When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

   Young people in general good health who are physically fit and have been exercising regularly in the heat, for at least the previous week or so, face heat stress with the least danger and will be in the least discomfort.  People who are obese, not in good physical condition, and who have not exercised in the heat, as well as infants and the aged, will be in the greatest danger and discomfort during heat stress.

Instruct everyone who is to be heat exposed and those responsible for the activities how to prevent heat-related illness, how to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of heat stress, and inform them how to reduce discomfort and danger in the early stages of heat exposure. Establish networks among people who are to be heat exposed so they can watch for developing heat stress signs and symptoms among themselves.

   Operations involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities have a high potential for inducing heat stress in employees engaged in such operations.

Such places include:

• Iron and steel foundries
• Nonferrous foundries
• Brick-firing and ceramic plants
• Glass products facilities
• Rubber products factories
• Electrical utilities (particularly boiler rooms)
• Bakeries
• Confectioneries
• Commercial kitchens
• Laundries
• Food canneries
• Chemical plants
• Mining sites
• Smelters
• Steam tunnels.

      Outdoor operations conducted in hot weather, such as construction, refining, asbestos removal, and hazardous waste site activities, especially those that require workers to wear semi-permeable or impermeable protective clothing, are also likely to cause heat stress among exposed workers.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

During Heat Exposure:

• Control Exercise
• Clothing and Exposure (especially when humidity is high)
• Heat stress develops due to heat gained from the environment
• AND that produced by work or exercise.

  During emergency response activities or recovery operations, workers may be required to work in hot environments, and sometimes for extended periods. Heat stress is a common problem encountered in these types of situations. I hope this article as well as the ones to follow will help workers understand what heat stress is, the symptoms, and how it may affect their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

As the summer season approaches, those of you in the air-conditioning industry will be very busy, so I thought that I would do an article on “Legionnaires Disease” it’s a very real hazard and potentially fatal if the proper precautions are not used. I know it’s not something that comes to mind as you go through your work day. But it’s something you really need to be aware of. Take a little time to read this article, and make sure your doing all you need to do, to be safe.  I want to give you a little history on the disease and the things you can do to prevent it.            
                                                           
Legionnaires Disease is a common name for one of the several illnesses caused by Legionnaires' disease bacteria. It is an infection of the lungs and is a form of pneumonia. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first identified Legionnaires disease in 1977 as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia that caused 34 deaths at a 1976 American Legion Convention in Philadelphia. Legionnaires Disease had undoubtedly caused previous pneumonia outbreaks, but the organism's slow growth and special growth requirements prevented earlier discovery.

The likelihood of contracting Legionnaires' disease depends on the level of contamination in the water source, the susceptibility of the person exposed, and the intensity of exposure. In the United States, Legionnaires' disease is fairly common and serious. It is one of the top three causes of non-epidemic, community-acquired pneumonia.

Typically, but not uniformly, the first symptoms are general malaise and headache, followed by high fever, often accompanied by chills. Coughing (often without sputum production), shortness of breath, pleurisy-like pain and abdominal distress are common, and occasionally some mental confusion is present. Although healthy individuals can contract Legionnaires' disease, the most common patients are elderly or debilitated individuals or persons whose immunity is suppressed by drugs or disease.

Legionnaires' disease treatment requires the use of antibiotics. Early treatment reduces the severity of symptoms and improves chances of recovery.  The drugs of choice belong to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. They include azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin.

Potential sources of Legionnaires Disease :

Water systems in workplaces are potential sources of Legionnaires' disease bacteria.
The primary sources of exposure to contaminated water in commercial and industrial facilities are water-cooled, heat transfer systems such as cooling towers or fluid coolers, and warm water sources such as domestic hot-water systems.
Cooling Towers, Evaporative Condensers, and Fluid Coolers

Cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and fluid coolers use a fan to move air through a recirculated water system. This allows a considerable amount of water vapor and sometimes droplets to be introduced into the surroundings, despite the presence of drift eliminators designed to limit droplet release. This water may be in the ideal temperature range for Legionnaires' disease bacteria growth, 20°-50°C (68°-122°F). Good maintenance is necessary, both to control the growth and for effective operation.

What to consider in the system design :

Important design features include easy access or easily disassembled components to allow cleaning of internal parts including the packing (fill). The following features should be considered in the system design: 

1. Enclosure of the system will prevent drift of water vapor.
2. Design features that minimize the spray generated by these systems are desirable.
3. System design should recognize the value of operating with low sump-water temperatures.
4. Each sump should be equipped with a "bleed," and make-up water should be supplied to reduce the concentration of dissolved solids.
5. High-efficiency drift eliminators are essential for all cooling towers
6. Older systems can usually be retrofitted with high-efficiency models.
7. A well-designed and well-fitted drift eliminator can greatly reduce water loss and potential for exposure.
8. The system should be properly monitored and maintained according to manufacturers' recommendations to prevent buildup of scale, sediment, and bio-fouling. Visual inspection and periodic maintenance of the system are the best ways to control growth of LDB and related organisms.

Biocides:

• Add chemical bio-cides to control LDB growth. Obtain information on appropriate biocide selection and use from equipment manufacturers or from companies experienced with the particular system used.
• High concentrations of organic matter and dissolved solids in the water will reduce the effectiveness of any biocidal agent.

Temperature:

•  Maintain sump water at a low temperature (20°C, 68°F) to control LDB growth.
•  Sump-water temperatures depend on tower design, heat load, flow rate, and ambient dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures.    
•  Under ideal conditions, sump-water temperatures in evaporative devices approach the ambient wet-bulb temperature, and may be low enough to limit LDB amplification.

Cleaning Schedule:

After a contaminated system has been treated, sampling can be used to verify the effectiveness of the treatment. Subsequent testing of cooling-system water at the following intervals can verify that there is no significant re-growth of LDB:

• Test weekly for the first month after return to operation.
• Test every two weeks for the next two months.
• Test monthly for the next three months.
• Clean and disinfect cooling towers quarterly or at least twice a year if the unit is not used year round. Do these before initial start-up at the beginning of the cooling season and after shut-down in the fall.
• Any system that has been out of service for an extended period should be cleaned and disinfected.
• New systems require cleaning and disinfecting because construction material residue can contribute to LDB growth.

Acceptable cleaning procedures are outlined as follows:

1. Inspect equipment monthly.
2. Drain and clean quarterly or at least twice a year if the unit is not used year round.
3. Treat circulating water for control of microorganisms, scale, and corrosion.
4. This should include the use of bio-cides, and rust inhibitors, supplied by continuous feed.
5. Monthly micro-biologic analysis is needed to ensure control of biological contamination.
6. Maintain an up-to-date description of the operating system (which includes all components cooled by the system) and details of the make-up water to the system.
7. Written procedures for proper operation and maintenance of the system should indicate the  use of scale and corrosion inhibitors and anti-foaming agents. Written records of biocide or chlorine use should be readily available.

Chemical additives:

Traditional oxidizing agents such as chlorine and bromine have been proven effective in controlling Legionnaires' disease bacteria (LDB) in cooling towers.  Continuous chlorination at low free residual levels can be effective in controlling LDB growth.

It is important that the proper oxidant level be established and maintained because free residual chlorine above 1 mg/L may be corrosive to metals in the system and may damage wood used in cooling towers.  However, free residual levels below 1 mg/L may not adequately control LDB growth.

Chlorine also combines with organic substances in water to form toxic by-products that are of environmental concern. Frequent monitoring and control of pH is essential for maintaining adequate levels of free residual chlorine. Above a pH of 8.0, chlorine effectiveness is greatly reduced. Proper control of pH will maintain the effectiveness of chlorination and minimize corrosion.

Bromine is an effective oxidizing biocide.  Bromine is frequently added as a bromide salt and generated by reaction with chlorine. Its effectiveness is less dependent on the pH of the water than chlorine. Therefore is less corrosive and produces less toxic environmental by-products.

Possible contamination sites:

• Ice machines: In hospitals supplied by cold-water lines near heat sources that promote LDB growth.
• Water tanks: That allows water to remain un-circulated for long periods also can promote bacterial growth. Cross-contamination of a domestic cold-water system with another system should always be suspected of promoting bacterial growth.
• Emergency water systems: such as fire sprinkling systems, safety showers, and eye wash stations are other domestic cold-water sources from which LDB have been cultured. These systems experience little water flow and can be subject to periods of elevated temperatures. In addition, operation of these devices will aerosolize water. For these reasons, emergency water systems should be considered potential sources of LDB, although no documented cases of legionellosis have been associated with these sources.

I've tried to give you a variety of information, the history of the disease, how you can get, and the safety precautions. I have a great deal more information, if you would like to discuss this subject further. The main thing is to be careful, wear a face-mask or a respirator, wear gloves and safety goggles. Test the system you working on; make there is no harmful bacteria.

From the OSHA RSS Feed : More details available in the April 21st Federal Register

What is Carbon Monoxide and is it Poisonous?

We al have seen the news, or read in the papers, stories of people, entire families dying of carbon monoxide poisoning, their space heater had a leak and filled the home with the poison gas, the family was sleeping and never knew it. that is just one extreme example, but there are many instances where your exposed and your not even aware of it. maybe you have a small leak in your car exhaust, or your garage isn't properly ventilated as you run a gas powered tool. You really need to be careful. Any amount of carbon monoxide exposure can be dangerous. Read the article below and see if your being as safe as you can be.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, highly poisonous gas created when any fuel such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, acetylene, or wood is burned. Dangerous situations can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented to the outside atmosphere, where they would quickly dissipate.

Carbon Monoxide Facts

Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Anyone is susceptible, but experts agree that people with anemia, heart disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or other respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to even minimal exposure to CO and are at the greatest risk for serious injury. When one breathes Carbon Monoxide, it enters the bloodstream through the lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. CO molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, thereby blocking and preventing the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. As CO accumulates in the bloodstream, the body becomes starved for oxygen. Breathing high concentrations of CO can be lethal in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous as well. Long-term exposure to low levels has a cumulative effect and can cause permanent heart and brain damage.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes neurological damage, illness, coma and death.

Symptoms of CO exposure

• Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness.

• Nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest.

Some Sources of Exposure

• Portable generators/generators in buildings.

• Concrete cutting saws, compressors.

• Power trowels, floor buffers, space heaters.

• Welding, gasoline powered pumps.

Preventing CO Exposure

• Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Opening windows and doors in an enclosed space may prevent CO buildup.

• Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.

• Do not use a generator outdoors if placed near doors, windows or vents which could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.

• When using space heaters and stoves ensure that they are in good working order to reduce CO buildup, and never use in enclosed spaces or indoors.

• Consider using tools powered by electricity or compressed air, if available.

 

If it is suspected that a person has succumbed to CO poisoning, they must be quickly removed from where they were found and taken immediately to an area where fresh air is available. CO poisoning and oxygen deprivation is a life threatening situation.  The affected person should be immediately taken to the nearest medical treatment facility. A simple blood test that confirms
suspected CO poisoning is available, but must be administered shortly after exposure in order to be accurate.

Conclusion:

It is important to recognize and be aware of the warning signs of CO poisoning. One must also understand how dangerous
CO concentrations originate and accumulate so that hazardous conditions can be avoided altogether. Under all circumstances, fuel burning operations must be well ventilated in order to maintain a safe breathing atmosphere.

NAOSH week was first launched in June of 1997; Canada had been running it 10 years prior to that. In 1997 the United States and Mexico joined in. Canada has been a great help to both countries in their support and experience in occupational health and safety. NAOSH week helps to bring safety and health to the forefront for all North American workers. It starts the first week of may every year.

Getting started :

Participation and enthusiasm are critical for success. We need to establish long term partnerships during NAOSH week. From business leaders, safety committees, the government, suppliers. We want all safety and health organizations to participate through education, meetings and safety demonstrations.

This should be a week of fun, friendship, knowledge and safety. When the week is over and you return to work, we want you to be excited and share your experience with those you work with. Get them involved, start planning what you can do as a person, a company, or a community. We all want to be safe whether it be at work or home or interacting in the community.

What can I do for NAOSH Week?

• Sponsor a poster contest for your employees' children.
• Create a safety calendar for you employees and clients.
• Host a safety fair or picnic for your company and their families.
• Conduct safety meetings and seminars for your employees.
• If you don't already have one, develop a "new worker" orientation manual.
• Promote NAOSH week through your company newsletter, memos, e-mails.
• Use NAOSH merchandise as awards for safety achievements, caps, buttons, T-shirts.
• An open house is a great way to involve the community, show them you’re a safety minded company.

NAOSH Week at Schools, Colleges and Universities :

Students are the future, the workers and business leaders; we need to make them aware of safety and the need for training and knowledge so safety is a part of their life and work.

• Invite classes to your company; demonstrate basic safety features and the importance of working safely.
• Promote poster competitions. Sponsor special safety days.
• Conduct training session’s specific to new and young worker.
• Put on a fun fashion show of personal protective equipment.
• Have different departments speak with the students.
• Work with the local school board to expand safety efforts.
• Encourage students to think of safety as a career
• Prepare young workers for the future in your community
• Work with community newspapers to publish a special supplement featuring safety articles, advertizing, and NAOSH week events and activities.
• Encourage local business owners to display NAOSH week posters.
• Plan special events at the mall.
• Get local government officials involved.

Sponsor a public discussion on health and safety issues. Over the years NAOSH has done alot to bring communities together, Developed teen worker safety, Helped habitat for humanity, Donated personal protective equipment  and so much more. Each year congress passes a resolution Supporting NAOSH (Yes, it's a big deal) and all they do for worker safety, health and the environment. Through education we create safer work and leisure environments. it doesn't matter if your an office worker, coal miner, Trucker, or grocery store worker. We can all do our part. Look at all the products on the market, all the research. People, towns and cities working to make this world a better, safer place. We have made progress, but we still have a long way to go.

Get Involved, As a global community we can make a difference.

Some NAOSH-Week Resources :

• About NAOSH Week
• Official Website
• Candian Society of Safety Engineers
• American Society of Safety Engineers
• NAOSH Week Poster (For you to print and hang up)
• Resource Guide
• Safety and Health Checklist

The consequences of improper tank storage :

In this video a large train-car sized storage tank is purposefully imploded to show the danger of not venting you storage tanks.  This can lead to serious injuries, as you can clearly see the amount of power involved.

A common mind set for many small construction companies and independent contractors is that they do not see a need for a safety program, because they have so few employees.  Luckily every year OSHA Posts it's compilations of top citations and dollar amounts per inspection.  I want you to take a look at the 2007 list and hopefully realize just how important safety is. It’s not only important. It’s the law. If you need information on any of the subjects listed below.

#10 - Hazard Communications

Number of Inspections: 623
Number of Citations: 1311
Total Amount Fined: $175,265.00
Average Fine: $281.00

Hazard communication is very important to the health and safety of your employees. You need to have a list of all hazardous materials on your jobsite. This list must be posted for all employees to see. They must be trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment. Material safety data sheets must be on site. These are just a few reasons why companies get fined.

#9 - Training Requirements

Number of Inspections: 1488
Number of Citations: 1557
Total Amount Fined: $666,537.00
Average Fine: $447.00

Training should be a top priority for any company, but sadly it isn’t, your employees need to be trained in every aspect of their job. From tool safety, operating equipment, the use of personal protective equipment. The list goes on. When you hire someone take the time to train to them. It could save you time and money in the long run.

#8 - Training Requirements

Number of Inspections: 1055
Number of Citations: 1158
Total Amount Fined: $491,164.00
Average Fine: $465.00

Training requirements in any industry are vital to the health and safety of the employees, as well as the proper running of the company. Have regular safety meetings; train all employees in their specific jobs. It might fall protection and proper equipment needed. Or handling hazardous materials, having M.S.D.S. sheets, and the use of respirators. Safety training is very important. OSHA is very clear on training.

 

#7 - Head Protection

Number of Inspections: 1461
Number of Citations: 1464
Total Amount Fined: $747,099
Average Fine: $511.00

Head protection is so important on any jobsite; you must wear a hard hat. All sorts of things fly around a jobsite, from heights, trucks, to just walking into something. If your people are not wearing their hard hats. You risk being cited and fined.

#6 - Wiring Design and Protection

Number of Inspections: 851
Number of Citations: 1042
Total Amount Fined: $461,269.00
Average Fine: $542.00

Regulations require that the employer use either ground fault circuit interrupter equipment or an assured equipment grounding conductor program. The most common electrical hazard on today’s construction sites is from the ground fault electrical shock. Electrical accidents are usually caused by unsafe equipment and/or installation, unsafe workplaces caused by environmental factors, and unsafe work practices.

#5 - Ladders

Number of Inspections: 1783
Number of Citations: 2362
Total Amount Fined: $1,245,494.00
Average Fine: $698.00

I’ve seen this many times, guys using ladders that are broken or bent, missing rungs; it seems safe work practices go out the window when you’re on the ladder. You’re not allowed to do any work from a ladder. It is designed to get you from the ground to a certain height, and aid you in getting back down. Once again training is needed. You need to know the rules.

#4 - Aerial Lifts

Number of Inspections: 1259
Number of Citations: 1432
Total Amount Fined: $1,210,054.00
Average Fine: $961.00

I see guys trying to take shortcuts all the time. It’s so dangerous. Only qualified persons should ever perform hoisting and lifting operations. Riggers work with hoisting tackle and gear that consists of hooks, hook blocks and balls, eye-rings, webbed netting, slings, cradles, chains, wire rope cable, various synthetic ropes, shackles, couplers, and other fasteners, fittings, and assorted attachments. Before starting any lifting operations, a meeting should be had by all involved personnel to review the “LIFT PLAN”. This plan should include a detailed sketch of the process that will serve as a visual guide for what is expected to happen.

#3 - Fall Protection                           

Number of Inspections: 4667
Number of Citations: 5148
Total Amount Fined: $5,417,592.00
Average Fine: $1,160.00

OSHA takes fall protection very seriously; Fines and citations can come from a variety of issues. Working at height can be very dangerous. Safety must be your primary concern. The following are a few reasons why companies get fined; not properly constructing or installing safety equipment. Not properly training employees in the use of fall protection equipment. Not using safe work practices.

#2 - Specific Excavation Requirements

Number of Inspections: 770
Number of Citations: 1362
Total Amount Fined: $1,625,293.00
Average Fine: $2,110.00

Excavations on a job site change daily and you need to keep up with all the safety rules and regulations. There are many reasons why companies get fined. I’am giving you a few examples. This is by no means a complete list. Not having the proper permits. Not having access or egress contingencies met. Not doing daily inspections.

 

#1 - General Requirement

Number of Inspections: 3025
Number of Citations: 8147
Total Amount Fined: $6,601,703.00
Average Fine: $2,182.00

The average construction site is an ever-changing, bustling place that can pose many hazards for employees. If the project is up to speed, you can find workmen from several different trades working in the same general vicinity, within close proximity of others. The hazards encountered on a jobsite can be from hand tools, power tools, or from the operation of heavy equipment. There are the risks from falls, improper excavation procedures fire, unsafe breathing atmospheres, and the hazard of electrical shock. All of these situations are potentially dangerous and possibly lethal, if proper safety measures are not followed. Considering the fact that 20% of all work site fatalities are related to construction, the extra time it takes to create safe work practices is well worth the effort.

Grand total there were 12,434 Inspections performed by OSHA, with 39,427 Citations given.  OSHA fined a whopping grand total of $29,254,984.00 to Construction Companies and Contractors with LESS THAN 10 EMPLOYEES.  That's an average of $2,352.00 Per Fine Per Inspection.

Your company should be thoroughly covered with a written safety program whether you have 1 employee or 1,000 employees.  The emphasis on safety in the culture of your business can help you avoid these fines.  If you need information on preventing these types of fine, please contact the experts at Safety Services Company.

 

Grain handling facilities can be extremely hazardous and you need to take all appropriate steps to ensure safety. In this article I want to go over training, safety, emergency procedures, and entry into the grain storage facilities. In upcoming articles I will discuss many other important things you need to know when working in the grain handling industry. If you have any comments, questions or information you would like to share, please let me know. You safety and well-being are the reason I write.

Training :

Training for an employee who enters grain storage structures includes training about engulfment and mechanical hazards and how to avoid them. Hot work permit. The employer shall issue a permit for all hot work, with the following exceptions. Where the employer or the employer's representative is present while the hot work is being performed. In welding shops authorized by the employer. In hot work areas authorized by the employer which are located outside of the grain handling structure. The permit shall certify that the requirements contained in have been implemented prior to beginning the hot work operations. The permit shall be kept on file until completion of the hot work operations.

Entry into grain storage structures :

This paragraph applies to employee entry into bins, silos, tanks, and other grain storage structures. Exception: Entry through unrestricted ground level openings into flat storage structures in which there is no toxicity, flammability, oxygen-deficiency, or other atmospheric hazards. The term "grain" includes raw and processed grain and grain products in facilities. The following actions must be taken before employees enter bins, silos, or tanks. The employer shall issue a permit for entering bins, silos, or tanks unless the employer or the employer's representative is present during the entire operation. The permit shall certify that the precautions have been implemented prior to employees entering bins, silos or tanks. The permit shall be kept on file until completion of the entry operations. All mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment which presents a danger to employees inside grain storage structures shall be turned off and shall be disconnected, The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank shall be tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents when the employer believes they may be present. Additionally, the atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank must be tested for oxygen content unless there is continuous natural air movement or a continuous forced-air ventilation system before and during the period employees are inside. If the oxygen level is less than 19.5% or if combustible gas or vapor is detected in excess of 10% of the lower flammable limit, or if toxic agents are present in excess of the ceiling values from effecting self-rescue or communication to obtain assistance, the following provisions apply. Ventilation shall be provided until the unsafe condition or conditions are eliminated, and the ventilation shall be continued as long as there is a possibility of recurrence of the unsafe condition while the bin, silo, or tank is occupied by employees. If toxicity or oxygen deficiency cannot be eliminated by ventilation, employees entering the bin, silo, or tank shall wear an appropriate respirator. Respirator use shall be in accordance with the requirements.

"Walking down grain" and similar practices where an employee walks on grain to make it flow within or out from a grain storage structure, or where an employee is on moving grain, are prohibited. Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employer shall equip the employee with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain's chair that meets the requirements. The lifeline shall be so positioned, and of sufficient length, to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain.

The employer shall provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered. The employee acting as observer shall be trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance Employees shall not enter bins, silos, or tanks underneath a bridging condition, or where a buildup of grain products on the sides could fall and bury them. Entry into flat storage structures. Products of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, all equipment which presents a danger to that employee (such as an auger or other grain transport equipment) shall be turned off, and shall be disconnected.    
                                                                                            
The employer shall explain the applicable provisions of the emergency action plan to all employees. The employer shall develop and implement a written housekeeping program that establishes the frequency and method best determined to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces. In addition, the housekeeping program for grain elevators shall address fugitive grain dust accumulations at priority housekeeping areas. Priority housekeeping areas shall include at least the following: Floor areas within 35 feet (10.7 m) of inside bucket elevators, Floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment, Floors of enclosed areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility. The employer shall immediately remove any fugitive grain dust accumulations whenever they exceed 1/8 inch (.32 cm) at priority housekeeping areas. The use of compressed air to blow dust from ledges, walls, and other areas shall only be permitted when all machinery that presents an ignition source in the area is shut-down, and all other known potential ignition sources in the area are removed or controlled. Grain and product spills shall not be considered fugitive grain dust accumulations. However, the housekeeping program shall address the procedures for removing such spills from the work area. Truck or railcar receiving-pits, shall be covered by grates. The width of openings in the grates shall be a maximum of 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). All fabric dust filter collectors which are a part of a pneumatic dust collection system shall be equipped with a monitoring device that will indicate a pressure drop across the surface of the filter.

Emergency action plan. The employer shall develop and implement an emergency action plan meeting the specific requirements. The employer shall provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards. Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work, shall be trained in at least the following. General safety precautions associated with the facility, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations and common ignition sources such as smoking; and Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures. Employees assigned special tasks, such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances shall be provided training to perform these tasks safely.

Let me know if you find this information useful, the recent explosion at the sugar plant in Georgia really opened my eyes and as I did further research I found many other incidents of injury and death associated with dust and vapor explosions. You can’t be too safe, be alert, be cautious, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your co-workers. Be safe out there…

(Image Credits : "harvesting wheat" by imagesnz, "grain silos" by Living in Monrovia)

OSHA now offers RSS feeds of it's news content for your reading pleasure.  This is a great tool to keep up to date on recent updates and postings, as well as to take advantage of the extensive resources which often go unnoticed on the OSHA website.

For those of you who don't know, an RSS feed is simply the technical name for a feed of information.  It can help to get you the information you want without having to go to several websites to get it.

To read and subscribe to these feeds, you can either download an RSS Reader, or you can use your mail client to receive these updates.  Click on the links below for tutorials on how to setup your Outlook to receive RSS updates :

• Windows Users (XP, ME, 2000, Vista, etc)
       - How to Setup Outlook to Receive RSS Updates (Microsoft)
• Mac Users (10.5.x+)
       - Using Mail to Receive RSS Updates (AppleInsider)

Click here for other RSS Reader Programs

Currently the only RSS feed available is the major news releases, however more should be added in the future, according to Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.  These future releases can be found on the RSS section of the OSHA Website, located at http://www.osha.gov/rss

Additionally, you can subscribe to OUR RSS Feed while you're at it!



Other OSH Related RSS Feeds :

• CDC (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - RSS
• USMWF (The Weekly Toll) - RSS
• Home Safety Council - RSS
• David Wright (IAmWright) - RSS
• General Safety (Yahoo) - RSS

OSHA has launched a sub-site dedicated completely to providing safety information for the working teenagers of the US.  What is already there is full of great information and it's all posted in an easy to read format.  The current content includes a Teen Safety Fact Sheet and an article on Building a Safe Work Foundation.  There are also miscellaneous sub-sections for parents, educators and employers.  According to the site, they will provide answers to questions 'often asked by the working teen', details about workers right's and responsibilities as well as links to other educational resources.

This comes not a moment to soon, as recent figures indicate that an average of 70 teens a year die in work related injuries. (citation)

Among the recommendations for employers, listed are the following :
1. Pay special attention to the applicable laws of the FLSA.
     - The types of jobs and the hours available for teens to work are restricted by these laws.
     - Of course, all laws indicated in the OSH Act apply as well.
2. Providing specialized training to ensure youth are aware of hazards and are competent in safe work practices.
3. Assigning supervisors to keep watch over teens and ensure they are following safe practices.
4. Stressing Safety, and encouraging teens to ask questions when they are unsure about anything.
5. Develop a Safety and Health Program which involves the whole team.  Safety programs are essential in minimizing workplace accidents and ensuring OSHA compliance.

You can find a complete list of fact sheets which outline the laws that may apply to your industry type at the Department of Labor Fact Sheet Page.

Other helpful resources include a 12 page pocket manual called "The Employers Guide to Youth Employment" and a NIOSH analysis of Child Fatality Reports from 2007