Grinding Metal Safety
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Rosie's answer
Published by SALUSSafe grinding of metal with angle grinders and bench grinders starts with a task-specific hazard assessment and the use of controls in this order: eliminate or substitute hazards where possible, apply engineering controls, use administrative controls and training, and then use PPE as the last line of defense. Key hazards include wheel breakage, kickback or reactive forces, contact with the wheel, flying particles and sparks, fire, noise, dust and metal fumes, electrical shock, entanglement, and unexpected startup during servicing. Safety should be planned into the job, and PPE should not be the only solution. [4] [6]
Hazard assessment should be completed before grinding begins.
- Identify the grinder type, wheel type, RPM, material to be ground, and whether sparks, dust, or fumes will be generated.
- Inspect the workpiece for coatings or contaminants that can create toxic dust or fumes. If asbestos-containing material could be present, do not grind until it has been identified and properly abated.
- Check the area for combustibles, flammable liquids, gas cylinders, hidden ignition sources, and bystanders exposed to sparks or fragments.
- Determine whether local exhaust ventilation, wet methods, barriers, or spark containment are needed.
- Decide whether servicing, wheel changes, or jam clearing will require lockout/tagout.
[3] [5] [10] PPE for metal grinding:
- Safety glasses with side shields at all times; add a face shield over safety glasses for flying particles.
- Hearing protection appropriate to the noise level.
- Gloves suitable for handling sharp metal and hot workpieces, while avoiding loose gloves that could catch in rotating parts.
- Nonflammable, close-fitting clothing; long sleeves and pants; sturdy work boots.
- Respiratory protection when dust, metal fumes, or other airborne contaminants cannot be controlled adequately by ventilation. Selection must be based on the hazard and a respiratory protection program.
- Use additional protection such as aprons or metatarsal protection where heavy hot metal or large sparks are present.
[3] [12] [13] Machine guarding and grinder setup:
- Never use a portable angle grinder without the wheel guard installed and correctly positioned between the wheel and the operator.
- For portable right-angle grinders, the guard should limit wheel exposure and deflect fragments away from the operator.
- Bench grinders should have wheel guards in place, properly adjusted work rests, and tongue guards/spark arrestors adjusted close enough to minimize the gap that can trap the workpiece or allow fragments through.
- Do not use grinders with missing, loose, broken, or bypassed guards or interlocks.
- Secure the workpiece with a vise, clamps, or other means whenever practical; do not hold small parts by hand near the wheel.
[2] [2] [7] Abrasive wheel safety:
- Use only wheels designed for the grinder and the specific task. Verify wheel size, type, arbor fit, and maximum RPM before mounting.
- Never exceed the wheel's rated speed. The grinder's no-load RPM must not exceed the wheel rating.
- Do not use wheels that are cracked, chipped, warped, dropped, wet-damaged, or otherwise defective.
- Use the wheel only for its intended purpose. Do not grind on the side of a wheel unless it is specifically designed for side grinding.
- Support the work and maintain alignment to prevent pinching, binding, and kickback-like reactive forces.
- Allow the wheel to reach operating speed before contacting the work, and stand out of the plane of rotation during startup after a wheel change.
[3] [3] [3] [8] Spark and flying particle control:
- Aim sparks away from the body, other workers, combustible materials, gas cylinders, hoses, and traffic paths.
- Use screens, curtains, shields, or barriers to contain sparks and fragments, especially in shared work areas.
- Maintain body position out of the line of fire and out of the wheel's plane where practical.
- Keep bystanders out of the hazard zone and require equivalent eye and face protection for anyone exposed.
- Use local exhaust ventilation or wet methods where feasible to reduce airborne dust and particle spread.
- Treat grinding as spark-producing hot work when sparks can contact combustibles or flammables.
- Remove or protect combustible materials in the spark path, including paper, wood dust, rags, solvents, coatings, and fuel containers.
- Identify and eliminate ignition sources before work begins, including pilot lights, open flames, and equipment that can cycle on and spark.
- Provide adequate ventilation where flammable vapors may be present, and never grind in an atmosphere that may contain flammable vapor or dust.
- Keep a suitable fire extinguisher immediately available and assign a fire watch when conditions warrant.
- After grinding, inspect the area for smoldering fires, especially in cracks, behind equipment, and on lower levels where sparks may travel.
[10] [10] [10] [13] Lockout/tagout and wheel changes or maintenance:
- Before changing wheels, adjusting guards, clearing jams, servicing the grinder, or performing maintenance, isolate all hazardous energy sources.
- Unplug cord-and-plug equipment or open and lock/tag the disconnect where required; release or block stored mechanical energy and verify zero energy before work starts.
- Do not rely only on an off switch. Unexpected startup or release of stored energy can cause severe injury.
- Train authorized employees on energy sources, isolation methods, and the specific procedure; instruct affected employees not to restart locked or tagged equipment.
- Use written procedures and retraining when equipment, tasks, or methods change.
[1] [1] [1] [7] OSHA compliance points commonly applicable to grinding operations:
- 29 CFR 1910\.243(c)(3\): portable powered tools, including guarding of portable grinders.
- 29 CFR 1910\.147: lockout/tagout for servicing and maintenance.
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I: PPE hazard assessment and required eye, face, hand, foot, head, and hearing protection as applicable.
- 29 CFR 1910\.212: general machine guarding for points of operation and other hazards.
- 29 CFR 1910\.215: abrasive wheel machinery requirements for bench and pedestal grinders, including guards and work rests.
- 29 CFR 1910\.95: occupational noise exposure where grinder noise may exceed action levels.
- 29 CFR 1910\.134 and 1910\.1000 or substance-specific standards when respirators or exposure limits apply to dusts and metal fumes.
- 29 CFR 1910\.1200: hazard communication for metals, coatings, and consumables that create hazardous dusts or fumes.
[2] [1] [10] [13] Safe operating procedures for angle grinders and bench grinders:
- Use only trained employees and follow the manufacturer's operating manual for the specific grinder and wheel.
- Inspect the grinder, cord, plug, switch, guard, flange, and wheel before use. Remove damaged equipment from service.
- Confirm the wheel is compatible and properly mounted; verify RPM rating; tighten hardware correctly; and test run in a safe position after mounting.
- Set up the area: secure the work, remove combustibles, position spark direction, establish exclusion zones, and ensure lighting and footing are good.
- Put on required PPE before energizing the grinder.
- For angle grinders, maintain a firm two-handed grip, keep the guard in place, and position your body clear of the wheel and reactive forces.
- Do not force the wheel. Use light, steady pressure and the correct angle. For cut-off wheels, cut straight and avoid twisting or side loading.
- For bench grinders, keep the work rest adjusted close to the wheel, support the work firmly, and avoid grinding very small pieces that cannot be controlled safely.
- Never grind above shoulder height or from unstable positions. Avoid overreaching and maintain balance.
- Allow hot metal to cool or handle it with tools; mark or isolate hot parts to prevent burns.
- Shut off and wait for the wheel to stop completely before setting the tool down or leaving the machine.
- If unusual vibration, wobble, rubbing, overheating, or guard movement occurs, stop immediately and remove the grinder from service.
[3] [3] [3] [3] [8] Two additional cautions are important. First, if grinding could disturb asbestos-containing material or other hazardous building materials, stop and have the material evaluated before work begins; grinding can make material friable and increase airborne fiber release. Second, where dust or fumes are generated, use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation or wet methods whenever feasible, because planning and control of the hazard is more protective than relying on PPE alone. [5] [11] [9]
Sources used for this answer
[1] Fire Safety Alert: Wood Floor Sanders Killed When Floor Finishing Product Catches Fire-Massachusetts
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Open source documentSource excerpt
Fire Safety Alert DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES MASS MMONWEA EALTH OF MASSACHU IC HEALT Occupational Health Surveillance Program- Massachusetts Department of Public Health RTMENT PUBLIC H Office of the State Fire Marshal Department of Fire Services March 2006 # Wood Floor Sanders Killed When Floor Finishing Product Catches Fire-Massachusetts Wood floor finishing can expose workers, building occupants, and homeowners to fire hazards. In Massachusetts, three wood floor sanders died within a 10 month period (September 2004 – July 2005) in two separate fires when the flammable lacquer floor sealer they were using caught fire. The sealer used in these incidents was highly flammable (flash point 9°F/-13°C). All three of the fatally injured workers were Vietnamese immigrants. Incident 1: Two floor sanders died from burns and two were seriously burned while they were refinishing wood floors in a three-family house. The house caught fire while the workers were applying a lacquer sealer that was ignited by a pilot light in a gas stove. At the time of the fire, windows were closed and no other means of ventilation were being used. Incident 2: One floor sander died from burns and another received minor burns while finishing wood floors that they installed in a single family house. The house caught fire while the workers were applying a lacquer sealer that was ignited by a pilot light on a gas hot water heater. The heater was located in a closet on the same level of the house where the floors were being finished. At the time of the fire, the front door was open, but windows were closed and no other means of ventilation were being used. ## HOW CAN YOU HELP PREVENT FIRE DURING FLOOR FINISHING? Use less flammable wood floor finishing products (products with flash points greater than 100°F/38°C) for indoor applications. Extinguish all open flames and other ignition sources before beginning work. • Extinguish gas appliance pilots (on stoves, hot water heaters, heating units, c…
[2] 454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Page 20
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 454 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS 28.05: continued 10. Bulk Sampling/Documentation of Asbestos. Detailed discussion of the "Simplified Sampling Scheme for Friable Surfacing Materials (EPA 560/5 85 030a October 1985 "EPA Pink Book")"; techniques to ensure sampling in a randomly distributed manner for other than friable surfacing materials; sampling of non-friable materials; techniques for bulk sampling; inspector's sampling and repair equipment; patching or repair of damage from sampling; discussion of polarized light microscopy; choosing an accredited laboratory to analyze bulk samples; quality control and quality assurance procedures. EPA's recommendation that all bulk samples collected from school or public and commercial buildings be analyzed by a laboratory accredited under the NVLAP administered by NIST. 11. Inspector Respiratory Protection and Personal Protective Equipment. Classes and characteristics of respirator types; limitations of respirators; proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators; methods for field testing of the face piece to face seal (positive and negative-pressure fit checks); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures; variability between field and laboratory protection factors that alter respiratory fit (e.g., facial hair); the components of a proper respiratory protection program; selection and use of personal protective clothing; use, storage, and handling of non-disposable clothing. 12. Recordkeeping and Writing the Inspection Report. Labeling of samples and keying sample identification to sampling location; recommendations on sample labeling; detailing of ACM inventory; photographs of selected sampling areas and examples of ACM condition; information required for inclusion in the management plan required for school buildings under AHERA, § 203 (i)(1). EPA recommends that States develop and require the use of standardized forms for recording the results of inspecti…
[3] 454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Page 22
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 454 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS 28.05: continued 5. Field Trip. A visit to an abatement site or other suitable building site, including on site discussions of abatement design and building walk through inspection. Include discussion of rationale for the concept of functional spaces during the walk-through. 6. Employee Personal Protective Equipment. Classes and characteristics of respirator types; limitations of respirators; proper selection, inspection; donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators; methods for field testing of the face piece to face seal (positive and negative-pressure fit checks); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures; variability between field and laboratory protection factors that alter respiratory fit (e.g., facial hair); the components of a proper respiratory protection program; selection and use of personal protective clothing; use, storage, and handling of non-disposable clothing. 7. Additional Safety Hazards. Hazards encountered during abatement activities and how to deal with them, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire, and explosion hazards. 8. Fiber Aerodynamics and Control. Aerodynamic characteristics of asbestos fibers; importance of proper containment barriers; settling time for asbestos fibers; wet methods in abatement; aggressive air monitoring following abatement; and aggressive air movement and negative-pressure exhaust ventilation as a clean-up method. 9. Designing Abatement Solutions. Discussions of repair, removal, enclosure, and encapsulation methods; and asbestos waste disposal. 10. Final Clearance Process. Discussion of the need for a written sampling rationale for aggressive final air clearance; requirements of a complete visual inspection; and the relationship of the visual inspection to final air clearance. Department regulations regarding final clearance process. 11. Budgeting/Cost Estimating. Development of cost estimates;…
[4] 454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Page 13
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 454 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS ## 28.03: General Requirements (1) Worker Protection. The requirements of the OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard, 29 CFR Part 1926.1101, including paragraphs (f), (h), (i) and (m), and other applicable OSHA standards shall apply to the personal protection and medical monitoring of employees, including employees of the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, who perform work subject to these regulations. In addition, in accordance with 454 CMR 28.08(3)(d), Asbestos Contractors must maintain as records the results of all personal exposure monitoring, respirator fit testing and medical examinations required by 29 CFR Part 1926 and other applicable OSHA standards as a condition of licensure. Violations of OSHA regulations pertaining to worker protection may be referred to OSHA for enforcement action. The personal protection and medical monitoring of employees of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions and other persons exempted from enforcement by federal OSHA must be in accordance with the provisions of 454 CMR 28.04, and M.G.L. c. 149, § 6½, which the Department enforces. Responsibility for compliance with such worker protection requirements rests with the employer and the Responsible Person(s) designated thereby. (2) Requirements for the Use of Personnel. (a) Persons engaged in Asbestos Work subject to 454 CMR 28.00 shall only perform or be assigned to perform those tasks authorized by 454 CMR 28.00. Performance of unauthorized tasks or functions shall be cause for administrative license action, civil penalty, or both. (b) Persons must be at least 18 years of age or older to perform any Asbestos Work subject to 454 CMR 28.00 or to receive licensure in any asbestos-related discipline pursuant to 454 CMR 28.00. (3) Requirement to Abate Asbestos Hazards. Asbestos-containing Materials that would be disturbed during the course of Asbestos-associated Work must be abated prior to the commencement of such w…
[5] 454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
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# 454 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS 28.05: continued (r) The Department requires training providers to issue course evaluations for their virtual courses to help determine the strengths and weaknesses of such courses and to promote continuous improvement. (s) Virtual, web based, or online training courses provided in other states shall not meet requirements for reciprocity. (t) Training certificates issued after completion of a virtual course will only be accepted from Training Providers certified by the Department. (4) Massachusetts Specific Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) Training Requirements. The following sections describe the course content for asbestos training as set forth at 40 CFR Part 763, Appendix C: Subpart E - Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, and includes specific training required by Massachusetts and its regulations. Initial Training Courses and Curriculum: (a) Workers. Asbestos abatement worker course (initial) shall include a minimum of four training days with a minimum of 14 hours of hands-on training, including individual respirator fit testing. The training course shall address the following topics: 1. Physical Characteristics of Asbestos. Identification of asbestos, aerodynamic characteristics, typical uses, and physical appearance, and a summary of abatement control options. 2. Potential Health Effects Related to Asbestos Exposure. The nature of asbestos related diseases; routes of exposure; dose response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level; the synergistic effect between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure; the latency periods for asbestos related diseases; a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer of other organs. 3. Employee Personal Protective Equipment. Classes and characteristics of respirator types; limitations of respirators; proper selection, inspection; donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators; method…
[6] Lockout/Tagout: Controlling Hazardous Energy
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# Lockout/Tagout: Controlling Hazardous Energy ## What is hazardous energy? Hazardous energy is any energy source that, if not isolated or controlled, could create a hazard. Common energy sources are electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources in machines and equipment that can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious injury or death to workers. LOCK-OUT OPERATE DO NOT TAG-OUT DANGER SAVES LIVES ## How can you protect workers from hazardous energy? Failure to control hazardous energy accounts for nearly 10 percent of the serious accidents in many industries. Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet* found at osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHAFS3529.pdf describes the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or to prevent hazardous energy release. The OSHA Standard The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) found at osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.147 for general industry outlines measures for controlling different types of hazardous energy. The LOTO standard establishes the employer's responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy. Employers are also required to train each worker to ensure that they know, understand, and are able to follow the applicable provisions of the hazardous energy control procedures: • Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from the release of hazardous energy. The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) found at osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.147 for general industry, outlines specific action and procedures for addressing and controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines a…
[7] Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (Case Study 4 from Lessons Learned - Solutions for Workplace Safety and Health)
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This welder looks about as well protected as could be. But real safety requires more than personal protection equipment. Safety in con- struction means planning and managing every aspect of a site with safety in mind.
[8] Toolbox Talk - Cutting Water Mains
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# TOOLBOX TALK Cutting Water Mains ## The Problem: In 2014, three municipal employees were injured when their tool kicked back while they were cutting water mains. The tool cut their shoulders and face, and the workers required emergency medical treatment. This Toolbox Talk is intended to help you prevent similar work-related injuries. ## What You Can Do: • Select and use the safest tool possible. • Follow the owner's manual for cutting equipment. Use the surface of the tool that is designed for cutting. - Ensure that all machine guards are intact and functioning properly. Do not use damaged tools. • To maintain leverage, avoid using cutting equipment that is raised above your shoulders or while the employee is lying down. • When using circular blades, never use the kickback zone (upper quadrant) of the blade for cutting. If the blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone, the reactive force will push the power cutter up and back towards the user in a rotating motion causing serious or even fatal injury. • Support pipes to prevent blades from being pinched. • Protect your eyes and face with safety glasses and a faceshield. • Train employees how to use each type of cutting tool used in their department. Circular blades can kick-back. Use the proper cutting area and make sure machine guards are in place. When possible, select tools that don't have potential for kick-back. This hydraulic cutter and diamond wire guillotine pipe cutter avoid kick-back forces. MASS safety Works! Workplace Safety is No Accident THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM www.mass.gov/dols/wshp
[9] Toolbox Talk - Cut-Off Saw Safety
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TENNIS SIGILL THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SSACH PUBLIC DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS # CUT-OFF SAW TOOLBOX TALK Employees who use cut-off saws must be trained to operate the saw safely. Review the Owner's Manual for each model saw that is used. This Toolbox Safety Talk can help review important safety tips. ## Work Practices Review the Owner's Manual for each model cut-off saw you use. ## Inspect each saw before use: • Blade not cracked, chipped, or warped. • Use the correct blade for material and conditions being cut. • Match saw RPM with blade RPM. • Machine guards (belt and blade guards) are secure and adjusted. • Verify throttle and stop switch are working. • Fuel added when saw is cold. ## Prevent Kick-back: • Always keep two hands on the saw. Never operate with one hand. • Never cut above shoulder height. • Do not bend over the blade when cutting. • Support the material being cut to prevent pinching or binding of the wheel. • Do not grind or bevel on the side of the wheel. • Release pressure on the cut-off saw as you reach the end of the cut. • Review owner's manual to understand directional forces on the wheel. • Position your body to keep clear of the wheel and reactive forces. ## Work Safely: • Start saw when resting on ground. Do not "drop start" cut-off saws. • Wet cut when feasible to reduce dust and reduce energy of reactive forces on the wheel. • During transport, do not roll the blade wheel on the ground. • This can damage the wheel and cause shattering during use. WACKER Personal Protective Equipment C Safety Glasses Work Hearing Protection - with Side Shields Gloves ear plugs or ear muffs Boots Tight fitting respirator with P100 Optional: filters when cutting concrete, 95 mask when brick, asbestos cement pipe. Use cutting metal. wet methods to reduce silica or asbestos dust. Sample safety programs for municipal and state agencies are available at www.mass.gov/dol…
[10] 454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
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# 454 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS 28.02: continued EPA. The United States Environmental Protection Agency. Equipment Room and/or (Change Room). A contaminated room located within the decontamination area that is supplied with impermeable bags or containers for the disposal of contaminated protective clothing and equipment. Facility. Any building or structure including, but not limited to, those used for institutional, residential, commercial or industrial purposes, single family homes and vessels while ashore or in dry dock, and any associated equipment. Facility Component. Any part of a facility including, but not limited to, any equipment, pipe, duct, boiler, tank, turbine, furnace, building material, insulation, load supporting and non-load supporting structural member, or non-structural member at the facility including Asbestos Cement Pipe (AC Pipe). Fiber. A particulate form of asbestos, 5 micrometers or longer, with a length-to-width ratio of at least 3 to 1. Fiber Release Episode. Any uncontrolled or unintentional disturbance of ACM resulting in visible emission. Friable. A material that when dry, may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, and includes previously non-friable material after such previously non-friable material becomes damaged to the extent that when dry it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Friable Asbestos-containing Material (Friable ACM). Any material containing more than 1% asbestos, which when dry may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, or that has been subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting, or abrading or has been crumbled, shattered, or pulverized by mechanical means such as, but not limited to, the use of excavators, bulldozers, heavy equipment, or power and/or hand tool. Friable Asbestos-containing Material includes non-friable asbestos-containing material after such previously non-friable material becomes damaged or disturbed to th…
[11] Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (Case Study 4 from Lessons Learned - Solutions for Workplace Safety and Health)
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# Injuries Are Not Accidents: Construction Will Be Safe When It's Designed to Be Safe (cont.) ## Musculoskeletal disorders (cont.) Personal protective equipment should not be the only solution for protecting construction workers' safety and health. IMDEN 2010 Earl Dotter postures. In addition, painters often worked with their arms overhead. 59 Overhead drilling into concrete or metal is one of the most physically de- manding tasks: the work is done with heavy, rotary impact hammer drills. 60 Workers who drill into concrete or metal ceilings suffer pain and MSDs at the wrist, forearm, shoulder, and back due to high forces and non-neutral shoulder and wrist postures. 60,61 ## How much do construction injuries cost? In 2009, the construction industry constituted about 4 percent of the total gross domestic prod- uct in the United States. The proportion declined steadily from 2006 to 2009 with the slowdown of residential and building construction.62 Various researchers have attempted to estimate how much construction injuries cost. 63.64-67 For example, the 2008 Chartbook from CPWR provides a useful summary of costs of work-related injuries and ill- nesses in the construction sector. 14 Calculating an accurate cost estimate for injuries and illnesses is difficult. While certain aspects can be calculated rather easily (e.g., wage replacement, workers' com- pensation costs, medical payments, or production losses), other aspects (e.g., the victim's and family's suffering) are very hard to capture in numbers. 14 Many costs are not compensated, partly because they are difficult to link to specific work exposures. Construction workers may serve several employers -even within a single year-and perhaps have dozens of employers over their careers.14 In addi- tion, occupational illnesses (e.g., noise-induced hearing loss, cancers, neurological disorders) are usually identified long after the start of the expo- sure and thus may not be successfully linked to a work-related …
[12] Safety Alert: Use skid-steer loader lift arm supports during maintenance that requires lift arms to be raised
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# SAFETY ALERT-Please Post # Use skid-steer loader lift arm supports during maintenance that requires lift arms to be raised ## What happened in Massachusetts? ince 2009, four workers in killed on the job while repairing skid-steer or similar loaders (e.g. multi terrain). In two of these incidents investigated by MA FACE, 2009 and 2012, the victims were performing maintenance tasks beneath the loader's raised lift arm without using the lift arm support, and were crushed between the lift arm and cab. ## What can be done? Victim crushed between loader's lift arm and cab Victim had 25 years' experience 2009 fatality investigation In each incident, adequate safety procedures could have ensured the loader's lift arm was secured against motion during maintenance, preventing the fatality. Employers should: • Ensure that equipment is inspected prior to each use to confirm that safeguards and interlocks are functioning properly. • Ensure that lift arm support devices are installed for maintenance tasks that require the lift arm to be in the raised position. (This may require two people.) • Ensure that safeguards and interlocks are used and never bypassed. • Ensure - that employees never access the controls of a loader from outside the loader's cab. See reverse for maintenance performance recommendations ## Got lockout/tagout? It's Required. Many employers think of stationary machinery when they think of lockout/tagout, but OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.147 also applies to mobile machinery, like skid-steer loaders: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) requires that employers establish procedures for isolating machines and equipment during servicing and maintenance from the input of energy by affixing appropriate locks or tags to energy isolating devices and then blocking and securing any movable part and training employees on these procedures. In the 2009 and 2012 incidents, the employers did not have procedures for lockout/tagout. These proce…
[13] Inspection History - Woodworking Shop Safety
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# Woodworking Shop (cont.) ## Condition Observed (cont.) <table><tr><th>Condition Observed</th><th>Photo</th><th>OSHA Regulation</th><th>Corrective Action</th></tr><tr><td>Circular hand-fed rip saw: Anti-kickback fingers or dogs were not located to oppose the thrust or tendency of a hand-fed circular rip saw to pick up the material or throw it back toward the operator.</td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.219(c)(3) Mechanical power- transmission</td><td>Install an anti-kickback device for the saw operator during ripping operation. The claw-like gripping action of an anti-kickback device can reduce the potential for stock being thrown back at the operator.</td></tr><tr><td>Drill Press: An exposed part of rotating vertical shafting was not protected by a guard.</td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.219(c)(3) Mechanical power- transmission</td><td>Enclose the rotating shaft with a self-adjusting guard or a non-rotating shaft. Also enclose the drill bit chuck attached to shaft.</td></tr><tr><td>Jointer: A hand-fed jointer with a horizontal cutting had a broken guard. The Spring was broken so it no longer retracted to cover the revolving knives.</td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.213(j)(3) Woodworking machinery</td><td>Repair the existing guard so that it automatically retracts to adjust to cover the unused portion of the revolving knives</td></tr><tr><td>Portable Grinder An abrasive wheel used on a vertical portable grinder (right angle head grinder) was not provided with a safety guard.</td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.243(c)(3) Guarding of portable powered tools</td><td>Provide a safety guard so that the maximum exposed angle is 180°. The intent of the standard is to ensure that pieces of a disintegrating wheel will be deflected away from the operator.</td></tr><tr><td>Push sticks: Only one push stick was available. Different sizes of push sticks/push blocks are required dependent upon size of wood to be cut.</td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.213(s)(9) Woodworking machinery</td><td>Provide push st…
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