handling chlorinated solvents should wear the following:

• Gloves: Made from Viton fluoroelastomer, neoprene or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Note: PVA, though solvent-resistant, is vulnerable to water. (See Appendix II, page 9-62).

• Apron: Polyvinyl alcohol or neoprene.

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or their equivalent; chemical goggles where liquid splash contact is likely (see MSD sheet).

Maintenance personnel should wear the following:

• Chemical goggles.

• Rescue harness and lifeline for entering tanks and enclosed or confined spaces (see 3.1.2, page 9-26 & 9-27).

• Positive-pressure airline masks with proper reduction valves and filters or supplied-air positive-pressure breathing equipment.

Approved industrial respirators are permissible for temporary emergency use, such as escape from contaminated areas, but never for entry into tanks or other confined spaces or as a substitute for adequate ventilation or proper operation.

Canisters should be discarded after use.

All equipment should be maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Periodic drills for practice in using personal protective equipment, including attaining proper fit, securing hoses, etc., are recommended.

All respiratory protection programs must conform to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) requirements, as stated in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Subpart 1, Section 1910.134.

The work environment should be carefully monitored on a regular basis by trained personnel. A halide detector, such as is employed by refrigeration maintenance workers or its equivalent, can be used to measure airborne solvent vapors in areas that do not contain combustibles or where flammable levels of solvent vapors are not present.

9-30

The halide detector can be used to check for leaks in connections, valves, pump packing and any other easily accessible parts of the system where combustibles are not likely to be present.

The halide detector employs a small propane gas flame or an electric spark, which makes it unsuitable for use in areas containing combustibles. Note: Flammable vapor concentrations are usually very toxic.

In areas that may contain combustibles, on overhead lines and on parts of the system not readily accessible to checking with the halide detector, careful periodic visual inspection can be employed satisfactorily.

To prevent joint failure and release of solvent, be sure that all connections are made with a material that will not be affected by the solvent. Several commonly used pipe dopes fall into this category.

9-31

4. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 The Effects Of Legislation

Legislation for protecting the environment has had important effects on the choice of solvents and on the methods by which they are used. Environmental regulations from cities, states and the federal government and the total body of legislation and regulation, can be expected to continue growing as our technology and understanding of the environment continue to grow.

Some examples of environmental and worker safety/health regulations at the federal level are the Clean Air Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Generally, state agencies, rather than the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have primary responsibility for enforcing regulations concerning environmental protection.

Because of local conditions, each state may, if it wishes, set standards more restrictive than those established by federal agencies.

Owners of all manufacturing operations must be aware of and comply with all appropriate federal, states and local regulations. Contact your local Dow representative for assistance.

4.2 Air Quality

The EPA has established certain national air quality standards, including one for tropospheric ozone or smog.

EPA controls aim to limit the amount of those solvent vapors emitted into the atmosphere, where, under certain conditions, they contribute to the formation of smog.

The states were required to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs).

The SIP includes regulations designed to maintain local air quality within national standards.

The SIP generally outlines ways by which a solvent-using operation can be brought into compliance with federal and state rules.

The SIP can be expected to include controls to limit emissions of solvent vapors into the atmosphere.

9-32

In general, the following approaches are recommended for achieving compliance:

• Adoption of operating practices that reduce emissions of solvent vapors.

• Installation of air pollutions control devices on such equipment as vapor degreasers.

• Modification of equipment (for example, extending the height of vapor degreaser side walls) to reduce emissions.

• Switchover to use of an exempt solvent, if the SIP permits

4.3 Exempt Solvents

The EPA allows any state to exempt certain solvents from air pollution controls because of their inactivity as smog precursors.

Most states with SIPs currently exempt 1,1,1-trichloroethane or methylene chloride, or both, but some states make no exemption.

Degreasers originally equipped to operate with trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene can be converted to use of an exempt solvent.

Conversion of a degreaser 1,1,1-trichloroethane is usually less expensive and more efficient than conversion to methylene chloride.

4.4 Controlling Worker Exposure To Solvent Vapors

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that an employee’s exposure to atmospheric concentrations of many materials be controlled with certain OSHA-prescribed limits called Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL).

PEL’s may include several types of values:

TWA (Time-Weighted Average) concentrations refer to the average exposure for an 8-hou workday. The TWA is a concentration to which it is believed nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed for eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, for a working lifetime, without an adverse effect.

For most chemicals, excursion exposures above the TWA value are acceptable provided that the 8-hour TWA is met. However, for some chemicals these excursions are limited by STEL’s (Short-Term Exposure Limits). For these chemicals both the TWA and the STEL values must be met.

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For a very few chemicals which have older PEL’s (i.e., methylene chloride), there are slightly different types of values. In addition to the TWA values, they have Acceptable Ceiling Concentrations equivalent to STEL’s and Acceptable Maximum Peaks (absolute maximum concentrations form very brief exposures).

The PEL is the 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) concentration to which it is believed nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed for eight hours a day 40 hours a week, for the working lifetime of the worker, without adverse effect.

The Acceptable Ceiling Concentration is the maximum allowable excursion (deviation above the TWA) concentration to which workers may be exposed during an eight-hour shift.

The Acceptable Maximum Peak is the absolute maximum concentration to which a worker may be very briefly exposed (no longer than five minutes in any specified period)

See Table A, page 9-21, for specific exposure limits.

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CHART

TABLE C

Summary of Possible Health Effects, Handling Procedures and First Aid

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CHART

TABLE C

Summary of Possible Health Effects, Handling Procedures and First Aid

9-36

4.5 Safe Storage And Disposal Of Chlorinated Solvents

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal regulatory statute designed to provide management of hazardous wastes from manufacture to ultimate disposal. The 1984 amendments to RCRA, signed in to law on November 8, 1984, provide for a greatly expanded federal role in the hazardous waste management program. These new amendments contain a number of “hammer” provisions that require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to act by a deadline or the congressionally prescribed regulation automatically goes into effect. These new amendments to RCRA are having impact of varying degree on U.S. businesses that produce hazardous waste from industrial or commercial operations. Subtitle C of RCRA sets the regulatory requirements for the hazardous waste management program. More specifically, it details the requirements and responsibilities incumbent on generators and transporters of hazardous wastes as well as the owners and/or operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities. Consult your Dow representative for further details on this program and its associated regulatory actions and requirements.

Users of chlorinated solvents must be aware of and comply with all federal, state and local regulations governing the use, storage and disposal of these materials. Regulations concerning storage and disposal are chiefly intended to limit solvent contamination of water and of the soil.

Ensure that your storage, use, process and disposal practices involving solvents will not result in environmental contamination. If not properly controlled, very small (i.e., one quart) quantities of this product or wastes containing this product can reach and contaminate soil. Vast quantities of ground, surface and drinking water supplies may be contaminated at or above governmental drinking water standards (parts per billion) as a result of improper disposal or handling. Contamination can travel great distances through soil or with ground, surface and other water systems.

Contamination can occur from spills, leaking equipment or holding tanks, releases or disposal of unused or spent product, process wastes, rinseate or containers of this product, via waste stream discharges, surface impoundment leakage, movement through soils, flooring or permeable slabs or surfaces. Special concern should be given to preventing the entry of solvents into sewers, lakes, rivers or surface waters and water systems. Proper spill containment should be provided where spills may occur. (See 7.2, page 9-53). Contamination can result in aquatic, plant, animal and human health hazards. Contamination can also be difficult and expensive to clean up. Therefore, the importance of effective environmental controls over storage, use and disposal cannot be overemphasized.

Contaminated solvents should be stored away from inhabited buildings and water supplies in appropriately labeled, sealed, leak proof containers. Long-term storage of hazardous wastes will require permitting as a waste storage facility. Routine transfer of wastes to permitted facilities is desirable.

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Action To Take For Spills/Leaks/Releases 4.5.1

Spilled solvent should not be flushed into sewers. Contaminated solvent should not be dumped into sewers or into any body of water or on the ground.

Continually inspect and maintain your process equipment, holding tanks and spill control devices to ensure that spills/leaks/releases do not occur. Do not allow spills/leaks/releases on permeable surfaces. Dike applicable areas. Dike volume should be equal to or greater than storage volume to guard against worse case situations or spilling entire contents of storage tanks. Line dike and seal cracks with appropriate material impermeable to the product to prevent soil soakage.

Establish a regular inspection and maintenance procedure.

Use proper protective equipment to avoid excessive exposure during clean up and act promptly in the event of spills/leaks/releases to prevent environmental contamination.

For small spill/leaks, use sorbent immediately, allow to stand briefly and then sweep into appropriate covered container for disposal.

For large spills/leaks, evacuate the area. Properly equipped and trained personnel should then quickly establish temporary dikes of sandbags to contain spill if necessary; then pump into containers for disposal. It is likely that contaminated soil may need to be treated as hazardous waste.

Comply with federal, state and local laws in responding to, reporting and cleaning up spills.

For assistance and/or information, call Dow Emergency Response (1-409-238-2112) or CHEMTREC Emergency Response (1-800-424-9300).

Disposal Procedures For Chlorinated Solvents 4.5.2

When disposing of unused contents, spent materials or process wastes containing any quantity of this product, the preferred options are to send waste via a permitted waste hauler to licensed reclaimers or permitted incinerators.

Disposal practices must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations which are intended to prevent solvent contamination of water and soils. Do not flush or dump into sewers or open trenches, on the ground or into or near any body of water or water system.

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The container must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Offer empty container to qualified reconditioner or crush and dispose of the container in accordance with procedures approved by federal, state and local authorities. Do not torch cut or weld empty containers as flammable vapor levels may exist in the containers and result in fire/explosion hazard (see Section 3).

Consult The Dow Chemical Company for further information on regulatory actions and requirements and consultants or contractors who can assist you in evaluating or developing controls to prevent environmental contamination.

4.6 Community Right-To-Know

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) contains the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (Title III). SARA Title III outlines requirements for providing chemical hazard information, inventory data and emission data to local, state and federal emergency planning and response groups. The specialty solvent are subject to most reporting requirements contained in Title III.

Consult your Dow representative for further information on this program and its associated regulatory actions and requirements.

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5. SOLVENT SAMPLING

5.1 General Information

Because ionic material, moisture and other contaminants cannot always be detected by visual inspection, the chlorinated solvents discussed in this manual should be sampled according to recommended procedures. Detailed analytical procedures for these solvents are available upon request. General guidelines for obtaining and storing solvent samples are given here.

Sampling containers should be glass, with metal-lined or Poly-Seal screw caps. (Note: Aluminum foil is not an appropriate lining material for screw caps. See following paragraph).

A good liner is tinfoil (not aluminum foil) or SARAN* resin.

Aluminum in any form should not be used for storing retained samples. Plastic caps may be used where nonvolatile matter and color and are not specification items and storage duration is short.

Glass thief tubes or siphons are preferred as sampling devices. Those made of stainless steel or other metals may be used, but are less satisfactory. Never allow plastic or rubber equipment to contact solvent samples that are to be analyzed.

All sampling apparatus must be clean and dry. Under fill the container to allow for thermal expansion of the sample. Label sample containers properly. Store samples in tightly sealed containers, in a cool place and away from direct sunlight.

5.2 Sampling From Tank Trucks Or Tank Cars

It is suggested that analysis be done before unloading. Any pressure in the vessel should be relieved prior to opening the anyway cover. With a tank car, this can be accomplished by cautiously opening the 1-inch air valve. (See Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic). Cautiously open the man way (dome) cover to avoid breathing vapors. Obtain a sample by immersing a glass container that has been securely wired to a stiff metal rod. Close the cover immediately. Samples may be taken during the unloading operation by withdrawing material directly from a sampling point in the unloading line or pump.

5.3 Sampling From Storage Tanks

If sampling takes place after unloading, material should be withdrawn from the center of the storage tank, away from the bottom or sides of the tank. Metal sample lines, preferably of stainless steel, may be used. Valves should have polytetrafluoroethylene packing to avoid contaminating the solvent.

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CHART

FIGURE 2: TANK CAR SCHEMATIC

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6. UNLOADING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

6.1 General Information

When unloading a chlorinated solvent, an operator should be in attendance at all times, according to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49, Paragraph 177.8341 and Paragraph 174.67.

The latest edition of the Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets for the individual product should be obtained from Dow and made readily available to all persons responsible for loading or unloading the chlorinated solvent.

Transportation Equipment Data Sheets, available from your Dow representative, specify the types of gaskets and hoses suitable for use with specific chlorinated solvents. (See also 6.2.2, page 9-43 and 7.3.4, page 9-57).

Whenever a container is unloaded by gravity or pump, a vapor piping system may be connected between the shipping container and the receiving tank to reduce solvent losses that contribute to air pollution (Figure 3).

Total containment for spills, leaks and hose draining should be provided in all areas where shipping containers are loaded and unloaded. Containment should also be provided around storage tanks. (See 7.2, page 9-53).

Customers who receive bulk quantities of chlorinated solvents and repackage them into 55-gallon drums should implement safety and environmental controls to prevent spills and solvent contamination. A safe working area should be provided. (See Figure 4: Suggested Semiautomatic Drumming Station Using a Scale for Drumming Solvents from Tank Trucks, page 9-47).

Notice: Aluminum should not be used as a material of construction for any of the equipment used in handling, storing or processing chlorinated solvents. Aluminum may be subject to corrosion and aluminum parts may ultimately fail and cause a spill.

6.2 Tank Cars

Specifications 6.2.1

Solvents are usually shipped by Dow in uncompartmented or compartmented tank cars that meet DOT Specification 111A 100W1. As shown in Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic, page 9-41, these tank cards are equipped with the following.

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• One 1-inch air valve

• One 2-inch unloading product

• One vacuum relief valve

• One 6-inch internal plug-type valve (usually top operated)

• One 2-inch unloading auxiliary external valve

• One 75 psig safety valve

The maximum allowable pressures for the safety valve and tank are stenciled near the ends of the car. All cars have a standard safety dome work platform with rails.

Cars that meet DOT Specifications 103W and 111A 60W1 are also used in solvent service and may be equipped differently.

Unloading Hose 6.2.2

A 2-inch diameter seamless flexible metal hose, preferably stainless steel, can be used to unload tank cars. Polytetrafluoroethylene-lined hose sheathed in a metal braid (such as stainless steel or bronze) or in neoprene rubber is also satisfactory. Interlocked, spiral-type hose should never be used, as it will allow solvent to leak through the packing. Hose should be ordered in the required length with fittings already installed by the manufacturer.

Unloading Preparations And Precautions 6.2.3

Unloading operations should be carried out only by properly equipped and trained employees under adequate supervision.

Tank cars should be spotted accurately on a level track in a position where connections can be made quickly and easily. Hand brakes should be applied and the wheels chocked to prevent any movement of the car that could break the connections.

Tank cars should be grounded. Also, as a safety measure, the proper caution signs must be affixed to the tracks in front of the tank car. These signs, usually 12 by 15 inches, are light blue, with the legend “STOP. TANK CAR CONNECTED.” “STOP” appears in 4-inch letters. These signs are available from safety equipment dealers.

Unless the car has been protected by a switch or gate that is closed and locked, place derails and standard derail warning signs at the open end of the siding, at least 50 feet from the car.

Identify the proper receiving tank to receive the contents of the tank car. Also, check the receiving tank to make sure the safety vent works and that it has a capacity equal to or greater than the flow from the tank car to avoid receiving tank rupture. Be certain the receiving tank is capable of containing the off-loaded solvent.

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CHART

FIGURE 3: SUGGESTED UNLOADING SYSTEM

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No attempt should be made to connect or disconnect a tank car, open or close any attachments or discharge the contents except in daylight or when adequate light is provided.

Bottom Unloading By Gravity 6.2.4

If the tank car is to be unloaded by gravity, procedures are as follows:

1. Before removing the plug in the bottom outlet leg, check the bottom internal and external unloading valves to make sure they are properly closed. (The internal bottom valve is operated by the cover valve operating the wheel located on the car dome).

2. Carefully remove the bottom plug. If the valve is slightly open, a small quantity of liquid will be collected in the outlet leg. If leakage becomes apparent upon loosening the plug on the bottom outlet leg, don’t remove the plug. Leave it engaged long enough to allow liquid accumulated in the chamber to escape. If the initial rate of leakage continues, screw the plug up tight and unload the car from the top. (Refer to following section on top unloading.).

3. Connect the flexible hose to the 2-inch bottom outlet of the car. Check the connection for tightness to prevent leakage.

4. Open the 1-inch air valve on the dome to relieve pressure.

5. Open the external bottom unloading valve.

6. Open the internal bottom valve and start unloading. Check to ensure that venting is adequate for the desired unloading rate. In the event of unloading problems, loosen the manhole bolts and cautiously open the cover a crack to permit easier flow of the solvent. To avoid contaminating the solvent, do not open the cover completely.

7. During rainy or high humidity weather, pad cars with dry nitrogen during unloading to prevent moisture from entering with the air.

Top Unloading By Pump Or Gas Pressure 6.25

When top unloading is desirable, the pump-suction siphon method of top unloading may be used. The procedure is as follows:

1. Connect the pump suction line to the 2-inch unloading valve in the dome.

2. Open the 1-inch air valve.

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3. Start the pump and proceed to unload the car.

4. During rainy or high humidity weather, pad cars with dry nitrogen during unloading to prevent moisture from entering with the air. Pumping should not start until adequate venting has been assured.

If pumping facilities are not available and the tank car relief devices have a sufficiently high rating (check the maximum allowable pressure), an inert gas line may be connected to the 1-inch air valve in the dome and the contents of the tank slowly pressured out. Connection by means of a line with a tee is recommended, with a pressure-control valve and gauge on the teed side and a pressure-relief valve set at 50% of relief valve set pressure. Clean, dry nitrogen at a pressure of 20-30 psig is suitable for this purpose. The use of air pressure for unloading is not recommended because moisture in the air could contaminate the solvent.

Unloading Completion 6.2.6

Continue unloading until the contents of the storage tank show no increase and the calculated amount has been added to the tank. When the tank car has been completely unloaded, close the compressed nitrogen valve and relieve the pressure on the car. Then, wearing all appropriate safety equipment (including chemical goggles and a positive-pressure breathing apparatus), carefully open the dome and visually inspect the car for complete unloading. Seal it immediately by closing all valves and outlets securely. Remove all connection lines and replace all caps and plugs. Disconnect the ground wire and remove the caution signs and derails from the tracks. Reverse any placards that might be on the tank car and notify the railroad that unloading has been completed.

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CHART

FIGURE 4: SUGGESTED SEMIAUTOMATIC DRUMMING STATION USING A SCALE FOR DRUMMING SOLVENTS FROM TANK TRUCKS

LEGEND

1. Static Electricity Ground. 2. Clamps and Ground Wires for Piping, Pumping and Filling System. 3. Customer’s Manual Valve – Note: Do not open until pip connections and filling equipment have been checked. 4. Truck Valve and Operator. 5. Posted Operation Instructions. 6. Pump Switches Controlling Centrifugal Pump and Fan Switch. 7. Filling Station – Dial Scale with Automatic Shutoff, Filling Drums Using a Bottom-Filling Drum Lance. (Max. Cap. 60 GPM)

8. Exhaust Fan – Pickup at Drum Bunghole and Floor Level. 9. Eye Wash/Safety Shower Station(s). 10. Emergency Stops – Locations at Pump, Filling Station and Others if Required. 11. Fire Blanket/Protective Equipment Cabinet. 12. Spill/Leak Drainage to Sump* 13. Wheel Chocks. 14. Vent Scrubber. 15. Pressure Switch – Shuts of Pump when Valve Closes. 16. Operator Emergency Escape Routes. 17. Sample Valve. 18. Line Drain/Cleanout Connection**

*The sump should be contained, not drained into the sewer.

**Draining must be collected from the line drain.

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6.3 Tank Trucks

Specifications 6.3.1

Chlorinated solvents are available in uncompartmented or compartmented tank trucks. The location and size of valves and outlets vary somewhat from truck to truck. While aluminum is not recommended as a material of construction for equipment to be used in handling chlorinated solvents, stabilized solvents may, if necessary, be shipped in tank trucks mad of aluminum. Lower-stabilized solvents, including Methylene Chloride Technical, Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized, PROACT solvent and AEROTHENETT solvent, should NOT be shipped in aluminum tanks. The possibility of a reaction between the solvent and the metal might produce corrosion of the tank, resulting gin solvent contamination or leakage.

Loading Compartment Tank Trucks 6.3.2

When loading compartmented tan trucks, make sure the heavier solvent is over the wheels. Tipping of a truck by fulcrum action has occurred as a result of an improperly balanced load.

Unloading Hose 6.3.3

A 2-inch diameter, seamless, flexible metal hose, preferably stainless steel, can be used to unload tank trucks. Polytetrafluoroethylene-lined hose, sheathed in metal braid (such as stainless steel or bronze) or in neoprene rubber is also satisfactory. Interlocked, spiral-type hose should never be used, as it would allow solvent to leak through the packing. Hose should be ordered in the required length, wire fittings already installed by the manufacturer.

Unloading Preparations And Precautions 6.3.4

Unloading operations should be carried out only by properly trained and equipped employees under adequate supervision.

Tank trucks should be parked on a level spot, in a position where connections can be easily made. Brakes should be set and the wheels chocked to prevent any movement of the truck that could break the connections. The location of the truck should be such that some slack is allowed in the hose used to connect the truck to the permanent installation.

Tank trucks should be grounded.

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Pump Or Gravity Unloading 6.3.5

Unloading with a pump is preferred. Gravity unloading may be used if the storage tank is at a lower elevation.

Customers should supply their own pump, unloading hose and connections or adapters. If necessary, the tank truck pump and hose can be used for making the delivery. If pumping equipment is to be furnished by Dow or the common carrier, this requirement should be specified in the shipping orders. In such cases, carefully inspect the hoses, the pump and any special fittings before unloading. Flush a small amount of solvent through for cleaning purposes and collect it for waste disposal. Then flush a second quantity of solvent into a clean glass container and examine it for color and insoluble material to make sure the hose and pump are clean. Repeat the flushing if necessary.

The unloading procedure is as follows:

1. Check to be sure that the receiving tank has sufficient empty capacity.

2. Remove the caps from the bottom outlet and from the hoses. Connect one of the hoses from the outlet to the suction side of the pump. Connect a second hose from the pump discharge to the tank-filling line. If the truck is being unloaded by gravity, connect the hose from the tank truck outlet to the storage tank inlet.

3. If the tank truck has an air vent, open it to permit pumping at the proper rate. If it has no air vent, loosen the bolts on the manhole and crack the cover slightly. Both operations should be carried out slowly and carefully to relieve pressure.

4. Open the proper valves in the storage tank lines.

5. Open the truck outlet valve and start the pump.

6. Check the storage tank to make sure it is vented properly, that the proper lines are open and that product is flowing into the tank.

Unloading Completion 6.3.6

Continue unloading until the contents of the storage tank show no increase and the calculated amount has been added to the tank. Then, wearing all appropriate safety equipment, carefully check the tank truck to see whether unloading has been completed

Close all valves and the manhole, disconnect and drain the hose and collect the drainings for waste disposal. Replace the plugs and caps. Disconnect the ground wire.

Inert Gas Unloading 6.3.7

Inert gas can be used for unloading, but usually it is not recommended. If inert gas unloading is to be used, specify tank trucks that meet DOT Specifications MC304 or MC307.

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7. STORING AND TRANSFERRING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

7.1 Tank Storage

Materials Of Construction 7.1.1

To prevent equipment corrosion and product degradation, it is important to keep chlorinated solvents dry. Ordinary steel tanks are usually satisfactory for storing chlorinated solvents. Where exceptional product purity is required, stainless steel tanks may be used or carbon steel tanks may be coated with high-baked phenolics or equivalent solvent-resistant materials.

Do not use aluminum or other “white” metals where they may contact solvent or solvent vapors, which can be corrosive to such metals. This includes instruments, valves and pressure relief devices used in solvent handling.

Tanks should be built to the ASME code for unfired pressure vessels or to API Standard 650 Appendix J. In addition, facilities and equipment must comply with all federal, state and local codes, the requirements of all regulating agencies and the standards of the underwriting agencies that cover such product systems.

Most chlorinated solvents have a specific gravity greater than 1.0, so tank specifications should be written for the specific product being stored.

Selection and Preparation 7.1.2

Tank Size: This depends on shipment size, delivery time and rate of use. As a rule, tank capacity should be 50% greater than shipment size. This insures an adequate supply on hand and allows an entire shipment to be unloaded without delay.

Preservice Preparation: Tanks should be clean, dry and free of rust and weld scale before being put in service. Tanks purchased from suppliers are usually shipped with a protective coating of oil. This coating should be removed by steaming, followed by a chlorinated solvent or detergent wash. The tank should then be thoroughly dried.

Used Tanks: Thoroughly inspect any used equipment before purchase. If there is any doubt about the equipment, contact the original tank manufacturer. If the shell plate or wall and head thickness are adequate, inspect the tank and pressure-test it for evidence of corrosion or weakness. If the tank is suitable in all other respects, clean it to remove all traces of previously stored material

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However, before deciding to buy a used tank, determine approximate cost of a new one. You may find it more economical to purchase a new one, especially when the costs of

cleaning and installing the necessary openings are taken into account.

Tank Accessories: As illustrated in Figure 5: Vertical Solvent Storage System, page 9-52, all tanks should be equipped with a pressure-vacuum relief valve and a vent dryer. The relief valve should be set at a maximum of 75% of the tank’s rated pressure and vacuum. Use of a controlled evaporation device is also recommended.

Fabricated vent dryer using calcium chloride, calcium sulfate or other drying agents are available. Calcium chloride, if used, should be in the lump form, rather than in flake or pellets. DO NOT use caustic soda as a drying agent for solvents, because caustic soda as a drying agent for solvents, because caustic soda can be dangerously reactive with certain solvents. The trap containing the drying agent should be located to allow frequent inspection and maintenance.

The opening of the dryer should be positioned downward to prevent rain or dirt from entering. For convenient inspection and discharge, the dryer opening should be positioned near ground level.

Electrical Grounding: Tanks should be grounded to prevent a buildup of static electricity. More than one rod should be used to minimize the danger of a rod’s becoming corroded and inoperative. To eliminate any difference in potential, connect the rods to an underground grip of copper wire. Check rods at least once every two years.

Types And Locations Of Tanks 7.1.3

It has become increasingly apparent that underground storage tanks for all organic liquids, including gasoline and chlorinated solvents, can develop unexpected, undetected leaks, with resultant migration of some of thee materials to groundwater. The 1984 amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulate both existing and new underground storage tanks. Consult your Dow representative for further information. For new installations, aboveground storage for chlorinated solvents may be preferable because the tanks are readily accessible for anticipated monitoring and testing.

If underground storage is already in place, a tank testing and monitoring system is recommended. Also for old installations of steel tanks, cathodic protection can be useful to reduce corrosion and extend the life of the tank.

A routine schedule of inspection should be established for tanks in your facility.

Due to the potential cost of removing contamination from possible leaks, a maintenance review program is prudent. Retirement of existing underground tanks should be considered well within their expected life.

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CHART

FIGURE 5: VERTICAL SOLVENT STORAGE SYSTEM

9-52

A light-reflecting pain should be used on all aboveground storage tanks to minimize heat absorption and resultant vapor losses.

Vertical vs. Horizontal: Either vertical or horizontal tanks may be used for storing chlorinated solvents. A vertical tank is usually more economical to install and occupies less ground space, while a horizontal tank is usually easier to maintain and repair.

Vertical Aboveground Storage Tanks should have two manholes of at least 24 inches in diameter for access and ventilation during inspection and cleaning. One manhole should be located on the top and one on the side, as shown in Figure 5: Vertical Solvent Storage System. Vertical tanks should be equipped with fill and drain outlets 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The product withdrawal line should be located 6 to 12 inches above the bottom of the tank.

Vertical tanks should be set on a properly designed foundation, such as a concrete pad.

Vertical tanks designed for emptying by gravity should have the bottom slanted slightly toward the discharge end.

Horizontal Aboveground Storage Tanks should have a manhole at least 24 inches in diameter for access and ventilation during inspection and cleaning. If possible, it would be advantageous to have two manholes, one at the top and one at the bottom, for venting thoroughly during cleaning and for personnel escape. Horizontal tanks should also be equipped with fill and drain outlets 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Some means, such as a drain, should be provided for emptying the tank completely. Horizontal tanks should be supported on saddles of reinforced concrete or steel.

Details on tank data and supports are shown in Figure 6: Typical Details of Horizontal Aboveground Storage Tank, page 9-55).

7.2 Secondary Containment For Chlorinated Solvents

To prevent leakage into water systems, aboveground storage tanks should incorporate a method of secondary containment, such as dikes and sealing of ground surface. They should also have a method to monitor leaks from primary containers and adjoining pipes or pumps.

Design 7.2.1

Each containment system should be designed by a knowledgeable engineer so as to afford the most economical and efficient installation possible, consistent with meeting the objectives of personnel, fire and environmental protection. The EPA and/or state

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regulations concerning material storage and handling are continually changing; therefore, the most current regulations and guidelines should be consulted prior to designing a containment area.

Each installation must be designed specifically for the chemicals being handled and will depend on such factors as flammability, toxicity and biodegradability.

Dikes shall be constructed of compatible and impermeable materials so as to contain leaks and spills and prevent these materials from getting to surface and groundwater. Some structures may require that a coating be applied to assure chemical compatibility and impermeability. Joints should be sealed with a compatible sealant.

In choosing the location of a tank within a dike, consideration should be given to containing the horizontal trajectory of a leak from the vessel.

There should be no penetrations through the floor and walls of the dike.

Pumps and other mechanical joints should be located inside the containment area or be provided separate containment equivalent to the tank containment.

Proper drainage of the diked area to a collection point must be provided. There should be no direct sewer connections to the dike collection area. Provisions shall be made for appropriate analysis of all rain water collected in the dike prior to discharging such water to any sewer system.

Railroading car and tank truck loading and unloading stations shall be contained against accidental spillage or overflow. The containment system shall be sloped to a sump sized according to the guidelines for storage tank containment. The associated piping and pumps shall be contained as part of the rail/truck loading/unloading station.

Volume 7.2.2

The volume of a dike is defined to be:

For a dike enclosing a single tank, the volume is the total enclosed volume less any volume occupied by the tank foundation.

For dikes enclosing more than one tank, the volume is the total enclosed volume less the volume (up to the height of the dike) of all tanks other than the largest tank, less any volume occupied by tank foundations.

Dikes for tanks containing Class A, B or C RCRA listed materials shall be sized to hold from 110% to 150% of the total volume of the tank. See RCRA guidelines for more details on the specific requirements for your material.

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CHART

FIGURE 6: TYPICAL DETAILS OF HORIZONTAL ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK

9-55

Inspection And Leak Detection 7.2.3

All dikes should be inspected at regular intervals in order to assure their structural soundness.

Leak detection systems are strongly recommended for all tanks and containment areas. Leak detection systems should be capable of detecting leaks in the primary containment system within 24 hours of the initial leak. The most widely used systems are those that rely on visual inspection of the system and/or gravity flow of the leakage.

There are a variety of leak detection systems on the market which use instrumentation to detect and sometimes pinpoint the location of leaks.

It is recommended that all containment structures be hydro-tested annually check for leaks from the secondary containment structure. In some cases this test may be required by law.

7.3 Related Equipment

Pumps 7.3.1

If methylene chloride is stored underground or if an elevated pump location is contemplated for any reason, the operator should consider the high vapor pressure of the product when the lifting capability of the pump is calculated.

Centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pumps of ductile iron or carbon steel casing are satisfactory for transferring chlorinated solvents. Pumps should be equipped with a stainless steel shaft and double mechanical seals. Cast iron is not recommended for pumps or valves.*

Piping 7.3.2

Piping should be of carbon steel unless product purity requires stainless steel. Schedule 40 pipe is usually adequate. Whenever practical, use welded fittings to insure a leak-free system. When threaded fittings are employed, use tape made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a substitute for regular pipe “dope”. Remove cutting oils and other dirt before placing piping in service. Pipe sections that can be closed off by valves should be protected with relief valves if pressures can exceed the burst pressure of the pipe.

Valves 7.3.3

Steel ball, gate or glove valves are satisfactory. Bronze valves can also be used.* Ball valves should have a PTFE seat and globe valves should have a metal seat. Rings of PTFE or asbestos impregnated with PTFE may be used as stem packing.

*Cast iron is not recommended. Cast iron pumps or valves are susceptible to breaking or cracking due to mechanical strain and temperature changes. This may lead to leaking of the chlorinated solvents.

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Where full line flow is desired, ball or gate valves are recommended. Where throttling is necessary, globe or needle valves may be used. Swing and lift valves are both satisfactory as back flow prevention (check) valves.

Gaskets 7.3.4

Gasket materials must be solvent-resistant, flexible enough to conform to the flange and resilient enough to recover from compression. Impregnated cellulose fiber or cork base materials, Viton resin,** or PTFE-impregnated asbestos are representative materials. Gaskets of rubber or synthetic rubber, such as neoprene or Buna N, should not be used.

Meters 7.3.5

Meters should be suitable for use with the particular solvent being handled. Information on suitability can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. Meters should not have any aluminum, magnesium or zinc components or any alloys of these materials (i.e. bronze).

7.4 Tank Cleaning And Repairs

Tank cleaning should be directed by thoroughly trained personnel who are familiar with the hazards, appropriate safety precautions, equipment and first aid procedures associated with chlorinated solvents (See Tank Entry Procedures, 3.1.2, page 9-26).

7.5 Transfer Of Solvents From Storage

Transfer of solvent from the storage tank to the point of use can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the transfer distance and the number of end-use points.

Gravity Flow 7.5.1

The simplest and most economical method of transfer is to pipe the solvent directly to the point of use, using gravity flow. If the point of use is far from the storage tank or there are several widely separated point of use, this method will not be satisfactory.

Pumping 7.5.2

As an alternative to the gravity flow method, solvent may be pumped from the storage tank to the point of use. This method is suitable where the point of use is higher than the storage tank or far away from it. Pumping is easiest when there is a single point of use; however, with suitable valving, multiple end-use points can be accommodated. Centrifugal pumps are preferred to avoid excessive pressure if deadheaded. Figure 7: Arrangement for Transferring Solvent by Pump, page 9-58, shows a typical arrangement for pumping from storage.

**Viton resin should not be used with methylene chloride.

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CHART

FIGURE 7: ARRANGEMETN FOR TRANSFERRING SOLVENT BY PUMP

9-58

Portable Tanks 7.5.3

Piping the solvent to the point of use is not always practical or desirable. A portable tank on wheels or a skid is sometimes used to transport the material. The size of this smaller tank will vary according to the size of the installation.

The portable tank can be constructed of either stainless steel or mild steel. In some cases, a suitable lining can reduce corrosion potential. The unit should have an adequate pressure relief device and its own permanently mounted pump, used exclusively for solvent transfer. Any tank openings should have an attached cover to prevent accidental contamination of the unit.

Plumbing or flexible tubing should be provided to permit delivery to the bottom of the receiving tank to prevent splashing and unnecessary evaporation.

7.6 Maintenance

All equipment should be maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To prevent excessive solvent losses, continuous maintenance must be practiced. Because solvents usually evaporate rapidly, a small leak under pressure can result in solvent losses without any warning pool of liquid. A simple halide leak detector, such as is employed by refrigeration maintenance workers, can be used to check connections, valves, pump packing and any other easily accessible parts of the system. The halide detector employs a small propane gas flame or electric spark which may make it unsuitable for use in areas containing combustibles. In theses areas, on overhead lines and on parts of the system not readily accessible to checking by the detector, careful periodic visual inspection can be employed satisfactorily. Be sure that all connections are made with a material that will not be affected by the solvent. Several commonly used pipe dopes fall into this category. Polytetrafluoroethylene tape is preferred.

For More Information

For the most recent material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and detailed information on the use of chlorinated solvents in specific applications, consult your Dow representative, or call 1-800-477-4Dow (4369).

9-59

APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………………9-61

I. Product Application Restriction……………9-61

Some applications unsuitable; review each one….9-61

Consult MSD or Dow representative…………….9-61

METHYLENE CHLORIDE……………………..9-61

PERCHLOROETHYLENE……………………...9-61

1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE…………………...9-62

TICHLOROETHYLENE………………………..9-62

II. Selection Of Gloves For Use With Chlorinated Solvents…………………………...9-62

Avoid contact with skin………………………….9-62

Glove selection depends on application, duration of exposure……………………………...9-62

Permeation testing of gloves……………………...9-62

HOW PERMEATION TESTING IS CONDUCTED……………………………………9-63

ASTM Method F739-81………………………….9-63

Breakthrough time, permeation rate……………...9-63

FACTORS AFFECTING PERMEATION………9-63

Results of Dow testing……………………………9-63

Materials tested…………………………………...9-63

Thickness…………………………………………9-63

Amount of contact………………………………..9-63

Mixtures: permeation different from pure components………………………………………9-63

Temperature, effect on permeation, breakthrough …………………………………….9-63

GLOVE CLASSIFICATION……………………9-63

Other considerations……………………………..9-63

Types available, factors to consider……………...9-63

Table AA: Permeation Resistance of Common Glove Materials……………………..9-64

Table AB: Physical Properties of Chlorinated Solvents…………………………..9-65

Table AC: Relative Evaporation Rates……...9-66

Figure A1: Boiling Temperatures of Chlorinated Solvents and Oil…………………9-66

Trichloroethylene…………………….9-66

Perchloroethylene……………………9-66

Methylene Chloride…………………..9-66

Inhibited 1,1,1-Trichloroethane………9-66

Figure A2: Vapor Pressure of Chlorinated Solvents………………………………………...9-67

Figure A3: Density of Chlorinated Solvents as a Function of Temperature………………..9-68

Figure A4: Specific Gravity Data……………9-69

Trichloroethylene……………………9-69

Perchloroethylene……………………9-69

Methylene Chloride………………….9-69

Inhibited 1,1,1-Trichloroethane……...9-69

INDEX………………………………………………………………………………9-70

Methylene Chloride……………………………9-70

Perchloroethyle………………………………..9-70

1,1,1-Trichloroethane………………………….9-71

Trichloroethylene………………………………9-71

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APPENDIX

I. Production Application Restrictions

Some formulations of the specialty chlorinated solvents are formulated specifically for certain applications any may not be suitable in all end uses. Similarly, workplace and environmental safety concerns suggest that certain applications may present handling difficulties for some solvents. To assist you in selecting the appropriate solvent for your application, Dow developed this partial list of uses for which we believe these materials may not be suitable. Dow recommends that customers periodically review each chlorinated solvent application to ensure that only the appropriate products are being used and that such use is consistent with good product and environmental stewardship.

NOTE: Consult the Material Safety Data sheet and product literature or contact your Dow representative for more information about specific formulations.

Methylene Chloride

General: In some applications it may be difficult to control vapors within recommended exposure guidelines. Such applications should be carefully reviewed to ensure that average exposures are below the ACGIH TLV.* This is especially important in stripping floors, solvent baths without exhaust ventilation, cleaning operations and paint stripping. Methylene chloride should not be used in direct foot contact applications.**

Formulations: Only Methylene Chloride Urethane Grade should be used for urethane foam blowing. Only Methylene Chloride Vapor Degreasing Grade should be used for vapor degreasing. Only AEROTHENE MM solvent should be used for aerosol applications.

Perchloroethylene

General: Exposures can be controlled adequately in most product applications. Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled below the OSHA PEL. Perchloroethylene should not be used in direct food contact applications.

Formulations: Perchloroethylene SVG is specially formulated for vapor degreasing only and should not be used for cold cleaning or dry cleaning or other applications where skin contact is likely to occur.

*The OSHA PEL for methylene chloride is being revised, as of June, 1990. If the revised PEL is lower then the ACGIH TLV, exposures must be controlled below this value.

**Under certain conditions, methylene chloride may be used in spice extraction, hops extraction and the extraction of caffeine from green coffee beans. See 21 CFR, chapter 1, section 173.225.

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1,1,1-Trichloroethane

General: Exposure can be controlled adequately in most product applications. Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled below the OSHA PEL. 1,1,1-trichloroethane should not be used in the following applications: fire ant insecticides, direct food contact, fire extinguisher fluid, septic tank cleaner, presurgical cleanup in hospitals, anesthetic, adhesive tape remover from skin, wig cleaner and sink drain cleaner.

Formulations: AEROTHENE TT solvent, Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized, Methyl Chloroform Technical, PROACT solvent and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Film Cleaning Grade should not be used for vapor degreasing or in the presence of aluminum or zinc powders, aluminum equipment, etc. (See Section 7.1.1, page 9-50 of this manual). DOWCLENE LS solvent is specifically formulated for dry cleaning, but must be used only in equipment designed for this solvent.

Trichloroethylene

General: Exposures can be controlled adequately in most product applications. Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled below the OSHA PEL. Trichloroethylene should not be used in the following applications: cold-cleaning (in noncontrolled conditions, such as hand use), dry cleaning, aerosols, electrical spray cleaning, paint, wax and varnish stripping, fabric treatment (retail and consumer applied), pesticide carrier solvent and any use in proximity to caustic soda.

Formulations: HI-TRI solvent should not be used for vapor degreasing.

II. Selection Of Gloves For Use With Chlorinated Solvents

Chlorinated solvents, like most other solvents, can remove natural skin oils and cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Glove protection is strongly recommended to prevent these chemicals from coming into contact with skin.

However, selecting gloves for use with chlorinated solvents can be confusing. Inaccurate interpretations of test data have led many to conclude that only heavy-duty gloves can be used with these solvents. The fact is, several kinds of gloves are appropriate. Selection depends mainly on their use and their duration of exposure to the solvents.

To develop criteria for selecting appropriate gloves, Dow has conducted permeation tests at its Industrial Hygiene Laboratory in Midland, Michigan. Permeation testing is one way to determine how well a glove will withstand exposure to the chemical. Use conditions determine the permeation resistance needed. Three categories of use conditions, “continual,” “intermittent,” and “one-time” are defined in Table AA, page 9-64. Each category offers two or three choices of gloves.

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How Permeation Testing Is Conducted

ASTM Method F739-81 is the standard method used by Dow researchers to compare chemical barrier properties of glove materials. Researchers expose one side of a sample of the glove material to the chemical, noting when the chemical reaches the opposite side of the material. This is called breakthrough time.

Once breakthrough occurs, testing continues in order to determine the rate or speed of the chemical passing through the material. The permeation rate is expressed in weight of chemical per unit of time per unit area of glove material (mg/sec/m²). Breakthrough time indicates how long the material serves as an absolute barrier to the chemical under conditions of immersion. Permeation rate indicates the severity of breakthrough.

Factors Affecting Permeation

Numbers given in Table AA, page 9-64, are results of testing at Dow, under specific laboratory parameters. Several factors can change the test results:

Material: Gloves are made of many different polymer materials, each material suited to some chemicals better than others. Those tested in the Dow laboratories for resistance to chlorinated solvents represent a wide range commonly found on the market.

Thickness: Permeation of the same material varies directly with the thickness. The thicker the glove, the longer the breakthrough time and the lower the permeation rate.

Amount of Contact: In the tests conducted by Dow, the data represent the worst case(s) of continuous immersion in the liquid.

Mixtures: The permeation behavior of mixtures can be very different from that of the pure components. The test data given in Table AA were obtained with commercially available inhibited solvents. These tests cannot be duplicated with mixtures containing more than about 5% of another component.

Temperature: The test data were obtained at room temperature (23˚ C). An increase in temperature of 10˚ C causes approximately a two-fold decrease in breakthrough time and a comparable increase in permeation rate.

Glove Classification

Other considerations in selecting gloves are dexterity and durability as well as disposable or reusable features.

The glove categories shown here offer a guide to the types of gloves available and the variation in permeation protection they offer. There are, of course, other factors which should also be considered in selection of gloves for specific operations, such as dexterity and comfort. Some other factors to consider are the availability of longer gauntlets, offering arm protection, and, of course, durability of the gloves under actual use conditions.

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CHART

TABLE AA: PERMEATIONS RESISTANCE OF COMMON GLOVE MATERIALS TO CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-64

CHART

TABLE AB: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-65

CHART

TABLE AC: RELATIVE EVAPORATION RATES.

9-66

CHART

FIGURE A2: VAPOR PRESSURE OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-67

CHART

FIGURE A3: DENSITY OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS AS A FUNCTION OF TEMPERATURE

9-68

CHART

FIGURE A4: SPECIFIC GRAVITY DATA

9-69

INDEX Note To Users: Most of the information contained in this manual applies generally to all Dow Specialty Solvents. Individual products have been mentioned only to point out special considerations involved in their use. The user can easily locate general information by using the detailed Contents section, which is designed for ready reference. The index covers exceptions only.

METHYLENE CHLORIDE

Formulations P Health And Safety P

Methylene Chloride, Technical Grade ………………9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid …9-22

Tank truck, materials of construction …………….9-48 Inhalation, specific effects …………9-19,21

Methylene Chloride, Urethane Grade …….…………9-19

Use restriction …………………………………….9-61 Handling Considerations

Methylene Chloride, Vapor Degreasing Grade ……..9-15 Pumps for methylene chloride service …………………………….9-56

Conversion of degreaser from other solvents ……...9-33

Exempt solvents ……………………………………9-33

AEROTHENE MM Solvent …………………………9-15

PERCHLOROETHYLENE

Formulations P Healthy And Safety P

Perchloroethylene SVG ……………………………..9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid ……9-22

Developed specifically for vapor degreasing ……….9-61

DOWPER Solvent …………………………………..9-15

Perchloroethylene, Industrial ………………………..9-15

9-70

1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE

Formulations P P

AEROTHENE TT Solvent ………………………….9-15 Mehtyl Cloroform, Low Stabilized …9-15

Tank trucks, materials of construction ……………9-48 Tank trucks, materials of contruction .…………………….…9-48

CHLOROTHENE SM Solvent ……………………..9-15 PROTACT Solvent ………………….9-15

Conversion of degreaser from other solvents …….9-33 Tank trucks, materials of construction ………………………….9-48

Exempt Solvents ………………………………….9-33

DOWCLENE LS Solvent …………………………..9-15 Health And Safety

Eye exposure, effects and first aid …9-22

Inhalation, low degree of hazard …9-19,21

TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Formulations Health And Safety

HI-TRI Solvent …………………………………….9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid……..9-22

NEU-TRI Solvent ………………………………….9-15

Conversion of degreaser to exempt solvent ……...9-33

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CHART

WORK WITH SAFETY FIRST IN MIND

9-72

DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. CHEMICALS & METALS DEPARTMENT

9-73