Author: CIO

Guidelines for Fire Prevention and Protection

• Place an adequate number of properly rated and type of fire extinguishers at each work site.
• Never lay or pile material in a manner where it covers or obstructs access to firefighting equipment.
• Never store combustible materials within 10 feet of a building or other structure.
• Use only approved containers and portable tanks for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquid.
• Keep storage areas free of combustible materials.
• Place all firefighting equipment at convenient and accessible locations throughout the work-site.
• Inspect all fire extinguishers monthly and maintain properly.
• Evaluate work area for fire hazards prior to performing any work.

Conclusion:

Fire in the workplace has the potential to cause serious bodily injury and/or extensive property damage.  Because of this constant risk, it is beneficial for everyone to know what to do to keep the risk of a fire to a minimum.  Also notify all personnel of the appropriate evacuation procedures and emergency response procedures to take when a fire starts.

Questions:

1. In case of a fire, any fire extinguisher will do, True or False?
2. Fire extinguishers should be inspected how often?

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Hydration

“To supply water to a person in order to restore or maintain a balance of fluids.”

We’ve all experienced it at some point when working  hard – fatigue sets in, your mouth feels dry and your legs are heavy and maybe you even get a headache. These are all common signs of dehydration.

When you are working hard, body fluid is lost through sweat. If the fluid lost through sweat is not replaced, dehydration and early fatigue are unavoidable. Losing even 2% of body fluids (less than 3.5 pounds in a 180-pound person) can impair performance by increasing fatigue and affecting cognitive skills. During the summer heat it’s easy for to become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough fluids to replace what is lost in sweat.

However, dehydration can easily be prevented

• When to drink: Ensure you drink before you start working, trying to catch-up for lost fluids after a period of time is very difficult. Also, drink before you get thirsty. By the time you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated, so it’s important to drink at regular intervals, 8 ounces of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes – especially when it is hot outside.
• What to drink: Water is truly one of the best things to drink. Research also shows that a lightly flavored beverage with a small amount of sodium encourages people to drink enough to stay hydrated. The combination of flavor and electrolytes in a sports drink like Gatorade* provides one of the best choices to help you stay properly hydrated. (*Remember to drink 3 waters for every Gatorade).
• What not to drink: During activity, avoid drinks with high sugar content such as soda and even fruit juices. These are slow to absorb into the body. Also alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. (Energy drinks are banned on all locations anyway).

Many people ask how much to drink and that truly depends on your activity level and how much your body is losing fluids. In general, when you are working and sweating, you should drink at least every half-hour, at a minimum. Ensure you are drinking enough to replace your lost fluids. A good rule of thumb from a wise man says: “if you aren’t urinating, you’re not drinking enough”.

Questions:

1. How often should you drink water or fluids?
2. What’s the recommended ratio of Gatorade to water?

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Incident or Near Miss?

What determines if an event is an incident or a near miss?  Perhaps the following will help.

You are walking across location, and you come upon a 2X4 laying in the dirt with a nail sticking up.  You pick up the board, carry it over to the dumpster and put it in.  This is an unsafe location, but is not an incident, nor a near miss.  This does not have to be reported on an incident/near miss form, but should be documented on a Stop Card.

Same scenario, but this time you step on the board a few inches away from the nail.  This is a near miss, and MUST be reported on an incident/near miss form.

Same scenario, but this time you step on the board and the nail goes through your boot and foot.  This is an incident and also MUST be reported on an incident/near miss form.

Any injury, not matter how small, MUST be reported on an incident/near miss form.

Why report incidents and near misses?  If you do not report an incident, then you may be denied a worker’s compensation claim for an injury that happened while you were on the job.  Reporting a near miss means that the problem can and will be corrected so that it doesn’t become an incident. The life you save by reporting incidents and near misses, may be your own!

Conclusion:

All incidents, near misses, and unsafe actions must be reported, period!  Even if you are not sure, report it.  All injuries are incidents. Use this form to report them immediately.

Questions:

1. Closing the tailgate on the truck you smash your fingers.  Incident or near miss?
2. You are walking to the port-a-potty on location and a forklift driver almost hits you.  Incident or near miss?

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Be aware of your surroundings – Some of the most mundane situations can be hazardous when you are not taking that extra second to check your surroundings.  You get in your truck and move it, only to run over something.  You back up your vehicle without having a spotter, and hit something.  These examples and many more can easily be avoided.  A simple walk-around before moving any vehicle or equipment will find problem areas and allow you to correct them.  While efficiency and multi-tasking are excellent qualities to possess and utilize, the pay-off is not worth the trouble when putting yourself and others in the line of injury.  Even if you’re just repositioning your truck/equipment, take the few seconds to ensure hazards and/or people are not an issue.  Those few seconds could keep you and others from lifelong injuries.

Wear personal protective equipment or PPE – Your job at XPAT requires PPE such as safety glasses, steel toed shoes, gloves to protect against sharp edges, heat, or germs.  Do you keep your PPE handy and in proper working order?  Improper use of PPE can be as bad as not wearing it.  PPE is your last line of defense from the hazards it protects against.  Scars, sickness, and missing fingers can be avoided more often than not.

Know the rules – Along with attending orientation and mandatory classes, pay attention, take notes and know where to get information.  Knowing where to get information when necessary can save time, money and frustration.  Whether it’s health, safety, security, or regulation knowing what to do, how to document, and how to communicate to the next person or shift could mean the difference of something as important as keeping someone from disease or injury.  Ensure you know how to handle tasks, communication, and where to obtain further information when necessary.

Be prepared for work – Life comes at us fast.  No matter what, do the best you can to get rest and keep your head in the game.  Distractions and fatigue are our occupations sworn enemies.  No one wants a sleepy surgeon and we shouldn’t have to concern ourselves with whether or not the car we are interested in buying was built on a Monday or a Friday.  Take a few minutes at the start of your work day or any project/task and breathe.  Focus on getting through your duties as safely and successfully as possible.  You will want to stay healthy to deal with the rest of what life offers.

Report unsafe conditions – When something is wrong, say something.  It seems like we never have enough time.  The time it takes to report issues, whatever amount of time that may be, could save the time it takes to clean up a spill, fix equipment, and of course heal from accident and/or injury.  Be aware of possible process improvement.  When you are reporting an issue and you have a suggestion how to resolve the issue short or long term, offer your suggestion.  If you see a co-worker performing in an unsafe manner, let them know.  They may not realize something is missing or there is a safe way to perform a task.  Sharing ideas is a positive act and any responsible manager, management team, or team member will appreciate the fact that you are concerned and observant.

Conclusion:

Only you can reduce injuries and incidents by always being aware of your surroundings.

Questions:

1. It is XPAT policy to do what BEFORE moving any vehicle or equipment?
2. Why should I report unsafe conditions?

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What near miss?

There are a number of common reasons why people don’t report near misses. One is that we don’t want to get into trouble with a supervisor or fellow worker. Another reason might be embarrassment. Nobody likes to admit to being part of an incident or close call. Or we might find it is too much trouble to report it – forms to fill out, questions to answer.

Of course, none of these reasons amount to much when you consider that reporting a close call might save a co-worker from serious injury or death. Imagine what it would be like to watch a buddy die because of a hazard which you knew about but did not report. Think about it – what if you were the only one who knew materials were being stacked unsafely, because just last week you had to jump out of the way of a falling object? How would you feel if another worker was crushed and killed when the stack collapsed again?

When an accident occurs and someone is injured or killed, chances are someone else knew that the hazards existed. Think about that. Someone else probably had a hunch that the brakes were worn out, or the emergency exit was blocked, or the chemical container was in a position to be knocked over or whatever . . .How do you think that person will feel after an accident occurs? Chances are, they’ll wish they had reported the hazard.

Conclusion:

Report all near misses to XPAT Safety, no matter how small you think they are using an electronic incident report form, located here.

Questions:

1. What do we prevent by reporting ALL “near misses”?
2. What do I use to report “near misses”?

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A week ago we had a weekly safety meeting about the hidden dangers of aerosol cans.  Today we are following up with the proper disposal procedures.

Leftover materials in partially filled cans may qualify as hazardous waste. If a can is found to be inoperative or malfunctioning, returning it to the supplier will prevent the user from having to treat it as hazardous waste. Cans that are completely empty of both propellant and product are not considered to be hazardous waste, and may be recyclable.

Things to consider when disposing of aerosol cans:

• If there are leftovers in the can, consider using the product up, or giving it to someone else who can use it.
• Cans that contain hazardous wastes should be placed in a closed container indicating that the waste is hazardous. The labeling should indicate the type of waste and the date when the container began to be used. Keep records of when and how the waste was disposed or recycled.
• Due to explosion hazards, aerosol cans should never be placed in/near fires or heated locations.
• Pressurized cans should never be punctured or compacted without the proper equipment. Puncture or compaction of a container under such great pressure could not only lead to serious injury, but environmental exposure of the contents of the container.

Conclusion:

Empty aerosol cans are safe for the trash; however, leftovers should be brought to a local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.

Questions:

1. Even though the aerosol can is empty, it is still considered hazardous waste.  True or False?
2. True or False, it’s OK to puncture the aerosol can to empty it?

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These same rules apply to fire extinguishers & flammable materials stored in cans also.

Working with Aerosol Cans

Workers face three general types of hazards when working with aerosol cans.

The first of these is the pressurization. As long as the can and the dispensing device remain intact, aerosol cans are safe. But any number of problems, such as a puncture, a faulty valve, excessive temperatures, or corrosion can result in unintended depressurization. In the most severe cases, aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, and any flammable materials in a can may explode, burning nearby workers and showering them with steel shrapnel.

The second hazard is the actual product being dispensed by the can. Often, these products are inherently hazardous, such as in the case of insecticides. Others may contain hazardous substances, such as the concentrated solvents found in some paints or cleaners. In fact, some cans that are partially empty may be legally considered to be hazardous wastes.

Finally, if either the propellant or the product it delivers is flammable, the aerosol can creates a fire hazard. Safe Work Practices: As with most hazards, the first steps in reducing the dangers associated with aerosol cans is to eliminate their use in the workplace where possible. If workers do use aerosol cans, they should be familiar with the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the material and use the cans according to directions. Personal protective equipment or additional ventilation may be required.

Aerosols, when kept in overheated conditions, can become volatile and explosive. Many aerosol cans, whatever the contents, warn explicitly against keeping them in areas of direct sunlight or where the temperature reaches 120 degrees F or more. During the summer, the inside of a vehicle can reach 130 degrees F or hotter. At these temperatures, aerosols become over-pressurized and can explode at any time. Aerosol cans should always be stored in dry areas where they will not be exposed to excessive temperatures.

Remember that the same rules apply to fire extinguishers & flammable materials stored in cans also.

Conclusion:

Read the SDS on all chemicals and aerosols.  Keep aerosols, fire extinguishers, & any flammable materials stored in a can, out of direct sunlight and stored in areas where temperatures do not exceed 120 degrees F.

Questions:

1. List 3 hazards when working with aerosol cans
2. What is the maximum temperature for storing aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, or any flammable materials in a can?

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Ten Rules to Preserve Ten Fingers

1. Beware of pinch points. Train yourself to recognize pinch points and avoid placing your hands and fingers in such hazardous spots.
2. Expect the unexpected. When using wrenches and other hand tools, with which you expect resistance, anticipate that the tool might slip or the object to which pressure is being applied may suddenly give way.
3. Inspect tools. Check to see if they are in good condition and safe to use.
4. Do not work on moving equipment. If the equipment can be stopped, do so. Working on moving equipment presents a real threat to hands and fingers.
5. Replace machine guards following repairs that require removal of guards. The presence of machine guards is an important factor in keeping hands and fingers out of dangerous areas.
6. Be mindful of equipment that starts automatically. Never work on such equipment without first eliminating the possibility of automatic startup.
7. De-energize electrical equipment prior to working on it. Flash burns caused by electrical equipment shorting out is a threat to hands and fingers when work around such equipment is being performed.
8. Be mindful when closing doors. Keep hands and fingers clear.
9. Avoid touching lines or equipment that is hot. Every hot line or hot piece of equipment is a potential source of painful injury to any hand or finger that comes in contact with it.
10. If the work being performed requires gloves, use them. Gloves offer protection from sharp objects, wood and metal splinters, acids, electrical burns, chemicals, and many other sources of injury.

Conclusion:

If you want to keep all your fingers, you need to keep your head in the game.

Questions:

1. What should you do to electrical equipment prior to working on it?
2. What should you train yourself to recognize?

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Beginning and Ending with Safety

The goal of safety is to begin the day, and end the day safely.  Safety must be your first thought as you drive to the job, and your last thought as you leave the job.

To think safety, first, last, and in-between ask yourself:

• What is my best, safest route to the job-site?  Is the vehicle properly maintained and safe to drive?
• Do I have all the equipment I will need to do the job safely?
• What methods will be used at the job-site today to complete the work?  What will be required to do the job safely?
• What PPE will be necessary to accomplish the job safely?
• What tools are necessary to complete the work?  Is everyone using the tools properly trained?
• Do any tools or equipment require special training or certification?
• Inspect the necessary tools for defects.
• Inspect the job-site.  Look for any changes or hazards which you may be unaware of.
• Make sure all personnel understand what the days work will encompass.  Do your JSA’s.
• Practice good housekeeping.  Keep the job-site clean and eliminate any possible hazards as they arise.
• Stay alert throughout the job.  Be aware at all times of what is happening around you, and around your co-workers.
• Upon completion of the day’s job, be sure to properly clean and store all tools and equipment in a dry, secure place for future use.
• Make sure any barricades or guards required are in place before leaving the job-site.
• Will I need any special tools or equipment to accomplish the work safely tomorrow?
• What is my best, and safest route home?

Conclusion:

Think safety first, last, and every moment in-between.  Planning and attention to detail pays off in a safer, more efficient job.  Incidents are usually a result of lack of attention or lack of planning, and are preventable almost 100% of the time.

Questions:

1. What’s the first thing you should do as you enter your vehicle to go to work?
2. What’s the most dangerous part of your day?

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Dangers of Energy Drinks Safety Talk

Caffeine is commonly used in today’s society to get more energy or to feel more alert. While coffee has been around for hundreds of years and is still the most common caffeinated drink in the world, energy drinks have been gaining in popularity over the past few decades.

Energy Drink Background

The first energy drink was created in 1927 to serve as an energy source for cold and flu patients. The drink was called Lucozade and the 1983 version of the drink only had 46mg of caffeine in it. The modern energy drink we are used to today was not created until 1987 when Redbull was born from a similar energy drink found in Thailand. Redbull was first introduced into the United States in 1997 and energy drink consumption has been increasing ever since.

Energy Drink Hazards

Overconsumption of caffeine and other energy producing ingredients found in energy drinks such as taurine can lead to health issues. In a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, emergency room visits due to energy drinks doubled from 10,000 visits in 2007 to over 20,000 visits in 2011. 58% of the visits resulted from energy drinks only and the other 42% were with a combination of another drug such as prescription pills or alcohol. Another study focused on cases that involved heart abnormalities like irregular heartbeat, while some documented neurological problems like seizures. According to the researcher, “Animal studies have shown that caffeine and taurine, both common energy drink ingredients, intensify each other’s effects. That may cause calcium to build up in the heart cells, which can cause those vessels to constrict.”

Common Energy Drink Caffeine Amounts

Many experts believe daily caffeine consumption is perfectly fine for healthy adults. The Mayo Clinic states that up to 400mg a day of caffeine appears safe for most individuals. Energy drink caffeine levels very greatly and consumers must also take into account the additive effect of other ingredients such as taurine. Some common energy drinks and their caffeine amounts:

Redbull 12oz-   111mg
Monster 16oz- 160mg
Rockstar 16oz- 160mg

Other Considerations Before Drinking Energy Drinks

While the levels of the above energy drinks are well under the 400mg mark, there are other considerations you must take into account.

• None of our clients allow energy drinks on location, nor in the truck that you drive to location. DO NOT get caught with these in your possession on location.
• Know the content of caffeine from other sources such as coffee or soda that you may be drinking during the day.
• Know your limit when it comes to caffeine. Some people are more sensitive to it than others.
• Consider what kind of work you will be doing. Intense labor work can already been putting a strain on your heart and body before adding in an energy drink.
• Consider your working environment. Drinking energy drinks before working in a hot or stressful working environment may not be the best choice.

Conclusion

Hydrate with water, not energy drinks. Our clients require that you neither consume or possess energy drinks on location.

Be aware of what you are putting into your body. While all experts do not condemn drinking energy drinks, most recommend consuming no more than one per day. Energy drinks can have negative side effects and put you more at risk for heart troubles especially for those working intense labor jobs or in stressful work environments.

Questions

1. Can you drink energy drinks on location?
2. Can you have energy drinks in your truck on location?
3. Can energy drinks put extra strain on your heart when doing intense physical labor? True or False?

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