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Write a toolbox talk on GENERAL SAFETY AWARENESS 1. Introduction to Toolbox Talks & Safety Culture 2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Basics 3. Housekeeping & Workplace Organization 4. Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention 5. Ladder Safety 6. Safe Lifting Techniques 7. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures 8. Fire Safety & Emergency Evacuation Plans 9. Reporting Hazards & Near Misses 10. Working in Confined Spaces 11. Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety 12. Electrical Safety Awareness ________________________________________ FIRE & LIFE SAFETY 13. Fire Extinguisher Use (PASS Method) 14. Fire Alarm System Basics & Protocols 15. Sprinkler System Inspections & Obstruction Avoidance 16. Fire Door Compliance & Inspection 17. Egress Pathway Obstructions 18. Emergency Lighting & Exit Sign Checks ________________________________________ EQUIPMENT & MAINTENANCE 19. Safe Use of Power Tools 20. Preventative Maintenance Best Practices 21. HVAC Safety & Seasonal Prep 22. Boiler Room Safety Protocols 23. Elevator & Escalator Equipment Awareness 24. Chiller & Cooling Tower Safety 25. Energy Management & Efficiency Tips 26. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) Updates & Usage ________________________________________ BUILDING SYSTEMS & OPERATIONS 27. Building Automation Systems (BAS) Overview 28. Roof Access & Fall Protection 29. Generator & Backup Power System Safety 30. Water Management & Legionella Awareness 31. Plumbing System Checks (Leaks, Valves, Drains) 32. Waste Management & Recycling Protocols 33. Lighting Systems: Safety & Efficiency 34. Building Security System Overview ________________________________________ ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & COMPLIANCE 35. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Basics 36. Mold Awareness & Prevention 37. Hazard Communication (Right to Know) 38. SDS (Safety Data Sheets) Review 39. Spill Response Procedures 40. Asbestos Awareness (If Applicable) 41. Lead Paint Awareness (For Older Buildings) 42. Noise Exposure & Hearing Protection ________________________________________ PEOPLE, TENANTS & VENDORS 43. Communication with Tenants During Work 44. Managing Outside Contractors & Vendor Safety 45. Conflict Resolution in Maintenance Settings 46. Customer Service for Building Operators 47. Handling Tenant Work Orders Efficiently 48. Working Around the Public Safely ________________________________________ PERSONAL & TEAM DEVELOPMENT 49. Stress Management in Facilities Work 50. Time Management & Shift Handover Procedures 51. Leadership and Accountability in Maintenance Teams 52. Year-End Review & Goal Setting for Next Year

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Use a structured toolbox talk and safety meeting program for facilities and building operations that rotates core topics: general safety awareness, fire and life safety, maintenance hazards, building systems, environmental health, tenant/contractor coordination, and team development. Start each meeting with the job scope, key hazards, required controls, PPE, emergency considerations, and lessons learned from recent incidents or near misses. Reinforce that workers should plan work safely before starting, use PPE correctly, watch for changing conditions, protect others in the area, and report hazards promptly. A strong safety culture depends on worker participation, risk awareness, hazard assessment, personal responsibility, and reporting/investigating incidents and near misses. [3] [5]

Recommended toolbox talk framework:

  • Topic of the day tied to current work orders, seasonal risks, or recent incidents
  • Task-specific hazards and affected building occupants
  • Required PPE, tools, permits, isolation steps, and safe work practices
  • Emergency actions, communication methods, and stop-work authority
  • Inspection findings, near misses, corrective actions, and follow-up training needs

[5] [6] Core meeting topics for maintenance staff:

  • General safety awareness: hazard recognition, JSAs, stop-work authority, near miss reporting, and communication
  • PPE: eye, face, hand, foot, hearing, respiratory, arc-flash, and fall protection selected to the task
  • Housekeeping and slip/trip/fall prevention: clean-as-you-go, cord management, dry floors, lighting, and clear access
  • Ladder safety and elevated work: inspect ladders, maintain three points of contact, avoid overreaching, and use the safest fall protection method available
  • Manual handling and ergonomics: assess load weight, use carts or team lifts, keep loads close, and avoid twisting
  • LOTO and electrical safety: identify all energy sources, isolate, lock, tag, verify zero energy, and control stored energy before servicing
  • Power tools and machine safety: inspect tools, use guards, remove damaged equipment from service, and use the right tool for the job
  • Compressed gas safety: secure cylinders, cap when not in use, separate incompatibles, and protect from heat and impact
  • Confined space entry: identify permit spaces, test atmosphere, ventilate, isolate hazards, control entry, and maintain attendant/rescue procedures
  • Roof access and fall protection: control access, assess weather, protect skylights/openings, and use guardrails, restraint, or arrest systems as required
  • HVAC, boiler room, generator, cooling tower, and mechanical room safety: hot surfaces, pressure, rotating parts, chemicals, combustion air, ventilation, and housekeeping
  • Elevator and escalator awareness: restrict work to authorized personnel, control access, use lockout procedures, and never bypass safety devices
  • Water management and Legionella: maintain water temperatures and disinfectant control, reduce stagnation, inspect cooling towers, and document corrective actions
  • Hazard communication and SDS: label containers, review SDS before use, understand health effects, and train on spill response
  • Environmental hazards: asbestos, lead, mold, refrigerants, wastewater, stormwater, and waste disposal requirements
  • Emergency response: alarms, evacuation, accountability, extinguisher awareness, spill response, medical emergencies, and contractor/tenant coordination
  • Regulatory compliance and documentation: OSHA, NFPA, EPA, ANSI, permits, inspections, CMMS records, training records, and corrective action tracking

[8] [10] For PPE meetings, teach that PPE is the last line of defense and must be matched to the hazard after engineering and administrative controls are considered. Maintenance staff commonly need safety glasses, face shields, cut-resistant or chemical-resistant gloves, safety footwear, hearing protection, hard hats where overhead hazards exist, respiratory protection when required, and task-specific protection such as arc-rated clothing or fall protection. Training should cover selection, inspection, fit, limitations, cleaning, storage, and replacement. [17]

Housekeeping should be a recurring topic because it affects fire safety, slips/trips/falls, egress, and maintenance quality. Emphasize immediate cleanup of leaks and spills, proper storage of materials, removal of scrap and packaging, safe routing of hoses and cords, prompt disposal of oily rags in covered metal containers, and keeping electrical rooms, boiler rooms, exits, and fire protection equipment accessible at all times. [1] [11]

For slip, trip, and fall prevention, cover floor conditions, drainage, mats, lighting, footwear, stair use, and outdoor hazards such as snow and ice. Inspect walking-working surfaces routinely and correct defects quickly. For roof work and other elevated tasks, use the hierarchy of fall protection: eliminate the exposure first, then passive protection such as guardrails, then restraint, then arrest, with administrative controls as the least effective option. [7] [11]

Ladder and elevated work talks should stress pre-use inspection, correct ladder selection, stable setup, maintaining three points of contact, keeping the body centered between side rails, and avoiding carrying loads that prevent safe climbing. Where feasible, eliminate ladder use by using extension tools or redesigning the task. If workers are exposed to falls, provide guardrails, restraint, or arrest systems and train employees to recognize fall hazards. [7] [4]

LOTO and electrical safety meetings should cover identifying all hazardous energy sources, notifying affected persons, shutting down equipment, isolating every energy source, applying locks and tags, releasing stored energy, and verifying zero energy before work begins. Include electrical panel access, arc-flash boundaries where applicable, use of test instruments on known live sources before and after testing, damaged cord removal, GFCI use in wet locations, and prohibition on bypassing interlocks or guards. Only qualified persons should perform energized electrical troubleshooting beyond normal operation unless justified and controlled. [8] [12]

Fire and life safety meetings should explain the fire triangle, common ignition sources, combustible loading, hot work controls, smoking restrictions, temporary heater safety, battery charging precautions, and the importance of alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire watches when systems are impaired. Workers should know how to report a fire, when to evacuate, where to assemble, how accountability is performed, and when extinguisher use is appropriate. Teach PASS as: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Only attempt extinguisher use on incipient-stage fires when trained, the correct extinguisher is available, the exit is behind you, and evacuation remains possible. [1] [14] [18]

Emergency response and evacuation content should include alarm recognition, reporting procedures, evacuation routes, refuge areas where applicable, accountability, rescue/medical roles, shutdown procedures for critical systems, and contractor notification. Exit routes must remain unobstructed, adequately lighted, clearly marked, and usable without keys, tools, or special knowledge. Fire doors must remain functional and not be blocked or wedged open unless released by an approved system. Emergency lighting, alarm systems, sprinklers, and other safeguards must be inspected and kept in working order. [11] [9] [11]

Means of egress talks should cover keeping corridors, stairwells, electrical rooms, and exit discharge areas clear; maintaining exit signs and emergency lighting; ensuring doors swing in the direction of egress where required; and protecting outdoor exit routes from slip hazards and fall hazards. Include periodic inspections for blocked exits, damaged panic hardware, missing signage, failed lights, and storage encroaching into exit widths. [9] [11] [13]

Building systems safety meetings should address preventive maintenance, safe isolation, permit-to-work controls, and system-specific hazards. For HVAC and boiler rooms, discuss hot surfaces, steam, pressure, combustion hazards, ventilation, refrigerants, rotating equipment, and chemical treatment. For generators and transfer switches, cover exhaust, fuel, battery hazards, backfeed prevention, and testing under controlled conditions. For cooling towers and domestic water systems, include biological growth control, drift, cleaning/disinfection, and documentation. BAS and CMMS topics should include alarm management, trend review, work order quality, deferred maintenance tracking, and documenting inspections, deficiencies, and corrective actions. [17] [6]

Hazard communication and environmental health meetings should cover chemical inventory control, labeling, SDS access, exposure routes, incompatibilities, spill kits, waste segregation, and when to escalate to emergency response. Train staff not to disturb suspect asbestos- or lead-containing materials during maintenance, drilling, sanding, demolition, or renovation until the required survey or testing has been reviewed. For asbestos, workers should understand that it may be present in many common building materials and that only properly certified personnel should handle asbestos-containing materials. Include noise exposure awareness, respiratory hazards, and medical surveillance requirements where applicable. [2] [2] [15]

Tenant and contractor safety meetings should cover site orientation, permit requirements, hot work, impaired fire protection, access control, communication with occupants, utility shutdown coordination, housekeeping expectations, emergency procedures, and reporting requirements. Contractors should be briefed on emergency response plans, evacuation routes, alarm signals, restricted areas, and building-specific hazards before work starts. For occupied buildings, emphasize noise, dust, odors, infection control where relevant, after-hours work controls, and maintaining safe egress for tenants at all times. [6] [16]

Inspection checklist topics for recurring meetings should include: PPE condition; ladders; cords and tools; guards; extinguishers; alarm pull stations; sprinkler valves and heads; fire doors; exit signs; emergency lights; housekeeping; spill kits; SDS availability; cylinder storage; eyewash/shower access where needed; roof hatches and guardrails; boiler and mechanical room conditions; electrical panel clearance; and documentation in the CMMS. Use inspections to verify that safeguards remain operable and that corrective actions are assigned and tracked to closure. [16] [11]

Suggested annual training matrix for facilities maintenance staff:

  • New hire orientation: safety awareness, reporting, PPE, emergency action plan, hazard communication, SDS, and site rules
  • Quarterly: fire/life safety, extinguisher awareness, evacuation drills, means of egress, and contractor coordination
  • Quarterly: slips/trips/falls, ladder safety, roof access, fall protection, and walking-working surfaces
  • Quarterly: LOTO, electrical safety, machine guarding, power tools, and compressed gas
  • Semiannual: confined space awareness/entry, spill response, asbestos/lead awareness, and environmental compliance
  • Annual: respiratory protection where required, hearing conservation where applicable, bloodborne pathogens if exposure is possible, and first aid/CPR/AED for designated staff
  • Annual: boiler/HVAC/refrigeration safety, water management and Legionella program review, generator/emergency power testing safety, and BAS/CMMS documentation expectations
  • Supervisor training: incident investigation, corrective action tracking, permit systems, contractor management, and regulatory updates

[14] [11] From a compliance standpoint, align meetings and procedures with applicable OSHA requirements, NFPA life safety and fire protection concepts, EPA environmental obligations, and relevant ANSI and manufacturer guidance. In practice, that means documenting training, inspections, drills, hazard assessments, permits, maintenance records, and corrective actions; keeping emergency and fire prevention plans available for review; and ensuring workers understand their rights to receive hazard information and report concerns without retaliation. [6] [18]

A practical way to run the program is to deliver short weekly toolbox talks, monthly safety meetings, quarterly drills, and annual refresher training. Keep each session focused on current building risks, recent work orders, seasonal conditions, and lessons learned. The most effective programs combine training, inspections, worker involvement, near miss reporting, and follow-up on corrective actions so safety becomes part of daily operations rather than a stand-alone event. [3] [5]

18 source record(s)

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[1] Toolbox Talk: Safety Awareness

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# SAFETY AWARENESS F1 Date Posted: 08/28/2016 Safety Awareness is like almost everything else we do, learned and not instinctive. We aren't born with awareness for safety concerns... in fact anyone who has a young child or grandchild knows this as they see them going around doing unsafe things constantly. People learn through various means. Some learn by doing, others by watching, and some by reading. Others learn by their mistakes or the mistakes of others which is one reason we post and talk about near misses and the accidents that we've had. ## SAFE BEHAVIORS • Before you begin a job, you consider how to do it safely. • You make sure you know how and when to use personal protective equipment. • As you work, you check your position to reduce strain on your body. • You ensure other workers and those in the area are not exposed to hazards. • While you are working, you become aware of any changes in the area. • You talk with others about safety. Safety is a way of life and should be thought about so often that it becomes second nature. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe ## MAKING HAZARD RECOGNITION SECOND NATURE • Review safety procedures for your job and work area on a daily basis. • Understand how unsafe acts can lead to accidents. • Participate in safety training every opportunity you get. • Use your safety knowledge in all aspects of your job. • Help instruct new workers in identifying potential hazards. ## IDENTIFY UNSAFE ACTS • Be aware of your surroundings. • Many hazards are obvious to those who open their eyes and minds to see them. • Correct Potential Hazards • Hazard recognition is valuable only when corrective action is taken. • Report all potential hazards to your supervisor. • Work with your supervisor to make sure the hazard is corrected and communicate with co-workers so they don't cause any potential hazards. • Be the safety coordinator for your work area and stress the importance…

[2] General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

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# GENERAL INDUSTRY STANDARD (cont.) ## R 408.[redacted postal code] Employee emergency plans. (cont.) (4) An employer shall establish an employee alarm system that is in compliance with the provisions of General Industry Safety Standard Part 9 "Fixed Fire Equipment," and 29 C.F.R. 1910.165 "Employee alarm systems" as adopted in R 408.[redacted postal code]. If the employee alarm system is used for alerting fire brigade members or for other purposes, a distinctive signal for each purpose shall be used. (5) An employer shall establish in the emergency action plan the types of evacuation to be used in emergency circumstances. (6) Before implementing the emergency action plan, an employer shall designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees. (7) The employer shall review the plan, at the following times, with each employee to whom the plan applies: (a) When the plan is developed. (b) If an employee's responsibilities or designated actions under the plan change. (c) If the plan is changed. (8) An employer shall review, with each employee, upon initial assignment, those parts of the plan that the employee must know to protect the employee in an emergency. ## R 408.[redacted postal code] Fire prevention plans. - Rule 624. (1) An employer shall have a fire prevention plan whenever they are required by a particular Michigan occupational safety and health act standard. The requirements in these rules apply to each such fire prevention plan. (2) A fire prevention plan must be in writing, be kept in the workplace, and be made available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees. (3) An employer shall control the accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency. The control procedures shall be included in the written fire prevention plan. (4) An …

[3] Fire Protection

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# Fire Protection (cont.) ## What can be included in typical fire safety plans for all employees? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="2">Fire Protection Measures</th></tr><tr><td>Fire safety plan, and fire protection system elements</td><td>Examples</td></tr><tr><td>Does the fire safety plan include procedures and floor plans</td><td>Prepare procedures for evacuation and response Include building plans marked for fire exits, fire extinguishers, alarm points, smoke detectors, first aid boxes, main electrical panel, main water supply, evacuation routes, etc. Methods required to prevent fires (e.g., storage of items, etc.)</td></tr><tr><td>Has the fire safety plan been communicated to every employee or occupant?</td><td>Communicate fire safety plan and emergency response procedures to all employees and contractors. Conduct fire drills at least twice a year (or as required by local jurisdiction) Observe the response to fire drills, and adjust the plan as necessary to ensure its effectiveness</td></tr><tr><td>What information is needed when calling for emergency services?</td><td>Post all emergency numbers and instructions close to telephones Post the location/address of the building, with any specific instructions that may be needed by the responders</td></tr><tr><td>Are designated employees given the education and training required to perform assigned duties?</td><td>Provide education and training to all designated employees on the type and correct use of fire extinguishers. Fire wardens must be educated and trained in how to clear an area quickly and other related duties.</td></tr><tr><td>Are appropriate inspections conducted?</td><td>Inspect all the fire extinguishers, fire alarm system, emergency lighting system, sprinkler system, and other fire protection monthly or as per the Fire Code and other applicable legislation</td></tr><tr><td>Fire doors, exits, lighting</td><td></td></tr></table> Fire Protection CCOHS

[4] TOGETHER WITH TOSHA newsletter: Truck Yard Safety

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# SAVE THE DATE Tennessee Safety & Health Conference August 14-16, 2023 (cont.) Click any image to visit website Ladder Safety Month March 2023 (American Ladder Institute) Form 300A Employers must post summary of CY 2022 injuries and illnesses for period of February 1 to April 30 # 2023 January-July TOSHA Seminar Schedule Department of TN Labor & Workforce Development Basic Safety and Health - This full day class will review Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Preventions Plans; Machine Guarding, Lockout/Tag-out, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, and Respiratory Protection. 04/11 - Knoxville - TCCI 04/12 Gallatin - TCCI 05/09 Clarksville - TCCI Forklift and Warehouse Safety - This full day class will cover the hazards and injuries likely to occur in warehousing and storage operations, including encounters with powered industrial trucks, material handling, lifting, hazard communication, walking and working surfaces, and life safety including fire protection and evacuation. This course is intended for warehouse workers, supervisors, and employers responsible for developing safe work practices and procedures in a warehouse setting. 05/10 Clarksville - TCCI 05/16 Cleveland - TCCI 05/24-Morristown - TCCI Basic Safety for Utilities - This full day class will review confined spaces, trenching & excavation, personal protective equipment (PPE), walking working surfaces, lockout/tag-out (LOTO), electrical, & the most cited standards in utilities 7/11 - Lenoir City - TAUD Recordkeeping-This half day class will review recordkeeping requirements, maintenance of the OSHA 300 log, reporting & electronic scanning requirements. 01/19 Clarksville - TCCI 01/20 Jackson - TCCI 02/02- Kingsport - TCCI 02/08 - Cleveland - TCCI 03/15 Paris - TCCI 03/30 Fayetteville - TCCI TOSHA Maintenance Related Standards - This full day class will review the most cited standards in general industry, lockout/tag-out (LOTO), machine guarding, electrical, confined spaces,…

[5] Toolbox Talk: Safety Culture

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# SAFETY CULTURE ## Date Posted: 09/11/2024 The term "safety culture" refers to the collective attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors shaping how an organization prioritizes health and safety. Another definition of safety culture is a combination of the attitudes, values, and perceptions that influence how something is done in the workplace rather than how it should be done. Combining these two definitions may make for an even better explanation. Safety culture could be defined as "the sum of what an organization is and does in the pursuit of safety." Culture is what you do and how you do it, and its effects on the character and values of the organization as a whole and vice versa. When looking at culture, defining the potential outcomes of a poor safety culture is essential. Poor safety culture has contributed too many major incidents and personal injuries. A poor safety culture means not everyone takes safety seriously, is not watchful, is complacent, and compromises too readily. This may mean that some workers or operations are at risk of more incidents and accidents. In organizations with a poor safety culture, incidents, especially near misses, are not reported or acted upon adequately, and instructions are not correctly followed. ## BENEFITS OF A STRONG SAFETY CULTURE • Fewer incidents, injuries, losses, and disruptions. • Improved physical and mental well-being. • Increased productivity. - Decreased sickness/sick leave and disability. • Improved compliance with safety regulations (DOSH, OSHA, etc.) • Higher morale and job satisfaction. • Increased reputation to attract new customers and employees and retain existing ones. ## CULTURE IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY You're either building a safety culture or hurting a safety culture with your actions. A culture will evolve whether it is managed or not. Everyone has a role in developing the culture on the job site and building it (or breaking it). Regarding safety culture, the value placed on carin…

[6] TOGETHER WITH TOSHA newsletter: Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades

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# Volunteer STAR News update (cont.) Click any image to visit website Tennessee Safety & Health Conference Aug 14-16, 2023 Form 300A Posting Employers must post summary of injuries and illnesses recorded for year 2022 (February to April 30). Small Business Safety and Health Handbook OSHA CDC and Health Administration NIOSH # 2022 August - December TOSHA Seminar Schedule Basic Safety and Health - This full day class will review Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Preventions Plans; Machine Guarding, Lockout/Tag-out, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, and Respiratory Protection. 11/02-Jackson - TCCI 11/10 Chattanooga - TCCI 12/08-Murfreesboro - TCCI Basic Safety for Utilities - This full day class will review confined spaces, trenching & excavation, personal protective equipment (PPE), walking working surfaces, lockout/tag-out (LOTO), electrical, & the most cited standards in utilities 09/07 Jackson-TAUD 09/27-Murfreesboro - TAUD Health Hazards in Industry - The full day course covers common health hazards that are encountered in the workplace including chemical, biological, physical hazards. Topics include bloodborne pathogen, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, noise, & TOSHA's most cited standards. 09/28-Murfreesboro - TAUD Forklift and Warehouse Safety - This full day class will cover the hazards and injuries likely to occur in warehousing and storage operations, including encounters with powered industrial trucks, material handling, lifting, hazard communication, walking and working surfaces, and life safety including fire protection and evacuation. This course is intended for warehouse workers, supervisors, and employers responsible for developing safe work practices and procedures in a warehouse setting. 09/20 Murfreesboro - TCCI 09/22-Jackson - TCCI 09/28 - Knoxville - TCCI 10/26-Chattanooga - TCCI TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development TOSHA Maintenance Related Standards -…

[7] TOGETHER WITH TOSHA newsletter: September 2021

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# Hurricane and Flood Cleanup & Recovery (cont.) Tennessee Safety & Health Conference 2022 Dates Coming Soon! Visit these COVID-19 Resources: TOSHA'S COVID-19 Website OSHA'S COVID-19 Website # 2021 August - December TOSHA Seminar Schedule Basic Safety and Health - This full day class will review Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Preventions Plans; Machine Guarding, Lockout/Tag-out, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, and Respiratory Protection. 09/09-- Kingsport - TCCI 09/28 - Bartlett - TCCI 10/20 - Murfreesboro - TCCI Basic Safety for Utilities - This full day class will review confined spaces, trenching & excavation, personal protective equipment (PPE), walking working surfaces, lockout/ tag-out (LOTO), electrical, & the most cited standards utilities 09/08 Jackson - TAUD 09/28 - Murfreesboro - TAUD Forklift and Warehouse Safety-This full day class will cover the hazards and injuries likely to occur in warehousing and storage operations, including encounters with powered industrial trucks, material handling, lifting, hazard communication, walking and working surfaces, and life safety including fire protection and evacuation. This course is intended for warehouse workers, supervisors, and employers responsible for developing safe work practices and procedures in a warehouse setting. 09/15 - Knoxville - TCCI 09/29 - Jackson - TCCI Health Hazards in Industry - The full day course covers common health hazards that are encountered in the workplace including chemical, biological, physical hazards. Topics include bloodborne pathogen, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, noise, & TOSHA's most cited standards. 09/29 Murfreesboro - TAUD Department of TN Labor & Workforce TOSHA Development Maintenance Related Standards - This full day class will review the most cited standards in general industry, lockout/tag-out (LOTO), machine guarding, electrical, confined spaces, housekeeping, egress routes, emerg…

[8] OSHA Fact Sheet - Fire Safety

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# OSHA FactSheet ## Fire Safety Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. If you want your workers to evacuate, you should train them on evacuation procedures. If you expect your workers to use fire fighting equipment, you should provide the appropriate equipment and train workers to use it safely. (See Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910 Subparts E and L; and Part 1926 Subparts C and F.) ## What actions should employers take to help ensure safe evacuations of buildings? Every workplace must have enough exits suitably located to enable everyone to get out of the facility quickly. Considerations include the type of structure, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available, the type of industry involved, and the height and type of construction of the building or structure. In addition, exit doors must not be blocked or locked when employees are inside. Delayed opening of exit doors, however, is permitted when an approved alarm system is integrated into the exit door design. Exit routes from buildings must be free of obstructions and properly marked with exit signs. See 29 CFR Part 1910.36 for details about these requirements. ## Do employers have to provide portable fire extinguishers? No. But if you do, you must establish an educational program to familiarize your workers with the general principles of fire extinguisher use. If you expect your workers to use portable fire extinguishers, you must provide hands-on training in using this equipment. For details, see 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart L. ## Must employers develop emergency action plans? Not every employer is required to have an emergency action plan. OSHA standards that require such plans include the following: • Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals - 1910.119 • Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General – 1910.160 ⋅ Fire Detection Systems - 1910.164 • Grain Handling - 1910.272 • Ethy…

[9] Toolbox Talk: Fire Safety

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# FIRE SAFETY Date Posted: 05/31/2024 On average, between 2016 and 2020, firefighters responded to more than 11 fires a day at buildings under construction in the U.S. Those fires led to an annual average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and over $376 million in direct property damages. Construction site fires create a significant risk of property damage, personal injury, and even death. Structures with wood framing are particularly susceptible to fires. Although steel-frame buildings are just as vulnerable to fire risk, wood-framed facilities are more likely to collapse when on fire. Construction site fires often happen before sprinkler systems and alarms have been installed so that fires can spread with little warning. Since there are reserves of combustible materials, a stray spark or smoldering debris can lead to a large disaster. ## HOW DO FIRES START? Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three elements to be present for the reaction to take place and continue. The three elements are: • Heat or an ignition source • Fuel Oxygen These three elements are typically referred to as the "fire triangle." Fire results from the chemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air. Heat, fuel, and oxygen must combine precisely for a fire start and continue to burn. If one element of the fire triangle is not present or removed, fire will not start or, if already burning, will extinguish. Ignition sources can include any material, equipment, or operation that emits a spark or flame, including apparent items, such as torches, and less obvious items, such as static electricity and grinding operations. to ## COMMON SOURCES OF CONSTRUCTION FIRES Hot work: Hot work operations pose a significant risk because they can introduce ignition sources into many worksite areas. Even several hours after welding, soldering, grinding, or other hot work has been completed, a spark can smolder and ignite combustibles, sometimes after crews have left for the…

[10] OSHA Fact Sheet - Fire Safety

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# OSHA FactSheet (cont.) ## Employers covered by these standards must implement plans to minimize the frequency of evacuations. All fire prevention plans must: • Be available for employee review. - Include housekeeping procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials and flammable waste. • Address handling and packaging of flammable waste. (Recycling of flammable waste such as paper is encouraged.) • Cover procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources such as smoking, welding and burning. • Provide for proper cleaning and maintenance of heat producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers, ovens, stoves, and fryers and require storage of flammables away from this equipment. • Inform workers of the potential fire hazards of their jobs and plan procedures. • Require review of the fire prevention plan with all new employees and with all employees whenever the plan is changed. ## What are the rules for fixed extinguishing systems? Fixed extinguishing systems throughout the workplace are among the most reliable fire fighting tools. These systems detect fires, sound an alarm, and apply water or another extinguishing agent to the fire. To meet OSHA standards, employers who have fixed extinguishing systems must: • Substitute (temporarily) a fire watch of trained employees to respond to fire emergencies when a fire suppression system is out of service. • Ensure that the fire watch is included in the fire prevention plan and the emergency action plan. This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627. • Post signs for systems t…

[11] OSH Enforcement Procedures | CFR 168 - Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule

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# Field Information System Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule (cont.) ## § 1910.36 Design and construction requirements for exit routes. (cont.) Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 216/Thursday, November 7, 2002/Rules and Regulations [redacted postal code] must also meet the following requirements: (1) The outdoor exit route must have guardrails to protect unenclosed sides if a fall hazard exists; (2) The outdoor exit route must be covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate along the route, unless the employer can demonstrate that any snow or ice accumulation will be removed before it presents a slipping hazard; (3) The outdoor exit route must be reasonably straight and have smooth, solid, substantially level walkways; and (4) The outdoor exit route must not have a dead-end that is longer than 20 feet (6.2 m). ## §1910.37 Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes. (a) The danger to employees must be minimized. (1) Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings or other decorations. (2) Exit routes must be arranged so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high hazard area by suitable partitions or other physical barriers. (3) Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead- end corridor. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially level. (4) Safeguards designed to protect employees during an emergency (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times. (b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate. (1) Each exit route must be adequately lig…

[12] Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk

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# Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk Asbestos has been widely used in thousands of products because of its strength and insulating qualities. However, asbestos is extremely dangerous to workers handling it and to others nearby when it gets into the air and is breathed in. Asbestos can cause fatal diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos has not been banned and can still be found in new products and materials. Even new buildings can contain asbestos. ## Asbestos can commonly be found in these materials: • Attic firewall paper (nicolite) Attendance: • Cement asbestos board siding (transite) • Dope/putty on natural gas line fittings • Duct insulation • Fireplace walls, floors, and fake logs • Furnace insulation • Gypsum wall board • Insulation on electrical wires • Linoleum or vinyl flooring, backing, and mastic • Pipe insulation - L&I Inspection Photo • Popcorn ceiling or other textured surfaces • Roof systems-shingles, built-up roofing, asphaltic sealant, silver coat • Vinyl tiles and mastic • Wall joint compound • Wall texture or plaster • Window putty • Loose, blown-in insulation (vermiculite) These are just some of the materials asbestos can be found in. It is impossible to tell if a material contains asbestos without having it be tested by an AHERA certified building inspector. ## Good Faith Survey for Asbestos Before doing any renovation, remodeling, demolition, maintenance, or repair work the good faith survey or asbestos report created by an AHERA certified building inspector must be available for you to review. The building owner and contractor must provide this report and must ensure all materials disturbed during the work is sampled. Only certified workers can work with asbestos containing materials. Location where workers can review the good faith survey for asbestos: ## A Workplace Safety and Health Inspection The attached photo shows a demolition job that led to multiple employees being exp…

[13] Toolbox Talk: Choosing the Best Fall Protection

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# CHOOSING THE BEST FALL PROTECTION ELIMINATE PASSIVE RESTRAINT ARREST ADMIN Date Posted: 01/27/2024 According to the WA Department of Labor and Industries, Falls account for more than 1/3 of all fatalities in Construction in WA State. (36% between 2018-2022 Labor and Industries). In 2020, nationally, there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities (BLS data). These fatalities are preventable. Unfortunately, all fall protection methods are not equal, and often when choosing fall protection solutions, many tend to go directly to "tying-off." This is not the best choice as there is a hierarchy of solutions that should always be evaluated - in order-to determine which is the safest, most effective one. Fall hazards are foreseeable, and the best way to prevent falls is to utilize the Hierarchy of Fall Protection. ## ELIMINATE A fall hazard that doesn't exist can't cause an injury, so the best solution is to ensure the risks are eliminated. The first step in the Hierarchy of Fall Protection is elimination. Elimination means finding an approach to a task that does not place a worker in a position where they could be at risk of a fall injury. Hazard elimination is completely removing a hazard via construction or maintenance. It means that the risk of falling has been completely prevented. Example: have a worker use a light bulb changer pole to replace light bulbs rather than have that worker climb a ladder to reach the bulb. ## PASSIVE The second step is Passive protection. Passive protection is generally considered to provide a higher level of safety since the opportunity for error is lesser than using personal protective (PPE). Passive fall prevention includes physical barriers that keep workers away from edges that present fall hazards. equipment Example: Including guardrails or railings along the edge of an upper level that keeps workers away from high-risk edges. The requirements for guardrail systems are found in WAC 296…

[14] OSH Enforcement Procedures | CFR 168 - Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule

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# Field Information System Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule (cont.) ## §1910.34 Coverage and definitions. (cont.) [redacted postal code] Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 216/Thursday, November 7, 2002/Rules and Regulations discharge is a door at the bottom of a two-hour fire resistance-rated enclosed stairway that discharges to a place of safety outside the building. Exit route means a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas). An exit route consists of three parts: The exit access; the exit; and, the exit discharge. (An exit route includes all vertical and horizontal areas along the route.) High hazard area means an area inside a workplace in which operations include high hazard materials, processes, or contents. Occupant load means the total number of persons that may occupy a workplace or portion of a workplace at any one time. The occupant load of a workplace is calculated by dividing the gross floor area of the workplace or portion of a workplace by the occupant load factor for that particular type of workplace occupancy. Information regarding "Occupant load" is located in NFPA 101-2000, Life Safety Code. - Refuge area means either: (1) A space along an exit route that is protected from the effects of fire by separation from other spaces within the building by a barrier with at least a one- hour fire resistance-rating; or (2) A floor with at least two spaces, separated from each other by smoke- resistant partitions, in a building protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system that complies with §1910.159 of this part. - Self-luminous means a light source that is illuminated by a self-contained power source (e.g., tritium) and that operates independently from external power sources. Batteries are not acceptable self-contained power sources. The light source is typically contained inside the device. ## §1910.35 Compliance …

[15] Toolbox Talk: Guardrails: General Fall Protection and Awareness

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Construction Prevent Falls: Guardrails Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries and fatalities. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolds, vehicles, heavy equipment, aerial lifts, platforms, and roofs, and through holes or openings in floors or roofs. Guardrails can prevent a fall. ## Bill's Story Bill was repairing an air conditioning unit on the roof of a three-story building. He was about a foot from an unguarded edge. When he stood up, he lost his balance. Bill fell 23 feet to the cement floor below and died. *What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever fallen because of a missing guardrail, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent fall injuries? ## Remember This • Your employer must provide every employee with training on how to recognize a fall hazard and on fall protection. • Guardrails, safety nets, and/or personal fall-arrest systems must be in place if there is a risk for falls. • Guardrails are required on work surfaces where workers are at risk of falls greater than 6 feet. - Guardrails must be 42 inches high (+/- 3") and have a mid-rail. • Body harnesses with lanyards and secure attachment points provided by employers must be used if guardrails cannot be provided. OSHA Standards: 1926.501 and 1926.503 CD C National and Health NIOSH® CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR 【O THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[16] Process Safety Management

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# Process Safety Management (cont.) ## How can a workplace control the hazards? (cont.) - Adequate secondary containment for hazardous chemicals - Proper design of building structures, such as walls and equipment to prevent the spread of a fire and to withstand damage from a fire or explosion. Requirements are often outlined in building codes and fire codes. - Making sure equipment and process components are designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements and in accordance with the applicable legislation (e.g., health and safety legislation, building codes, electrical codes, fire codes, pressure vessel codes, etc.) Administrative controls include training and educating workers and developing or improving work policies, practices, and procedures. Examples of work practices and procedures include: - Maintenance planning and work - Developing clear instructions for workers on how to monitor and operate the process safely under all potential conditions - Developing emergency response procedures - Developing business continuity plans Examples of training include: - Making sure workers understand how to safely monitor and operate the process controls - computerized process controls may add complexity to the operations, and workers need to be familiar with all alarms and how to monitor and control the operating parameters. - Training and drills on emergency response procedures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence against a hazard and should only be used in addition to other control measures. This control provides protection for the worker. Using this control includes making sure workers responsible for operating and maintaining a process and those who respond to emergencies have access to the required PPE to perform their duties safely. There are many types of PPE, which include respiratory protection, head protection, skin protection, eye and face protection, gloves, protective fo…

[17] Emergency Management Checklist

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# Emergency Management Checklist (cont.) ## What is an example of an emergency management checklist? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="6">Plan includes basic elements:</th></tr><tr><td>- Evacuation procedures</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Shutdown procedures</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Employee roll call procedures</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Rescue and medical duties</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Reporting procedures</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Fire prevention plan</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">All types of risks are considered:</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Natural</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Man-made</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Civil disorders</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>All hazardous products are listed</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assessment includes adverse impact to locations that may be off-site</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive incident investigation procedures exist</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Good housekeeping procedures exist</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Procedures exist for inspection or testing of critical equipment</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="6">Procedures call for the review for compliance with:</td></tr><tr><td>- Occupational Health and Safety Act for your jurisdiction</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- National Fire Code</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- National Electrical Code</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- Environmental Protection Act</td><td></td><td></td…

[18] Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

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# 1910.120 - APPENDIX E TRAINING CURRICULUM GUIDELINES - (NON-MANDATORY) (cont.) ## a. General considerations. Emergency response organizations are required to consider the topics listed in § 1910.120(q)(6). Emergency response organizations may use some or all of the following topics to supplement those mandatory topics when developing their response training programs. Many of the topics would require an interaction between the response provider and the individuals responsible for the site where the response would be expected. (1) Hazard recognition, including: (A) Nature of hazardous substances present, (B) Practical applications of hazard recognition, including presentations on biology, chemistry, and physics. (2) - Principles of toxicology, biological monitoring, and risk assessment. (3) Safe work practices and general site safety. (4) Engineering controls and hazardous waste operations. (5) Site safety plans and standard operating procedures. (6) Decontamination procedures and practices. (7) Emergency procedures, first aid, and self-rescue. (8) Safe use of field equipment. (9) Storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous substances. (10) Use, care, and limitations of personal protective equipment. (11) Safe sampling techniques. (12) Rights and responsibilities of employees under OSHA and other related laws concerning right-to-know, safety and health, compensations and liability. (13) Medical monitoring requirements. (14) Community relations. b. Suggested criteria for specific courses. (1) First responder awareness level. (A) Review of and demonstration of competency in performing the applicable skills of 29 CFR 1910.120(q). (B) Hands-on experience with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and familiarization with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1201. (C) Review of the principles and practices for analyzing an incident to determine both the hazardous substances present and th…

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