Last time, we took a look at confined spaces, and I wanted to explore it a little further in this post.
Once the employer has determined that a space meets all the requirements in the OSHA standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces, a few roles have to be filled if employees intend to enter the space. The Permit itself will also contain the names of the relevant employees. Training must be provided to designated employees prior to the entry.
The first designated employee will be the Entrant. Entrants are the employees that will perform whatever task is required in the confined space. The authorized entrants are the only employees that may enter the confined space during normal (non-rescue) operations. They should be aware of the relevant hazards to the confined space, as well as the task they intend to perform. They must also stay in contact with the Attendant while they perform their tasks in the confined space. Communication methods will vary, depending on the exact nature of the space, but the main requirement is that the attendant must be able to effectively communicate emergency information back and forth with the entrants.
Next on the list is the Attendant. The attendant is an employee stationed outside a permit-required confined space to convey information to and from the entrants. The attendant must also be aware of the exact nature of the hazards that may be present in the confined space. The attendant may not perform any task that interferes with his primary role as the attendant, but may perform ancillary tasks such as air-monitoring or passing tools back and forth to the entrants. The attendant has the main authority to evacuate the confined space if a threat is detected, so, again, effective communication is paramount. The attendant will also be in the best position to summon emergency help if it becomes necessary. The attendant must not enter the confined space for any reason, and may not leave the space unless properly relieved by another attendant.
The last role that must be designated by the employer is that of the Entry Supervisor. The entry supervisor is the person responsible for coordinating the entry. This is the employee that will make sure that the permit is properly filled-out, that attendant and entrants are designated, and assume responsibility for ensuring that procedures related to the entry are followed. The entry supervisor’s duties are mostly administrative in nature, and this employee may not be physically on the jobsite where the entry occurs. The attendant and the entry supervisor might even be designated as the same person. The entry supervisor, like the attendant may not enter the confined space, although either may perform non-entry rescue.
Through effective hazard recognition and reduction techniques, entry into permit-required confined spaces may be made safely and efficiently. Training and detailed programs and procedures are also required both for regulatory compliance, and employee safety. Employers who demonstrate dedication to these practices benefit from reduced injuries and related costs.
-Jason
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Confined Space Training
One of the more common training types our company has been asked to perform over the last year or so, has been Confined Space Training. Requests come from very diverse sources; from an oil refinery in the Bahamas, to a slaughterhouse outside of Amarillo, TX. (I’ll leave you to guess which of those I taught personally, and which I didn’t!) The one thing they all have in common, is the fact that they recognized the need for confined space training, and understood that OSHA requires employers to provide relevant training to employees exposed to hazards on the job.
The first part of the process is to determine if employees will be exposed to confined spaces on the job. Even if employees will not actually enter the confined spaces onsite, awareness training regarding the hazards may still be needed. Under OSHA guidelines, a confined space:
“(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.” - 29 CFR 1910.146(b)
A wide range of spaces may fit this description on a given jobsite, so it is important for each employer to assess the worksite to identify these confined spaces. Then next step is to determine if any of the confined spaces qualify as ‘Permit- Required Confined Spaces.’ Basically, if the confined space contains, or has the potential to contain, some other serious hazard (such as bad air, engulfment hazards, etc.) then it becomes a Permit space. You can consult OSHA’s 1910.146 standard for further guidance, or engage a safety consultant to help audit your particular jobsite and needs.
Either way, once the types of confined spaces have been identified, employers must provide training to employees to make them aware of potential hazards on the jobsite. The training should be relevant to the jobsite, and specific enough to address the controls and procedures that will be used on the jobsite. The type of rescue to be used will also play a key role in the extent of the training, because employers wishing to maintain their own onsite rescue teams must also train those teams in the proper use of additional equipment as well as provide practical exercises annually to retain proficiency.
Confined Spaces can be deadly. About 65% of fatalities in confined spaces occur because of bad air, and of those incidents, almost 100% have no air monitoring equipment or powered ventilation. Approximately 60% of deaths in confined spaces are would-be rescuers who lack the proper training to effectively assist a coworker, and about 29% of fatalities are supervisors. All of these statistics point to one thing: a lack of awareness of the hazards of confined spaces that could be mitigated through proper assessment of the workplace, and effective training of employees. Both easily addressed with the resources available to employers.
Stay tuned, and we will look at Permit-Required Spaces more closely in the future.
-Jason
The first part of the process is to determine if employees will be exposed to confined spaces on the job. Even if employees will not actually enter the confined spaces onsite, awareness training regarding the hazards may still be needed. Under OSHA guidelines, a confined space:
“(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.” - 29 CFR 1910.146(b)
A wide range of spaces may fit this description on a given jobsite, so it is important for each employer to assess the worksite to identify these confined spaces. Then next step is to determine if any of the confined spaces qualify as ‘Permit- Required Confined Spaces.’ Basically, if the confined space contains, or has the potential to contain, some other serious hazard (such as bad air, engulfment hazards, etc.) then it becomes a Permit space. You can consult OSHA’s 1910.146 standard for further guidance, or engage a safety consultant to help audit your particular jobsite and needs.
Either way, once the types of confined spaces have been identified, employers must provide training to employees to make them aware of potential hazards on the jobsite. The training should be relevant to the jobsite, and specific enough to address the controls and procedures that will be used on the jobsite. The type of rescue to be used will also play a key role in the extent of the training, because employers wishing to maintain their own onsite rescue teams must also train those teams in the proper use of additional equipment as well as provide practical exercises annually to retain proficiency.
Confined Spaces can be deadly. About 65% of fatalities in confined spaces occur because of bad air, and of those incidents, almost 100% have no air monitoring equipment or powered ventilation. Approximately 60% of deaths in confined spaces are would-be rescuers who lack the proper training to effectively assist a coworker, and about 29% of fatalities are supervisors. All of these statistics point to one thing: a lack of awareness of the hazards of confined spaces that could be mitigated through proper assessment of the workplace, and effective training of employees. Both easily addressed with the resources available to employers.
Stay tuned, and we will look at Permit-Required Spaces more closely in the future.
-Jason
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety
The Hazard Communication Standards, also known as the ‘Right-to Know’ standards are in place to ensure that workers have access to the information they need to safely work with chemicals in the workplace. Prior to implementation of the Hazcom standards, workers in America did not always have complete information about the chemicals around them, and as a result, many got sick, and many died from exposure to hazardous substances on the job. OSHA’s 1910.1200 addresses this issue.
Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can have greatly varied effects, depending on several variables, including relative toxicity, concentration of the chemical, time in contact, and route of entry. Personal factors such as age, general health, nutrition, and previous exposure can all take a role. Effects of chemicals be acute or chronic. In acute exposure, the effects of a chemical are noted immediately after exposure. Consider flooding a room with ammonia gas: people in the room would notice immediately, and begin coughing, experiencing burning in the eyes, and other immediate effects. Chronic effects are long-term effects that are not noted until months or years after the exposure. Amphibole asbestos exposure, for example, would produce no immediate effects in the body, and it would only be after years that the effects would begin to show.
One of the key aspects of the program, then, is that employers must furnish information about potential chemical hazards to employees, and this is done in several important ways. The first one is assessment of the hazards. Employers must audit the workplace in order to note what chemicals are in use, and what types of protections are required for employees. Then, the employer must communicate the hazards and the control methods to employees in training classes held on an annual basis. There are many resources available to help employers evaluate their workplace and determine effective hazard controls; OSHA, chemical manufacturers, chemical labels, trade magazines, safety consultants, and material safety data sheets can all provide valuable insight.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are informational documents provided by the chemical manufacturer or importer that describe the chemical’s physical characteristics, fire/explosion data, and health effects, among other things. Employers must catalog an MSDS for all chemicals in the workplace, (with a few exceptions) and make the MSDS’s available to employees at all times. The MSDS book must also be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains current, and that all chemicals in the workplace have a corresponding sheet.
Chemical safety in the workplace is an important part of any overall safety program. The elements of Hazcom are easy to implement, and with proper practices and quality training, incidents involving chemicals can be lessened, and injuries and illnesses can be greatly reduced.
-Jason
Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can have greatly varied effects, depending on several variables, including relative toxicity, concentration of the chemical, time in contact, and route of entry. Personal factors such as age, general health, nutrition, and previous exposure can all take a role. Effects of chemicals be acute or chronic. In acute exposure, the effects of a chemical are noted immediately after exposure. Consider flooding a room with ammonia gas: people in the room would notice immediately, and begin coughing, experiencing burning in the eyes, and other immediate effects. Chronic effects are long-term effects that are not noted until months or years after the exposure. Amphibole asbestos exposure, for example, would produce no immediate effects in the body, and it would only be after years that the effects would begin to show.
One of the key aspects of the program, then, is that employers must furnish information about potential chemical hazards to employees, and this is done in several important ways. The first one is assessment of the hazards. Employers must audit the workplace in order to note what chemicals are in use, and what types of protections are required for employees. Then, the employer must communicate the hazards and the control methods to employees in training classes held on an annual basis. There are many resources available to help employers evaluate their workplace and determine effective hazard controls; OSHA, chemical manufacturers, chemical labels, trade magazines, safety consultants, and material safety data sheets can all provide valuable insight.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are informational documents provided by the chemical manufacturer or importer that describe the chemical’s physical characteristics, fire/explosion data, and health effects, among other things. Employers must catalog an MSDS for all chemicals in the workplace, (with a few exceptions) and make the MSDS’s available to employees at all times. The MSDS book must also be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains current, and that all chemicals in the workplace have a corresponding sheet.
Chemical safety in the workplace is an important part of any overall safety program. The elements of Hazcom are easy to implement, and with proper practices and quality training, incidents involving chemicals can be lessened, and injuries and illnesses can be greatly reduced.
-Jason
Monday, March 14, 2011
Managing OSHA Inspections
Employers of every size and type must comply with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). While some of the provisions of the Act may seem burdensome, worker safety should be the highest priority, so it is in your best interests to comply as fully as possible with all applicable OSHA standards.
No matter how careful you are, there is always a chance that an OSHA official will conduct an inspection of the facility or jobsite. The following steps offer a guideline for what actions you should take when an inspection is made:
1. Review the Compliance Officer’s (CO's) credentials and determine the reason for the inspection, and whether or not you wish to allow it. Calling 1 (800) 321-OSHA will enable you to verify the inspector’s information.
2. Contact Comprehensive Safety Resource toll-free at (855) 215- 2736 to speak to one of our experienced occupational safety consultants regarding your situation.
3. Determine the CO's intended scope for the inspection, including: records to be reviewed, areas to be examined, tests to be conducted, and employees to be interviewed. Resolve any objections you have before continuing the inspection.
4. A manager or experienced company official should accompany the inspector at all times, especially during the walk-around phase of the inspection. It is beneficial to have the safety director or a safety consultant present, as well. Ensure that only the agreed upon areas are examined. Make note of all items reviewed by the inspector and any comments he or she makes.
5. If the CO points out a potential violation, record the precise circumstances of the condition, including the length of time the condition existed, names of exposed employees, potential for injury, and any facts ignored by the CO. When possible, make immediate corrections to the hazards and make note of the corrections, as well as documenting the abated area with a photograph. Always demonstrate a good faith effort to protect employees’ safety and health.
6. If possible, duplicate any photos and/or tests made by the CO. At a minimum, record the procedures and details used by the CO.
7. The Closing Conference will be used to discuss preliminary findings. This is the easiest time to correct misunderstandings.
INSPECTION DO’s
Tell the Truth
1 Promptly provide statutorily required documents/records
2 Take notes on everything the inspector says or examines
3 Take measurements and make drawings, or photograph them (if OSHA does)
4 Keep a record of employee interviews
5 Ask the inspector to explain perceived violations and look up applicable standard
INSPECTION DON’T’S
1 LIE
2 Admit knowledge of violations
3 Tell workers not to talk to OSHA
4 Agree that a violation exists
5 Provide non-statutorily required documents
6 Guess or speculate
WHEN THE CITATIONS ARRIVE
1. Read them carefully. Look for the assigned abatement dates. If you plan to contest, do it now.
2. Post the citations at or near each worksite involved for a minimum of three days or until the citations are abated.
3. Abate all citations within the prescribed period.
4. Address each citation formally in a response letter due to OSHA no later than the last assigned abatement date. Mail it as soon as possible.
5. Get ready for the next inspection. An OSHA follow-up inspection is possible.
APPEALING CITATIONS
Once the inspection is completed, OSHA has six months to issue citations, although they are typically issued much sooner. If citations are made, you will have 15 working days - beginning the day you receive the citations - to file a Notice of Contest appealing the citations. The Notice should be filed with Area Director of your local OSHA office. If there is any possibility that you may contest the citations, you should file the Notice. Failure to file the Notice in a timely fashion may result in losing any right to contest the citations. Contact Comprehensive Safety Resource, L.P. for assistance in appealing your citation. If you decide not to appeal, the Notice can be dropped without penalty prior to the hearing.
-Jason
No matter how careful you are, there is always a chance that an OSHA official will conduct an inspection of the facility or jobsite. The following steps offer a guideline for what actions you should take when an inspection is made:
1. Review the Compliance Officer’s (CO's) credentials and determine the reason for the inspection, and whether or not you wish to allow it. Calling 1 (800) 321-OSHA will enable you to verify the inspector’s information.
2. Contact Comprehensive Safety Resource toll-free at (855) 215- 2736 to speak to one of our experienced occupational safety consultants regarding your situation.
3. Determine the CO's intended scope for the inspection, including: records to be reviewed, areas to be examined, tests to be conducted, and employees to be interviewed. Resolve any objections you have before continuing the inspection.
4. A manager or experienced company official should accompany the inspector at all times, especially during the walk-around phase of the inspection. It is beneficial to have the safety director or a safety consultant present, as well. Ensure that only the agreed upon areas are examined. Make note of all items reviewed by the inspector and any comments he or she makes.
5. If the CO points out a potential violation, record the precise circumstances of the condition, including the length of time the condition existed, names of exposed employees, potential for injury, and any facts ignored by the CO. When possible, make immediate corrections to the hazards and make note of the corrections, as well as documenting the abated area with a photograph. Always demonstrate a good faith effort to protect employees’ safety and health.
6. If possible, duplicate any photos and/or tests made by the CO. At a minimum, record the procedures and details used by the CO.
7. The Closing Conference will be used to discuss preliminary findings. This is the easiest time to correct misunderstandings.
INSPECTION DO’s
Tell the Truth
1 Promptly provide statutorily required documents/records
2 Take notes on everything the inspector says or examines
3 Take measurements and make drawings, or photograph them (if OSHA does)
4 Keep a record of employee interviews
5 Ask the inspector to explain perceived violations and look up applicable standard
INSPECTION DON’T’S
1 LIE
2 Admit knowledge of violations
3 Tell workers not to talk to OSHA
4 Agree that a violation exists
5 Provide non-statutorily required documents
6 Guess or speculate
WHEN THE CITATIONS ARRIVE
1. Read them carefully. Look for the assigned abatement dates. If you plan to contest, do it now.
2. Post the citations at or near each worksite involved for a minimum of three days or until the citations are abated.
3. Abate all citations within the prescribed period.
4. Address each citation formally in a response letter due to OSHA no later than the last assigned abatement date. Mail it as soon as possible.
5. Get ready for the next inspection. An OSHA follow-up inspection is possible.
APPEALING CITATIONS
Once the inspection is completed, OSHA has six months to issue citations, although they are typically issued much sooner. If citations are made, you will have 15 working days - beginning the day you receive the citations - to file a Notice of Contest appealing the citations. The Notice should be filed with Area Director of your local OSHA office. If there is any possibility that you may contest the citations, you should file the Notice. Failure to file the Notice in a timely fashion may result in losing any right to contest the citations. Contact Comprehensive Safety Resource, L.P. for assistance in appealing your citation. If you decide not to appeal, the Notice can be dropped without penalty prior to the hearing.
-Jason
Monday, February 21, 2011
Preparing for OSHA Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with ensuring safety for workers in the United States. It is in your best interests to comply as fully as possible with all applicable OSHA standards. By implementing a preventative occupational safety and health program we achieve a number of valuable results.
By taking steps to reduce the incidence of employee injuries and illnesses, employers show employees that they care for their welfare. If properly communicated to employees, a good program can lead to increased loyalty, job satisfaction and productivity and to decreased turnover.
To secure a safe work place and fight rising costs associated with injuries ad illnesses, your defense is a good offense. By instituting a comprehensive safety program and by preparing yourselves in the event that an OSHA inspection does occur, you can strengthen your business both financially and productively.
It is helpful to know some of the common forms of documentation OSHA requests during inspections so that they can be prepared ahead of time for maximum benefit and compliance. Consider enlisting outside help if any of these areas are deficient a your workplace.
1. Safety Program – A written safety program is the cornerstone to any effective workplace safety plan. The program should be specific to the employer, and address hazards that are particular to the worksite. The program should be reviewed periodically to be sure that it addresses hazards in the workplace in a meaningful way. There are resources available to help prepare an effective document, so you should resist the urge to adopt a program from another company, or to copy a program from the internet.
2. Recordkeeping – Each employer with ten or more employees must keep records regarding workplace injuries and illnesses. These are commonly referred to by their form number – the 300 Logs. Employers must keep logs up to date with any injuries and illnesses that meet the criteria set forth in the standard. At the end of each calendar year, the information must be compiled into the Summary (300A) Log and posted conspicuously in February, March, and April. Summary logs must be posted at each jobsite that lasts longer than one year. The logs must also be archived for at least five years.
3. Training – It is incumbent on the employer to provide training to employees regarding the safe performance of their duties. Although documentation for most types of training is not strictly required by the standards, it is a very good practice to retain documentation for any training that employees receive, including dates, topics, and attendees. Be especially aware of the requirements for specialized training like, powered industrial trucks, crane certifications, respirator use, hearing protection, etc. If you are not sure if your workplace requires specialized training, contact Comprehensive Safety Resource to schedule an audit of your jobsite.
4. Hazard Communication – Each employer must keep copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for most chemicals in use in the workplace available to employees. It is important that MSDS’s are reviewed at least annually to ensure that they are up to date and accurate.
No matter how careful we are, there is always a chance that an OSHA official will conduct an inspection of the facility or jobsite. OSHA may carry out an inspection for any of the following five reasons, in order of priority:
1. Imminent Danger – If there is a report of a condition with a high probability of causing death or serious physical harm, an inspection will be initiated.
2. A catastrophe or fatality - If an employment-related fatality or an accident that results in the hospitalization of three or more of your employees occurs, you must report it to OSHA within 8 hours. In this case, OSHA is required to make an inspection.
3. An employee complaint - Generally, OSHA will limit its inspection to the condition(s) alleged in the complaint. At your request, OSHA must provide you with a copy of this complaint, although the employee's name will not be included.
4. Targeted Industry Program investigation - Each year, OSHA selects several industries with high rates of injuries and targets them for increased levels of inspections.
5. General Inspections - Area OSHA offices randomly inspect employers within their jurisdictions.
By preparing the required documentation and training employees in the safe execution of their tasks, you can elevate safety, reduce injury, and increase the chance of a favorable outcome to an OSHA inspection.
Jason
By taking steps to reduce the incidence of employee injuries and illnesses, employers show employees that they care for their welfare. If properly communicated to employees, a good program can lead to increased loyalty, job satisfaction and productivity and to decreased turnover.
To secure a safe work place and fight rising costs associated with injuries ad illnesses, your defense is a good offense. By instituting a comprehensive safety program and by preparing yourselves in the event that an OSHA inspection does occur, you can strengthen your business both financially and productively.
It is helpful to know some of the common forms of documentation OSHA requests during inspections so that they can be prepared ahead of time for maximum benefit and compliance. Consider enlisting outside help if any of these areas are deficient a your workplace.
1. Safety Program – A written safety program is the cornerstone to any effective workplace safety plan. The program should be specific to the employer, and address hazards that are particular to the worksite. The program should be reviewed periodically to be sure that it addresses hazards in the workplace in a meaningful way. There are resources available to help prepare an effective document, so you should resist the urge to adopt a program from another company, or to copy a program from the internet.
2. Recordkeeping – Each employer with ten or more employees must keep records regarding workplace injuries and illnesses. These are commonly referred to by their form number – the 300 Logs. Employers must keep logs up to date with any injuries and illnesses that meet the criteria set forth in the standard. At the end of each calendar year, the information must be compiled into the Summary (300A) Log and posted conspicuously in February, March, and April. Summary logs must be posted at each jobsite that lasts longer than one year. The logs must also be archived for at least five years.
3. Training – It is incumbent on the employer to provide training to employees regarding the safe performance of their duties. Although documentation for most types of training is not strictly required by the standards, it is a very good practice to retain documentation for any training that employees receive, including dates, topics, and attendees. Be especially aware of the requirements for specialized training like, powered industrial trucks, crane certifications, respirator use, hearing protection, etc. If you are not sure if your workplace requires specialized training, contact Comprehensive Safety Resource to schedule an audit of your jobsite.
4. Hazard Communication – Each employer must keep copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for most chemicals in use in the workplace available to employees. It is important that MSDS’s are reviewed at least annually to ensure that they are up to date and accurate.
No matter how careful we are, there is always a chance that an OSHA official will conduct an inspection of the facility or jobsite. OSHA may carry out an inspection for any of the following five reasons, in order of priority:
1. Imminent Danger – If there is a report of a condition with a high probability of causing death or serious physical harm, an inspection will be initiated.
2. A catastrophe or fatality - If an employment-related fatality or an accident that results in the hospitalization of three or more of your employees occurs, you must report it to OSHA within 8 hours. In this case, OSHA is required to make an inspection.
3. An employee complaint - Generally, OSHA will limit its inspection to the condition(s) alleged in the complaint. At your request, OSHA must provide you with a copy of this complaint, although the employee's name will not be included.
4. Targeted Industry Program investigation - Each year, OSHA selects several industries with high rates of injuries and targets them for increased levels of inspections.
5. General Inspections - Area OSHA offices randomly inspect employers within their jurisdictions.
By preparing the required documentation and training employees in the safe execution of their tasks, you can elevate safety, reduce injury, and increase the chance of a favorable outcome to an OSHA inspection.
Jason
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Untangling Extension Cord Usage
Extension cords are a common sight on both Construction and General Industry jobsites. When used properly, they provide convenience and flexibility. Improperly used, they pose serious health and physical hazards to the work.
When using extension cords, the first step is to ensure that the cord chosen is appropriate for the task. Both the General Industry and the Construction standards require that only ‘hard service’ or ‘junior hard-service’ cords may be used on the jobsite. In practical terms, this means the cord type should be SO or SJ. The type will be embossed on the outside cable jacket, so make sure it contains those letters. Flat-style extension cords, like the ones commonly used to connect decorative, holiday lighting are not approved for use at work.
The next step is to make sure that the cord has the appropriate current-carrying capacity to safely connect the load. Check the tool or appliance for its amperage-rating, then select a cord that has conductors large enough for the application. Consult the manufacturer, or consult with a qualified person if there is any question about the appropriate size.
The cord must be inspected before use to determine that it is safe to put in operation. Some examples of inspection points are the strain relief, making sure the prongs are in good condition, and checking the cable jacket for any burns, cuts, or abrasions that could affect the integrity of the insulation. Employees must receive training from the employer regarding the safe use of extension cords on the jobsite, and regarding the inspection process that is required. It is never a bad idea to document the inspections. If the cord is in any way deficient, then it must be removed from service and replaced or repaired by a qualified worker.
Lastly, the cord must be used in a safe manner. This includes making sure the cord is not damaged while in use. Employers should take care to see that cords are not subject to physical hazards on the jobsite such as sharp corners, having doors and windows closed on them, and heat damage from welding, cutting, or brazing operations on the jobsite. Cords should also be routed in such a way as to reduce the trip hazard they can cause. When the work is finished, the cord should be rolled up and stored safely.
Cords may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure, so make sure that extension cords are only used in a temporary fashion. Choose the right cord for the task, inspect them before use, and repair or replace any damaged cords. These steps will help reduce shock and physical hazards associated with extension cord use on the jobsite.
-Jason
When using extension cords, the first step is to ensure that the cord chosen is appropriate for the task. Both the General Industry and the Construction standards require that only ‘hard service’ or ‘junior hard-service’ cords may be used on the jobsite. In practical terms, this means the cord type should be SO or SJ. The type will be embossed on the outside cable jacket, so make sure it contains those letters. Flat-style extension cords, like the ones commonly used to connect decorative, holiday lighting are not approved for use at work.
The next step is to make sure that the cord has the appropriate current-carrying capacity to safely connect the load. Check the tool or appliance for its amperage-rating, then select a cord that has conductors large enough for the application. Consult the manufacturer, or consult with a qualified person if there is any question about the appropriate size.
The cord must be inspected before use to determine that it is safe to put in operation. Some examples of inspection points are the strain relief, making sure the prongs are in good condition, and checking the cable jacket for any burns, cuts, or abrasions that could affect the integrity of the insulation. Employees must receive training from the employer regarding the safe use of extension cords on the jobsite, and regarding the inspection process that is required. It is never a bad idea to document the inspections. If the cord is in any way deficient, then it must be removed from service and replaced or repaired by a qualified worker.
Lastly, the cord must be used in a safe manner. This includes making sure the cord is not damaged while in use. Employers should take care to see that cords are not subject to physical hazards on the jobsite such as sharp corners, having doors and windows closed on them, and heat damage from welding, cutting, or brazing operations on the jobsite. Cords should also be routed in such a way as to reduce the trip hazard they can cause. When the work is finished, the cord should be rolled up and stored safely.
Cords may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure, so make sure that extension cords are only used in a temporary fashion. Choose the right cord for the task, inspect them before use, and repair or replace any damaged cords. These steps will help reduce shock and physical hazards associated with extension cord use on the jobsite.
-Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)