ABC Baltimore Safety Blog

2007-06-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Information on selecting the proper gas meter for entering confined spaces.

GAS MONITORING
How to Select a Proper Detector, Part 1
By Jason Barlow
Gas detection technologies have improved dramatically in recent years. These days, portable gas detection for recording and monitoring exposure may include microprocessor-driven electronics, next generation signal processing, state-of-the-art battery choices and enhanced data manipulation and storage. Faced with all of these improvements, how should safety professionals select the product that’s best for their workplace? I’m not a scientist, but I’ve spent a lot of time researching the options and identifying their pros and cons. Let me tell you what I’ve found.
Selecting Proper Gas Detectors
Without proper gas detection, hazardous atmospheres may significantly affect the health and safety of workers. Many airborne contaminants cannot be detected by smell or vision and can only be measured with special equipment. Depending on its sensor configuration, proper gas detection equipment can help identify the hazard and protect your workers.
Selecting a gas detector should be based on the hazard encountered. For example, in confined space work, it is necessary to monitor for oxygen deficiency/enrichment, combustible gases and toxics. Therefore, it’s necessary to choose an instrument capable of dealing with these issues.
Unfortunately, too many purchasers make large and crucial equipment expenditures without really understanding what they are buying. Sensors and their capabilities are the single most important factor when choosing a gas detector; yet more often than not, decisions are based on size, price and other features that have nothing to do with the instrument’s detecting abilities.
The Three Categories of Gas Monitors
There are many federal, provincial/ state and local safety and environmental regulations requiring hazardous gas and vapor monitoring. Most (but not all) requirements fall into three categories:
Personal exposure monitoring;
Confined space entry; and
Ambient air monitoring
Let’s take a brief look at each of these.

1. Personal Exposure Monitoring
Personal exposure monitoring is the detecting of toxic gases in an individual worker’s breathing zone. Alarm settings on monitoring instruments generally relate to the physical and toxic characteristics of a specific gas and/or regulated threshold limits.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends measuring exposures by threshold limit values (TLV), such as the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and the 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL).
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) measures with permissible exposure limits (PELs), some of which are based on TLVs. In Canada, PELs are set by provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations. The provincial PELs are similar to those adopted by OSHA in the U.S.
Some monitors are equipped with alarms that measure yet another set of limits called "immediately dangerous to life or health" (IDLH).
2. Confined Space Entry
In general, confined space regulations require that air in a confined space be evaluated for the presence of combustible gases before any worker enters the area. Gases detected must be in the lower explosive limit (LEL) range, with less than 10 percent LEL typically considered an acceptable concentration. This percentage may change depending on whether hot work is to be performed within the confined space.
The space must also be measured for oxygen deficiency or enrichment: 20.9 percent oxygen volume in air is generally considered clean air; 19.5 percent is low (deficient); and 23 percent is too high (enriched).
Finally, the space must be tested for the presence of specific toxic gases, which must be within defined applicable concentration ranges, typically parts per million (PPM) or parts per billion (PPB).
Note: Before setting any sensor alarms, refer to your applicable legislation and verify legal requirements.
3. Ambient Air Monitoring
Ambient air monitoring involves continuous measurement of any workplace air to which workers are exposed – indoors or out. Normally, permanent monitoring systems are used for ambient air monitoring, although it can also be done with portable instrumentation set up to detect specific gases.
The Two Types of Gas Detection
There are two categories of gas detection instruments:
Indirect reading, where samples must be sent to the laboratory for analysis; and
Direct reading, which provides information at the time of sampling.
Direct reading instruments are the only safe source of sampling information in operations where the primary objective of gas detection is to immediately warn a worker of adverse atmospheric changes.
Conclusion
There are a number of direct reading portable gas detector manufacturers in the market today. Their product lines come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and sensor configurations. Next week, we’ll look at various combustible gas sensors and discuss their pros and cons.

SELECTING GAS DETECTORS
Sensor Technologies, Part 2 of 4
By Jason Barlow
Proper gas detection equipment can help identify hazardous atmospheres and protect your workers. When choosing a gas detector, the single most important factors to consider are the sensors and their capabilities. I’ve done a bit of research on this topic and this week I’ll share my findings on the types of combustible gas sensors available and compare the pros and cons of each.
Instrument Flexibility
Gas detection manufacturers produce instruments with a variety of sensor configurations. These days, it’s not uncommon to find units with one to six gas monitoring options with interchangeable sensors. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. You need to be fully aware of the different sensor types and the capabilities of each. Before using a gas monitoring instrument, there are two things you need to know:
1. The hazards that are likely to be present in the particular space you’re testing; and
2. The capability of the instrument you’re going to use to detect such hazards.
Understanding Sensor Technology
Sensor technology is the foundation of any instrumentation — whether portable or fixed. It’s also the cornerstone of accurate compliance reporting. Remember, though, that every sensor has its limitations. If your sensor selection is inadequate or inappropriate for the application, then everything downstream of the sensor will be compromised. So you must match the capability of the sensor with your requirements; otherwise, you’ll get inaccurate data and prematurely wear out your sensor.
Combustible Gas Sensor Options
In confined space work, you must monitor for combustible gases. There are three types of combustible gas sensors available for you to choose from: catalytic, metallic oxide semiconductor and infra-red. Let’s take a look at their advantages and disadvantages:

1. Catalytic combustible gas sensors detect combustible gases by causing an actual combustion of gases within the sensor chamber.
Catalytic sensors consist of a flame arresting material encasing two chambers, each of which contains a coiled wire filament. One chamber, whose coil is typically coated with platinum or palladium, is designed to allow air to enter. The other chamber, whose coil is not coated, is sealed to prevent air from entering.
Both coils are heated, typically to 500ºF or higher. When combustible gases are exposed to the coil, they will ignite and raise the temperature even higher. This temperature increase and the change of the coil’s electrical resistance are displayed as “percent LEL.”
Pros
Offer good linearity
Can react to most combustible gases
Cons
Work best in concentrations between 1,000 and 50,000 PPM
Don’t measure trace amounts of gas (under 200 PPM) and therefore are of no use determining toxic levels
Require a minimum of 16% oxygen content in the air to work accurately
Sensor can be damaged by lead or silicone
Readings can be affected by humidity and water vapor condensation
Tend to lose their linearity after a year or so
Not recommended for use in an acetylene atmosphere
Note: The flame arrestor will prevent ignition of most gases outside the sensor, except acetylene. It is extremely important to check the approvals to determine the types of hazardous locations the detector can function within.
2. Metallic oxide semiconductor (MOS or “Solid State”) combustible gas sensors consist of a housing (either a stainless steel sintered cup or plastic) containing an electric conductor. This conductor is made up of a heating element, typically operating between 150ºF and 350ºF, and a bead that contains a mixture of metal oxides.
As the electrical current travels through the bead when exposed to clean air, a base resistance is established. When a gas comes into contact with the sensor surface, a change in sensor resistance occurs. The sensor resistance can change significantly even with small quantities of gases (less than 200 PPM).
Pros
Long operation life (typically 3 to 5 years)
Very rugged with capacity to recover from high concentrations of a gas that could damage other types of sensors
Cons
Require oxygen to work accurately, although not as much as the catalytic
Some sensors’ heating elements have a high demand for power that requires large battery packs
Readings may be affected by humidity and water vapor condensation
3. Infra-red combustible sensors have recently begun appearing in some instruments. These sensors work by reflecting light off a mirror and measuring the amount of light adsorbed during refraction.
Pros
Work well in low oxygen levels or acetylene atmospheres
Cons
Quite expensive
Typically require a constant flow across the sensing assembly and may be slow to clear from alarm
Unable to detect hydrogen
Conclusion
Depending on what you need, there is quite a selection for combustible gas sensor technology. Next week, we’ll look at various toxic sensors and discuss their pros and cons.

SELECTING A GAS DETECTOR
A Look at Toxic Sensors, Part 3 of 4
By Jason Barlow
When choosing a gas detector, the single most important factor to consider is the sensor and its capabilities. Last week, we compared the pros and cons of combustible gas sensors. This week, we’ll look at toxic sensors.
The Two Kinds of Toxic Sensors
When choosing a toxic sensor, you have two options: a wet chem toxic sensor and an MOS toxic broad range gas sensor. Let’s look at each option:
1. Electrochemical (wet chem) toxic sensors react to specific chemical substances such as chlorine, ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric acid. Read the technical information supplied by the detector’s manufacturer to learn what sensors are available for the unit.
The electrochemical sensor housing contains two, sometimes three, electrodes sitting in a liquid solution, either a base or alkali, depending on what the sensor is “looking for.” The housing is covered by a Teflon membrane, which keeps the fluid in the housing but allows in air. As air molecules enter through the thin Teflon membrane, the fluid reacts with a specific substance if it’s present.
When the detector is working, a small electrical current passes between the two electrodes. Any change in the fluid’s density caused by a reaction to the substance in the air will affect the density of the fluid and change the amount of current passing between the two electrodes. The current then passes through a temperature compensating circuit and the electron flow is read as a specific amount of the substance.
The sensor’s ability to detect specific types of gases is based on:
The choice of membrane;
The number of electrodes;
The alloy of the electrodes (gold, lead, etc.); and
The type of electrolyte fluid.
Pros
Very good linearity, which makes them very accurate for the substance to which they’ll react.
Can measure either large or small quantities.
Cons
Have a typical life span of approximately one year.
Fluid can freeze when left in environments having temperatures lower than 0°C.
Adversely affected by altitude. (Air pressure at sea level (14.73 psi absolute) is the force required to induce the air into the sensor. An increase in altitude means less force is available to push the air into the sensor, thus reducing the accuracy of the reading.)
Some substances, such as moisture, affect the sensor by changing the make-up of the fluid. This reduces the amount of electrical resistance and impacts the reading. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see which substances will affect the sensor.
May generate readings that are abnormal or don’t make sense. (Note: This problem can be minimized if you know the hazards in your workplace, have a basic understanding of chemistry, know what interference gases adversely affect your unit and follow strict testing protocols.)
2. Metallic oxide semiconductor (MOS) toxic broad range gas sensors are just one of many MOS sensors on the market. The MOS sensor specifically developed for detecting toxic gases is similar in concentration and operation to those used for the detection of combustible gases.
Pros
Capable of reacting to a wide range of toxic gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, styrene, toluene, gasoline and many other hydrocarbons and solvents.
Cons
Cannot detect carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide.
Incapable of telling you what gas you have encountered or the concentration, only that the atmosphere may be hazardous to your health.
Last word on toxic gas sensors
It’s important to note that you should never use an oxygen sensor to detect toxic gases. It is true that a toxic gas will displace the oxygen in a confined space. However, it takes 60,000 PPM of any gas to lower the oxygen from 20.9% (normal) to 19.5% (alarm point). More importantly, 60,000 PPM of any toxic gas will kill you.
Conclusion
There are several types of oxygen sensors available and we’ll look at those next week.

SELECTING A GAS DETECTORA Look at Oxygen Sensors, Part 4 of 4 September 5, 2006
In this series, we’ve compared the pros and cons of the various combustible gas sensors and toxic sensors available in today’s market. This week, I’ll wrap up the series by sharing my findings on oxygen sensors.
The 5 Types of Oxygen Sensors
There are five common types of oxygen sensors. Let’s look closely at the merits of each.
1. Ambient Temperature Electrochemical Oxygen Sensors
Ambient temperature electrochemical oxygen sensors, often referred to as galvanic sensors, operate much like a battery. Oxygen gas flows past an electrode and becomes a negatively charged hydroxyl ion. The ions move through electrolytes in the oxygen sensors to positively charged electrodes, typically made of lead, react with the lead and releases electrons. The electron flow is measured and the measurement can be mathematically converted to an oxygen concentration.
Pros
The only true chemically specific sensor (similar to the electrochemical toxic sensor described last week).
Cons
Susceptible to freezing
Affected by altitude
Nominal operational life of one year.
Susceptible to damage when used with samples containing acid gas species such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, etc. Unless the offending gas constituent is scrubbed prior to analysis, their presence will greatly shorten the life of the sensor.
2. Paramagnetic Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen has a relatively high magnetic susceptibility as compared to other gases such as nitrogen, helium and argon; and it displays a paramagnetic behavior. The paramagnetic oxygen sensor is based on these qualities. It typically consists of a cylindrical shaped container in which a small glass dumbbell is placed. The dumbbell is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen and suspended on a taut platinum wire within a non-uniform magnetic field. The dumbbell is designed to move freely as it is suspended from the wire. When oxygen is processed through the sensor, the oxygen molecules are attracted to the stronger of the two magnetic fields created by each side of the dumbbell. This causes a displacement of the dumbbell and causes it to rotate. A precision optical system consisting of a light source, photodiode and amplifier circuit is used to measure the degree of rotation of the dumbbell.
In some sensor designs, an opposing current is applied to restore the dumbbell to its normal position. The current required to maintain the dumbbell in its normal state is directly proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen and is represented electronically in percent oxygen.
The magnetodynamic or dumbbell type of design is the predominate sensor type of paramagnetic oxygen sensors. But design variations are available, depending on the manufacturer. Also, other types of sensors have been developed that use the susceptibility of oxygen to a magnetic field, which include the thermomagnetic or “magnetic wind” type and the magnetopneumatic sensor.
Pros
Offer very good response time characteristics
Use no consumable parts, making sensor life (under normal conditions) quite good
Offer excellent precision over a range of 1% to 100% oxygen
Cons
Quite delicate and sensitive to vibration and position
Not recommended for trace oxygen measurements in general, due to the loss in measurement sensitivity
Other gases that exhibit a magnetic susceptibility can produce sizeable measurement errors. Manufactures of paramagnetic oxygen sensors and analyzers should provide details on these interfering gases.
3. Polarographic Oxygen Sensors
Polarographic oxygen sensors are often referred to as a Clark Cell. In this type of sensor, both the anode (typically silver) and cathode (typically gold) are immersed in an aqueous electrolyte of potassium chloride. The electrodes are separated from the sample by a semi-permeable membrane that diffuses oxygen into the sensor. The silver anode is typically held at a potential of 0.8V (polarizing voltage) with respect to the gold cathode. Molecular oxygen is consumed electrochemically with an accompanying flow of electrical current directly proportional to the oxygen concentration (based on Faraday’s law). The current output generated from the sensor is measured and amplified electronically to provide a percent oxygen measurement.
Pros
While inoperative, there is no consumption of the electrode (anode)
Almost indefinite storage times
Not position sensitive
The sensor of choice for dissolved oxygen measurements in liquids
Cons
Relatively high frequency of sensor replacement
Sensor membrane and electrolyte require maintenance
For gas phase oxygen measurements, the sensor is suitable for percent level oxygen measurements only
4. Non-Depleting Coulometric Oxygen Sensors
Non-depleting coulometric sensors are a variant of the polarographic oxygen sensor in which two similar electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte consisting of potassium hydroxide. Typically, an external EMF of 1.3 VDC is applied across both electrodes which act as the driving mechanism for reduction/oxidation reaction. The electrical current resulting from this reaction is directly proportional to the oxygen concentration in the sample gas. As with other sensor types, the signal derived from the sensor is amplified and conditioned prior to displaying.
Pros
Can be used for both percent and trace oxygen measurements
Can measure parts per billion levels of oxygen
Cons
One sensor cannot be used to measure both high percentage levels as well as trace concentrations of oxygen
Sensors are position sensitive and replacement costs are quite expensive, in some cases, paralleling that of an entire analyzer of another sensor type
Not recommended for applications where oxygen concentrations exceed 25%.
5. Zirconium Oxide Oxygen Sensors
Zirconium oxide oxygen sensors are occasionally referred to as the “high temperature” electrochemical sensor and are based on the Nernst principle.
Zirconium oxide sensors use a solid state electrolyte typically fabricated from zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide. The zirconium oxide probe is plated on opposing sides with platinum, which serves as the sensor electrodes.
For a zirconium oxide sensor to operate properly, it must be heated to approximately 650° C. At this temperature, on a molecular basis, the zirconium lattice becomes porous, allowing the movement of oxygen ions from a higher concentration of oxygen to a lower one, based on the partial pressure of oxygen. To create this partial pressure differential, one electrode is usually exposed to air (20.9% oxygen) while the other electrode is exposed to the sample gas. The movement of oxygen ions across the zirconium oxide produces a voltage between the two electrodes, the magnitude of which is based on the oxygen partial pressure differential created by the reference gas and sample gas.
Pros
Can be utilized in high temperature environments
Excellent response time characteristics
Can be used to measure 100% oxygen, as well as parts per billion concentrations
The “de facto standard” for in-situ combustion control applications
Cons
Due to the high temperatures (typically) of operation, the life of the sensor can be shortened by on/off operation
Constant heating and cooling often causes “sensor fatigue”
Unsuitable for trace oxygen measurements when reducing gases (hydrocarbons of any species, hydrogen and carbon monoxide) are present in the sample gas
At operating temperatures of 650°C, the reducing gases will react with the oxygen, consuming it prior to measurement thus producing a lower than actual oxygen reading. The magnitude of the error is proportional to the concentration of reducing gas.
Conclusion
Selecting the right gas detector and attendant sensor is a crucial safety decision. I hope this and the previous installments help you make the right decision for your workplace and workforce.

2007-06-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Information on 811- Before you dig call Miss Utility

http://www.missutility.net/maryland/

2007-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING SAFETY TRAINING FEB-APRIL 2007

OSHA 10 Hour-Construction
Dates: Feb 8-9, March 8-9, April 5-6 Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $115.00 members/$325.00 non-members

CPR and First Aid Training
Date: Feb. 5, March 5, April 9 Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: $65.00 members/$85.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagger Certification-ATSSA Course
Date: Feb 13, March 13, April 10 Time: 8am to 1pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$100.00 non members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OSHA 10 Hour for Construction in Spanish
Dates: April 11-12 8am-2pm, April 25 and 27, 12pm-6pm, or May 23 and 30, 2pm-8pm
Cost: $185 members, $350 non-members

Aerial Work Platform Training (Scissors and Boom Lifts)*
Dates: February 6, March 8 Time: 8am-Noon
Cost:$165 per person
Rough Terrain Forklift Training*
Dates: Feb 22, March 20 Time: 8am- Noon
Cost : $165 per person
*Aerial Work Platform Training and Rough Terrain Forklift Training will be held at:
Modern Equipment Sales and Rental
7667 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21237
(for groups of 5 or more on these two classes only call for group rates)
Please register no later than 48 hours prior to class.

2006-11-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Safety Training November 2006 to January 2007

OSHA 10 Hour-Construction
Dates: November 8-9, December 14-15, January 11-12 Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $115.00 members/$325.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OSHA 10 Hour-General Industry
Dates: November 16-17 January 25-26 Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost $115 members/325.00 non
CPR and First Aid Training
Date: November 13, December 18, January 8 Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: $65.00 members/$85.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagger Certification-ATSSA Course
Date: November 15, January 10 Time: 8am to 1pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$100.00 non members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Basic Spanish for Construction Ameriga Strache de Alonzo
Class to be held over eight sessions.
Dates: January 15,17,22,29 and February 5,7,12,19 Time: 5-7pm
Cost: $350 members, $475 non-members
OSHA Recordkeeping
Dates: January 23, January 24 Time: 9-11am
Cost: $75 members, $115 non-members

Aerial Work Platform Training (Scissors and Boom Lifts)*
Dates: November 14, December 7 Time: 8am-Noon
Cost:$165 per person
Rough Terrain Forklift Training*
Dates: November 30, December 18 Time: 8am- Noon
Cost : $165 per person
*Aerial Work Platform Training and Rough Terrain Forklift Training will be held at:
Modern Equipment Sales and Rental
7667 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21237
(for groups of 5 or more on these two classes only call for group rates)
Please register no later than 48 hours prior to class.
For more information on
ABC Baltimore Safety Services or Safety Course Offerings,
Please Contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351, mbarton@abcbaltimore.org
or see our Safety Blog at
www.abcbaltimoresafety.blogspot.com

2006-11-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Drive To Survive In Winter Weather
The State Highway Administration (SHA) realizes the difficulty of driving during the harsh conditions of winter weather. SHA's skilled drivers have years of training and experience in dealing with snow and icy conditions. Here are some tips to help you on your way this season
Be sure to buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.
When a snow emergency is declared, make every effort to avoid driving or allow extra time to get where you are going. Keep in mind that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to drive as you would during clear weather or on dry road surfaces
Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.
Increase following distance between your vehicle and others on the road, especially snowplows. Packed snow and ice may create a smooth, glass-like surface beneath your tires making it difficult to control your vehicle.
Remember bridges and ramps freeze first and may be especially difficult to navigate.
Never pass a snow plow or salt truck especially a plow train! Plow trains are groups of trucks which form a line across the lanes to clear snow. Operators may not see you or your car may get caught on a snow-covered plow edge. In addition, driving will be much easier if you stay at least 25 feet, or three car lengths, behind the snow emergency vehicle.
Do not abandon your vehicle. The safest place to wait for help is in your car. If your car breaks down, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and lift the hood. Try to leave a distress signal, such as a scarf, hanging from the window. Please remember, when you abandon your vehicle, it may be subject to towing, ticketing and a fine.
Remember, when shoveling snow from your driveway, create a pile away from the roadway. A good rule is to shovel to the right when facing the street. However, keep in mind that the important thing is not to shovel the snow onto an area that will simply be plowed back onto the driveway when the state, county or city snowplows come through.

Things To Check Before Taking The Wheel:
Check your car's antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wipers, washer fluid and level.
Inspect the tires to be sure there is adequate tread, check air pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radials or chains during snow emergencies.
If you must travel, prepare to leave early and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
And Finally.Take time to remove all ice and snow from your car, concentrating on the windows, wipers, mirrors and lights. To reduce the chance of snow flying off your vehicle while driving, remove snow and ice from the front grill, hood and roof. Good visibility is essential for a safe journey. You need to see and be seen by others.
County Roads/Public Works Telephone Numbers
Allegany County
(301) 777-5955
Anne Arundel County
(410) 222-7349
Baltimore County
(410) 887-3560
Calvert County
(410) 535-0905
Caroline County
(410) 479-0520
Carroll County
(410) 848-6717
Cecil County
(410) 996-6270
Charles County
(301)932-3450 or (888) 460-7669
Dorchester County
(301) 228-2920
Frederick County
(301) 694-1564
Garrett County
(310) 334-3988
Harford County
(410) 638-3532
Howard County
(410) 313-7450
Kent County
(410) 778-4252
Montgomery County
(310) 217-2150
Prince George's County
(310) 499-8600
Queen Anne's County
(410) 758-0920
St. Mary's County
(301) 863-8400
Somerset County
(410) 651-1930
Talbot County
(410) 822-5446
Washington County
(301) 791-3140
Wicomico County
(410) 548-4874
Worcester County
(410) 632-2244
and

Baltimore City
(410) 396-7669
For Conditions On Numbered Maryland, U.S. And Interstate Routes,Call 1-800-323-6742 From 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For Highway Conditions During Winter Storms, Call Sha's 24-Hour Hotline At 1-800-327-3125.

2006-06-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

OSHA Unveils Safety and Health Topics Page for Concrete and Concrete Products

IndustryAlliance Program and National Ready-Mix Concrete Association Partner in its Development

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the availability of a new page on the agency's Web site that provides web-based assistance for employers and employees in the concrete products industry.Concrete and Concrete Products - Manufacturing and Construction, the agency's newest Safety and Health Topics page, is a product of OSHA's Alliance Program and Strategic Partnership with the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association."This new resource provides useful information and guidance that will help foster a safer work environment for employees involved in cement production and manufacturing, and cement-related construction," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "The development of this page also demonstrates how we leverage our resources and work in cooperation with organizations to improve workplace safety and health."Visitors to the site can access information to develop and implement comprehensive safety and health programs, including several examples from the construction and manufacturing portions of the industry. Also available are links to other resources that identify the most common industry hazards and possible solutions to those hazards.The page highlights OSHA standards, compliance directives, and standards interpretations related to manufacturing and construction in the concrete and concrete products industry. It also includes electronic assistance tools and expert advisors, Spanish language materials, training information, success stories, and additional resources from OSHA and other organizations.Employers and employees can access information that can be used to develop and implement safety and health programs and link to sites that identify hazards and possible solutions to those hazards.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/index.html.
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2006-05-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Summer is right around the corner...remember to plan before working in the heat..

HEAT DISORDERS AND HEALTH EFFECTS.

HEAT STROKE occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. This condition is caused by a combination of highly variable factors, and its occurrence is difficult to predict. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke are confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high body temperature, e.g., a rectal temperature of 41°C (105.8°F). If body temperature is too high, it causes death. The elevated metabolic temperatures caused by a combination of work load and environmental heat load, both of which contribute to heat stroke, are also highly variable and difficult to predict. If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, professional medical treatment should be obtained immediately. The worker should be placed in a shady area and the outer clothing should be removed. The worker's skin should be wetted and air movement around the worker should be increased to improve evaporative cooling until professional methods of cooling are initiated and the seriousness of the condition can be assessed. Fluids should be replaced as soon as possible. The medical outcome of an episode of heat stroke depends on the victim's physical fitness and the timing and effectiveness of first aid treatment. Regardless of the worker's protests, no employee suspected of being ill from heat stroke should be sent home or left unattended unless a physician has specifically approved such an order.

HEAT EXHAUSTION. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness. Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment. Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly, however, for several reasons. One is that the fainting associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim may be operating machinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended; moreover, the victim may be injured when he or she faints. Also, the signs and symptoms seen in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a medical emergency. Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and given fluid replacement. They should also be encouraged to get adequate rest.

HEAT CRAMPS are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating. It is important to understand that cramps can be caused by both too much and too little salt. Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of water replenishment. Because sweat is a hypotonic solution (±0.3% NaCl), excess salt can build up in the body if the water lost through sweating is not replaced. Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments. Under extreme conditions, such as working for 6 to 8 hours in heavy protective gear, a loss of sodium may occur. Recent studies have shown that drinking commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids is effective in minimizing physiological disturbances during recovery.

HEAT COLLAPSE ("Fainting"). In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities. As a result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat exhaustion and does not affect the body's heat balance. However, the onset of heat collapse is rapid and unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, the worker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot environment.

HEAT RASHES are the most common problem in hot work environments. Prickly heat is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases, these papules give rise to a prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs in skin that is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat, and heat rash papules may become infected if they are not treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool environment.

HEAT FATIGUE. A factor that predisposes an individual to heat fatigue is lack of acclimatization. The use of a program of acclimatization and training for work in hot environments is advisable. The signs and symptoms of heat fatigue include impaired performance of skilled sensorimotor, mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops.

2006-05-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Trade News Release
May 18, 2006
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA Offers Best Practices Guide for First Aid Programs

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program, a new guide to help employers and employees develop workplace first aid programs."Workplace first-aid program is a key component of any comprehensive safety and health management system," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "Our new guide offers practical information on how to help employers plan and implement first-aid programs as well as effective training."The new OSHA guide identifies four essential elements for first-aid programs to be effective and successful; management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.The guide details the primary components of a first-aid program at the workplace. Those elements include:
Identifying and assessing workplace risks;
Designing a program that is specific to the worksite and complies with OSHA first-aid requirements;
Instructing all workers about the program, including what to do if a coworker is injured or ill. Policies and program should be in writing;
Evaluating and modifying program to keep it current, including regular assessment of the first-aid training course. The guide also includes best practices for planning and conducting safe and effective first-aid training. OSHA recommends that training courses include instruction in general and workplace hazard-specific knowledge and skills, incorporating automated external defibrillator (AED) training in to CPR training if an AED is available at the work site, and periodically repeat first-aid training to help maintain and update knowledge and skills.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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2006-04-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

NIOSH Publication No. 2006-110:
Silicosis - Working with Cement Roofing Tiles: A Silica Hazard
2006

Although respirable silica is a recognized health hazard in the construction industry, only recently has this exposure been documented in roofers. NIOSH has measured respirable silica levels up to four times the recommended exposure limit around roofers cutting cement products such as when roofing tiles are cut during the installation process. This cutting generates clouds of silica-containing dust. Respirable silica exposure may also occur when blowers or dry sweeping methods are used to clean the roof. This practice can produce large silica-containing dust clouds. NIOSH does not recommend this practice. Anyone who inhales dust generated by cutting cement tiles or cleaning the residue will be exposed to respirable silica, placing them at risk for developing silicosis.

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing dust that has silica in it. The term “respirable silica” is used for silica particles that are small enough to be inhaled and deposited in the deepest parts of the lung. If workers inhale too much respirable silica dust, it causes scar tissue to develop in the lungs, resulting in silicosis. Lung damage may be permanent and disabling and may lead to death. There is no cure for silicosis, but it can be prevented.

Symptoms of Silicosis

Symptoms of silicosis may include
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Severe cough
Chest pain
These symptoms can become worse over time. It is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about your job and any silica exposures, so he or she can consider silicosis as a possible cause of your symptoms.

The Facts

Cement tiles are used on roofs across the United States but are more common in the Southern states.
Cement tiles can contain silica. The silica content of cement tiles should be listed by the tile manufacturer on a material safety data sheet.
Cutting, crushing, drilling, or blasting the tiles creates silica-containing dust, which workers breathe in.
Overexposure to silica can cause silicosis.
Over 1,000,000 U.S. workers are at risk for developing silicosis each year.
Each year more than 200 U.S. workers die from silicosis and hundreds more become disabled.
Over 1,000,000 U.S. workers are at risk for developing silicosis each year.
Each year more than 200 U.S. workers die from silicosis and hundreds more become disabled.

Taking Steps to Protect Workers

Controlling exposure to silica dust at the source should be the primary means for protecting workers from silicosis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is working with employers and employees in the roofing industry to
better understand which tasks in tile roofing may expose roofers to silica dust, and identify practical and effective ways to reduce exposures to silica.
NIOSH is working with roofers, roofing contractors, tile manufacturers, and other interested parties to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of engineering controls for cutting concrete roofing tiles such as:
Wet cutting methods (water spray or mist)
Local exhaust/vacuum system
Cutting station on the ground to reduce exposure of coworkers
Using Respirators
Until respirable silica exposures can be eliminated or reduced below current guidelines, a respirator program should be established.

Steps for implementing a respirator program include:
Regular air monitoring
Training for workers using respirators
Use of proper NIOSH approved respirators
A medical examination of the worker’s ability to work while using a respirator
Testing to make sure respirators fit
Maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and storage of respirators
For more information about respirator programs, including what respirators have received NIOSH approval as safe and effective, please visit the NIOSH website at: http://www.cdc.%20gov/niosh and click on the respirator link.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) works to assure safe and healthy conditions for workers through research, education and training in occupational safety and health.
For more information about silica health effects and prevention methods contact us at:
NIOSHHazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Branch4676 Columbia Parkway, MS R-10Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998(p): 513-841-4386(f): 513-458-7105
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)Fax: 513-533-8573E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov

2006-04-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Trench Safety Awareness Material from NIOSH

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-133D/

A nice module for trench safety awareness.

2006-04-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign Press Kit

OSHA Kicks Off New Summer Job Safety Campaign for Teen Workers
OSHA and PLANET Renew Alliance
Remarks by Assistant Secretary Foulke
Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Bio
Drop In Articles
Teens Focus of New OSHA Multi-year Summer Job Safety Campaign
OSHA Offers Tips on Protecting Working Teens from Pesticide Hazards
OSHA Offers Tips on Protecting Working Teens from Injury in Landscaping
Protect Your Working Teens from Strains and Sprains
Teen Workers Web page

2006-04-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Directorate of Construction:
Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades

Highway, road, street, bridge, tunnel, utility, and other workers for the highway infrastructure are exposed to hazards from outside and inside the work zone. Falls, electrical, struck-by, and caught between are the common hazards found in this type of work. Guidance for the set-up of work zone signs, barricades, flagging, etc. are found in the Department of Transportation's "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)." The MUTCD is referenced in 1926 Subpart G.
Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Internet Pages, Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Internet Pages, the DOT/FHWA Internet pages contain links to their statistics and related information.
Federal Highway Administration's, 23 CFR 630 Subpart J "Work Zone Safety and Mobility" rule. The text of the final rule and informational materials are located at this website.
The DOT/FHWA Internet pages contain links to their statistics and other information.
National Highway Work Zone Week information.
DOT/FHWA's Current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Federal Highway Administration.
DOT/FHWA's 1988 Edition, Revision 3, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. DOT/FHWA Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): "Standards and Guides for Traffic Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operations," 1988 edition, Revision 3, September 3, 1993.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a safety and health topics page about workers in highway construction work zones that are exposed to risk of injury from the movement of construction vehicles and equipment within the work zones, as well as from passing motor vehicle traffic.
NIOSH: "Building Safer Highway Work Zones: Measures to Prevent Worker Injuries From Vehicles and Equipment." DHHS/NIOSH Pub. No. 2001-128. This April 2001 document presents a list of interventions discussed during a workshop with over 30 industry participants. It is available at no charge by calling NIOSH at toll-free 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674). Training Materials
Roadway Safety Training Program, this program was developed through an OSHA Susan Harwoord Grant and is available in English and Spainish at the Texas A and M University's "National Work Zone Safety Information Clearing House" Internet page. Standards and Guidance
OSHA Interpretation Letters
Signaling and Barricades to Highway Construction Projects. (1991, July 24), 1 page. Application of 1926.201 and 1926.202 to highway construction.
Federal Register
1926, Safety Standards for Signs, Signals, and Barricades. Effective December 11, 2002. Alliance
The Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Coalition Alliance. The members of this Alliance are: American Road and Transportation Builders Association, International Union of Operating Engineers, Laberers' International Union of North America, National Asphalt Pavement Association, National Institue of Occupational Saftey and Health, and OSHA. This Alliance was formed to evelop hazard awareness training and education programs on roadway work zone safety and health issues.

2006-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

OSHA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

TO PROTECT HIGHWAY WORKERS

WASHINGTON -- "Working at the Speed of Night" was the theme for this year's National Work Zone Awareness Week, the seventh annual event that highlights safety awareness for workers in highway work zones. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the event ran from April 3-9 and focused on the dangers associated with night work zones. The District of Columbia hosted this year's affair, which began with a special National Media Event near the U.S. Capitol.The FHWA, along with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the American Traffic Safety Services Association, established the annual National Work Zone Awareness Week held every year in April. Through a large network of government and industry partners, including OSHA, the week of national, state and local public activities seeks to raise public awareness about the need for driving safely in work zones. The FHWA has posted a separate page on its Web site that spotlights worker safety and visibility.According to the FHWA, the seven-year period ending in 2004 saw nearly a 50 per cent increase in work zone fatalities. In 2004, there were an estimated 1,068 fatalities in work zones. While 80 per cent of those fatalities involved motorists, construction workers and other employees laboring in highway work zones do fall victim to work zone hazards.More information on highway work zone safety in general and the week's events in particular, is available on FHWA's Safety Page on their Web site.Additionally, OSHA has a variety of resources that focus on health and safety for construction employees and others working in highway work zones. For example, OSHA's Directorate of Construction fashioned a Web site dedicated to Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades. OSHA's safety and health topics page entitled "Motor Vehicle Safety" focuses on the entire issue of safety on the highways. Finally, OSHA recently concluded a successful two year alliance with the Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Coalition. The Coalition included the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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2006-04-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

PAINTING & SAFETY
Tips for Avoiding Accidents
By Barry R. Weissman, REM, CSP, CHMM, CHS-III

Catherine has asked me to add some suggestions about how to paint safely to the above article. How could I turn her down? If you plan to do some painting - at home or at work - take the following precautions:
Use your tools correctly:
Open paint cans with a paint-can opener, not a screwdriver or claw hammer;
If you’re spray-painting, use the correct type of respiratory protection; and
Don’t stand on the top step of any ladder.
If using an a-frame ladder, make sure you:
Use one that is tall enough so you don’t have to use the top three steps;
Open the ladder fully; and
Make sure the ladder is on a firm, level surface.
If using an extension ladder, be sure to:
Keep in mind that extension ladders are not designed to use the sections separately;
Position the ladder at a 75 degree angle from the wall;
Use the diagram on the side of the ladder or do the following:
Set the ladder in place against the wall or building;
Stand facing the ladder with your toes touching the feet of the ladder and raise your arms, so they are parallel to the ground; and
If the angle of the ladder is correct, your fingers should just be touching the side-rails.
If you have to get onto a roof or other level, use a ladder that will extend at least three rungs higher than your level. This provides you with a handle to assist with the transition; and
Most importantly: TIE OFF THE LADDER to the building or have a helper block and steady the ladder while you climb.
If using solvents to clean oil or alkyd paints:
Do not smoke;
Do not use the paints indoors or near sources of heat or flame; and
Dispose of rags and solvents properly. These wastes can usually be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste day that many towns sponsor, unless these are from industrial sources and then check with your Environmental Department.

2006-03-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

OSHA Letter of Interpretation Regarding Wearing Hardhats Backwards

April 17, 2002
Ms. Linda Keene
Safety Coordinator
Pipe Systems Inc.
P.O. Box 420
Carthage, MO 64836

Re: §1926.100(a) and (b); hard hat protection

Dear Ms. Keene:
This is in response to your letter of November 26, 2001, and a follow-up telephone conversation with Steve Stock of my staff, requesting guidance on OSHA hard hat requirements. Your letter was delayed in reaching this office because mail addressed to the government is first sent to a facility that sanitizes it. We apologize for the delay in addressing your concerns. We have paraphrased your question as follows: Question: According to a letter issued by OSHA on July 22, 1992, under §1926.100(a) and (b), hard hats used by employees must be worn with the bill facing forward unless the hard hat manufacturer certifies that the bill facing back meets ANSI Z89.1-1969. Does OSHA still adhere to this interpretation? Answer:Section 1926.100(a) provides:
Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from flying objects, or from electrical shock and [electrical] burns, shall be protected by protective helmets. Section 1926.100(b) provides:
Helmets for the protection of employees against impact and penetration of falling and flying objects shall meet the specifications contained in American National Standards Institute, Z89.1-1969, Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection.1 In the July 22, 1992, letter to Mr. Artie Scruggs, OSHA stated:
ANSI only tests and certifies hard hats to be worn with the bill forward [;] hard hats worn with the bill to the rear would not be considered reliable protection and would not meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.100(a) and (b) unless the hard hat manufacturer certifies that this practice meets the ANSI Z89.1-1969 requirements. This continues to be OSHA's interpretation of this standard. Additionally, note that a manufacturer may certify that it would be acceptable to wear the hard hat with the bill to the rear when the hard hat liner is turned/reversed. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us by fax at: U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, [Directorate of Construction, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance], fax # 202-693-1689. You can also contact us by mail at the above office, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, although there will be a delay in our receiving correspondence by mail.

Sincerely,
Russell B. Swanson,
DirectorDirectorate of Construction

1The impact testing requirements of ANSI Z89.1-1986 are even more specific than the 1969 version of the standard. Since the revised standard is, in effect, more rigorous, a hard hat that meets the criteria of the revised standard also meets the §1926.100 requirement for falling and flying object protection.

2006-03-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Safety Training ~ April-June 2006

OSHA 10 Hour-Construction
Dates:,April 6-7, May 9-10, June 8-9
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OSHA 10 Hour-General Industry
Dates: May 18-19
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CPR and First Aid Training
Date: April 10, May 8, or June 12
Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: $55.00 members/$70.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagger Certification-ATSSA Course
Date: May 17
Time: 8am to 1pm
Cost: $60.00 members/$75.00 non members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spanish for Safety with Ameriga Strache
Part Two
Dates: May 15,22, June 5,12,19,26, July 10,17
Time: 5pm until 7pm
Cost: $325.00 members, $475.00 non members

For more information on
ABC Baltimore Safety Services
or Safety Course Offerings,
Please Contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351, mbarton@abcbaltimore.org
or see our Safety Blog at
www.abcbaltimoresafety.blogspot.com

2006-03-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Ditch Collapses On Construction Worker

A man laying sewer pipe in a nine-foot ditch suffered a broken leg and bruised pelvis when the walls of the ditch collapsed on him Friday afternoon.Mike Wood was trapped in the ditch, from the waist down, for more than two hours while rescuers worked to dig him out. Paramedics were worried Wood might not make it through the ordeal.“They had checked his vitals, he was breathing, which is unusual in a trench rescue that lasts this long,” said Capt. Mitch Chism of Little Rock Fire Department.To save Wood's life, firefighters checked the air quality regularly in the ditch and hooked him up to an I.V. Then, they cut wood planks to hold up panels to keep back dirt from falling back into the ditch. Digging to free his legs was constant.“The people in the ditch, they dug the right leg out first and the second leg out. Like I said, he was in the dirt waist deep,” Chism says.Then after two exhausting hours, Woods was finally lifted free and rushed to a local hospital. He's expected to fully recover.

2006-03-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

Worker Electrocuted In Beaver County

(KDKA) Aliquippa Authorities in Beaver County say a man was electrocuted while working on the roof of an Aliquippa home today. Regis Williams, 24, was found dead after he fell about 25 feet to the ground.According to police, Duquesne Light ordered the crew from Zeke and Sons to remove the scaffolding from the Washington Street location before the accident because it was too close to some power lines and too windy.Police and Duquesne Light officials say he and his co-workers should have never been on the scaffolding. Duquesne Light workers had been in the area fixing another down line nearby when they noticed where the scaffolding is located. It was entirely too dangerous.They told those working there to stop operations.“We advised them to take it down. The fact is, it’s our obligation to point out unsafe conditions. Anyone should at least be 10 feet away from any electrified wires,” said Joe Balaban, a spokesman for Duquesne Light.Police say a piece of aluminum apparently made contact with wires and brought an electrical charge to the scaffolding.Duquesne Light told KDKA the power lines did not move.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

2006-02-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Safety Training ~ March-May 2006

OSHA 10 Hour-Construction
Dates: March 9-10,April 6-7, or May 9-10
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OSHA 10 Hour-General Industry
Dates: May 18-19
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CPR and First Aid Training
Date: March 6, April 10, or May 8
Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: $55.00 members/$70.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagger Certification-ATSSA Course
Date: March 15 or May 17
Time: 8am to 1pm
Cost: $60.00 members/$75.00 non members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND we are REPEATING:
Spanish for Safety with Ameriga Strache
Part One
Dates: March 6,13,20,27, April 3,17,and 24 and May 1
Time: 5pm until 7pm
Cost: $325.00 members, $475.00 non members
(Keep your eyes open for Part Two coming later this summer!)

Please Contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351, mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

2006-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

MORE FREE STUFF FROM OSHA

http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/ote/materials_library.html

Here are lots of safety materials that are free for the taking from OSHA. Many of them are relevant to construction.

2006-02-17T11:28:00.001-08:00

BACK BY

POPULAR DEMAND!!!

SAFETY SPANISH PART ONE...

Due to popular demand, we are repeating part one of the

Spanish for Safety Course!

Date: Eight Monday evenings: Starting March 6th

Dates are: March 6,13,20,27 April 3,17,24, May 1
(no class on April 10th)

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: ABC Towson
1220 E. Joppa Road

Are you a G.C., super, safety manager, P.M., or project engineer who wants to communicate safety information to workers on your job?

Our 8- week course features a bi-lingual instructor who specializes in teaching Spanish (and English) in the Construction industry. Ameriga’s students include employees from: S.B.E.R., Facchina, Oncore, Gilbane, Cianbro, MGuire Concrete and A.B.C of Metro Washington.

This unique class was built around the on the job experiences of your instructor as well as your fellow students to include: safety equipment, commands, and warnings.

Each “semester” is a little bit different, so previous students feel free to come back for a refresher! If you haven’t taken this class in 2006 – now is the time!

All materials are provided at no additional cost. Ask about “Part Two!”

Cost: 325.00 for ABC Members, 475.00 for Non-Members

Checks and Credit Cards are Accepted

Please Contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351 or at mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

Stay Posted! Part II to follow....

2006-02-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

Bluffs worker falls off roof
TIM JOHNSON, Staff Writer
02/04/2006

A Council Bluffs man was seriously injured when he fell from a roof Wednesday afternoon while working on a building project in the Okoboji area.
Andrew J. Greer, 22, was working on an auditorium with West Central Roofing of Minden when he fell through a hole in the roof, said his mother, Diane Greer.
He suffered a fracture in the ball of his hip joint, two cracked ribs, a bruised lung, a compound fracture in his arm, internal bleeding and a cut on his chin, she said. He remained in the intensive care unit at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City Friday.
"He fell, like, two stories," she said. "He was pretty well banged up. I'm just grateful that he's alive."
Greer, a 2002 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, had just gone up to help two other workers on the roof when the accident happened, his mother said.
"He fell through a hole in the roof, and nobody saw him fall," she said. "Nobody knows what happened - not even the boss. Andrew said he didn't remember what happened."
Greer's fellow workers believe he did not know the hole was there and was carrying a piece of plastic, which may have blocked his view of the gap.
Still, his landing was softer than it might have been, Diane Greer said.
"There was some mud on the gymnasium floor, and they think that might have cushioned him when he fell," she said.
He has been working on the Okoboji project for a couple months, she said. Although work on the roof has been halted a few times lately because of breezy conditions, wind was not believed to have been a factor in his fall.
Andrew Greer was taken to Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Spirit Lake between 1 and 1:30 p.m., then flown to Sioux City, where he was taken to Mercy Medical Center, his mother said. A helicopter had to come from Wood River, Minn., to transport him to Sioux City. He was originally to be transferred to a Sioux Falls, S.D., hospital, but it was full.
Greer faces weeks of recovery and a period of time off work, she said.
"The doctor said he's going to have to stay off his hip until it's healed."
Greer's, brother, Matthew, ran for a two-year seat on the Council Bluffs City Council last fall.

2006-02-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

DOT worker hit by driver reportedly drag racing
By MICHAEL PEARSON
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 01/31/06

A Georgia Department of Transportation worker suffered minor injuries this morning when a motorist lost control, allegedly while drag racing through a Ga. 400 work zone with another vehicle, and struck the pickup truck in which the worker was sitting.
The accident happened around 4:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Ga. 400 near Northridge Road in Sandy Springs, according to DOT spokeswoman Randi Johnson.
"It appears that two cars were racing northward on Ga. 400," said DOT spokeswoman Vicki Gavalas, who added that all lanes of the busy roadway were open by 7 a.m.
Fulton County police spokesman Cpl. Gary Syblis did not immediately return a message seeking information on the accident, but Johnson said police caught the driver who struck the DOT pickup. It was unclear what happened to the other driver.
Johnson said the worker, whose identity has not been released, was injured when one of the racing vehicles clipped a tractor-trailer, careened onto the shoulder and pushed the worker's pickup truck into traffic — where it was struck by another vehicle that was not involved in the race.
The driver whose vehicle struck the DOT truck fled, according to Johnson, but was later caught by police. It's unclear what charges the driver faces.
The worker suffered only minor injuries, according to Johnson, and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. She did not know what hospital or whether the worker had been released.

2006-02-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Lousiana Man Run Over by Bulldozer

A local construction worker was run over by a bulldozer Tuesday afternoon. Bossier City Fire fire crews were called to Plantation Trace Estates just before 2:00pm. We are told a man got off the bulldozer, but left it running..that's when it started to roll backwards.
When he tried to climb back onto the bulldozer he slipped, and fell under one of the tracks.
He's being treated at LSU Hospital. We do not yet know his name or his condition.

2006-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Trade News Release
January 18, 2006
Contact: Frank MeilingerPhone: (202) 693-1999

OSHA Revokes Slip Resistance Provision from Steel Erection Standard

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced it is revoking a provision of the steel erection standard that addresses the slip resistance of walking surfaces of coated structural steel members.The provision requires that coated structural steel meet a specified level of slip resistance when measured using ASTM test methods. The technical developments that needed to occur for employers to comply with the provision by its effective date, July 18, 2006, have not occurred. The ability to comply with the slip resistance provision depends upon two technical developments: (1) completed industry protocols for slip testing equipment, and (2) the availability of suitable slip resistant coatings.Rulemaking comments indicated that the test methods are not likely to be completed by the July effective date because ASTM will not have completed the required validation process. Comments also indicated that ASTM will likely withdraw the test methods altogether because they are brand-specific rather than generic. Lack of completed test methods has delayed the development of suitable slip resistant coatings. In addition, there has not been adequate testing of coatings to determine whether they have sufficient durability in the variety of applications in which they will be used, especially in corrosive environments.In 2004, OSHA conducted a limited reopening of the rulemaking record, as part of a settlement to resolve legal challenges to the slip resistance provision. The Agency asked for comments on whether suitable and appropriate test methods, and slip-resistant coatings could reasonably be expected to be available by July 2006. In the settlement agreement, the Agency also committed to publishing a notice by January 18, 2006, reaffirming, amending, or revoking the provision.The steel erection standard is the first OSHA safety standard developed under the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 and the Department's Negotiated Rulemaking Policy. The standard addresses the hazards that have been identified as the major causes of injuries and fatalities in the steel erection industry. The slip resistance provision was not intended to be the sole or primary means of protecting workers from fall hazards. Rather, it was intended to complement other requirements in the steel erection standard as part of a collective strategy for reducing these fall-related injuries and fatalities.Notice of the revocation of the slip resistance provision appears in today's Federal Register.Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

2006-02-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Trade News Release
January 24, 2006
Contact: Elaine FraserPhone: (202) 693-1999

OSHA Offers New Guidelines to Help Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes

WASHINGTON -- Employers and employees who use motor vehicles for work purposes stand to benefit from new guidelines developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)."Motor vehicle crashes are costly to employers and employees," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "This new guidance document will show companies how safe-driving practices and safety-conscious behavior can help employees avoid tragedy."The 32-page Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes offers useful information to help employers design an effective driver safety program in their workplace. It features a 10-step program outlining what an employer can do to improve traffic safety performance and minimize the risk of motor vehicle crashes. The document includes success stories from employers who have benefited from effective driver safety programs.The guidelines include a detailed section on the causes of aggressive, distracted, drowsy and impaired driving, and tips for avoiding such behavior on the road. There is also a sample worksheet for calculating the costs of motor vehicle crashes to employers.To develop the guidance, OSHA joined forces with NHTSA, the federal agency responsible for helping save lives, prevent injuries and reduce traffic-related health care and other economic costs, and NETS, a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to traffic safety in the workplace.The motor vehicle guidance is available from OSHA's publications page on the Web, or can be ordered by calling the publications office at (202) 693-1888.Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

2006-01-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is a good example of why we need to have a zero tolerance policy for horseplay, and make sure that people are thoroughly trained on the equipment they use.

Former EMT Headed To Jail For Prank
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
WBAL Radio and The Associated Press

A Viriginia judge convicted a former rescue squad worker of involuntary manslaughter for zapping a co-worker with defibrillator paddles in what turned out to be a deadly prank.
Joshua Philip Martin, 25, faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in March. Circuit Court Judge Michael Lee Moore, who found him guilty after Martin entered a no contest plea, said Monday he likely will order prison time.
Martin had been on the job four days when he carried out the deadly prank on June 1.
Courtney Hilton Rhoton told Martin not to touch her with the paddles, but moments later, he placed the device on her chest and shoulder and activated it, prosecutors said.
The 23-year-old mother of two small children went into cardiac arrest. Her body first stiffened and then went limp. Rhoton, who had been an emergency medical technician for one year, never regained consciousness and died three days later.
Martin was not yet qualified to use the defibrillator, which is used to restart a patient's heart with an electric current.
Martin's mother, Diane White, said he meant no harm and "just made a mistake."
Rhoton's sister, Chanda Lawson, said, "They're crying because he's going to jail, but my sister's not coming back."

2006-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Iowa DOT Website for Winter Safety

http://www.dot.state.ia.us/maintenance/

There are alot of great tips on here for winter safety, especially for driving in winter weather. I've also posted information about winter driving from the Maryland DOT, but this site has a windchill calculator which I thought was interesting. I know we don't live in Iowa, but the information is good all the same.

-Mike

2006-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Report: 'Scared' Roofers Fled Church Fire
Historic Church Destroyed In Fire

CHICAGO -- Two roofers using blow torches on the roof of the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church left the scene because they became scared when they couldn't extinguish what would become a devastating fire, says a Chicago Fire Department report.
The workers used a cell phone to alert their boss to the blaze, according to the report obtained by the Chicago Tribune.
But the report does not suggest a delay in the Jan. 6 fire being reported to authorities. A passing ambulance crew spotted the workers trying to stop the fire and called in an alarm, then urged the workers to get off the roof, the report says. Nearby residents also called 911.
The fire department has said the blow torches caused the blaze, which could be seen from miles away and left the landmark church, designed in the late 1800s by the famous architectural firm headed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, a charred shell. It had been in the midst of a renovation project.
Police spokeswoman Monique Bond reiterated Monday that authorities don't believe any criminal action contributed to the fire.
The roofers were on the job through a subcontractor brought in by Conrad Roofing and Construction Co., a contractor hired for a $125,000 job to install new copper gutters at Pilgrim Baptist.
A person answering the phone Monday at Conrad Roofing and Construction declined to comment.
The workers told police they used a propane torch shortly before they noticed a small fire and attempted to extinguish it.
"But it got worse, so they gathered their tools (including the propane torch) and went to their work van," the report says.

2006-01-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Worker injured by falling wall in Olympia

OLYMPIA — A construction worker was injured this morning when a wall he and others were putting up fell on him, the Olympia Fire Department reported.
The worker was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital and was expected to survive, fire Lt. Steve Bradley said.The workers were building a house at the intersection of Cozy Drive and Sixth Avenue N.W. The accident was reported about 10:38 a.m., Bradley said.Workers pulled their colleague out from under the wall, which was about 10 feet high and 20 feet long, and had already been sheeted, he said.“I’m not sure what saved him at all. He took that whole wall coming down on him,” Bradley said.

2006-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Man's leg severed in job-site accident

By Sarah Langbein, Rocky Mountain News January 17, 2006
A 33-year-old Thornton man's leg was severed Monday morning in an industrial accident.
Mario Lujan's leg got caught in a trencher, a small tractor with a chainsaw-like digger attached to the back, while a co-worker was digging a septic line, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office reported.
Hospital officials said Lujan was in serious but stable condition. They declined to release any additional details about his injuries.
The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. in the 44000 block of East Mexico Avenue at a home under construction.
Roger Waychoff, 53, a subcontractor at the site, was driving the trencher. He told authorities that the last time he saw Lujan, his co-worker was 10 feet behind the machine. Then he heard Lujan screaming.
Lujan's leg was severed at the knee. Waychoff told deputies that he used his belt as a tourniquet and called for help on his cell phone.
Officials with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are expected to investigate the incident. The office was closed for the federal holiday Monday, and a spokesman could not be reached for comment.

2006-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Worker rescued from trench

Anne Arundel County emergency crews rescued a construction worker yesterday who injured his back after falling into a trench at a fiber optic cable work site in Annapolis.
The accident occurred about 11:30 a.m. after the worker fell into a hole that was about 7 feet square and 7 feet deep, said Lt. Frank Fennell of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. It occurred near the eastbound ramp to U.S. 50 off Route 2 and West Street.
The 21-year-old told rescuers he heard his back snap when he landed in the pit, which had been dug to install a concrete cable junction box, Fennell said.
Because the sides of the dirt pit were unstable, it had to be shored up with sheets of plywood and metal braces before medics could safely descend into the pit and remove the injured worker using a backboard and stretcher.
"It took about two hours and a lot of staffing to do it," Fennell said.
He said blankets were used and heat was pumped into the pit to keep the man warm.
The worker, whose name was not released, was flown to Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries, Fennell said.

2006-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Cal OSHA Investigates Worker’s Fatal Fall
By RICHARD BRENNEMAN

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has launched an investigation into the fall that claimed the life of a construction worker at the new Berkeley City College Building.
Robert Walton, a 58-year-old Oakland man, sustained fatal injuries when he fell four stories while working on the new community college building at 2000 Center St.
Cal/OSHA spokesperson Renee Bacchini said investigators were on the scene of the Jan. 3 accident soon after the accident.
Walton was rushed to Highland Hospital, where he died a week later on Jan. 10. The Alameda County Coroner’s officer attributed the cause of death to “multiple blunt force injuries.”
Bacchini said Walton was applying stucco to the surface of the building from a scaffolding at the time of the accident. “He fell from four stories up,” she said.
Walton was an employee of J&J Acoustics, a San Jose firm.
Bacchini said investigators will question witnesses, co-workers, and his employer and will examine equipment he was using, whether he had received adequate safety training, any safety equipment or mechanisms he may have been using and whether he was properly equipped with a safety harness.
“It will be a very comprehensive investigation,” she said.
While the agency is allowed six months to conclude an investigation, the Cal/OSHA spokesperson said she expected that results would be available in two to three months.
A memorial service for Walton will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Fouche’s Hudson Funeral Home, 3665 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.

2006-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Safety Classes at ABC Baltimore, February - April 2006

OSHA 10 Hour-Construction
Dates: February 9-10, March 9-10, or April 6-7
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OSHA 10 Hour-General Industry
Dates: February 16-17 or March 16-17
Time: 8am to 2pm
Cost: $75.00 members/$185.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CPR and First Aid Training
Date: February 6, March 6, or April 10
Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: $55.00 members/$70.00 non-members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagger Certification-ATSSA Course
Date: February 8 or March 15
Time: 8am to 1pm
Cost: $60.00 members/$75.00 non members
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Note: All cancellations require 48 hours notice. Cancellations within 48 hours and unannounced no-shows will be charged and credited for future classes

ABC Baltimore
1220B East Joppa Rd. Ste. 322
Towson, MD 21286
410.821.0351 Fax: 410.821.0358
Attn: Mike Barton

2006-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Members...if you need help with this, please call me at 410-821-0351 or mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

2006 - 01/13/2006 - OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning February 1
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents

Trade News ReleaseJanuary 13, 2006Contact: Frank MeilingerPhone: (202) 693-1999
OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning February 1WASHINGTON -- Beginning February 1, employers must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today. Employers are only required to post the Summary (OSHA Form 300A) -- not the OSHA 300 Log -- from Feb.1 to Apr. 30, 2006.The summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2005 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Employment information about annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required to assists in calculating incidence rates. Companies with no recordable injuries or illnesses in 2005 must post the form with zeros on the total line. All establishment summaries must be certified by a company executive.The form is to be displayed in a common area wherever notices to employees are usually posted. Employers must make a copy of the summary available to employees who move from worksite to worksite, such as construction workers, and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis.Employers with ten or fewer employees and employers in certain industry groups are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. A complete list of exempt industries in the retail, services, finance and real estate sectors is posted on OSHA's website.Exempted employers may still be selected by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics to participate in an annual statistical survey. All employers covered by OSHA need to comply with safety and health standards and must report verbally within eight hours to the nearest OSHA office all accidents that result in one ore more fatalities or in the hospitalization of three or more employees.Copies of the OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301 are available on the OSHA Recordkeeping Webpage in either Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet format.Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
# # #
U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.

2006-01-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

OSHA Extends Comment Period on Revised Rule for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Installations Public Hearing Rescheduled for March 6, 2006

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=11631

2006-01-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

OSHA Seeking Comments on ROPS Standard

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=11741

2006-01-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

OSHA Offers Assistance to Employers for Protecting Employees from Cold Weather

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=11738

2005-12-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

FREE SAFETY SEMINARS FROM MOSH FOR 2006

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/seminars.htm

2005-12-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module
from www.osha.gov

Trade News Release
December 8, 2005
Contact: Elaine FraserPhone: (202) 693-1999
OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today debuted a new Construction Module for its Compliance Assistance Quick Start Web tool, the agency's Web-based tool that introduces employers and employees, especially those at new or small businesses, to the compliance assistance resources on OSHA's Web site.The Construction Module provides a step-by-step guide to help employers and workers in the construction industry comply with OSHA's construction standards. Visitors to the page can generate a set of compliance assistance materials tailored to their jobsites."This new Compliance Assistance Quick Start module is another example of how OSHA is making valuable information immediately and easily accessible to employers, employees and businesses so they can build and sustain safe and healthy work environments," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "It's important we make every effort to help put this kind of material in the hands of those who need it."The Construction Module introduces users to the OSHA standards addressing the leading hazards at construction sites, such as falls and electrical hazards, and provides links to the relevant OSHA compliance assistance resources, including OSHA quick cards, fact sheets, booklets, posters and Web pages. The Module also includes information on training, recordkeeping and developing a worksite safety and health program. In addition, it features a collection of OSHA's Spanish-language materials for the construction industry.Compliance Assistance Quick Start is on OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page and provides step-by-step guidance on how to identify OSHA requirements and guidance materials that may apply to specific workplaces. In addition to the new Construction Module, Compliance Assistance Quick Start has modules for general industry workplaces and Hispanic outreach.Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/index.html.

2005-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Application of HAZWOPER to Worksite Response and Cleanup Activities

New OSHA document on HAZWOPER 12/14/05

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardouswaste/application_worksiteresponse.html

2005-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

Company fined $21,000 after trench cave-in

By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff WriterPublished December 14, 2005

Federal officials have fined a Clearwater company $21,000 for failing to prevent a trench cave-in that killed an employee installing sewer lines.
B&B Professional Plumbing was cited for five "serious" violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, among them failing to inspect the trench beforehand and not securing it properly.
"The excavation had nearly vertical walls, and no protective system (shoring, sloping or shielding) was provided," according to an OSHA report provided to the Times on Tuesday.
The incident occurred May 12 behind Intrepid Powerboats Inc. on Belcher Road in Pinellas Park. Charles "Mike" Morrison, 48, of St. Petersburg, died when the walls of the 9-foot trench collapsed.
The force broke Morrison's ribs and pelvis, setting the stage for the cardiac arrest he suffered as other workers tried to free him.
Under OSHA standards, special precautions are required for trenches deeper than 5 feet. Walls must be sloped for stability, or a trench box or other bracing must be used to prevent cave-ins. Removed soil must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of the hole. Also, the trench must be inspected daily by a "competent person" for evidence of problems.
None of those steps was taken by B&B Professional Plumbing, according to OSHA. The case was finalized last month but just recently became public on the agency's Web site.
In a letter to OSHA dated Nov. 16, company vice president Robert J. Jernigan stated, "the trench was not in accordance with OSHA standards, and Mr. Morrison should not have entered it."
Jernigan wrote another letter the following day, saying the company agreed not to do excavation work deeper than 5 feet, that employees were sent to an OSHA safety course and that a safety consultant had been hired.
Phone calls seeking comment from company officials Tuesday were not returned.
Morrison's family could not be reached, though his stepdaughter previously blamed the accident on "other people's negligence."

2005-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

This goes to show you how important HAZCOM training is!

Three Hurt In Blast At Perdue Farms Poultry Plant In U.S.

SALISBURY, Md. (AP)--A truck driver's error is being blamed for a pre-dawn explosion at a Perdue Farms Inc. (PDU.xx) poultry processing plant that injured three workers.

The explosion, which happened at about 5:20 a.m. EST at a wastewater treatment building across the street from where chickens are prepared, occurred when a worker delivering sodium chlorite mistakenly pumped the liquid into a tank containing 2,000 gallons of ferric chlorite. Fire officials compared the result to mixing vinegar and baking soda.

"The two are not compatible," said Salisbury assistant fire chief Bryan Records. The reaction caused the tank to explode, throwing out a steel roll-up door and causing parts of the roof to collapse, he said.

"It blew (the door) out in the shape of a C, just blew it out and made a horseshoe shape out of it," Records said. Another truck driver was trapped in his truck until fire rescuers arrived, he said.

The chemical reaction could have been much worse except the force ruptured a water line in the wastewater building, which caused water to spew and dilute the two chemicals, Records said. It was also fortunate that the explosion occurred before more workers arrived.

"If that had been another period of the day, there would've been a lot more people there. There very easily could've been someone killed," he said.

Two of the three injured men complained of irritated eyes and throats and were treated and released at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. The third worker, a truck driver, was being held at the same hospital for X-rays and a longer exam, although his injuries didn't appear life-threatening, Records said. None of the workers was named, although Records said the errant pumper was not a Perdue employee and apparently didn't know his truck was not supposed to be parked alongside the building because of the chemicals his tanker was carrying.

Perdue Farms spokeswoman Julie DeYoung said the plant was closed Tuesday. It was too early to tell how long until the processing plant could resume work, though Records said the wastewater building would likely be condemned.

It was the first industrial accident at the Salisbury Perdue plant since late 2002, when an anhydrous ammonia leak caused workers to complain of irritation, Records said. No one was seriously injured in that accident, and that problem has been fixed, he said.

More than 80 firefighters and environmental cleanup experts were called to Tuesday's explosion, Records said. Sodium chlorite, also known as sodium salt, is a type of bleaching agent used in the processing plant to kill germs on the equipment.

Homes are located near the explosion, but nobody was evacuated, Records said. The spill was stopped before the chemicals reached the nearby Wiconmico River.

Perdue Farms, headquartered in Salisbury, is the nations' third-leading producer of chicken.

2005-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

ABC Baltimore to offer course in "Spanish for Safety"

Are you a safety manager who is interested in reducing the number of accidents on your job?
Our eight week intensive program features a bi-lingual instructor who teaches in the construction industry using real world terminology with an "accent" on safety. You will learn how to talk about safety and health in Spanish as well as how to make cultural differences work for you. The basic class is open to individuals with little prior knowledge of Spanish who will learn how to give safety warnings, refer to safety equipment, give safety commands, and refer to frequently used safety items. The curriculum has been compiled by on the job experiences as well as participation in a MOSH workshop "Seguridad en la Construccion". Everyone must bring a toolbox talk to the first class! Our goal is for you to be able to give a toolbox talk in SPANISH.
This 16 hour class will cover many of your safety specific requests as well as:
- How to give safety warnings in Spanish
- Safety Equipment
- Safety Commands
- Safety Items

The cost is $275.00 for members and $475.00 for non-members

For more information, please contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351 or mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

2005-12-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Drive to Survive in Winter Weather
from the Maryland State Highway Administration Website

Drive To Survive In Winter WeatherThe State Highway Administration (SHA) realizes the difficulty of driving during the harsh conditions of winter weather. SHA's skilled drivers have years of training and experience in dealing with snow and icy conditions. Here are some tips to help you on your way this season
Be sure to buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.
When a snow emergency is declared, make every effort to avoid driving or allow extra time to get where you are going. Keep in mind that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to drive as you would during clear weather or on dry road surfaces
Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.
Increase following distance between your vehicle and others on the road, especially snowplows. Packed snow and ice may create a smooth, glass-like surface beneath your tires making it difficult to control your vehicle.
Remember bridges and ramps freeze first and may be especially difficult to navigate.
Never pass a snow plow or salt truck especially a plow train! Plow trains are groups of trucks which form a line across the lanes to clear snow. Operators may not see you or your car may get caught on a snow-covered plow edge. In addition, driving will be much easier if you stay at least 25 feet, or three car lengths, behind the snow emergency vehicle.
Do not abandon your vehicle. The safest place to wait for help is in your car. If your car breaks down, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and lift the hood. Try to leave a distress signal, such as a scarf, hanging from the window. Please remember, when you abandon your vehicle, it may be subject to towing, ticketing and a fine.
Remember, when shoveling snow from your driveway, create a pile away from the roadway. A good rule is to shovel to the right when facing the street. However, keep in mind that the important thing is not to shovel the snow onto an area that will simply be plowed back onto the driveway when the state, county or city snowplows come through.
Remember!
Things To Check Before Taking The Wheel:Check your car's antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wipers, washer fluid and level.
Inspect the tires to be sure there is adequate tread, check air pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radials or chains during snow emergencies.
If you must travel, prepare to leave early and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
And Finally.Take time to remove all ice and snow from your car, concentrating on the windows, wipers, mirrors and lights. To reduce the chance of snow flying off your vehicle while driving, remove snow and ice from the front grill, hood and roof. Good visibility is essential for a safe journey. You need to see and be seen by others.
County Roads/Public Works Telephone Numbers
Allegany County
(301) 777-5955
Anne Arundel County
(410) 222-7349
Baltimore County
(410) 887-3560
Calvert County
(410) 535-0905
Caroline County
(410) 479-0520
Carroll County
(410) 848-6717
Cecil County
(410) 996-6270
Charles County
(301)932-3450 or (888) 460-7669
Dorchester County
(301) 228-2920
Frederick County
(301) 694-1564
Garrett County
(310) 334-3988
Harford County
(410) 638-3532
Howard County
(410) 313-7450
Kent County
(410) 778-4252
Montgomery County
(310) 217-2150
Prince George's County
(310) 499-8600
Queen Anne's County
(410) 758-0920
St. Mary's County
(301) 863-8400
Somerset County
(410) 651-1930
Talbot County
(410) 822-5446
Washington County
(301) 791-3140
Wicomico County
(410) 548-4874
Worcester County
(410) 632-2244
and

Baltimore City
(410) 396-7669
For Conditions On Numbered Maryland, U.S. And Interstate Routes,Call 1-800-323-6742 From 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For Highway Conditions During Winter Storms, Call Sha's 24-Hour Hotline At 1-800-327-3125.

2005-11-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Remember, if the wind speed is more than 25mph, do not use aerial lifts. Always wear fall protection while working in a bucket.

Highway Worker Falls From Aerial Bucket, Dies
from WBAL.com
Wind Gust Struck Worker Repairing Overhead Sign
POSTED: 12:41 pm EST November 17, 2005

NORTH EAST, Md. -- A State Highway Administration employee working on an overhead sign at an intersection in Cecil County died Thursday after falling from the aerial bucket of his truck.
According to state police, Mickael Locklear fell at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Maryland routes 272 and 273 in North East.
Police said Locklear, 45, of Baltimore, was in a bucket about 20 feet above the ground. Witnesses said the wind was already blowing hard when a strong gust came up and they saw Locklear fall from the bucket.
Authorities pronounced Locklear dead at Christiana Hospital in Delaware early Thursday afternoon.
Officials said Locklear was fixing a twisted road sign and fell after a strong gust of wind blew him into the sign and he became entangled in the sign and a traffic signal. They said he was not wearing a protective harness -- as required.
An autopsy will be conducted in Delaware. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the accident.

2005-11-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

Story about a welding fire from the Somerville Journal

Welding eyed for fire at Salvation Army
Thursday, November 17, 2005

A fire at the entrance to the Salvation Army store on Friday caused about $5,000 worth of damage, firefighters said.
Engines 1, 6 and 7 responded about 3 p.m. to a report of the fire at 483 Broadway. They said light smoke was coming from boards above the front door of the store. Firefighters reportedly removed the front boards to find that timber behind it was burning, so they extinguished the fire.
Firefighters said the fire was probably caused by construction workers who were welding and cutting at the location of the fire earlier in the day.
- Erin Dower

2005-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

Fire Safety at Home
This article is from The Baltimore Sun and it talks about fire safety in the home. There is some good advice in here, especially with cold weather right around the corner.

Fires prompt warnings
Deaths lead officials to talk to residents about safety in homes
By Gus G. Sentementes
Sun reporter
Originally published November 22, 2005
What was once a home is now a memorial to the short lives of three young brothers.Neighbors, friends and relatives stepped around the charred possessions of the Alger family yesterday to leave stuffed animals, light candles and write notes for the boys who died when their home burned Sunday in Southwest Baltimore.
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"Glen, Johnny, Chris ... You guys will never be forgotten ... RIP 11/20/05," one note said on the front wall of the rowhouse in the 1200 block of Washington Blvd.The deaths of the boys - Glen, 9; Christopher, 7; and Jonathan, 4 - were the latest in a spate of fires that has claimed eight lives since Friday and has fire officials reaching out to city residents and preaching the importance of fire safety in homes.Fire officials say they are concerned that cold weather and high heating costs could bring even more fatalities as people turn to alternative sources of heat and light, such as portable space heaters, candles and kitchen stoves."This unfortunate loss of life does affect not just our firefighters, but the community at large," said Chief Kevin Cartwright, a Fire Department spokesman.Investigators are trying to determine what caused the four fatal fires in three days, though one that killed two people on Friday is being probed as an arson and double homicide. So far this year, 21 people have died in fires in Baltimore; 29 died in 2004, city fire officials said.Yesterday, firefighters walked door to door in the Washington Village neighborhood where the boys lived, talking about fire safety and advising residents to check or install smoke detectors.Cartwright said the Fire Department is preparing to launch a publicity campaign to raise awareness and stress the dangers of space heaters."From an economic standpoint, some people can't afford" traditional methods of heating their home, Cartwright said, and "may resort to alternative sources."Cartwright said residents can call the Fire Department for advice about portable heating appliances. Kerosene heaters are illegal in the city. Firefighters also can help families craft emergency plans, assess a home's fire safety needs, and test or install smoke detectors.In winter, increased use of lighting, heating and appliances can strain electrical systems, while chimneys can be a source of fire if they're not properly cleaned and maintained, experts say.Using a kitchen stove for heat is never recommended, experts say. They also advise keeping portable electrical and fuel-based heaters and stoves away from flammable materials."We anticipate a rise in the use of alternative heating sources, the portable space heaters, with electric, or kerosene or gas," said W. Faron Taylor, a deputy state fire marshal. "More people are using wood stoves to provide supplemental heat so that their furnace isn't on so often."Taylor said children and the elderly are most vulnerable to fire deaths, in part because they are less likely to be able to escape a home on their own.The leading cause of fires in the home is what Taylor described as "careless cooking," such as a meal left unattended on the stove that builds into a fire.Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires, Taylor said. Other leading causes include candles, particularly around the holiday season, and children playing with matches, he said."These truly are all preventable," Taylor said.The blaze that killed the boys came after a fatal fire Saturday afternoon in which two elderly people died in the 400 block of Elrino St. in Southeast Baltimore. Authorities identified one of the victims as Robert Miller, 70, but did not release the name of the other victim, a woman.On Friday afternoon in West Baltimore, Barbara Cameron died in the 2400 block of Woodbrook Ave. after her rowhouse caught fire. She was found in a second-floor bedroom, officials said.Early Friday, firefighters responding to a fire at the Windsor Court Apartments in the 2100 block of Garrison Blvd. found a woman dying and a man dead from what was first thought to be the effects of a fire caused by someone pouring an unknown fuel about their apartment.Homicide Detective Robert Cherry said yesterday the woman, Thomasine Evans, 41, and the unidentified man were each shot multiple times before the fire was set. Cherry said Evans died at Sinai Hospital and that the man, whose body was severely burned, was dead at the scene. Dental records might be needed to identify the man, believed to be Evans' boyfriend, he said.On Washington Boulevard yesterday, people milled in front of the burned-out home. Some said the boys' parents, David and Angie Alger, who were hospitalized in critical condition, did not yet know that their children had died.Cartwright said investigators believe the fire started on the second floor, where the children were found in a bedroom that was heavily damaged.Neighbors and friends recalled how the three boys played in the streets with the other children. The two older boys, Glen and Christopher, attended elementary school a few blocks away. The boys loved playing video games and going to church, neighbors and relatives said."Everybody keeps picturing the kids in their heads," said Timothy Bickling, an uncle. "Now we're all trying to stay strong so we can prepare for Angie and Dave. It's going to be hard to lose all three of them at the same time. I mean, they're burying their children instead of their children burying them."

2005-11-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

ABC Baltimore Safety Committee Meeting, December 13, 2005

The next ABC Baltimore Safety Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 3pm at our office, 1220 B East Joppa Road, Suite 322. All ABC members are welcome to attend. We will be discussing the 2006 ABC Safety Day as well as any comments or suggestions our members may have. If you would like to come, please call me at 410-821-0351 or e-mail me at mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

Mike

2005-11-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW....About FREE Safety Literature on the web?

Many people do not know that there are many places on the web where you can get videos, posters, and publications related to safety FREE for the asking!
Here are a few of the many...

www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list

This is the OSHA website. A great resource since there are many publications here that spell out the federal requirements. There are videos that can be borrowed, and booklets, fact sheets, posters, and forms that can be ordered or downloaded as a PDF file. The publications are free and there are a lot of construction and general industry related topics to choose from. Generally, if you have a need to place a large order, you must submit your request in writing, but in my experience they are prompt with placing your order and getting it to you in a timely manner.

www.dllr.state.md.us/labor.mosh.html

This is the publications link to the MOSH (Maryland Occupational Safety and Health) website. Like the OSHA website, there are publications that can be ordered or downloaded for free, but these publications consist of the federal AND state regulations. (There are several regulations in Maryland that are more stringent than the federal regulations).

www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs.html

This is the NIOSH website (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and they do research on occupational hazards, injuries, and diseases, provide technical advice to OSHA, and make recommendations on the best work practices to avoid work related injuries and illnesses. These publications are also free; they can be ordered or downloaded, but they are recommendations, not regulations. OSHA often uses these recommendations to create or amend standards.

www.safteng.net

This is a membership site, but they do have excellent newsletters that they will send you for free via e-mail. Membership rates vary, based on whether you are purchasing for an individual or a company, but there are lots of free things in the non-members area and on the newsletters that can be used for toolbox talks.
If you are interested in joining this site or at least receiving the free newsletters on e-mail, the link is on the site. I have been a member of this site for four years and it is well worth becoming a member because they have lots of valuable resources on there that can help you with training.

I hope these links were helpful. If you know of any others, please feel free to contact me at mbarton@abcbaltimore.org and I will post them here as well.

2005-11-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Did you know?....ABC Baltimore offers Flagger Certification!

In the state of Maryland, it is a requirement that all flaggers are certified prior to performing their duties on the road. Currently, the course that is recognized by the state of Maryland is the ATSSA Flagger course. ABC Baltimore will be offering this course at its office at 1220 B East Joppa Road Suite 322 on January 18 and February 8, 2006 from 8am until noon. (finish time depends on number of students enrolled.) Cost for the course is $65.00 for members and $75.00 for non members. If you are interested or have employees who you would like to attend this course, please contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351 or e-mail him at mbarton@abcbaltimore.org.

2005-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

It'll be "That Time" Again Before You Know It !!!

Employers who are non-exempt from OSHA's recordkeeping requirements are required to post the previous year's OSHA 300A form, the Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, in a conspicuous place every year between February 1st and April 30th. Are you prepared? If you are not, have no fear, ABC is here! In January 2006 ABC Baltimore will be offering seminars on how to properly complete OSHA recordkeeping forms, and you will have your choice of four different times to choose from. The dates and times that we will be offering these seminars are:

Thursday, January 5, 2006 1-3pm
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 9-11am
Thursday, January 12, 2006 3-5pm
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 1-3pm

All courses will be held at ABC Baltimore, 1220 B East Joppa Rd. Suite 322, Towson, MD 21286

Cost for the course is $75.00 per person for members and $185.00 for non-members.

2005-11-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

ABC Baltimore to hold OSHA 10 for General Industry in January 2006

Are you an ABC member but do not actually perform "construction work"?
Do you have questions about which safety standards apply to general industry?
Well you are in LUCK! ABC Baltimore is offering the OSHA 10 hour for General Industry on January 12-13, 2006!
Last year, we were approached by several companies who needed safety training, but were not construction companies, so we started offering this course to meet our members' needs. In 2005 we have trained over 1 dozen members' employees in the OSHA standards for General Industry and the class was well received.
This course is for you if:
1. You provide services for construction but do not actually do construction.
2. You have employees who service things that your company installs, a few examples would be companies that service HVAC units in buildings or perform residential electrical repair work.
3. You manufacture things that are used in construction (prefabricated concrete items, etc.)

Our Safety Director, Mike Barton is an authorized OSHA trainer in both Construction and General Industry and has trained hundreds of students in each area over the past four years since he first became authorized to train in 2001. Students leave his classes with a thorough knowledge of what the standards require and real life situations in which the standards apply.

The fee for the course is $75.00 per person for members and $185.oo per person for non-members. The course is held over two days, from 8am until 2pm each day.

If you are interested in this or any other course offered, please contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351 or at mbarton@abcbaltimore.org.

2005-10-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

When hoisting, we need to make sure that the equipment we are using can handle the load we want to lift, and we also want to make sure our seat belts are on!

Indiana County man dies in backhoe accident
from www.postgazette.com
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
A Cherryhill man died late yesterday morning after the backhoe he was operating in his back yard tipped and dropped him head first into a 10-foot ditch, the Indiana County coroner's office reported.
Mike Baker, the Indiana County chief deputy coroner, said Robert Eugene States, 60, was trying to place a drainpipe into a ditch when the weight of the pipe caused the backhoe to tip over.
Mr. States broke his neck and died after he fell into the ditch, said his wife, Deborah. Ms. States said she searched for her husband yesterday afternoon after she realized he was going to be late for a noon appointment.
When she noticed the backhoe on its side and her husband nowhere to be found, she frantically searched for him and then found him in the ditch.
"He's been using a backhoe for years. It's not like he didn't know what he was doing," she said.

2005-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

From www.wynt.com
Remember, backing large vehicles is very hazardous. If backing is absolutely necessary, a spotter should be used and employees should be careful to stay out of blind spots.

Construction worker killed on Kingsbury site
Dump truck backs over man
KINGSBURY, Oct. 5By WNYT Staff
A worker was killed in an accident at a construction site in Washington County.
The accident happened Wednesday morning at a future apartment complex site on Dix Avenue in Kingsbury.
The crew was working on paving over the roadways at the site.
Thirty-five-year-old Jay Golden of Hudson Falls was kneeling down to paint some lines on the road. That's when a dump trucked backed into him.
Officials say he suffered massive trauma to the chest.
The driver of the truck has not been charged

Welcome to the ABC Baltimore Safety Blog

2005-10-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings, and welcome to the ABC Baltimore Safety Blog. This is the place to go to find information on all of the safety services that ABC Baltimore provides to its membership.
On October 20, 2005 from 4-7pm we will be having ABC/IWIF Safety Night at the Towson Sheraton. Admission is free to all members.