Safety rules for tenants of family projects — See Ch. 36.
Safety rules for tenants of high-rise buildings — See Ch. 40.
§ 24-1Preface.
§ 24-2General rules.
§ 24-3Personal conduct; clothing.
§ 24-4Reporting of injuries.
§ 24-5Lifting or moving materials.
§ 24-6Protective devices.
§ 24-7Support structures and machine guards.
§ 24-8Street and highway work areas.
§ 24-9Personal protective equipment.
§ 24-10Motor vehicle operation.
§ 24-11Hand and power tools.
§ 24-12Portable ladders and scaffolds.
§ 24-13Handling materials by mechanical means.
§ 24-14Welding and cutting.
§ 24-15Office and clerical work.
§ 24-16Fire prevention.
§ 24-17Fire protection equipment.
§ 24-18Power mower equipment.
§ 24-19Electric, pneumatic and hydraulic tools.
§ 24-20Garage rules.
§ 24-21Trenches and other excavations.
§ 24-22First aid and resuscitation.
The safety standards contained in this manual have been developed in the interest of the prevention of accidents which might occur to employees of the Woonsocket Housing Authority or to the public. They are based on the latest recommendations of the National Safety Council or as a result of accident investigations.
It is the sincere desire of the Authority to conduct its operations with the utmost regard for your safety and for the safety of the general public.
Management considers no phase of operation or administration as being of greater importance than accident prevention. It is the policy of the Authority, therefore, to provide and maintain safe and healthful working conditions and to follow operating practices that will safeguard all employees and result in safe working conditions and efficient operations.
Safe practices on the part of employees must be part of all operations. No job shall be considered efficiently completed unless the worker has followed every precaution and safety rule to protect himself/herself and his/her fellow workers. The ideals of production and safety must be inseparable.
With the cooperation of all employees in the enforcement and the strict following of these standards, accidents will be prevented and the operation of our properties made as free as possible from these unfortunate mishaps.
It is not practical to include information to meet all contingencies. Workers are always expected to use care and judgment. They should place themselves in a safe and secure position, guard against any possible hazard and should not rely for protection on safety devices or the care exercised by others.
These standards can be superseded or amended only by official bulletin, properly signed and posted. In case of extreme emergency, a supervisor/foreman may modify temporarily such of these standards as he/she may consider necessary to permit proper handling of the specific emergency. In any such case, the supervisor/foreman shall assume full responsibility.
There is no job so important, or emergency so great, that we cannot take time to do our work safely.
Each employee shall carefully review with his/her supervisor those safety rules applying to his or her duties. Safety rules shall be obeyed, and ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse for their violation.
If an employee is called upon to perform work which he/she considers hazardous and not properly protected, the employee shall bring the matter to the attention of the supervisor before commencing work. If questions arise, interpretation rests finally with the supervisor or foreman.
Definitions. As used in these safety rules, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
- APPROVED
- Acceptable to management.
- SHALL
- Indicates mandatory requirement.
- SHOULD
- Indicates a recommended practice.
- SUPERVISOR/FOREMAN
- Any person directly in charge of the work.
Every employee shall perform his/her duties in a careful manner and in accordance with the rules outlined in this manual. No employee shall do hazardous work in which he/she is inexperienced unless under the direct supervision of an experienced and properly qualified fellow employee. Before work of any kind is begun, each employee shall understand thoroughly the job to be done, the possible hazards against which to be guarded and the safe procedures to be followed.
No employee shall use equipment which is not directly connected with his/her duties unless authorized.
The use or possession of intoxicating liquor or illegal drugs by any employee while on duty will not be tolerated. If any employee reports for duty and is suspected to be under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, he/she will not be permitted to work and may be subject to suspension or dismissal.
Horseplay, practical joking and "rough stuff" will not be tolerated under any conditions.
Employees shall wear clothing suitable to weather conditions and the work being done.
Suitable gloves shall be worn when handling rough materials.
Whenever an employee notes a dangerous or hazardous condition of the Authority's properties, operations or equipment which might cause injury to persons, damage to property or interference to services, regardless of whether the condition is in his/her department or another, he/she shall promptly report the condition to his/her supervisor/foreman or proper authority.
In divisions where uniforms are issued, these uniforms shall be worn during duty hours.
Every injury, including minor cuts, scratches, bruises, burns, etc., shall be reported as soon as possible to the worker's immediate supervisor. Unless the injury is of so minor a nature as to require first aid only, it is imperative that prompt professional medical attention be secured.
In case of serious or fatal accidents to employees or others, the injured shall be attended to promptly. The accident shall then be reported immediately to the supervisor or foreman.
It is the responsibility of the person injured to report in writing the injury to his/her supervisor or foreman as soon as possible.
Proper care shall be used when lifting, hauling or pushing to avoid strains and sprains, which are generally due directly to incorrect posture or lack of sufficient manpower.
When lifting or lowering, the following precautions should be taken:
Avoid insecure positions or those in which the back is twisted.
Squat near the object being lifted or lowered, keeping the back as near upright as possible.
Use the arm and leg muscles rather than the back muscles for lifting or lowering.
If there is a feeling of doubt as to your ability to handle the load without strain, stop until help is secured.
If more than one person is handling an object, the weight should be distributed and the lifting and setting down of the object should be done together so that too much weight will not be thrown on one person.
The person in charge of the job shall be responsible at all times for the condition and proper use of protective devices, including erection of warning signs, lights and guards when necessary. It shall be his/her duty to see that every precaution is taken to guard against accidents. This does not relieve the individual employee from his/her responsibility concerning personal protective equipment.
Warning devices, barriers, barricades or guardrails shall be placed to adequately protect the public and employees before excavations or trenches are opened, manhole covers or gratings are removed or other work operations are begun, and they shall not be removed until the excavations have been backfilled or the manhole covers or gratings have been replaced.
Trucks, air compressors, trailers and other equipment shall be so placed as to present the least impediment or hazard to traffic, consistent with a safe working area for the employees. If possible, trucks or equipment shall be placed between the working area and oncoming traffic.
Before working on ladders, scaffolds, trees, stagings or any other elevated supports, care must be taken by the employee and supervisor to be sure that such support will sustain safely the strains to which it may be subjected.
No guard will be removed from a machine while it is in operation.
Machines or power tools shall not be operated with guards removed except where temporary protection is provided. Permanent guards shall be installed as soon as possible.
After vehicular and pedestrian traffic have been checked and the type of protection decided upon by the person in charge, a flagman may be needed until such protection has been placed. For purposes of these rules, a "flagman" is defined as a person assigned to warn approaching traffic. This duty may be temporary or for the duration of a particular job, whichever is needed.
Trucks, compressors and tool carts on the job shall be placed between the oncoming flow of traffic and the work area.
"MEN AT WORK" signs shall be used to define the limits of the work area and to warn all approaching traffic. Traffic cones or similar equipment shall be used to divert traffic smoothly away from and around the work area. At night, such area shall be further guarded by proper markers, signals or lights.
The distance of "MEN AT WORK" signs from the work area depends on volume and speed of traffic.
Flagmen may be needed at road crossings or in similar instances where traffic must be stopped temporarily.
In general, flagmen must face traffic at all times and assume a position free from any possible contact with vehicular traffic and must also wear approved traffic vests.
All crew members are required to wear approved traffic vests when working on streets and highways.
Cones do not do the job of warning signs. Cones merely guide traffic around us. Signs warn of your presence on or adjacent to the highway. Equally important, when the work area is hidden by a curve in the road or hill, warning signs should be placed so that motorists are warned before entering the curve or topping the hill or rise in the road.
Eyeglasses (even with hardened lenses) are not a substitute for goggles. Full-cover goggles or face shields shall be worn when an employee is engaged in or close to work involving:
Drilling or chipping stone, brick, paint, concrete, pipe coatings or metal and the breaking of frozen ground.
Power grinding, buffing or wire-brushing, whether there is a built-in eye shield or not.
Dust or flying particles.
Flame welding, cutting or burning. (Approved colored safety lenses shall be used.)
Drilling with hand or electric drill overhead.
Handling acids, caustics, chlorines, ammonia or other similar liquids or gases, except when approved complete head coverings are worn.
Brush chippers.
Cleaning or scaling pipe.
Thermite (Cadweld®) type welder.
Flying particles caused by other workers, if employee is within the range of such particles. (A suitable screen around the work area may be used instead.)
Working with wet cell automobile batteries when spark might ignite gases from battery (full face shields mandatory).
Any other danger of injury to the eyes. Such goggles or shields shall also be worn whenever the foreman or supervisor so directs.
Power-driven pipe-threading machines.
Approved respirators shall be worn when:
Applying paint or other toxic liquids with pressure spray equipment inside buildings, except in shops where specially approved rooms are provided for this purpose.
Material being buffed creates an abnormal amount of dust.
Welding (or flame cutting) galvanized iron or when melting zinc.
Handling lime or other toxic or caustic powdered chemicals.
Safety shoes should be worn while operating paving breakers, tampers, rotary drills, clay spades and similar impacter-type tools, as well as when handling heavy objects. The wearing of sneakers, sandals or toeless footwear is prohibited.
Gloves suitable for the work shall be worn by all employees handling rough materials and engaged in other work where possible hand injury may result.
Employees shall wear approved hearing protection whenever noise levels exceed the permissible limits set down in the OSHA Regulations [Standard No. 1910.95(a), Table G-16]. A simple test for this is that, if one has to raise his or her voice to be heard, then hearing protection is necessary.
Other protective equipment and devices are provided by the Authority to be used in various types of work. The use of these devices is covered by rules applicable to specific departments.
The Woonsocket Housing Authority makes every effort to maintain good relations with the public. The success or failure of these efforts is evidenced by the amount of good will the public has for the Authority. This good will has been built up through the years by the tact, consideration and courtesy shown by our employees in their many contacts with the public. The way you, as an operator, drive an Authority vehicle will add or detract from that good will. Every driver can create good will by conducting himself/herself so that our reputation on the highway will match our service to the public in other ways.
No employee may operate an Authority motor vehicle without authorization from his/her supervisor/foreman.
Before an employee can be permitted to operate an Authority vehicle, he/she must be properly licensed and be familiar with the state motor vehicle laws and traffic ordinances.
Drivers are required to carry a valid driver's license while operating a motor vehicle and to produce same upon request. Periodically all Authority drivers' licenses will be examined to determine the expiration date and any limiting qualifications imposed on the license by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
No hitchhikers or other unauthorized persons shall be picked up in Authority vehicles.
The driver should make sure that no passenger boards or alights from the vehicle while it is in motion.
The driver shall determine that all his/her passengers are in a safe position.
Passengers should enter and leave the vehicle from the curb side. This also applies to the driver. Where this is impractical, extra precaution should be taken and traffic watched very closely.
Only a safe number of persons should be carried on the front seat of a vehicle.
Avoid unnecessary backing, where possible, by proper parking.
An Authority vehicle should not be backed into an intersection, a heavily traveled road or private property. The vehicle should be driven ahead until a safe place for turning can be found.
When backing, the driver should always have a clear view of the area behind or have a competent helper to guide him/her. Do not rely on rear vision mirrors. If alone, the driver shall walk around the vehicle to check clearances or to determine the presence of children or their toys. Avoid damage to the property of others; do not use private driveways to turn around.
Good housekeeping is an important safety factor in fleet operations as it is in any other phase of our work. All Authority motor vehicle operators shall maintain a clean and safe vehicle.
Daily before leaving the garage or parking area, windshields, headlights, stoplights and directional lights should be tested and cleaned, if needed.
The interior of all vehicles should be clean and free of litter. No material is to be kept on the dashboard.
No vehicle shall leave the garage or parking area until the operator is certain that all of the vehicle's safety equipment is in proper working order.
The operator of a radio-equipped vehicle shall not normally attempt the transmission of radio calls while the vehicle is in motion, which would tend to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. Mobile radio transmitters must not be used near blasting operations, since a possibility exists that electric blasting caps may be set off prematurely by induction.
Parking.
If parking parallel to the curb, the driver should slow to a stop, plainly signaling his/her intention, and he/she should then wave traffic by him/her. He/she should not attempt to back until it is safe to do so.
If parking diagonally to the curb, the driver should slow to a stop, plainly signaling his/her intention, prior to turning into the parking position. Clearance should be carefully watched on both sides.
If parking on a hill, the wheels should be turned toward the curb when heading downhill and should be turned away from the curb when heading uphill. In addition to the above, the emergency brake should be set. Do not rely on turned wheels only, since many instances are known where wheels slide under the weight of the vehicle and then straighten out.
A parked vehicle must not be left unattended with the motor running or with the key left in the ignition switch.
Every truck weighing, unloaded, more than 4,000 pounds and every tractor or trailer, or combination, operated upon the public roads shall be equipped with one pair of approved wheel safety chocks. Whenever such a vehicle is parked on a public road on a grade sufficient to cause such vehicle to move of its own momentum and is left unattended by the operator, said safety wheel chocks shall be securely placed around the rear wheels of such vehicle so as to prevent movement thereof.
In all cases in which an Authority-owned vehicle or a privately owned vehicle being used on Authority business is involved in an accident, the operator shall stop immediately at the scene of the accident.
In the event of personal injury following a vehicle accident, the driver's first duty is to render all possible assistance to the injured. If necessary, a physician or ambulance should be called. If there is a call for assistance, the exact location of the accident and probable injuries should be clearly given.
The Authority driver shall not make any verbal admissions nor sign any statements concerning the cause of the accident or the responsibility thereof.
If the accident involves a parked vehicle or private property and the owner cannot be located, the driver should leave his/her name and address where the owner can find it.
The Authority driver shall obtain all vital information and facts concerning the accident. The names and addresses of witnesses are a vital part of this information.
Upon request, the employee-driver shall give his/her name and address and the name and address of the department for which he/she works. He/she shall also show his/her operator's license and vehicle registration certificate to police authorities and the operator of the other vehicle involved.
All vehicle accidents involving Authority vehicles, no matter how trivial, must be reported as soon as possible.
It is the responsibility of the driver involved in an accident, where the estimate of damage to either vehicle is over $200, to submit the State of Rhode Island motor vehicle accident report to the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
All files, rasps and other hand tools which have a sharp tang shall not be used without approved handles.
Tools, except those normally carried on belts, that must be raised or lowered from one elevation to another, shall be placed in approved tool buckets or firmly attached to handlines.
Tools shall not, under any circumstances, be thrown from place to place nor from person to person.
Tools shall not be left lying around where they may cause tripping or stumbling.
Tools shall never be placed unsecured on elevated places.
When working on or above open grating, a canvas or other suitable covering shall be used to cover the grating in order to prevent tools or parts from dropping to a lower level, or the danger shall be barricaded or guarded by an employee.
Portable electric tools such as electric drills and saws (except those with self-contained power) shall have their frame effectively grounded at all times while connected to a source of power.
The insulation on hand tools shall not be depended upon to protect users from shock.
Hammers with metal handles, screwdrivers or knives with the metal continuing through to the end or side of the handles shall not be used on or near energized electrical equipment.
Chisels, drills, punches, ground rods and pipes shall be held with suitable holders or tongs (not with the hand) while being struck with a sledge by another employee.
Shims shall never be used to make a wrench fit.
Wrenches with sprung or damaged jaws shall not be used and shall be replaced as soon as possible.
Pipe shall not be used to extend a wrench handle for added leverage unless the wrench is designed for such use.
Tools shall be used only for the purpose for which they are designed.
When using a drawknife, an employee shall not brace the work with his/her knee or other parts of his/her body.
When changing air tools, unless equipped with quick-change connectors, the air supply valve ahead of the hose will be closed. The hose shall be bled at the tool before breaking connections.
Compressed air shall not be used to clean clothing while being worn nor used to blow dust or dirt off hair.
When using a screwdriver or other tool, an employee shall place himself/herself in such a position that he/she will avoid injury if the tool should slip.
All tools, regardless of ownership, shall be of an approved type, maintained in first-class condition, and be subject to inspection at any time. A foreman has the responsibility to condemn tools.
Tools with sharp edges shall be so stored and handled that they will not be damaged or cause injury or damage. They shall not be carried in clothing pockets.
When shock tools, such as chisels, punches or drills, become mushroomed or cracked, they shall be dressed, repaired or replaced before further use.
When faces of hammers, sledges or similar tools become chipped or rounded, they shall be repaired or replaced.
Wood handles that are loose, cracked or splintered shall be replaced. Taping or lashing them with wire will not be permitted.
All cutting tools such as saws, wood chisels, drawknives or axes shall be kept in suitable guards unless special compartments are provided for their storage.
An employee shall not use a ladder that has broken, loose or cracked rungs, side rails or braces.
Boxes, crates, chairs or other improvised nonrigid platforms shall not be used to stand on while working.
Only one employee shall work from a portable ladder at one time. If the work requires two employees, a second ladder shall be used.
Ladders shall be inspected frequently and repaired or replaced when found defective.
If a ladder is to be placed where the opening of a door may displace it, the door shall be locked or otherwise guarded.
Wooden ladders shall not be painted. They shall be treated only with a transparent nonconducting material.
Only approved ladders shall be used by employees.
Straight ladders shall not be used unless equipped with approved safety feet. The distance from the foot of the ladder to the support it rests against should equal 1/4 the length of the ladder.
An employee shall not work or stand on either of the top two rungs of a ladder.
Short ladders shall not be spliced together.
A ladder shall never be placed against an unsafe support.
Ladder feet shall be placed on a substantial base.
Ladders shall not be used as scaffold platforms.
While an employee is working on a stepladder (except safety platform ladders) at a point of 10 feet or more above the ground floor, the ladder shall be held by another person.
Stepladder legs shall be fully spread when ladder is in use.
Stepladders shall not be used as straight ladders.
All scaffolds shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to safely support the weight of the workers and materials to which they may be subjected.
Cranes, backhoes and other material-handling mechanisms shall be operated only by authorized persons.
One employee shall give all signals to the operator of a crane, backhoe or other materials-handling mechanism. The operator, however, shall obey the stop signal given by anyone.
No employee shall be under a suspended load, inside the angle of a winch line, nor shall he/she stand or work near a cable, chain or rope under tension unless the nature of his/her work requires it.
Winch lines, ropes or wires shall not be guided by hand when standing within reach of the drum or sheave.
No employee shall ride on a cable, chain, sling or other hoisting attachment or on material being moved by means of a crane or backhoe.
When mobile hoist, cranes, booms or similar lifting devices are used near energized lines or equipment, all persons shall remain in the clear until the lifting device is in a safe position.
Operators shall never leave the vicinity of cranes, joists, backhoes or other lifting devices while a load is suspended.
Trucks in which booms are erected above traveling height shall not be moved except under the immediate direction of a designated employee, who shall give his/her undivided attention to the movement.
Before moving a load, employees shall determine that cables, chains, slings or other attachments are properly applied, that the load is properly balanced and free from entanglements, and that no one is in danger of injury from movement of the load or line.
Employees shall not overload cranes, booms or backhoes.
Backhoes shall not be used to transport any material to or from the job site.
Compressed gases shall be used only by experienced and properly instructed persons.
When welding or cutting in elevated positions, precautions shall be taken to prevent sparks or hot metal from falling onto people or flammable material below.
Suitable fire-extinguishing equipment shall be immediately available at all locations where welding and cutting equipment is used.
Matches shall not be carried by welders or their helpers when engaged in welding or cutting operations.
In dusty or gaseous spaces where there is danger of causing an explosion, welding or cutting equipment shall not be used until it has been determined that the area is safe to enter.
Welding or cutting of any pipeline, tank or empty container shall not be performed until positive proof is obtained that it is free from an explosive mixture of gases. Before welding or cutting closed containers, they shall be vented to the atmosphere or flooded with water to prevent an explosion by expansion or trapped gases.
Adequate ventilation or approved respiratory equipment shall be used while welding in confined spaces or while brazing, cutting or welding zinc, brass, bronze, galvanized or lead-coated material.
Wherever there is danger of escaping gas, a supervisor, foreman, crew leader or designated employee shall remain at the edge of the open excavation prepared to assist in case of emergency.
Combustible material shall be removed from the area before welding.
Employees shall not attempt to weld wires to magnesium anodes.
When not in use, Thermoweld® charges shall be stored in their plastic containers and be protected from excessive heat.
Thermoweld® charges shall be ignited only by means of a flint gun.
Gloves and eye protection shall be worn when using Thermoweld® equipment.
No electrical welding machine, either AC or DC, shall be operated until the machine is properly grounded.
To protect the eyes, face and body during electrical welding and cutting, the operator shall wear an approved helmet, proper protective gloves and clothing. Other employees shall not observe electric welding operations unless they use approved eye protection.
Proper eye protection shall be worn to guard against flying particles of scale when doing such work with welding helmet raised.
A shield shall be placed around welding operations where there is danger to the public or other employees. Pedestrians, particularly children, shall be warned not to watch welding operations.
Warning signs shall be conspicuously placed to alert the public or other employees of the danger from watching arc light.
Matches shall not be used to light a torch; a torch shall not be relighted on hot work. A friction lighter or stationary pilot light shall be used.
Welding hose shall not be repaired with tape.
Employees shall never use copper tubing for splicing welding hose.
When welding equipment is not in use, the cylinder valves shall be closed with regulators and hoses relieved.
Desk drawers, cabinet doors, slides and files shall not be left standing open while unattended.
Common or sharp-pointed pins shall not be used for fastening paper together. Approved staples, clips or other fasteners shall be used.
Cracks or breaks in the electrical cord to a power-driven machine shall be reported promptly.
Machines shall never be adjusted or cleaned while in motion.
Aisles and walkways shall be kept free of tripping hazards.
Exposed moving parts of power-driven office machines shall be covered with suitable guards where possible injury to the operator or other personnel may result.
Aerosol cans and glass bottles shall be placed in separate receptacles from combustible trash.
Chairs, tables and shelves shall not be used as means for climbing. Proper-type ladders or other safe supports must be used to reach material at high elevations.
Pens, pencils, pins, paper clips, etc., should never be put in the mouth.
When working at a high file cabinet that is not bolted to an adjacent file, care must be taken that it does not become top-heavy. Where there are several adjacent files, it is recommended that they be bolted together.
Rings with large settings and other types of jewelry, especially pendants which might be caught in power-operated office machines, shall not be worn while operating such machinery.
Paper cuts and puncture wounds, such as those caused by pens, pencils, pins, etc., shall receive first aid immediately in order to forestall infection.
Care shall be used when passing through doors. The hand must never be placed on the glass of a door when opening it.
Employees shall keep to the right when using the hallways and when going around corners.
Handrails shall be used when ascending or descending stairs.
Matches, rubber bands, pencils, etc., must not be thrown or allowed to remain on floors, landings or stairs.
Running in hallways, up or down stairways or around corners will not be tolerated.
Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all work locations.
Combustible materials such as oil-soaked rags, waste and shavings shall be kept in approved metal containers with self-closing lids. Containers shall be emptied as soon as practicable.
Clean rags or waste shall be kept in metal or metal-lined bins with self-closing covers.
Flammable liquids such as gasoline, benzine, naphtha and lacquer thinner shall not be used for cleaning purposes unless approved methods are employed for their safe use.
In any building, except one provided for their storage, flammable liquids such as gasoline, benzine, naphtha and lacquer thinner shall be stored in UL-approved properly labeled containers of not more than one-gallon capacity.
Subsection E does not apply to kerosene and cleaning agents of the "Stoddard" solvent class, but not more than one gallon of such liquids shall be kept in any open container. The container shall be provided with a proper cover and be kept securely covered except when in actual use.
All solvents shall be kept in approved properly labeled containers. Gasoline, benzine, naphtha, lacquer thinner and other solvents of this class shall be handled and dispensed only in UL-approved properly labeled red safety cans.
Rubbish shall not be allowed to accumulate nor shall grass and weeds be allowed to grow where it will create a fire hazard.
All empty cartons, packing boxes, wrapping materials and dirty rags shall be stored safely, removed from the building and destroyed as soon as practicable.
Fire doors shall be inspected at least once a year. Materials shall not be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the proper operation of fire doors.
Proper signs shall be placed in no-smoking areas, and no-smoking rules shall be strictly enforced.
Matches, cigars, cigarettes and pipe tobaccos shall be disposed of properly.
Fire is potentially a tremendously destructive force. It poses a constant threat not only to you and your place of employment but also to your family at home.
Every employee should recognize his/her responsibility, obey all rules set forth by management for the protection of employees and Authority property against fire, and report immediately any conditions which constitute a fire hazard.
Employees shall be familiar with the location and operation of all fire protection equipment located in their work area.
Fires are divided into three general classes. These classes and the types of extinguishers designed for use on each are:
Class A fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper and rags, where the quenching or cooling effects of water, or a solution containing large percentages of water, is of first importance. Use soda-acid, foam, water, pressurized water or an antifreeze type of extinguisher.
Class B fires in flammable liquids and greases, where a blanketing effect is essential. Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide or a foam-type extinguisher.
Class C fires in electrical equipment where the use of a nonconducting extinguishing agent is of first importance. Use dry chemical or carbon dioxide-type extinguishers. Do not use soda-acid, foam, pressurized water, antifreeze or water-type extinguishers on Class C fires.
Carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers shall not be used.
Employees shall not enter confined spaces after using CO2 extinguishers until the area has been thoroughly ventilated.
When operating power mower equipment, the employee shall use extra caution to prevent flying objects from striking himself/herself or other people and from damaging property, especially glass windows. Pick up loose objects which could cause damage or injury and clear the area of other people when possible.
Keep hands and feet from under the machine and out of the discharge chute while the engine is running.
When mowing a terrace, slope or incline, mow lengthwise (across the face of the slope).
Stop the engine (or motor) and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) (or remove ignition key) on power mowers before adjusting, repairing or replacing cutting blades. If the equipment being used is of the rotary type, special attention shall be given to the condition of the blade-mounting bolt or nut.
Extreme caution shall be taken when pulling a power mower toward feet.
Gasoline cans shall not be carried on rider power mowers.
All electric power-driven tools shall be properly grounded or be of the double-insulated type. When operating electric power-driven tools in wet or damp locations, ground-fault-interrupting (GFI) devices shall be used.
Grinding wheels shall always have the safety guard in place. Approved eye protection shall always be used. Grinding rest shall be properly adjusted to the grinding wheel; side grinding is prohibited.
Drill press. A properly-secured drilling vise shall be used whenever necessary. Chuck keys shall be removed before the drilling operation. Approved eye protection is required when operating a drill press.
Proper clearance shall be maintained around power tools to ensure safe operation.
Only properly instructed employees shall be permitted to use pneumatic tools. When such tools are in use, the operator shall wear eye protection.
Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose or whip by some positive means to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected.
Safety clips or retainers shall be securely installed to prevent attachments from being accidentally discharged.
All energized underground structures shall be located prior to drilling or excavations. Pneumatic tools shall be properly grounded when used in the vicinity of energized underground structures or cables.
Operators of rotating tools, such as grinders, brushes and drills, should wear snug-fitting clothing securely buttoned or fastened so that it will not be caught in the rotating mechanism.
Only employees who have been trained and are qualified in the operation of hydraulic tools shall be permitted to use them.
Air compressor safety valves shall be tested at least twice a year and tagged with the date of test.
Shutoff valves shall not be installed between the air compressor and the safety valve.
Only specified oil shall be used in the crankcase of air compressors. "Diesel" action can cause an explosion if improper oil is used.
Compressed air streams shall not be brought into contact (direct or not) with any portion of an employee's body or the clothing he/she is wearing due to the danger of induction of air into the bloodstream. Only OSHA-approved nozzles shall be used.
Air hoses and fittings shall be maintained in first-class condition. Only approved couplings shall be used.
The pressure shall be released on air hoses or lines before uncoupling or disconnecting them.
Air receivers shall be blown down at intervals as required to prevent the accumulation of water, oil and rust.
The pressure should be released on air receivers when not in use.
Under no condition should anyone work under a vehicle with only a portable jack supporting the vehicle. The person or persons who are to work under vehicles should install stationary jacks before starting work.
Any rags, waste or wiping cloths should be picked up and disposed of in metal containers or cans so they will not start fires by spontaneous combustion.
When oil or grease is spilled on floors it shall be promptly wiped up and a suitable compound shall be spread on the spot to prevent slipping.
Only approved cleaning agents shall be used to clean parts, not gasoline.
Any vehicle in the garage with the engine running for testing or adjusting purposes shall have the exhaust vented to the outside.
The gases given off by storage batteries are highly explosive and all necessary precautions must be taken to prevent ignition from open flame or sparks.
All soil removed from trenches and other excavations shall be piled at least 24 inches from the edge of the excavation, preferably on the side next to traffic.
Where soil or other conditions are such that there is any danger of a cave-in, the side walls of the excavation shall be adequately shored. If shoring materials are not available, the sides of the trench or hole shall be sloped to ensure a safe working condition.
Shock occurs when there is a severe injury to any part of the body from any cause. Shock is easier to prevent than to cure. Every injured person is potentially a patient in shock and should be regarded and treated as such, whether symptoms of shock are present or not.
Proper treatment for shock is as follows:
The patient should be kept warm and comfortable, but not hot. In many cases, the only first aid measure necessary and possible is to wrap the patient underneath as well as on top to prevent loss of body heat.
Keep the patient's body horizontal or, if possible, position him/her so that his/her feet are 12 to 18 inches higher than his/her head. In any case, always keep the patient's head low. The single exception to this positioning is in the case of a patient who obviously has an injury to his/her chest and who has difficulty breathing. This patient should be kept horizontal with his/her head slightly raised to make his/her breathing easier.
Do not let the patient sit up, except as indicated in chest injury or where there is a nosebleed. If there is a head injury and perhaps a fracture of the skull, keep the patient level and do not elevate the feet.
Proper transportation practice is never more imperative than in the case of a person who may develop shock. It constitutes the most important single measure in the prevention and treatment of shock. Use an ambulance if possible. If other means must be used, follow the above points as closely as possible.
There are two approved methods of artificial respiration described here. The preferred method is the mouth-to-mouth (nose) rescue breathing method.
Seconds count! Begin artificial respiration as soon as possible. Do not move the victim unless necessary to remove him/her from danger or to place victim in the proper position for artificial respiration.
Clear the victim's mouth of false teeth or any foreign object or fluids with your fingers or a cloth wrapped around your finger. Watch the victim closely to see that mucous or stomach contents do not clog air passages.
If help is available, have the following taken care of while applying artificial respiration.
Continue uninterrupted rescue breathing until the victim is breathing without help or until there are positive signs of death such as rigor mortis (stiffening of the body).
The change of operators, when necessary, shall be done as smoothly as possible without breaking the rhythm. If necessary to move the victim, resuscitation shall be continued without interruption.
Watch the victim carefully after he/she revives. Do not permit him/her to exert himself/herself.
Mouth-to-mouth (nose) method.
Place victim on his/her back. Place his/her head slightly downhill, if possible. A folded coat, blanket or similar object under the victim's shoulders will help maintain the proper position. Tilt the head back so that the chin points straight upward.
Grasp the victim's jaw and raise upward until the lower teeth are higher than the upper teeth, or place fingers on both sides of the jaw near the earlobes and pull upward. Maintain the jaw position throughout the resuscitation period to prevent the tongue from blocking the air passage.
Pinch the victim's nose shut with the thumb and the forefinger, take a deep breath and place your mouth over the victim's mouth, making airtight contact. If you hesitate at direct contact, place a porous cloth between you and the victim. If the victim is an infant, place your mouth over his/her mouth and nose.
Blow into the victim's mouth (nose) until his/her chest rises. (If an infant, blow gently.) Remove your mouth to let exhalation occur, turning your head to hear the outrush of air. The first eight to 10 breaths should be rapid. As the victim responds thereafter, the rate should be slowed to about 12 times a minute (20 in an infant).
If air cannot be blown in, check the position of the victim's head and jaw and recheck the mouth for obstructions, then try again more forcefully. If the chest still does not rise, turn the victim's face down and strike the back sharply to dislodge the obstruction. Then repeat rescue breathing procedure.
Sometimes air enters the victim's stomach, evidenced by swelling of the stomach. Expel air by gently pressing down on the stomach during the exhalation period.
In those rare instances where two persons working together have stopped breathing, both require resuscitation and only one other worker is available to rescue them, the following method may be used:
The two victims should be placed on their backs with their heads almost touching and their feet extended in a straight line away from each other.
Back-pressure arm-lift method. (Note: This method should not be used for victims having serious arm, shoulder or upper back injury.)
Place the victim in a face-down, prone position. Bend his/her elbows and place his/her hands one upon the other. Turn his/her face to one side, placing the cheek upon his/her hands.
Check for open air passage. Kneel on both knees, facing the victim, with one knee at each side of the victim's head. (If desired, the operator may kneel with one knee at the side of the victim's head, close to the forearm, placing the opposite foot near the elbow.) Place your hands, thumbtips touching, on the victim's back just below the shoulder blades. Spread the fingers downward.
Rock forward slowly to exert pressure, until the arms are almost vertical. Keep your elbows straight.
Release the pressure by flexing your elbows. Rock back on your heels, sliding your hands up the victim's back and out along the arms.
Grasp the arms just above the elbows and pull upward toward you until you feel resistance and tension.
Lower the victim's arms to the ground. This completes the cycle.
Repeat the cycle about 12 times per minute, at a steady uniform rate. The compression and expansion phases should occupy about an equal amount of time, the release periods being of less duration.
To control bleeding, apply direct pressure over the wound area. This can best be done by placing the cleanest material available against the wound and applying firm pressure with your hand.
