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Safety Tip of the Week Archive
Understanding Body Armor
When it comes to understanding body armor there can be confusion over which type of body armor protects against which type of ammunition. Understanding the NIJ 0101.06 armor protection levels is clearly explained. The term "Bullet Proof" is a widely used term that is inaccurate and paints a picture that it cannot be penetrated. Any body armor has the potential to be penetrated. There are various levels of protection that must be adhered to in the law enforcement world. The (Justice Technology Information Center) JTIC Understanding NIJ 0101.06 Armor Protection Levels is a snapshot of the projectile threats and classification of body armor related to these threats. Here is NIJ complete info on Body Armor.
Eyewash Station Flushing Fluid Temperature
An eye wash station is necessary in all industries that handle chemicals and hazardous materials. The temperature of the flushing fluid is just as important outdoors as indoors. Most are concerned about the temperature in the winter going below 60 degrees and not being ANSI compliant, but another concern is the flushing fluid exceeding 100 degrees. This can happen in industrial areas without air conditioning and outdoors where sun exposure heats the water to uncomfortable levels. When installing an eye wash station, take into consideration all seasons and climate changes.
Silica- The New Asbestos
SILICA, SILICA, SILICA! As they say, it's the new asbestos! But really not so new. It has been hurting so many in the workforce for a very long time, since the early days of construction. OSHA's silica rule has been in effect for Construction since June 23, 2017 and for General & Maritime since June 23, 2018. This rule applies to anyone with exposure to respirable crystaline silica which causes silicosis which is a disabling incurable lung disease. Workers that use machines that generate this airborne dust when cutting or grinding need to protect themselves through engineering or with the proper PPE to block the respiration of the dust particles.
Look at this video about Silica Safety Awareness!
Lockout Tagout - Protect Your Employees From Hazardous Energy
Lockout and Tagout of your machinery is a procedure that goes hand in hand. A tag should always accompany the lockout of any machine to verify who locked the machine out and when. If any of your employees maintain or service any machine, they should be protected against the unexpected startup or release of stored energy. In FY 2018, the number of lockout/tagout violations were number five of all OSHA violations handed out by OSHA and in 2017 there were 71 electrocutions in the US. There should be no excuse for not locking out equipment and there should be regular in-service meetings when a new piece of equipment comes into play. All new employees should be trained on the the lockout procedures of the company. Kina Repp knows all to well what happens when a machine is not locked out.
Confined Space - Follow the Rules
When is a confined space deemed as a "Confined Space"? It is an area where a body can enter but is not designed for continuous human occupancy. It has restricted or limited access or egress. It can be occupied but if it contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, the potential to engulf an entrant, or has the potential of extreme temperatures, fall hazards, electrical hazards and more, it should be deemed a PRCS (Permit Required Confined Space). If Oxygen levels go down to 19.5% or less go to 23.5% or more the space becomes hazardous. Testing with a gas monitor before entry is imperative and necessary to ensure the safety of your workers. Here is what OSHA says about Permit Required Confined Spaces.
Drones- Useful in the Right Circumstances
Drones for military use are an effective means of surveillance of an area that is unsafe and also a great way to avoid casualties. When it comes to OSHA, the use of drones is becoming more of a reality! Initially they were being used following worksite accidents and for areas that were considered too dangerous to enter. But now it is becoming an efficient way to scope out a facility for inspection. Currently OSHA can only use drones when it is agreed to by the employer. There is a fine line that OSHA or any organization should not cross so that its trade secrets cannot be compromised. Unless an emergency warrants the use of a drone or an employer agrees to the use of a drone during an inspection, then that strategy should be acceptable. Drone use is going to increase dramatically in the very near future. It just depends on how far the reach goes. When used as a helpful tool to help save lives and used as the first line of access to a hazardous situation, it can only benefit everyone. But there needs to be a rules so that rights are not violated. Read more in EHS Today about OSHA Drones.
Eye Wash Stations and Maintenance
Eye Wash Station inspections vary depend on what type of eyewash it is. When the eyewash is a plumbed unit attached to a building's water system, there needs to be a weekly inspection and the water needs to be flushed weekly to rid the water lines of debris and to also to inspect the water temperature is between 60 & 100 degrees fahrenheit. A portable plastic eyewash hung up on a wall needs to be visually inspected to ensure that the flushing fluid has not been deployed or leaked. Then there are cartridge types that also need a visual inspection to ensure that the fluid has not been deployed and that the expiration date has not been exceeded. Water temperature in the portable type relies on the temperature of the room it resides. Always monitor the temperature of the room or surroundings as changes in the seasons can change the temperature of the environment. Read more about the Emergency Eyewash Standard.
Whistleblower - Don't be Afraid When You See a Hazard
IF YOU SEE OR FEEL THAT YOU ARE IN A POSSIBLE UNSAFE SITUATION WHEN AT WORK, SAY SOMETHING!!! Sometimes time restraints to get a job done. pressure from a boss or simply being unaware that a task you are doing can make for an unsafe workplace can put you in jeopardy of serious injury. If you think or believe there is a hazard while doing your job, you should speak up. OSHA encourages individuals to speak up with its revised Whistleblower Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), CPL 02-03-008. The ADR process is an alternative to a whistleblower complaint investigation. The parties involved choose to participate in an early resolution and having a neutral OSHA whistleblower expert involved. Do not be afraid to speak up and express your concerns! OSHA's ADR Policy
Sleep Apnea - A Killer Behind the Wheel
Did you know 28% of truck drivers suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea? According to the National Safety Council, the cost of truck collisions related to sleep apnea is estimated at $15,900,000,000 (billion) a year. It is required that truck drivers get a medical examination to hold a CDL license. In that examination if it is deemed that a diagnosis prohibits a driver from being qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and apnea is found to be serious, then the doctor may not approve the driver to operate a commercial vehicle.
Hydration and Electrolyte Replacement in the Winter
Hydration is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Realizing that you are dehydrated when it is cold outside is more of a challenge. We perspire underneath the layers of clothing that keep us warm in the winter. Perspiration is absorbed by our clothing and we think we sweat only when it is hot outside. That is so far from the truth! When in an industrial setting in the winter months we need to be more aware of hydration. We tend to drink less and dehydration is less obvious. We are more prone to accidents in the workplace while operating machinery or working at a job site when we are dehydrated. Be aware of this possibility and remember that the temperature outside is not as important as the temperature inside of your body. To combat dehydration, look at the All Natural Sword Electrolyte Replacement products here!
Living in the CDS World
Cleaning, Disinfecting & Sanitizing! That seems the only thing we are preoccupied with for the last 14 months. Some predictions indicate that spending in the CDS world to increase from 5 billion dollars to over 8 billion dollars by 2028. We should all be better prepared for whatever or if ever something like this happens again whether it be a virus or any other contagion. Taking the "Just in Case" mentality is a healthy approach to the future but also done without breaking the bank. It costs so much more reacting to a bad scenario than being prepared for it. You save money, time and mainly lives! Read this about what the CDC says about cleaning and disinfecting.
Youth & Summer Camps Preparation in the Covid-19 World
We all remember that all youth camps in 2020 were cancelled and for a very good reason. At the time we were just learning on the havoc that this pandemic was unleashing, not only physically but also emotionally. We were all scared out of our minds. Placing your children in a camp was not even a consideration in 2020. Since then we have learned so much, we now have vaccines and we know that children are not as vulnerable as others. But we still need to think about how the protocols at camp need to be somewhat similar to the being in school. The difference is that the children will be outside as much as possible and that the threat of transmission is much less. But on the other hand, the activities tend to allow the children to come face to face when running an interacting. Just use common sense and the CDC is now recommending a distance of 3 feet. Read more about CDC's Guidance for Operating Youth Camps.
Students Preparing & Coming Back to School with Masks
As parents and teacher we all have to be reminded that our children and students need to be reminded and encouraged constantly on the dos and don'ts about mask wearing. We need to take that little extra time and effort to ensure that our children understand the basics. Some things we can do is to make sure we mark the child's name on the mask, check every morning that the mask is not broken or compromised, make sure it is clean an easy to breath out of and that the child knows how to put it on and take it off. We need to talk to them as parents and not assume the teachers are the only ones who bear this responsibility and visa versa. Here is a CDC checklist when planning to go Back to School.
To Be Vaccinated or Not to Be Vaccinated - That is the Question!
To Be Vaccinated or Not to Be Vaccinated - That is the Question!
Simply put - the benefits outweigh the risks! Though the jury is not out yet completely, it seems that vaccinating is the way to go. There are many individuals who are fearful and who have had reactions to vaccines in the past and their trepidation is recognized. But for those of us who simply have a fear without any real cause for alarm, the CDC does recommend vaccination. As far as receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC also says that the issues and reactions some women have had is very rare and the CDC still recommends the J & J vaccine. We are advancing forward and the fear is dissipating over both Covid and Vaccine fears. Let's all hope that this summer we all can relax a bit.
New Covid UK Variant B.1.1.7 Transmission in School Youth Sports Increasing
Transmission of the new Covid-10 UK variant, B.1.1.7 and other variants are becoming more widespread and the most common strain in the U.S. Sports that require close contact such as wrestling, hockey, basketball and other sports seem to be where the spread is coming from in schools, not so much in the classroom according to the CDC. Until the adolescents are vaccinated, we will need to be vigilant to follow the CDC guidelines for testing and prevention. Spend less time indoors if possible when playing sports and stay away from the locker rooms until the youth are vaccinated.
Additional Ventilation to Maximize Air Flow
Recirculating air serves its purpose as filtering air improves the air running though a school or building. But bringing fresh air into a room or if that is not possible have a smaller filtering unit to clean the air as the occupants are in the room. Some areas are especially vulnerable are nurse's offices or isolation rooks where a person is being evaluated, There are compact blowers that can be set up to purge the room, large and small, and even gymnasiums. Click here for a summary of recent changes pertaining to the ventilation in buildings as explained by the CDC.
Vaccinations Are Working- Get it Done As Early as Possible
Studies are showing that receiving the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can reduce both asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections according to the CDC report this week. They are saying that the vaccinations are working and that the vaccinations will be a key tool to end the Covid-19 pandemic. Results are showing that within two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine the person is fully vaccinated as found with Phase 3 clinical trials conducted. Click here for a more in depth explanation by the CDC.
Opening Up in the Covid-19 and Post Covid-19 World in Schools
As we all know our entire world has been affected by this "unforeseen" pandemic. The word unforeseen is used because though the possibility of this happening was never truly realized, it was staring right at us ready to disrupt us at any given time. The pandemic made us realize that we should not take our lives for granted. We should always remain vigilant but at the same time move on with life. Our approach to protection has changed remember to make decisions that lead with common sense. The CDC recommends many things to reduce the spread of germs through cleaning and disinfecting, handwashing, social distancing in schools. Follow this CDC Guideline for Schools and reopen your schools when it makes common sense while doing the right things to reduce the spread.
