 OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of tools:  Pneumatic Tools: Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, and sanders.
There are several dangers associated with the use of pneumatic tools. First and foremost is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool’s attachments or by some kind of fastener the worker is using with the tool. Pneumatic tools must be checked to see that the tools are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected. A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool must also be used and will serve as an added safeguard. If an air hose is more than 1 /2-inch (12.7 millimeters) in diameter, a safety excess flow valve must be installed at the source of the air supply to reduce pressure in case of hose failure. In general, the same precautions should be taken with an air hose that are recommended for electric cords, because the hose is subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking, and because it also presents tripping hazards. When using pneumatic tools, a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments such as chisels on a chipping hammer from being ejected during tool operation. Pneumatic tools that shoot nails, rivets, staples, or similar fasteners and operate at pressures more than 100 pounds per square inch (6,890 kPa), must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected, unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface. Airless spray guns that atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 1,000 pounds or more per square inch (6,890 kPa) must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices that will prevent pulling the trigger until the safety device is manually released. Eye protection is required, and head and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools. Screens must also be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills. Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. Workers should never “dead-end” them against themselves or anyone else. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning. Use of heavy jackhammers can cause fatigue and strains. Heavy rubber grips reduce these effects by providing a secure handhold. Workers operating a jackhammer must wear safety glasses and safety shoes that protect them against injury if the jackhammer slips or falls. A face shield also should be used. Noise is another hazard associated with pneumatic tools. Working with noisy tools requires proper hearing protection. Take Home Points: Both employer and employee have responsibility in ensuring safety while operating tools. Ensure that the tool is maintained and inspected, use the right tool for the right job, follow manufacturers’ guidelines, ensure the workplace is safe for use of the tool, and wear the appropriate PPE.
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OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner.  Masonry saws are used to cut tiles, bricks, and blocks of stone, concrete, and other materials. Concrete saws are used to cut channels or openings through concrete blocks, slabs, and walls. Both types of saws can be hand-held, mounted on a stand, or wheeled by hand or motor and may be powered by electricity, compressed air, or fuel. Working with saws can expose workers to hazards such as cutting blades, kick-back, push-back, and pull-ins; training and proper work practices are the key to safety.
Workers require training on the safe use of masonry and concrete saws. Cutting blades should be the correct size, installed properly, guarded at all times, and speed should not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested RPM. Workers should use the correct blade for the job and inspect it for defects before each use. Saws should be maintained and kept clean from dust build-up. Workers using concrete and masonry saws should always ensure that there are no gas or electric utility lines embedded within their cutting zones. Saws pose kick-back, push-back and pull-in dangers if they cannot run freely through the cutting material. Blades are designed to go in a straight line; crooked or off-line cuts can cause blades to pinch or bite into the material and jam. Though a blade may be jammed, the running motor builds up power and can cause a worker to lose control of the saw and become exposed to the cutting blade. Loss of control includes kick-back where the saw thrusts up and backward, pushback where the saw thrusts straight back, and pull-in where the saw pulls the worker in toward the blade. Hand-held saws pose special dangers if kick-back occurs because the worker can lose control and drop the saw. Hand-helds should never be used over shoulder height or on ladders and stepstools. Saw push-back at a height could cause a worker to fall. If elevated cutting work is required, the saw should be mounted on guide tracks for the job. Walls and bricks that are cut should be supported so they do not fall and pinch the blade or crush workers. Mounted saws should be kept on firm, flat surfaces for stability. Workers should keep their hands clear of the cutting blade while holding materials firmly against the backstop. Conveyor surfaces should be free of debris that could cause products to slip and pinch the blade. Longer materials should be supported by scaffolds to prevent blade pinching. Walk-behind saws keep the worker more removed from the cutting blade. These saws should be guided in a straight line with several passes for each cut. Workers should not push against the saw; this could cause the blade to jump or climb out of the cutting path and the operator could lose control. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for masonry and concrete saws varies depending on the job task, but may include hard hats, boots, safety glasses and face shields, hearing protection, gloves, and respiratory protection from hazardous dusts The dust created by concrete and masonry saws can be a serious health hazard. The materials that are cut typically contain silica. Repeatedly breathing too much silica dust can eventually lead to silicosis, a disabling and irreversible lung disease; it can also cause lung cancer. The dust can be a hazard not only to the saw operator, but also to others working in the area. To limit exposures, control dust with a water spray directed at the cutting area. Alternatively, local exhaust ventilation, with a hood attached directly to the saw, can capture most of the dust generated. The saw may come with the appropriate attachments for water or exhaust ventilation, or it may need some retrofitting. If these control methods are not possible, respirators can provide adequate protection, but only if selected and used properly. Even with control measures in place, workers may still need to wear respirators. For more guidance, consult with an industrial hygienist or other safety and health professional.  OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Background: Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:  Fuel-powered tools are usually operated with gasoline. The most serious hazard associated with the use of fuel-powered tools comes from fuel vapors that can burn or explode and also give off dangerous exhaust fumes. The worker must be careful to handle, transport, and store gas or fuel only in approved flammable liquid containers, according to proper procedures for flammable liquids.
Before refilling a fuel-powered tool tank, the user must shut down the engine and allow it to cool to prevent accidental ignition of hazardous vapors. When a fuel-powered tool is used inside a closed area, effective ventilation and/or proper respirators such as atmosphere-supplying respirators must be utilized to avoid breathing carbon monoxide. Fire extinguishers must also be available in the area. To prevent hazards associated with the use of liquid fuel tools, workers should observe the following precautions:
Employer Requirements: The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees. Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. Employees should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves must be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using hand tools. Workplace floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools. Employee Requirements: Employees, when using saw blades, knives, or other tools, should direct the tools away from aisle areas and away from other employees working in close proximity. Cracked saw blades must be removed from service. Take Home Points: Both employer and employee have responsibility in ensuring safety while operating hand tools. Ensure that the tool is maintained and inspected, use the right tool for the right job, follow manufacturers’ guidelines, ensure the workplace is safe for use of the tool, and wear the appropriate PPE. As severe weather month comes to a close it is important to plan how to protect your job site from severe weather. From flooding, to blizzards, to tropical storms, to tornado, to extreme heat, all types of weather impact the productivity and safety to a project. The safety of the team members and risk impact on the project are both critical to the overall success. As we discuss some simple items to prepare your job site, stop and think how your project would be impacted if there was a natural disaster.
1. Have a plan: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is by far the minimum that should be done for every project, plan for the what ifs and the likelihood of a weather event happening relevant to that area. Just having good insurance is not enough for a plan. Insurance may help cover the damage, but it doesn’t cover lost time, the added stress of fixing what has been destroyed, the possibilities that some items aren’t easily replaced (special tools, materials, or equipment that has lead time). A good plan needs to have action items, individuals responsible for those items, and the chain of events to stop work and prepare for the unexpected event. For example, on every project that is expected to have snow throughout the course of the project, there needs to be a plan in the case of a blizzard, and the more likelihood plan of snow removal for the project. There needs to be one individual responsible for arriving early each morning in the event of snow that clears the pathways on the job site to allow access for all other workers. In the less likely case of a blizzard, there must be a responsible weatherman that, at a certain point, will call off work the next day in expectation of the catastrophic event. At the close of work the day prior there should also be protocols for securing and storing important items on the job site. 2. Expect the unexpected: Don’t rely on the notion that it hasn’t happened before, or something was engineered to withstand this type of weather. The patterns of weather today are drastically different than the patterns of the past and on many accounts, we are breaking historical norms. If you are in an area that has a 100-year flood zone, expect to have that 100-year flood during the duration of the project. If you are in an area that is near rivers or waterways, don’t expect the levy to withstand the weather today that was designed 60 years ago for a drastically different time. It isn’t the rain that will impact the project, but the broken levy which allowed the flooding to happen near the area. 3. Own Your Responsibilities: Where most plans fail is the link in communication and accountability. “I thought so and so was taking care of it” or “I didn’t know that was on me” are typical responses after something unexpected has occurred. Something that I saw recently on a project was a large poster which stated, “What do I own” and it had a section for each department and the items they are fundamentally responsible for including the management and the main office. In your plan individual positions need to be identified and therefore individuals held responsible for performing tasks, notifying others, or getting people involved in securing the project. 4. Change Your Plan: This may seem like it doesn’t belong, but it is crucial to a project’s success. No two projects are exactly alike and as people notice or believe there is a better way, the plan itself needs to change and those changes communicated to the other team members. Having a plan that is stagnant and sits on the shelf is a plan that is destined not to be used and eventually forgotten. Unfortunately, severe weather is both unexpected and uncontrollable. Taking the time to stop, think of the possibilities, making a plan and adjusting it seems like a very simple and no-brainer item, but unfortunately most people don’t do it. Those that do, many times become complacent and go through the motions, not adjusting the plan as necessary. Preparing your job for severe weather is not rocket surgery, but it is something that needs to be communicated on all levels and taken seriously in the world we live in today. Be safe and stay moving. I have officially crossed the midway point in the deployment. It is crazy how humans have the ability to cope with their surroundings, and within a short time, find it ordinary and to make a routine that almost seems normal. I know that I have gotten to this point. Home seems almost foreign, it will almost be a culture shock when I do eventually go home.   Back at home in Ohio, the temperature has been below 40 degrees most of winter and has seen lots of rain and snow. I haven’t seen a serious rainstorm since November (although when it did rain, we received the average yearly rainfall of Kuwait in just 8 hours, the base was flooded. But that was a one in a hundred-year rain storm). It does rain, but it mainly sprinkles. And it doesn't rain for very long either.  Snow storms have been replaced by sandstorms, of which we have had 3, but none major. To me, 50-degree weather is freezing. I’ll even wear hoodies and pants when it’s in the upper 50s. I have been lucky enough to have started being here in the winter, the temperature is relatively warm (70s) and sunny during the day and cool at night (40-50s). Sand storms are rather annoying. Unlike snowstorms you have to actually worry about the sand getting in your eyes. You also have to cover your face so no sand gets in your mouth. I'd take a snowstorm over a sandstorm any day. Another difference is the living situation. I lived in a nice house with just my wife and daughter, I also have the luxury of a master bathroom back at home. I now live in a barracks with 35 other males. It is an open barracks, but we have “rooms” separated by the wall lockers, our “doors” are curtains. Most people have tvs, or game system to stay busy at the end of the night. The barrack surprisingly stays relatively quiet and lights are out by 2200 during the week.
My barracks does not have running water or internal plumbing. Instead there are bathroom trailers on both side of the barracks complex, of which my complex alone has 45 barracks buildings. The bathroom trailers are alright, just never expect to have a consistently warm shower, just expect a cold shower and savor when you get a warm shower.
Another interesting thing, is that some of the portlets have running water. There portlets with the running water are spray painted “western style,” and they have a real toilet and urinal. If you are wondering, yes, they do have an “eastern style” portlet, it literally is a portlet with a hole instead of a toilet. Speaking of water, there is no “potable” running water in my zone. All water that is drinkable is bottled water. I drink anywhere from 6-8 bottles of water a day. Water stations are set up around my zone for soldiers to grab water. It will be odd paying for bottled water when I get home, as it is free and readily available. I still get the chance to Facetime my wife (Julie) and daughter (Jane) 2-3 times a week. Pictures and videos are also my lifeline, of which I now have over 800 of Jane. Being away from my wife and daughter has still been the hardest part about this deployment, the best parts of my day are getting those pictures and videos. And the highlight of my week is getting to facetime them. I know I’ll never take family for granted. I’m blessed to have a great family that messages me regularly and sends me numerous care packages (I have been called the "Care Package King"). It’s crazy how going away 7,000 miles can sometimes bring you closer to people. I know that I feel closer to my family.  OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Background: Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:  OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance. Employees who use hand and power tools and are exposed to the hazards of falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects, or to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases must be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment. Employees should be trained in the proper use of all tools. Workers should be able to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary. Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:  General Safety:
Wrenches must not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs. Impact tools such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels must be kept free of mushroomed heads. The wooden handles of tools must not be splintered. Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materials should be used where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, and other explosive substances are stored or used. Employer Requirements: The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees. Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. Employees should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves must be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using hand tools. Workplace floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools. Employee Requirements: Employees, when using saw blades, knives, or other tools, should direct the tools away from aisle areas and away from other employees working in close proximity. Knives and scissors must be sharp; dull tools can cause more hazards than sharp ones. Cracked saw blades must be removed from service. Workplace floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools. Take Home Points: Both employer and employee have responsibility in ensuring safety while operating hand tools. Ensure that the tool is maintained and inspected, use the right tool for the right job, follow manufacturers’ guidelines, ensure the workplace is safe for use of the tool, and wear the appropriate PPE.  OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner.  Background:
Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks. Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart failure and burns, are among the major hazards associated with electric powered tools. Under certain conditions, even a small amount of electric current can result in fibrillation of the heart and death. An electric shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to the fall. To protect the user from shock and burns, electric tools must have a three-wire cord with a ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle, be double insulated, or be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer. Three-wire cords contain two current carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. The third prong must never be removed from the plug. Double-insulated tools are available that provide protection against electrical shock without third-wire grounding. On double-insulated tools, an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolates the external housing of the tool. Employer Requirements: The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees. Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe tools. Employees should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves must be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using hand tools. Employee Requirements: To prevent hazards associated with the use of power tools, workers should observe the following general precautions:
Take Home Points: Both employer and employee have responsibility in ensuring safety while operating tools. Ensure that the tool is maintained and inspected, use the right tool for the right job, follow manufacturers’ guidelines, ensure the workplace is safe for use of the tool, and wear the appropriate PPE. Tis the season for conferences and expo’s---- They are a great way to network, meet new potential clients, see a new place, and spread your company name. However, if you have ever been a vendor on the other side of the table at these conferences you know that not everyone who comes up to your booth is there to learn more about you company. In the name of entertainment, we have made this short and sweet eccentric people expo guide of the four types of people that you will run into at conferences and how to manage them. 1. Chatty Cathy This close talking conversation enthusiast can either help make a conference memorable or make your life horrible. Chatty Cathy comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes from the “let me tell you a story” guy, to “you remind me of so-and-so” person, to the “I like your shirts” randomness and many more. The whole risk comes from eye contact and a smile. This person is just looking for a nice person to help pass the time and you are that victim. If you are having a slow day, Chatty Cathy helps pass the time and is wonderful, making you laugh, and giving you something to remember. If things are busy though, you are possibly missing out on whoever it is you really want to talk to. The key to managing this eccentric person is making sure you can gauge your flow of other people and know what the agenda is for the conference. If it is a break time or coming close to one you need to help shed this chatty character. If not, enjoy the story, pull up a seat, or get a coffee. 2. Freebie Freddy Pretty self-explanatory, Freebie Fred only wants to know what merch you have for him. They come in, swoop by close enough to see if it is cool, flashy, or if it’s just simply for the taking and will slide it right into their goodie bag. You can typically spot Freddie a mile away, their bag is already full, they are wearing all the gear from previous booths and they also are immediately eyeing your table not you or your marketing material. Best thing if you actually are just giving some things away is to quickly direct them to something you want to provide and keep them moving. If you want, try to say hello or get your 30 second commercial in, but know you won’t get far so don’t take it personal. 3. The "I'm Not The Guy" Guy There are quite a few “I like it, but I’m not the guy” Guys who want to help but simply don’t have the buying power in their company to purchase your product. The key to these eccentric expo people is picking their brain. These well-meaning, non-decision makers can be your champion throughout the process and if you stay on their team, they will support you, talk about you, and be the voices for some of the new products and uses for your company. As they express extreme interest pick their brain on finding out what the typical process for decisions is for their company, who are the decision makers, what they like and don’t like and how you can work with “I’m not the guy” guy to change the company for the better. Keep in touch with them, offer to buy them coffee or lunch and keep them engaged and happy and it will be worth your while, but remember don’t go too extreme, because they are not “the guy”. 4. The Unicorn The interested future customer that has the buying power is the whole reason you are at the conference. If you can find them or realize you have one don’t let it go. Keep them engaged, find their interest, timeline and pain and how you can address their needs. Make sure you find out what else they are looking for, be a resource to them and yes do not forget to get their information and set up a follow up. You are a pro, don’t get mesmerized by the unicorn and forget to take a picture. Now, I know that this is silly and pokes fun at people, but on a more serious note, we love going to conferences and are happy to see anyone who is willing to come up and say hi, yes, even you Mr.Freebie. I know there are times where I have certainly been all four of these types of people depending on my company and the journey of my career. No matter who you are, you are always welcome to come to the STAC table and talk.  OSHA Standard: 1926.300 – Subpart I – Tools – Hand & Power Training: Training should be performed upon initial assignment/before use of tool. Frequency: When roles, conditions, or equipment changes. Or when worker is using the equipment in an unsafe manner  Portable Abrasive Tools:
Portable abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments. Abrasive wheel tools must be equipped with guards that: 1) cover the spindle end, nut, and flange projections; (2) maintain proper alignment with the wheel; and (3) do not exceed the strength of the fastenings. Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it must be inspected closely for damage and should be sound- or ring-tested to ensure that it is free from cracks or defects. To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light, non-metallic instrument. If the wheels sound cracked or dead, they must not be used because they could fly apart in operation. A stable and undamaged wheel, when tapped, will give a clear metallic tone or “ring.” To prevent an abrasive wheel from cracking, it must fit freely on the spindle. The spindle nut must be tightened enough to hold the wheel in place without distorting the flange. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Take care to ensure that the spindle speed of the machine will not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel. An abrasive wheel may disintegrate or explode during start-up. Allow the tool to come up to operating speed prior to grinding or cutting. The employee should never stand in the plane of rotation of the wheel as it accelerates to full operating speed. Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of wheel breakage. When using a powered grinder: Always use eye or face protection; Turn off the power when not in use; & Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise Guards: The exposed moving parts of power tools need to be safeguarded. Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, flywheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment must be guarded. Machine guards, as appropriate, must be provided to protect the operator and others from the following: Point of operation, In-running nip points., Rotating parts, & Flying chips and sparks Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used. Portable circular saws having a blade greater than 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) in diameter must be equipped at all times with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire blade of the saw. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth of the saw, except where it makes contact with the work material. The lower guard must automatically return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn. Take Home Points: Both employer and employee have responsibility in ensuring safety while operating tools. Ensure that the tool is maintained and inspected, use the right tool for the right job, follow manufacturers’ guidelines, ensure the workplace is safe for use of the tool, and wear the appropriate PPE. |
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