HAZARDS OF USING PNEUMATIC TOOLS BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

WHAT ARE THE PNEUMATIC TOOLS HAZARD WHEN WORKING?
Hazard of Pneumatic Tools



Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, and sanders.
There are several dangers associated with the use of pneumatic tools. First and foremost is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool's attachments or by some kind of fastener the worker is using with the tool.

Pneumatic tools must be checked to see that the tools are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected.

A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool must also be used and will serve as an added safeguard.

If an air hose is more than 12.7 millimeters in diameter, a safety excess flow valve must be installed at the source of the air supply to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.

In general, the same precautions should be taken with an air hose that are recommended for electric cords, because the hose is subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking, and because it also presents tripping hazards.

When using pneumatic tools, a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments such as chisels on a chipping hammer from being ejected during tool operation.

Pneumatic tools that shoot nails, rivets, staples, or similar fasteners and operate at pressures more than 6,890 kPa, must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected, unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface.

Airless spray guns that atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 6,890 kPa or more must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices that will prevent pulling the trigger until the safety device is manually released.

Eye protection is required, and head and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools.

Screens must also be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills.

Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. Workers should never "dead-end" them against themselves or anyone else. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning.

Use of heavy jackhammers can cause fatigue and strains. Heavy rubber grips reduce these effects by providing a secure handhold.

Workers operating a jackhammer must wear safety glasses and safety shoes that protect them against injury if the jackhammer slips or falls.

A face shield also should be used. Noise is another hazard associated with pneumatic tools. Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper, effective use of appropriate hearing protection.

HAZARD CLASSIFICATION IN WORKPLACE SAFETY BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

HOW TO CLASSIFY HAZARDS IN WORKPLACE?
Hazard Classifications



Hazards found during an inspection shall be classified so that managers can allocate time and dollars for their correction in order of priority based on the degree of danger present.

Hazards shall be classified as: imminent danger, serious, and non-serious based on the following criteria.

• Imminent danger hazards would likely cause death, severe injury or high property losses immediately, or before the hazard can be eliminated through normal procedures. Immediate employee protection and abatement is required.

An example is a leaking propane gas cylinder in crew quarters.

• Serious hazards are those in which there is high probability that serious injury, illness, ör extensive property damage would result unless corrective action is taken. Abatement shall be accomplished within 14 days.

An example is a broken stair tread.

• Non-serious hazards are those that could cause injury, illness, or property damage. Abatement shall be accomplished in 30 days.

An example is a broken window in a workshop.

HEALTH EFFECTS TO EXPOSURE OF INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

WHAT ARE EFFECTS TO EXPOSURE OF CHEMICALS?
Toxicology and Health Information

The consequences of exposure, if any, by inhalation, skin or eye contact, or ingestion are outlined in this section. The signs, symptoms and effects that the exposure could produce are described so that any exposure would be recognized as quickly as possible and the appropriate action taken.

The organs that are more susceptible to attack are referred to as target organs. The effects and damage that exposure could produce on these organs are given together with the symptoms. Some of the terms used that may be less familiar or which may have a specific inference in MSDS are defined below:

• Acute Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal resulting from a single exposure with symptoms developing almost immediately after exposure. The effect is often of short duration.

• Chronic Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal body resulting from repeated low level exposure, with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time or that reoccur frequently.

• Corrosive: A liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human or animal tissue.

• Irritation: An inflammatory response or reaction of the eye, skin or respiratory system.

• Allergic Sensitization: A process whereby on first exposure a substance causes little or no reaction in humans or test animals, but which on repeated exposure may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the contact site.

Skin sensitization is the most common form of sensitization in the industrial setting, although respiratory sensitization is also known to occur.

• Teratogen: A substance or agent to which exposure of a pregnant female can result in malformations (birth defects) to the skeleton and or soft tissue of the fetus.

• Mutagen: A substance or agent capable of altering the genetic material in a living organism.

• Carcinogen: A substance or agent capable of causing or producing cancer in humans or animals. Authorities/ organizations that have evaluated whether or not a substance is a carcinogen are the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) and OSHA.

• Target Organ Effects: Chemically-caused effects upon organs and systems such as the liver, kidneys, nervous system, lungs, skin, and eyes from exposure to a material.

OCCUPATIONAL NOISE STANDARD ALLOWED LEVEL FOR SAFETY BASIC INFORMATION

NOISE STANDARD IN THE WORKPLACE
What is the Allowable Levels of Exposure for Noise in Workplace?

Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall be provided when the sound levels exceed those shown in Table 2.3 when measured on the A scale of a standard sound level meter at slow response.

1. When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their combined effect should be considered, rather than the individual effect of each. If the sum of the following fractions:

C(l)/T(l) + C(2)/T(2) C(n)/T(n) exceeds unity, then, the mixed exposure should be considered to exceed the limit value. Cn indicates the total time of exposure at a specified noise level, and Tn indicates the total time of exposure permitted at that level. Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure level.

When noise levels are determined by octave band analysis, the equivalent A-weighted sound level may be determined as follows.

When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table 2.3, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of Table 2.3, personal protective equipment shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table.

If the variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or less, it is to be considered continuous.

COMBUSTIBLE GAS METERS BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

COMBUSTIBLE GAS METERS FOR SAFETY ENGINEERING
What Are Combustible Gas Meters?



These meters use elements which are made of various materials such as platinum or palladium as an oxidizing catalyst. The element is one leg of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. These meters measure gas concentration as a percentage of the lower explosive limit of the calibrated gas.

The oxygen meter displays the concentration of oxygen in percent by volume measured with a galvanic cell. Other electrochemical sensors are available to measure carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic gases. Some units have an audible alarm that warns of low oxygen levels or malfunction.

Calibration of Combustible Gas Meters 
Before using the monitor each day, calibrate the instrument to a known concentration of combustible gas (usually methane) equivalent to 25%-50% LEL full-scale concentration.

The monitor must be calibrated to the altitude at which it will be used. Changes in total atmospheric pressure from changes in altitude will influence the instrument's measurement of the air's oxygen content. The unit's instruction manual provides additional details on calibration of sensors.

Special Considerations.
• Silicone compound vapors, leaded gasoline, and sulfur compounds will cause desensitization of the combustible sensor and produce erroneous (low) readings.

• High relative humidity (90%-100%) causes hydroxylation, which reduces sensitivity and causes erratic behavior including inability to calibrate.

• Oxygen deficiency or enrichment such as in steam or inert atmospheres will cause erroneous readings for combustible gases.

• In drying ovens or unusually hot locations, solvent vapors with high boiling points may condense in the sampling lines and produce erroneous (low) readings.

• High concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene or acid gases such as sulfur dioxide will depress the meter reading in the presence of a high concentration of combustible gas.

• High-molecular-weight alcohols can burn out the meters filaments.

• If the flash point is greater than the ambient temperature, an erroneous (low) concentration will be indicated.

If the closed vessel is then heated by welding or cutting, the vapors will increase and the atmosphere
may become explosive.

• For gases and vapors other than those for which a device was calibrated, users should consult the manufacturer's instructions and correction curves.

Maintenance of Combustible Gas Meters
The instrument requires no short-term maintenance other than regular calibration and recharging of batteries. Use a soft cloth to wipe dirt, oil, moisture, or foreign material from the instrument. Check the bridge sensors periodically, at least every six months, for proper functioning.

A thermal combustion-oxygen sensor uses electrochemical cells to measure combustible gases and
oxygen. It is not widely used in the area offices.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER SAFETY TIPS BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

SAFETY TIPS ON THE USE OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS



A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety tips
Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
 - Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you,  and release the locking mechanism.
 - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
 - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
 - Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the
device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

Know when to go.
Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.