Air quality testing is essential to ensure a safe work environment. Today’s sophisticated monitoring systems offer features for every environment including multiple alarm modes, data logging features, interchangeable sensors and even control devices capable of starting up fans, shutting down processes or initiating plant-wide warning devices.
Confined spaces may be encountered in virtually any occupation; therefore, their recognition is the first step in preventing fatalities. Since deaths in confined spaces often occur because the atmosphere is oxygen-deficient, toxic or combustible, confined spaces that contain or have the potential to contain a serious atmospheric hazard should be classified as Permit-Required confined spaces and should be tested prior to entry and continually monitored
OSHA states that all required accident prevention signs and symbols shall be positioned so that they are visible at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist.
Operations involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities have a high potential for causing heat-related illness. Employers are required to train employees and to provide a variety of engineering controls which help prevent heat-related illness.
Employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer.
Several OSHA standards explicitly require employers to have emergency action plans for their workplaces. Emergency preparedness is necessary for protecting workers’ safety and health professionals, training directors, and others, OSHA compiled and summarized requirements for emergencies.
Professional-grade flashlights should be ready and easily accessible when needed in the workplace. These products can provide necessary lighting during emergencies and offer enhanced lighting for repair tasks. It is a must to keep multiple types of portable lights, best suited for the workplace and located throughout a facility.
Energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other sources in machines and equipment can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees.
Most chemicals are readily absorbed through the skin which can be a more significant route of exposure than lungs. Sometimes the absorption of chemicals through the skin occurs without being noticed by the worker. Using the proper PPE and dermal cleansing procedures can help prevent dangers associated with skin exposure.
Employers involved with treating, storing or disposing of hazardous waste must have implemented a safety and health program for their employees which includes training and the hazard communication program as required by OSHA. This is part of the employer’s comprehensive overall safety and health program and must be in writing.
Hazardous and toxic substances are defined as those chemicals present in the workplace which are capable of causing harm. Employers must provide proper storing and handling equipment and shall ensure employees are aware of the potential hazards. Employees must be trained on how to exercise control over their workplaces to minimize dangers associated with the hazardous materials.
Protective clothing users realize that no single combination of protective equipments and clothing is capable of protecting you against all hazards. Thus protective clothing should be used in conjunction with other protective methods.