Rick Moran
02-08-2007, 12:08 PM
While doing my annual review of the our corporate safety policy at work, I thought it might be beneficial for a quick review of the basics. This list is not all inclusive and does not apply to all work environments or situations. I am hoping that this will start a constructive dialog because I’m sure we can all elaborate on this list and share personal experiences.
Fire Safety – check the work space for volatiles, that they are properly sealed and stored. Keep an appropriate class & size fire extinguisher nearby in the event of a small fire. Class ABC works well for most shop situations.
Slips & Falls – make sure to keep the shop floors free from cut-off material, tools, rags and general debris. Sweep up grinder and plasma dust. Always roll up cords & hoses when not in use and be cautious when walking on wet surfaces.
Machine Guarding – Ensure that all safety guards are in place, operational, and adjusted per manufacturers or OSHA specification.
Electrical Safety– Be careful not to overload extension cords or receptacles. Multiple plug converters can exceed the rating of the cord or circuit if equipment is being used simultaneously. Ensure that they are routed properly to avoid damage, short circuit, or electrocution from standing water. Be sure that the circuit they are plugged into is properly grounded.
Proper Ventilation – Most shop environments produce some sort of unhealthy by-products. Dust, fumes, vapors. Use fans, dust collection or an open air environment if possible when working with these conditions.
Ladder Safety - It is recommended that ladders be periodically inspected to ensure they are operational. Check the condition of the hinge points, rungs and feet.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection – Inspect goggle, faceshields and helmets to ensure that the viewing area is clean and that the fit adjustment in functional.
Hearing protection - Keep proper ear protection easily available in whatever format you prefer, ie: disposable foam plugs or full coverage headset and use them when grinding, hammering and when the wife is nagging at you to come in.
Respiratory Protection – Use the appropriate face mask for the condition as necessary to avoid excessive inhalation of dust, fumes and harmful vapors. There are several types for different conditions. The double banded, face sealing, paper fiber type elements are readily available and a minimum for dusty conditions.
Gloves – Always wear the proper glove for the job. Latex is good for painting and handling chemicals, common fabric/leather is good for general shop work, material handling and light machining, and use heavy weight, long gauntlet type leather gloves for welding.
Fire Safety – check the work space for volatiles, that they are properly sealed and stored. Keep an appropriate class & size fire extinguisher nearby in the event of a small fire. Class ABC works well for most shop situations.
Slips & Falls – make sure to keep the shop floors free from cut-off material, tools, rags and general debris. Sweep up grinder and plasma dust. Always roll up cords & hoses when not in use and be cautious when walking on wet surfaces.
Machine Guarding – Ensure that all safety guards are in place, operational, and adjusted per manufacturers or OSHA specification.
Electrical Safety– Be careful not to overload extension cords or receptacles. Multiple plug converters can exceed the rating of the cord or circuit if equipment is being used simultaneously. Ensure that they are routed properly to avoid damage, short circuit, or electrocution from standing water. Be sure that the circuit they are plugged into is properly grounded.
Proper Ventilation – Most shop environments produce some sort of unhealthy by-products. Dust, fumes, vapors. Use fans, dust collection or an open air environment if possible when working with these conditions.
Ladder Safety - It is recommended that ladders be periodically inspected to ensure they are operational. Check the condition of the hinge points, rungs and feet.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection – Inspect goggle, faceshields and helmets to ensure that the viewing area is clean and that the fit adjustment in functional.
Hearing protection - Keep proper ear protection easily available in whatever format you prefer, ie: disposable foam plugs or full coverage headset and use them when grinding, hammering and when the wife is nagging at you to come in.
Respiratory Protection – Use the appropriate face mask for the condition as necessary to avoid excessive inhalation of dust, fumes and harmful vapors. There are several types for different conditions. The double banded, face sealing, paper fiber type elements are readily available and a minimum for dusty conditions.
Gloves – Always wear the proper glove for the job. Latex is good for painting and handling chemicals, common fabric/leather is good for general shop work, material handling and light machining, and use heavy weight, long gauntlet type leather gloves for welding.