Personal Protection Equipment

Purpose
Outline the appropriate personal protective equipment required for use where there is exposure to hazardous conditions or operations and to describe their application and specifications.

General Requirements
This section gives an overview of safety equipment applications in general terms and should not be construed as a comprehensive description of their use. It is the responsibility of each employee to utilize proper safety equipment, seeking further applications and availability from other publications as required by the job task being undertaken.

The wearing and use of required personal protection equipment shall be a condition of employment and continued employment.

  1. Head protection
    1. Approved protective helmets shall be worn in areas where there is danger from impact, falling or flying objects, electrical shock or in locations designated as a “hard-hat” area.

      Examples of where head protection must be worn include but are not limited to:

      1. Other personnel and/or equipment working overhead.
      2. Working in excavations or trenches more than four (4) feet deep.
      3. Work in the immediate area of operating equipment which has external moving or working parts over shoulder high such as cranes, pickers, boom trucks, front end loaders, forklifts etc.
      4. When required by the job site authority.
      5. Specific instances where in the supervisors judgment, the wearing of protective head gear is essential to the prevention of injury.
    2. Because work locations and conditions are subject to change during the day, each employee shall be personally responsible for having protective head gear in their possession or available for immediate use, at all times.
    3. It is the intent of this section that protective helmets be worn when they are clearly needed and conversely, no employee should be required to wear one when they are not clearly needed. In those situations where the need is not clear cut, it is urged that the spirit of “safety first” guide each employee regarding the use of protective helmets.
    4. In the event of a conflict between an employee and supervisor regarding when or where protective helmets are required, the helmet shall be worn pending a decision from the safety coordinator.
    5. Protective helmets must meet or exceed ANSI Z89.1 – 1969, Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection.
    6. Helmets shall be inspected regularly and replaced if defective.
  2. Eye and Face Protection
    1. Employees must wear approved eye and face protection when job tasks present a potential for eye or face injury from physical, chemical or radiation agents (welding).
    2. Protection equipment shall meet specifications required by ANSI Z87.1.
    3. Employees shall use proper shade of filter lens for protection against radiant energy (welding).
    4. Certain areas may be designated and labeled as “eye protection” areas. These areas should be identified by proper warning signs. Areas where the following activities are located include the following examples:
      1. Welding, burning, cutting (acetylene or electric)
      2. Abrasive (sand) blasting
      3. Chemical handling
      4. Grinding
      5. Sledging, hammering, chiseling, drilling, buffing, wire brushing, where flying objects or particles may strike the face
      6. Using compressed air for cleaning
      7. Operations causing excessive dust
  3. Foot Protection
    1. Employees whose duties regularly expose them to conditions hazardous to their feet shall wear appropriate safety footwear.
    2. Purchase and maintenance of safety shoes is the responsibility of the employee whose duties dictate a need for foot protection.
  4. Safety Belts, Lifelines and Lanyards
    1. Safety belts and lanyards or lifelines are required when working from suspended scaffolds or other work areas ten feet or more above the ground where safety nets are not provided.
    2. Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weigh of 5,400 pounds and a minimum of 3/4 inch manila rope or equivalent.
    3. Safety belt lanyards must be a minimum of 1/2 inch nylon or equivalent, with a maximum length to allow for a fall of no more than 6 feet and a breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.
    4. Safety belt and lanyard hardware must withstand a tensile load of 4000 pounds prior to yield.
    5. Items actually subjected to stress during use shall be immediately removed from service and not used again for employee safeguarding.
  5. Safety Nets
    1. Safety nets must be used when job tasks are greater than 25 feet above any surface where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, safety lines and belts are impractical. Maximum mesh size shall be 6 inches by 6 inches.
    2. Nets must extend 8 feet beyond the edge of a work surface and must be installed as close under the work surface.
    3. Work operations will not begin until required nets are in place and properly rigged. Nets shall at all times be kept free of debris.
 

 

Quality Control

Purpose

Quality control is an intrinsic part of our entire operation. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Quality Control (Q.C.) person at each job site. Prompt reporting of problems associated with materials and craftsmanship will enable us to maintain our high quality standards.

Responsibility

Quality Control Supervisor

Shall satisfy himself all proper standards are met as they apply to each particular job location. Ensure proper completion and submission of required paperwork in a timely manner. Physically inspect delivered material delivered and document problems encountered. Monitor employee time sheets and certify accuracy before submission.

Employees

Each employee is a quality control person through his daily work activity. His attentiveness to workmanship and finished craft detail provide a mechanism by which errors may be detected and corrected prior to job completion. Employees should immediately report all defects or problems to the Quality Control Supervisor. Those involved in the initial unloading and staging process should carefully inspect all materials for defects and be certain proper quantities and types of material are received.

  1. Operation

    Due to the very nature of our work, it is impossible to prearrange a dedicated program which will encompass all quality control aspects. Instead, our policy remains one of formulating individual programs that are designed to accomplish our objectives while working within the customers guidelines. Where guidelines are found lacking, we will establish a detailed program. The Quality Control Supervisor will consult with the Safety Coordinator in establishing his individual program.

 

 

Accident Prevention Tags

Purpose

Outline requirements and steps necessary in identifying, tagging, and citing unsafe or hazardous equipment, conditions or work practices.

  1. Red Out of Service Tag
    1. This tag will be used to identify tools, equipment or materials that are no longer safe to use because of defects, abuse or wear. It is not intended to be nor shall it be used for reporting minor hazards that should be corrected by preventive maintenance, the responsible supervisor or other appropriate means.
    2. Authority to issue red tags shall be restricted to Supervisors or the Safety Coordinator.
    3. Arbitrary red tagging of equipment or tools may cause needless delay and expense. With this in mind the following procedures should be followed:
      1. Employees who find defective or hazardous equipment, tools or material shall immediately notify their supervisor.
      2. The supervisor shall inspect the item and attach a red danger tag when required.
    4. Items that have a red danger tag attached to them shall not be used for any purpose. There will be no exceptions.
    5. The Safety Coordinator is the only person authorized to remove the red danger tag after the item has been repaired and inspected.
    6. Red danger tags shall be attached in to the defective item in a conspicuous place, close to the point of operation or control activation point. The tag shall be filled out its entirety by the person attaching it to the item. The Safety Coordinator shall be immediately notified by phone. The Safety Coordinator shall also be given a written notification before the end of the next business day. The written notification shall fully explain in detail the problem.
  2. Accident Prevention Tags
    1. This type of tag provides a temporary means of warning to all concerned of a hazardous condition, defective equipment or other dangers. An example of these tags are:
      1. Do not operate
      2. Do not start
      3. Out of Order
      4. Caution
    2. Accident Prevention Tags shall be used and installed by employees during daily work and maintenance of machinery, equipment or work involving hazardous conditions.
    3. No person, other than the individual who places the Accident Prevention Tags will sign and date it. Only that person who has placed the tag may remove it. Employees who remove any type of tag without proper authority will be subject to disciplining action.

 

 

Accident – Incident – Injury Reporting

Purpose

Establishes procedures of reporting and investigation of vehicles and equipment accidents and personal on the job injuries, the determination of the causes of accidents and injuries and recommendations for possible disciplinary action when appropriate.

  1. Reporting Standards
    1. The Supervisors Report of Accident-Injury-Incident must be completed by the supervisor of an employee involved in any type of accident, incident or injury that results in damage to said rentals property; property damage or injury to others that involves company equipment or its employees. The report must be completed and turned into the safety office no later than the next business day or notification by telephone to the Safety Coordinator for a time extension.
      1. Exceptions – Those injuries which are minor in nature and require first-aid treatment only do not require a report to be completed but they must be reported to the supervisor.
      2. Minor injuries are those that require first aid treatment for small/minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters, etc.
  2. Investigation Standards
    1. Supervisors should investigate all reportable accidents in as much detail as possible. The investigation should not be limited to only the actions of the personnel directly involved and the results of the accident, but the contributory causes should be determined and corrective action recommended to minimize the risks of recurrence.
    2. A determination must be made as to whether an employee has done anything that reasonably could be constructed as unsafe.
    3. Some frequent causes of accidents are:
      1. Supervisor error
        – failure to provide understandable instructions
        – failure to follow-up to insure compliance
        – failure to correct previously reported hazards
        – permitting personnel to perform unfamiliar tasks without proper 
        supervision or training – failing to ensure the use of proper type equipment for the job.
      2. Employee Error
        – failure to follow safety instructions
        – operating vehicle/equipment without authority or in an unsafe manner
        – failure to comply with safety procedures, practices or directives
        – inattention to duty
      3. Equipment/Material failure
        – faulty or inadequate maintenance
        – faulty or inadequate preventive maintenance
        – vandalism
        – natural phenomenon
  3. Serious accidents must be investigated in detail. Proper medical attention must be provided to the injured. The accident scene should be left untouched until the proper law enforcement arrives. The Safety Coordinator shall be notified immediately. No equipment should be moved unless requested by a law enforcement officer. Employees shall not discuss the details of an accident with anyone except the safety coordinator or an officer.

 

 

Construction-Crane, Derrick, and Hoisting Safety/Operations

Purpose

Moving large, heavy loads is crucial to today’s manufacturing and construction industries. Much technology has been developed for these operations, including careful training and extensive workplace precautions. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators of the diverse “lifting” devices, and for workers in proximity to them.

Outline the general safety requirements governing the operation of mechanized lifting devices such as hydraulic and conventional cranes, pickers and forklifts. These procedures are not all inclusive. Additional guidance and criteria are contained in OSHA and the particular manufacturers publications.

General Requirements

    1. Manufacturers specifications and limitations shall be complied with at all times. Attachments used with cranes shall not exceed the capacity rating recommended by the manufacturer.
    2. Load charts, recommended operating speeds and special hazard warning or instructions shall be conspicuously posted within view of the operator.
    3. Operators are required to inspect and perform required preventive maintenance on their equipment prior to beginning each job. He shall complete the “Operators Daily Maintenance/Inspection” form each day.
    4. All cranes shall be inspected monthly and annually by a competent person and documented on the appropriate forms.
  2. Operations
    1. Cranes shall be operated by qualified and authorized persons.
    2. A high voltage electric line clearance warning sign shall be posted in the cab of each crane. No crane shall be operated in violation of the OSHA power line clearance rules.
    3. Operators shall not move loads over the heads or workmen and shall not leave cranes or other lifting devices unattended while the load is suspended. Employees shall not stand or pass under a suspended load.
    4. Operators shall take signals from only one person during operations. This person shall be knowledgeable of the standard hand signals. A hand signal chart shall be conspicuously posted on the cab.
    5. Rigging equipment shall be carefully inspected before use. Defective equipment shall be removed from service immediately.
    6. Areas within the swing radius of the superstructure must be barricaded to prevent a person or equipment from being struck by the crane.
    7. No modifications or additions which affect the capacity and safe operation of the equipment shall be made without the manufacturers written approval.
    8. Operators shall not allow any person to “ride” upon any equipment or item being lifted except in approved personnel baskets. When lifting in personnel baskets all OSHA requirements shall be met. No lifts shall be made without supervisor approval and specifically meeting the requirement of OSHA 5205.1230.

 

 

Welding and Cutting

Arc Welding and Cutting

Purpose

Outlines the precautions necessary to assure the safety of employees during welding and cutting processes.

  1. General
    1. Transporting, moving and storing compressed gas cylinders:
      1. Valve protection caps shall be in place
      2. Cylinders shall be secured in an upright position
      3. Cylinder valves shall be closed at all times work is not being performed.
    2. Placement/Storage
      1. Cylinders shall not be placed so close to work that sparks, hot slag or flame will reach them
      2. Cylinders shall be placed in an upright position, chained or otherwise secured to prevent falling.
  2. Proper Use of Fuel Gases/Oxygen
    1. Hoses must be easily distinguished from each other by color or surface characteristics. Torches must be inspected at the beginning of use for leaking valves, couplings, and other connections. Pressure regulator must be in proper working order.
    2. Oxygen cylinders and fittings shall be kept away from oil and grease. Cylinders and fittings shall not be handled with oily or greasy hands or gloves due to the extreme hazard of explosion or fire.
    3. Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel gas cylinders and/or combustible materials a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet high.
    4. Additional details are contained in the American Welding Society Publication, “Safety in Welding and Cutting ANSI Z49.1.”
  3. Arc Welding and Cutting
    1. Manual electrode holders.
      1. Only manual electrode holders which are specifically designed for arc welding and cutting, and are of a capacity capable of safely handling the maximum rated current required by the electrodes, shall be used.
      2. Any current-carrying parts passing through the portion of the holder which the arc welder or cutter grips in his hand, and the outer surfaces of the jaws of the holder, shall be fully insulated against the maximum voltage encountered to ground.
    2. Welding cables and connectors.
      1. All arc welding and cutting cables shall be of the completely insulated, flexible type, capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress, taking into account the duty cycle under which the arc welder or cutter is working.
      2. Only cable free from repair or splices for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the cable end to which the electrode holder is connected shall be used, except that cables with standard insulated connectors or with splices whose insulating quality is equal to that of the cable are permitted.
      3. When it becomes necessary to connect or splice lengths of cable one to another, substantial insulated connectors of a capacity at least equivalent to that of the cable shall be used. If connections are effected by means of cable lugs, they shall be securely fastened together to give good electrical contact, and the exposed metal parts of the lugs shall be completely insulated.
      4. Cables in need of repair shall not be used. When a cable, other than the cable lead referred to in paragraph (4) of this section, becomes worn to the extent of exposing bare conductors, the portion thus exposed shall be protected by means of rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation.
    3. Ground returns and machine grounding.
      1. A ground return cable shall have a safe current carrying capacity equal to or exceeding the specified maximum output capacity of the arc welding or cutting unit which it services. When a single ground return cable services more than one unit, its safe current-carrying capacity shall equal or exceed the total specified maximum output capacities of all the units which it services.
      2. When a structure or pipeline is employed as a ground return circuit, it shall be determined that the required electrical contact exists at all joints. The generation of an arc, sparks, or heat at any point shall cause rejection of the structures as a ground circuit.
      3. The frames of all arc welding and cutting machines shall be grounded either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductor or through a separate wire which is grounded at the source of the current. Grounding circuits, other than by means of the structure, shall be checked to ensure that the circuit between the ground and the grounded power conductor has resistance low enough to permit sufficient current to flow to cause the fuse or circuit breaker to interrupt the current.
      4. All ground connections shall be inspected to ensure that they are mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current.
    4. Operating instructions. Employers shall instruct employees in the safe means of arc welding and cutting as follows:
      1. When electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrodes shall be removed and the holders shall be so placed or protected that they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects.
      2. Hot electrode holders shall not be dipped in water; to do so may expose the arc welder or cutter to electric shock.
      3. When the arc welder or cutter has occasion to leave his work or to stop work for any appreciable length of time, or when the arc welding or cutting machine is to be moved, the power supply switch to the equipment shall be opened.
      4. Any faulty or defective equipment shall be reported to the supervisor.
    5. Shielding. Whenever practicable, all arc welding and cutting operations shall be shielded by noncombustible or flameproof screens which will protect employees and other persons working in the vicinity from the direct rays of the arc.
  4. Gas Welding and Cutting
    1. Transporting, moving, and storing compressed gas cylinders.
    2. Valve protection caps shall be in place and secured.
    3. When cylinders are hoisted, they shall be secured on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet. They shall not be hoisted or transported by means of magnets or choker slings.
    4. Cylinders shall be moved by tilting and rolling them on their bottom edges. They shall not be intentionally dropped, struck, or permitted to strike each other violently.
    5. When cylinders are transported by powered vehicles, they shall be secured in a vertical position.
    6. Valve protection caps shall not be used for lifting cylinders from one vertical position to another. Bars shall not be used under valves or valve protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen. Warm, not boiling, water shall be used to thaw cylinders loose.
    7. Unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved.
    8. A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall be used to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in use.
    9. When work is finished, when cylinders are empty, or when cylinders are moved at any time, the cylinder valve shall be closed.
    10. Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position at all times except, if necessary, for short periods of time while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried.
    11. Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
    12. Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet (6.1 m) from highly combustible materials such as oil or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage places shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards.
    13. The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tank cars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965.
  5. Placing cylinders.
    1. Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them. When this is impractical, fire resistant shields shall be provided.
    2. Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit. Electrodes shall not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc.
    3. Fuel gas cylinders shall be placed with valve end up whenever they are in use. They shall not be placed in a location where they would be subject to open flame, hot metal, or other sources of artificial heat.
    4. Cylinders containing oxygen or acetylene or other fuel gas shall not be taken into confined spaces.
  6. Treatment of cylinders.
    1. Cylinders, whether full or empty, shall not be used as rollers or supports.
    2. No person other than the gas supplier shall attempt to mix gases in a cylinder. No one except the owner of the cylinder or person authorized by him, shall refill a cylinder. No one shall use a cylinder’s contents for purposes other than those intended by the supplier. All cylinders used shall meet the Department of Transportation requirements published in 49 CFR Part 178, Subpart C, Specification for Cylinders.
    3. No damaged or defective cylinder shall be used.
  7. Use of fuel gas. The employer shall thoroughly instruct employees in the safe use of fuel gas, as follows:
    1. Before a regulator to a cylinder valve is connected, the valve shall be opened slightly and closed immediately. (This action is generally termed “cracking” and is intended to clear the valve of dust or dirt that might otherwise enter the regulator.) The person cracking the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. The valve of a fuel gas cylinder shall not be cracked where the gas would reach welding work, sparks, flame, or other possible sources of ignition.
    2. The cylinder valve shall always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator. For quick closing, valves on fuel gas cylinders shall not be opened more than 1 1/2 turns. When a special wrench is required, it shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency. In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one such wrench shall always be available for immediate use. Nothing shall be placed on top of a fuel gas cylinder, when in use, which may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing of the valve.
    3. Fuel gas shall not be used from cylinders through torches or other devices which are equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.
    4. Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder valve, the cylinder valve shall always be closed and the gas released from the regulator.
    5. If, when the valve on a fuel gas cylinder is opened, there is found to be a leak around the valve stem, the valve shall be closed and the gland nut tightened. If this action does not stop the leak, the use of the cylinder shall be discontinued, and it shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area. In the event that fuel gas should leak from the cylinder valve, rather than from the valve stem, and the gas cannot be shut off, the cylinder shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area. If a regulator attached to a cylinder valve will effectively stop a leak through the valve seat, the cylinder need not be removed from the work area.
    6. If a leak should develop at a fuse plug or other safety device, the cylinder shall be removed from the work area.
  8. Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds.
    1. Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall bear the name of the substance they contain in letters at least 1-inch high which shall be either painted on the manifold or on a sign permanently attached to it.
    2. Fuel gas and oxygen manifolds shall be placed in safe, well ventilated, and accessible locations. They shall not be located within enclosed spaces.
    3. Manifold hose connections, including both ends of the supply hose that lead to the manifold, shall be such that the hose cannot be interchanged between fuel gas and oxygen manifolds and supply header connections. Adapters shall not be used to permit the interchange of hose. Hose connections shall be kept free of grease and oil.
    4. When not in use, manifold and header hose connections shall be capped.
    5. Nothing shall be placed on top of a manifold, when in use, which will damage the manifold or interfere with the quick closing of the valves.
  9. Hose:
    1. Fuel gas hose and oxygen hose shall be easily distinguishable from each other. The contrast may be made by different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch. Oxygen and fuel gas hoses shall not be interchangeable. A single hose having more than one gas passage shall not be used.
    2. When parallel sections of oxygen and fuel gas hose are taped together, not more than 4 inches out of 12 inches shall be covered by tape.
    3. All hose in use, carrying acetylene, oxygen, natural or manufactured fuel gas, or any gas or substance which may ignite or enter into combustion, or be in any way harmful to employees, shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift. Defective hose shall be removed from service.
    4. Hose which has been subject to flashback, or which shows evidence of severe wear or damage, shall be tested to twice the normal pressure to which it is subject, but in no case less than 300 p.s.i. Defective hose, or hose in doubtful condition, shall not be used.
    5. Hose couplings shall be of the type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion.
    6. Boxes used for the storage of gas hose shall be ventilated.
    7. Hoses, cables, and other equipment shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders and stairs.
  10. Torches:
    1. Clogged torch tip openings shall be cleaned with suitable cleaning wires, drills, or other devices designed for such purpose.
    2. Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each working shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections. Defective torches shall not be used.
    3. Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices, and not by matches or from hot work.
  11. Regulators and gauges. Oxygen and fuel gas pressure regulators, including their related gauges, shall be in proper working order while in use.
  12. Oil and grease hazards. Oxygen cylinders and fittings shall be kept away from oil or grease. Cylinders, cylinder caps and valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and apparatus shall be kept free from oil or greasy substances and shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves. Oxygen shall not be directed at oily surfaces, greasy clothes, or within a fuel oil or other storage tank or vessel.
  • Fire prevention
    1. When practical, objects to be welded, cut, or heated shall be moved to a designated safe location or, if the objects to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be readily moved, all movable fire hazards in the vicinity shall be taken to a safe place, or otherwise protected.
    2. If the object to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be moved and if all the fire hazards cannot be removed, positive means shall be taken to confine the heat, sparks, and slag, and to protect the immovable fire hazards from them.
    3. No welding, cutting, or heating shall be done where the application of flammable paints, or the presence of other flammable compounds, or heavy dust concentrations creates a hazard.
    4. Suitable fire extinguishing equipment shall be immediately available in the work area and shall be maintained in a state of readiness for instant use.
    5. When the welding, cutting, or heating operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient, additional personnel shall be assigned to guard against fire while the actual welding, cutting, or heating operation is being performed, and for a sufficient period of time after completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire exists. Such personnel shall be instructed as to the specific anticipated fire hazards and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used.
    6. When welding, cutting, or heating is performed on walls, floors, and ceilings, since direct penetration of sparks or heat transfer may introduce a fire hazard to an adjacent area, the same precautions shall be taken on the opposite side as are taken on the side on which the welding is being performed.
    7. For the elimination of possible fire in enclosed spaces as a result of gas escaping through leaking or improperly closed torch valves, the gas supply to the torch shall be positively shut off at some point outside the enclosed space whenever the torch is not to be used or whenever the torch is left unattended for a substantial period of time, such as during the lunch period. Overnight and at the change of shifts, the torch and hose shall be removed from the confined space. Open end fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when they are disconnected from the torch or other gas-consuming device.
    8. Except when the contents are being removed or transferred, drums, pails, and other containers which contain or have contained flammable liquids shall be kept closed. Empty containers shall be removed to a safe area apart from hot work operations or open flames.
    9. Drums, containers, or hollow structures which have contained toxic or flammable substances shall, before welding, cutting, or heating is undertaken on them, either be filled with water or thoroughly cleaned of such substances and ventilated and tested. For welding, cutting and heating on steel pipelines containing natural gas, the pertinent portions of regulations issued by the Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety, 49 CFR Part 192, Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Pipelines, shall apply.
    10. Before heat is applied to a drum, container, or hollow structure, a vent or opening shall be provided for the release of any built-up pressure during the application of heat.

     

     

    Maintenance Shop

    Purpose

    Provides an overview of general safety requirements for performing work and describes safe practices in operations that include electrical equipment, mechanical guards and protection equipment. Normal activities of maintenance ships present numerous hazards to maintenance personnel. It is essential that adequate safety standards be prescribed and observed by all shop personnel to reduce the possibility of personal injury and property damage. Additional requirements are found in OSHA.

    General

    1. Maintain adequate ventilation to protect against hazardous concentrations of carbon monoxide.
    2. Adequate illumination must be provided at work benches, lubrication pit and other shop areas.
    3. Shop area must be free of trash, scraps, oil/grease spots and other tripping hazards.
      1. Time should be set aside at the end of each work day for shop clean-up.
      2. Rags saturated with oil or flammable liquids shall be properly disposed of in metal containers with tight fitting lids.
      3. Trash shall be placed in metal containers marked “Trash Only”.
    4. Personal protective equipment and clothing will be worn when required by the job or when instructed by the shop foreman.
    5. Employees will avoid wearing extremely greasy, oily or dirty clothing whenever possible.
    6. Employees should not wear rings, watches or other jewelry when working on vehicles, cranes, servicing batteries, working around electrical equipment or working around rotating equipment.
    7. Absorbent material shall be used to clean up oil or other flammable material spills as soon as possible. Floors shall be kept free of slipping hazards.
    8. Gasoline shall not be used for parts cleaning or washing.
    9. Do not carry sharp, pointed objects in back pockets.
    10. “No smoking” areas shall be observed at all times.
    11. Washrooms will be maintained in clean condition and provided with proper soap and hand drying towels. Washrooms shall not be used to store clothing or rags saturated with oil or flammable material.
  • Maintenance Activity Safety
    1. Air compressors will be drained at least weekly.
    2. Water separators/filters shall be installed on compressors.
    3. Belts, pulley, gears, chains, sprockets or other moving parts on shop equipment shall be properly guarded.
    4. Only persons properly trained in the operation of shop equipment will be authorized to operate them.
    5. Oil, gas hydraulic fluid, cleaning solvents and other liquids or material shall be drained into proper containers and disposed of by approved methods.
    6. Do not use compressed air for blowing dirt from hands, face or clothing.
    7. All compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in carts to walls or posts. Valve protection caps shall be installed on all cylinders not in use. Spare cylinders, empty or full, shall be stored in proper location, cap installed and secured.
    8. All hand tools shall be inspected frequently for defects. Those tools found to be defective shall be repaired or replaced.
    9. Goggles or face shield should be worn when working under a vehicle to protect eyes from falling dirt and rust.
    10. All trailers, vehicles and equipment, except cranes, shall be supported with proper jack stands or substantial wooden blocks when one or more wheels are off the ground.
    11. Employees shall not be permitted to work inside of a vehicle that is supported by stands or wooden blocks when another person is working under the vehicle.
  • Multi-Piece Rim Wheels
    1. No employee shall service multi-piece rim wheel unless he has been properly trained and approved by the safety coordinator.
    2. All multi-piece rim work shall be done in an isolated area away from other personnel.
    3. Rim components shall not be interchanged except as provided for by manufacturers specification charts or other qualified organizations specification charts.
    4. Rim bases, side rings or lock rings which are bent, pitted, broken, cracked or excessively rusty shall not be used and shall be rendered unusable and discarded.
    5. Mating surfaces of the rim gutter, rims and tire shall be free of dirt, surface rust, scale or rubber buildup prior to mounting and inflation.
  • Employee Responsibility
    1. It is the responsibility of each mechanic to check their tools to ensure they are in good condition and free of defects. Defective tools must be replaced or repaired. Special care shall be given to portable electric tools to be certain they incorporate proper safety precautions.