December 2014 OHS

December 2014

  • VISION PROTECTION: Put Safety Eyewear to the Test: Ask for Proof
  • VISION PROTECTION: Clean and Calm Measures
  • PROTECTIVE APPAREL: Arc Flash & Flash Fire Apparel: Multi-Hazard Protection
  • PROTECTIVE APPAREL: FYI: PPE Acronyms You Should Know
  • INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE: Agricultural Safety, Sometimes Forgotten
  • SIGNS & SIGNALS: Create Workplace Structure with Visual Signals and Signs
  • WELDING PPE: Ensuring Full Protection
  • FACILITY MAINTENANCE: Elements of a Quality Maintenance Program
  • FIRE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Research Finds Big Benefits in Blended Learning
  • ELECTRICAL SAFETY: Can Your Electrical Infrastructure Weather a Natural Disaster?
  • COMBUSTIBLE DUST: Three Steps to Safely Collect Combustible Dust in Any Environment
  • Click here to subscribe.


Cover Story

Welders need head-to-toe protection on the job, from welding helmets and protective apparel, as well as steel-toed boots.

Ensuring Full Protection

By Jerry Laws

Welding processes require the use of head-to-toe protective gear, from head and face protection to steel-toed boots, as well as ventilation.


Features

The Agricultural and Biological Engineering group of Penn State University is currently conducting a research project on hydrogen sulfide releases from manure pits, with a focus on farms using gypsum products as bedding for dairy cows. (Industrial Scientific Corporation photo)

Agricultural Safety, Sometimes Forgotten

By Mike Platek

There must be ongoing education of farmers, their families, and hired hands on the dangers of gases on farm properties.


"This long-overdue update will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118 serious injuries annually," said Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.

FYI: PPE Acronyms You Should Know

By Jake Hirschi

With the introduction of updated standards such as NFPA 70E 2015, you need to know what they mean.


Ensure your vision protection is in good shape, with PPE stocked for employees

Clear and Calm Measures

By Linda J. Sherrard

Have a plan and get your PPE program ready before the panic sets in.


This FEMA photo taken May 4, 2010, shows the extent of flooding in downtown Nashville, Tenn. (David Fine/FEMA photo)

Can Your Electrical Infrastructure Weather a Natural Disaster?

By Chad Kennedy

Contingency planning for continued business operations is a multi-faceted risk management function.


AEDs available today only require the user to turn the AED on and follow audio instructions when prompted.

Research Finds Big Benefits in Blended Learning

By Dom Tolli

In-class instruction twinned with simulation learning allows learners to "debrief" with instructors after simulations in order to understand their mistakes, ask questions, and then re-try scenarios online.


Motor control centers, switchgear, disconnects, and the power from generators are all arc flash hazards, and the risk of an uncontrolled oil release (known as a blowout) poses a fire hazard for oil and gas workers.

Arc Flash & Flash Fire Apparel: Multi-Hazard Protection

By Thomas Kiddle

Real-world applications have brought on an increasing demand for garments that are suitable for use in environments with multiple hazards.


A board displays the photographs of a facility

Create Workplace Structure with Visual Signals and Signs

By Rhonda Kovera

Visually presenting who we are can inspire new ideas, benchmarking, and team collaboration.


Make sure your eyewear comes with a statement or certificate from the manufacturer verifying third-party test results. (Armourx Inc. photo)

Put Safety Eyewear to the Test: Ask for Proof

By Ryan Nadler

The markings that are placed on the eyewear convey the protector's capabilities to the employer and employee, and this marking scheme will vary by product type.


Best practices include completing documented equipment inspections on schedule and consistently performing detailed cleaning of equipment.

Elements of a Quality Maintenance Program

By Jerry Laws

Best practices include completing documented equipment inspections on schedule and consistently performing detailed cleaning of equipment.


While there are many types of industrial vacuum cleaners, there are two main types, air powered or electric powered. If working in an environment where reducing the risk of explosions is a factor, then select an air powered unit.

Three Steps to Safely Collect Combustible Dust in Any Environment

By Paul R. Miller

If you are working in a classified environment and your vacuum is not NRTL-certified, you can be fined and, more importantly, you are risking your facility’s safety every day.


Departments

Incentives and Rewards: Lazy or Excellent Management?

By Shawn M. Galloway

Rather than starting with incentives, seek out and neutralize what might demotivate someone in the first place.


Toward Compliance or Global Class?

By Robert Pater

Compliance and High Performance are different targets. Leaders can’t have it both ways.


Can OSHA Update the PELs?

By Jerry Laws

"There's gotta be a better way. If we go chemical by chemical, it'll take us centuries," Assistant Secretary Michaels said.


Artificial Intelligence