When it comes to fire extinguisher inspections, many of us think that annually you should be checking your fire extinguisher(s) and getting them serviced or refilled. Hopefully, you do at least this otherwise what I'm about to say may shock you.
 

You must do a monthly inspection of all of your fire extinguishers in your home/workplace.
 

Luckily for us, this is a simple 7 step process that will become routine in time. The first two things you must know before starting an inspection of your fire extinguishers are:

• Who is responsible for doing the monthly checks? If you are at home reading this, it may be a simple answer of yourself. But if you are at work then who is responsible? 
• Whoever is should always be; it tends to be easier this way. The person held accountable gets used to that responsibility.
• Before doing a monthly fire extinguisher inspection, you should always have a pen or marker and a rag with you.

1. As you as approaching the fire extinguisher, you should first be checking that it is readily available. This means that it is not blocked by any objects, is not difficult to get to, and is within reach. It should be mounted with a sign above that states that an extinguisher is underneath.  

• If anything is blocking the fire extinguisher, now is the time to resolve the issue.
   

Your next check is to pick up the extinguisher. Is it a powder type? You must prevent the powder from settling. Go ahead, give it a shake. While its in your hands, is it any lighter than usual or than you'd expect? Call your servicing company (or Safety Training Services here) to have them check it out. It's better to be safe than sorry!
 

The next check should be to check the extinguisher all over for dents, rust, oil, etc. If any substance (such as oil) is on it, dampen your rag and wipe it off. If there is any rust or the extinguisher has severe abuse, replace it soon as possible.
 

Mount the fire extinguisher back on the wall, make sure the instructions are still legible, and check the labels. Make sure to turn extinguisher so that the label is facing outward.

• If the label is missing or anything is illegible, get a new label when possible. You may even, depending on the extinguisher's state, look into purchasing a whole new fire extinguisher.
   

Now that the extinguisher is placed correctly and the label is facing outward, check the pin or safety seal. It should still be intact; if not, you should replace the fire extinguisher.
 

You should now look check the gauge. Is it still in the green zone? If not, call a service person/company immediately to have the extinguisher serviced and back in working order.
 

Lastly, make sure to check the tag on the fire extinguisher to verify that yearly service has been done within the last year. This is usually marked off on the tag or hole-punched (month/year). Most service companies sign off or mark when the inspection took place, not when its due, so be sure to take a moment to process the information so that you are in compliance with the yearly inspection. Check with your servicing company (or simply contact STS here) if you need assistance. If your fire extinguisher has NOT been serviced in the last year, call immediately to schedule for that to be done.
 

Congratulations, your monthly inspection is complete. Be sure to sign your initials on the tag when it has space for monthly inspections. This verifies that the extinguisher is up-to-date and also proves to OSHA (if need arises) that a monthly inspection has been performed. 

If you want some or all of your employees to use fire extinguishers in an emergency, you must make sure they are fully trained. We will discuss fire extinguisher training; some issues and some safety tips in the next safety blog article! In the meantime, feel free to check out our fire extinguisher training course here:

Training is, by one definition, "a process by which someone is taught the skills that are needed for an art, profession, or job." Training has specific goals of improving one's capability, productivity, and performance in the specific area.

This means that prior to starting a job or a specific task; you must be trained to a level necessary for safe completion. The importance of this is paramount. It is not only cost effective to the company to practice safe procedures and train employees properly, but ultimately, we are putting lives at risk if training is not done or done incorrectly.

I want to explore the “importance of safety training” and why you should decide to invest your time and money into getting properly trained.

The first and most important reason: Reduce accidents.

This alone should trigger instantly as a ‘must.’ The reason from an individual’s standpoint should be obvious; accidents can too easily lead to death. That’s it, case closed. No more work, no more family, nothing. And not to mention the aftermath that someone else will have to deal with. This is not to scare you, but more so to shed light on the fact that reducing accidents is simply a must. In fact, many “accidents” aren’t accidents at all. They are operator related. We may label them as an accident, but if the operator truly knew the machine/job they were doing, and the safest way to do it, they would be able to be avoid the hazards entirely. Most ‘accidents’ are 100% preventable.

This brings me to the reasoning from a company standpoint. Yes, of course an individual would want safety training and I’m sure companies would see the importance of it. But I’m not writing this to discuss hypotheticals. The truth is, it is more often than not, the company that decides whether or not to send employees to training. And another fact is that I read about employees getting hurt or worse almost every day in various industries and so much of this can be prevented by simply conducting safety training properly. If the company cannot provide this safety training, they must recognize the dire importance (especially in high hazard workplaces) and inquire into a quality safety training company. Again, this is real world we are talking about and therefore time and money are something many companies need to factor into the equation before they can reach the result. Many companies see those two things as the main factor or deterrent in their choice. Understandably, I would like to take it further than just the cost of the training, or the cost of the employee’s time to take it. Let’s look at the REAL cost of an accident and then weigh that against the (at that point) seemingly meager price of quality safety training.

Accidents are more expensive than many people realize because in addition to the direct costs (medical costs, compensation payments, etc.) you’ll have indirect costs. Indirect costs include, but are not limited to: costs to train a replacement worker, repairing damaged property, cost to investigate the accident. Now take it one step further and you’ll see even more costs that aren’t as obvious, such as added administrative time, lower morale, increased absenteeism, and poorer customer relations. These costs are sometimes much higher than the simple direct costs. In fact, OSHA states that the lower the direct costs of an accident, the higher the ratio of indirect to direct costs. The more accidents that occur in a workplace, the higher the costs — both in increased insurance premiums and greater indirect costs.

If you would like to see more specifics of estimating and calculating the true cost of workplace injuries, Safety Management Group has an easy to use calculator found by clicking here.

More reasons to consider the importance of safety training:

• 

  Training can improve business performance, profit and staff morale.

• In addition to reducing accidents, training your staff can result in safer work practices and even productivity improvements.

• By training your employees or allowing time for training, you demonstrate that you value them enough to invest in them. This improves loyalty and retention, with retention being the benefit for you.

• They acquire new skills, increasing their contribution to the business and building their self-esteem

Remember, action is always faster than reaction. Therefore, it is better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to safety and/or safety training. If you take the time to analyze then you have a much higher chance that nothing will happen. Hopefully, this has motivated you take action! To seek out quality safety training now, as opposed to waiting until OSHA has stepped in or even worse, waiting until a workplace injury or death occurs.

Don’t get burned by mediocre training because they didn’t do it right the first time. Contact Safety Training Services, Inc. today and get “Real Experience. Real Training. Real Results.”

Hazard Control Measures

The information obtained from a job hazard analysis is not worth anything unless hazard control measures recommended in the analysis are incorporated into the tasks. Not all hazard control measures are equal; some are more effective than others. Here is the order of effectiveness of hazard controls:
 

• Elimination/minimization of the hazard
• By substituting processes, materials, or equipment
• Changing facility design, processes, or equipment
• Enclosure of the hazard
• Enclosed cabs, enclosures over loud equipment
• Isolation of the hazard
• Interlocks, machine guards, blast shields, welding curtains
• Removal or redirection of the hazard
• Local and exhaust ventilation
   

• Written operating procedures, work permits, and safe work practices
• Exposure time limitations
• (These are used most commonly to control temperature extremes and ergonomic hazards)
• Monitoring use of the more hazardous materials
• Alarms, signs, warnings
• Buddy system
• Training!

3.) Personal Protective Equipment

• Respirators, hearing protection, protective clothing, safety glasses, and hardhats
• The LAST line of defense in hazard control measures (not the first or only)
• PPE is acceptable as a control measure:
• When engineering controls are not feasible or do not completely eliminate the hazard
• If engineering controls are still being developed
• When safe work practices don't provide sufficient additional protection
• During emergencies when engineering controls may not be feasible
   

Common Hazards and Descriptions
 

'Sample' Job Hazard Analysis

 

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What is a hazard?

A hazard, very simply put, is the potential for harm.

Pretty broad definition, huh? Well to put it into the perspective of an employee/employer, OSHA states it best, "a hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness." Remember, identifying hazards (better yet, eliminating or controlling them) as early as possible can help prevent injuries or illnesses from happening.

One way this is done is through a 'Job Hazard Analysis' (JHA)

You may have heard the phrase job hazard analysis (or JHA), at your work before, or maybe you have seen/heard elsewhere. But some of you may be wondering what exactly a JHA is, what its used for, or who needs one? Well, we will discuss all of these topics but for now, lets take a moment and explain what exactly is a job hazard analysis. 

A job hazard analysis is a procedure that identifies hazards before they occur. It aims to integrate preferred safety principles into the operation of the job or task. Basically, its a risk assessment that includes the safest way to do something. Once you have identified the hazards, the idea is to take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

Why is it important?

Honestly, because conducting a JHA is one of the best ways to determine and establish proper work procedures. Many workers in the US are injured and even killed at work and proper safety measures and procedures help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Looking at your workplace operations, establishing proper job procedures, and ensuring that all empoyees are trained properly are ways to eliminate and prevent hazards in the workplace.

A job hazard analysis is likely to result in:

• Fewer worker injuries and illnesses,
• Safer, more effective work methods,
• Reduced workers' compensation costs,
• Increased worker productivity.
   

A JHA can also be a valuable tool for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely.

You may wonder who needs a JHA? Or who benefits from them? It could be argued, virtually any company could benefit from a JHA. It is designed to produce nothing but positive results, so virtually any company could implement one. But of course, there are companies that absolutely NEED a JHA (due to high hazards in the very nature of the work), and other specific industries that could implement one to make sure a safe environment stays that way. A job hazard analysis most benefits the following:

• Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates
• Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illnesses, even if there is no history of previous accidents
• Jobs in which one simple human error could lead to a sever accident or injury
• Jobs that are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures
• Jobs complex enough to require written instructions

Getting started

Where do you begin? It can seem like a daunting task before you, but luckily OSHA has helped lay out a 5 step outline for creating a JHA.

1. Involve your employees
    

• This is very important. Employees have a unique understanding of the job, and this knowledge is invaluable for finding hazards. It will help minimize oversights, ensure a quality analysis, and increases "buy in" from employees because they share ownership in the safety and health program.
   

• Your worksite's history of accidents and occupational illnesses
• Losses that required repair or replacement
• Any "near misses" - events in which an accident or loss did not occur, but could have
• These events are indicators that the existing hazard controls (if any) may not be adequate and deserve more scrutiny.
   

• Discuss with your employees the hazards they know exist in their current work and surroundings.
• Brainstorm with them for ideas to eliminate or control those hazards.
• If any hazards exist that pose an immediate danger to an employee's life or health, take immediate action to protect the worker.
• Any problems that can be corrected easily should be corrected as soon as possible. (Do not wait to complete your job hazard analysis)
   

• List jobs with hazards that present unacceptable risks (those most likely to occur and with the most severe consequences). These should be your first priority for analysis.
   

• Nearly every job can be broken down into job tasks or steps.
• When beginning a JHA, watch an employee perform the job and list each step as the worker takes it. (Sometimes it helps to record video of the job task for later reference)
• Don't get overly detailed; avoid breaking down the steps into so much detail that it becauses unecessarily long, or too broad to not include basic steps.
• Afterwards, review the job steps with the employee to make sure that you have not omitted something.
• Remember, you are evaluating the the job itself and not the employee's job performance.
   

How to identify hazards

Your main goals in an JHA are to discover the following:

• What can go wrong?
• What are the consequences?
• How could it arise?
• What are the other contributing factors?
• How likely is it that the hazard will occur?
   

After you have reviewed your list of hazards, you must consider what methods will reduce (control) or eliminate them. Engineering controls that physically change a machine or work environment to prevent exposure to the hazard are the most effective. If this is not feasible, administrative controls (such as changing the way employees do their jobs) may be suitable.

Make sure to periodically review your JHA, to keep it current and help reduce accidents. In the event that a "close-call" or even an injury/incident occurs, be sure to review the JHA and discuss with your employees to ensure that all are aware of the methods, procedures, and protective measures.

Be sure to keep an eye for the next article, where we will discuss the second part of this topic and include detailed information on 'common hazards', 'hazard control measures', and a sample JHA!

In the meantime, remember if you have any JHA-related questions or are interested in more information on implementing a JHA for your company, contact STS's consulting professionals for assistance today!

Simply interested in safety training?
Click below for more information!

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2013
(& Other Interesting OSHA Facts)

• Federal OSHA has 10 regional offices and 90 local area offices.

• They had a budget of $563,658,000 in FY 2013.

• They conducted 40,961 Federal inspections in FY 2012.

• 4,383 workers were killed on the job in 2012.

• That's 3.2 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers

On average, more than 84 a week or nearly 12 deaths every day.

• This is the second lowest preliminary total since the fatal injury census was first conducted in 1992.

• Fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 16 percent of all fatal work injuries in 2012.

• Out of 3,945 worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2012, 775 or 19.6% were in construction.

  • The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites were falls, followed by struck by object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.

  • These "Fatal Four" were responsible for nearly three out of five (56%) construction worker deaths in 2012.

Eliminating the Fatal Four would save 435 workers' lives in America every year.

• Falls – 278 out of 775 total deaths in construction in CY 2012 (36%)
• Struck by Object – 78 (10%)
• Electrocutions – 66 (9%)
• Caught-in/between – 13 (2%)

OSHA’s Top Ten Violations for 2013

The following were the top 10 most frequently cited standards by Federal OSHA in fiscal year 2013 (October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013):

1. Fall Protection (1926.501) 8,241 violations (No Change) (991 more than 2012)
    
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) 6,156 violations (No Change) (1,460 more than 2012)
    
3. Scaffolding (1926.451) 5,423 violations (No Change) (1,609 more than 2012)
    
4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) 3,879 violations (No Change) (1,508 more than 2012)
    
5. Electrical, Wiring Methods (1910.305) 3,452 violations (Up 3) (1,708 more than 2012)
    
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) 3,340 violations (Up 1) (1,347 more than 2012)
    
7. Ladders (1926.1053) 3,311 violations (Down 2) (1,001 more than 2012)
    
8. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) 3,254 violations (Up 1) (1,682 more than 2012)
    
9. Electrical, General Requirements (1910.303) 2,745 violations (Up 1) (1,413 more than 2012)
    
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212) 2,701 violations (Down 4) (604 more than 2012)

OSHA is Making a Difference
 

• Since 1970, workplace fatalities have been reduced by more than 65 percent and occupational injury and illness rates have declined by 67 percent. At the same time, U.S. employment has almost doubled.
• Worker deaths in America are down–on average, from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 12 a day in 2012.
• Worker injuries and illnesses are down–from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 3.5 per 100 in 2011.

The OSHA standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) for general industry, also known as LOTO, was created in an attempt to reduce worker death and injury rates. Use of proper lockout/tagout practices and procedures keep workers safe from the release of hazardous energy by ensuring that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. Compliance with the lockout/tagout standard prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.

According to OSHA, workers injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.

Lockout/tagout is required when the unexpected energization or start up (or release of stored energy) of machines, equipment or prime movers could injure workers during cleaning, repairing, servicing, setting-up, adjusting and un-jamming.

The LOTO standard also establishes the employer's responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy. Employers are required to train their employees in the purpose and function of the energy control program and have the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of the energy control devices. The training must cover at least three areas: aspects of the employer’s energy control program; elements of the energy control procedure relevant to the employee’s duties or assignment; and the various requirements of the OSHA standards related to lockout/tagout.

Employers Must:

• Develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program.
• Use lockout devices for equipment that can be locked out.
• Tagout devices may be used in lieu of lockout devices only if the tagout program provides employee protection equivalent to that provided through a lockout program.
• Ensure that any new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out.
• Develop, implement, and enforce an effective tagout program if machines or equipment are not capable of being locked out.

• Develop, document, implement, and enforce energy control procedures.
• Use only lockout/tagout devices authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and ensure that they are durable, standardized, and substantial.
• Ensure that lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users.
• Establish a policy that permits only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it. (See 29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3) for exception)
• Inspect energy control procedures at least annually.
• Provide effective training as mandated for all employees covered by the standard.
• Comply with the additional energy control provisions in OSHA standards when machines or equipment must be tested or re-positioned, when outside contractors work at the site, in group lockout situations, and during shift or personnel changes.

Employers have a good list of responsibilities to follow in order to keep in compliance with the OSHA standard, but how does LOTO translate to layman’s terms? Well, we’ve broken it down into 4 topics in order to help anyone grasp what lockout/tagout is all about.

1. What is isolation? What is the procedure for LOTO?
2. What are lockout devices? 
3. What are tagout devices? When can they be used?
4. How/when to remove these devices?
    

Isolation

Isolation means disconnecting the equipment (or making safe) by removing all energy sources. The steps necessary to isolate equipment are documented in an isolation procedure or a lockout/tagout procedure. The procedure usually generally includes the following tasks:

1. Identify the energy source(s)
2. Isolate the energy source(s)
3. Lockout and tag the energy source(s)
4. Prove the equipment isolated and made safe by trying out the equipment.

Remember, the locking and tagging of the isolation point lets others know not to de-isolate the device.

Lockout Devices

• Circuit breakers
• Slide gates
• Line valves
• Disconnect switches

Ensure that an energy-isolating device cannot be used until the lockout device is removed. A lockout device uses a positive means, such as a key or combination lock, to hold an energy-isolating device in a safe position and prevent machine or equipment from energizing. The lockout device must be substantial enough to prevent removal without excessive force or unusual techniques.

A lockout device must be used unless the employer can demonstrate that a tagout system would provide full employee protection.

Tagout Devices

• Tags or other prominent warning devices
• Indicate that an energy-isolating device and its equipment must not be used until the tagout device is removed.

The tagout device must be nonreusable, attached by hand, self-locking and nonreleasing with a minimum unlocking strength of 50 pounds, and must be at least the equivalent of an all-environment tolerant nylon cable tie.

Removal of Lockout/Tagout Devices

Before removal of a lockout/tagout device, authorized employees must make sure that nonessential items are removed and machine components are operationally intact. The area should then be cleared of employees (or safely positioned away from the device) and all affected employees should be notified that the LOTO devices are (to be) removed. The person who removes the LOTO device must be the person who originally applied it. If they are not available, another employee may remove the device if the employer has established a specific procedure and training for it.

Safety Training Services, Inc. provides Lockout/Tagout training for you and your company! Enroll today in our lockout/tagout course to be able to recognize applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, the methods and means necessary to isolate and control energy sources, and more!

Confined spaces refer to enclosed areas deemed dangerous due to limited access. These may be a storage tank or a pipe, anything that workers may work in or enter for maintenance that is not a habitable space. Confined spaces are made more dangerous by the hazards associated with them, including suffocation, submersion, entrapment, engulfment, etc. Knowing about confined spaces and their hazards is important because many confined space deaths are preventable. Unfortunately, too many of these are untrained rescuers going in after the original entrant unknowing of the hazards in the confined space and succumb to the same hazard(s) as the person they went in to help.

In fact, most multi-death fatal incidents involve one or more would-be rescuers who are improperly trained and equipped to rescue the original victim.

OSHA defines a confined space as:

1. Being large enough for an employee to enter and perform work,

2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit,

3. Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

   
   

A permit required confined space will contain all of the above, plus one or more of the following:

• A potentially hazardous atmosphere

• A substance that has the ability to engulf or asphyxiate the entrant

• Inwardly converging walls within the space or a floor the slopes downward, tapering to a small cross-section

• Contains any other serious safety or health hazard

A confined space attendant provides entrants protection during their time in a confined space. A confined space attendant is an optional service anytime an employee goes into a confined space, however in the event of a permit-required confined space, a confined space attendant is mandatory. A confined space attendant is a very integral part of the safety of the entrant and works as part of the confined space team, whom all have responsibilities to secure the safety of the team.
 

Confined Space Attendants’ Responsibilities

There are a few very important things that confined space attendants are responsible for. First and foremost, there must be at least one authorized attendant present at all times. The attendant controls access to the confined space. The duties of the attendant include testing the atmosphere of the confined space and periodically testing it again or continually monitoring it for any possible changes in the atmosphere. You must never enter a confined space if the atmospheric conditions are not suitable. They must also review and follow all permit procedures in a permit-required confined space. If a confined space attendant sees a hazard that is correctable, they will correct said hazard in a quick, safe, and efficient way. They will summon emergency assistance as needed. In the event that they are unable to correct a hazard, they will report the supervisor those hazards. If an attendant must never abandon his post for any reason while personnel are in the confined spaces unless relieved by another qualified attendant. Lastly, an attendant should keep records of confined space work, such as air test results, personnel entry/exit, etc.

Obviously, the attendant has the responsibility to keep the entrant safe from harm while they are working in the confined space, but an entrants and supervisors have their own responsibilities while working in/around a confined space.
 

Entrant Responsibilities

• To assure that the space has been adequately ventilated, isolated, emptied, or otherwise made safe for entry.
• To immediately exit a space, without question, upon word of the attendant, no matter what the reason.
• To follow all safety rules and procedures.
  • To be familiar with the work to be performed and the procedures.
  • To use the appropriate PPE whenever necessary.
     

Supervisor Responsibilities

• To assure adequate protection is provided to the entrants by verifying adequate lockout/tagout and that all hazards are isolated, controlled or eliminated.
• To support the attendant’s authority in controlling access to a confined space.
• To verify that all personnel have exited prior to closing the space.
• To assure that all personnel involved are aware of the hazards associated with the space.
• To assure that rescue services are available prior to entry.

To that last point about rescue services, we need to be familiar with what that would include. Rescue services, must be available while authorized entrants are in a confined space. As we said in the first paragraph of this article, deaths often occur during rescue. Untrained persons enter the space to help the downed worker can get themselves caught in the confined space, or worse, become a victim themselves to whatever may have harmed the original entrant. Trained professional rescue services are available for this purpose. They are skilled in both non-entry and entry rescue techniques. A small sample of rescue work can be found below, with more extensive coverage found in the 'Non-Mandatory Appendix F -- Rescue Team or Rescue Service Evaluation Criteria' found on OSHA's website!
 

• Non-entry: A rescue that is conducted without entry into the confined space. This can be conducted by such means as a rope or winch.
• Entry by personnel trained to conduct rescues:
• All members of the team must be specially trained in confined space rescue work,
• The team must have at least one member certified in CPR and first aid,
• All members of the team must be trained in the techniques and equipment for specific confined spaces.
• The rescue team must practice in all types of spaces in which a rescue could be required.

In today's article, we will finish up our topic of AWPs, or aerial work platforms, with information on the roles of the trainer and of the dealer. Previously, we discussed 'Tips, Training, and Current Issues' and 'Compliance, Training and Familiarization'. 

Role of the Trainer

As we stated in a previous article, the ANSI A92 Standards have already defined a qualified person. This relates to both operators and trainers:

“Qualified person. One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”

Attributes

Per the “Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment,” here is a suggested list of attributes a trainer will need in order to successfully educate operators:

Skills/Knowledge

• Must know the rules, regulations and standards.
• Needs to have knowledge of the equipment, the operator safety manual, warning decals and placards.
• Possess awareness of potential hazards and the means to protect against identified hazards.
• Be able to identify and avoid potential workplace hazards.
• Understands manufacturer’s guidelines for proper/improper use and application of the equipment.
• Knows the consequences of improper use and application of the equipment.
• Has a good safety record that is based on consistent implementation of the rules.

Communication

• Possess good communication and presentation skills when speaking with groups or individuals.
• Knows and understands the teaching methods and learning styles of adult learners.
• Be able to obtain acknowledgement from the operator that he/she can implement the training.
• Has the ability to deliver training in a manner and language appropriate to ensure understanding by the audience.

Qualities

• Possesses a concern for the welfare of others so trainers can serve as a safety advocate.
• Be intuitive and perceptive with people, i.e., can “read” the audience.
• Works in a confident and honest manner with people.
   

Role of the Dealer

If you were to rent aerial equipment, you may wonder what the role of the dealer who provides you with the rental equipment is. Do they provide training? Familiarization?
 

General Training

It is the dealer’s responsibility to assist its customers in identifying training resources in order to satisfy its operator training obligations. Some dealers may provide training for their customers; others may choose to offer other training resources such as recommending a training company or getting the customer information on the manufacturer. Potential training resources are any entity offering instruction by a qualified instructor following an appropriate training program. This may be the manufacturer, rental company, independent training company or internal resources of the employer who rented the equipment. 

ANSI/SIA A92 Standards Section 5.7 (Responsibilities of Dealers) state:

“Training. The dealer shall offer appropriate training to facilitate owners, users, and operators to comply with requirements set forth in this standard regarding inspection, maintenance, use, application, and operation of the aerial platform.”

Nothing states that the dealer must accomplish this training itself. Remember, the responsibility for conducting proper operator training has always been on the user and the individual employer. The dealer must offer training or direct the customer to a selection of reasonably available resources to ensure proper training of the customer’s personnel.
 

Familiarization

It is the dealer/rental company’s responsibility to provide familiarization to the designated person(s) receiving the equipment.

ANSI/SIA A92.5 and A92.6 Standards Section 5.8 (Responsibilities of Dealers) state:

“Familiarization upon delivery. Upon delivery by sale, lease, rental or any form of use, the dealer shall have the responsibility with the person designated by the receiving entity for accepting the aerial platform to:

1. Identify the weather resistant compartment (for manual(s)
   storage).
2. Confirm that the manual(s), as specified by the manufacturer, are on the aerial platform.
3. Review control functions.
4. Review safety devices specific to the model aerial platform being delivered.”

Record Retention

Whenever general training or familiarization takes place, documentation should be made to verify that said training/familiarization has been completed. An optional validation of training may come in the form of a certificate or an ID card. These documents should include the information/standards trained on under ANSI/SIA A92.

The documentation (for verification) of training/familiarization should include the following information and should be retained for a period of four years as required by the ANSI/SIA A92 Standards:

• Name of the operator or person receiving familiarization
• Date of training/familiarization
• Equipment covered in training/familiarization
• Identity of the person(s) performing the training/familiarization

Image by Horrgakx on Flickr.

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We wrote last week about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), what exactly aerial work platforms (AWPs) are, the current issues facing the industry, and some tips to keep you safe on an AWP. This week, we will focus on compliance requirements, operator familiarization and general training.

Roles

ANSI standards heavily promote safety by developing recommendations and guidelines; however these standards are to be considered best practices, and are not laws or regulations. Compliance with ANSI standards is voluntary.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a government agency that issues and enforces regulations for employers to ensure workplace health and safety. These regulations are often referred to as standards, but they are in fact laws and compliance is mandatory.

So Why Comply?

It is true that ANSI is voluntary, and OSHA is mandatory, however it is to be noted that the OSHA regulations were in fact based on ANSI standards. Basically, once OSHA adopts the ANSI standards as their own, they no longer are voluntary and become law.

Despite ANSI standards being voluntary, it is in every company’s best interest to comply. Because OSHA law many times is adopted from ANSI standards, the standards in the ANSI handbook are considered a consensus of what’s best to keep employees safe and because of this OSHA can decide that the company is not “free from recognized hazards” and cite the company for the “general duty” clause for not following ANSI standards. So as it turns out, ANSI standards may not be as “voluntary” as expressed. Keep yourself and your employee’s safe, by following the ANSI guidebooks as mandatory as OSHA law.

Operator

Prior to use of an AWP, the operator must be trained before operation of the unit. This training should include the inspection, application, recognition, and avoidance of hazards associated with the equipment. As stated earlier, familiarization of the specific model of equipment should also be received prior to operating. Here is outline of each as stated by ANSI A92 Standards.

Training

• Essentially what prepares an operator to operate AWP
• Can teach multiple pieces of equipment of a particular type
• Covers broad types (push-around, boom lifts, scissor lifts, trailer-mounted boom lifts), as opposed to specific manufacturer/models
• Includes classroom/”formal” training as well as “hands-on”/practical

An aerial work platform is, as ANSI defines it, a mobile or manually propelled device that has an adjustable position platform, supported from ground level by a structure.

ANSI

ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, who facilitates the development ofAmerican National Standards (ANS) by accrediting the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). These groups work cooperatively to develop voluntary national consensus standards.

Their mission, according to their website, is “to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.”

Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs)

AWP equipment is very useful. It allows users access to usually inaccessible areas, usually at height. They can be used by maintenance workers, construction workers, firefighters (for emergency access); all while being operated by a single person (most models). AWPs can not only be used for transportation and/or access to certain areas, but also can be equipped with electrical outlets, compressed air (for power tools), and other specialist equipment.

There are many programs available for training operators of this equipment. Many of these training programs offer much to students regardless of their level of experience with AWPs. In fact, it is the differences in experience within the students in the class that usually makes for a great training atmosphere and allows every student to leave the training with some good information they didn’t know before.

Current Issues Facing the Industry

• Understanding the importance of proper general training and familiarization
  • This is too often overlooked; you wouldn’t want someone on the road who simply ‘skimmed’ a driver’s manual and has not familiarized themselves with the make/model of the vehicle they’re driving, would you? So why send someone onto a machine in which they know very little about?
• Improper training
  • Does driver’s ed simply show you a 15 minute video presentation, give you a driver’s license and wish you luck on the road? Heck no!
• Confusion between general training and familiarization
  • Do you know the difference? Here’s how ANSI defines the two:
    • Familiarization: “Providing information regarding the control functions and safety devices for the aerial work platform(s) to a qualified person or operator who controls the movement of the aerial work platform(s) being delivered.”
    • General Training: “Instruction to enable the trainee to become a qualified person regarding the task to be performed, including knowledge regarding potential hazards.”
• Misunderstanding of who is qualified to be a trainer
  • ANSI defines a ‘qualified person’ as follows (this pertains to operators and trainers alike):
    • “One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
• Need for clarification of all AWP equipment  stakeholders’ responsibilities
  • ANSI is looking to address certain issues in an updated version of the standards.
• Impact on insurance
  • Although, in a general sense, with appropriate training “accidents” are less likely to happen and therefore less insurance would be claimed/paid out.

In next week’s blog article, we will address many of these issues and shed light upon how to be ‘appropriately’ trained to use an AWP. This should serve as a thought-provoking piece until then, when we will discuss training, being ‘qualified’ and the importance of familiarization for the operator.

I will however, share with you some AWP safety tips. These are very important to follow, as the equipment being operated is potentially dangerous if operated incorrectly. Failure to follow these tips could result in serious injury, or worse. Stay safe, ingrain these in your head, and come back next week for additional best practices for aerial work platforms!

Aerial Work Platform Safety Tips

1. Make sure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
    
2. Maintain and operate elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    
3. Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
    
4. Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
    
5. Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker(s).
    
6. Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest energized overhead lines.
    
7. Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
    
8. Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
    
9. Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
    
10. Use outriggers, if provided.
     
11. Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.

Safety Training Services, Inc. offers aerial work platform training for you and your workers! Our AWP training can be customized to include scissor, boom lift, or both. We provide the participant the necessary knowledge regarding the units operation, hazards and safeguards. This course consists of classwork, written testing and (hands-on) practical evaluation.

Training is administered by professional safety trainers, specialized in delivering operator training for aerial equipment with an engaging course that exposes participants to multi-media content, cause & effect accident videos and current events. We also provide on-site training at your location, alleviating the need for participant travel.

All participants are issued course completion certificate and photo ID cards, (with successful course completion). We provide and maintain all necessary recordkeeping and make it available to our customer whenever you may need it. This training will help to minimize “loss time accidents” and help to maintain or improve your EMR – Experience Modification Rating.

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