Using Respirators When Not Required

Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. 
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ACCESS & EGRESS FOR EXCAVATIONS

A competent person must design all structural ramps. Structural ramps used for access or egress of equipment must be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design.

A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress must be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.



Ramps must be:
Connected together to prevent displacement;
Uniform thickness;
Cleats on the bottom to prevent tripping, and;
Designed to prevent slipping.
 
Ladder Safety:
Job-made ladders must be constructed according to ANSI A14.4 – Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders.
Ladders are to be used with caution around electrical lines, especially metal ladders, use only non-conductive ladders.
Secure ladders to prevent displacement.
Ladders extend 3-feet above excavation (shield).

The decision to choose a ramp, stair system or ladder for accessing and regressing from an excavation or trench depends largely on the allowable slope or angle that the sides (or ends) are cut back.

For example, in stable rock or with trench shields (boxes), where the sides are nearly vertical (between 75° and 90°), a ladder would be appropriate; ladders must never be used at angles less than 60°. Between 30° and 50° from the horizontal, use a stair system (job-made wood type or earth benched). Less than 20° from horizontal, a ramp can be safely used (unassisted) while maintaining an upright position.
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Employment Opportunity at CCSC

The Construction Safety Council is looking for an experienced instructor capable of teaching a variety of construction  safety classes including but not limited to the OSHA 10 Hour, OSHA 30 Hour, Fall Protection, Excavation Safety, Scaffold Safety, Confined Space Safety and others.

The following experience and qualifications are preferred:
 
* 5-10 years experience in the construction industry
* Active and current OSHA 500 authorized trainer
* CHST or CSP - a plus
* Must be proficient in Word, and PowerPoint.  

Submit a cover letter and resume to: 

Beverlee Carrick 

Email: bcarrick@buildsafe.org 

Or mail a cover letter and resume to: 

Beverlee Carrick 

Construction Safety Council 

4100 Madison St 

Hillside, IL 60162 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must provide and pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). 

PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples include items such as gloves, foot and eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats and respirators.

Employers Must Pay for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 With few exceptions, OSHA requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment used to comply with OSHA standards; employers cannot require workers to provide their own PPE. Even when a worker provides his or her own PPE, the employer must ensure that the equipment is adequate to protect the worker from hazards at the workplace.

Employers are not required to pay for:

     Everyday clothing; such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants and normal work boots (including protective toe).

     Ordinary clothing; such as winter coats, jackets and gloves.

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Flammable & Explosive Hazards

Flammable & Explosive Hazards

Flammable limits are defined as the concentration range in which a flammable substance can produce a fire or explosion when an ignition source (such as a spark or open flame) is present. The concentration is generally expressed as percent fuel by volume.

For example, Methane (CH₄) has a Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) = 5.3%, and an Upper Flammable Limit (UFL) = 15.0%; if the air contains between 5.3% and 15% volume of air of methane (under normal atmospheric conditions), then a flammable environment exists.
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WARNING! Atmospheres that are rich in flammable gas (above the UFL) must be ventilated thoroughly, with powerfull blowers to completely bring the atmosphere down below the LFL.

Examples of LFL & UFL
Substance	Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)	Upper Flammable Limit (UFL)
Acetylene	2.5%	100%
Propane	2.1%	9.5%
Gasoline	1.4%	7.6%

OSHA/EPA Occupational Chemical Database & NIOSH Pocket Guide to Hazardous Chemicals

2012 CSC & ASA Conference Video

Construction Safety Council Conference held March 15, 2012.

Routes of Entry-Hazardous Chemicals

Working with chemicals always involves the risk of exposure. The health risk is dependent upon the toxicity of the chemical, the types of effects and the various routes of entry. 

Inhalation is the primary route of entry for hazardous chemicals in the work environment. Nearly all materials that are airborne can be inhaled.

Absorption through the skin is another route of entry. The skin is the largest organ of your body and a common exposure site for liquid and airborne chemicals. Absorption through the skin can occur quite rapidly if the skin is cut or abraded. Intact skin is an effective barrier to many hazardous materials.

Ingestion - toxic materials can be swallowed and enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract. In the workplace, people can unknowingly ingest harmful chemicals when you eat, drink, or smoke in a contaminated work areas.

Injection occurs when a sharp object punctures the skin, allowing a chemical or infectious agent to enter your body. For example, injection can occur when a contaminated object such as a rusty nail punctures the skin.

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