OSHA Proposes New Limits on Silica Exposure

In August 2013, OSHA announced a proposed rule that would lower the worker exposure to crystalline silica. This deadly dust often occurs in common workplace operations such as construction work involving cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, rock and stone. Silica can also be found in glass manufacturing and sand blasting. Worker can inhale the dust from particles in the air. Repeat exposure can cause fatal lung diseases including silicosis and lung cancer.

Prior to the new proposed rule, the guidelines of the exposure limit dated to the 1960s. Since then, numerous studies have shown an increase of lung cancer among silica-exposed workers. A 2012 federal study demonstrated that a growing number of workers in the energy industry were increasingly at risk of being exposed to silica dust due the recent domestic oil and gas boom brought on by hydraulic fracturing.  This study also found that hydraulic fracturing workers were exposed to 10 times the current permissible level of silica. The new proposed rule would limit the exposure to crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter in the workplace. OSHA is estimating that if adopted as a standard, its proposed rule would save nearly 700 lives and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis annually.

Until a final silica standard is issued, there are several OSHA standards that employers are required to comply with that can help protect workers exposed to silica dust.  For example:

• General Safety and Health Provisions Standard (1926.20) addresses the employee’s general right to a safe workplace.
• Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts and Mists Standard (1926.55(a)) lists the airborne levels of substances that would make a workplace hazardous.
• The Ventilation Standard (1926.57) must be consulted for specific requirements about removing silica dust from a worker’s breathing zone.
•  For worker training requirements about silica hazards, the Hazard Communication Standard (1926.59) applies, which is identical to 1910.1200.
• If respirators are required on-the-job, then employers must comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (1926.103), which is identical to 1910.134.

SafetySkills online safety training courses can assist you and your company with the proper awareness level safety training. The silica awareness course addresses standard 1926.55 and will demonstrate to the learner the health effects associated with crystalline silica exposure, and measures that can be taken to eliminate or minimize crystalline silica exposure on the job. The hazard communication course assists the employer in meeting OSHA standard 1910.1200 and complies with the December 2015 GHS final implementation. The respiratory protection course covers the general requirements for respiratory protection which is outlined in 29 CFR 1910.132 and some of the training requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134. 

Personal Protective Equipment - PPE Care and Maintenance

Protective clothing has numerous standards depending on the wearer’s industry. While personal protective equipment, or PPE’s, purpose is to protect the wearer from chemical, physical and biological hazards, it is important to know that no single combination of protective equipment and clothing is capable of protecting you against all hazards. OSHA states that protective clothing should be used in conjunction with other protective methods. For example, engineering or administrative controls to limit chemical contact with personnel should always be considered as an alternative measure for preventing chemical exposure. The use of protective clothing can itself create significant wearer hazards, such as heat stress, physical and psychological stress, in addition to impaired vision, mobility, and communication. In general, the greater the level of chemical protective clothing, the greater the associated risks. For any given situation, equipment and clothing should be selected that provide an adequate level of protection.

PPE can ultimately save the wearer’s life is used properly. It is important to maintain proper care and upkeep of your company’s PPE for continuous wear and protection.

Some tips and considerations are:

• Cleaning and care instructions are provided with each piece of PPE and should be carefully followed. For example, modern fog resistant eye protection will be scratched and quickly rendered useless if cleaned by wiping with paper towels.
•  As an employer, you are obligated by regulatory standards to ensure that PPE is maintained in clean and sanitary condition.
• Modifications should not be made to PPE without the procedure being approved by the manufacturer.
•  Each employee should be required to perform a visual “quick check” on PPE before each use. This is especially true for chemical protective clothing, hardhats, fall protection, respirators and visibility garments.
• Some PPE, such as respirators, fall protection, and hardhats should be inspected by someone other than the user at least once per year.
• All PPE should be stored properly. Eye protection, respirators, and hearing protection require clean dust tight containers. These could be zip lock bags, pouches or cabinets. Goggles, face shields etc. should never be left hanging unprotected and dirty.
•  A company sponsored laundry program should be considered if the employees work in toxic materials that leave PPE heavily contaminated at the end of the day.
•  It is important to institute a well communicated company policy on when to replace and when to repair a piece of PPE.

For workplace training on the hazards present, the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE, please view these online safety training courses – Personal Protective Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment for Oil and Gas Personnel and Flame Resistant Clothing for the Oil and Gas Industry.

If you would like more information on SafetySkills and the course library of over 300 OSHA compliant course topics, please visit us at SafetySkills.com.

Earthquake Safety

Earthquake hazard is the unavoidable risk that an earthquake will disrupt daily activities or cause loss of property or life. The image below from the US Geological Survey, illustrate the areas within the United States with the highest to lowest earthquake hazard. An earthquake happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane. Most damage associated with earthquakes is caused by waves generated during the earthquake.

California is the area of the United States that has the most earthquakes. However, the strongest earthquakes recorded in the continental US were not in the West; they were centered in eastern Missouri near the border with Kentucky and Tennessee. In the winter of 1811-1812, a series of three earthquakes of magnitudes 8.4 to 8.7 and maximum intensities of XI occurred near New Madrid, Missouri. Although the risk for an earthquake may be low or high, dependent on your area, it is still important to be prepared.

What can you expect to happen in your house if an earthquake occurs?

Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. Look around your house for things that could fall or move.

Ask yourself if your kitchen cabinet doors could fly open and allow dishes to shatter on the floor.

Is your TV and other electronics fastened down and are shelves fastened to wall? Do you have hanging plants or light fixtures that might fall? Is there a heavy picture or mirror on the wall over your bed?

How can you prepare yourself for an earthquake?

· Identify the things in your house or work place that are unsecured. Items such as televisions, computers, bookcases, cabinet doors and furniture and be secured to help prevent injuries

· As with any emergency, make sure you have a plan in place. Make sure your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans, emergency contacts and emergency supplies

· Make a disaster kit. Disaster kits should include nonperishable food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit and cash

· Determine the structural integrity of your home. You may need to consider consulting a contractor to help identify problems such as inadequate foundations, unbraced walls, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes.

· Learn what to do in an earthquake. “Drop, Cover and Hold On” can help save lives and reduce injury or death. During an earthquake, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and hold onto it firmly.



For more emergency safety tips and online safety training courses, you may be interested in the SafetySkills Basic First Aid course, Emergency Action Plans for Office Employees course, Emergency Response course and the Severe Weather and Outdoor Work course.

                                         

For more information about SafetySkills and online safety training courses and plans available, please visit http://safetyskills.com.

Be Prepared for Hidden Dangers this Winter

As winter is kicking it into high gear it's important to be aware of the added risks that weather causes on and off the job. Winter risks aren't always directly associated with snow and ice. Here are a few hidden dangers to keep in mind this winter season.

• Heart Attack and Strokes - There are an estimated 53% more heart attacks in the winter than in the summer. This is true for all parts of the country, even those that do not receive any snow. It's the cold not just the snow that causes the heart to work harder.
• Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines - Strong winds that often accompany winter storms can knock down trees, telephone poles and power lines. Ice can build up on utility poles and power lines and can disrupt communication and knock out power for days.
• Roof Collapse under Weight of Snow - The greatest danger of collapse due to snow load is to buildings with flat roofs. Buildings with flat roofs do not allow the snow to slide off. Pitched roofs can hold more weight and have a greater tendency for snow to slide off or allow the melted water to run off.
• Chimney Fires - Over time, creosote, the sticky residue from burning wood, can build up causing a potentially fiery situation. Birds nests and fallen leaves can also cause blockages, forcing smoke back into your home. When your chimney is not in use, make sure the flue is closed securely to cut back on drafts and wasted energy.
• Frozen Pipes - Without proper insulation, frozen pipes could leave you water-less or even fighting with a burst pipe. Make sure that any exposed pipes are insulated. Additionally, make sure to seal up any holes in the home near pipes that allow frigid winds to blow around them.
• Car Battery Failure and Tire pressure - Cold weather can impair an aging battery's ability to start your car, especially in below freezing temperatures. Car batteries should be replaced every 3 years. Cold temperatures also effect the level of your tire pressure. The change in atmospheric pressure cause tires with plenty of air in the summer to deflate slightly in the winter.
• Hypothermia - Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it is able to produce it. Warning signs of hypothermia include increased shivering, slurred speech, impaired judgement, poor muscle coordination and in some cases even death. When having to be outside for long periods of time, it is important to dress appropriately. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Make sure to prepare with a outer jacket that repels water and protect your face and hands with hats, gloves and scarves.

SafetySkills is a leading provider for online safety training. To further protect yourself and employees this winter season, be sure to check out our Cold Stress in the Workplace course or Hazardous Driving Conditions.

Free Safety Course of the Month - Electrical Safety

If you haven't yet visited the SafetySkills website, then you are missing out on our free online safety training courses. Once you sign up for a free basic account with us, you then have access to 15 free safety courses focused on general industry safety topics. After completion of the course, you will be able to print out a free certificate of completion that includes your name, date and title of the course. The free account is perfect for individuals or small companies looking to train a few employees. In this month's Free Course Safety Spotlight, we are featuring Electrical Safety.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that electrical currents exposes workers to a serious, widespread occupational hazard; practically all members of the workforce are exposed to electrical energy during the performance of their daily duties, and electrocutions occur to workers in various job categories. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.

With the free Electrical Safety online safety course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge of potential hazards associated with electrical equipment in the workplace and how to minimize or eliminate those hazards. Employees will learn how to recognize the dangers of electricity, possible electrical injuries, and how to use standard hazard controls. This course covers topics related to basic electric safety as outlined in OSHA standards 1926.403, 1926.404, 1926.416, and 1926.417.

There is no need for people to be injured at the workplace because of improper training. To take the free Electrical Safety online course or to view our other free courses, please visit us at SafetySkills.com