Saturday, November 15, 2014

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste-On the Job Tool Box Talks

Overview
A waste is any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous material that you no longer use. Such wastes are hazardous if they have the potential to cause injury or pollute land, air, or water. A solid waste that exhibits any of the following properties is considered a hazardous waste:
Ignitability
1. A liquid, except aqueous solutions containing less than 24 percent alcohol, that has a flash point less than 60 degrees Celsius.
2. A nonliquid capable, under normal conditions, of spontaneous and sustained combustion.
3. An ignitable compressed gas per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
4. An oxidizer per DOT regulation.
Corrosivity
1. An aqueous material with pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5.
2. A liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 1/4 inch per year at a temperature of 55 degrees Celsius.
Reactivity
1. Normally unstable and reacts violently without detonating.
2. Reacts violently with water.
3. Forms an explosive mixture with water.
4. Generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes when mixed with water.
5. Contains cyanides or sulfide and generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes at a pH of between 2 and 12.5.
6. Capable of detonation if heated under confinement or subjected to a strong initiating source.
7. Capable of detonation at standard temperature and pressure.
8. Listed by DOT as a Class A or B explosive.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Construction Safety Council Open House and 25th Anniversary

Friday, December 5, 2014, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 4415 W. Harrison Street, Suite 404, Hillside, IL 60162, register online.   Refreshments will be served. 

Monday, November 3, 2014

Air Contaminants - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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Overview
An air contaminant is any substance that is accidentally or unintentionally introduced into the air, having the effect of rendering the air toxic or harmful to some degree.

Who is covered?
29 CFR 1910.1000 Air contaminants protects employees from occupational exposure to air contaminants. The regulation applies to all workers who may be subjected to workplace air contaminants.

§1910.1000 lists various substances along with permissible exposure limits (PELs) for an eight-hour period. Your employer has a responsibility to notify you of potential hazards in the workplace, including air contaminants.
          
What must my employers do?
Your employer:
•   Is responsible for controlling sources of air contamination by using engineering controls, or, if necessary, by using personal protective equipment (PPE).
•   Must let you know what air contaminants are in the workplace and how you can protect yourself from them.
•   Will discuss any necessary PPE with you and demonstrate proper use, cleaning, and storage of the equipment.       
•  must periodically test the air in the facility for the presence of air contaminants.  You, or your representative, have a right to see the results of those tests.

If your employer chooses to use PPE in addition to engineering and work practice controls, the PPE must be provided free of charge.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency