Ardaman & Associates, Inc.

A Tetra Tech Company

Newsletter September 9, 2017

Inside this issue:

Safety Question:

How often should the

first aid kit in a compa-

ny vehicle be inspected?

A. Once a year

B. Once every 2 years

C. It does not need to

be inspected.

D. Once a month

Answer on page 5

Contact Information:

Health & Safety

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.

Brett A. Buxbaum

Orlando, FL

P: (407) 855-3860 X 2413

Cell: (407)509-3085

BBuxbaum@ardaman.com

Hazcom Cont Page 1-3

Ardaman Update Page 4,5

Quiz Page 6

Hazard Communication Training

Our offices use and store chemicals and materials in the lab, field and warehouse/building. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200 (or Hazcom) requires that everyone who works with a hazardous chemical has the right to know about its hazards and how to protect against those hazards - and the responsibility to use that knowledge to work safely.

Ardaman has responsibilities that are defined in our written hazard communication program. Those responsibilities include maintaining a list of hazardous chemicals that are used or stored in the facility, training employees to identify chemical hazards, training of employees in the use of procedures to reduce the risks and assuring that, through the proactive efforts by its employees all chemicals have proper labels and complete, easily available Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

What is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

GHS stands for the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals". GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates heath and safety information on labels and material safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs in GHS). The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world. An international team of hazard communication experts developed GHS.

What are the two major elements in GHS?

The two major elements of GHS are:

1. Classification of the hazards of chemicals according to the GHS rules:

GHS provides guidance on classifying pure chemicals and mixtures according to its criteria or rules.

Chemicals will be classified using a harmonized system that provides standardized language for:

Health Hazard Categories

Physical Hazard Categories

Environmental Hazard Categories

2. Communication of the hazards and precautionary information using Safety Data Sheets and labels:

Labels - With the GHS system, certain information will appear on the label. For example, the chemical identity may be required. Standardized hazard statements, signal words and symbols will appear on the label according to the classification of that chemical or mixture. Precautionary statements may also be required, if adopted by your regulatory authority.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - The GHS SDS has 16 sections in a set

order, and information requirements are prescribed.

Page 2

Hazcom Continued

What do the pictograms on labels mean?

Labeling: What is required on a chemical’s label?

1

What do the labels mean on the container?

Product Identifier: Name of product

Signal Words:

These are words used to indicate the severity of the hazard and alert employees to the potential hazard.

Only 2 signal words will appear:

“DANGER” (more severe hazard)

“WARNING” (less severe hazard)

Not all labels will have a signal word. Some chemicals are not hazardous enough to require that a signal word appear on the label. There are specific hazard statements that must appear on the label based on the chemical hazard classification.

Pictograms: Refer to chart to the left

Hazard Statements: Main hazards to be aware of, refer to SDS for further information

Precautionary Statements: Minimum PPE to be used, refer to SDS for details.

Supplier Information: Manufacturer name and contact information.

2

3

4

5

6

1

Where can I find information on a chemical?

@ the Ardaman online data base hosted by MSDS online. https://msdsmanagement.msdsonline.com

Page 3

Hazcom Continued 1. You have a right to know about chemical hazards and protections

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (or Hazcom) requires that an employee who works with a hazardous chemical has the right to know about its hazards and how to protect against those hazards - and the responsibility to use that knowledge to work safely.

2. Chemical manufacturers must identify hazards and key precautions

Manufacturer must: Determine the physical and health hazards of their products; Identify those hazards and key safety precautions on chemical container labels and safety data sheets (SDS).

3. Employers must inform employees about chemical hazards and precautions Employers must:

Develop a written hazard communication program, including a list of hazardous chemicals used or stored in the facility;

Train employees to identify chemical hazards and to use information and procedures to reduce the risks; Assure through proactive efforts by its employees that all chemicals have proper labels and complete, easily

available SDS. Chemicals that are stored or used for testing or cleaning in the workplace must have a proper label on the

container. All of the information is available on the original manufacturer’s labeled container or in the SDS located on our online data base. All of the chemicals must be stored properly when not in use (storage requirements are based on quantities and type of chemical being stored.)

4. Chemicals may present physical hazards

They may catch fire easily; suddenly release and explode; or react when exposed to heat, air, water, or certain other chemicals by burning, exploding, or releasing dangerous vapors.

5. Chemicals may have health hazards

Acute health problems develop quickly after exposure (e.g., corrosive skin burns); Chronic health problems develop over time, often after many exposures (e.g., cancer from inhaling a toxic

chemical); Skin or eye contact, which can cause burns, rashes, or even blindness; Inhaling, or breathing in, chemical vapors and fumes, which can cause dizziness, nausea, lung damage,

unconsciousness, or even death; Swallowing (including eating or smoking after handling chemicals without first washing), which can cause

poisoning or damage to internal organs.

6. Container labels and SDS identify chemical hazards You must read them carefully before starting any job involving a chemical: Labels give a brief summary of the hazards; Never use a chemical if its label is missing or too damaged to read. Employee has a duty to report such

deficiencies; SDSs detail a chemical’s hazards and signs of exposure, situations that make the chemical more dangerous,

and the procedures and equipment to use to reduce risk. They contain 16 sections of information regarding how to use and handle the chemical.

SDS can be found on the Ardaman online database provided by MSDSonline.com. In addition, printed books have been provided to all Drillers and Field Technicians.

The labeling requirement applies to all containers that have chemicals or materials stored/transferred into them. Any bucket, drum, tank, etc., that contains, chemicals or materials, (e.g.; process water, soils, gypsum, muck, gravel or any other materials) must be labeled before being transported from the site to the lab or office. All buckets and samples at a minimum must have the common material name written on it in permanent marker. Any other known additional information should also be included (Safety Data Sheet, project number, PPE requirements for handling, etc.…) if available.

7. Container labels and SDSs describe safety precautions and instructions

The safety information may include (these will be changed to SDS in the future): Handling and storage requirements (e.g., ventilation, avoiding heat exposure); Personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear when using the chemical; Signs and symptoms of exposure that could cause health problems. How to handle spills, fires, and other emergencies involving the chemical. All containers must have labels on them to identify the contents.

Page 4

Ardaman Update Injury Incidents:

NO INJUIRES IN AUGUST, GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Vehicle/ Equipment Incidents:

Employee was traveling on the roadway. Vehicle (V1) had moved from the left lane (still a thru lane) into the left hand turn lane

but stopped, and the rear section of the vehicle was partially blocking the left thru lane of travel. V2 and V3 applied their brakes and stopped avoiding V1. V4 (AAI) struck V3 which was them pushed into V2. In order for a driver to have sufficient time to recognize and react to roadway hazards, a 4 second following distance must be observed. In addition, drivers must remember to Aim High In Steering by looking ahead 15 seconds down the road to be able to identify a potential road hazard.

Employee was parked next to a concrete truck during a night pour. After the pour was completed, our driver began to back the

truck up while another employee acted as a spotter behind our vehicle. While backing, our driver thought he had cleared the front of the truck from the concrete truck next to him and began turning the steering wheel. The front of our truck was not clear and he struck the front bumper of the concrete truck. When backing or pulling forward, the spotter should be directed to help the driver in any location where visibility or distances are questionable. If the driver is unsure of the distance to objects, stop and get out of the vehicle to check.

Drill crew was conducting SPT sampling for a future crane installation area on a job site. A third party GPR company had

performed GPR prior to drilling and identified substructures in the area. The area was reviewed by the drillers and supervisor on site and they went by the markings on the ground that were provided. Drill crew had offset 6 ½ feet from one mark and 17 feet from another mark. While conducting SPT at between 6’-8’ in depth, the crew struck an unmarked discharge pipe. The pipe was not on any site maps. Prior to drilling, hand augering, or test pits, an 811 call in ticket must always be created, checked, printed, and reviewed on site by all personnel, and copies given to the crew.

While preparing to cut a concrete cylinder with an electrical wet saw, the space between the saw's power cord and the

extension cord flashed a flame. Upon further review, the dedicated ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) had been removed from the electrical outlet and not replaced. Someone had removed the GFCI and plugged the extension cord back into the outlet without GFCI protection on it. A GFCI must always be in place if an extension cord is used when powering equipment, especially when moisture or water may be present. The GFCI must be plugged directly into the source from where the electricity is coming from.

Employee was making left turn onto highway from a gas station. There was a center turn lane and our employee was leaving

the driveway of the gas station to cut across to the center turn lane. Vehicle 2 was in right hand turn lane and waiting to turn into gas station. Vehicle 2 started turning into gas station from turn lane. Our driver started to pull out of gas station driveway. Vehicle 2 stopped midway during his turn and our driver struck their driver side rear quarter panel. When pulling onto the road from driveways, medians, and parking lots, the vehicle traveling in the thru lane (main road) always has the right of way and the other driver must wait until the area is clear before proceeding forward or merging.

Employee was stopped in traffic at a red light. The vehicle behind our driver failed to stop in time and rear ended our vehicle.

Employee was traveling on the roadway. A distracted driver tried to come into our center lane from the left lane. Our driver

spotted the driver in his driver side mirror and averted a full collision by alerting the driver with his horn. The other driver struck our tool box with his passenger side mirror, folding the mirror. The other driver then maneuvered his pickup behind our rig and went into the right lane and speed up and around our truck. They then swerved back into our lane into the safety gap allowed by our driver and slammed the brakes, resulting in us rear-ending his truck. When another driver/vehicle creates an unsafe situation we should always slow down or pull over immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid any further contact.

Employee was approaching the gate entrance to a job site. Our driver pulled up to the key pad and entered the access code.

While passing the key pad, the tool box on his truck bed struck the key pad damaging it. When driving larger vehicles or if you are unsure of the distances to objects, stop and get out of the vehicle to check distances. When accessing properties with large trucks or drill rigs, the driver should park away form the key pad and exit the cab of the truck.

Safety Audits:

Identified Hazards from 34 Safety audits conducted in the month of July

Housekeeping: Multiple buckets left in chemical lab room creating trip hazard.

PPE: Employee not wearing gloves while coring. Gloves are always required when a laceration hazard is present. Refer to the JSA for required PPE. (JSA M-3)

PPE: Employee not wearing hearing protection while breaking cylinders. Hearing protection is required for this task and is cover in the JSA. (JSA M-4)

PPE: Employee not wearing safety glasses while hand augering. Safety glasses are required when working out in the field on all jo b sites. Refer to the JSA for the task. (JSA D-15)

Page 5

Near Miss/ Hazard Identification:

Highlighted Near Misses and Hazard Identifications from 34 reports received for the Month of August

Employee was preparing to unload drilling supplies at the office after working in the field. The employee was standing at the panel of the overhead door and began operating the switch. As the overhead door had opened half way, the lifting arm broke from the opener assembly and the garage door free fell back closed. Always stand clear of overhead doors while opening and closing them. Once an overhead door is open, a safety catch should be engaged when available. If a side access door is available to the building, walk through the side door to avoid stepping under the roll up door.

Employee was observed using a bench grinder without eye protection. A bench grinder exposes a worker to impact hazards from flying debris and sparks. Eye protection must always be worn when the grinder is in use. At a minimum, the worker must wear safety glasses and a face shield.

Employees were performing water quality testing in a cooling pond. The client had one of their own workers join in the sampling. A safety meeting was held prior to the task being performed to discuss the hazards. The client representative had attend our safety meeting but was observed performing their own sampling without wearing nitrile gloves and placed testing equipment on the boat in an area where it could fall and get damaged. Our employee spoke with the representative to discuss the hazards again and ensure they wore their nitrile gloves along with proper housekeeping. When unknown contaminated materials or water are sampled, at a minimum, nitrile gloves must be worn to reduce contact with the unknown hazard.

Employee was surveying an area in the field while speaking to the engineer on the phone. The employee walked off the muddy road onto the shoulder of a grassy area and suddenly felt a thump on his boot. He then observed a water snake or water moccasin quickly slithering away. The employee had accidently stepped on/near the snake and the snake bit his boot and went away. Other contractors in the area were notified that snakes were in the area. When surveying or walking on sites, it is important to concentrate on where you are walking and not be distracted to avoid tripping, slipping, and biological hazards that may be present. Snake gaiters are required when walking in heavy vegetative areas.

Ardaman Update Continued

Safety Question Answer: D

First aid kits located in company vehicle should be inspected at least once a month. If any creams or ointments have expired, they should be replaced with current supplies.

A safety sticker was awarded to the following individuals:

Roy Anderson: For recognition of an unsafe condition on a job site. Another contractor was standing on top of a mini excavator to gain access to a stem wall. Employee notified worker of the fall hazard and waited for crew to return on site to provide a ladder for proper access to perform inspection. Employee additionally received a gift card for his actions. (Sarasota)

Tyler Spann: For recognition of a potential struck by hazard to others in work area due to a concrete pump truck operating without their pour lights on. The employee notified the workers in the area along with the driver and the lights were turned on. Employee additionally received a gift card for his actions. (Monroe)

Tom Cahill: For recognition of unsafe conditions after contractor removed guard rails and posts in area leaving exposed holes in the ground. The employee observed the trip hazard and notified the contractor to have them filled. (Port St. Lucie)

Kevin Ferguson: For observation of a contractor using an extension ladder incorrectly. The worker had welded metal plates at the base of the ladder instead of tying off the ladder off, an incorrect lean, and the ladder did not extend three feet above the landing.. Our employee notified the general contactor of the hazard. (West Palm Beach)

Kalyani Jeyisanker: Employee had observed a contractor on site handling HDPE liner without gloves on. The employee notified the worker about the laceration hazard by ensuring a translator conveyed the observation. (Orlando)

Alicia Luna: Employee observed a potential fire hazard in the breakroom. The employee noticed that the inside of the dishwasher had heavily caked on detergent and melted plastic tongues. The water supply was not hooked up to the dishwasher. Orlando)

Ardaman Health and Safety Recognition Awards

September 2017 Safety Quiz Please circle the letter of the answer that fits best. Some answers can be found in the newsletter

1. The OSHA regulation that gives employees the right to know about chemical hazards is:

A. Chemical Act B. Hazard Communication Standard C. Environmental Protection Agency D. All the above

2. Chemical manufacturers identify chemical hazards and provide the information on:

A. Container labels and SDS B. List of hazardous chemicals C. Letters to customers D. All the above

3. Employers must have written hazard communication programs.

A. True B. False

4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Ardaman can be located online at MSDSonline.com, in field books with drillers and

technicians, and in the lab.

A. True B. False

5. According to the GHS labeling system Signal words can be Danger or Warning.

A. True B. False

6. Why should I do a safety audit?

A. It helps identify positive and negative behaviors B. It allows others to observe tasks performed throughout the company C. It helps in proactively identifying deficiencies before an accident happens D. All the above.

7. If a chemical’s container label is missing or so damaged you can’t read it, you should:

A. Label the container with your best guess B. Use the chemical cautiously C. Do not use the chemical D. All the above

8. To find all 16 sections of details on a chemical’s hazards and protections, you check:

A. The label on the container B. The SDS C. With a co-worker D. All the above

9. When employees complete hazard communication training, they should:

A. Know and understand how to identify chemical hazards and protection B. Understand how chemical manufacturers make the chemical C. Know where to buy PPE

10. Before starting any job with any chemical, you should:

A.Receive a manufacturer’s booklet on the chemical B. Read the chemical's label and SDS C. Put on a respirator and protective suit

11. When transferring a chemical to an unmarked container you must immediately.

A. Label the container B. Refer to the SDS for information regarding signal words and pictograms C. Nothing D. All the above

12. Chemical labels will now have easy to read pictograms to alert employees of important dangers.

A. False B. True

All Ardaman employees must complete the quiz and turn it in by the end of each month. For those individuals who cannot attend

the monthly safety meeting please complete the quiz and submit it to your supervisor for approval. These will be sent to HR/H&S.

All others must submit the quiz at the designated location at your office. The supervisor only needs to sign the quiz if you are unable

to attend the meeting, you must explain the reason in the box below:

Print Name Here Sign Name Here Date

Supervisor Print Name Here Supervisor Sign Name Here Date