Introduction Abrasive blast cleaning refers to the operation of forcibly propelling a high-pressure stream of abrasive material against a surface to remove existing materials and impart a surface profile. There are several variants of the process such as bead, sand, or shot blasting. Abrasive blast cleaning systems typically include an abrasive hopper (blast pot), a …
Introduction Each year Liberty Mutual Safety Index ranks the top 10 causes of the most serious, nonfatal workplace injuries by their direct cost. The top ten leading causes in the 2017 index account for $49.9 billion, or 83.4% of the total $59.9 billion. Slips, trips, and falls are in the top ten and account for …
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace Read More »
Background Ergonomics is a field study that involves the application of knowledge about physical, psychological, and biomechanical abilities and limitations of the human body. This knowledge is applied to the planning, design, and evaluation of work environments, jobs, tools, and equipment to improve worker performance, safety and health. In layperson terms, ergonomics is fitting the …
Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Ergonomics Read More »
Introduction Efficient handling of materials is vital to the steel fabricating and coating shop processes. These facilities typically employ powered industrial trucks, overhead and gantry cranes, and slings to move tons of materials such as steel within the confines of a building, between buildings, and to/ from transportation vehicles. Material handling is not done without …
Primary Contributors to Noise Hazards in the Coatings Industry Continuous exposure to noise above 85 dBA (adjusted decibels) causes permanent damage to the hair cells in the cochlea resulting in irreversible hearing damage. The National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends 85 dBa as the maximum exposure to noise over an eight hour time …
Noise Hazards in the Coatings Industry: Long Term Effects and Hearing Conservation Read More »
An organic solvent is a chemical that is relatively stable, in the liquid state at temperatures of approximately 0 degree to 250 degree Celsius. Common organic solvents are classified as alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, glycol ethers, and ketones. Organic solvents are widely employed since they dissolve, suspend or extract other materials …
Introduction Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the coatings industry may occur during, or while working alongside dust-producing operations involving a concrete substrate, while using sand as an abrasive (silica may be present in the abrasive), or as a component of the coating (silica may be an extender used in coatings). Operations using sand …
Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures in the Coatings Industry Read More »
Introduction Airborne dusts, fumes and mists all pose an inhalation hazard to humans, depending on the type and amount of the airborne material. Acute doses (large amounts in a relatively short time period) can be very harmful, but even smaller doses over a long time period can build-up in the body and cause latent health …
Every fall, OSHA publishes a list of the Top 10 most frequently cited standards from the previous fiscal year (October 1 through September 30), as well as the Top 5 sections from each of the most frequently cited standards that resulted in the majority of the citations. For the past 10 years, the annual rankings …
Are You Compliant with OSHA Top Ten? [Worker Safety and Health] Read More »
National Safety Stand Down For the past several years, OSHA has promoted an annual National Safety Stand-Down. The focus of this year’s National Stand-Down was to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in the construction industry. During the stand-down, employers and employees are asked to take a break in the work day to talk about …