Information and

Emergency Contacts
Medical emergency

Fire or other emergency

Poison Center

Chemical emergency

Chemical spill

Other important

numbers

MSDSs are kept

Safety program
Person responsible
Phone
Location

BUSINESS & LEGAL REPORTS, INC

39 Academy Street. Madison, cr 06443
<91995 All rights rc:->crved.#20300700 8/98 Edition
To reorder more copies of this booklet call 1~800-727.5257

.'

General Safely

Contents
1. Safety in the Workplace is Critical
OSHA and your employer:
Working together for your safety
Keeping a safety-sense attitude
First aid: Know what to do
2. Your Right to Know
HazCom: The standard for hazard
communication
What you need to know

1
2
4
5
7
8
8

3. Chemical Labels and the MSDS:

Know What You're Dealing with
Reading container labels
Colors, bars, and diamonds
Numbers
Reading the MSDS
Labels and MSDSs: Quick reminders

9
9
10
11
12
13

4. PPE: Your Personal Bodyguard

Select the right PPE
Protect your hands
Eye and face protection
Protect your feet
Respirators can save lives
Use your head protection
Protective clothing
Protect your hearing
Care for your PPE
PPE Summary

14
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
22

5. Keep Your Back Injury-Free

Guidelines for safe lifting
Eight steps to safe lifting

23
23
24

6. Machine Safety
Machines in the workplace
Guard against hazards
General machine safety guidelines

25
25
26
27

7. LockoutfTagout:
For Your Protection
Lockout and tagout procedures

28
29

8. Safety with Electricity

30
Protect yourself from electrical hazards 30
Electrical safety tips
31

General Safety

9. Fire Safety: Prevention Is Key

32
Different fires need different treatment 33
Know what to do in an emergency
34
10. Housekeeping and Common Sense
Help Keep You Safe
35
Prevent slips, trips, and falls
36
11. Avoiding CTD Risks
Who's at risk of developing CTDs?
CTD prevention guidelines

37

12. Summary

39

13. Dictionary of Commonly

Used Terms

40

14. Your Key to OSHA Standards

44

15. Quiz and Training Verification

45

ii

37
38

General Safety

1.
Safety in the
Workplace Is Critical
To help keep you injury-free everyday, onthe-job safely is critical. This pocket guide will
help you identify potential hazards and provide
you with information so you can avoid jobrelated hazards.
It's designed as a handy
pocket-sized reference so you can keep it with
you on the job.

Some common hazards employees

face at work include:

-:- Eye, face, hearing, and

head injuries
-:- Burns
-:- Cuts, punctures, fractures,
and abrasions
-:- Electrical shock
-:- Contact with hazardous
chemicals
-:- Muscle strains and sprains,
back injuries
-:- Slips, trips, and falls
-:- Cumulative trauma
disorders

General Safety

Statistics show that in the

workplace:
-:- Injuries occur every 18 seconds
-:- Approximately
each year

6,500 Americans die

-:-33,000 people receive disabling

injuries from falling on stairs
-:- 650 people are killed each year from
falls
-:- 2,500 eye injuries occur daily
-:- Cumulative trauma disorders account
for half of reported occupational
illnesses.
OSHA and your employer:
Working together for your safety
The federal Occupational
Safety and
Health Administration
(OSHA) works with
employers to assure safe and healthy work
conditions for employees. OSHA creates
safety standards for employers to follow to
make your company a safer place to work. It's
your responsibility to learn about the safety
standards and to follow theml

General Safely

To help keep you safe, OSHA

requires your employer to:
.:- Provide information about the
hazards you may face on the job
..;.Identify potential causes of jOb-related
injury or illness

..;.Explain procedures, equipment, and

training that you and your employer
must use to reduce hazards and
perform jobs safely.
Your employer will
provide you with:
..;.Safety training specific to
your job and the hazards
around you
..;.Protective clothing and
equipment
..;.Material safety data
sheets that explain
chemical
hazards
..;.Educational
materials,
including
handbooks,
posters,
pamphlets,
newsletters,
videos,
and safety
memos
..;.Emergency
and firstaid plans.

General Safety

Keep a safety-sense attitude

Hazards can be found almost everywhere
in the workplace, and there are many different
types, including slipping
on a wet floor,
accidents with machinery and other equipment, burns from chemicals, and fires from
flammable materials. The list is endless.
Keeping a safety-sense attitude means
always thinking about what could go wrong so
you can keep accidents, injuries, and illnesses
from happening.
Ask yourself:
'\lo What situations or

actions could
cause trouble?

'\lo Could someone

trip?
'\lo What can I do

'\lo Could anything

spill or catch fire?

to prevent or
correct a
potential hazard?

00

General Safety

First aid: know what to do

Sometimes, even when you take extra precautions, accidents happen at work. If an injury
does occur, it's important to act fast! Here are
some general tips you should follow:
-:- Call for medical help immediately
-:- Bring help to the victim; don't bring the
victim to help
-:- Check to see if the
victim is breathing
-:- Know where your
company's
first-aid
kit is located

-:- Don't move an injured person,

unless it's to get away from danger
If you need to call for emergency
help, give this information:
-:- What kind of injury occurred
-:- Where the victim is
-:- Your phone number.

The seconds you save

could save a life!
5

General Safety

Do your part
Your employer tries to eliminate unsafe
working conditions and gives you the equipment, training, and skills you need to protect
yourself against them. Do your part by taking
the responsibility to learn and understand
safety guidelines
and procedures
before
starting any job.
It's also important that you know your companies Emergency Action Plan-that will tell you
what to do in case of an emergency like a fire
or a chemical spill.
More important, practice what you learn-it
could save your life! And if you don't understand something, ask your supervisor! Make
the commitment to keep your workplace safe.

General Safety

2.
Your Right to Know
Chemicals are necessary to perform many
jobs. However, if they are not handled properly,
they can present a hazard to your health and
safety. The Hazard Communication Standard
(HazCom) has been developed by OSHA to
inform employees of workplace chemical
hazards. Under the HazCom rule, you have
the right to know about the hazards in your
workplace and how to protect yourself against
them.
HazCom was developed so that everyone
who works around hazardous chemicals:
000 Understands their specific hazards
000 Has the information, knowledge, and
equipment to prevent safety and
health problems.

General Safely

HazCom: The standard for hazard

communication
HazCom requires employers to develop a
written hazard communication program that
informs employees:
0}

About the HazCom rule and how it's

used in the workplace

0}

How to recognize, understand, and use

labels and material safety data
sheets (MSDSs)

0}

About safety procedures to follow

when working with hazardous
materials.

What you need to know

The
written
hazard
communication
program provides you with critical safety information. Specifically, it tells you:
0}

Who's in charge of your company!

facility hazard communication

0}

What hazardous chemicals are stored

and used at your facility

.;. How you will be informed about

workplace hazards.
And, you will be provided:
.~ Training to identify and reduce
chemical hazards
0}

Accurate and complete MSDSs and

chemical labels

Outside vendors, such as contractors, will

also be informed about the chemical hazards
they may face in the workplace.

General Safely

3.
Chemical Labels and
the MSDS:
Know What You're
Dealing with
Labels and MSDSs provide important
safety information. Protect yourself by taking
time to carefully read chemical labels and
MSDSs before you move, handle, or open a
chemical container.

Reading container labels

Labels and MSDSs
should
always tell you:
~ The common
and/or
~
chemical
name, including
any chemical
ingredients

~t,

~ The name and

address of its
manufacturer or importer
~ Its potential health and physical
hazards (for example, some chemicals
can damage the eyes or skin, causing
burns, rashes, vision problems, etc.).
All MSDSs and some labels also
provide information
regarding:
~ Protective clothing, equipment, and
procedures needed to safely use the
chemical
~ Proper storage and handling such as
"keep away from open flames."
9

Colors, bars, and diamonds

Information on labels can be shown using
words, colors, numbers, pictures, symbols, or
any combination of these.
The most common labeling systems
color-coded bars or diamonds to indicate
type of hazard. Colored areas on bars
diamonds indicate the kind of hazard.
example:

-0- Red

use
the
and
For

= fire hazard

-0- Yellow = reactivity hazard

-0- Blue = health hazard.
The white area of the labels contain information regarding the specific chemical. For
example, the health hazard the chemical may
cause, what part of the body may be affected
by that chemical, or what protective equipment
should be worn when handling the chemical.

Red

Yellow

Yellow
White

0 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
10

General Safety

Numbers
Numbers in the color-coded
sections
classify the degree of hazard. For example:

0= No hazard
1 = Slight

2 = Moderate
3 = Serious
4 = Severe
Examples:
OX
ACID =
ALK =
COR
-W=

OXIDIZER
ACID
ALKALI
CORROSIVE
NO WATER

Face
Shield,
Gloves,
Apron

Face Shield, Gloves, Apron, Respirator

11

General Safety

Reading the MSDS

MSDSs provide more detailed information
on a particular chemical. Although there is no
one MSDS format, you'll find specific information about each chemical, such as:
000 Ingredients
000 Hazard identification-key
hazards to
be aware of, including health hazards
000 First-aid

measures

000 Firefighting

measures

000 Accidental release measures-what

to do in case of a spill, leak, or release
into the air
000 Safe handling

and storage

000 Exposure controls and personal

protection---9uidelines
to avoid exposure to hazards
000 Physical and chemical propertiesidentifies properties that could affect
how hazardous the chemical is in a
given situation
000 Stability and reactivity-what
could
happen if the chemical is combined
with air, water, or other chemicals,
The new 16 section MSDS format
developed by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) includes:
000 Toxicological
information-how
the substance was tested for health
hazards
000 Ecological information-what
happens if the chemical is released into
the environment
000 Disposal

considerations

{. Transport

information

000 Regulatory information-regulations

that apply to the chemical issued by
OSHA, the Environmental Protection
Agency, etc.
12

General Safety

Labels and MSDSs:

Quick reminders
Never use a chemical that does not have a
label affixed to the container. If a chemical
container is without a label or if it's difficult to
read, notify your supervisor immediately. By
doing this, you help keep yourself and
co-workers safe from potential danger.
Some
important
reminders:
-:- Read MSDS and
container labels
carefully prior
to handling a
chemical
-:- Be sure you
know exactly
what chemicals you
are dealing with
-:- Never use a
chemical that
is not labeled
properly
-:- Follow
guidelines on
labels and MSDSs
-:- Use protective
clothing and
equipment to
decrease
exposure to
health hazards
-:-Ask questions
if you don't
understand
something.

13

General Safety

4.
PPE: Your Personal
Bodyguard
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is
one of your best defenses against exposure
to job-related hazards.
When you use the
appropriate PPE, and use it correctly, you can
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
OSHA requires your employer to:
-l- Assess your workplace to determine if
hazards are present
-l- Select and provide you with the
appropriate PPE
-l- Train you on how to use PPE correctly.

Select the right PPE

OSHA requires that you use the correct
PPE to protect you from injuring your head,
eyes, face, respiratory system, hands, and
feet. When using PPE, be sure it:
-l- Fits properly each time you use it
-l- Provides you with the protection you
need
-l- Is comfortable enough so you can
move and perform your job.
14

General Safety

Protect your hands

Gloves can protect your hands from the
continuous exposure to all kinds of hazards.
There are many different types of gloves
available for different job functions. Ask your
supervisor about which ones (if any) you
should be wearing for each job function you
perform. Remember to ask if they can be
reused and for how long.
Here are some examples:
These 9loves protect against These effects
abrasions

cotton
fabric

leather

contact with
hazardous
chemicals
and
pathogens

rubber,
neoprene,
vinyl, or
latex

metal mesh

electrical
shock

specially insulated

- ....' ...,.

~..~~
15

General Safety

Eye and face

protection
Shatterproof safety
glasses, goggles, and
face shields can
protect your eyes
and face from
hazards. Many
have sides hie Ids
that protect eyes from
flying objects and filter
lenses to keep out
harmful light radiation.
Face shields are
generally worn over
safety
goggles for
protection against high
temperatures, hot sparks,
or splashes.
Keep all eyewear
clean and undamaged. Replace
eyewear if:
-:- Lenses and face
shields are pitted,
scratched, or dirty
-:- It's uncomfortable
or fails to keep out
dust and splashes
-:- Elastic headbands
are stretched,
twisted, knotted,
or worn out
-:- Sidepieces don't
touch the side of
the head and curl
behind the ears.

16

General Safety

Protect your feet

You may not think so, but your feet can be
the victims of a variety of injuries, such as
from nails, wire, scrap metal, heavy objects,
carts, and chemicals. Protective footwear can
provide many safety features,
including
protection against:
-:- Impact
-:- Compression
-:- Punctures
-:- Heat
-:- Wet or
slippery
surfaces
-:- Electrical
injury.
Be aware of
the injuries that
could occur and
use the right foot
protection for the
hazards you face
on the job!

17

General Safety

Respirators can save lives

Respirators can protect your lungs and
respiratory systems from harmful dusts, fumes,
fogs, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and
vapors,
There are two basic types
of respirators:
Air-purifying
respirators should
be used when the
air has enough
oxygen (19.5% or
greater) but
contains dangerous
comaminants. Most
air-purifying respirators use
replaceable filters, canisters, or
cartridges that filter or absorb
contaminants from the air.

Atmospheresupplying
respirators
should be used when
there's not enough oxygen
to breathe (less than 19.5%),
when contaminant levels are
considered "Immediately Dangerous
to Life or Health" (IDLH), or when an
air-purifying respirator is ineffective.
For any respirator to protect you, it must
fit properly. OSHA requires all respirators to be
fit-tested to make sure you're getting the best
protection.
18

General Safety

Use your head protection

A protective helmet (hard hat) should be
worn to protect against head injuries. The hard
outer shell protects against blows and penetration, and the shock-absorbing suspensions act
as a barrier between the outer shell and your
head to absorb impact. As with all PPE, make
sure your helmet fits properly and remember to
inspect it for damage before each use.
All helmets protect you from impact
and penetration, and some protect
against electrical hazards also:
Class A helmets provide low-voltage
electrical protection
Class B helmets provide high-voltage
electrical protection
Class C helmets are made of
aluminum and provide NO electrical
protection. Never wear an aluminum
helmet when working around
electricity!

outer shell -

19

General Safety

Protective clothing
Unlike everyday work clothes, special
clothing can protect you from job-related
hazards. Each job requires its own special
protective clothing.
Learn what protective
clothing you need for each hazard you face.
Examples

of protective

clothing:

-=- Leather to protect against light impact

-=- Encapsulated suits when working with
toxic substances

-=- Disposable clothing for dust, splashes,

oils, etc.

-=- Neoprene, vinyl, or rubber when

handling acids, corrosives, and chemicals

-=- Flame-retardant

and heat-resistant
fabrics to fight fires or when around open
flames

-=- Flame-resistant

cotton or duck for

exposure to moderate heat or sparks

-=- Vests, aprons, coveralls,

and boots.

20

leggings,

General Safety

Protect your hearing

Wearing protection for your ears is an
important part of your health and safety. OSHA
requires that your company follow a Hearing
Conservation Program if you work around
noise levels of 85 decibels on an
eight-hour, Time Weighted
Average basis.
There are
several types
of hearing
protection to
choose from:
Earmuffs
cover the
entire ear and
provide the
highest
protection
Earplugs seal the ear canal
and may come in standard
sizes or individually molded
varieties
Canal caps
are soft
pads on a
headband
that seal the
entrance to
the ear
canal.

The type of hearing protection you use

depends on the level of noise (you may have
to wear more than one at once for extremely
loud noise).
21

General Safety

Care for
your PPE
In order for your
PPE to work properly
to protect you, you
must keep it in good
condition. Here are a
few general rules:
-:-Always
check
PPE for
damage after
you use it
.;. Clean PPE
before putting
it away
-:- Dispose of
any singleuse or damaged PPE only in the proper manner
-:-Store PPE carefully in its assigned
place. Avoid conditions that could damage it, like heat, light, moisture, etc.

PPE Summary
In general, always:
-:-Select and properly use the right
PPE for each job function to reduce
exposure to hazards
-:-Clean and store PPE appropriately
-:- Follow safety guidelines when removing,
cleaning, and disposing contaminated
PPE.

22

General Safety

5.
,

Keep Your Back

Injury-free
Many occupations require routine lifting.
But, lifting the wrong way can lead to serious
back injuries. There are some important tips
you need to know and use each time you lift,
regardless of the objects size or weight.

Guidelines for safe lifting

Keep your back pain-free by following
these important guidelines:
-:- Plan ahead
-:-Gently stretch your muscles to warm up
-:- Use dollies or other mechanical
equipment when possible
-:- Lift or carry only what you
can handle safely

-:- Lift with

your legs,
not your
back
-:- Never twist
-:- Carry the
ioad close
to your
body to
reduce
strain
-:- Lower
loads
slowly,
bending
the knees
-:- Work as a
team with
co-workers
for oversized loads.

23

General Safely

Eight steps to safe lifting

To ensure a safe lift:
1. Keep a wide stance and solid footing
2. Bend at the hips and knees to a
squalling position, keeping the back
straight
3. Tighten stomach muscles
4. Get a good grasp on the load
5. "Hug" the load close to your body
6. Lift steadily with the legs
7. Point feet in the direction of the
movement
8. Set the load down-remember
to
maintain your spine's natural curves.

24

General safety

6.
Machine Safety
Machines make work easier and more efficient. However, they can pose a significant risk
for injury to the operator. For your protection,
OSHA requires that certain machine guards be
used to keep you a safe distance away from a
machine's moving parts while in operation.

Machines in the workplace

Machines commonly used in the
workplace include:
~ Power lifts,
conveyer belts,
forklifts
~Welders,
solderers,
riveters
~ Power presses,
rollers, drills,
boring
machines,
grinding wheels
~ Saws, guillotine
cutters, alligator shears
~ Inspection
devices
~ Other industrial
equipment.

25

General Safety

Guard against hazards

Machine guards help reduce the potential
for serious injury and accidents. They should
always be anchored securely and in excellent
wor1<.ingccndition. The following are examples
of guards commonly used in the workplace.
Fixed guardsincluding fences,
gates, protective
covers-they
provide a barrier
between the
operator and
Point of Operation,
Power Train, or other moving parts.
Interlocked
guardsthey disconnect the
machine's
power source
when removed
or opened.
Adjustable guards-barriers
that can
be adjusted to conform with different
applications.

Self-adjusting
guards-barriers
that self-adjust
according to
the size or
position of
the employee.

26

General Safety

General machine safety guidelines

Follow these guidelines to keep you safe
while working with machinery.
DON'T:

-=- Never remove

guards or use
machinery
without a
guard.

-=- Never reach

around or
under
a guard.

-=- Don't reach

blindly into areas
that may contain
energized parts.
-=- Don't plug
or unplug
equipment with
wet hands.

DO:
-=- Anchor guards
securely .
:- Keep watches,
rings, belt
buckles, steel wool, and other
conductive items away from exposed
electrical energized parts.
-=- Wear appropriate PPE.
-=- Stay alert and
be prepared for
emergencies.
-=- Perform routine
safety checks
on machinery
and safety
guards-replace
or fix those that
are damaged.
-=- Follow lockout procedures during maintenance and repair.
27

General Safety

7.
LockoutlTagout:For
Your Protection
When a machine requires maintenance or
repair, energy (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical,
or mechanical) must be turned off and locked
and tagged with a label to protect workers from
accidental machine start-up or unexpected
energy release. Lockout and tagout procedures
are used to warn employees and ensure that
the eleClrical power is properly disconnected.
Only qualified, authorized employees can
disconnect the source of power and lock it out
and tag it.
Locks and tags are used for everyone's
protection against electrical dangers. For your
safety and others, never remove or ignore a
lock or tag!

General Safety

Lockout and tag out procedures

Here is a brief summary guide to lockout:
1. Disconnect
equipment
and circuits
from the
electrical
power source.
2. Turn off
machines and
equipment.
Isolate.
release, block,
or bleed stored
energy.
3. Lock out
electric energy
sources and
operating
controls with a
lock that
secures the
control in the
"off" position.
4. Tag each lock
and state that
only authorized
personnel may reconnect the power,
operate the controls, or remove the
tag.
5. Test to be sure
the circuit and
equipment are
de-energized.
If the circuit is
more than 600
volts, check the
test equipment
before and
after.
Only authorized personnel can restore the
electrical power and remove the lock and tag.

29

General Safety

8.
Safety. with
Electricity
Unsafe conditions such as defective equipment, loose connections, and carelessness
can cause electrical hazards in the workplace.
Avoid accidents when working with or near
electrical power by following the safety standards set by OSHA and your company.

Protect yourself from

electrical hazards
Rememberonly properly
trained, qualified
employees should
perform electrical
jobs. If you must
work with electricity,
your employer may
provide you with
special PPE, such
as nonconductive
head protection,
insulated tools, and
handling equipment
designed to keep
you safe from
electrical hazards.
Remember, it's up to you to use it and maintain
it properly.
To remain safe around electricity, don't
reach blindly into areas that may contain energized parts, and keep conductive items away
from exposed energized parts. Never handle,
plug, or unplug equipment with wet hands.
And, remember to read and follow MSDS precautions when handling flammable malerials.

30

General Safety

Electrical safety tips

When it comes to working on or near electrical circuits and equipment, you can't be too
careful. Leave electrical jobs to qualified workers
who have been specially trained to work on or
near exposed energized electrical parts.
Follow these tips
when working with
electrical power:
00- Observe locks, tags,
signs, barricades,
and attendants
warning you about
electrical hazards
00- Don't use equipment
that has defective
parts or loose
connections
00- Use insulated
materials and protective shields and
barriers to prevent contact with live parts
in confined spaces
00- Never use
adapters
00- Don't fasten
cords with
staples or
nails

00- Read,
understand,
and follow
company
electrical
safety
procedures.

31

General Safety

9.
Fire Safety:
Prevention Is Key
When it comes to fires, preventing them is
your most important defense. Although fires
can happen anytime in anyplace, there are
things you can do to prevent them from
starting. Here are some tips:
-:- Keep motors and machine tools free of
dust and grease
-:- Don't let transmission shafts or bearings
overheat
-:- Dispose of combustible scrap like oily
rags in tight metal containers and
empty them daily
-:- Restrict welding and cutting operations
to separate fireproof rooms
-:- Check chemical labels and MSDSs so
you don't use or store incompatible
substances together
-:- Keep passages and fire doors clear
-:- Don't store oxygen
cylinders near
combustible materials.

General Safety

Different fires need

different treatment
The National Fire Protection Association
has classified fires into four main types.
Remember to determine which type of fire
you're dealing with before you
:d'
choose an extinguisher. All fire
extinguishers are labeled to tell
you which class of fire they're
designed to be used for.
Class A fires are the most
common. They involve
wood,cloth, paper, rubber,
and plastics. Water or dry

ErJ

should
be
chemicals
used to
extinguish
these fires.
?':
Do not use
carbon dioxide extinguishers or
those containing sodium or potassium
bicarbonate.
Class B fires involve flam~
mabie liquids, gases,
and greases. Foam, carbon
dioxide, and dry chemical
extinguishers should be used.
Water fog and vaporizing
liquid extinguishers may also be used.
Class C fires involve
~
electrical equipment. Carbon
dioxide and dry chemical
extinguishers should be
used. Do not use foam or
water extinguishers.

,
,

Class 0 fires involve combustible metals,

such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
and sodium. These fires require special
techniques to control. None of the
extinguishers mentioned should be used.
33

General Safety

Know what to do in an emergency

If a fire does start, you need know what to
do, and do it quickly! Remember-stay
calmand follow these rules:
.;. Get yourself to safety
.;. Warn others of the fire
.;. Sound the alarm.

It's important that you're familiar with your

company's evacuation plan so you can quickly
vacate the area if you need to. If you need to
use a fire extinguisher, follow these steps:
1. Remember to choose the right
extinguisher for the fire

3. Aim the hose

at the base of
the fire

4. Squeeze the
trigger.

34

General Safety

10.
Housekeeping and
Common Sense Help
Keep You Safe

Using good housekeeping and commonsense practices at work can prevent serious
injuries and accidents, lost work time, costly
medical fees, and low productivity. Good
housekeeping
is everyone's responsibility.
Keeping your workplace clean and organized is
easy when you use commonsense.
Keep these tips in mind
everyday at work:
-:- Keep a safety sense
attitude
-:- Get enough sleep
before coming to work
-:- Avoid
complacency
-:- Pay attention to housekeeping tasks daily
-:- Get the training you need
to do your job safely
-:- Avoid distractions
-:- Never cut corners or take
shortcuts
-:- Obey safety signs and
warnings
-:- Don't use alcohol or
drugs on the job
-:- Never let personal feelings or problems get
in the way of safety
-:- Don't fool around or
show off on the job
-:- Never ignore a
co-worker's unsafe acts
-:- Ask questions about
anything that is unclear.
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General Safety

Prevent slips, trips,

and falls
Common workplace
accidents, such as slips, trips,
and faits, can be avoided when
you remain atlentive
to your surroundings.
_
These guidelines can
help:
.;. Keep everything
in its proper
place
.;. Be sure lighting is adequate
.;. Wear shoes with antiskid soles and other
PPE that are right for your job
.;. Never use broken
or unstable
ladders
.;. Don't carry anything that blocks
your vision while
walking
.;. Walk, don't
run
.;. Hold the railing
on the stairs
.;. Keep one hand
free for support
or to break a fait
~. Don't jump from platlorms
.;. Clean up or report spilts immediately
.;. Don't leave drawers open
.;. Stay away from loading docks, manholes,
and other ledges
.;. Report loose or worn flooring or torn carpet
.;. Remove debris or obstructions from stairs
and walkways.
36

General Safety

11.
Avoiding CTD risks
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTOs) are
occupational illnesses that develop over time.
Most involve damage to muscles, tendons, and
nerves in the hands, wrists, elbows, back,
neck, and shoulders. CTOs can be serious and
painful.

Who's at risk of developing CTDs?

CTOs affect workers
in a wide variety of industries and jobs, including
keyboarders, cashiers,
mechanics, lilters,
construction workers, and
more. You may be at risk
of developing CTOs it
you:
-:- Use repetitive motions
-:- Remain in one
position for long
periods
-:- Sit or work in an
awkward position
-:- Work with tools or
equipment that don't
properly match your
body
-:- Use steady force
when performing
your job
-:- Experience
constant heavy
vibration
-:- Twist, reach,
and stretch in
awkward
positions.
37


General Safety

CTO prevention guidelines

CTOs can be minimized or prevented by
changing the way you perform your job and
how it is organized. Your employer may use
ergonomics to help design tasks and tools that
match your abilities and limits.
Tips for preventing

eTDs:

-:- Avoid repetitive movements whenever

possible or take regular breaks
-:- Oon't wear gloves or clothing that are
too tight around the wrists
-:- Adjust your chair
for comfort and
good posture
-:- Use power tools
instead of manual
tools whenever
possible
-:- Grasp objects with
your entire hand
and all fingers
-:- Keep your wrists
straight, rather
than bent or flexed
-:- Carry all objects
with a palm-down grip
-:- Organize your work area and functions
for comfort
-:- Look for ways to reduce repetitive and
awkward movements
-:- Learn to identify CTO symptoms in their
early stages
-:- Get medical
attention if
CTO
symptoms
occur.

38

General Safety

12.
Summary

Safety in the workplace is everyone's

responsibility-so
take it seriously! Under state
and federal laws, you are provided all the necessary resources to assist you in learning and
understanding the job-related hazards you
face. Don't try to do any job you're not trained
for.
Stay attentive at all times, regardless of
how many times you've performed the job
before. Safety depends on a sharp mind and a
safety-sense attitude. Pay close attention to
safety training and put what you learn to use
everyday. And if you don't understand something-ask!
Make safety a part of everything you do on
and off the job-for your safety and the safety
of those you work with.

39

General Safety

13.
Dictionary of
Commonly Used
Terms
Abrasions
The wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by
friction, such as on the skin.
Acute

exposure

Exposure to a toxic substance that

results in severe biological harm or death. Acute exposure

is usually characterized as lasting no longer than a day.
Asbestos

A mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and

cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. The

Environmental Protection Agency has banned or severely
restricted its use in manufacturing

and construction.

Carcinogen
A substance that causes cancer. A cancer is
characterized by the growth of abnormal cells, sometimes
in the form of a tumor. Examples of carcinogens include
asbestos, vinyl chloride, and benzene. Substances
regulated by OSHA as carcinogens would be found in 29
CFR Subpart Z.
Carcinogenic

Cancer-producing.

Caustic
Capable of destroying
chemical action; corrosive.

or eating

away

by

Chemical
According to OSHA, "any element, chemical
compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds."
Chemical.protective
clothing Clothing that may be resistant to chemical permeation, penetration, or degradation.
Chronic
A human health problem whose symptoms
develop slowly over a long period of time or frequently
recur, Chronic effects are the result of long-term
exposure and are long-lasting.
Compliance

Meeting all the requirements of the law.

Conductive
Having the quality or power to conduct or
transmit electricity, heat, sound, or light.
Container (OSHA)
"Any bag, barrel, bonle, box, can,
cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like
that contains a hazardous chemical. For purposes of this
section, pipes and piping systems are not considered to be
containers."
Note that some state right-to-know
laws
consider pipes to be containers.
Contaminate
association.

To soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or

Corrosive
A chemical that causes the destruction of living
tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.
CTDs Cumulative trauma disorders. Painful occupational
illnesses that develop over time. Caused by constant
repetitive motion causing damage to the muscles, tendons,

40

General Safety
and/or nerves in the hands, wrists, elbows, back, neck.

and/or shoulders. Most.common ClDs include tendonitis,

carpal tunnel syndrome, Reynaud's syndrome, and
tenosynovitis.
Decontaminate
The freeing of a person or object of some
contaminating substance (such as radioactive material,

organisms, chemicals, soil, etc.)

Disinfectant

An agent or chemical that destroys harmful

microorganisms and eliminates infection.

Earmuffs

Padded cushions on a headband that cover the

ears used to protect your ears from excessive noise.

Earplugs

Foam or other molded plugs that fit into the ear

canal used to protect your ears from excessive noise.

Electrical shock Electrical current that enters the human
body, which can cause bodily harm/damage (Le. pain,
internal bleeding, damage to muscles, nerves, or tissues,
cardiac arrest, or death).
Exposure
The condition of being subject to some eHect
or influence.
Eye hazards
abiJlty to see.

Hazards

that pose a risk to the eye or

Face shield
Clear window attached to a frame that fits
over the face for protection.
Flameproof
with flame.

Resistant to damage or burning on contact

Flammable
quickly.

Capable of being easily ignited and of burning

Flame.resistantlflame-retardant
resist burning.

Clothing

treated

to

Goggles Eye coverings that seal around the eyes and are
held securely to the head with a strap or headband.
Hardhat A protective hat made of rigid material, such as
metal or fiberglass. that protects the head from injury.
Hazard communication
The process of informing
workers about workplace hazards, accurate labeling of
hazards, and effective training of employees about proper
handling and use of those hazardous materials in the work.
place. The OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard
describes how employers are to inform employees of workplace chemical hazards. The purpose is to reduce and
eliminate adverse health effects due to unnecessary
exposures to hazardous materials.
Hazard warning (OSHA) ... "Means any words, pictures,
symbols, or combination thereof appearing on a label or
other appropriate form of warning which convey the
hazards of the chemical(s) in the container(s)." A hazard
warning is one of the types of information required on a
container. See also label.
Hazardous chemical
(OSHA) ... "Means any chemical
which is a physical hazard or a health hazard." See also
health hazard; physical hazard.

41

General Safety
Hazardous substance
Any material that poses a threat to
human health and/or the environment. Typical hazardous
substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive, or
chemically reactive.

HazCom Hazard Communication Standard. Developed

by the federal OSHA for employers on how to inform
employees of workplace chemical hazards.
Health hazard (OSHA). .~Meansa chemical for which
there is statIStically significant evidence based on at least

one study conducted in accordance with established

scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may
occur in exposed employees.
IOlH

Immediately dangerous to life and health.

Impervious
Ingest

Unable to be penetrated (e.g .. by a chemical).

To take in, as if for digestion.

Inhalation
Chemicals that enter the body by breathing in
and that may have local eHects and/or may be absorbed
into the bloodstream through the lungs.
Label (OSHA) " ... any wrinen, printed, or graphic material
displayed on or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals."
Leggings
Protective coverings worn over the leg from the
knee to ankle.
Lockout Procedure where the electrical power source and
operating controls are disconnected with a lock that holds
the control in the "off" position.
Machine guards
Safety devices used on or around
machinery to help prevent injury to employees.
MSOS Material safety data sheet. A compifation of information required under the OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard that outlines the identity of hazardous chemicals,
health and physical hazards, exposure limits. and storage
and handling precautions.
Neoprene
resistance.
NIOSH
Health.

A synthetic rubber characterized

National

by superior

Institute for OCCupational Safety and

Nonconductive
The inability
electricity. heat. sound, or light

to conduct

or transmit

OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The federal agency responsible
lor developing
and
enforcing workplace safety and health regulations.
Penetration
A chemical's passage through an opening in
a protective material.
Permeation
The passage of a chemical through a piece
of clothing on a molecular level, even if the material has no
visible holes.
Personal
protective
equipment
(PPE)
Devices or
clothing designed to protect against workplace hazards.

42

General Safety
Physical hazard (OSHA) ", .. means a chemical lor which
there is scientifically valid evidence that il is a combustible

liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic

peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric. unstable (reactive), or
water-reactive." Any chemical that can be classified as a

physical hazard is considered to be a hazardous chemical

under the Jaw. See also hazardous chemical.
Puncture

To pierce with a sharp point.

Radiation
Energy radiated in the form of rays, waves, or
streams of energetic particles.
Reactivity
A measure of the tendency of a substance to
undergo chemical reaction with the release of energy.
Respirator
Device designed to protect the wearer from
inhaling harmful contaminants.
Respiratory system The system necessary for breathing
and the channels by which they connect With the outer air.
Right to know A term applied to a variety of laws and regulations enacted by municipal, county. and state governments that provide for the availability of information on
chemical
hazards; also includes the OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard. See also HazCom.
SCBA

Self-contained

Safety glasses
over the ear.

breathing apparatus respirator.

Eye protectors

with side pieces that fit

SEI Safety Equipment Institute.

Shatterproof
disintegrate.

The inability of an object to break apart or

Sideshields
Sidepieces that are worn with safety glasses
or goggles that prevent hazards from entering the eyes
from the side.
Stability The likelihood a material is to remain unchanged.
Material is considered stable if it remains unchanged under
normal conditions.
Suspension
The inner structure of a hard hat, consisting
of the headband and straps, capable of absorbing and
distributing impact experienced by a hit or blow.
Tagout Procedure where a tag (generally accompanied by
a lock) is placed on a disconnected electrical power
source. The tag states that only authorized personnel can
reconnect the power, operate the controls, or remove the

tag.
Toe cap Metal reinforcement
shoes to prevent injuries.

added to the toes 01 safety

Toxic substance
A chemical or substance that may
present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the
environment.
Vapor

The gaseous phase of a substance.

Vinyl chloride
A chemical compound, used in producing
some plastics, that is believed to be carcinogenic.

43

General Safety

14.
Your Key to OSHA
StandarCis
HAZCOM
29 CFR 1910.1200
Personal Protective Equipment
29 CFR 1910.132
Hearing
29 CFR 1910.95
Lockoutltagout
29 CFR 1910.147
Emergency Action Plan
29 CFR 1910.38

44

1IIIIIIII
General Safety

15.

.Quiz and Training

Verification
.,~!

-,-,

~ Test Your Safety in the

;:
.,-, Workplace Knowledge

-,

"::
.: 1.
::,
::
-,,,

True False

The organization that works with

empioyers to assure sate and heaithy
work conditions is the Occupational
Satety and Health Administration.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard

requires employers to inform employees
of chemical hazards in the workplace.

00

3. Chemical container labels must always

state the common and/or chemical name,
the name and address of its manutacturer,
and its potential health hazards.

00

4. Employees should only wear protective

gloves when working with hazardous
chemicals.

5. Lockout and tagout procedures are used

when maintaining or repairing machines
and equipment.

0 0

6. The four general types of machine guards

used to keep workers a safe distance away
from a machine's moving parts are fixed,
interlocked, adjustable, and self-adjusting
guards.

0 0

7. Aluminum helmets can help protect

against electrical hazards.

0 0

8. Housekeeping and commonsense practices

can reduce hazards in the workplace.

0 0

9. Obstructions are a major cause of slips,

trips, and falls.

0 0

10. Cumulative trauma disorders are caused

by not stretching muscles before liNing.

0 0

I!, 2.

anJl '9 anJ! 'S

aSl'e:{ 't'

aSIE~'O~ anl1'6 an11"8 aSle~'L

anil 'f: anJl 'G anJr~ :SJaMSU'v'

45

General Safely

Training
Acknowledgment
I have read and I understand the Pocket
Guide to Workplace
Safety including
sections on Right to Know, chemical labels
and MSOSs, PPE, lifting safely, machine
safety, lockouVtagout, electrical safety,
housekeeping and common sense, and
avoiding
risks.

cro

Date

Employee Signalure

Trainer Signature

Date

46