Cleanroom Safety A cleanroom regulates air quality, temperature, and humidity to achieve the ideal manufacturing and experimental environment for high technology applications. Cleanrooms require specific attire, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of specialized equipment and chemicals. While modern air handlers manage the particle count, YOU are the best source to control cleanroom safety. You are required to wear protective head, foot, and body coverings in a cleanroom to reduce particulate contamination. In addition, you must wear the required PPE to protect you from the materials and processes that you use. Eye protection such as safety goggles and glasses protect sight...

Electricity “Low voltage” does not imply safety Wet conditions can intensify electric current Make sure work-boots are non-conductive Watch for overhead power lines – handle metal studs in a safe manner If a fluorescent light fixture is falling don’t try to catch it Occasionally check power cords and other electrical equipment for wear Only use equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratory or other accrediting agency Wear protective gear Don’t overload circuits ...

Architectural Landscaping Architectural landscaping involves more than just planting and soil; it can include carpentry, stone and concrete work, and the use of landscaping materials such as mulch and rock. Be familiar with the jobsite that you will be working.  A landscaping plan that includes materials and site layout can help you plan the proper order of material delivery and management, along with the necessary tools and equipment.  Call the Underground Service Alert service at 811 to get the location of underground utilities marked to avoid disturbing them.  Mark underground and overhead utilities and power lines on the plan to prevent accidental...

Auto Repair Safety - Automobile Repair Services Automobile repair services include inspections, maintenance, and repairs to vehicles. Repairs may require computer analysis, fluid changes, parts changes, or major mechanical work, exposing workers to fire and explosion hazards, chemicals, ergonomic strains, awkward postures, and tool and machinery safety concerns. Get the proper training you need to safely use your equipment and tools. Get training, read, and understand the material safety data sheet on the chemicals you use. Know where emergency exits and equipment are located. Get fire extinguisher training. Emergency eyewash stations and showers should be available, easily accessible, and ready to use...

Ammonia Safety Ammonia is a commonly used chemical in commercial and household cleaners. In industry, ammonia is used in petroleum refining, to manufacture pharmaceuticals, to disinfect water, and as a refrigerant. In agriculture, ammonia can be used for crop processing, fertilizers, or as an anti-fungal treatment for citrus. Ammonia can also be produced naturally when stored materials such as manure, compost, or other materials break down. Ammonia can be mixed with water and sold as ammonium hydroxide, or used in compressed gas as anhydrous ammonia (meaning without water). Workers in all industries should know that, despite its common usage, ammonia poses health...

Personal Protective Equipment - PPE, Clothing The proper work clothing can make a job a lot easier and safer. Most workers never really think much about what they are wearing, but they should. It is very important to dress for the weather since most of the work is done outside or in areas without any climate control. A PPE assessment should have been completed prior to the job starting. Workers should be informed of what PPE is required on this specific job site. Guide for Discussion: The following items should help each worker how to dress properly: Weather Know the day’s forecast. Be prepared...

Aircraft Maintenance Safety Aircraft maintenance work includes inspection and repair of aircraft structures, coatings, and systems in hangars and on the airfield. Good training and work practices ensure aircraft and worker safety. Tall, heavy aircraft make it hard to see people on the ground when maneuvering in the hangar or maintenance area. Watch and communicate with the aircraft operator to avoid caught/crush accidents (getting run over by a tire or colliding with a wing or tail). Never enter the ramp or flightline without permission from the air field controller. Work at a steady pace. Rushing your work increases aircraft turnaround and accidents. To...

Noise Repeated exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus and/or hearing loss Damage caused by loud noise is irreversible and permanent Excessive vibration causes damage to inner ear hair cells so they can’t carry a signal to the brain Too much noise can make you feel tired, nervous and/or raise your blood pressure If you have to raise your voice to be heard the site may be too noisy and hearing protection is needed Consider the all the noise around you and exposure to others when deciding to wear hearing protection Banded earplugs or earmuffs are an easy solution to...

Auto Body Painting Safety Auto Body Painting Safety - Workers are exposed to potential health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chromates, and isocyanates during priming and painting. Read the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemicals you use.  The SDS lists personal protective equipment you need to wear and the safe work procedures for that chemical. Isocyanates are released from some primers and paints.  Exposure to isocyanates is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract.  Isocyanates can cause rashes, sensitization, asthma, and even death. Hexavalent chromium can be found in the pigments of paints and primers. ...

Employee Safety Responsibilities Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work place and adopting and implementing a safety program to protect workers from job hazards. But employers are not the only ones responsible for safety on the job –  employees have responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace as well. Do you know your safety responsibilities? Know and follow all of your employer’s health and safety rules such as safe work practices and standard operating procedures. Be familiar with the OSHA safety requirements that regulate your industry. These regulations and guidelines are designed to educate and protect you from hazards and injuries on...