TO: All Company Employees

FROM: Safety & Health Program

Safety for our employees has always been a prime concern of this company. We have a
good safety record over the years.
However, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm my belief in a strong safety program,
which will continue to create and thus provide a safe place for all employees to work.
Accident cost time and money, but most of all, accidents often cost lives.
I hope you will share my concern for providing a safe place in which to work, because to
make a safety program effective all of us must work together. Help yourself and your co-
employees to be aware of and practice safe work habits.
Sincerely,

Tony Collins
President
TO: All TGM Job Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen

GUIDELINES FOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND SAFETY RULES

When first moving onto a job site and meeting with the customer’s representative, ask
about and define the following:
1. Emergency first aid for employees, hospital and ambulance services and phone
numbers.

A. Does the plant have a full time first aid person to aid in case of serious
injury?
B. Closest hospital and the phone number.
C. Ambulance: if the plant has one or must an outside service be used, such
as 911.
D. Which plant supervisors to notify in case of an emergency.

2. Plant Emergency Fire Procedures

A. Do they have their own fire brigade?

B. Locations and types of fire extinguishers around or near unit to be worked
on.
C. Evacuation procedures and designated meeting area for our employees.

3. ASBESTOS

A. Location, if asbestos is presents

B. Have customer remove if it is in an area TGM employees will be working
in.
C. Have customer clearly mark all areas in or around TGM working areas
that contain asbestos, and have encapsulated if necessary.
D. If asbestos is present in area, have customer take air samples prior to and
during any work being done. TGM is not in the business of asbestos
abatement and does not have the trained personnel to work in or around
asbestos.

4. Solvents and disposal of waste oil and solvents

A. Who will supply the solvents and disposal?

B. Obtain and keep on file material safety data sheets on all solvents and
gases.
C. Make sure all containers are clearly labeled as to content.

i
 T.G.M. CHECK LIST FOR ALL JOB SITES
1. Are OSHA posters posted (State and Federal)?
2. Is OSHA Form 200 (accident report) posted?
3. Office address and phone numbers (main office and job site) posted for
employees.
4. Is first aid kit properly stocked?
5. Locate and inform employees of locations of emergency showers and eye wash
systems.

6. Hold a safety meeting with employees and explain TGM policies and objectives
on each job site (remember this is a team effort). Have a safety meeting once a
week (or more when necessary). Keep a written record of each safety meeting,
topics discussed and have each employee sign and keep on file.

7. Are all emergency phone numbers posted? Hospital, ambulance, etc.

8. Safety is everyone’s job.

9. Keep job site and work area clean and clear of trip and fire hazards.

10. Are tools in proper working order? Repair or have repaired if needed.

11. Check all electrical cords for bare spots, proper-grounded plugs, etc.

12. Is there a sufficient inventory of:

a. Safety glasses

b. Face shields

c. Rubber gloves

d. Welding gloves

e. Dust masks and/or respirators (if needed)

f. Ear plugs

13. Make sure state employment signs are posted.

ii
 MSDS UNAVAILABE—OSHA NOTIFICATION

Date:

From: (Your Company Name and Address)

To: OSHA—Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20210

Attention: Construction Standards/Hazard Communication Department

Subject: Unavailability of MSDS for (Chemical Name and ID#), from (Name and
Address of Manufacturer or Importer).

Pursuant to the Hazard Communications Standard 29 CFR 1926.59(g)(1)

Material Safety Data Sheets, our company requested writing a MSDS for (chemical name
& ID#) from (chemical manufacture—distributor name & address) on (date). To date we
have not received the requested MSDS.

Be advised that this letter will serve as notice to the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration of our effort to comply with the standards requirements.

iii
 Generic MSDS Available
AGC Computer MSDS and Chemical Information Database
Associated General Contractors of America
1957 E Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 393-2040.
AGC maintains a chemical information database for hazardous chemicals and an MSDS
library. Available upon request to members at a nominal fee.
OHS Occupational Health Services, Inc.
400 Drive
Secaucus, N.J. 07094
(201) 865-7500
Over 10,000 data sheets, mostly on pure chemicals, updates these sheets at least quarterly
with computer tape and microfiche service. The information usually found on
manufacturers’ data sheets us supplemented by other information founding the safety and
health literature. Data sheets are indexed and referenced by substance name, Trade
Name, Chemical Abstracts Registry Number and OHS Number. Available in paper,
microfiche, personal computer format, on-line or computer tape.
HIS Information Handling Services Inc.
15 Inverness Way East
P.O. Box 1154
Englewood, Colorado 80150
(800) 525-7052
Over 36,000 MSDS (about 10500 substances) from over 1100 industrial sources. Ample
cross indices enable retrieval by Chemical Abstract Registry Number, supplier name,
chemical name, brand name, trade name or synonym. New and revised MSDS are
distributed every 60 days. Paper index with microfiche.
Material Safety Data Sheets
Genium Publishing Corporation
1145 Catalyn Street
Schnectady, N.Y. 12303
(518) 377-8854
Publishing by the Genium Publishing Corporation, Schnectady, New York, with selected
updates every 120 days. Detailed information arranged in a format similar to that of the
OSHA Form 20 or OSHA Form 174 is given for over 850 substances. It is available on
VAX minicomputers and Apple and IBM-compatible microcomputers. To aid
compliance with in-house labeling requirements, GENIUM has developed The Label
Handbook for Hazard Communication Compliance, containing model labels for over 500
materials.
iv
Chemtox
VNR Information Services (VIS)
115 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10003
(212) 254-3232
Over 3200 chemicals in MSDS-like format, including identifiers, physical and chemical
properties, toxicological data, regulatory data, emergency response and personal
protection data. Through the uses of the REVELATION database manager and MSDS
ACCESS on IBM and PC-compatibles, users can manipulate and correlate data, store and
retrieve information.
TOXIC ALERT
Hazox
P.O. Box 637
Chadds Fords PA 19317
(215) 388-2030
Databases of MSDS prepared by ICF, Inc. for the Environmental Protection Agency
(about 400 chemicals) and the Northridge TOX Center MSDS (over 1000 chemicals).
Available for IBM PC and PC-compatibles.

v
 Hazardous Chemicals – OSHA’s Definition
A Hazardous chemical under the HCS is any chemical labeled as hazardous by a
recognized authority such as OSHA or the manufacturer and any chemical that can create
an effect on a person even if that effect is temporary. Under the current standard most
chemicals, unless specifically exempted, should be treated as hazardous.
Under the HCS there are no exposure limits set, so any amount of a chemical
could trigger the standards requirements. Potential as well as actual exposure of a
chemical to an employee must be considered when determining what chemicals should be
treated as hazardous.
OSHA defines Hazardous Chemicals as:
1. Any chemical listed in the toxic registry found to be carcinogenic by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
2. Listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on
Carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP)
3. Regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
4. Corrosive as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A 49
CFR Part 173.
5. Highly toxic (any chemical recognized as poisonous).
6. Irritants—a chemical that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living
tissue.
7. Sensitizer—a chemical that cause a substantial proportion of persons or
animals to develop an allergic reaction.
8. Any by-product produced that has any effects listed above.

By-Products
The current scope of the expanded Hazard Communication Standard includes the
production of by-products as potential hazardous chemicals. OSHA cites a specific
example of a by-product, considered a hazardous chemical, as wood dust. OSHA states
that “the potential for exposures to wood dust within the workplace, especially with
regard to respirable particles, is not self evident, nor is it obviously hazardous. However,
wood dust is a recognized health hazard with exposure limit recommended by the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists”.
Using this rational OSHA would also include under HCS coverage any by-
product produced during a construction operation that is a recognized chemical hazard as
defined under the HCS, including: welding fumes, grinding dust, concrete dust, mineral
wool fiber dust and other by-products produced by chemical, mechanical or thermal
action.

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Supervisors
B. Employees
C. Safety and Hazard Training and Pre-Job Talk
1. Training Rules
2. Pre-Job Talk
3. Company Safety Rules
4. General Safety Rules
5. Training Session – sign in for pre-job talk
6. Hazard Communication Standard
7. Safety Meeting – sign in sheet
8. MSDS Collection Poster
9. Hazard Program Poster

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Accidents, fire and Property Damage
B. Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms
C. Employees Break Areas
D. Safety Meetings
E. Security
F. Tool & Office Trailers
G. Vehicles and Traffic Regulations
H. Working in an Operating Unit

III. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. Housekeeping
B. Personal Protective Equipment
1. Head, Eyes and Face
2. Ears
3. Respiratory
4. Hands
5. Feet
6. Safety Belt and Lanyards

C. Tools
1. Hand Tools
2. Power-Operated Hand Tools

I
 D. Equipment
1. Air Compressor
2. Compressed Air
3. Gas Cylinders
4. Hoist and Hydraulic Cranes
5. Hoses
6. Ladders
7. Scaffolds
8. Slings and Rigging
9. Welding and Burning

E. Barricades
F. Electrical
G. Lock and Tag Procedure
H. First Aid and Accident Reporting

IV. TECHNICAL REFERENCE

A. How Cold is the Wind
B. Storage of Cylinders
C. Installation Safety Requirements
D. Wiring Design Protection
E. Wiring Components
F. Assured Equipment Grounding
G. Hazards of Low Voltage Electricity
H. Eye and Face Protection
I. Fires
J. Fire Extinguishers
K. Housekeeping
L. Knots, Shackles and Plank Strength
M. Ladders
N. Operating Signals
O. Power Saws
P. Rigging Equipment
Q. Eyewear Use

V. HAZARD COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK

A. Introduction
B. Hazard Communication Written Program
Container Inventory
Container Labeling
Material Safety Data Sheets

II
 Employee Training
Personnel Protective Equipment
Emergency Response
Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks
Informing Other Employees
C. Chemical Inventory List
D. Chemical Inventory Classification
E. Hazardous Chemicals – OSHA’s Definition
F. List of Stand Chemicals
G. Generic MSDS Available and Sample Letter to
Acquire Them
H. The Hazard Communication Standard
I. Chemical Facts
J. How to Use a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

VI. OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

VII. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
VIII. TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
IX. SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

III
I. INTRODUCTION
This safety manual contains the minimum safety rules and procedures for the
performance of work by Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. employees. TGM
considers safety precautions t be a vital part of daily work and should be an
ongoing concern.
A. Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for the action of their workers. Supervisors

should:
1. Set an example in matters of safety.
2. Personally observe and correct safety violations or any potential
work hazards.
3. Take necessary corrective action against employees who violate
safety standards.
4. Acquaint employees with safety standards.
5. Personally assist in accident investigations.
6. Report all accident, near misses and fires.
7. Correct or report all hazards or violations observed by any
employee.
8. Provide employees with material and equipment that are adequate
to perform their job safely.
9. Maintain their work sites in an orderly manner by insisting on
good housekeeping.
10. Maintain continuous safety planning to cover job where
circumstances have changed and new hazards require new
controls.
11. Conduct safety meetings.

B. Employees

Employees should abide by all safety regulations and be advised that

repeated safety violations will be grounds for dismissal. The following
should also be adhered to:
~ no horseplay or running in plant
~ proper dress, no sleeveless shirts or tank tops
~ no wandering through customer property
~ no sleeping at jobsites
~ no modifying of personal safety equipment
~ attendance to safety meetings is required

1-1
 TRAINING – AN EMPLOYER OBLIGATION
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry 29 CFR Part
1926.21 (b), Safety Training and Education states, “The employer shall instruct each
employee in the recognition of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his
work environment to control or eliminate any hazards of other exposure to illness or
injury”.
Training can take many forms and is synonymous with education and can be attained in a
number if ways.
1. Company Safety Rules – Issuance of your company’s safety rules on each job
site when it first gets underway. Employees should read the rules and understand them.
The issuance of these rules should be logged and signed receipts should be kept on file.
Each new employee, as he arrives on the job, should be approached in the same manner.
Special attention should be given to the training of new apprentices.
2. Periodic Safety Talks – Contractors should attempt to hold a safety talk with
their employees on a weekly basis. The talk may consist merely of restating the company
safety rules of warning of dangerous conditions which exist during that phase of the
project. A particular subject may be covered, such as trenching, shoring, or fire
prevention, in what us referred to as “Tool Box Talks.”
3. Changed Conditions – When a new phase of the job operation begins or when
new hazardous materials are brought on the site, employees should be made aware of
new or added potential dangerous situations that might occur and the proper action
employees can take to maintain a safe workplace.
4. Safety Equipment – Employees should not simply be issued protective
equipment. They should be instructed as to its proper and safe use.
5. Consistency/Redundancy – The employer must consistently and routinely
entertain the concept of safety training. Once is not enough. At the indoctrination
meeting of new employees on a project, on through the follow-up weekly safety talks, the
central theme must be to dwell on employees not committing unsafe acts.
6. Management Follow-Up – Management must not be content with advising
employees on unsafe practices. A follow-up of employee’s actions must be made. The
Supervisor (s) must be instructed to watch for employees committing unsafe acts.
Employees should be reprimanded when found doing unsafe acts.

1-2
7. Documentation – All actions taken by Management as it relates to Safety
Training/Education should be documented. Documentation of good faith efforts in
meeting the training requirements can be invaluable in defending a lawsuit that resulted
from an injury due to an unsafe act by an employee. Also, documentation substantiates
your commitment to and compliance with the OSHA Training Requirements.
8. Individual/Group Instruction – Safety Education can e aimed at a group such as
at a weekly safety talk or at an individual as in a case where the employee is being given
instruction of use of a new tool, etc., by the Supervisor (s). Whichever the case may be,
it should be documented. Many contractors do a great deal of safety training but do not
document their efforts and so compliance with the training requirements is difficult to
prove.

IN SUMMARY
Safety training must be ongoing. It must be given to all employees and members of
management. Documentation of instruction and other forms of safety awareness
techniques must be made. Never assume everyone knows the safest way of
performing his or her task.

1-3
 TRAINING RULES

1. At the beginning of each job, the superintendent will have a “pre-job talk”
with all members of the crew, the foremen and the project
manager/expediter.

2. The company safety rules will be presented.

3. Plant rules will be explained.

4. All participants will sign in their attendance on “Training Session on

Hazard Communication.”

5. Superintendents will also explain Hazard Communication Standard and

update chemical list for each job.

6. Superintendent/Expediter will post safety rules, MSDS collection poster,

emergency phone numbers and the poster stating TGM has a Hazard
Communication Program.

7. Safety meetings should be held weekly. The safety meeting attendance

sheet should be filled out and faxed to the Cape Coral office. Safety rules
should be reviewed at each meeting. Any hazards on jobs should be
reported. Other safety meeting subjects can be found in Tool Box
Talks Section.

1-4
 PRE-JOB TALK

1. Introduce myself as Project Manager/Superintendent, then introduce other

Turbine Generator Management.

2. Explain job objective, importance of harmony between shifts (family

approach).

3. Explain Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. Policy.

4. Explain Plant Rules – (Do not wander around plant or use plant facilities).

5. Importance of proper procedures and labeling of parts, bolts, etc. A place

for everything and everything in its place. Lock and tag out procedures.

6. Safety procedures: In case of injury…In case of fire…In case of

explosion…In case of natural disaster…Designate meeting place for head
count in case of an emergency.

7. Job Safety: Use of solvents, safety equipment, guards on grinders, etc.;

face shields, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, compressed air, etc.

8. There was no drug-alcohol test given when you were hired, however, if
you are injured, you will be given a drug-alcohol test at that time. Talk
about drug-alcohol abuse form.

9. Coffee Breaks – Lunch – Supper – Give length of time of breaks and times
they should be taken.

10. Fire Extinguishers: Locations and Which to Use and How to Use.

1-5
 COMPANY SAFETY RULES

ALL EMPLOYEES WILL ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING RULES:

1. Immediately report unsafe conditions, acts, tools and equipment to their

immediate Supervisor.

2. Promptly report all injuries to their immediate Supervisor.

3. Wear hard hats on the jobsite at all times.

4. Use eye and face protection where there is danger from flying objects or
particles, such as when grinding, chipping, burning and welding, etc.

5. Dress properly. Wear appropriate work clothes, gloves and shoes or

boots. Loose clothing, tennis shoes and jewelry must not be worn.

6. Never operate any machine unless all guards and safety devices are in
place and in proper operating condition.

7. Keep all tools in safe working condition. Never use defective tools or
equipment.

8. Properly care for and be responsible for all personal protective equipment.

9. Be alert and keep out from under overhead loads.

10. Do not operate machinery if you are not an authorized operator.

11. Do not leave materials in aisles, walkways, stairways, roads or other

points of egress.

12. Practice good housekeeping at all times.

13. Riding material hoists or other moving equipment is prohibited except on

seats provided.

14. Place ladders on substantial base and do not use ladders with broken, split
or missing rungs or rails. All ladders are to extend at least three feet above
the landing platform and be securely fastened.

15. Gasoline in amounts of 5 gallons or less must be stored and transported in

safety cans only. Engines must be shut off when refueling and no
smoking anywhere near flammable liquids.

1-6
16. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position and caps
must be on when not in use. (29CFR 1926.350)

17. Where flammable gas is being used, a fire extinguisher is required to be

close at hand at all times when burning or welding is being done. (29CFR
1926.150)

18. The use, possession, transportation, solicitation or sale of drugs (illegal

drugs or unprescribed drugs) by anyone while on company business or
premises is absolutely prohibited. In addition, the company prohibits any
employee being at work or working under the influence of drugs,
irrespective of the degree of physical or mental impairment the employee
may be experiencing. This policy includes the intentional misuse of
prescribed drugs as well as the illegal use of unprescribed drugs. Any
violation of these rules by an employee while on company business or
premises will be cause for disciplinary action ranging from verbal or
written reprimand to immediate discharge and referral to law enforcement
agencies.

19. Safety rules must be posted in a conspicuous place and must be obeyed
and not removed except by management’s authorization.

20. Comply at all times with all known federal, state and local safety laws,
employer regulations and policies.

21. Horseplay causes accidents and will not be tolerated.

Violations of any of these rules will be cause for immediate disciplinary

action up to and including discharge.

1-7
 GENERAL SAFETY RULES
1. ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES, regardless of their nature, shall be reported
to your supervisor for immediate attention.

2. JOB CLEANLINESS shall be practiced on all construction projects.

Excess material or material no needed on present operation shall be
stockpiled or stacked until needed. Protruding nails, wires, etc., shall be
bent over, cut or pulled out immediately. Debris shall not be allowed to
accumulate and shall be removed frequently.

3. HARD HATS shall be worn on the job by all personnel.

4. SAFETY GLASSES, GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELDS, shall be worn on

all concrete breaking, metal chipping, welding or other operations where
eye injuries may result.

5. SHOES shall be first grade, hard soled and ankle high.

6. CLOTHING shall be appropriate to duties being performed and should not

include cuffed trouser, torn or loose clothing.

7. EXCAVATION AND TRENCH CONSTRUCTION shall, where there is

danger of slides or cave-ins, be braced on sloped to an angle to relieve
danger or cave-ins of the material being excavated.

8. HAND TOOLS, shall not be used for any other purpose than that intended
and all damaged or worn parts promptly repaired or replaced.

9. POWER TOOLS, shall be operated only by authorized personnel, with

guards furnished by the manufacturer “in place”, and if electrical, shall be
grounded.

10. POWER ACTIVATED TOOLS shall be used only by delegated persons

who have been instructed and trained in their safe use.

11. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS, shall be chained or otherwise

secured in an upright position and shall be placed in cylinder carts
whenever being transported to different locations on the project.

1-8
12. SOURCES OF IGNITION shall be prohibited from areas where
flammable liquids are stored or issued and appropriate warning signs shall
be posted at these locations.

13. INTOXICATING BEVERAGES, possession or use before or during

working hours is strictly forbidden.

14. RIDING OF EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED, no person shall ride any hook,

hoist or other material handling equipment.

15. MACHINERY WHEN OPERATING, shall NOT be oiled, cleaned,

adjusted or refueled.

16. WELDING AND BURNING OPERATIONS shall be carried on only by

authorized personnel with appropriate individual protective equipment.

17. GLOVES shall be worn by men handling debris, old lumber and rough or
sharp edged material.

18. SUPERINTENDENT OR FOREMAN, shall enforce these safety rules,

instruct men in performing duties in a safe manner, put men to work in
place only when he is sure that no dangerous condition exists and instruct
new men in regards to these safety rules.

19. HORSEPLAY OR PRACTICAL JOKES shall not be permitted on the

job, during, before or after working hours.

20. ALL POSTED SAFETY RULES shall be obeyed and shall not be
removed except by management’s authorization. Violation of these safety
rules may be cause for dismissal of any employee.

1-9
 TRAINING SESSION ON HAZARD COMMUNICATION

I know where the Material Safety Data Sheets for my work are kept.
I understand the safe work procedures and precautions to be taken when working these
products including use of protective equipment and/or apparel.
I know where emergency supplies are kept.
I know where the emergency phone number and Hazard Communication Information are
posted.
I am aware that I may review copies of the hazardous chemical list, the company’s
written program and MSDS’s.
Job Location or Name: ____________________________________ Date: ___________
Attendees:
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

1-10
 THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely
with hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.
The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly
label chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user
of their products.
Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical
Inventory List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make
available information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.
Employers must provide training to workers in: the provision of the Hazard
Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use,
Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine tasks
and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid
measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are
brought into the workplace.
The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train
employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at
the jobsite.
Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program
and Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material
Safety Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to
talk to, to review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.
Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide
you with access to the needed information but its up to you to handle chemicals safely
and to use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are
working with chemicals.

1-11
Safety Meeting – Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.
Date: _______________________________________
Location: ____________________________________
Conducted by: ________________________________

Items Discussed:
1) __________________________________________
2) __________________________________________
3) __________________________________________

Employee Safety Recommendations:

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Attendees:
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

1-12
THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET COLLECTION
For hazardous chemicals on this jobsite is located at:
THE WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
For this jobsite is located at:
THE HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL LIST
For this jobsite is located at:
Questions regarding chemicals, chemical handling or health and safety
should be directed to:

1-13
 THIS COMPANY HAS A WRITTEN
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
IN COMPLIANCE WITH OSHA 1926.59

In accordance with the standard the following items are available to you on request.
* Copy of the company Written Hazard Communication Program
* Copy of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
* Copy of the company’s List of Hazardous Chemicals for your workplace
* Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for any covered chemicals to which your
are exposed.

TO OBTAIN ANY OR ALL OF

THIS INFORMATION CONTACT
YOUR SUPERVISOR

1-14
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Accidents, Fire and Property Damage

1. The Supervisor will be notified immediately in the event of any

death, occupational disease, disabling injury of potentially
significant injury to a TGM employee.

2. A written report must be submitted by the Superintendent on every

injury requiring medical treatment of any kind, to the Cape Coral
office no later than 10:00 A.M. of the day following the injury.
Forms will be supplied by Cape Coral.

3. Employees must report injury to their immediate supervisor even

though it may be considered slight.

4. All “near misses” involving employees or equipment must be

reported to the Superintendent.

B. Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms

1. The possession or use of drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated

anywhere on any jobsite, including parking lots.

2. Firearms will not be brought onto any jobsite, including parking

lots.

3. Violators are subject to immediate termination.

C. Employee’s Break Areas

1. Areas will be assigned by the Superintendent.

2. No sleeping allowed.

3. Employee must remain in assigned area and not wander about

jobsite.

D. Safety Meetings

1. Contractor’s supervisors will hold a documented weekly

“gangbox” safety meeting.

2-1
 2. The topic will be listed and each employee shall sign his or her
name.

3. A completed copy will be submitted to the Cape Coral Office by

10:00 A.M. of the following day.

E. Security

1. Tools and equipment should be marked with TGM identification.

2. Superintendents are responsible for securing TGM tools and

equipment on jobsite.

3. All losses of tools, equipment or break-ins must be reported

immediately to the Superintendent.

4. Lay-down areas will be assigned by Superintendent.

F. Tool and Office Regulations

1. Location and set-up will be controlled by the Superintendent or

Expediter.

2. Areas around trailers shall be kept clean and in an orderly manner.

3. Trailers should be locked when unoccupied.

G. Vehicle and Traffic Regulations

1. Automobiles and trucks permitted to enter plant may be limited.

Permission will be controlled by the Superintendent.

2. No employee shall ride on the sides, running board or tailgate of

any transport vehicle.

3. No employee shall ride atop equipment or materials being

transported.

4. Hauled materials that overhang the sides or ends of a truck shall be

red-flagged at the extent of the overhang.

2-2
 5. No vehicle or equipment will be left in emergency lanes
unattended.

6. All plant traffic signs and signals will be obeyed.

H. Working in an Operating Unit

1. Supervisors should make themselves aware of chemicals or

products existing in a work area and are responsible for advising
their employees and providing suitable personal protective
equipment. Material safety data sheets should be available from
customer.

2. No unscheduled work will take place within an operating unit.

3. No equipment, materials or tools will obstruct or create a safety

hazard to customer’s personnel.

2-3
III. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. Housekeeping
1. All jobsites are to be maintained in a clean, safe and orderly
fashion. The customer representative should be contacted
concerning proper disposal of waste material.
2. All tools, materials and equipment must be stored in a stable
manner to prevent them from rolling or falling.
3. Routine clean up is required at the jobsite as well as break areas.
4. Lay-down areas will be kept in order.
5. Spills will be immediately cleaned up.

B. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Head, Eyes and Face

a. Hard hats are to be worn at all times as well as safety
glasses when required. Over-the-counter sunglasses that
are not industrial grade are prohibited.
b. TGM will not provide prescription safety glasses.
c. Goggles must be worn when:
(1) Entering designated areas.
(2) Handling chemicals.
d. Persons in close proximity to employees performing work-
requiring goggles or face shields must also wear them.
2. Ears
a. Approved ear protection will be worn in all designated
areas identified by signs.
b. Approved ear protection must be worn when in close
proximity to high noise level equipment.
3. Respiratory – TGM is responsible for providing acceptable
respiratory protection for employees if it is required.

3-1
4. Hands
a. Gloves – Suitable gloves are to be worn on all work where
hand injuries are likely to occur.
(1) Chemical gloves – coated gloves are for special
type work (example: Solvents, Corrosives).
(2) Di-electrically tested lineman rubber gloves are to
be used on all power line work and when there is
possible contact with energized circuits.
(3) Leather gloves – Leather or specially treated flame
retardant gloves must be used while welding or
performing similar flame work. Plastic, cloth or
similar gloves of combustible material should not
be worn.
(4) Cotton gloves – for general-purpose work.
b. Tag Lines
(1) Tag lines are to control loads and keep personnel
away on all lifts made by mechanical equipment.
(2) Do not wrap tag line around your hands or body.
(3) Shall be used on all loads to control swing.
(4) Suspended loads must be tied off while being
moved by a mobile crane.
5. Feet
a. Safety shoes are strongly recommended.
b. Canvas shoes, sneakers, sandals or similar type shoes are
not allowed.
6. Safety Belt and Lanyards – Are to be worn by employees when
performing work in elevated positions where the use of scaffolds
or ladders is impractical and where a slip might result in a serious
fall. Lanyards are to be attached above the employee to an object
of sufficient holding strength. Lanyards should be tied off to result
in a minimum fall. Lanyard length will be such that it will permit
a fall of no more than 6 feet.

3-2
C. Tools
1. Hand Tools
a. Wrenches, including adjustable, pipe end and socket, shall
not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage
occurs.
b. Wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or
cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.
c. Uninsulated conductive tools shall no be used in or around
live electrical wiring.
d. Tools shall not be used for other than their designed purpose.
e. 2.
2. Power-Operated Hand Tools
a. The use of unsafe power-operated hand tools is not
permitted.
b. All manually held pneumatic, electric-power or hydro-blast
tools shall be equipped with a “dead man” type control which
shall not be locked or secured in the “on” position.
c. When power-operated tools are designed to accommodate
guards, they shall be equipped with such guards when in use.
Guards shall not be modified.
d. All electric powered tools shall be either of the approved
double-insulated type or grounded.
(1) Use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering of
tools shall not be permitted.
e. Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to hose or whip by
some positive means.
(1) Air pressure must be valve off and bled down
before adjusting, changing tools or disconnecting
the hose.
(2) Manufacturer’s safe operating standards for hose,
pipes, valves, filters and other fittings shall not be
exceeded.
C. Equipment
1. Air Compressors
a. Location of compressors shall be as near work as possible for
reducing hose use.
3-3
 b. Noise level will be considered when locating compressor.
2. Compressed Air
a. Do not use compressed air to:
(1) Cleaning clothing,
(2) Blow air on another person,
(3) Clean up floors in lieu of using a broom or wash-up
hose.
b. Where compressed air must be used to clean machinery,
goggles must be worn by both the employees using the air
and others in the area. Safety glasses are not the proper eye
protection when using compressed air.
3. Gas Cylinders
a. Gas and oxygen cylinders shall be handled with care,
properly supported in an upright position away from any
source of heath or flame and securely tied off. All cylinders
not in use shall have their caps in place.
b. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders, full or empty, shall not be
stored together.
c. Never transport an acetylene cylinder in the horizontal
position.
d. Cylinder valves must be closed when cylinders are not in use
and the hose pressure must be bled down.
e. Acetylene valves must not be opened more than one and one-
half turns.
f. Oxygen valves must not be opened more than one and one-
half turns.
g. Gas cylinders shall not be placed beneath welding or burning
operations.
4. Hoist and Hydraulic Cranes
a. The Supervisor shall verify weights of loads to be lifted. No
load shall be lifted which exceeds the manufacturers rated
capacity of the crane.
b. Operator shall not leave his position at the controls while the
load is suspended.
c. A tag line shall be used for controlling all loads.
3-4
 d. No one shall ride on the load, hook or ball of any crane.
e. Cranes shall not be used for side pulls unless authorized by
the customer.
f. Chainfalls are not to be secured to handrails.
g. Wire rope shall be removed from service when:
(1) There is evidence of heat damage.
(2) Abrasion, scrapping, flattening or pulling causing a
loss of more than one third of the original diameter
of outside wires occurs.
5. Hoses
a. Hose shall not be crimped to reduce or shut-off pressure.
b. Only hose in good condition shall be used.
6. Ladders
a. Ladders obstructing passageways shall be barricaded or
adequately protected from sudden jolts.
b. When ascending or descending a ladder, the user must face
the ladder and used the side rails for hand support.
c. All ladders shall be equipped with safety shoes to prevent
slipping.

d. The top two (2) rungs of a straight ladder or the top of a

stepladder or platform ladder shall not be used to stand on.

e. Only one worker shall be allowed to work from a ladder

unless it is designed for two people.

f. Extension ladders shall not be taken apart in order to use the

tow sections separately.

g. Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels or other

unstable bases to obtain additional height.

h. Ladders with improvised repair shall not be used.

i. Job made ladders will not be permitted without approval of a

Supervisor.

j. Stepladders and platform ladders must be fully opened and

locked while being used.

3-5
7. Scaffolds

a. The following rules apply to all scaffolds:

(1) Scaffold materials shall be inspected prior to the

erection of the scaffold. All scaffolds and parts
must be kept in safe condition and any material or
parts that have deteriorated or have been damaged
shall be removed from the Owner’s property.

(2) All scaffolds must be plumb and level at all times.

(3) All work levels of a scaffold must, if practical, be

fully planked. If, of necessity, a work platform is
not completely planked, personnel working on that
platform must use properly tied off safety belts.

(a) Scaffold boards shall be used exclusively for

work platforms.

(4) All scaffolds shall be guyed and tied off at every 18

feet of elevation.

(5) All scaffolds, regardless of height must be equipped

with an access ladder easily accessible and lined up
from top to bottom.

(6) All scaffolds, regardless of height, must be

equipped with handrails at a height sufficient to
provide maximum personnel safety. Scaffolds over
10 feet in height must also be equipped with
midrails whenever some work is to be performed
below the height of the handrail. The midrail may
be omitted where it would interfere with access to
the work platform. If the location of the scaffold
prohibits the use of handrails or midrails, the
Superintendent must approve the scaffold prior to
use.

3-6
 (7) Where one side of a scaffold is left open (without
guardrails) to facilitate work being performed (such
as against building walls or tank walls), there shall
be no gaps greater than 11 inches between the work
platform and the adjacent structure.

(8) All scaffolds over 10 feet in height must be

equipped with toe boards at least 4 inches (1”x4”
nominal) in height on all sides. Additionally, if
people are working near the base of the scaffold, the
area must be barricaded or taped off. Where the
circumstances are such that toe boards cannot be
installed, the Superintendent must approve the
scaffold prior to its use.

(9) Scaffolds must not be used as material hoist towers

or for mounting derricks without first determining
the loads and stresses involved.

b. The following rules apply to all patented metal scaffolds:

(1) Scaffolds must be erected with proper fixtures made

from each type of scaffolding. Scaffolding and
associated equipment must not be modified in any
manner that reduces the manufacturer’s designated
performance.

(2) Do not force braces to fit. Adjust evenness of

scaffold until proper fit can be made with ease.

(3) Horizontal diagonal bracing shall be used at bottom

and intermediate levels of twenty feet.

(4) A minimum or 2x2 inch cleats shall be secure under

side each end of plank with 2-1/4 inch carriage bolts
or accepted nails. An acceptable substitute must be
approved by the Superintendent.

c. Scaffold work platforms must meet the following

requirements:

3-7
 (1) Lumber used in construction of scaffolds shall be of
scaffold grade. Planking shall be of No. 2 scaffold
grade and shall not be painted all over, as this
would conceal defects. When wooden handrails are
to be used, nothing less than 2x4 inch (nominal)
material shall be used for this purpose.

(2) The normal size of planking shall be determined

from Table I. These values are for planks with the
wide face up, with the loads concentrated at the
center. Loads given in the table are net. Allowance
has been made for the weight of the planking. If
select structural coast region Douglas fir or
merchantable structural square and sound Southern
pine is used, the loads may be increased 45 percent.
(3) Planks used for platforms shall be of uniform
thickness, laid close together. These plants must
extend at least six (6) inches but no more than
twelve (12) inches beyond the end support.
(4) All nails used in scaffold construction shall be
driven full length. If double headed nails are used,
they shall e driven to the first head only and may
not be used on platforms or walkways. No nail
smaller than 8d shall be used in this construction
and enough nails must be driven to support the
designed loads. The design must e such that no nail
is subject to direct pull.
(5) Where beams are used in scaffolding, the schedule
of loads shown in Table II shall e followed.
8. Slings and Rigging
a. Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and
attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a
competent person designated by the Superintendent.
Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use,
where service conditions warrant.
b. Temporarily repaired slings are not allowed.
c. Whenever any sling is used, the following practices shall be
observed:

3-8
 (1) Slings that are damaged or defective shall not be
used.
(2) Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or
other makeshift devices.
(3) Sling leg shall not be kinked.
(4) Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated
capacities. When appropriate, use tag lines to
control loads.
(5) Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads
balanced to prevent slippage.
(6) Slings shall be securely attached to their loads.
(7) Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp
edges of their loads.
(8) Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all
obstructions.
(9) All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to
be lifted and of suspended loads.
(10) Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the
sling and its load while the sling is being tightened
around the load.
(11) Shock loading is prohibited.
(12) A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when
a load is resting on the sling.
(13) Shackles shall be used where multiple slings are
involved.
(14) Shackles shall be used when two slings have to be
“tied” together.
(15) When using a shackle, the “running” end of the rope
or sling shall be over the curve of the shackle and
not over the shackle pin.
(16) When making temporary eye on a wire cable using
clips, ensure the clips are installed so that the U-bolt
bears against the short end of the wire cable.
d. When synthetic slings are used, the following precautions
shall be taken:
3-9
 (1) Nylon web slings shall not be used where fumes,
vapor sprays, miss or liquids of acids or phenolics
are present.
e. Synthetic well slings shall be immediately removed from
service if any of the following conditions are present:
(1) Acid or caustic burns.
(2) Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface.
(3) Snags, punctures, tears or cuts.
(4) Broken or worn stitches.
(5) Distortion of fittings.
f. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately
removed from service if any of the following conditions are
present:
(1) Abnormal wear.
(2) Powdered fiber between strands.
(3) Broken or cut fibers.
(4) Variations in the size or roundness of strands.
(5) Discoloration or rotting.
(6) Distortion of hardware in the sling.
g. Persons performing rigging will be qualified -
(1) Load in center of hook, never on the point.
(2) Never use plate grips, tongs, pipe clamps, etc., as
substitute for beam clamps.
(3) Hooks, shackles, beam and beam clamps shall be
inspected prior to each use.
(4) Never allow foot traffic beneath load.
(5) Loads shall e “test lifted” for load stability.
(6) Workers in area of swing loading shall be warned.
9. Welding and Burning
a. Pipelines containing gases or flammable liquids or conduits
containing electrical circuits, shall not be used as a ground
return.

3-10
b. When a structure or pipeline is employed as a ground return
circuit, it shall be determined that the required electrical
contact exists at all joints. The generation of an arc, sparks
or heat at any point shall cause rejection of the structures as
a ground circuit.
c. Cable lugs shall be securely fastened together to give good
electrical contact and the exposed metal parts of the lugs
shall be completely insulated.
d. Fire extinguishers shall be kept within reach of all welding,
cutting or brazing operations.
e. Welding cable not in us shall be stored on an appropriate rack
or neatly coiled out of walking area.
f. Electrode holders and welding cables shall not be allowed to
contact any compressed gas cylinders.
g. Welding cables shall be spread out (uncoiled) before use to
avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation.
h. Welding cables should be frequently inspected for damage.
i. Welding cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare
conductors shall be repaired or replaced.
j. All fire hazards or flammable material near welding
operations shall be removed or protected against heat, sparks
and hot slag.
k. After welding operations are completed, the welder shall
mark the hot metal or provide some other means of warming
other workers.
l. Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved
devices and not by matches or from hot work.
m. Do not lay a lighted torch down or attempt to ascend a ladder
with a lighted torch.
n. Hoses shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders and stairs.
o. For quick closing, valves on gas cylinders shall not be
opened more than 1-1/2 turns. All oxyacetylene regulators
must be equipped with antiflashback valves.
(1) At workday end, all torches will be disconnected
from leads and stored.
(2) Acetylene regulator pressure must not exceed 15
psig to avoid possibility of fire or explosion.
3-11
 E. Barricades
1. Barricades shall be erected around jobs that present hazards such
as falls, falling objects, spilling chemicals or open floor holes.
2. Only authorized personnel shall enter a barricaded area.
3. All barricades must be removed when the temporary hazard no
longer exists.
F. Electrical
1. All electrical tools and equipment used on the job shall be
grounded.
2. All portable lights shall have hoards to protect the bulb.
3. Worn or frayed electric cables shall not be used.
4. Electric cords shall not be strung across wet ground or wet floors.
5. Before working on a de-energized circuit, it shall be tested with a
voltage-measuring device to see that it has been properly cleared.
Prove the instrument on a live circuit before and after testing the
circuit to be worked on.
6. Electric cords not in use shall be neatly coiled and stored.
G. Lock and Tag Procedure
1. Lock and tag procedure is a safety system used to prevent
accidents and injuries. Its purpose is to establish and maintain safe
conditions for a particular job or situation and to clearly determine
the end of the job or situation.
a. The Superintendent and the customer representative control
all locks and tags.
b. All Supervisors whose employees will directly or indirectly
be affected by this system shall attend a safety meeting
covering this procedure.
c. Under no conditions shall any employee:
(1) Remove or alter locks or tags.
(2) Operate a tagged or locked control point.
(3) Use or cause to be used a tagged or locked system.

3-12
To: All TGM Job Managers, Superintendents, and Foreman
 RESPIRATORY PROGRAM
TGM Responsibility
OSHA Standards (1910.134) require that the proper respirator be provided and used
where there are inhalation hazards. As an employer your must anticipate and identify the
hazards and provide the proper respiratory protection and instruct the employees in its
use.
As in all Safety Procedures, TGM and our Job Managers, Superintendents and Foreman
are required to take the initiative in respiratory protection requirements. It is up to us to
analyze the work coming up and specify and supply the proper respirator and then
enforce its use. The chart below outlines the Selection of Respirators. This information,
coupled with requirements shown on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and job
knowledge should dictate the type of respiratory protection to be used.
Employees should not be assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators, unless it has
been determined that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment.
A local physician should determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent if
necessary.
Where practical, the respirators should be assigned to our employee for their exclusive
use.
1. All respiratory protective devices shall be acceptable to the U.S. Department of
Labor for the specific contaminant to which the employee is exposed.
2. Respirator Selection.

The chemical and physical properties of the contaminant, as well as the toxicity
and concentration of the hazardous material, shall be considered in selecting the
proper respirators. Also see the MSDS for this information.
3-13
CHART

3-14
3. Selection, issuance, use and care of respirators.

Employees required to use respiratory protective equipment approved for use in

atmospheres immediately dangerous to life shall be thoroughly trained in its use.
Employees required to use other types of respiratory protective equipment shall
be instructed in the use and limitations of such equipment.
Respiratory protective equipment shall be inspected regularly and maintained in
good condition. Gas mask canisters and chemical cartridges shall be replaced as
necessary so as to provide complete protection. Mechanical filters shall be
cleaned or replaced as necessary so as to avoid undue resistance to breathing.
Respiratory protective equipment which has been previously used shall be cleaned
and disinfected before it is issued by TGM to another employee. Emergency
rescue equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected immediately after each use.
4. Respirator Storage and Maintenance

Respirators shall be stored in the office trailer in a convenient, clean and most
sanitary location.
Prior to the start of any job, all respirators shall be inspected and cleaned. Any
worn or deteriorated parts should be replaced.
At many job sites, our customers require respiratory training/guidelines for our
employees. It is your responsibility to maintain those requirements.

3-15
CHART

3-16
 FIRST AID AND ACCIDENT REPORTING
1. First aid is defined as the IMMEDIATE and TEMPORARY care given the victim
of an accident or sudden illness until the services of a physician can be obtained.
2. Each job shall have sufficient first aid supplies to care for their particular size
work force.
3. Each job shall have posted by a telephone the name, number and address of a
doctor, clinic, hospital and ambulance service.
4. In emergency cases, always use an ambulance, never a car or truck.
5. Never move a person with a broken or fractured bone unless there is greater
danger in leaving him where he is.
6. Use extreme care in case of fractured spine, neck or skull. Do not move the
person and get immediate medical help.
7. In cases of near drowning, gas poisoning, electric shock, heart failure or
suffocation, attempt to restore breathing with artificial respiration while another
person calls for a fire department resuscitator.
8. In cases of severe bleeding attempt to control bleeding by putting a clean cloth
over wound and applying direct pressure.
9. The most important thing to do for an injured person is to keep him quiet,
protected and reassured that everything possible is being done for him as quickly
as possible.
10. Anyone injured on the job, no matter how small the injury, shall report to his
foreman immediately.
11. The foreman should make out an accident report on any person sent to a doctor,
hospital or clinic.
12. In case of lost time or serious injury or fatality, foreman should notify the area
safetyman and the main office safetyman immediately.
13. Foreman should also interview any witnesses and obtain statements concerning
lost time cases, fire, damage, theft, equipment damage and vehicle accident.

3-17
 EMERGENCY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT – KEEP POSTED CONSPICUOUSLY
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Fire Department______________________________________ Phone______________
Police Department____________________________________ Phone ______________
Ambulance__________________________________________ Phone______________
Hospital_____________________________________________ Phone______________
Doctor________________Address________________________Phone______________

Address of Job Site____________________________________ Phone______________

Name of Construction Co.______________________________ Phone______________
Job Superintendent____________________________________ Phone______________
Owner of Project______________________________________ Phone______________

First Aid Supplies On Premises First Aid Supplies Checked Daily And Replaced
3-18
FORM

3-19
IV. TECHNICAL REFERENCE

4-1
 4-2
COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
Storage of Cylinders
1. Keep cylinders away from sources of heat. If stored in buildings, keep away from
highly combustible materials, stoves, radiators, etc.
2. Store securely. Cylinders should be securely placed, to prevent tipping over and
should not be piled near elevators, gangways or other places where they are likely
to be knocked over.
3. Cylinders of oxygen should not be stored close to cylinders of acetylene or other
fuel gas.
4. Cylinders stored in the open should be protected from accumulations of ice and
snow and should be shielded from the direct rays of the sun where the
temperatures are high.
5. Close valves on empty cylinders.
6. Valve protecting caps, should always be in place when cylinders are not
connected.
7. Cylinders should be stored so as to avoid possible destruction or obliteration of
coloring, tags and other means of identifying the contents.
8. While in use, valve key wrench should be kept in place on valve spindle.
9. Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or
combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance or 20 feet or
by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of
at least one-half hour.

Use of Cylinders
1. Gas cylinders are exposed to many dangers at the construction site. Select a
location for setting up cylinders which will be exposed to as little contact as
possible from moving equipment, materials and the like.
2. Cylinders should be placed in a rack, chained or otherwise positively secured
against tipping over.
3. Cylinders should be used in the order received from the supplier. When empty,
valve should be closed and cylinder marked accordingly.
4. Keep cylinders from contact with electric wires.
5. Shield from sparks or flame from welding and cutting.
4-3
6. Do not allow storing, temporary or otherwise of tools, materials or anything else
on top of cylinders.
Handling Cylinders
1. Whenever cylinder is being moved, be sure valve protection cap is in place and
closed.
2. Never use valves or caps for lifting.
3. For raising or lowering, use suitable sling, boat, cradle or platform.
4. Always handle carefully. Do not drop or jar.
5. Do not lift with electric magnets.
6. Cylinders may be moved by tilting and rolling on bottom edge, avoid dragging
and sliding.
7. When moving with hand truck, be sure cylinders are securely held in place.

4-4
INSTALLATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
1. The employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized
hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
2. All equipment shall have the manufactures’ name and trademark placed on it.
3. All disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose.
4. Live parts of electrical operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against
accidental contact by cabinets or other forms or enclosure.

WIRING DESIGN AND PROTECTION

1. No grounded conductor shall be attached to any terminal or lead as to reverse
designated polarity.
2. The employer shall use either ground-fault circuit interrupters or assured
equipment grounding conductor program to protect employees on construction
sites.

Note: Receptacles on a two-wire single-phase portable or vehicle-mounted generator

rated not more than 5kw, where the circuit conductors of the generator are
insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces need not be
protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters. A grounding rod shall not be
driven for this type of generator.
*See page 4-7, 4-8 and 4-9 for samples of Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor
Programs.

4-5
WIRING COMPONENTS
1. Extension cords shall be of the three-wire type and shall be designed for hard or
extra-hard usage. Flexible cords for temporary lights shall also be designed for
hard or extra usage.
(They shall have a marking of S, ST, SO, STO, SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO on the cord).
2. “Knockout boxes” shall not be used as a receptacle on the end of extension cords
unless:
a) Unused openings are closed.
b) Boxes have covers installed.
3. Temporary light strings shall not be used as extension cords.
4. Temporary light strings shall not be supported by their electric cords unless cords
and lights are designed for this.

4-6
 ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM
1. Scope
This program defines the minimum requirements to assure the installation and
maintenance of equipment grounding conductors in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Sections 210-7©, 250-59 and 305-2(d) of the 1975
National Electric Code.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this program is to ensure the proper installation, maintenance,
inspection and testing of equipment grounding conductors on construction sites in
order to minimized injuries due to electrical ground faults.
3. Installation
Equipment grounding conductors shall be installed as follows:
A. All 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles shall be in a
grounding type and their grounding contacts shall be grounded by
connection to the equipment grounding conductor of the circuit supplying
the receptacles in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections
210-7 © and 305-2 (d) of the National Electric Code.
B. All 120-volt flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall have an equipment-
grounding conductor, which shall be connected to the grounding contacts
of the connection(s) on each end of the cord.
C. The exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of 120 volt cord and plug-
connected tools and equipment that are likely to become energized shall
be grounded in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections
250-45 and 250-59 of the National Electric Code.
4. Visual Inspection
The employees shall be instructed that each cord set and any equipment connected
by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not
exposed to damage, shall be visually inspected by the user before each day’s use
for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage and
for indication of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or
defective may not be used until repaired.
5. Testing
All 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles, 120 volt flexible cord
sets and 120 volt equipment connected by cord and plug which are not a part of
the permanent wiring of the building or structures shall be tested to assure that
electrical continuity is maintained through all required equipment grounding
conductors and their connectors. These tests shall be conducted as follows:
4-7
 A. All equipment grounding conductors shall be tested for continuity and
shall be electrically continuous.
B. Each receptacle, attachment cap and plug and receptacle of cord sets shall
be tested for correct attachment of the equipment-grounding conductor.
The equipment-grounding conductor shall be connected to its proper
terminal.
6. Testing Intervals
All required tests shall be performed:
A. Before the first use.
B. Before equipment is returned to service following any repairs.
C. Before equipment is used after any incident which can be reasonably
suspected to have caused damage (for example, when a cord set is run
over); and
D. At intervals not to exceed 3 months, except that cord sets and receptacles
which are fixed and not exposed to damage shall be tested at intervals not
exceeding 6 months.
Do not make available or permit the use by employees any equipment, which has
not passed the required tests.
7. Test Equipment
All receptacles, attachment caps and plug and receptacle of cord sets shall be
tested as in the following manner:
A. While in service with receptacle circuit tester.
B. When not in service with a continuity tester.
This will meet the test requirements of Section 6-A and 6-B. All equipment
connected by cord and plug shall be tested for ground wire continuity with a volt-
OHM meter or a continuity tester.
8. Test Verification
Tests shall be documented by means of color-coding. The following color-coding
system is suggested to verify that testing is current and that all receptacles,
portable cords and tools have been inspected and tested as required.

4-8
 COLOR CODING SCHEME
Quarterly 6 Months
January – March White January – June White
April – June Green July – December Green
July – September Red
October – December Orange

All quarterly color-coding shall be accomplished by properly attaching the

appropriately colored panduit cable tie at each end of cords and at plug and handle
ends of tools. Cords should have tape identification by number of area and
number. Fixed cords and receptacles may be identified by tape only.
9. Test Recording
All tests must be recorded and records maintained at job sites. Records must
contain location of construction site, name of construction site employer
complying with this program and name of competent person designated to
implement this program. A sample copy of log sheet is attached.

4-9
 HAZARDS OF LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY
From U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards
Low Voltage Electricity (110-120 Volts) Is DANGEROUS
It can cause painful shock.
It can cause violent muscular contraction.
It can cause DEATH.

LOW VOLTAGE does not mean LOW HAZARD

Some Facts About Electricity
Energy is converted to elect4icity in a power station by a generator. The
PRESSURE, which drives the electricity, is called VOLTAGE. The material or
substance through which the electricity flows puts up a RESISTANCE. Some substances
(metals-copper, iron, aluminum) offer very little resistance. Other substances (rubber,
mica, bakelite, porcelain, dry wood) are called insulators because they offer such high
resistance. The nature, sized and condition of the substance determine the extent of the
resistance. The amount of RESISTANCE is measured in OHMS.
With pressure (VOLTS) pushing the electricity and resistance (OHMS) holding
back, a certain quantity (AMPERES) flows from the generator through the wire and any
other items (motors, lights, etc.) and then BACK to the generator making a “circuit.”
THE HIGHER THE RESISTANCE THE LOWER THE QUANTITY
Ohm’s Law puts it this way:
Pressure (Volts)
Quantity (Amperes) = -----------------------
Resistance (Ohms)
To determine the number of Amperes, the number of volts is divided by the Ohms
of Resistance. As the number of Volts has been determined as 110, it is necessary to
determine the Resistance.
4-10
 Examples of number of Ohms of Resistance:
Human Body -
Dry Wood - 100,000 to 100,000,000 ohms per cm. Dry skin – 100,000 to 500,000 ohms
Wet Wood - 1,000 to 50,000 ohms per cm. *Perspiring - down to 1,000 ohms
#10 Copper Wire – 1 ohm per 1,000 ft. In water – down to 150 ohms

Sample Calculation:
110 volts divided by *1,000 ohms = .11 Amperes or 110 Milliamperes – enough
to cause paralysis of breathing.
The SEVERITY of SHOCK a person can receive from electricity depends mostly on:
1. QUANTITY (Amperes) of current through the body.
2. PATH of current through the body.
3. LENGTH OF TIME the body is in the circuit.

BODY REACTIONS TO AMPERES

Generally fall into these ranges:
½ to 2 Milliamperes – Some sensation.
2 to 10 Milliamperes –Muscular contraction (which could cause a person to “hold on”,
extending the LENGTH OF TIME in the circuit).
5 to 25 Milliamperes – Painful shock – inability to let go.
50 to 200 Milliamperes – Heart convulsions.
Over 100 Milliamperes – Paralysis of breathing.
(1,000 Milliamperes = 1 Ampere)

REACTIONS TO PATH OF CURRENT

The path of the current through the body is important because of the damage that
might result. Current flowing from one finger to another on the same hand would not
pass through vital organs – while from one hand to the other would pass through the heart
and lungs, as would current from the head to feet.
4-11
REACTION TO LENGTH OF TIME
The longer the body is in the circuit, the greater the damage to the body.

HOW ELECTRIC SHOCK OCCURS

As electricity travels from its source and returns to that source, either through
another wire or through the ground, it makes a complete circuit. If anything coming in
contact with the current-carrying wires has lower resistance than the wire, the electricity
will follow that lower resistance.
PREVENTING ELECTRIC SHOCK
Grounding –
Grounding of electric tools and machines is one of the most important factors in
the control of hazards of low voltage electricity.
If the insulation is elect4reical equipment should break down or if a wire should
become loose and contact a noncurrent-carrying part of the machine, the frame and other
parts of that tool or machine become energized. The electricity has escaped the normal
bounds of the insulated wire and is ready to follow a path to ground. If a properly
grounded wire is attached, the current will follow that wire. If there is no such wire and
someone touches the tool or machine, he becomes part of the circuit as the electricity
goes through him to ground. The extent of injury he receives will be dependent on the
factors previously mentioned.
OBVIOUSLY, ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE GROUNDED
GROUND TO WHAT?
1. Metallic water piping system.
2. Metal frame of grounded building.
3. Underground metallic gas pipe.
4. Driven pipes or rods or buried plates or metal grid.
5. ALL above systems must be continuous.
HOW TO GROUND?
Motors and equipment with permanent wiring are grounded by connecting the
grounding conductor to the frame (or other noncurrent-carrying metal parts) by means of
suitable lugs, pressure connectors or clamps.
4-12
 Portable equipment may be grounded by means of a grounding conductor run
with the circuit conductors in the cable assembly or flexible cord, provided an approved
multi-prong plug or equivalent is used.
Electrical Safety Through – Inspection and Preventive Maintenance
Inspection at regular intervals.
Records of inspection findings.
Making repairs or withdrawing equipment from service.
Inspection of portable electric tools before each use.

Protection From Live Conductors

Permanent fencing, doors and gates locked in areas where exposed conductors exist.
Protection against accidental shock.

4-13
CHART

4-14
 FIRES ON CONSTUCTION PROJECTS
Some very disastrous fires occur on construction jobs. Most of them are caused by a
violation of a simple, basic fire safety regulation. Here are nine simple, basic fire
prevention regulations:
1. Rubbish Cleanup prevents fires. Remove all rubbish and debris daily.
2. Heaters Use only safe, U.L. or F.M. approved heaters. These should be in good
condition, insulated from the floor and sturdy enough that they won’t be knocked over by
a careless act. They must be placed well away from flammable materials, vented to the
outside or placed in an adequately vented area.
3. Flammable Liquids These must be kept in U.L. approved containers. This
means no storage in “GI” cans or open containers. All engines of vehicles or equipment
must be shut off before fueling. Smoking must be prohibited in the area as well as
welding and cutting operations. Temporary heaters must also be kept out of the area
where these liquids are stored.
4. Fire Extinguishers Provide the required number of extinguishers. Make
certain they are the correct type for the hazard and that there location is properly marked.
These must be checked and inspected periodically. Every man on the job should know
both where they are located and how to use them. It is too late for instruction after the
fire starts.
5. Welding and Cutting Fire extinguishing equipment must be kept nearby and in a
state of readiness. Remove or cover all flammables in the area. Watch where the sparks
are going. Check for smoldering sparks or fires both during the operation and about one-
half hour later.
6. No Smoking This rule can prevent fires as well as going a long way towards
preventing lung cancer. Smoking may be hazardous to the job as well as to your health.
Enforce this regulation. Take special care to check for butts at break and quitting time.
7. Exits and Exit Signs Provide at least two means of exit. These must be remote
from each other and not able to be blocked at the same time. Erect and extra ladder or
two if need be. Exit signs are cheap. It’s better to have too many than none at all.
8. Access Make certain that a fire lane is kept clear at all times for fire equipment to
reach the building.
9. What To Do In Case Of Fire The FIRST thing to do is to ring the fire alarm in
two places – on the job and in the fire station. Second, evacuate all personnel as quickly
as possible. Third, direct the fire department to the fire and try to put it out yourself if
possible. Remember, your men are construction workers and not firemen. Even if you
have a fire brigade they must be concerned with their own safety above all else.
4-15
CHART

4-16
CHART

4-17
 HOUSEKEEPING
1. Plan Ahead. A materials storage yard which has been planned is almost always
more orderly than one which has just grown haphazardly.
2. Detail Responsibilities. If the size of the job and working force merit, a crew
might be specifically detailed to clean up and maintenance, on a full or part-time
basis as needed. In any event, housekeeping should not be haphazard; duties
should be assigned to one or more responsible persons.
3. Put It On The Program. Housekeeping should be part of the daily routine, with
clean-up being a continuous procedure.
4. Storage Areas. All materials should be maintained in neat stockpiles for ease of
access. Keep aisles and walkways clear of loose material and tools.
5. Work Areas. Clean up loose material, waste, ect., immediately. This is
especially important in aisles and in the vicinity of ladders, ramps, stairs and
machinery. Tools and loose materials should be removed immediately if a hazard
is created.
6. Areas Used By Personnel. Empty bottles, containers and papers should not be
allowed to accumulate where lunches are eaten on the jobsite. Trash disposal
cans should be provided.
7. Oil And Grease. Oil, grease or other liquid should not be allowed to accumulate,
as the possibility of slipping or providing a fire hazard will be increased. Remove
or sprinkle with sand.
8. Dispose Of Waste. An effective means of preventing careless litter is the
provision of suitable receptacles for waste, scrap, etc. Combustible waste, such as
oily rags, paper, etc., should be stored in a safe place such as a covered metal
container and disposed of regularly.
9. Remove The Nail Hazards. One of the most frequent dangers on the jobsite is
the presence of nails in lumber from staging, crating, etc. All lumber, debris and
other material with projecting nails should be removed to a designated area and
nails removed. Workmen performing this task should wear heavy gloves and
heavy-soled shoes. Nails in the tops of kegs and boxes should be completely
removed and lumber stored in orderly piles. If lumber is to be reused, nails
should be removed. Shoes with puncture-proof insoles eliminate much of the nail
hazard in work areas.
10. Lighting. Adequate lighting should be provided in all work areas, passageways,
stairs, ladders and other areas used by personnel.

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4-31
 COMPANY POLICY – EYE WEAR USE
Your Responsibility
OSHA Standards (29 CRF 1910.133 & 1926.102) require that the proper equipment be
provided and used where there are chemical or mechanical hazards. As an employer you
must anticipate and identify the hazards and provide the proper protection and instruct the
employees in its use. If an employee provides his own eyewear, you are still responsible
for the adequacy, maintenance and sanitation of his equipment.
As in all other Safety Procedures, the employer and his superintendents, foremen, etc. are
required to take the initiative in eye safety. It is up to us to analyze the work coming up
and specify and supply the proper protection and then enforce its use. The Selection
Chart on page 4-14 of the Technical Reference Section of the SAFE Manual should be of
help in the first step. This chart and other information available through manufacturers
should be made available to your superintendents and foremen. This information,
coupled with job knowledge and common sense should dictate the type of protection to
be used (ie. Face shields vs. goggles, goggles vs. spectacles etc.).
Choosing the Right Type
By and large the most common forms of eye protection are spectacles with metal frames,
side shields and impact resistant lenses. These will serve the wearer will in most average
situations. These are also available in prescription lenses.
For protection in these same circumstances for someone who wears standard prescription
glasses on the job coverall goggles are necessary.
Welding and burning goggles are available in both eyecup and coverspec configurations
(for those who wear prescription lenses).
Glare from molten metals or welding work can cause severe retinal damage in a relatively
short time. The proper shade of filter should be used in conjunction with either welding
goggles or the welding helmet depending on the situation and color or intensity of the
light.
Maintenance
Eye protection is no safety aid if it impairs vision and endangers the worker. They must
be kept clean. Periodic inspection should be made to insure that they are in good repair.
Pitted lenses, broken frames or broken earpieces should be replaced. When not in use
they should be stored in their own protective case.
4-32
Materials
The choice of metal vs. plastic frames is a matter of personal preference. Either way they
should be rigid through enough to hold the spectacles in the proper position with each eye
looking through the center of its respective lens. When deciding between glass or plastic
lenses keep the following in mind:
Glass Plastic
Equal Impact resistance Equal
Sharp object resistance Slightly better
Small objects at high speed Slightly better resistance
Glass Shatters Hot metals Better resistance
Glass superior Abrasion
Fogging Better resistance

4-33
 MOVITATING EMPLOYEES
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to eye safety is employee attitude. Over coming this
obstacle requires a two-pronged attack.
The first step is to raise eye safety consciousness among employees. Through the series
of safety posters available from The Construction Advancement Foundation (931.0337)
and safety meetings you must stress the danger to eyes presented on a construction site.
In these meetings emphasize how vulnerable the eye is to dirt, flying chips, sparks, etc.
Then explain the different types of protection available and how they apply to different
jobs. Present eye protection equipment as a tool that is to be used and maintained
properly.
Overcoming Objections
Despite all your salesmanship there will be a few complainers. In order to help you deal
with these we have prepared the following outline:
“Glasses are uncomfortable” Proper fit is essential for this equipment. Frames should
be straight and earpieces adjusted to the width of the head. The length of the earpieces
should also be of the proper size. While many complaints of this sort are from people
who have never worn glasses and are either the result of vanity or difficulty in adjustment
to wearing spectacles, these complaints should be taken seriously and adjustments made.
“Goggles give me headaches” Again proper fit is essential. The eyes should look
through the lens centers and the nose rest should sit firmly on the bridge of the nose.
Strap tension should be just enough to hold the goggles secure.
“I can’t see with these things” Dirty lenses should be cleaned and those pitted scratched
or otherwise permanently impaired should be replaced. Lenses should never introduce
distortion or prism effects. If they do, consult the manufacturer.
“The fog up” Recommend the anti-fog spray you should have on hand.
“I hate these things! They’re a damned nuisance!” Tell them they’ll hate being blind
even more.

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4-35
HAZARD COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK

5-1
 INTRODUCTION
The Federal OSHA Hazard Communications Standard requires employers to:
1. Develop a specific written hazard communications program for each work site.
The written program must include a chemical inventory list and establish the
methods to provide information to employees on the following:

• Container labeling,
• Other forms of hazard warning,
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS),
• The requirements of the hazard communication standard and
• Hazards associated with non-routine tasks.

2. Establish a method to communicate with other employers about chemical hazards

on the site.
3. Establish a training program for employees before they work with hazardous
chemicals and when new hazardous chemicals are introduced into the workplace.
Such programs can be integrated into existing safety programs.

5-2
 HAZARD COMMUNICATION WRITTEN PROGRAM
This program has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Federal OSHA
standard 1926.59 and to insure that information necessary for the safe use, handling and
storage of hazardous chemicals is provided to and made available to employees.
The program includes guidelines on identification of chemical hazards and the
preparations and proper use of container labels, placards and other types of warning
devices.
A. Container Inventory
1. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. maintains an inventory of all known
chemicals in use on the worksite. A chemical inventory list is available
from the Superintendent.
2. Hazardous chemicals brought on the worksite by Turbine Generator
Maintenance Inc. will be included on the hazardous chemical inventory
list.
B. Container Labeling
1. All chemicals on site will be stored in their original or approved containers
with a proper label attached, except small quantities for immediate use.
Any container not properly labeled should be given to the Superintendent
for labeling or proper disposal.
2. Workers may dispense chemicals from original containers only in small
quantities intended for immediate use. Any chemical left after work is
completed must be returned to the original container or your Supervisor
for proper handling.
3. No unmarked containers of any size are to be left in the work area
unattended.
4. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. will rely on manufacturer applied
labels whenever possible and will ensure that these labels are maintained.
Containers that are not labeled or on which the manufacturer’s label has
been removed will be relabeled.
5. Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. will ensure that each container is
labeled with the identity of the hazardous chemical contained and with
appropriate hazard warnings.

5-3
C. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
1. Employees working with a hazardous chemical may request a copy of the
material safety data sheet (MSDS). Requests for MSDS’s should be made
to your supervisor.
2. MSDS should be available and standard chemical reference may also be
available on the site to provide immediate reference to chemical safety
information.
3. An emergency procedure to gain access to MSDS’s information will be
established.
D. Employee Training
Employees will be trained to work safely with hazardous chemicals. Employee
training will include:
1. Methods that may be used to detect a release of a hazardous chemical (s)
in the workplace
2. Physical and health hazards associated with chemicals.
3. Protective measures to be taken.
4. Safe work practices, emergency responses and use of personnel protective
equipment.
5. Information on the Hazard Communication Standard including:
• Labeling and warning systems
• An explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets
E. Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
Required PPE is available from your supervisor. Any employee found in
violation of OEE requirements may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and
including discharge.
F. Emergency Response
1. Any incident of over exposure or spill of hazardous chemical/substance
must be reported to your supervisor at once.
2. The foreman or the immediate supervisor will be responsible for insuring
that proper emergency response actions are taken in leak/spill situations.

5-4
G. Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks
1. Supervisors will inform employees of any special tasks that may arise
which would involve possible exposure to hazardous chemicals.
2. Review of safe work procedures and use of required PPE will be
conducted prior to the start of such tasks. Where necessary, areas will be
posted to indicate the nature of the hazard involved.
H. Informing Other Employers
1. Other on site employers are required to adhere to the provisions of the
Hazard Communication Standard.
2. Information on hazardous chemicals known to be present will be
exchanged with other employers. Employers will be responsible for
providing necessary information to their employees.
3. Other on site employers will be provided with a copy of Turbine
Generator Maintenance Inc.’s Hazard Communication Program.
I. Posting
Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. has posted information for employees at the
job site on the Hazard Communication Standard. This information can be found
in the TGM office trailer.

5-5
CHART

5-6
 CHEMICAL INVENTORY CLASSIFICATIONS
A Hazardous Chemical is any chemical that carriers a manufacturer’s warning on the
container label such as “Warning, This Product is Hazardous To Your Health.” Or a
chemical listed as hazardous on the products Materials Safety Data Sheet. When making
a hazardous determination, refer to the definition of chemicals classified by the HCS as
Hazardous.
A Non-Hazardous Chemical is one that either has no warning language on the label or
one that does not meet the criteria for a hazardous chemical under HCS. If the
manufacturer does not provide a warning label on the container or a Material Safety Data
Sheet for the product, the employer can treat it as a non-hazardous chemical not subject
to the HCS requirements.
Consumer Product A chemical defined as a consumer product and regulated under the
provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is not included within coverage
of hazardous chemicals in the HCS. If you purchase a product in the same packaging and
use that product for its intended use in accordance with consumer warning labels, the
product is a consumer product and exempt from HCS coverage. However, if you intend
to use any consumer product in a manner it was not designed for or in circumstances that
a consumer would not be exposed to such as confined space use, the chemical should be
treated as hazardous.

5-7
 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS – OSHA’S DEFINITION
A Hazardous chemical under the HCS is any chemical labeled as hazardous by a
recognized authority such as OSHA or the manufacturer and any chemical that can create
an effect on a person even if that effect is temporary. Under the current standard most
chemicals, unless specifically exempted, should be treated as hazardous.
Under the HCS there are no exposure limits set, so any amount of a chemical
could trigger the standards requirements. Potential as well as actual exposure of a
chemical to an employee must be considered when determining what chemicals should be
treated as hazardous.
OSHA defines Hazardous Chemicals as:
1. Any chemical listed in the toxic registry found to be carcinogenic by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
2. Listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on
Carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
3. Regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
4. Corrosive as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A 49
CFR Part 173.
5. Highly toxic (any chemical recognized as poisonous).
6. Irritants – a chemical that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue.
7. Sensitizer – a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of persons or animals
to develop an allergic reaction.
8. Any by-product produced that has any effects listed above.
BY-PRODUCTS
The current scope of the expanded Hazard Communication Standard includes the
production of by-products as potential hazardous chemicals. OSHA cites a specific
example of a by-product, considered a hazardous chemical, as wood dust. OSHA states
that “the potential for exposures to wood dust within the workplace especially with
regard to respirable particles, is not self evident nor is it obviously hazardous. However,
wood dust is a recognized heath hazard with exposure limit recommended by the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.”
Using this rational OSHA would also include under HXA coverage any by-product
produced during a construction operation that is a recognized chemical hazard as defined
under the HCS, including: welding fumes, grinding dust, concrete dust, mineral wool
fiber dust and other by-products produced by chemical, mechanical or thermal action.
5-8
CHART

5-9
CHART

5-10
 GENERIC MSDS AVAILABLE
AGC Computer MSDS and Chemical Information Database
Associated General Contractors of America
1957 E. Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
AGC maintains a chemical information Database for hazardous chemicals and an MSDS
library. Available upon request to members at a nominal fee.
OHS Occupational Health Services, Inc.
400 Drive
Secaucus, N.J. 07094 (201) 865-7500
Over 10,000 data sheets, mostly on pure chemicals, updates these sheets at least quarterly
with computer tape and microfiche service. The information usually found on
manufacturers’ data sheets is supplemented by other information found I the safety and
health literature. Data sheets are indexed and referenced by substance name, Trade
Name, Chemical Abstracts Registry Number and OHS Number. Available in paper,
microfiche, personal computer format, on-line or computer tape.
HIS Information Handling Services Inc.
15 Inverness Way East
P.O. Box 11154
Englewood, Colorado 80150 (800) 525-7052
Over 36,000 MSDS (about 10,500 substances) from 1,100 industrial sources. Ample
cross indices enable retrieval by Chemical Abstract Registry Number, supplier name,
chemical name, brand name, trade name or synonym. New and revised MSDS are
distributed every 60 days. Paper index with microfiche.
5-11
Material Safety Data Sheets
Genium Publishing Corporation
1145 Catalyn Street
Schnectady, N.Y. 12303 (518) 377-8854
Published by the Genium Publishing Corporation, Schnectady, N.Y., with selected
updates every 120 days. Detailed information arranged in a format similar to that of the
OSHA Form 20 or OSHA For 174 is given for over 850 substances. It is available on
VAX minicomputers and Apple and IBM-compatible microcomputers. To aid
compliance with in house labeling requirements, GENIUM has developed The Label
Handbook for Hazard Communication Compliance, containing model labels for over 500
materials.
Chemtox
VNR Information Services (VIS)
115 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10003 (212) 254-3232
Over 3,200 chemicals in MSDS-like format, including identifiers, physical and chemical
properties, toxicological data, regulatory data, emergency response and person protection
data. Through the use of the REVELATION database manager and MSDS ACCESS on
IBM and PC-compatibles, users can manipulate and correlate data, store and retrieve
information.
Toxic Alert
Hazox
P.O. Box 637
Chadds Ford, P.A. 19317 (215) 388-2030
Databases of MSDS prepared by ICF, Inc. for the Environmental Protection Agency
(about 400 chemicals) and the Northridge TOX Center MSDS (1,000) chemicals).
Available for IBM PC and PC-compatibles.
5-12
 SAMPLE LETTER
Date:
From: Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.
To: Manufacturer or Distributor Name and Address
Subject: Chemical Name and ID #

Our company utilizes the above-identified product in our work operations.

In accordance with the provisions of the Hazard Communications Standard 29 CFR-
1926.59, we are requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet for (Name and ID # of chemical
substance) along with any additional information, safety data or supplemental material
safety data sheets available now or in the future.
Please send the information requested to the following address:
Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.
4635 Coronado Pkwy #7
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Attention: Anthony V. Collins, President

Thank you.

5-13
 CHEMICAL FACTS
How Chemicals Enter Your Body
In order for a chemical to have any effect on you, you have to come in contact with a
chemical in its solid, liquid or gas form.
There are four “routes of entry” or paths a chemical can take.
Breathing (inhalation) – Chemicals can enter through your lungs as your breathe the air
around you. Some chemicals can irritate your lungs, nose and throat like ammonia.
Others can be absorbed into your blood, traveling to and affecting the organs in your
body. Prolonged exposure to Hazardous substances like asbestos and other solid fiver
materials can cause irritation, scarring and damage.
Regardless of the type of chemical you work with, your first line of defense
against breathing in hazardous chemicals is to use and approved respirator.
Through Your Skin (absorption) – Although the skin is a very effective barrier to most
chemicals, it can be penetrated. Damage to the skin from cuts, scrapes, cracking, dryness
or other conditions can allow a chemical to enter into the body. Some chemicals can
damage the skin on contact and others pass through the skin and into your bloodstream.
A group of chemicals solvents such as toluene, gasoline and mineral spirits are absorbed
easily through your skin. Some pesticides like parathion can easily pass through the skin,
building up to poisonous levels in the body.
There are two easily steps which will prevent absorption – wearing gloves that are
chemical resistant and washing off any chemical that contacts the skin as soon as
possible. When you’re washing, make sure you use a product designed for washing skin
and not products like paint thinner, turpentine and benzene.
Swallowing (ingestion) – A chemical can enter into your body if you accidentally
swallow it or if your food or drink becomes contaminated. Simply by not washing your
hands before you eat after working with chemicals or eating, smoking or drinking in an
area where chemicals are in use could lead to trouble.
Injection – Like the shot you get from your doctor when you’re ill, chemicals can be
accidentally injected into your body. If you work around high-pressure equipment of any
kind like compressed air, grease guns or hydraulic lines, the potential exists for this kind
of accident. Be extra cautious around any kind of pressurized spray equipment or high-
pressure lines and never use compressed air to clean off your hands, arms or clothing.

5-14
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
Using A MSDS
An MSDS provides information the manufacturer of a chemical considers necessary for
you the worker to determine what chemicals are in a product and what steps to take to protect
yourself when using the product.
Although MSDSs from different sources may look very different, they all contain the
same type of information. MSDS may look difficult and yes there is a lot of technical language
and data but the information you need to identify, understand and work safely with a chemical
product is fairly easy to find.
MSDSs are divided into sections usually beginning with the chemical and common name of the
product. Besides knowing what this product is called, it’s important to know who makes it and
where to reach the manufacturer. The manufacturer can answer questions about his product and
help you if an emergency arises. You will usually find a phone number for the manufacturer in
this section.
An important section to look for is usually called “Health Hazards” which tells you how
dangerous the product can be, the type of danger it represents and what happens if you are
overexposed to this product.
Equally important is the section that deals with “First Aid.” This section will give you
some basic steps to take if you or another person are affected by the chemicals in this product.
Another section deals with “Protective Equipment.” Here specific recommendations for
safety equipment and procedures are listed. This section tells you how to protect yourself from
exposure when working with or near this product.
By taking the time to read the MSDS you have found some important basic information
about the chemical (s) you work with including:
~What’s it called
~What’s in it
~What happens if the chemical affects you
~What first aid steps to take if exposure occurs
~How to protect yourself and work safely with the chemical
Other sections of a MSDS will tell you what the chemical looks, smells and feels like;
how to safely handle and store the chemical; what happens to the chemical in the event of a fire;
and what if any exposure limits have been set or recommended for the chemical (s) or product.
More information on MSDS, chemical information references and chemical safety can be
obtained by asking your supervisor.
Under the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard, you have the opportunity
to review your company’s HCS program, chemical inventory list and copies of MSDSs for
chemicals you are working with.
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 OSHA 1926.59

VI. HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

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 1926.59 – HAZARD COMMUNICATION
(A) Purpose.
(1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals
produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards
is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal of information is to
be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs
which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material
safety data sheets and employee training.
(2) This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address
comprehensively the issue of evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals and
communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective
measures to employees and to preempt any legal requirements of a state or
political subdivision of a state, pertaining to the subject. Evaluating the potential
hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and
appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example but not
limited to, provisions for: developing and maintaining a written hazard
communication program fro the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals
present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of
containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and
distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream
employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs
regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the
Act, no state or political subdivision of a state may adopt or enforce, through any
court or agency, any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this Federal
standard, except pursuant to a Federally approved state plan.
(B) Scope and Application.
(1) This section requires chemical manufacturers or importers to assess the
hazards of chemicals which they produce or import and all employers to provide
information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are
exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of
warning, material safety data sheets, information and training. In addition, this
section requires distributors to transmit the required information to employers.
(2) This section applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the
workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal
conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.

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(3) This section applies to laboratories only as follows:
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of
hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;
(ii) Employers shall maintain any material safety data sheets that are
received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals and ensure that
they are readily accessible to laboratory employees; and,
(iii) Employers shall ensure that laboratory employees are apprised of the
hazards of the chemicals in their workplaces in accordance with paragraph
(h) of this section.
(4) In work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed
containers which are not opened under normal conditions of use (such as are
found in marine cargo handling, warehousing or retail sales), this section applies
to these operations only as follows:
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of
hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;
(ii) Employers shall maintain copies of any material safety data sheets
that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed containers of
hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a material safety data sheet for sealed
containers of hazardous chemicals received without a material safety data
sheet if an employee requests the material safety data sheet and shall
ensure that the material safety data sheets are readily accessible during
each work shift to employees when they are in their work area (s); and,
(iii) Employers shall ensure that employers shall ensure that employees
are provided with information and training in accordance with paragraph
(h) of this section (except for the location and availability of the written
hazard communication program under paragraph (h)(1)(iii)), to extent
necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous
chemical from a sealed container.
(5) This section does not require labeling of the following chemicals:
(i) Any pesticide as such term is defined in the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), when subject to the
labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under
that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency;
(ii) Any food, food additive, color additive, drug, cosmetic, medical or
veterinary device, including materials intended for use as ingredients in
such products (e.g. flavors and fragrances), as such terms are defined in
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 the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) and
regulations issued under that Act, when they are subject to the labeling
requirements under that Act by the Food and Drug Administration;
(iii) Any distilled spirits (beverage alcohols), wine or malt beverage
intended for nonindustrial use, as such terms are defined in the Federal
Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and regulations issued
under that Act, when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and
labeling regulations issued under that Act by the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms; and,
(iv) Any consumer product or hazardous substance as those terms are
defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and
Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively,
when subject to a consumer product safety standard or labeling
requirement of those Acts or regulations issued under those Acts by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(6) This section does not apply to:
(i) Any hazardous waste as such term is defined by the Solid Waste
Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), when subject to
regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection
Agency;
(ii) Tobacco or tobacco products;
(iii) Wood or wood products;
(iv) Articles;
(v) Food, drugs or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by
employees while in the workplace;
(vi) Foods, drugs or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by
employees while in the workplace;
(vii) Any consumer product or hazardous substance, as those terms are
defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and
Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively,
where the employer can demonstrate it is used in the workplace in the
same manner as normal consumer use and which use results in a duration
and frequency of exposure which is not greater than exposures
experienced by consumers; and,

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 (viii) Any drug, as that term is defined in the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), when it is in solid, final form for
direct administration to the patient (i.e. tablets or pills).
© Definitions.
“Article” means a manufactured item:
(i) Which is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture;
(ii) Which has end use function (s) dependent in whole or in part upon its
shape or design during end use; and,
(iii) Which does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous
chemical under normal conditions of use.
“Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor or designee.
“Chemical” means any element, chemical compound or mixture of elements
and/or compounds.
“Chemical manufacturer” means an employer with a workplace where
chemical(s) are produced for use or distribution.
“Chemical name” means the scientific designation of a chemical in accordance
with the nomenclature system developed by the International Union of Pure and
Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) rules of
nomenclature or a name which will clearly identify the chemical for the purpose
of conducting a hazard evaluation.
“Combustible liquid” means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 ºF
(37.8 ºC) but below 200º F (93.3 ºC), except any mixture having components
with flashpoints of 200 ºF (93.3 ºC) or higher, the total volume of which make
up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.
“Common name” means any designation or identification such as code name,
code number, trade name, brand name or generic name used to identify a
chemical other than by its chemical name.
“Compressed Gas” means:
(i) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure
exceeding 40 psi at 70 ºF (21.1 ºC); or
(ii) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure
exceeding 104 psi at 130 ºF (54.4 ºC) regardless of the pressure at 70 ºF
(21.1 ºC); or
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 (iii) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 ºF (37.8
ºC) as determined by ASTM d-323-72.
“Container” means any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, cylinder, drum, reaction
vessel, storage tank, or the like that contains a hazardous chemical. For purposes
of this section, pipes or piping systems and engines, fuel tanks or other operating
systems in a vehicle, are not considered to be containers.
“Designated representative” means any individual or organization to whom an
employee gives written authorization to exercise such employee’s rights under
this section. A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent shall without
regard to written employee authorization.
“Distributor” means a business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer,
which supplies hazardous chemicals to other distributors or to employers.
“Employee” means a worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under
normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies. Workers such as
office workers or bank tellers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in non-
routine, isolated instances are not covered.
“Employer” means a person engaged in a business where chemicals are either
used, distributed or are produced for use or distribution, including a contractor or
subcontractor.
“Explosive” means a chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release
of pressure, gas and heat when subject to sudden shock, pressure or high
temperature.
“Exposure” or “exposed” means that an employee is subjected to a hazardous
chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation,
ingestion, skin contact or absorption, etc.) and includes potential (e.g. accidental
or possible) exposure.
“Flammable” means a chemical that falls into one of the following categories:
(i) “Aerosol, flammable” means an aerosol that, when tested by the
method described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yields a flame projection exceeding
18 inches at full valve opening or a flashback (a flame extending back to
the valve) at any degree of valve opening;
(ii) “Gas, flammable” means:
(a) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a
flammable mixture with air at a concentration of thirteen (13)
percent by volume or less; or
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 (b) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a range
of flammable mixtures with air wider than twelve (12) percent by
volume, regardless of the lower limit;
(iii) “Liquid, flammable” means any liquid having a flashpoint below
100º F (37.8º C), except any mixture having components with flash-
points of 100º F (37.8º C) or higher, the total of which make up 99
percent or more of the total volume of the mixture;
(iv) “Solid, flammable” means a solid, other than a blasting agent or
explosive as defined in paragraph 190.109(a), that is liable to cause fire
through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change or
retained heat from manufacturing or processing or which can be ignited
readily and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently as to create
a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered to be a flammable solid
if, when tested by the method described in 16 DFR 1500.44, it ignites and
burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than one-tenth of an inch
per second along its major axis.
“Flashpoint” means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor
in sufficient concentration to ignite when tested as follows:
(i) Tagliabue Closed Tester (See American National Standard Method for
Flash Point by Tag Closed Tested, Z11.24-1979 (ASTM D 56-79)) for
liquids with a viscosity of less than 45 Saybolt University Seconds (SUS)
at 100º F (37.8º C), that do not contain suspended solids and do not have
a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(ii) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (See American National Standard
Method for Test for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-
1979 (ASTM D 93-79)) for liquids with a viscosity equal to or greater
than 45 SUS at 100º F (37.8º C) or that contain suspended solids or that
have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(iii) Setaflash Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of
Test for Flash Point by Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTMD 3278-78))
Organic peroxides, which undergo auto accelerating thermal
decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint determination
methods specified above.
“Foreseeable emergency” means any potential occurrence such as but not limited
to, equipment failure, rupture of containers or failure of control equipment, which
could result in an uncontrolled release of hazardous chemical into the workplace.
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“Hazardous chemical” means any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health
hazard.
“Hazard warning” means any words, pictures, symbols or combination thereof
appearing on a label or other appropriate form of warning which convey the
hazard(s) of the chemical(s) in the container(s).
“Health hazard” means a chemical for which there is statistically significant
evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established
scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed
employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals which are carcinogens,
toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic
system and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes.
Appendix A provides further definitions and explanations of the scope of health
hazards covered by this section and Appendix B describes the criteria to be used
to determine whether or not a chemical is to be considered hazardous for purposes
of this standard.
“Identity” means any chemical or common name, which is indicated on the
material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the chemical. The identity used shall
permit cross-references to be made among the required list of hazardous
chemicals, the label and the MSDS.
“Immediate use” means that the hazardous chemical will be under the control of
and used only by the person who transfers it from a labeled container and only
within the work shift in which it is transferred.
“Importer” means the first business with employees within the Customs Territory
of United States, which receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries
for the purpose of supplying them to distributors or employers within the United
States.
“Label” means any written, printed or graphic material, displayed on or affixed to
containers of hazardous chemicals.
“Material safety data sheet (MSDS)” means written or printed material
concerning a hazardous chemical, which is prepared in accordance with paragraph
(g) of this section.
“Mixture” means any combination of two or more chemicals if the combination is
not, in whole or in part, the result of a chemical reaction.
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“Organic peroxide” means an organic compound that contains the bivalent-O-O-
structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen
peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an
organic radical.
“Oxidizer” means a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined
in paragraph 1910.109(a), that initiates or promotes combustion in other
materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or
other gases.
“Physical hazard” means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid
evidence that it is combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an
organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
“Produce” means to manufacture, process, formulate or repackage.
“Pyrophoric: means a chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a
temperature of 130º F (54.4º C) or below.
“Responsible party” means someone who can provide additional information on
the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
“Specific chemical identity” means the chemical name, Chemical Abstracts
Service (CAS) Registry Number or any other information that reveals the precise
chemical designation of the substance.
“Trade secret” means any confidential formula, pattern, process, device,
information or compilation of information that is used in an employer’s business
and that gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over
competitors who do not know or use it. Appendix D sets out the criteria to be
used in evaluating trade secrets.
“Unstable (reactive)” means a chemical, which in the pure state or as produced or
transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or will become
self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.
“Use” means to package, handle, react or transfer.
“Water-reactive” means a chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is
either flammable or presents a health hazard.
“Work area” means a room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous
chemicals are produced or used and where employees are present.
“Workplace” means an establishment, job site or project, at one geographical
location containing one or more work areas.
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(D) Hazard Determination.
(1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall evaluate chemicals produced in
their workplaces or imported by them to determine if they are hazardous.
Employers are not required to evaluate chemicals unless they choose not to rely
on the evaluation performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer for the
chemical to satisfy this requirement.
(2) Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers evaluating chemicals shall
identify and consider the available scientific evidence concerning such hazards.
For health hazards, evidence which is statistically significant and which is based
on at least one positive study conducted in accordance with established scientific
principles is considered to be sufficient to establish a hazardous effect if the
results of the study meet the definitions of health hazards in this section.
Appendix A shall be consulted for the scope of health hazards covered and
Appendix B shall be consulted for the criteria to be followed with respect to the
completeness of the evaluation and the data to be reported.
(3) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer evaluating chemicals shall
treat the following sources as establishing that the chemicals listed in them are
hazardous:
(i) 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); or,
(ii) Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
in the Work Environment, American Conference of Government Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH)(latest edition).
The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer is still responsible for
evaluating the hazards associated with the chemicals in these source lists in
accordance with the requirements of this standard.
(4) Chemical manufacturers, importers and employers evaluating chemicals shall
treat the following sources as establishing that a chemical is a carcinogen or
potential carcinogen for hazard communication purposes:
(i) National Toxicology Program (NTP), Annual Report on Carcinogens
(latest edition);
(ii) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs
(latest editions); or
(iii) 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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 Note – The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances published
by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicates
whether a chemical has been found by NTP or IARC to be potential
carcinogen.
(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall determine the ‘
hazards of mixtures of chemicals as follows:
(i) If a mixture has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the
results of such testing shall be used to determine whether the mixture is
hazardous;
(ii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the
mixture is a health hazard, the mixture shall be assumed to present the
same health hazards as do the components which comprise one percent
(by weight or volume) or greater of the mixture, except that the mixture
shall be assumed to present a carcinogenic hazard if it contains a
component in concentrations of 0.1 percent or greater which is considered
to be a carcinogen under paragraph (D)(4) of this section;
(iii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the
mixture is a physical hazard, the chemical manufacturer, importer or
employer may use whatever scientifically valid data is available to
evaluate the physical hazard potential of the mixture; and,
(iv) If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer has evidence to
indicate that a component present in the mixture in concentrations of less
than one percent (or in the case of carcinogens, less than 0.1 percent)
could be released in concentrations which would exceed an established
OSHA permissible exposure limit or ACGIH Threshold Limit Value or
could present a health hazard to employees in those concentrations, the
mixture shall be assumed to present the same hazard.
(6) Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers evaluating chemicals shall
describe in writing the procedures they use to determine the hazards of the
chemical they evaluate. The written procedures are to be made available, upon
request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary
and the Director. The written description may be incorporated into the written
hazard communication program required under paragraph (E) of this section.
(E) Written Hazard Communication Program.
(1) Employers shall develop, implement and maintain at the workplace, a written

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hazard communication program fro their workplaces which at least describes how
the criteria specified in paragraphs (F), (G) and (H) of this section for labels and
other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee information and
training will be met and which also includes the following:
(i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using an identity
that is referenced on the appropriate material safety data sheet (the list
may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work
areas); and,
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the
hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels)
and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in
their work areas.
(2) Multi-employer workplaces. Employers who produce, use or store hazardous
chemicals at a workplace in such a way that the employees of other employer(s)
may be exposed (for example, employees of a construction contractor working
on-site) shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs
developed and implemented under this paragraph (E) include the following:
(i) The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s)
with a copy of the material safety data sheet or to make it available at a
central location in the workplace, for each hazardous chemical the other
employer(s)’ employees may be exposed to while working;
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of
any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees
during the workplace’s normal operating conditions and in foreseeable
emergencies; and,
(iii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s)
of the labeling system used in the workplace.
(3) The employer may rely on an existing hazard communication program to
comply with these requirements, provided that it meets the criteria established in
this paragraph (E).
(4) The employer shall make the written hazard communication program
available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the
Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29
CFR 1910.20(e).

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(F) Labels and Other Forms of Warning.
(1) The chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor shall ensure that each
container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or
marked with the following information;
(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s);
(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings; and
(iii) Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other
responsible party.
(2) For solid metal (such as a steel beam or a metal casting) that is not exempted
as an article due to its downstream use, the required label may be transmitted to
the customer at the time of the initial shipment and need not be included with
subsequent shipments to the same employer unless the information on the label
changes. The label may be transmitted with the initial shipment itself or with the
material safety data sheet that is to be provided prior to or at the time of the first
shipment. This exception to requiring labels on every container of hazardous
chemicals is only for the solid metal itself and does not apply to hazardous
chemicals used in conjunction with or known to be present with the metal and to
which employees handling the metal may be exposed (for example, cutting fluids
or lubricants).
(3) Chemical manufacturers, importers or distributors shall ensure that each
container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or
marked in accordance with this section in a manner which does not conflict with
the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1801
et seq.) and regulations issued under that Act by the Department of
Transportation.
(4) If the hazardous chemical is regulated by OSHA in a substance-specific
health standard, the chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer
shall ensure that the labels or other forms of warning used are in accordance with
the requirements of that standard.
(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (F)(6) and (F)(7) the employer shall ensure
that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or
marked with the following information:
(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein; and
(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings.

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 (6) The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating
procedures or other such written materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual
stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method identifies the
containers to which it is applicable and conveys the information required by
paragraph (F)(5) of this section to be on a label. The written materials shall be
readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift.
(7) The employer is not required to label portable containers into which
hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers and which are
intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer.
(8) The employer shall not remove or deface existing labels on incoming
containers of hazardous chemicals unless the container is immediately marked
with the required information.
(9) The employer shall ensure that labels or other forms of warning are legible, in
English and prominently displayed on the container or readily available in the
work area throughout each shift. Employers having employees who speak other
languages may add the information in their language to the material presented, as
long as the information is presented in English as well.
(10) The chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer need not affix
new labels to comply with this section if existing labels already convey the
required information.
(G) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
(1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a material
safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers
shall have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical which they
use.
(2) Each material safety data sheet shall be in English and shall contain at least
the following information:
(i) The identity used on the label and except as provided for in paragraph
(i) of this section on trade secrets:
(a) If the hazardous chemical is a single substance, its chemical
and common name(s);
(b) If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has been tested
as a whole to determine its hazards, the chemical and common
name(s) of the ingredients which contribute to these known
hazards and the common name(s) of the mixture itself; or,
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 © If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has not been tested
as a whole;
(1) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients
which have been determined to be health hazards and
which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except
that chemicals identified as carcinogens under paragraph
(D)(4) of this section shall be listed if the concentrations
are 0.1% or greater; and,
(2) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients
which have been determined to be health hazards and
which comprise 1% (0.1% for carcinogens) of the mixture,
if there is evidence that the ingredient(s) could be released
from the mixture in concentrations which would exceed an
established OSHA permissible exposure limit or ACGIH
Threshold Limit Value or could present a health hazard to
employees; and,
(3) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients
which have been determined to present a physical hazard
when present in the mixture;
(ii) Physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such
as vapor pressure, flash point);
(iii) The physical hazards of the hazardous chemical, including the
potential for fire, explosion and reactivity;
(iv) The health hazards of the hazardous chemical, including signs and
symptoms of exposure and any medical conditions which are generally
recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
(v) The primary route(s) of entry;
(vi) The OSHA permissible exposure limit, ACGIH Threshold Limit
Value and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data
sheet, where available;
(vii) Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology
Program (NTP), Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has
been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or by OSHA;

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 (viii) Any generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use
which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer
preparing the material safety data sheet, including appropriate hygienic
practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of
contaminated equipment and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;
(ix) Any generally applicable control measures which are known to the
chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety
data sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices or
personal protective equipment;
(x) Emergency and first aid procedures;
(xi) The date of preparation of the material safety data sheet or the last
change to it; and,
(xii) The name, address and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or
distributing the material safety data sheet, who can provide additional
information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency
procedures, if necessary.
(3) If not relevant information is found for any given category on the material
safety data sheet, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the
material safety data sheet shall mark it to indicate that no applicable information
was found.
(4) Where complex mixtures have similar hazards and contents (i.e. the chemical
ingredients are essentially the same, but the specific composition varies from
mixture to mixture), the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may
prepare one material safety data sheet to apply to all of these similar mixtures.
(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material
safety data sheet shall ensure that the information recorded accurately reflects the
scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If the chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet
becomes newly aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a
chemical or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be
added to the material safety data sheet within three months. If the chemical is not
currently being produced or imported the chemical manufacturer or importer shall
add the information to the material safety data sheet before the chemical is
introduced into the workplace again.
(6) Chemical manufacturers or importers shall ensure that distributors and
employers are provided an appropriate material safety data sheet with their initial
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shipment and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is updated.
The chemical manufacturer or importer shall either provide material safety data
sheets with the shipped containers or send them to the employer prior to or at the
time of the shipment. If the material safety data sheet is not provided with a
shipment that has been labeled as a hazardous chemical, the employer shall obtain
one from the chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor as soon as possible.
(7) Distributors shall ensure that material safety data sheets and updated
information are provided to other distributors and employers. Retail distributors
which sell hazardous chemicals to commercial customers shall provide a material
safety data sheet to such employers upon request and shall post a sign or
otherwise inform them that a material safety data sheet is available. Chemical
manufacturers, importers and distributors need not provide material safety data
sheets to retail distributors which have informed them that the retail distributor
does not sell the product to commercial customers or open the sealed container to
use it in their own workplaces.
(8) The employer shall maintain copies of the required material safety data sheets
for each hazardous chemical in the workplace and shall ensure that they are
readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their
work area(s).
(9) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift, i.e.,
their work is carried out at more than one geographical location, the material
safety data sheets may be kept at a central location at the primary workplace
facility. In this situation, the employer shall ensure that employees can
immediately obtain the required information in an emergency.
(10) Material safety data sheets may be kept in any form, including operating
procedures and may be designed to cover groups of hazardous chemicals in a
work area where it may be more appropriate to address the hazards of a process
rather than individual hazardous chemicals. However, the employer shall ensure
that in all cases the required information is provided for each hazardous chemical
and is readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in
their work area(s).
(11) Material safety data sheets shall also be made readily available upon request,
to designated representatives and to the Assistant Secretary in accordance with the
requirements of 29 CFR 1910.20(e). The director shall also be given access to
material safety data sheets in the same manner.

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(H) Employee Information and Training.
Employers shall provide employees with information and training on hazardous
chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a
new hazard is introduced into their work area.
(1) Information. Employees shall be informed of:
(i) The requirements of this section:
(ii) Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are
present; and,
(iii) The location and availability of the written hazard communication
program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals and
material safety data sheets required by this section.
(2) Training. Employee training shall include at least:
(i) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or
release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring
conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual
appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.)’
(ii) The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area;
(iii) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these
hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to
protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as
appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective
equipment to be used; and,
(iv) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the
employer, including an explanation of the labeling system and the material
safety data sheet and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate
hazard information.
(I) Trade Secrets.
(1) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer may withhold the specific
chemical identity, including the chemical name and other specific identification of
a hazardous chemical from the material safety data sheet, provided that:
(i) The claim that the information withheld is a trade secret can be
supported;

6-18
 (ii) Information contained in the material safety data sheet concerning the
properties and effects of the hazardous chemical is disclosed;
(iii) The material safety data sheet indicates that the specific chemical
identity is being withheld as a trade secret; and,
(iv)The specific chemical identity is made available to health
professionals, employees and designated representatives in accordance
with the applicable provisions of this paragraph.
(2) Where a treating physician or nurse determines that a medical emergency
exists and the specific chemical identity of a hazardous chemical is necessary for
emergency or first-aid treatment, the chemical manufacturer, importer or
employer shall immediately disclose the specific chemical identity of a trade
secret chemical to that treating physician or nurse, regardless of the existence of a
written statement of need of a confidentiality agreement. The chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer may require a written statement of need and
confidentiality agreement, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (I)(3)
and (4) of this section, as soon as circumstances permit.
(3) In non-emergency situations, a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer
shall, upon request, disclose a specific chemical identity, otherwise permitted to
be withheld under paragraph (I)(1) of this section, to a health professional (i.e.
physician, industrial hygienist, toxicologist, epidemiologist or occupational health
nurse) providing medical or other occupational health services to exposed
employee(s) and to employees or designated representatives, if:
(i) The request is in writing;
(ii) The request describes with reasonable detail one or more of the
following occupational health needs for the information:
(a) To assess the hazards of the chemicals to which employees
will be exposed;
(b) To conduct or assess sampling of the workplace atmosphere to
determine employee exposure levels;
© To conduct pre-assignment or periodic medical surveillance of
exposed employees;
(d) To provide medical treatment to exposed employees;
(e) To select or assess appropriate personal protective equipment
for exposed employees;
(f) To design or assess engineering controls or other protective
measures for exposed employees; and,
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 (g) To conduct studies to determine the health effects of exposure.
(iii) The request explains in detail why the disclosure of the specific
chemical identity is essential and that, in lieu thereof, the disclosure of the
following information to the health professional, employee or designated
representative, would not satisfy the purposes described in paragraph
(i)(3)(ii) of this section:
(a) The properties and effects of the chemical;
(b) Measures for controlling workers’ exposure to the chemical;
© Methods of monitoring and analyzing worker exposure to the
chemical; and,
(d) Methods of diagnosing and treating harmful exposures to the
chemical;
(iv) The request includes a description of the procedures to be used to
maintain the confidentiality of the disclosed information; and,
(v) The health professional and the employer or contractor of the services
of the health professional (i.e. downstream employer, labor organization or
individual employee), employee or designated representative, agree in a
written confidentiality agreement that the health professional, employee or
designated representative, will not use the trade secret information for any
purpose other than the health need(s) asserted and agree not to release the
information under any circumstances other than to OSHA, as provided in
paragraph (I)(6) of this section, except as authorized by the terms of the
agreement or by the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer.
(4) The confidentiality agreement authorized by paragraph (I)(3)(iv) of this
section;
(i) May restrict the use of the information to the health purposes indicated
in the written statement of need;
(ii) May provide for appropriate legal remedies in the even of a breach of
the agreement, including stipulation of a reasonable pre-estimate of likely
damages; and,
(iii) May not include requirements for the posting of a penalty bond.
(5) Nothing in this standard is meant to preclude the parties from pursuing non-
contractual remedies to the extent permitted by law.
(6) If the health professional, employee or designated representative receiving the
trade secret information decides that there is a need to disclose it to OSHA, the
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chemical manufacturer, importer or employer who provided the information shall
be informed by the health professional, employee or designated representative
prior to or at the same time as such disclosure.
(7) If the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer denies a written request
for disclosure of a specific chemical identity, the denial must:
(i) Be provided to the health professional, employee or designated
representative, within thirty days of the request;
(ii) Be in writing;
(iii) Include evidence to support the claim that the specific chemical
identity is a trade secret;
(iv) State the specific reasons why the request is being denied; and,
(v) Explain in detail how alternative information may satisfy the specific
medical or occupational health need without revealing the specific
chemical identity.
(8) The health professional, employee or designated representative whose request
for information is denied under paragraph (I)(3) of this section may refer the
request and the written denial of the request to OSHA for consideration.
(9) When a health professional, employee or designated representative refers the
denial to OSHA under paragraph (I)(8) of this section, OSHA shall consider the
evidence to determine if:
(i) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer has supported the
claim that the specific chemical identity is a trade secret;
(ii) The health professional, employee or designated representative has
supported the claim that there is a medical or occupational health need for
the information; and,
(iii) The health professional, employee or designated representative has
demonstrated adequate means to protect the confidentiality.
(10)
(i) If OSHA determines that the specific chemical identity requested
under paragraph (I)(3) of this section is not a bona fide trade secret or that
it is a trade secret but the requesting health professional, employee or
designated representative has a legitimate medical or occupational health
need for the information, has executed a written confidentiality agreement
and has shown adequate means to protect the confidentiality of the
information, the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer will be
subject to citation by OSHA.
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 (ii) If a chemical manufacturer, importer or employer demonstrates to
OSHA that the execution of a confidentiality agreement would not provide
sufficient protection against the potential harm from the unauthorized
disclosure of a trade secret specific chemical identity, the Assistant
Secretary may issue such orders or impose such additional limitations or
conditions upon the disclosure of the requested chemical information as
may be appropriate to assure that the occupational health services are
provided without an undue risk of harm to the chemical manufacturer,
importer or employer.
(11) If a citation for a failure to release specific chemical identity information is
contested by the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer, the matter will be
adjudicated before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission in
accordance with the Act’s enforcement scheme and the applicable Commission
rules of procedure. In accordance with the Commission rules, when a chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer continues to withhold the information during
the contest, the administrative Law Judge may review the citation and supporting
documentation in camera or issue appropriate orders to protect the confidentiality
or such matters.
(12) Not withstanding the existence of a trade secret claim, a chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer shall, upon request, disclose to the Assistant
Secretary any information which this section requires the chemical manufacturer,
importer or employer to make available. Where there is no later than at the time
the information is provided to the Assistant Secretary so that suitable
determinations of trade secret status can be made and the necessary protections
can be implemented.
(13) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring the disclosure
under any circumstances of process or percentage of mixture information which is
a trade secret.
(J) Effective dates.
(1) Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors shall ensure that material
safety data sheets are provided with the next shipment of hazardous chemicals to
employers after September 23, 1987.
(2) Employers in the nonmanufacturing sector shall be in compliance with all
provisions of this section by May 23, 1988. (Note: Employers in the
manufacturing sector (SIS Codes 20 through 39) are already required to be in
compliance with this section).

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 APPENDIX A TO 1926.59
HEALTH HAZARD DEFINITIONS (MANDATORY)
Although safety hazards related to the physical characteristics of a chemical can be
objectively defined in terms of testing requirements (e.g. flammability), health hazard
definitions are less precise and more subjective. Health hazards may cause measurable
changes in the body – such as shortness of breath, a non-measurable, subjective feeling.
Employees exposed to such hazards must be apprised of both the change in body function
and the signs and symptoms that may occur to signal that change.
The determination of occupational health hazards is complicated by the fact that may of
the effects or signs and symptoms occur commonly in non-occupationally exposed
populations, so that effects of exposure are difficult to separate from normally occurring
illnesses. Occasionally, a substance causes an effect that is rarely seen in the population
at large, such as angiosarcomas caused by vinyl chloride exposure, thus making it easier
to ascertain that the occupational exposure was the primary causactive factor. More
often, however, the effects are common, such as lung cancer. The situation is further
complicated by the fact that most chemicals have not been adequately tested to determine
their health hazard potential and data do not exist to substantiate these effects.
There have been many attempts to categorize effects and to define them in various ways.
Generally, the terms “acute” and “chronic” are used to delineate between effects on the
basis of severity or duration. “Acute” effects usually occur rapidly as a result of short-
term exposures and are of short duration. “Chronic” effects generally occur as a result of
long-term exposure and are of long duration.
The acute effects referred to most frequently are those defined by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for Precautionary Labeling of Hazardous Industrial
Chemicals (Z129.1-1982) – irritation, corrosivity, sensitization and lethal dose. Although
these are important health effects, they do not adequately cover the considerable range of
acute affected which may occur as a result of occupational exposure, such as, for example
narcosis.
Similarly, the term chronic effect is often used to cover only carcinogenicity,
teratogenicity and mutagenicity. These effects are obviously a concern in the workplace
but again, do not adequately cover the area of chronic effects, excluding, for example,
blood dyscrasias (such as anemia), chronic bronchitis and liver atrophy.
The goal of defining precisely, in measurable terms, every possible health effect that may
occur in the workplace as a result of chemical exposures cannot realistically be
accomplished. This does not negate the need for employees to be informed of such
effects and protected from them. Appendix B, which is also mandatory, outlines the
principles and procedures of hazardous assessment.
6-22
For purposes of this section, any chemicals which meet any of the following definitions,
as determined by the criteria set forth in Appendix B are health hazards:
1. Carcinogen: A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if:
(a) It has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) and found to be a carcinogen or potential carcinogen; or
(b) It is listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual
Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program
(NTP) (latest edition); or,
© It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
2. Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of or irreversible
alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. For example,
a chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of
albino rabbits by the method described by the U.S. Department of Transportation
in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 173, it destroys or changes irreversibly the
structure of the tissue at the site of contact following an exposure period of four
hours. This term shell not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.
3. Highly toxic: A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 50 milligrams or less per
kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing
between 200 and 300 grams each.
(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 200 milligrams or less per
kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24
hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino
rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.
© A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of 200 parts per
million by volume or less of gas or vapor or 2 milligrams per liter or less
of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one
hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing
between 200 and 300 grams each.
4. Irritant: A chemical, which is not corrosive, but which causes a reversible
inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A
chemical is a skin irritant if when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the
methods of 16 CFR 1500.41 for four hours exposure or by other appropriate
techniques, it results in an empirical score of five or more. A chemicals is an eye
irritant if so determined under the procedure listed in 16 CFR 1500.42 or other
appropriate techniques.
6-23
 5. Sensitizer: A chemical that causes a substantial proportion to exposed people
or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure
to the chemical.
6. Toxic. A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than 50 milligrams
per kilogram but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body
weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and
300 grams each.
(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than 200 milligrams
per kilogram but not more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body
weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if
death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits
weighing between two and three kilograms each.
© A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of more than 200
parts per million but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of
gas or vapor or more than two milligrams per liter but not more than 20
milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust when administered by
continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one
hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
7. Target organ effects. The following is a target organ categorization of effects
which may occur, including examples of signs and symptoms and chemicals
which have been found to cause such effects. These examples are presented to
illustrated the range and diversity of effects and hazards found in the workplace
and the broad scope employers must consider in this area but are not intended to
be all-inclusive.
(a) Hepatotoxins: Chemicals which produce liver damage Signs &
Symptoms: Jaundice: liver enlargement Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride: nitrosamines
(b) Nephrotoxins: Chemicals which produce kidney damage
Signs & Symptoms: Edema: proteinuria
Chemicals: Halogenated hydrocarbons: uranium
© Neurotoxins: Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on
the nervous system
Signs & Symptoms: Narcosis: behavioral changes: decrease in
motor functions
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 Chemicals: Mercury: carbon disulfide
(d) Agents which act on the blood or hematopoietic system: Decrease
hemoglobin function: deprive the body tissues of oxygen
Signs & Symptoms: Cyanosis: loss of consciousness
Chemicals: Carbon monoxide: cyanides
(e) Agents which damage the lung: Chemicals which irritate or damage
the pulmonary tissue
Signs & Symptoms: Cough: tightness in chest: shortness of breath
Chemicals: Silica: asbestos
(f) Reproductive toxins: Chemicals which affect the reproductive
capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects
on fetuses (teratogenesis)
Signs & Symptoms: Birth defects: sterility
Chemicals: Lead: DBCP
(g) Cutaneous hazards: Chemicals which affect the dermal layer of the
body
Signs & Symptoms: Defatting of the skin: rashes: irritation
Chemicals: Ketones: Chlorinated compounds
(h) Eye hazards: Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity
Signs & Symptoms: Conjunctivitis: corneal damage
Chemicals: Organic solvents: acids
APPENDIX B TO PARAGRAPH 1926.59
HAZARD DETERMINATION (MANDATORY)

The quality of a hazard communication program is largely dependent upon the adequacy
and accuracy of the hazard determination. The hazard determination requirement of this
standard is performance-oriented. Chemical manufacturers, importers and employers
evaluating chemicals are not required to follow any specific methods for determining
hazards but they must be able to demonstrate that they have adequately ascertained the
hazards of the chemicals produced or imported in accordance with the criteria set forth in
the Appendix.
6-25
Hazard evaluation is a process which relies heavily on the professional judgment of the
evaluator, particularly in the area of chronic hazards. The performance-orientation of the
hazard determination does not diminish the duty of the chemical manufacturer, importer
or employer to conduct a thorough evaluation, examining all relevant data and producing
a scientifically defensible evaluation. For purposes of this standard, the following criteria
shall be used in making hazard determinations that meet the requirements of this
standard.
1. Carcinogenicity: As described in paragraph (D)(4) and Appendix A of this
section, a determination by the National Toxicology Program, the International
Agency for Research on Cancer or OSHA that a chemical is a carcinogen or
potential carcinogen will be considered conclusive evidence for purposes of this
section.
2. Human data: Where available, epidemiological studies and case reports of
adverse health effects shall be considered in the evaluation.
3. Animal data: Human evidence of health effects in exposed populations is
generally not available for the majority of chemicals produced or used in the
workplace. Therefore, the available results of toxicological testing in animal
populations shall be used to predict the health effects that may be experienced by
exposed workers. In particular, the definitions of certain acute hazards refer to
specific animal testing results (see Appendix A).
4. Adequacy and reporting of data. The results of any studies which are designed
and conducted according to established scientific principles and which report
statistically significant conclusions regarding the health effects of a chemical,
shall be a sufficient basis for a hazard determination and reported on any material
safety data sheet. The chemical manufacturer, importer and employer may also
report the results of other scientifically valid studies, which tend to refute the
findings of hazard.
APPENDIX C TO 1926.59
INFORMATION SOURCES (ADVISORY)
The following is a list of available data sources which the chemical manufacturer,
importer, distributor or employer may wish to consult to evaluate the hazards of
chemicals they produce or import:
• Any information in their own company files, such as toxicity testing results or
illness experience of company employees.

6-26
• Safety data sheets or product safety bulletins.
• Any pertinent information obtained from the following source list (latest editions
should be used):
Condensed Chemical Dictionary
Van Nostrand Reinhold CO. any information obtained from the supplier of the chemical,
such as material
135 West 50th Street
New York, NY 10020

The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals and Drugs

Merck and Company, Inc.
126 E. Lincoln Ave.
Rahway, NJ 07065

IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer,
1972-pPresent. (Multi-volume work). Summaries are available in supplement volumes.
49 Sheridan Street
Albany, NY 12210
Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, by F.A. Patty
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New York, NY (Multi-volume work)

Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products

Gleason, Gosselin and Hodge
Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology; The Basic Science of Poisons
Doull, Klaassen and Amdur, Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.
New York, NY

6-27
Industrial Toxicology, by Alice Hamilton and Harriet L. Hardy
Publishing Sciences Group, Inc.
Acton, MA

Toxicology of the Eye, by W. Morton Grant

Charles C. Thomas
301-327 East Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, IL

Recognition of Health Hazards in Industry

William A. Burgess, John Wiley and Sons
605 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10158

Chemical Hazards of the Workplace

Nick H. Proctor and James P. Hughes, J.P. Lipincott Company
6 Winchester Terrace
New York, NY 10022

Handbook of Chemistry and Physics

Chemical Rubber Company
18901 Cranwood Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44128

Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work
Environment and Biological Exposure Indices with Intended Changes
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
6500 Glenway Ave.
Bldg. D-5
Cincinnati, OH 45211
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Information found on the physical hazards of chemicals may be found in publications of
the National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA
Note – The following documents may be purchased from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Occupational Health Guidelines
NIOSH/OSHA (NIOSH Pub. No. 81-123)

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

NIOSH Pub. No. 85-114

Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances

NIOSH Pub. No. 80-102

Miscellaneous Documents published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health:
Criteria documents.
Special Hazard Reviews.
Occupational Hazard Assessments.
Current Intelligence Bulletins.

OSHA’s General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910)

NTP Annual Report on Carcinogens and Summary of the Annual Report on Carcinogens.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
(703) 487-4650

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 BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA BASES
Service Provider File Name
Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS) Biosis Previews
1200 Route 7 CA Search
Latham, NY 12110 Medlars
NTIS
Hazardline
American Chemical Society Journal
Excerpta Medica
IRCS Mecial Science Journal
Pre-Med
Intl. Pharmaceutical Abstracts
Paper Chem
Lockheed – DIALOG information Service, Inc Biosis Prev. Files
3460 Hillview Avenue CA Search Files
Polo Alto, CA 94304 CAB Abstracts
Chemical Exposure
Chemname
Chemsis Files
Chemzero
Embase Files
Environmental Bibliographies
Enviroline
Federal Research in Progress
IRL Life Science collection
NTIS

6-30
 Service Provider File Name
Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH)
Paper Chem
SDC – Orbit, SDC Information Service CAS Files
2500 Colorado Avenue Chemdex, 2,3
Santa Monica, CA 90406 NTIS
National Library of Medicine, Hazardous Substances Data
Department of Health and Bank (NSDB)
Human Services, Public Health Medline files
Service, National Institute of Health Taxline Files
Bethesda, MD 20209 Concerlit
RTECS
Chemline
Pergamon International Information Laboratory Hazard Bulletin
Corp., 1340 Old Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean, VA 22101
Questel, Inc., 1625 Eye Street, NW CIS/ILO
Suite 818, Washington, DC 20006 Concernet
Chemical Information System Structure and Nomenclature
ICI (ICIS), Bureau of National Affairs Search System (SANSS)
th
1133 5 Street, NW, Suite 300 Acute Toxicity (RTECS)
Washington, DC 20005 Clinical Toxicology of Commercial
Products
Oil and Hazardous Materials
Technical Assistance Data System
CCRIS
CESARS
Occupational Health Services, MSDS
400 Plaza Drive Hazardline
Secaucus, NJ 07094
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 APPENDIS D TO 1926.59
DEFINITION OF “TRADE SECRET” (MANDATORY)

The following is a reprint of the Restatement of Torts section 757, comment (1939):
b. Definition of trade secret. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern,
device or compilation of information which is used in one’s business and which gives
him an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. It
may be a formula for a chemical compound, process of manufacturing, treating or
preserving materials, a pattern for a machine or other device or a list of customers. It
differs from other secret information in a business (see paragraph 759 of the Restatement
of torts which is not included in this Appendix in that it is not simply information as to
single or ephemeral events in the conduct of the business, as, for example, the amount or
other terms of a secret bid for a contract or the salary of certain employees or the
announcement of a new policy or for bringing out a new model or the like. A trade secret
is a process or device for continuous use in the operations of the business. Generally it
relates to the production of goods, as, for example, a machine or formula for the
production of an article. It may, however, relate to the sale of goods or to other
operations in the business, such as a code for determining discounts, rebates or other
concessions in a price list or catalogue or a list of specialized customers or a method or
bookkeeping or other office management.
Secrecy. The subject matter of a trade secret must be secret. Matters of public
knowledge or of general knowledge in an industry cannot be appropriated by one as his
secret. Matters which are completely disclosed by the goods which one markets cannot
be his secret. Substantially, a trade secret is known only in the particular business in
which it is used. It is not requisite that only the proprietor of the business know it. He
may, without losing his protection, communicate it to employees involved in its use. He
may likewise communicate it to others pledge to secrecy. Others may also know of it
independently, as, for example, when they have discovered the process or formula by
independent invention and are keeping it secret. Nevertheless, a substantial element of
secrecy must exist, so that, except by the use of improper means. There would be
difficulty in acquiring the information. An exact definition of a trade secret is not
possible. Some factors to be considered in determining whether given information is
one’s trade secret are: (1) The extent to which the information is known outside of his
business; (2) the extent to which it is known by employees and others involved in his
business; (3) the extent of measures taken by him to guard the secrecy of the
information; (4) the value of the information to him and his competitors; (5) the amount
of effort or money expended by him in developing the information; (6) the ease or
difficulty with which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated by others.
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Novelty or prior art. A trade secret may be a device or process which is patentable; but it
need not be that. It may be a device or process which is clearly anticipated in the prior art
or one which is merely a mechanical improvement that a good mechanic can make.
Novelty and invention are not requisite for a trade secret as they are for patentability.
These requirements are essential to patenability because a patent protects against
unlicensed use of the patented device or process even by one who discovers it properly
through independent research. The patent monopoly is a reward to the inventor. But
such is not the case with a trade secret. Its protection is not based on a policy of
rewarding or otherwise encouraging the development of secret processes or devices. The
protection is merely against breach of faith and reprehensible means of learning another’s
secret. For this limited protection it is not appropriate to require also the kind of novelty
and invention which is a requisite of patentability. The nature of the secret is, however,
an important factor in determining the kind of relief that is appropriate against one who is
subject to liability under the rule stated in this section. Thus, if the secret consists of a
device or process which is novel invention, one who acquires the secret wrongfully is
ordinarily enjoined from further use of it and is required to account fro the profits derived
from his past use. If, on the other hand, the secret consists of mechanical improvements
that a good mechanic can make without resort to the secret, the wrongdoer’s liability may
be limited to damages and an injunction against future use of the improvements made
with the aid of the secret may be inappropriate.

6-33
 TURBINE GENERATOR MAINTENANCE, INC.
SAFETY REGULATIONS
Turbine Generator Maintenance is committed to safety and has taken steps to protect you from
injury on the job. Your help is vital for your own protection. Please observe the following safety
rules at all times.
1. Hardhats, safety glasses and earplugs are to be worn at all times.
2. No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job or allowed on company property at any time.
3. Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
4. All non-emergency treatment for accidents must be authorized by your supervisor first.
5. Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles, company leased vehicles or while
performing duties for the company.
6. Wear a face shield at all times when grinding and be sure all proper guards are in place
on the grinder.
7. Lift with your legs, not your back and get assistance with heavy loads.
8. Do not remove or by-pass any guards on any machinery at any time.
9. Do not use compressed air to clean off clothing.
10. The lid to the cleaning solvent tank is to be keep closed when not in use. Rubber gloves
and face shields or goggles shall be worn when using solvent tank.
11. Keep the tops on all oxygen and acetylene bottles when not in use. Keep bottles in
upright position and secured at all times.
12. Inspect and be sure of proper rigging and procedures when lifting anything.
13. Inspect all air and electrical tools to make sure they are in proper working order before
using. Report all damaged or defective tools to your supervisor.
14. No firearms will be allowed on company property.
15. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand when cutting or welding.
16. Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.
17. Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.

________________________________________ _______________
Signature Date

________________________________________ _______________
Supervisor Date

7-1
 HAZARD COMMUNICATION WRITTEN PROGRAM
This program has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Federal OSHA
standard 1926.59 and to insure that information necessary for the safe use, handling and
storage of hazardous chemicals is provided to and made available to employees.
This program includes guidelines on identification of chemical hazards and the
preparation and proper use of container labels, placards and other types of warning
devices.
A. Chemical Inventory
1. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. maintains an inventory of all known
chemicals in use on the worksite. A chemical inventory list is available
from the Project Manager/Supervisor.
2. Hazardous chemicals brought on the worksite by Turbine Generator
Maintenance, Inc. will be included on the hazardous chemical inventory
list.
B. Container Labeling
1. All chemicals on site will be stored in their original or approved containers
with a proper label attached, except small quantities for immediate use.
Any container not properly labeled should be given to the Project
Manager/Supervisor for labeling or proper disposal.
2. Workers may dispense chemicals from original containers only in small
quantities intended for immediate use. Any chemical left after work is
completed must be returned to the original container or Project
Manager/Supervisor for proper handling.
3. No unmarked containers of any size are to be left in the work are
unattended.
4. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. will rely on manufacturer applied
labels whenever possible and will ensure that these labels are maintained.
Containers that are not labeled or on which the manufacturer’s label has
been removed will be relabeled.
5. Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. will ensure that each container is
labeled with the identity of the hazardous chemical contained and any
appropriate hazard warnings.

7-2
C. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
1. Employees working with a Hazardous Chemical may request a copy of the
material safety data sheet (MSDS). Requests for MSDS’s should be made
to the Project Manager/Supervisor.
2. MSDS should be available and standard chemical reference may also be
available on the site to provide immediate reference to chemical safety
information.
3. An emergency procedure to gain access to MSDS’s information will be
established.
D. Employee Training
Employees will be trained to work safely with hazardous chemicals. Employee
training will include:
(1) Methods that may be used to detect a release of a hazardous
chemical(s) in the workplace,
(2) Physical and health hazards associated with chemicals,
(3) Protective measures to be taken,
(4) Safe work practices, emergency responses and use of personnel
protective equipment,
(5) Information on the Hazard Communication Standard including:
• Labeling and warning systems and
• An explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets.
E. Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
Required PPE is available from the Project Manager/Supervisor. Any employee
found in violation on PPE requirements may be subject to disciplinary actions up
to and including discharge.
F. Emergency Response
1. Any incident of over exposure or spill of a hazardous chemical/substance
must be reported to the Project Manager/Supervisor at once.
2. The foremen or the immediate supervisor will be responsible for insuring
that proper emergency response actions are taken in leak/spill situations.

7-3
G. Hazards of Non-Routine Tasks
1. Supervisors will inform employees of any special tasks that may arise
which would involve possible exposure to hazardous chemicals.
2. Review of save work procedures and use of required PPE will be
conducted prior to the start of such tasks. Where necessary, areas will be
posted to indicate the nature of the hazard involved.
H. Informing Other Employers
1. Other on site employers are required to adhere to the provisions of the
Hazard Communication Standard.
2. Information on hazardous chemicals known to be present will be
exchanged with other employers. Employers will be responsible for
providing necessary information to their employees.
3. Other on site employers will be provided with a copy of the Turbine
Generator Maintenance, Inc.’s hazard communication program.
I. Posting
Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. has posted information for employees at this
job site on the Hazard Communication Standard. This information can be found
at the job site office.

7-4
 HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL INVENTORY
Currently, the scope of the hazard communication standard establishes no exposure
limits, so any quantity of chemical in use may trigger the standard’s requirements.
OSHA’s definition of a Hazardous Chemical is any chemical that a recognized authority
has labeled as hazardous and any chemical that produces cellular effect of some kind in
any potential or possible exposure in normal use or foreseeable emergency.
In order to insure compliance employers will need to establish and maintain an inventory
of all chemicals used, stored or ordered for each jobsite.
Step 1 – Obtaining Needed Information
Chemicals on the jobsite must be located and the following information copied
from the label on the container and put on chemical information sheet (appendix
A):
a. name of the product,
b. chemical name(s),
c. manufacturer’s name and address,
d. container size,
e. container count (how many),
f. location,
g. product use,
h. trades involved,
i. ID# (if on label) and
j. any product warnings
Step 2 – Establish a Chemical Inventory
Using the chemical information sheets (Appendix A) locate each chemical and fill
in the information indicated. The chemical information sheets are utilized to
develop a chemical inventory list (Appendix B). The chemical inventory sheet
has a classification column. There are only three chemical classifications:
Hazardous, Non-Hazardous or consumer Product. [See reverse side of Chemical
Inventory Sheet (Appendix B) for definitions and more detailed information in
Appendix C].
While the inventory is being conducted any containers found unlabeled should be
properly discarded or relabeled.
Step 3 – Compilation of Jobsite and Company Wide Information
By collecting the chemical information sheets for each worksite, a chemical
inventory sheet can be compiled for each project and/or for the company as a
whole.
7-5
 CHEMICAL INFORMATION SHEET
No._____________________
Directions: Complete a chemical information sheet for each
chemical/substance/mixture/product found on the jobsite.

Product Name:_________________________________________________________
Chemical(s) as listed on label:_____________________________________________
Manufacturer’s Name:___________________________________________________
Manufacturer’s Address:_________________________________________________
Phone: ( )___________________________________________________________
Product # from label:_____________________________________________________
Label Warnings:_________________________________________________________
Container Size:_________________________________Container Count:___________
Location:_______________________________________________________________
Is this container properly labeled?_________ Yes ___________ No
(If No, remove container from jobsite for proper disposal).
Product used for _________________________________________________________
Trades involved in use ____________________________________________________
Inspection Date:________________ Location________________________________
Inspected by: (Print Name) ________________________________________________

7-6
 CLEANING DRUMS
One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour
out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.
The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with
the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.
I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces
explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run
it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s
empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid
gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s
mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old
drum before re-use.
The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:
1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are
going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and
electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the
work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special
explosion-proof extension lights.
2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots
and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.
3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to
drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and
you’ll be instructed on that).
4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or
other stuff that would prevent good draining.
The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing
the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making
sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some
materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and
rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet
to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water
to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry
the drum with a stream of warm air.
Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using a explosion-proof light to make sure it is
clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding on
the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.
7-7
 GUIDELINES FOR CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
When the job to be done involves a chemical that rapidly attacks the skins, eyes and
respiratory system, the following protective equipment should be considered:
A. Slicker Suit
B. Rubber Boots
C. Rubber Gloves
D. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask
For chemicals that rapidly attack the skin or eyes, but not likely to be inhaled:
A. Slicker Suit
B. Rubber Boots
C. Rubber Gloves
D. Chemical Goggles
E. Face Shield
Chemicals that rapidly attack the respiratory system, may be irritating to the eyes, but are
not hazardous to the skin:
A. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask
Where there is a latent possibility for exposure of personnel to flammable mixtures,
appropriate flash protective gear should be used.

7-8
 CHART

LIST OF STANDARD CHEMICALS COMMON IN

CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

7-9
 CHART
LIST OF STANDARD CHEMICALS COMMON IN
CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

7-10
 MSDS NEEDED LETTER
Date:
From: (Your Company Name and Address)
To: (Manufacturer or Distributor Name and Address
Subject: (Chemical Name and ID#)

Our Company utilizes the above identified product in our work operations.
In accordance with the provisions of the Hazard Communications Standard 29 DFR—
1926.59 we are requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet for (Name and ID# of
chemical/substance) along with any additional information, safety data or supplemental
material safety data sheets available now or in the future.
Please send the information requested to the following address:
Company Name:
Mailing Address:
Attention:
Thank You

7-11
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
The Hazard Communication Standard requires that manufacturers, distributors and
suppliers of hazardous chemicals provide copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
to customers. A sample MSDS is reproduced as Appendix D.
Employers must have a Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical in use.
A list of standard chemicals common in construction operations is listed in Appendix G.
The Appendix also identifies the chemicals with their chemical abstract service registry
(CAS) number. MSDS’s must be made available upon request to employees, employee
representatives, OSHA, state and community emergency planning groups and also fire
departments.
MSDS provide both the employer/employee with information necessary for working
safely with a specific chemical.
When a MSDS is needed, contact the manufacturer, distributor or supplier in writing (see
Appendix E).
If an MSDS is not available from a manufacturer, OSHA should be notified in writing
(see Appendix F).
MSDS files and/or MSDS information can be maintained in any format An MSDS files
should be maintained at the jobsite and in the company’s home office.
Employers may also want to obtain a standard chemical reference guide.
An emergency procedure can be established using the fastest and mot accessible means
of communication during normal working hours for hazard chemical information.
A generic MSDS is available from a variety of sources (see Appendix H) for use in place
of MSDSs requested but not yet received.
1. According to an OSHA report on enforcement of the Hazard
Communication Standard in the manufacturing industry, the lack of
MSDSs, a chemical list and a written program account for the majority of
citations issued since 1984. It is important that the paperwork
requirements of this standard be maintained in an up-to-date manner if
citations are to be avoided.
2. At present time the requirement that MSDSs be maintained on each jobsite
has not been approved by OMG under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The
Guide recommends that MSDSs be maintained at the site only to protect
employers from likely citations by OSHA under the general duty clause.

7-12
 CHART
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (SAMPLE)

7-13
 CHART
SAFETY DATA SHEET (CONT.)

7-14
 SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH
The operations of the Safety Shower/Eye Wash assembly is very simple. However, when
the need arises for using this assembly, unless you have studied its components and
learned precisely how they function, you will be unable to help yourself. Today I am
asking the supervisors to review the hardware and the procedure for using it with you and
then take everyone to a station and physically demonstrate how it works. The supervisor
should also generally locate the shower stations in the block for you.
The arrangement consists of a shower head, actuated by a pull arm; an eye wash,
operated by a push lever; and an alarm, actuated by a push button or wobble stick.
Should you get chemical in your eyes go to nearest shower station, turn on the eye wash
and press the alarm button. The operations personnel will respond. Continue to irrigate
your eyes until the ambulance arrives and you are directed to leave.
Should you get chemical on your body, go to the nearest shower station, turn on the
shower and press the alarm. Remove the contaminated clothing and continue to shower
until directed otherwise by operations personnel.
Each day as you go on your job, locate the nearest shower station so you will not have to
search for one if the need occurs. Remember, in the even that you should get chemical in
your eyes, your vision will almost certainly be momentarily impaired and your ability to
find a shower station severely restricted. Be prepared for what might happen. It may
very well save your eyesight.

7-15
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
SCENT OF DANGER

We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been
able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.
At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense
of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.
So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.
We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an
acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off
there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it
so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.
When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he
done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to
tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.
We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor
of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself
in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.
We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke.
There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular
danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an
overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.
Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being
scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.
The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is
wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.
It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And
there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain
ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.
In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will
notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.
A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the
mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We
must base a plan of action on the smell.
Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the
source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.
7-16
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

Eye protective devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of
your know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore
their goggles at the right time.
Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from
such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on
the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a facemask or spectacle-type safety glasses.
There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses
can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective
lenses may need goggles, which can be worn over them for protection against damage or
breakage. This ”covers all protection” cam be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye
shield.
Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it,
you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In
face, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t
protect your eyes.
There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to
wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:
• Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete
• Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools
• Caulking, brushing and grinding
• Drilling, scaling and scraping
• Babbitting, soldering and casting or hot metals
• Handling of hot tar, oils, liquids and molten substances
• Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials
• Gas welding, cutting and brazing
• Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes to
flying particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids

7-17
It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In
addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be
overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present,
suitable goggles will give helpful protection.
Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat
vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a
handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles.
Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.
Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fact is they just don’t fit.
Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t
see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount
certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d
rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that
requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of
goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep
them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on
our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart; lets use eye protection when eye hazards are
present.

7-18
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY
The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries.
Ultra-violet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive
ultra-violet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without
proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.
The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning
operations:
OPERATION SHADE NUMBER
Soldering 2
Torch Brazing 3 or 4
Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4
Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5
Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6
Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5
Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6
Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8
Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14
Carbon-arc welding 14
It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful
fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These
fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and
burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position
yourself “up-wind’ from the point of operation.
When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!
In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are
taken.
Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from
physical damage.
7-19
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES
There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle
acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have
time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important
points.
First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head.
Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.
All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no
smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take
red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.
The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is
explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower
explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied
petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.
Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have
between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive
range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when
either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.
All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the
pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much
pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders
are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds.
There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.
Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it
becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode.
It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds
per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under
pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big
amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an
acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the
acetylene as the pressure is bled off.
Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a
while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder
decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for
7-20
acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a
good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days
and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that
fellow.
Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders
have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve
freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the
valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any
compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.
Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up
only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A
shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under
pressure.
The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than
up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter
than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than
air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the
ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas
Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting
pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a
minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the
valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders
together hard, both might let go.
Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever,
be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and
healthy and avoid a fire.

7-21
 TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in
either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly
harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory
method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged
wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:
1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used.
Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when
necessary.
2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using
trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in
small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic
gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.
3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.
4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.
5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are
open flames, particularly welding operations.
6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or
removed from the degreaser.
7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator.
A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should
be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a
full-face airline respirator.
Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:
1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No
Smoking” enforced.
2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign
should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.
3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene
should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.
4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might
make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash
the fluid from the body.
7-22
5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned
about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also
used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the
trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing
possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a
large dose, cause unconsciousness.
Emergency procedures
1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed
to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.
2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure
complete washing.
3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free
of all trichloroethylene odors.

7-23
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
SPECIAL HAZARDS
Compressed Air
A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep he pressure as low as
possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely
in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.
Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing. A compressed
air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe injuries and even
death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor who tried to be
funny with compressed air.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end
and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in
transit. The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use/
Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not be subject to excessive
variations in temperature. Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder
controls, for oil and oxygen can explode.
Chemical Agents
Air contaminants – Always use hood, exhaust systems or special enclosures (if available)
to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced by
grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other
such operations.
Labeling – Containers form chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but
also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells
the name of the product, gives a signal word, states hazards and lists precautionary
measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers.
Read the labels. Don’t remove them.
Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean.
Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective
clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.
Physical Agents
Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at arc welding or gas welding operations
unless you are wearing proper eye protection.
Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.
Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of
temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.
Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for
fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure no fire has started.
7-24
 COMMON SOLVENTS
Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids
that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will
dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the
most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the
greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at
dissolving them and washing the dirt away.
Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages.
That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided
due to its toxicity.
Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will
burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are
both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you
know the hazards and the way to control them.
Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the
temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very
rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the
solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.
Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor.
If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into
a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as
you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally,
if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as
vapor.
The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition
which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and
danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.
When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over,
plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make
sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they
spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.
Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether
it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly
flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

7-25
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
RESPECT OXYACETYLENE
Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only
10%of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling
or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that should
be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:
1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of
any commonly used gas)
2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated
with acetone)
3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses
liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)
4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i.
(Defeats the purpose of the acetone in the cylinder making it safe to store and use)
5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t
stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)
6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab
from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)
7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended.
(Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where
a spark from any source can explode it)
8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the
temperature of boiling water. (don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch
them)
9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding from the cylinder in
recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire
from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank)
10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can be opened at
any given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to
escape into the room)
IT TAKES ONE…
Minute to build a safety thought hour to make a guard week to study plant conditions
month to develop a safety program year to make it operate lifetime to make a good safe
workman second to destroy it with one accident anonymous.
7-26
 CHART
SARA List of Reportable Quantities
Chemicals Listed on OSHA Safety Audit A&B
List Common To Construction Operations

7-27
 CHART
HCS JOBSITE POSTER (1)

7-28
 CHART
HCS JOBSTE POSTER (2)

7-29
 OSHA 1926.59
HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDART

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7-45
VIII. TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS

8-1
 HELPFUL TIPS FOR TOOLBOX TALKS
Your safety training will be more successful, useful and interesting if you plan. Here are
some tips for more effective meetings.
Plan the content. Make sure each meeting has a definite subject, one that is directly
related to those who will attend. Consider the continuity from meeting to meeting. If
possible, plan in advance so you have time to gather materials.
Use visual and training aids. Equipment and materials that illustrate your point will help
learning by reaching the employee through several routes, eyes and ears. But be sure
such aids relate to the point you are trying to make.
Have only one topic per meeting. Use a rifle, not a shotgun, approach. This allows full
attention to be brought to the problem.
Use demonstrations. Thy hold attention better than straight lecture. If you can get the
group to participate in the session, even only one or two or the group, all the attendees
will pay more attention.
Tell them what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told
them. Preparing an audience, then doing it and following up with summary lets them
hear it more than once. Try to use different words, different examples so as to give each
employee several ways to understand your point.
Ask questions that can’t be answered by yes or no. Questions that require students to use
part of the information you have presented cause them to think more and provide you
with a test of our effectiveness.
Get participation. If an employee can do something – use a fire extinguisher, pull a demo
fire alarm – he is more likely to remember how. Encourage questions.
Stick to the point. Don’t stray from the chosen topic. If necessary, suggest you get back
to them later if any employees have question on other subjects.
Review and summarize at the end of the meeting. If you can write the main points on a
blackboard or use a flipchart as you review them, this will help the employee remember
them. It may also help you be sure you have covered all points.
End the meeting with a punch by assigning each employee a specific follow up activity.
If it is something he must do immediately after the meeting, he will be more likely to
benefit from it – and the meeting.
Test your results. Check to see if the employees got your point. This might be by a
quick pencil test, some specific behavior or a casual question a couple of days later. If
you follow up your safety meetings, they can be an effective addition to your overall
program.

8-2
Safety Meeting – Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc.
Date: _______________________________________
Location: ____________________________________
Conducted by: ________________________________

Items Discussed:
1) __________________________________________
2) __________________________________________
3) __________________________________________

Employee Safety Recommendations:

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Attendees:
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

8-3
 TOOL BOX TRAINING MATERIALS
THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD CHENMICAL FACTS MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
LOVENTS
ACIDE, BASES, ALKALI
METALS
OUR SKIN AROUND US
CLEANING DRUMS
CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH
SCENT OF DANGER
GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES
WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY
ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES
TRICHLORETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
DERMATITIS IN CONCRETE
HANDLING GASOLINE
CARBON MONOXIDE
COMPRESSED AIR
COMMON SOLVENTS
OXYACETYLENE

8-4
 THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely with
hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.
The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly label
chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user of
their products
Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical Inventory
List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make available
information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.
Employers must provide training to workers in: the provisions of the Hazard
Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use,
Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine tasks
and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid
measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are
brought into the workplace.
The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train
employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at
the jobsite.
Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program and
Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material Safety
Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to talk to, to
review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.
Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide you
with access to the needed information but its up to you to handle chemicals safely and to
use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are working
with chemicals.

8-5
 SOLVENTS
A solvent in simple language is a liquid that dissolves another substance. In construction,
we most often see them as cleaners, degreasers, thinners, fuels and glues.
Solvents are lumped into three main types of classes. Those containing water (aqueous
solutions) like liquid forms of acids, alkalis and detergents and those containing carbon
organic solvents) like acetone, toluene and gasoline. The third group contains chlorine
and their chemical makeup and are called chlorinated solvents like methylene-chloride
and trichloroethylene.
Solvents can enter into your body in two ways, be breathing or by contact with your skin.
Any solvent you breath (inhalation) can cause dizziness or headache as it affects your
central nervous system. If you continue to breath the vapors of a solvent you could
develop nose, throat, eye and lung irritation and even damage to the liver, blood, kidneys
and digestive system.
Solvents on your skin can be absorbed into the body. Because solvents dissolve oils and
greases, contact with your skin can dry it out producing irritation, cracking and skin
rashes. Once a solvent penetrates through the skin, it enters into the bloodstream and can
attack the central nervous system and body organs.
Like all chemicals the effect upon you will depend on a number of factors – how toxic it
is, how long were you exposed, your own body’s sensitivity and how concentrated or
strong the solvent is.
You can protect yourself from solvent hazards by following a few simple rules:
• Know what chemicals you are working with,
• Use protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses and proper respirators
recommended for that chemical,
• Make sure your work area has plenty of fresh air,
• Avoid skin contact with solvents,
• Wash with plenty of soap and water if contact with your skin and a solvent
occurs,
• If a solvent splashes into your eye, flush with running water for a minimum of 15
minutes and get medical help.
More information on the chemicals you work with is available from your supervisor.

8-6
 ACIDS, BASESS, ALKALI
Acids and bases (Caustics) can easily damage skin and eyes. How serious the damage is depends
on how strong the chemical is, how long contact is maintained and what actions you take.
Acids and bases can be liquids, solid granules, powders, vapors or gases. A few commonly used
acids include: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid and nitric acid. Some common bases
(caustics) are lye (sodium hydroxide) and potash (potassium hydroxide).
Both acids and bases can be corrosive, causing damage to whatever they come in contact with.
The more concentrated the chemical them ore dangerous it can be. Vinegar is a mild form of
acetic acid and as such it can be swallowed or rubbed into the skin with no damage, but a
concentrated solution of acetic acid can cause serious burns.
Different acids react differently when they contact your skin. Sulfuric acid mixes with water to
produce heat; when it contacts your skin it reacts with moisture causing burns. Hydrofluoric acid
may not even be noticed if it spills on your skin but hours later as the acid is absorbed into the
muscle tissue, it can cause deep burns that are very painful. Most acids in a gas or vapor form
when you breathe them in react with the moisture in your nose and throat causing irritation or
damage. Acetic and nitric acids don’t react with water so when these vapors are breathed in they
quickly penetrate into the lungs causing serious damage.
Bases as a class of chemicals fee slippery or soapy, in fact, soap is made from a mixture of a base
(lye) and animal fat. Concentrated bases dissolve tissue easily and therefore can cause severe
skin damage on contact. Concentrated caustic gases like ammonia vapors can damage the skin,
eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Even dry power forms of bases can damage you when you breathe
them in because they react with the moisture in your skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Cement and mortar are alkali compounds in their wet or dry form. As dust and powder they can
cause damage to skin and eyes when they react with moisture in your body. Concrete and mortar
can also cause an allergic reaction in people who become sensitive to them. These compounds
are abrasive and can damage your skin by the sandpaper-like quality they possess.
Always follow these rules when working with acids and bases:
• Know what chemicals you are working with and how strong (concentrated) they are.
• Use Personnel Protective Equipment as required.
• In case of skin or eye contact, flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes buy do not rub
the skin or eyes.
• Always add acid to water to prevent splatter.
• Keep acids and bases apart, store separately and clean up spills promptly.
• Check with your supervisor if you need more information.

8-7
 METALS
We don’t usually think of chemicals when we talk about metals, but the fact is that every
time we weld, braze, torch cut, solder, grind, polish, coat, finish or drill metals we may be
producing dust, fumes and vapors containing that metal.
The metal in dust, fumes and vapors can easily be deposited in the lungs and then into the
blood stream. Although breathing in the dust or fume form of a metal is the most
common way for metals to get into your body, you could swallow metal particles or
compounds if you smoke, drink, chew gum or eat your lunch in an area where these
compounds are present. Some metals are mercury and certain compounds of lead can be
absorbed by your skin.
Common Construction Metals
CADMIUM – Cadmium and its compounds can be toxic. A condition called metal fume
fever, with flu-like symptoms can occur when small doses are inhaled. In larger doses
cadmium inhalation can be fatal. Small repetitive doses can cause kidney damage or lead
to emphysema. Welding cadmium-coated metals is the most common cause of exposure,
adequate ventilation and an approved respirator will protect you.
NICKEL – Exposure to metal dust or fumes containing nickel and nickel compounds can
inflame and irritate the skin causing an itching rash. Inhalation of nickel compounds has
been linked to cancer of the lungs and nasal sinuses.
LEAD – Lead exists normally in the body but can easily build to a level that is toxic.
Early signs of lead poisoning – fatigue, irritability, headache, cramps, stomach pain, loss
of appetite – are likely to be ignored. Continual buildup can damage the nervous system,
brain, kidneys and reproductive system. Soldering Pipes, casting lead seals and repairing
piping are common lead producers; but lead is also found in gasoline, canned food and
most city water supplies.
ZINC, COPPER, BRASS AND MAGNESIUM – Fumes, powders and compounds of
these metals are sometimes encountered in welding, brazing, cutting and spray metalizing
work. Inhalation of these metals can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like condition with
coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, profuse sweating and chest pains.
Following a few simple procedures will protect you from metal exposure:
• Know what is in the metals you are working with.
• When dust or fumes are produced, use the appropriate respirator properly.
• Always make sure you have plenty of ventilation.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene and housekeeping. Before eating, drinking
and smoking, wash your hands and keep your work area separate from your
lunch area.

8-8
 CLEANING DRUMS
One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour
out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.
The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with
the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.
I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces
explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run
it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s
empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid
gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s
mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old
drum before re-use.
The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:
1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are
going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and
electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the
work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special
explosion-proof extension lights.
2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots
and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.
3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to
drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and
you’ll be instructed on that).
4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or
other stuff that would prevent good draining.
The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing
the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making
sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some
materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and
rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet
to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water
to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry
the drum with a stream of warm air.
Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using an explosion-proof light to make sure it
is clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding
on the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.

8-9
 OUR SKIN AROUND US
The human body, as we know it, is completely covered with protective covering call skin.
This covering is necessary for our everyday well being as well as being vital to sustaining
life. Skin disorders can result from exposure to any number of things and are incurred at
home, work or play. To better understand disorders of the skin and how to protect
ourselves, to prevent these disease, we should know more of how the skin functions.
The skin is composed of several substances. In fact, it is composed of the same material
as the hair and fingernails. It is quite brittle and the chemical substances of the skin
requires body oils and water to keep it soft and pliable. If the oil is removed from the
skin through the action of solvents, such as kerosene, gasoline, pain thinner, lacquer
thinner and others, the skin may become dry and tend to crack.
Similarly, during cold, dry month, the skin loses some of its moisture and becomes more
brittle. The skin can then very easily crack. Once there are breaks in the skin, grease and
grime can enter very easily and cause infection.
Another way that the skin can become broken, making it possible for infection to take
place, is through abrasion of the skin. The skin can become scuffed from a fall, from
working with fine chips or from constant rapping of the fingers or hands against sharp
objects. Once a sufficient number of openings have developed, infection has an easy
target.
Acids and alkaline materials act in different manners; but if a material is too caustic, it
will cause a severe skin irritation. Some acids that are weak will not harm the skin since
the skin itself is mildly acidic in nature. Some weak acids, however, such as the acid in
the vinegar, will dissolve the skin itself.
Continual exposure to substances that are mildly alkaline, such as many soaps and
detergents, some soluble cutting oils and the like, can also cause dermatitis. As we
mentioned previously, the skin is normally acid in nature. If, however, the skin is
continually exposed to alkaline material, the acid in the skin is neutralized and the skin
cannot function properly. It dries and cracks and makes possible bacterial invasion.
All of these materials can cause what is called contact dermatitis. It is given this name
because contact must take place between the skin and material before a dermatitis
condition will develop.
A second type of dermatitis is caused by working with a material which may not cause
any difficulty for a long period of time. Then, suddenly, the person breaks out in a rash
for no apparent reason. This is what is termed sensitivity dermatitis. This type of
dermatitis can also occur from breathing the vapors of many materials, from contact with
or ingestion of the materials. These materials act from within. It should be pointed out
that many of the materials which can cause sensitivity dermatitis also cause contact
dermatitis.

8-10
Several general controls which should be applied to different conditions are:
1. Skin cleanliness is extremely important. The skin should receive a regular
cleaning with a good industrial hand cleaner, regardless of the type of exposure.
2. Solvents should not be used to clean the hands.
3. Depending on the type of exposure, it may be necessary to wear protective
clothing, such as gloves, aprons, glasses and boots.
4. Protective hand creams are helpful in controlling some exposures.
5. Before starting to work with a new material, find out the composition of the
material, the exposure it presents and plan controls for its use.
Skin problems, which may arise from time to time, are not associated with just a few
types of industries but many. Therefore, the foregoing general control procedures, if
followed, will help minimize skin irritation caused by industrial materials and processes.

8-11
 GUIDELINES FOR CHEMICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
When the job to be done involves a chemical that rapidly attacks the skins, eyes and
respiratory system, the following protective equipment should be considered:
A. Slicker Suit
B. Rubber Boots
C. Rubber Gloves
D. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask
For chemicals that rapidly attack the skin or eyes, but not likely to be inhaled:
A. Slicker Suit
B. Rubber Boots
C. Rubber Gloves
D. Chemical Goggles
E. Face Shield
Chemicals that rapidly attack the respiratory system, may be irritating to the eyes, but are
not hazardous to the skin:
A. Air Supplied Full-Face Mask
Where there is a latent possibility for exposure of personnel to flammable mixtures,
appropriate flash protective gear should be used.

8-12
 SAFETY SHOWER/EYE WASH
The operations of the Safety Shower/Eye Wash assembly is very simple. However, when
the need arises for using this assembly, unless you have studied its components and
learned precisely how they function, you will be unable to help yourself. Today I am
asking the supervisors to review the hardware and the procedure for using it with you and
then take everyone to a station and physically demonstrate how it works. The supervisor
should also generally locate the shower stations in the block for you.
The arrangement consists of a shower head, actuated by a pull arm; an eye wash,
operated by a push lever; and an alarm, actuated by a push button or wobble stick.
Should you get chemical in your eyes go to nearest shower station, turn on the eyewash
and press the alarm button. The operations personnel will respond. Continue to irrigate
your eyes until the ambulance arrives and you are directed to leave.
Should you get chemical on your body, go to the nearest shower station, turn on the
shower and press the alarm. Remove the contaminated clothing and continue to shower
until directed otherwise by operations personnel.
Each day as you go on your job, locate the nearest shower station so you will not have to
search for one if the need occurs. Remember, in the even that you should get chemical in
your eyes, your vision will almost certainly be momentarily impaired and your ability to
find a shower station severely restricted. Be prepared for what might happen. It may
very well save your eyesight.

8-13
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
SCENT OF DANGER

We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been
able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.
At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense
of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.
So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.
We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an
acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off
there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it
so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.
When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he
done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to
tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.
We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor
of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself
in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.
We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke.
There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular
danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an
overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.
Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being
scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.
The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is
wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.
It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And
there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain
ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.
In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will
notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.
A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the
mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We
must base a plan of action on the smell.
Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the
source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.

8-14
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES

Eye protective devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of
your know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore
their goggles at the right time.
Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from
such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on
the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a facemask or spectacle-type safety glasses.
There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses
can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective
lenses may need goggles, which can be worn over them for protection against damage or
breakage. This ”covers all protection” cam be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye
shield.
Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it,
you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In
face, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t
protect your eyes.
There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to
wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:
• Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete
• Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools
• Caulking, brushing and grinding
• Drilling, scaling and scraping
• Babbitting, soldering and casting or hot metals
• Handling of hot tar, oils, liquids and molten substances
• Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials
• Gas welding, cutting and brazing
• Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes to
flying particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids

8-15
It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In
addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be
overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present,
suitable goggles will give helpful protection.
Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat
vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a
handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles.
Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.
Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fact is they just don’t fit.
Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t
see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount
certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d
rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that
requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of
goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep
them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on
our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart; lets use eye protection when eye hazards are
present.

8-16
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY
The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries.
Ultra-violet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive
ultra-violet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without
proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.
The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning
operations:
OPERATION SHADE NUMBER
Soldering 2
Torch Brazing 3 or 4
Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4
Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5
Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6
Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5
Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6
Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8
Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14
Carbon-arc welding 14
It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful
fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These
fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and
burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position
yourself “up-wind’ from the point of operation.
When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!
In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are
taken.
Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from
physical damage.

8-17
 TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS
ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES
There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle
acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have
time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important
points.
First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head.
Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.
All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no
smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take
red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.
The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is
explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower
explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied
petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.
Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have
between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive
range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when
either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.
All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the
pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much
pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders
are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds.
There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.
Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it
becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode.
It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds
per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under
pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big
amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an
acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the
acetylene as the pressure is bled off.
Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a
while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder
decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for

8-18
acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a
good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days
and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that
fellow.
Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders
have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve
freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the
valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any
compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.
Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up
only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A
shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under
pressure.
The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than
up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter
than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than
air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the
ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas
Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting
pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a
minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the
valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders
together hard, both might let go.
Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever,
be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and
healthy and avoid a fire.

8-19
 TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in
either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly
harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory
method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged
wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:
1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used.
Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when
necessary.
2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using
trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in
small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic
gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.
3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.
4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.
5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are
open flames, particularly welding operations.
6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or
removed from the degreaser.
7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator.
A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should
be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a
full-face airline respirator.
Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:
1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No
Smoking” enforced.
2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign
should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.
3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene
should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.
4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might
make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash
the fluid from the body.

8-20
5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned
about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also
used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the
trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing
possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a
large dose, cause unconsciousness.
Emergency procedures
1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed
to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.
2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure
complete washing.
3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free
of all trichloroethylene odors.

8-21
 CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
SOME CO STATISTICS
Carbon monoxide kills about 1,300 people a year in the United States. In addition,
perhaps one-half of the nearly 6,800 non-transport annual fire deaths result from carbon
monoxide intoxication. At least 10,000 to 12,000 additional persons seek medical
attention each year for CO exposure. More deaths occur in the winter months, a time
when confinement indoor and heater use are prevalent.
FIRST AID FOR CO VICTIMS
An individual suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide should be removed
immediately from the contaminated area and into an area free from the gas and kept
comfortably warm.
If breathing has stopped or the individual is weak or breathes in spasms, artificial
respiration should be administered as soon as possible. Pure oxygen is preferred.
It is extremely important to keep the patient warm and away from drafts. Blankets may
be used to maintain body temperature.
The victim should be resting and lying down to prevent a strain on his heart. As an aid to
circulation, his body should be treated as a convalescent and given plenty of time to rest
and recuperate.
The after-effects of CO poisoning should be treated symptomatically by a physician.
They may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization.
THE GREEKS ALSO KNEW CO
The toxicity of this deadly gas is not a new phenomenon. Carbon monoxide has polluted
our air since the advent of fire on this planet and it has been recorded as a lethal poison
since the time of ancient Greece. In the world today, nearly 200 million tons (400 billion
pounds) of CO are produced yearly. Three-fourths of that amount comes from
automobile exhaust but home appliances, heaters, recreations campers and factories
contribute their share. It should be no surprise to us that the highly industrialized and
affluent nation in which we live contributes more than half of the world’s output of
carbon monoxide.

8-22
 DERMATITIS IN THE HANDLING OF CEMENT PRODUCTS
Cement is the major cause of skin irritation. The more lime it contains, the more
irritating the cement is to the skin. Adding water to cement generates heat, thus aiding
the possibility of reddening or burning of the skin upon contact.
When cement with little moisture comes into contact with the skin, the skin becomes
hard, dry and thickened. The dry skin is then likely to crack and become fissured and
slowly developing ulcers may form. The nails become dry and brittle. Cement can also
cause inflammation of the eyelids and chronic conjunctivitis. Ulcers can result in the
mucous membranes of the nose and mouth upon inhalation of cement.
Factors which can contribute to the development of dermatitis are:
1. Excessive sweating – workers who perspire freely are more likely to
develop cement dermatitis first on exposed parts of the body and later on
the covered parts. For this reason, cement dermatitis occurs more
frequently in hot weather.
2. The lack of cleanliness.
3. Pre-existing non occupational dermatitis or allergy.
Dermatitis may also be caused by using harsh or poor quality skin cleansers, especially if
you have dry skin or work with alkalis. It is believed that lanolin is the best agent to
counteract the fat removing and dehydrating action of harsh soap on the skin. A water-
type barrier cream is thought to be effective.
Proper personal hygiene is the most important facet in the prevention of dermatitis among
cement workers. Workers should know the proper preventative measures, this includes
showers after each shift and changing of clothing daily. During the work shift, a lanolin-
based soap should be used to wash hands.
Lanolin should be applied to exposed areas before putting on gloves, for those workers
who are inclined to develop dryness and cracking of the skin.
Medical care should be sought for those who develop dermatitis. If necessary, they
should be taken off the job until they recover.
With reasonable care and cleanliness, cement dermatitis need not occur among workers
with normal skin.

8-23
 HANDLING GASOLINE
Gasoline is made for one purpose: to cause an explosion and thereby release energy for
power. If misused, it can cause serious injury or death. Improper use kills many people
annually. Follow these suggestions when handling gasoline and you won’t become a
fatal statistic:
1. Gasoline should always be kept in an approved container. The container
must be red, labeled with the name of the product and with the word
“FLAMMABLE.” Never use glass containers.
2. Pouring gasoline from one container to another can generate a charge of
static electricity. Bond one can to the other by use of an insulated wire.
3. Build a dike at least 18” high around gasoline storage drums to control
spillage.
4. Wipe up gasoline spills immediately so that no vapors are allowed to
form.
5. Remove saturated clothing immediately. Wash affected area with plenty
of soap and water; otherwise severe irritation or rashes will result. Stay
away from ignition sources.
6. Avoid inhaling vapors.
7. Never use gasoline for cleaning purposes, whether it be clothes, tools or
your hands.
8. Never smoke on service station drives.

8-24
 SPECIAL HAZARDS
Compressed Air
A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep he pressure as low as
possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely
in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.
Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing. A compressed
air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe injuries and even
death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor who tried to be
funny with compressed air.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end
and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in
transit. The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use/
Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not be subject to excessive
variations in temperature. Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder
controls, for oil and oxygen can explode.
Chemical Agents
Air contaminants – Always use hood, exhaust systems or special enclosures (if available)
to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced by
grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other
such operations.
Labeling – Containers form chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but
also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells
the name of the product, gives a signal word, states hazards and lists precautionary
measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers.
Read the labels. Don’t remove them.
Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean.
Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective
clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.
Physical Agents
Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at arc welding or gas welding operations
unless you are wearing proper eye protection.
Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.
Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of
temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.
Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for
fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure no fire has started.

8-25
 COMMON SOLVENTS
Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids
that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will
dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the
most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the
greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at
dissolving them and washing the dirt away.
Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages.
That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided
due to its toxicity.
Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will
burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are
both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you
know the hazards and the way to control them.
Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the
temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very
rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the
solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.
Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor.
If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into
a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as
you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally,
if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as
vapor.
The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition
which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and
danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.
When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over,
plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make
sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they
spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.
Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether
it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly
flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

8-26
 RESPECT OXYACETYLENE
Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only
10%of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling
or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that should
be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:
1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of
any commonly used gas)
2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated
with acetone)
3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses
liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)
4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i.
(Defeats the purpose of the acetone in the cylinder making it safe to store and use)
5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t
stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)
6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab
from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)
7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended.
(Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where
a spark from any source can explode it)
8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the
temperature of boiling water. (don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch
them)
9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding from the cylinder in
recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire
from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank)
10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can be opened at
any given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to
escape into the room)
IT TAKES ONE…
Minute to build a safety thought hour to make a guard week to study plant conditions
month to develop a safety program year to make it operate lifetime to make a good safe
workman second to destroy it with one accident anonymous.

8-27
 CHART
TOOL BOX SAFETY TALKS

8-28
 TO THE CONTRACTOR
This expanded series of Tool Box Safety Talks was designed specifically for your
supervisors to use on a job site.
The talks are not intended to serve as a complete safety program but rather to provide
your supervisors with a “selling” tool to use in their safety briefings.
If you desire additional copies of the Tool Box Safety Talks, pleas contact your industry
fund office of Associated General Contractors of Indiana, Inc.

8-29
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Talk No. 1 To The Supervisor ………………………… 8-37
Talk No. 2 Accidents – Causes of …………………….. 8-38
Talk No. 3 Accidents – What to do ……………………. 8-39
Talk No. 4 Accidents – What an employee can do ……. 8-40
Talk No. 5 Accidents – When they happen ……………. 8-41
Talk No. 6 Accidents – Who got hurt? ………………... 8-42
Talk No. 7 Acetylene and Fuel Gases …………………. 8-43
Talk No. 8 Artificial Respiration ……………………….8-45
Talk No. 9 Barbed Wire – Safety Practices …………… 8-46
Talk No. 10 Barricades and Warning Devices …………. 8-47
Talk No. 11 Battery Bombs ……………………………. 8-48
Talk No. 12 Carbon Monoxide (CO) …………………... 8-49
Talk No. 13 Carpenters – Driving & Pulling Nails …….. 8-50
Talk No. 14 Carpenters – Safe Practices ……………….. 8-52
Talk No. 15 Carpenters – Wood Rip Saws …………….. 8-53
Talk No. 16 Cave-Ins – Rescue ………………………… 8-55
Talk No. 17 Chisels – Do’s and Don’ts ………………… 8-56
Talk No. 18 Chisel – Cold, Use of ……………………... 8-57
Talk No. 19 Compressed Air …………………………… 8-58
Talk No. 20 Concrete …………………………………... 8-59
Talk No. 21 Concrete Construction – General …………. 8-60
Talk No. 22 Construction Practices #1 …………………. 8-61
Talk No. 23 Construction Practices #2 …………………. 8-62
Talk No. 24 Construction Practices #3 …………………. 8-63
Talk No. 25 Construction Practices #4 …………………. 8-64
Talk No. 26 Crane – Mobile ……………………………. 8-65
Talk No. 27 Crane Boom Loading ……………………… 8-66

8-30
Talk No. 28 Demolition – Safety Rules ………………… 8-67
Talk No. 29 Drills – Using a Star Drill …………………. 8-68
Talk No. 30 Driving – Cures Can Kill ………………….. 8-70
Talk No. 31 Driving – Defensive ……………………….. 8-72
Talk No. 32 Driving – Driver In The Dark …………….. 8-73
Talk No. 33 Driving – Forecast – Lousy! ………………. 8-75
Talk No. 34 Driving – Highway ………………………... 8-77
Talk No. 35 Driving – Highway Hazards ………………. 8-79
Talk No. 36 Driving – How Close is Too Close? ………. 8-81
Talk No. 37 Driving – I Never Saw Him ……………….. 8-82
Talk No. 38 Driving – Mr. Nice Guy …………………… 8-83
Talk No. 39 Driving – Skid Row ……………………….. 8-84
Talk No. 40 Driving – The Silent Killer (CO) ………….. 8-85
Talk No. 41 Driving – Those Country Roads …………... 8-86
Talk No. 42 Driving – Triple Threat ……………………. 8-88
Talk No. 43 Driving – What Every Driver Should
Know ………………………. 8-89
Talk No. 44 Driving – What Happened? ……………….. 8-90
Talk No. 45 Driving – When An Accident Happens …… 8-92
Talk No. 46 Driving – Winter Time ……………………. 8-94
Talk No. 47 Driving – You Can’t Fool Mother
Nature ……………………… 8-95
Talk No. 48 Electrical – Outlets ………………………… 8-97
Talk No. 49 Electrical – Safety …………………………. 8-98
Talk No. 50 Electrical – General Regulations ………….. 8-99
Talk No. 51 Elevators – Material Elevators …………….. 8-100
Talk No. 52 Equipment – From Head to Foot ………….. 8-101
Talk No. 53 Equipment – Personal Protective ………….. 8-102
Talk No. 54 Eye Care – A Priceless Possession ……….. 8-103

8-31
Talk No. 55 Eye Care – Foresight Preserves
Eyesight …………………… 8-104
Talk No. 56 Eye Care – Last To Go ……………………. 8-105
Talk No. 57 Eye Care – Negative Reaction …………….. 8-106
Talk No. 58 Eye Care – Never Let Down ……………… 8-107
Talk No. 59 Falling or Moving Objects ………………… 8-108
Talk No. 60 Falls – Let’s Eliminate Falls ………………. 8-109
Talk No. 61 Falls – The Dangerous Four ………………. 8-110
Talk No. 62 Fire Extinguishers …………………………. 8-111
Talk No. 63 Fire and Fire Extinguishers ……………….. 8-112
Talk No. 64 Fire Prevention ……………………………..8-113
Talk No. 65 First Aid – General Directions …………….. 8-114
Talk No. 66 Foot Protection …………………………….. 8-115
Talk No. 67 Gas – Compressed Gas Cylinders – A …….. 8-116
Talk No. 68 Gas – Compressed Gas Cylinders – B …….. 8-117
Talk No. 69 Gas – LP Gas Heaters ……………………... 8-119
Talk No. 70 Gas – LP Gas Leaks & Fire Control ………. 8-121
Talk No. 71 Goggles vs. Eye Injuries ………………….. 8-124
Talk No. 72 Grinders – Portable Abrasive Wheels ……... 8-126
Talk No. 73 Grinders – Safe Use of Bench & Stand …… 8-128
Talk No. 74 Hazardous Cylinders ……………………… 8-129
Talk No. 75 Hard Hats – Why Wear …………………… 8-130
Talk No. 76 Handling of Cement Products …………….. 8-131
Talk No. 77 Heating Devices …………………………… 8-132
Talk No. 78 Heating Devices – Warnings on Use ……… 8-133
Talk No. 79 Heat Strokes & Exhaustion ……………….. 8-135
Talk No. 80 Heavy Equipment – Safe Practices ………... 8-136
Talk No. 81 Hoisting Safely ……………………………. 8-137
Talk No. 82 Injuries – Causes of ……………………….. 8-138

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Talk No. 83 Injuries – Prevention of ……………………. 8-140
Talk No. 84 Injuries – What to do ……………………….8-141
Talk No. 85 Ladders – Check Ladders ………………….. 8-142
Talk No. 86 Ladders – Ladder Downfalls ………………. 8-143
Talk No. 87 Ladders – Use of …………………………... 8-144
Talk No. 88 Ladders – Use of …………………………... 8-145
Talk No. 89 Ladders – Safety with ……………………... 8-146
Talk No. 90 Lifting – General Guidelines ……………… 8-147
Talk No. 91 Lifting – How ……………………………… 8-149
Talk No. 92 Lifting – How to Lift Properly ……………. 8-150
Talk No. 93 Lifting – Look Before you Lift ……………. 8-151
Talk No. 94 Lift Truck Operators Rules ………………... 8-152
Talk No. 95 Laser – Hazard Controls …………………... 8-153
Talk No. 96 Machinery …………………………………. 8-154
Talk No. 97 Machinery – General Precautions
for Oilers ………………….. 8-155
Talk No. 98 Material Handling Equipment …………….. 8-156
Talk No. 99 Mechanics – Safety for Mechanics ………... 8-157
Talk No. 100 Openings – Covers ………………………... 8-158
Talk No. 101 Openings – Plywood Covers ……………... 8-159
Talk No. 102 OSHA – Role of Employees ………………. 8-160
Talk No. 103 OSHA – Construction Standards Most
Violated …………………… 8-162
Talk No. 104 OSHA – Supervisor Key to Success ………. 8-163
Talk No. 105 Oxyacetylene – Respect For ………………. 8-165
Talk No. 106 Pipe – Proper Handling …………………… 8-166
Talk No. 107 Refueling Equipment – Use and
Maintenance ………………. 8-168
Talk No. 108 Safety – A Belt Can Help …………………. 8-169

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Talk No. 109 Safety – Avoid Unsafe Acts ………………. 8-171
Talk No. 110 Safety – Belts ……………………………… 8-173
Talk No. 111 Safety – Influencing Attitudes …………….. 8-174
Talk No. 112 Safety – Safe Practices Pay ………………... 8-175
Talk No. 113 Safety – Safety Always – All Ways ……….. 8-177
Talk No. 114 Safety – The Positive Approach …………... 8-178
Talk No. 115 Scaffolds – General ………………………... 8-179
Talk No. 116 Special Hazards …………………………… 8-180
Talk No. 117 Scaffolds – General Requirements ………... 8-182
Talk No. 118 Scaffolds – For Safety …………………….. 8-183
Talk No. 119 Scaffold – Rolling …………………………. 8-184
Talk No. 120 Scaffold – Steel ……………………………. 8-185
Talk No. 121 Screwdrivers and Screws ………………….. 8-187
Talk No. 122 Steel Construction – General ……………… 8-188
Talk No. 123 Structural Steel …………………………….. 8-189
Talk No. 124 Tools – Grounding Electric ……………….. 8-190
Talk No. 125 Tools – Guards Protect You ………………. 8-191
Talk No. 126 Tools – Handling Hand …………………… 8-193
Talk No. 127 Tools – Care of ……………………………. 8-194
Talk No. 128 Tools – Avoiding Injuries …………………. 8-195
Talk No. 129 Tools – Handling Power Tools ……………. 8-196
Talk No. 130 Tools – Portable Electric …………………... 8-198
Talk No. 131 Tools – Power Rules ………………………. 8-199
Talk No. 132 Safe Use of Hand Tools …………………… 8-200
Talk No. 133 Tools – Torsion ……………………………. 8-201
Talk No. 134 Tools – Powder Actuated ………………….. 8-202
Talk No. 135 Tools – Striking …………………………… 8-203
Talk No. 136 Trench – Excavation and Shoring ………… 8-204

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Talk No. 137 Trench – Trench Excavation ………………. 8-205
Talk No. 138 Trench – Trenching Operations …………… 8-207
Talk No. 139 Trucks – Mounting Heavy Duty
Tires & Rims ……………… 8-208
Talk No. 140 Trucks – Premix Trucks …………………… 8-209
Talk No. 141 Water Hazards …………………………….. 8-210
Talk No. 142 Welding and Burning Safety ………………. 8-211
Talk No. 143 Welding – Safe Practices ………………….. 8-212
Talk No. 144 Wrenches – Using Wrenches ……………… 8-213
Talk No. 145 General Subject – Accept It – It’s Yours ….. 8-215
Talk No. 146 General Subject – Action ………………….. 8-216
Talk No. 147 General Subject – After …………………… 8-217
Talk No. 148 General Subject – An Open Market
for Safety ………………….. 8-218
Talk No. 149 General Subject – Before and After ………..8-219
Talk No. 150 General Subject – Cleaning Drums ………...8-220
Talk No. 151 General Subject – Common Sense Safety … 8-222
Talk No. 152 General Subject – Fighting Words …………8-224
Talk No. 153 General Subject – Foresight or Hindsight … 8-225
Talk No. 154 General Subject – Good Housekeeping …… 8-226
Talk No. 155 General Subject – It’s Simple as 1-2-3 ……. 8-227
Talk No. 156 General Subject – Long Hair – Fashion
or Hazard ………………….. 8-228
Talk No. 157 General Subject – Look and Live …………. 8-229
Talk No. 158 General Subject – Near Misses ……………. 8-230
Talk No. 159 General Subject – Panic! …………………... 8-231
Talk No. 160 General Subject – Safety Dividends ………. 8-232
Talk No. 161 General Subject – Scent of Danger ……….. 8-233
Talk No. 162 General Subject – The Deadly Dozen ……... 8-234

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Talk No. 163 General Subject – The Little Things
That Count ………………… 8-235
Talk No. 164 General Subject – Think Safety …………… 8-236
Talk No. 165 General Subject – We Know Better But …... 8-237
Talk No. 166 General Subject – What Of It? …………….. 8-239
Talk No. 167 General Subject – Who Am I ……………… 8-241
Talk No. 168 General Subject – Who is the
Safety Expert ………………. 8-242
Talk No. 169 General Subject – Thoughts To Start
The Day ……………………. 8-243
Talk No. 170 General Subject – Be Kind To
Your Neighbors ……………. 8-244
Talk No. 171 General Subject – 15 Years to DIE ………...8-245
Talk No. 172 General Subject – 1½ Safe? ………………. 8-246
Talk No. 173 The Hazard communication Standard …….. 8-247
Talk No. 174 Chemical Facts ……………………………. 8-248
Talk No. 175 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) ……... 8-249
Talk No. 176 Our Skin Around Us ………………………. 8-250
Talk No. 177 Acids, Bases, Alkali ……………………….. 8-252
Talk No. 178 Cleaning Drums …………………………… 8-253
Talk No. 179 Common Solvents …………………………. 8-254
Talk No. 180 Metals ………………………………………8-255
Talk No. 181 Solvents ……………………………………. 8-256
Talk No. 182 Trichloroethylene Safety Precautions ……... 8-257
Safety Talk Record Sheet …………………………………………. 8-259

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Talk No. 1
TO THE SUPERVISOR
Your job in management embraces many duties and not the least of these if your
responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of the workers in your charge. No other
obligation is of greater importance than this.
As foreman, it is your duty to police your men and your job. You are to be on the alert, at
all times, for unsafe conditions and unsafe actions. You are to take immediate remedial
action when necessary.
As an added insurance to en effective safety program, it is imperative that you talk to
your men, from time to time, on safety performance. We would suggest that you try to
do this at least once a week and to assist you in this phase of your operation, these short
bulletin-type talks have been furnished. The last pages provide space to record dates and
talks given.
You are not expected to be a finished orator you should, however, make it clear that you
have the courage of your convictions – and that you intend to do everything in your
power to protect your men – and the equipment in your charge – from accident and
injury.
Teach your workers to think SAFETY – it just might save their lives!

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Talk No. 2
THE DEADLY DOZEN
We have often heard of the “Daily Dozen” with regard to proper exercise and maintaining good
health. The “Daily Dozen” has a counter-part, known as the “Deadly Dozen”, which is applicable
to safety on the job and which also has an important bearing on health and welfare.
These causes of accidents are classified in two categories of 12 each; “Unsafe Actions” and
Unsafe Conditions.” If we acquaint ourselves with these enemies, a majority of accidents can be
eliminated.
UNSAFE ACTIONS:
1. Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.
2. Failure to secure or tie down against unexpected movement.
3. Operating or working at an unsafe speed.
4. Failure to warn or signal as required.
5. Removing or making safety devices inoperative.
6. Using defective tools or equipment.
7. Using tools or equipment unsafely.
8. Standing in an unsafe place or taking an unsafe posture.
9. Servicing moving or working equipment.
10. Riding hazardous moving equipment.
11. Horseplay, distracting, startling and kidding.
12. Failure to wear personal protective equipment.
UNSAFE CONDITIONS
1, Lack of adequate guards or safety devices.
2. Lack of adequate warning system.
3. Fire and explosion hazards.
4. Unexpected movement hazards.
5. Poor housekeeping.
6. Protruding object hazards.
7. Close clearance and congestion hazards.
8. Hazardous atmospheric conditions.
9. Hazardous arrangement, placement or storage.
10. Hazardous defects of tools, equipment, etc.
11. Inadequate illumination or intense noise.
12. Hazardous personal attire.

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Talk No. 3
WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ACCIDENT OCCURS ON YOUR JOB
Major Injuries

The number one problem at the scene of a major injury is remaining calm. Do not get
excited for two reasons:
1. You can lose control of the situation and create a lot of confusion.
2. If the injured person knows you are confused about what to do, he becomes
overly concerned about his own condition.

The following are recommendations for handling severe injuries:

1. Have someone call an ambulance.
2. Do not move the patient unless he is in danger of further injury.
3. Do not leave the patient alone. Someone should be with him at all times.
4. Reassure the patient he will be all right. A good mental attitude is important.
5. Use the proper First Aid for the injury.

Once a patient has been removed by the ambulance, take the following steps:
1. Investigate the accident. Get ALL the facts. Get the names of witnesses.
2. Notify the company office. Be sure to make a full written report.
3. If the victim of the accident dies from his/her injuries then IOSHA/OSHA must
be notified within 48 hours of the death.

Minor Injuries
All injuries not matter how minor should be given First Aid and a notation made in the
daily work book regarding who-when-where and treatment. Minor accidents can become
major accidents. All accidents should be investigated, the cause determined and
corrective action taken to prevent recurrence.

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Talk No. 4
WHAT CAN THE EMPLOYEE DO ABOUT ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Oftentimes, following a safety meeting, an employee will remark: “What can I do about
accident prevention? I just work here.” And, more often than not, one finds it hard to
come up with a quick answer to that question. It is obvious though, that since safe or
unsafe, conditions and practices occur at the employee level, there must be a lot the
employee can do about accident prevention. In face, he has almost total control of safety
procedures in your organization.
Following are a few answers to that question:
1. Accept accident prevention as part of your daily duties and as a personal
challenge. You can’t pass the buck and leave it to the other fellow.
2. Report unsafe working conditions. If you see an unsafe working condition,
report it promptly to your supervisor.
3. Avoid horseplay and discourage others from playing practical jokes.
4. Follow instructions. Stick to safe, approved methods and do the job the right
way. Your supervisor has considered beforehand the best and safest way to
undertake the job. Follow his plan. You may inadvertently create an unsafe
condition for fellow workers.
5. Make suggestions. Develop an interest in your work and study your job. Find
out how your work ties in with the work of others. Try to improve methods,
quality and production and you will also improve safety. Discuss your ideas with
your supervisor.
6. Keep your work area neat and orderly. Don’t let unnecessary trash, materials
and equipment accumulate. Maintain a safe place to work.
7. Dress for the job. Dressing safely will help you work safely. Leave off rings;
wear appropriate shoes; don’t wear oil-soaked or too loose clothing. Dress cool in
summer and warm in winter.

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Talk No. 5
WHEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS
As drivers, we must do all we can to prevent accidents. But if you’re in an accident, whether it’s
your fault or not, you should know what to do so the situation isn’t made worse and so that
needed help is called immediately. You should be so sure what to do that your actions are almost
automatic.
Every accident must be reported at once, no matter who’s responsible. And it’s a criminal offense
to leave the scene of any accident before identifying yourself.
If possible get off the road. Turn off your ignition. Commercial drivers must comply with
BMCS regulations and set up reflective triangles and flags or flares.
Stay at the scene of the accident until someone relieves you, unless you need medical attention or
go to call for help. The professional driver should set an example by his behavior at the accident
scene. He should be calm and businesslike.
Call the police and your home office immediately. Get the license numbers of all vehicles
involved and the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers. If there’s been any property
damage, note the name and address of the owner or owners. List the companies that insure the
property and vehicles. Include the names and addresses of anyone at the scene, whether they
actually saw the accident or not.
Never argue. People are emotionally upset at an accident and will argue without making much
sense. Arguing only prevents you from getting the facts down on paper.
If the accident involves an unattended vehicle, make a reasonable search for the owner. If he
can’t be found, leave a note in a conspicuous place so he can notify you. Inform the police and
ask if they want you to remain at the scene or not.
Never move any of the victims unless it’s absolutely necessary to get them away from fire or
danger from passing traffic. You can easily make their condition worse, especially if they have
internal injuries. Call a doctor or see that one is called immediately. If you know how, give first
aid, but don’t try it unless you know what you’re doing. Try to stop bleeding by applying some
material in the form of a compress.
If it’s essential to drag people out of the wreckage, make sure there’s nothing to hinder moving
them. If wreckage has to be lifted from a victim, be sure there are enough people to do the lifting
so nothing is dropped again on the person caught under it. Don’t move a corpse until it’s been
examined by authorities.
If people gather around, help keep them away from the victims. Make sure they don’t remove or
destroy any of the evidence such as skid marks and parts of vehicles. Keep everyone away from
spilled gasoline. A careless cigarette can turn a minor accident into a major one.
Take pictures if you have a camera. Take photos from different angles including the directions
from which the vehicles approached the accident scene.
As soon as there’s time, write an account of the accident as it looked to you. Fill out all required
local forms and insurance reports. Even though such reports may seen like a burden at the time,
remember that your description can be the basis for preventing such accidents in the future.
Above all be thoroughly familiar with y our company’s policies and procedures in regard to
accidents and follow them to the letter.
8-41
Talk No. 6
WHO GOT HURT?
The Employee, the Foreman, the Superintendent, the Company

A fatal injury occurred recently on a work site located near one of our members major contracts.
When first reports of the accident reached the public, our office was deluged with calls from new
media and others requesting information about the incident. So, even though we were not
involved, we got hurt a little because the calls tied up our phones and interrupted our people’s
work.
It appears that the answer to the stock question, “Who got hurt?” can be answered in one word:
“Everybody.” Let’s consider all the people who suffer a loss of one kind or another when an
accident occurs.
First of all, there is the employee who had the accident. Even if he is not injured, his work has
been delayed, his ability to satisfactorily perform his work has been placed in doubt and he has
suffered annoyance of having his plans suddenly changed by an undesirable event.
If he is injured, his loss will include some or all of the following: pain, discomfort, disability, loss
of earnings, loss of physical ability to continue in his craft, total disability or even his life. There
is not doubt that he got hurt.
Second, let’s consider the foreman. He is expected to get a reasonable amount of work with the
manpower under his supervision. Anything which injures or delays one of his men, damages the
material or equipment involved or interrupts the orderly accomplishment of the job, reflects
unfavorably on his ability to control and direct the work for which his id responsible. Accidents
certainly hurt him.
Suppose we consider the superintendent next. He is charged with competing a specific
assignment by a designated date at an established cost. Each incident which delays the
construction, damages the material or equipment, injures a workman or prevents the efficient
supervision of the work being performed, also damages his reputation as a manager. He got hurt
too!
What about the loss suffered by our company? Every accident which occurs on a job reflects a
shadow of doubt on our ability to engineer and construct a facility, to provide capable
supervision, to attract a capable work force and to fulfill a contract. The reputation of our
company is hurt by our failure to prevent accidents.
Other areas for consideration are the loss suffered by the customer when completion of the
contract is delayed, the additional insurance cost which the construction industry must
Pay and even the welfare loss imposed on the public.
We are proud of our improved injury experience. That is why we insist on the orderly application
of our program for accident prevention measures. That is why we are continually working to
improve the skills of our supervisors. That is why we are soliciting your cooperation.
Wherever you fit into the picture, we don’t want you to get hurt!

8-42
Talk No. 7
ACETYLENE AND FUEL GASES
There are so many fires and explosions each year from failure to use and handle
acetylene and fuel gases safely that I figured I ought to talk about them. I won’t have
time today to do more than hit the high spots but I’ll try to cover the more important
points.
First of all, it’s easy to keep out of trouble with these gases if you’ll just use your head.
Perhaps the trouble is that people don’t take the hazards seriously enough.
All these gases catch fire very easily. Any spark will set them off. That means “no
smoking” around them. Keep them away from fire or anything very hot. It doesn’t take
red heat to set them off. From 600° to 800° will do it.
The lower explosive limits of these gases (the smallest amount which, mixed with air is
explosive) are low, about 2 to 3 per cent mostly – mot much higher than the lower
explosive limit of gasoline (1.5 to 2 per cent). Also, the explosive ranges of the liquefied
petroleum (LP) gases are not much different from the explosive range of gasoline.
Acetylene and hydrogen are something else again. All mixtures with air that have
between 4% and 74% hydrogen and explosive. Acetylene is worse still, for its explosive
range is 2.6% to 80%. Such wide explosive ranges spell extra hazard because when
either of these gases gets to air you’re almost certain to have an explosive mixture.
All the LP gases are shipped and handled in cylinders under pressure. In most cases, the
pressure is less then 300 pounds because at ordinary temperature it doesn’t take much
pressure to make them change to liquids. But hydrogen won’t do that, so the cylinders
are filled to 2,000 pounds pressure. The cylinder pressure for acetylene is 250 pounds.
There’s a point about this that I want to emphasize.
Acetylene is likely to blow up all by itself if you compress it. Up around 25 pounds it
becomes what the chemists call ”unstable”. It doesn’t need a spark or flame to explode.
It may not blow as soon as it is compressed, but it will, given time enough. So 15 pounds
per square inch has been set as the highest safe pressure for acetylene as a gas. But under
pressure, acetone, a close relative of the acid of vinegar, dissolves acetylene in big
amounts. In the acetone, which is a liquid, it doesn’t explode under pressure. So an
acetylene cylinder is full of a porous substance filled with acetone. It gives up the
acetylene as the pressure is bled off.
Somehow or other, even some welders don’t know about this. At any rate, once in a
while some guy blows himself up trying to compress acetylene. For example, a welder
decided to set up his own shop. He figured that he was being charged too much for

8-43
acetylene. So he got an acetylene generator, a small second-hand air compressor and a
good strong water tank and hooked them up. The apparatus worked fine for a few days
and then it let go and the whole place came unstuck. They buried what was left of that
fellow.
Acetone loses its ability to hold the acetylene if you heat it up much; so the cylinders
have fusible plugs that will melt at about the boiling point of water. If an acetylene valve
freezes up, thaw it out with lukewarm water, never hot water. Pour the water over the
valve, not the cylinder. Never use a flame of any kind. That goes, too, for any
compressed gas cylinder, though it’s most important for acetylene.
Since the LP gases are liquid under pressure, the cylinders should be used valve end up
only. Otherwise you may get shots of the liquid. The same thing applies to acetylene. A
shot of acetone won’t help the welding job a bit. Hydrogen does not liquefy under
pressure.
The LP gases are all much heavier than air. If there’s a leak, they’ll go down more than
up but they’ll spread out through the air (diffuse), too. Acetylene is just a little lighter
than air – not enough to count. Hydrogen, though, is about fourteen times lighter than
air. That means that if you turn it loose it will go upstairs fast. So look up under the
ceiling for hydrogen, down at or under the floor for LP gas
Handle all compressed gas cylinders carefully. Remember that the metal is fighting
pressure all the time unless the cylinder is completely empty. Also, don’t forget for a
minute that the wallop a cylinder gets if it’s dropped onto a concrete floor can break the
valve assembly off. If that happens, there’s real trouble. If you bang two cylinders
together hard, both might let go.
Finally, if you’re going to do any welding or use nay LP gases for any purpose whatever,
be sure you know the safe methods and use them. Use your head and stay safe and
healthy and avoid a fire.

8-44
Talk No. 8
FIRST AID
Artificial Respiration
If the victim is not breathing, begin some form of artificial respiration at once. Wipe out
quickly any foreign matter visible in the moth using your fingers or a cloth wrapped
around your fingers.
Two Methods
Mouth to mouth (mouth to nose) method
1. Tilt the victim’s head back. Pull or push the jaw into a jutting-out position.
2. Blow into the victim’s lungs
a. If the victim is a child, place your mouth tightly over his mouth and nose
and blow gently into his lungs about twenty times a minute.
b. If the victim is an adult, cover the mouth with your mouth, pinch his
nostrils shut and blow vigorously about twelve times a minute.
3. If you are unable to get air into the victim’s lungs and if his head and jaw
positions are correct, you should look for foreign matter in his throat. To remove
it, suspend a small child momentarily by the ankles or place the child on his feet,
bent at the waist and with head and arms down. Slap him between the shoulder
blades.
4. If the victim is an adult and is conscious, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich
Maneuver). Chest thrusts should be given to a person who is in the late stages of
pregnancy. For an unconscious adult victim you should do a finger sweep to clear
obstruction and chest thrusts, followed by artificial respiration. Everyone should
take a basic Red Cross First Aid Course.

8-45
Talk No. 9
BARBED WIRE
The use of barbed wire has caused many injuries and deaths to its users. Barbed wire was
introduced in the West nearly a hundred years ago to lend better control on one’s land
and livestock. Deaths resulted when range wars ensued between those favoring and
opposing its use.
Although barbed wire has been accepted philosophically now – users are still facing
injuries when handling and installing the wire.
Barbs have a purpose and unfortunately at times, they also cause injury to the installer.
These are among the precautions which should be adhered to when working with barbed
wire:
1. When handling barbed wire, don’t be afraid of it but respect it. Treat it like a
loaded firearm; know that it is loaded and handle it accordingly.
2. Always use leather faced gloves when handling barbed wire.
3. Never pick up or handle barbed wire gingerly – grasp it firmly. You may get a
prick, but this is better than a torn hand caused by the wire slipping through your
fingers.
4. When stretching barbed wire, never straddle or stand directly over the wire. Hold
the wire to one side of your body and grasp firmly.
5. Don’t wear loose clothing which might become entangled in the wire.
6. Be careful when laying out wire so as not to kink it. Kinking will cause the wire
to break when stretched. We’re not as concerned about the broken wire as we are
about what happens to you when it breaks and you are standing near it – it will
coil fast and wrap you up tighter than a Christmas package.
7. When clipping wire to posts, don’t twist it too tight as this may break the wire.
8. Be sure all tools you are using are in good condition.
9. Wear a long sleeve shirt to help protect your arms from the barbs.
10. Be sure everyone on the crew knows the wire is being stretched.
11. Work smart!

8-46
Talk No. 10
BARRICADES AND WARNING DEVICES
Safety planning calls for first things first, and the first step in highway construction is the
handling of traffic through or around the area involved.
Major sources of injuries involving the public and the worker caused by accidents which
happen during highway construction or maintenance operation are:
1. Collision with construction equipment.
2. Collision with other vehicles.
3. Pedestrians falling into open excavation work.
4. Driving into open excavation work.
5. Driving into work areas.
6. Loss of car control because of minor road repairs, soft shoulder, etc. barricades
and other warning devices will minimize the likelihood of such accidents.
BARRICADES: Barricades are usually of two types, the horse type and the fence type.
The fence type of barricade is recommended for use as a roadblock and around heavy
equipment; the horse type is used for all other purposes. Barricades should be properly
striped for visibility. It is recommended that stripes be six inches wide and inclined at an
angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal.
SIGNS: Signs should be conform in shape, size and color to the recommended
specifications. Signs should be used freely to designate approach to the operation.
Secondary approach warnings, one lane traffic, speed limit, etc.
FLAGMEN: The flagman’s duties are of the utmost importance and he should be made
aware of this importance. Flagmen should place themselves where they will be visible to
incoming traffic for at least 500 feet. They should stand on the shoulder opposite the
roadblock or in the blocked lane, never in the traffic lane, and should face traffic at all
times. Flagmen should use their traffic control flags with authority and not in a
haphazard manner. When two flagmen are being used one at their signals and make sure
that oncoming vehicles are not endangered.

8-47
Talk No. 11
BATTERY BOMBS
Just about any motorist who has driven during the winter months has seen a car battery
jumped. The procedure has always looked simple. Hook the terminals of the dead
battery and booster battery together with jumper cables and the dead battery will receive
enough assistance to turn the engine over and start the car.
The only drawback to this method is that many car batteries have exploded and showered
motorists with sulfuric acid. One Ohio doctor, for example, reported treating three
battery explosion victims in a single month.
Here’s what causes the explosions: Every car battery produces hydrogen gas as part of
its chemical process. When a battery is being charged (as is the case when two batteries
re hooked to each other with jumper cables) more of this hydrogen gas is produced. If
the gas is allowed to accumulate in a small area, any spark or flame will set it off.
To avoid battery explosions you want to avoid concentrating the hydrogen gas as well as
any spark or flame that might set it off. So take the following precautions:
• Don’t smoke when working near your car’s battery
• Do nothing that would make a spark near your car’s battery. A favorite test of
many motorists is to hook the two cables to the booster battery and then touch the
other ends of the cables together. If they make a spark, then they are assured that
there is current. If the hydrogen gas in or over your battery contacts that spark it
can explode.
• The last cable connection should not be to the grounded terminal of the dead
battery, but to a ground away from the dead battery. Attach the last cable clamp
to the engine block, generator/alternator bracket or any other ground at least a foot
from the dead battery. The reasoning is sound: This last connection will
complete the electrical circuit and when any circuit is closed there is apt to be a
spark. Naturally you want to keep any spark away from the hydrogen gas in the
battery.
• Remove the vent caps on both batteries and inspect to see that the fluid is at the
proper level before connecting the cables. Leaving the battery vent caps off
during the charging cycle enables the generated gases to escape more readily.
• Remember that the last two connections in the jumping procedure should be to
hook the grounded terminal of the booster battery to a ground at least a foot from
the dead battery. If you cannot tell which terminals are grounded and which are
not, it is advisable to have someone who can tell make the connections.

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Task No. 12
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
SOME CO STATISTICS
Carbon monoxide kills about 1,300 people a year in the United States. In addition,
perhaps one-half of the nearly 6,800 non-transport annual fire deaths result from carbon
monoxide intoxication. At least 10,000 to 12,000 additional persons seek medical
attention each year for CO exposure. More deaths occur in the winter months, a time
when confinement indoors and heater use are prevalent.
FIRST AID FOR CO VICTIMS
An individual suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide should be removed
immediately from the contaminated area and into an area free from the gas and kept
comfortably warm.
If breathing has stopped or the individual is weak or breathes in spasms, artificial
respiration should be administered as soon as possible. Pure oxygen is preferred.
It is extremely important to keep the patient warm and away from drafts. Blankets may
be used to maintain body temperature.
The victim should be resting and lying down to prevent a strain on his heart. As an aid to
circulation, his body should be treated as a convalescent and given plenty of time to rest
and recuperate.
The after-effects of CO poisoning should be treated symptomatically by a physician.
They may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization.
THE GREEKS ALSO KNEW CO
The toxicity of this deadly gas is not a new phenomenon. Carbon monoxide has polluted
our air since the advent of fire on this planet and it has been recorded as a lethal poison
since the time of ancient Greece. In the world today, nearly 200 million tons (400 billion
pounds) of CO are produced yearly. Three-fourths of that amount comes from
automobile exhaust but home appliances, heaters, recreations campers and factories
contribute their share. It should be no surprise to us that the highly industrialized and
affluent nation in which we live contributes more than half of the world’s output of
carbon monoxide.

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Talk No. 13
DRIVING AND PULLING NAILS
Having any of you ever though about safety in driving or pulling nails? Perhaps you
think there isn’t much to it. I might think so, too, if I didn’t know that just about
everyone who drives a few nails now and then gets a bruised finger or ganged-up-
fingernail sooner or later.
Other unpleasant things can happen, too, when you’re driving and pulling nails. For
instance, a badly hit nail may fly and strike someone – even put out an eye. Loose
hammerheads are likely to fly off and they can land a nasty wallop when you’re taking a
full arm swing at a spike. A cracked handle can spoil the swing and cause a glancing
blow or even a miss.
Sometimes such a handle can push a sliver deep into the palm of your hand. It not only
hurts like the very devil, but such a wound is particularly likely to become infected.
You should get first aid at once for a silver. That sort of injury is usually far more
dangerous than most open wounds.
Carpenters learn the knack of driving nails cleanly and quickly without ganging their
fingers. They have to or they couldn’t be carpenters. Few other men ever do, probably
because they figure that “any fool can drive a nail.” Anyone can, but unless he takes a
little care and uses his head, he won’t do a good job or do it safely. It seems so easy, but
in reality it isn’t.
The hammer must be right. The head must be set at the proper angle and on good and
tight. The handle must be smooth, straight grained and shaped to give a good grip and of
the right length and weight to give good balance. The size of the hammer should be right
for the size of the nail. Try driving a 3/8 inch brad with a full grown claw hammer, and
you’ll see what I mean. You’ll probably bang a finger. The condition of the hammer
face is important. It should not be chipped or worn away from the shape the
manufacturer gave it, just a trifle off flat from edge to center.
When you drive a nail, the center of the hammer face should always meet the nail head.
The direction of the blow should be exactly in line with the nail. If it isn’t, the nail may
fly at the first blow or bend at the second.
It requires practice to hit a nail right every time or practically so. You have to learn to
“groove” your swing, that is, make the hammer head go through the same path every time
and hit the nail head always dead center and at the right angle, you simply set a nail, hold
the center of the hammer face on the nail head and move the handle up or down until the
face is perpendicular to the length of the nail. That’s the position the hammer should be
in when the blow lands.

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With practice, anyone can develop the knack of “grooving” a hammer, but few go to the
trouble.
Actually, it’s worthwhile many times over because if you don’t have this knack you
waste a lot of time pulling out bent nails, you waste nails, you don’t do good work and
you’ll probably bang a finger now and then.
People even get hurt pulling nails. For example, one ”do it yourself” guy went after a 20-
penny spike with an ordinary claw hammer. When it didn’t come, he threw his weight
into it. The handle broke, and his knuckles landed with an awful wallop on the edge of
the beam. Two of them were broken. That job called for a pry bar, as he knows now.
Men have fallen off ladders when they took a good yank at a nail that let go easily. And
there have been more cases just as silly. You fellows can figure out plenty of ways to get
hurt pulling nails if you’ll just use your imagination. You’ll also see just how such
accidents can be avoided.
It really all boils down to this: keep your tools in good condition, choose the right tool for
the job and use a little judgment.
Finally, never leave nails sticking out unless you’re going to hang something on them and
then be sure they’re so located that they present no hazard. Deep nail wounds, like any
other puncture wounds, are very dangerous. So pull out projecting nails and bend them
over flush with the wood so the points can’t be anyone.

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Talk No. 14
SAFE PRACTICES FOR CARPENTERS
1. Erect scaffolds and supports from sound material of ample strength to carry the
load. Construct platforms of sound lumber. Secure toe boards and handrails in
place.
2. Use both hands to hold on to side rails when going up or down a ladder. Use rope
to raise or lower material or tools.
3. Sharp cutting tools are safer to work with than dull ones. Do not use tools with
defective handles or mushroomed heads. Keep saws properly set.
4. Keep boards with nails in them out of passageways and working spaces. Nails
should be pulled out or boards piled out of the way.
5. Never leave loose boards or tools on scaffolds, runways or platforms where they
may be knocked off onto people below or cause workers to trip.
6. Keep work shoes in good condition so that your footing will always be solid and
secure. Turn trousers cuffs up inside and sew.
7. Do not carry sharp-edged tools in your pockets unless the edges are protected in a
sheath.
8. Clean up all loose material at the end of each workday.
9. Place an adequate number of red lights or warning devices in place to indicate
material piled close to a walk or passageway used at night. Barricade
passageways where there is danger of products falling from overhead.

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Talk No. 15
WOOD RIP SAWS
No fully satisfactory guard has ever been developed for the ordinary wood table saw
because so many different kinds of jobs are done on these saws. Each kind of sawing job
can be very well guarded but no single kind of guard will handle all kinds of jobs. So
anyone using a saw must be sure he knows the safe way to perform each operation and
must always do it that way. Bear in mind that wood table saws probably cut off more
fingers than any other kind of machine.
First, when you have a sawing job, look to your footing. Make sure that the floor isn’t
slippery and that there’s nothing for you to stumble over. Place your feet securely and
comfortable and see that there’s nothing loose on the saw table to get in the way.
Next, check the guard. If it’s the kind that rides on top of the work, as it should be for all
ordinary sawing, particularly ripping, see that it moves up and down freely without side
play. If the guard has antikick back dogs, and it should, see that they move freely and are
sharp so they’ll dig into the stock if it starts to kick back. If there’s a spreader, and there
should be, see that it’s close to the saw teeth, stiff and well secured. Check the guide
(fence) to make sure it lines up perfectly with the saw blade and set it for the cut you
want.
If you have more than a piece or two to rip, have the stock on a hand truck or stand,
placed so you can reach it easily from your position at the saw table. Start the saw, and
see that it runs smoothly and quietly. If it doesn’t, don’t use it until the trouble has been
corrected. If you do, it will probably heat up and run snaky and the teeth may catch in
the work. That spells trouble. Your hand could be dragged into the saw or, if the antikick
back dogs don’t hold, the piece being sawed could be thrown right back at you, hard.
Take the right position at the table, far enough out of line with the saw blade for a kick
back to miss you, but not so far that it’s awkward to feed the wood through. In some
shops, an extension is added to the saw table so the operator can’t stand directly in line
with the saw blade and so long stock can be controlled more easily.
Unless you have seen a kick back, you don’t realize how vicious one can be. Those saw
teeth are moving at not less than 10,000 feet per minute, perhaps nearly double that. The
teeth at the top of the saw blade are running toward you. If they get caught in the wood,
they’ll shoot it right back the way it came. If you’re in the way, it’s just too bad.
Saws don’t kick back if they’re treated right. A properly mounted saw blade in good
condition, if used correctly, will cut its way cleanly through the wood. But if you don’t
feet the wood in straight, it will get against those up-running back teeth, and they’re apt
to grab it, lift it up and throw it right back at you.

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Another good way to insult a saw is to feed green or twisty wood through it without a
spreader right behind the teeth to keep the stock from binding. The antikick back dogs
should be there too, though, because the wood might get against the teeth before it
reaches the spreader.
Some will tell you that the way to prevent kickbacks is to keep the saw as low as you can
and still have it cut through the wood. They’re right if those teeth are in first-class
condition so they’ll cut clean and if the stock is fed straight. But if the teeth do catch,
they don’t need to lift the wood to throw it.
Feeding the lumber into the saw is the touchy part. It looks easy and is, if you use care.
But it’s easy, too, to do it wrong and get into trouble. Keep your mind on the job. Place
the front end of the piece on the saw table against the guide and being careful to hold it
straight, slide it smoothly ahead along the guide to and through the saw. Be sure to keep
it against the guide all the way through.
Always keep your hands a safe distance away from that saw blade, at least 6 inches,
preferable 12. You can do so by using a push stick. If the stick is made right to fit the
lumber and has a good handle, you can do a better job with it at the finish of the cut then
you can with your hand.
Finally, don’t crowd the saw. A saw blade in good condition will take the wood easily.
It will almost feed itself. If it doesn’t, there’s something wrong, and until it’s fixed you’d
better use the old handsaw.

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Talk No. 16
SUGGESTIONS FOR CAVE-IN RESCUE
General Guide Lines: Prior to arrival of the Rescue Team or ambulance. Immediate
steps to extricate trapped personnel SAFELY!
A. Call fire department and/or ambulance service for assistance, giving:
1. Accurate directions to accident location.
2. Circumstances of accident.
B. Call doctor if company has obtained services of one for emergency situations.
C. If necessary, call Sheriff or Police for their assistance in controlling traffic and the
public.
D. One person to direct operations, usually foreman or superintendent.
E. Take all necessary safety precautions in rescue effort.
1. Shoring, etc.
2. Remain calm.
F. Determine depth of trench where individual is trapped, use mechanical equipment
(shovels, sharp edge tools) with extreme caution.
G. When you get close to victim use hands to remove dirt.
H. Begin artificial respiration as soon as possible and continue until emergency team
is available.

Information To Give Rescue Team

1. State who is in charge of rescue from contracting company.
2. What steps have been taken so far!
3. Depth of trench.
4. What are the ground conditions in area of accident.

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Talk No. 17
CHISELS
There are many misconceptions about chisels and chiseling which results in misuse and
abuse and could lead to possible injury.
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts compiled by the Hand Tools Institute for the safe use of
these tools:
1. Before doing any kind of chiseling, put on safety goggles for eye protection. Also
make sure the work is securely braced or clamped.
2. Then check the condition of the chisel. It should have a sharp, properly ground
cutting edge, not only to do a better job but to accomplish the work safer and
quicker. Also check the head or striking surface. If the head is mushroomed,
chipped or badly battered, the chisel should not be used.
3. Next, never use a common nail hammer to strike a cold chisel because chipping of
the hammer or chisel could result, causing eye or other bodily injury. Instead, use
a ball peen hammer of the proper size or a hand sledge. The face of the hammer
should be larger than the head of the chisel.
4. Finally, make sure you are using the proper chisel for the job. Cold chisels are
used for cutting and chipping metal and they should never be used on stone or
concrete. Brick chisels are designed for scoring and cutting brick. They should
be struck with a heavy hand drilling hammer, not a bricklayer’s hammer which is
used for cutting masonry. A brick chisel should never be used on metal.

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Talk No. 18
USING A COLD CHISEL
Keep safe practices in mind when you use a chisel.
First, the hazards of chisel work, the ways that men get hurt using these tools. Chips
from mushroomed heads give the doctors a lot of business and now and then give some to
manufacturers of glass eyes. Chips from over tempered chisels or from the material
being chiseled sometimes do the same.
Fingers get smashed and knuckles skinned or even broken when the chisel isn’t held
correctly or the hammer isn’t kept in the groove. If a chisel is too short, the hazard is
increased. It should be long enough to allow a full four-finger grip with clearance of at
least 2 inches from the head of the chisel and similar clearance from the work.
Be fussy about the chisel. Don’t use it if the head is mushroomed or the cutting edge is
nicked (that means it’s too hard). And make sure that hammer handle is not split and the
head is on firmly. Check the condition of the hammer face and try the hammer for
balance.
The number of injured and lost eyes has proved many times over that eye protection
should always be worn on chisel jobs. Probably most safety men prefer goggles to face
shields but many men who object to goggles are will to wear face shields. There’s one
thing for sure, a face shield that is faithfully worn is a lot safer than goggles that are now
on, now off.
There’s some difference of opinion as to the safest way to hold a chisel. Some say you
hold it in the hollow of your hand with the palm up, with the first and second fingers in
back of it and thumb and third finger in from of it. Others prefer a full four-finger grip.
Whatever grip you use, the important thing is to keep the chisel steady so that the
properly handled (grooved) hammer will always meet it squarely.
A hammer is said to be grooved when blow after blow goes through exactly the same
path (the same swing) and the hammer is held so that the force of the blow is always
directly down through the centerline of the chisel to the work. That way you smash no
knuckles, strike no glancing blows and get the most work done.
A properly balanced hammer with a handle the right size and shape to fit a man’s hand
right is easy to groove, but it takes practice. Once you’ve learned to groove your hammer
and to hold your chisel properly, you’ll never miss; the hammer will find the chisel every
time.
Don’t forget to look out for your footing. You need good balance, and you can’t keep it
if your feet aren’t solidly and comfortably placed. You need plenty of room for your
hammer swing and hand and finger room to hold the chisel steady. You have to be able
to see the work. And don’t forget your eye protection.
One last point, before you start to work, figure out which way any chips or the cut-off
ends may fly and be sure they can’t hit someone.

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Talk No. 19
COMPRESSED AIR – NO JOKE!
Compressed air is a necessary tool in our everyday work; however, we must realize that it
can be dangerous, even to the point of death.
Experience has shown that a blast of air at 40 pounds per square inch can rupture an
eardrum at a distance of four inches. Much worse, it can cause a brain hemorrhage and
be fatal.
It can be very dangerous to use compressed air to blow dust or dirt from your body or
clothing. As little as 12 psi can “pop” an eyeball from its socket. Air can enter the naval,
even through a layer of clothing and inflate and rupture the intestines. Compressed air,
under 80 pounds pressure, has struck a small wound on a person’s hand and blown the
arm as round as a grapefruit and caused shooting pains from the fingers to the shoulder.
It can cause bubbles of air to enter the bloodstream.
There is absolutely no place for horseplay in using compressed air equipment. A reliable
authority advises us that it has been estimated that as little as four pounds of pressure can
rupture the bowel. Directed at the mouth, it can rupture the lungs and the intestines.
Compressed air tools can be safe and reliable pieces of equipment. But the above
examples clearly demonstrate that compressed air can be a lethal weapon if used
improperly.
The fact that compressed air is “only air” sometimes leads people to think it is harmless.
It is only air but air driven at a high velocity. A hurricane or a tornado are also “only air”
but they can be deadly.
When used to operate equipment, compressed air can be our friend, a very valuable work-
saving device. But when improperly or carelessly used, it can be very dangerous.
Always wear prescribed personal protective equipment. Continuously check the
condition of tools and air hose to make sure that they do not show evidence of damage or
failure and that connections and couplings are tight. A loose air hose under 80 pounds of
pressure makes a pretty effective bullwhip.
We caution you to never look into or to point toward any part of the body, your or others,
the business end of any compressed air apparatus. This is as foolish as looking down the
barrel of a gun.

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Talk No. 20
CONCRETE
Anyone working around or with concrete should be aware of the hazards and safety
precautions related to this operation.
Employees working more than 6 feet above any adjacent working surface, placing and
typing reinforcing steel in walls, piers, columns, etc., shall use a safety belt or equivalent
device.
Employees shall not be permitted to work above vertically protruding reinforcing steel
unless it has been protected to eliminate the hazard of impalement. In other words, the
rebar has to be protected from the worker.
Handles on bull floats shall be of nonconductive materials or insulated with a
nonconductive sheath when used around energized electrical conductors.
When using a powered or rotating type troweling machine, the control switch will
automatically shut off the power when the operator removed his hands from the handle –
DO NOT USE “TIE-DOWNS” on the control switches.
Riding concrete buckets for any purposes shall be prohibited.
Vibrator crews shall be kept out from under concrete buckets suspended from cranes or
cableways.
When discharging on a slope, make sure the ready-mix truck’s wheels are blocked and
the brakes set to prevent movement.
Personal protective equipment shall be used when needed.
All equipment, hand and power, shall be checked and in safe working condition before
use, replace or repair all defective tools.
If concrete splatters on the skin, wash off as soon as possible.

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Take No. 21
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Shoring erected for concrete construction demands strict attention to safety.
Every shoring job requires attention to the character of the soil and the effect of weather
conditions. You should be careful to erect the shoring that is applicable to the
instructions that you are given.
Steel frame shores must be inspected before erection for defects such as rusting, dents
and damaged welds. Locking devices should be in good working order on frames and
bases. Do not attempt to straighten buckled struts and braces for reuse.
Only men who are actively working should be permitted in the area during form stripping
operations. Safety belts and lanyards must be used when working at heights. Hard hats
are essential equipment and gloves and heavy soled shoes should also be worn.
Do not cut wires that are under tension when stripping forms. Backlash may cause wires
to strike eyes, face or other parts of the body.
Job clean up is important in preventing injuries caused by nails, splinters and by tools or
other objects that can trip or fall upon workmen. Stripped form lumber for salvage
should be cleaned and stacked neatly after all of the nails have been removed. Nails in
scrap lumber should be removed bent over.
Concrete buggies should be kept clean and materials not allowed to collect on the sides.
A wheelbarrow is raised into position by standing between the handles, keeping the back
straight and letting the leg muscles do the work. Look ahead for holes and obstacles so
that you can avoid them before they overturn your load.
Build runways of sufficient width so that buggies will not run off. Runways should be
kept free of ice, snow, grease and mud. Run cleats, if provided, should be kept clean and
in good repair.
MATERIALS HAZARDS
The presence of chemical components in construction materials can sometimes cause
various types of skin disorders.
Skin irritations can be prevented by personal cleanliness. Wash hands as frequently as
possible, or use a protective hand cream or ointment on exposed skin surfaces.
Try to keep exposed parts of the body away from direct contact with lime and cement.
Wear clothing made of durable materials and which fits snugly around neck, wrists and
ankles.
Go to First Aid in case of cement burn. For cement in the eye, hold the eye open and
flush out with water.

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Talk No. 22
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #1
Keep oily cloths away from oxygen (explosion danger).
Always light torch with a “torch lighter” (never use a match or cigarette – and never in a
keg or drum).
Open compressed gas cylinders slowly to avoid valve damage.
Keep salamanders or other portable heating equipment away form combustible material.
Make sure engines in buildings are away from combustibles – and exhaust is properly
ventilated.
After work,. Check clothing for hidden hot slag or molten metal. Do no wear oil-soaked
clothing.
Check for clear path first. Then have clear view while carrying load.
Face ladder when climbing. Use both hands. Use hand line or material hoist to lift
loads.
Use only sturdy ladders on firm base. Where possible angle out base one-fourth of ladder
working length. Keep are clear of debris.
Have ladder reach at least three feet above handing for easy access. Tie off ladder at top
(secure bottom and brace long ladders).
Use scaffold if solid footing or safe ladder access is not possible; made of straight-
grained lumber, free of defects and knots. Test plank strength.
Platform planks should overlap supports not less than six inches nor more than twelve
inches; be secured from shifting.
Consider all wires “live” until checked and locked out. Keep safe distance from “live”
electricity.
Have electrical power tools and equipment properly grounded.
Do not use electrical power tools or equipment while standing in water.
All electrical power tools and extension cords should have rubber insulation. Damaged
cords should be replaced not repaired.
Only qualified personnel should make electrical repairs or installations. Do not use metal
ladders and hats near high-powered electricity.
Have all cords, leads, hose, etc., placed to avoid tripping hazards or getting damaged and
away from oil grease.
Remove or clinch nails in old lumber.
Oil, grease and water spills must be cleaned up right away. Delay can cause an accident.
Keep loose material off stairs, walkways, ramps, platforms, etc.
8-61
Talk No. 23
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #2
Report to work rested and physically fit to perform your job.
Wear clothing suitable for weather and your work. Torn or loose clothing, cuffs and neckwear are
hazardous.
Wear approved safety footwear suitable for your trade …in good condition.
Use gloves, aprons or other suitable skin protection when handling rough materials, chemicals, hot or cold
objects. Replace if worn.
Jewelry (rings, bracelet, neck chains, etc.) should not be worn.
Special safety equipment is provided for your protection. Use when required. Keep in good condition.
Report loss or damage immediately.
In or near old construction locate gas, power and water sources before starting work. Contact utility
companies.
“No Smoking” signs stand guard near fire dangers. Obey them – always!
Know location and use of fire extinguishing equipment and how to give fire alarm.
Flammable liquid containers should be clearly labeled and stored in a protected, separate area.
Flammable liquids should be used only in small amounts and in approved metal safety cans.
Do not refuel a hot running engine.
Do not block aisles, traffic lanes, fire exits.
Have safe access to work areas, the safe way is the right way.
Avoid shortcut, use ramps, stairs, walkways, ladders, etc.
Properly brace or shore up excavation side wall if not sloped.
Place excavation spoil far enough away to avoid load strain on walls. Remove surface rocks that may fall
in.
Do not permit vehicles too close to edge of cut.
Bend knees, keep back nearly straight when lifting. Leg muscles, not your back, should do the work.
Get help with heavy or bulky materials to avoid dropping load or getting thrown off balance.
Have just one-person give commands when team lifting big loads.
Intoxicants and non-prescribed drugs are NOT PERMITTED – cause of disciplinary action.
Rely on your supervisor’s knowledge and experience if you do not understand any rule or work operation.
Work with care and good judgment at all times to avoid accidents – whether or not a specific rule is
obtained in this manual.
Give your wholehearted support to safety access. Preventing your accident depends mostly on YOU!

8-62
Talk No. 24
GENERAL CONTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #3
Never adjust or repair machinery while it is in motion. “Lockout” when maintenance job
requires.
Operate machinery and vehicles within rated capacity and at safe speeds.
Report defective power tools or machinery to supervisor immediately.
Never point an air hose at anyone or use it to clean clothing – extremely dangerous!
Be sure you have clear area behind you before swinging sledgehammer, other tools or
materials.
Keep constant check on blocks, cables, clamp[s and other tackle. Repair or replace if
defective.
Store oily wiping rags in covered metal containers or dispose of them safely.
Never use an air hose or pressure to empty gasoline drums.
Welding, cutting operations should be closely supervised. Remove or shield nearby
combustibles.
Keep a fire watch with adequate fire extinguishers during and after “hot work” as job
location requires.
Do not look at welding or cutting operations without wearing proper eye protection.
Check hose, fittings, valves for leaks (use soapy water).
Keep all tools and materials away from edge of scaffolds, platforms, shaft openings, etc.
Do not use tools with split, broken or loose handles.
Have tools with burred or mushroomed heads dressed. Keep cutting tools sharp – and
carry in a container (not in your pocket).
Know correct use of hand and power tools before using. Use the right tool for the job.
Only qualified personnel should operate or service power tools, vehicles and other
machinery.
Before starting machinery, opening valves, switches, etc., check safety of workmen.
Have all safety guards attached.

8-63
Talk No. 25
GENERAL CONTRUCTION – SAFE PRACTICES #4
When entering different work areas, familiarize yourself with any required safety
precautions.
Be sure your footing is well supported before stepping. Watch out for overhanging
planks, slippery spots, loose objects, etc.
Be aware of work going on around you. Keep clear of suspended loads, traffic areas, etc.
Always have enough light on stairs, aisles, basements, work areas, etc.
Place barricades and signs to warn of traffic, overhead dangers, etc. Have warning lights,
flagman or watchman, if necessary.
Place fencing or barricades at excavations, floor openings.
Do not ride on vehicles or mobile equipment unless specifically authorized.
Always be seated when riding authorized vehicles (unless designed for standing).
Report any injuries immediately. Even small cuts can become seriously infected.
Report any unsafe conditions or equipment to your supervisor.
Keep “horseplay” and roughhousing away from the job. Practical jokes often become
painful injuries.
Keep your mind on your job and temper under control, always.
Hard hats must be worn in all areas indicated (visitors included).
Wear proper eye protection if exposed to flying objects, dust, hot splashing metal,
harmful rays and chemicals.
Wear proper respiratory equipment when spray painting, burning, exposed to dust or
other toxic hazards, as required.
Keep materials orderly. Prevent piles from falling or shifting (tie down or support, if
necessary).
Shavings, dust, scraps, oil or grease must not accumulate. Make good housekeeping part
of the job.
Refuse piles must be removed as soon as possible.

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Talk No. 26
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOBILE CRANE OPERATIONS
1. 34% of injuries through crane accidents are the result of workers standing or
working under suspended loads or the loss of the load because of unsafe rigging,
hooks or slings.
2. Cables and fastenings should be looked at every day of operations and inspected
thoroughly at least weekly, more often toward the end of their useful life. The
number of broken wires, the amount of wear of the outside wires, and evidence of
corrosion are indications of its condition. If an 6 by 9 or 6 by 25 cable has six
broken wires in one lay, that section of the rope is seriously weakened.
3. Hooks deteriorate from fatigue and from the bad practice of lifting a load on the
point, which causes the hook to open or spread. When these conditions are found,
the hook should be replaced. A swivel type hook minimizes during by a load
during a lift. A safety hook has a latch which prevents a sling from coming off
the hook.
4. Operating a crane on soft or sloping ground is dangerous. The crane should
always be level before it is put into operation. Outriggers give reliable stability
only when used on solid ground.
5. Overloading causes particularly serious accidents, such as overturning, collapse of
the boom, and cable failure. Each manufacturer posts the safe loads for various
boom angles in the cab. The load limits specified on capacity plates must never
be exceeded; furthermore, other instructions should be strictly observed.
6. Before leaving the crane for any reason, the operator should set the brakes, block
the wheels, lock the boom and place the levers and controls in a neutral position.
7. Exert the utmost of care when operating a crane in the vicinity of overhead wires
regardless of the known voltage. If the crane must be operated near power lines,
the power company should be consulted about precautions and its safety
recommendations observed strictly.
8. Metal water dispensers should not be placed on a crane as a central location for
workers.
9. Engines should not be refueled while running. If refueling is done by hose
connection from a tank or from drums by means of pumps, metallic connection
between the hose nozzle and fill pipe should be maintained. A suitable fire
extinguisher should be kept in the cab of the rig.

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Talk No. 27
CRANE BOOM LOADING
Crane and rigging safety is of extreme importance to the construction industry. Much of this kind
of work is performed in congested areas where the general public can easily become involved in
an accident.
Hazardous loading of crane booms, which could lead to either overturning the crane or to
buckling the boom, can be avoided if you understand crane ratings. Every construction crane
should be provided with a chart showing its rated capacity. This rated capacity can be safely
handled if you pay attention to the following points:
1. The safe load depends upon the boom length and the radius. Make sure that you know
what length of boom you are using. Remember that radius is measured from the center of
rotation not from the boom foot pin.
2. The published load does not include the weight of the hook or materials handling devices.
Subtract the weight of equalizer jobs, concrete buckets or job extension from the rated
loads to determine the weight of material that can be handled.
3. Ratings are based on operating on firm ground and in the case of mobile cranes with the
outriggers full extended. Make sure that the crane is not operating on ground that is too
soft or with outriggers that are not properly blocked and loaded.
4. Ratings are based on operating on level ground. Operating on grades increases boom
stress. If you pick up a load on the high side of a slope and swing the low side, the radius
will increase and can cause the crane to tip. If operating at high boom angles, a swing
from the low side to the high side can cause the boom to collapse over the cab.
5. Avoid fast operations. Fast swings cause the load to swing out, this increasing the radius.
Rapid hoisting or braking of the load increases the boom stresses and can overload the
rigging.
6. Do not handle heavy loads with a large surface area when there are high winds. Wing
gusts can create an unstable condition.
7. Make sure the crane is properly rigged, that it has the correct counterweight, the proper
boom, the right boom mounting position, the gantry properly rigged and his adequate
parts of line.
8. Avoid traveling with a heavy load. The boom is subjected to shock and bending stresses
if moving over uneven ground and swinging of the boom creates inertia forces which can
cause collapse of the boom.
9. Do not use a crane with a bent or damaged boom. Booms must be straightened and in
good repair.
10. If in doubt as to the ability of a machine to lift a load, make sure that you attempt the lift
in the most stable position. For example, with a truck crane, pick the load up over the
rear where stability is greatest and then boom up before swinging over the side.

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Talk No. 28
SAFETY RULES FOR DEMOLITION PROJECTS
Before beginning the actual work of demolition, a careful study should be made of the
structure that is to be torn down and of its surroundings. A definite plan of procedure
then should be mapped out and thereafter followed as closely as possible. The following
rules should be incorporated as part of this plan:
1. Shoring of other buildings is often necessary and full provision should be made
for carrying out all operations of this kind promptly.
2. If a structure has been wrecked by fire, flood, explosion or other catastrophe, it
may be necessary to shore up or brace some of the walls of the building that are to
be taken down, before the wrecking operations can be safely started.
3. Before the wrecking operations begin, protection of the public against falling
objects should be provided when the buildings stand close to a street or to a much
frequented thoroughfare of any kind. The entire sidewalk adjoining the building
should be fenced off and sidewalk sheds constructed where necessary. Sidewalk
sheds should be capable of supporting a load of 150 pounds per square foot. It
material is to be piled on the sheds, they should be able to support 300 pounds per
square foot.
4. The demolition should always proceed systematically, story by story and the work
on the upper floors should be completed before any of the supporting members on
the lower floors are disturbed.
5. All gas, electricity and water should be shut off at the outset and all windows,
glass doors and other fragile fixtures removed before proceeding with any other
work. The lath and plaster then should be stripped off throughout the entire
building.
6. Material should never be thrown to the ground. It should be lowered to the
ground or to the top of the sidewalk shed by means of rope and suitable tackle.
Debris should be removed by means of wooden or metal chutes.
7. All projecting nails in boards, planks and timber should be carefully removed,
hammered in or bent in a safe way. Good housekeeping is of importance.
8. Employees should be use personal protective equipment. Hard hats, safety
goggles, safety shoes and gloves are particularly recommended.
9. All floor openings should be kept covered, except where in actual use for
lowering materials. If this is not feasible, toe-boards and hand rails should be
installed around the openings.

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Talk No. 29
USING A STAR DRILL
Using drills are safe enough in themselves, but just the same, men get hurt using them.
Part of the reason is that they’re often used in places where it’s difficult to work, up on
ladders or scaffolds, under ceilings, in close quarters and so on.
That fact gives a fellow who gets hurt an alibi but not a very good one, because in every
case he could have kept from being hurt by using his head.
When you use a star drill you should always protect your eyes. If you’re working in a
place where the lenses would get dirty easily or fog up much, a face shield might be
better than goggles. But sometimes to keep the chips and dust out of your eyes is a must.
And in some cases, ear protection may be needed.
Drilling upward is particularly bad. You have to look up once in a while at least and that
seems to be just the time when a lot of little pieces of mortar or brick let all holds go and
dive for your eyes.
Mortar can really burn them. Concrete is bad too and chips can fly hard when you’re
starting the hole.
The head of a star drill has to take a lot of battering. The head mushrooms rather quickly
and has to be dressed often if you don’t want to stop a hard-hitting piece of it with your
face once in a while. The safety-minded guy watches it and redresses it every time it
starts to mushroom a little. The unsafety-minded fellow waits until pieces start to break
off.
For fast, easy drilling, the center of the hammer face should meet the drill head squarely,
with the direction of the stroke straight with the drill. That means that the hammer face,
when it hits, should be exactly at right angles with the drill, exactly perpendicular to it.
That’s what is meant by “grooving” your swing. It takes a little practice, but it’s worth it.
Most fellows learn to groove their swing just by pounding away at that old drill. They hit
a lot of glancing blows that way, though, before they get the knack of it. They may
smash a finger or two learning and sock their hands some, besides. It’s better to practice
a while first.
Decide on the best hold on the drill, the right grip on the hammer and just the right swing.
Then practice until you have it.
Some fellows miss the drill head or hit it off center because the drill sticks and they tug at
it and pull it out of line. The way to prevent this is to turn the drill only while the
hammer is on the upswing. Then you can either hold your swing or go on with it in hope
that the next blow will break the drill loose.
It takes fast work with the drill hand and good timing, but once you get the knack it’s
easy. You should never tug at the drill without checking your swing.

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Some men like to hold the drill with a special ratchet tool. It gives leverage to break the
drill loose when it sticks and keeps your hand out of danger. It’s harder to hold the drill
straight with it then it is with your hand, though; so experienced men don’t seem to take
to it so well. Beginners seem to like it and once they get the knack; make good speed
with it. It can be very helpful in tight places and for drilling upwards.
Finally, just as in any other work in any sort of place, look to your footing. If you’re
working overhead, be sure your scaffold or whatever you’re working from is safe. Doing
a star drill job from an ordinary ladder is not a good idea. You need better footing than a
ladder rung can give. So figure out a safer way and use it. Don’t take chances.

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Talk No. 30
CURES CAN KILL
Operating a motor vehicle is a job that demands your undivided attention. But there are
so many new drugs on the market today that anyone who drives must be extremely
careful of any medications he takes.
Drugstore counters are crowded with heavily advertised products containing promised
relief from colds, flu, arthritic pain, stomach and other common disorders. Many of these
drugs and what they contain, are a mystery to most of us. They’re nothing like the simple
household remedies our parents used. In face any exact knowledge of them is pretty well
restricted to doctors and pharmacists.
Each drug must be tested before it comes on the market for general sale. Usually, what
happens is that a new drug or a combination of several drugs is administered to patients
in hospitals, with their consent, under carefully controlled conditions. This is done after
studying the reactions of the drugs on animals.
The patients report their own reactions to the drug being studied. These reactions, along
with medial tests on the patient, are reported in detail. From such experience, the rates of
tolerance are determined for different people.
Remember the old saying, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison?” Keep that in mid
and remember that one’s tolerance of a drug is a highly individual matter. What one
person can take with ease can cause another person a great deal of discomfort and
sometimes even can be fatal. In testing to find out the range of tolerance for a wide
variety of people, there is always the possibility that your type of person can be
overlooked. You may have inherited tendencies, chemical makeup or trauma that result
in very different reactions to a drug than the typical reaction for the group that was tested.
Generally, it’s true that nearly every drug produces side effects of some kind. Common
aspirin tablets cause many people to perspire; penicillin makes some people shed skin
like a snake; cortisone can cause convulsive nausea and swelling, aching joints.
Although it’s against the principles of many doctors to tell you what’s in the pills they
prescribe, it is important that the doctor should know your medical history and physical
condition. Whether be asks or not, make sure you tell him you are a professional driver
and that you have to make quick decisions and must be constantly alert to avoid
accidents. Always ask if the medicine will make you drowsy or affect your reflexes and
quick reaction to traffic hazards.
You may be tempted to stop in a strange town or see a new doctor for a batch of pills to
get you over a cold, the flu or some other ailment. Try to avoid this unless you are up
against an emergency that requires immediate care. Why? Because the doctor doesn’t
know your full medical history and probably won’t ever see you again. It’s also unlikely

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that you can fill him in on all the details that your family doctor knows or has records to
confirm. Being unfamiliar with you the out-of-town doctor may prescribe a “cure” that’s
worse than what ails you.
Not only should you be cautious in the use of drugs prescribed by a physician, and follow
his directions exactly, but you must also exercise extreme care in the use of drugs that
don’t require a prescription.
Never take a new remedy just before driving, or while driving. The antihistamines and
the more potent pain killers can make you so sleepy you may lose control of the wheel or
react too slowly to avoid a collision. If you must try an unknown drug without first
asking your doctor, do it while you are off duty and note carefully how it affects you.
Always challenge what is says on the package with your own individual test. And don’t
drive until several hours later.

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Talk No. 31
DEGENSIVE DRIVING
While a good offense may be the best defense in football, this doesn’t hold true in
driving. A Professional Driver is a top Defensive Driver! He seems to have eyes (or
mirrors) in the back of his head! He stays out of the other fellow’s way.
The Professional Driver:
1. Knows and obeys the company rules for the operation of his vehicle.
2. Knows and obeys the traffic rules and regulations applicable to the area in which
he is driving.
3. Is aware of the traffic situations far ahead on both sides and to the rear of his
vehicle.
4. Is constantly alert to illegal acts and errors of others.
5. Is willing to yield the right-of-way to prevent accidents and does not tail-gate.
6. He is particularly cautious approaching intersections. He lessens the odds of an
accident by taking his foot off the gas and putting it on the brake to shorten his
reaction time for stopping.
7. Knows and adjusts his driving to the special hazards of: (a) pedestrians (b) the
road (c) weather (d) traffic (e) degree of light and (f) the added dangers brought
on by his own emotions such as anger and worry.
8. Requires an ATTITUDE of confidence that he can drive without ever having an
accident. He is POSITIVE about accident prevention.
9. He drives as though every child in the street is his own and every motorist is a
dear relative of friend.
10. He knows the secret of safe driving: DO IT THE SAFE WAY EVERY TIME.

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Talk No. 32
DRIVER IN THE DARK
Only one-third of all driving is done after dark, two thirds of all fatal accidents happen in
the dark.
As a driver, what particular problems do you face when darkness falls?
The most obvious is limited vision. Out on the highway, with just your headlights to
light your way, you’re boxed into a visual area that extends only about 300 feet ahead of
you. You depend on your headlights and reflect light to see.
When an object appears that does not have a light or does not reflect yours, you can be in
for trouble. Recent studies show that drivers see unexpected objects only half as far away
as expected objects.
The fact that your vision is limited to about 300 feet means that if you are traveling faster
than 55 miles an hour in the dark, you can’t possibly stop in time to avoid an object, even
if you see it. Forty-five miles an hour is the maximum speed for stopping within 300 feet
on wet pavement. If the road is icy, 25 miles an hour is the fastest you can afford to go in
order to stop in time.
Because vision is so tricky at night, it’s essential that you keep your windshield as
spotless as possible. Distances are very hard to judge, what may look, at a distance, like
something small can suddenly loom up as a dangerous obstacle in the road. Even a light
film of dirt can reduce your visibility as much as 40 percent without you being aware of
it.
Further studies show that the faster you’re moving at night, the shorter the distance you
can see ahead. That’s because your eyes get confused from constantly trying to adjust
themselves to rapidly changing distances and conditions. For example, a driver going 20
miles an hour at night can see and identify objects 80 feet farther away than a driver
going 60 miles an hour.
Always lower you headlight beams when an oncoming vehicle is about 1,000 feet away.
The driver of the approaching vehicle may be blinded by your lights and sideswipe you.
If the other driver doesn’t lower his lights, don’t put your brights back on to “teach him a
lesson”. You only put yourself in danger by confusing him. It’s always possible that
mechanical failure, rather than lack of courtesy, keeps him from lowering his lights.
Even when the approaching driver lowers his lights, keep looking at the right side of the
road, so you aren’t blinded. Even lowered lights can cause glare on parts of the road. Of
course, while looking at the right side of the road, don’t lose track of where the other
vehicle is.

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Take curves a lot slower at night. Your headlights pointing straight ahead will shine off
the road, leaving you with much less than the usual 300 feet of vision. Depending on
how sharp the curve is, your view of the road ahead can be cut to less than 100 feet.
Distances are harder to judge when it’s dark. Objects that in daylight help you to relate to
other objects can’t always be seen. Don’t use small objects such as taillights and far-
away signs or posts to try to figure how far you are from another vehicle. Small objects
will change very little in size as you approach from a distance and so can be deceiving.

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Talk No. 33
FORECAST – LOUSY!
It doesn’t happen often, but there are times when you can encounter all sorts of weather –
rain, snow, wind, sunshine and fog – all within a day’s time. When this happens, we
have to adjust quickly to each type of weather condition.
Sudden changes in weather can change what you see and how you see it – even what you
hear and how you hear it – not to mention how you have to react in order to control the
vehicle. Because, in addition to any trouble seeing or hearing due to weather conditions,
your vehicle performs differently on some surfaces than on others – whether it’s ice,
snow, wet leaves or rain.
Let’s take rain. In some cities the traffic accident rate doubles on rainy days. The danger
comes chiefly from what traffic experts call “traffic film”. This is a slick coating of oily
residue left on the streets and highways by thousands of passing vehicles. It’s especially
dangerous during the first half hour to an hour of rain, depending on how much water
falls. After a while there’s enough water to wash the traffic film away, but at first the
water combines with greasy residue left by passing cars form a soapy, slippery surface
that’s almost as slick as ice.
Another hazard is the way rain distorts everything you see through your windshield.
During a heavy rain, no windshield wiper is fast enough to give you a clear image that
won’t waver. Added to your limited visibility is the hazard of pedestrians who dart in
front of you trying to keep from getting wet and the risk of collision with some vehicle
that unpredictably goes into a skid.
Here are some suggestions when you see rain coming, or when you suddenly hit a stretch
of wet road. Cut your speed at least 10 miles an hour – even more in a hard rain. Test
your brakes when there are not other vehicles around, by tapping them. Allow more
distance than usual between you and the care ahead – not only because it will take longer
to stop, but to avoid getting road splatter sprayed on the windshield.
Snow and ice cause accidents way out of proportion to the few days when they occur, and
the number of vehicles on the road. Your visibility is worse due to falling snow, fogged
windshield and snowdrifts that hide hazards. Hearing is reduced by snowdrifts that hide
hazards. Hearing is reduced by closed windows and sounds can be muffled by a cushion
of snow or the noise from a car heater or radio.
Cut your speed to about half and allow plenty of distance between you and the car ahead.
It can take up to 10 times more distance to stop at 55 miles an hour on ice than on dry
pavement and as much as five times more distance, even at 20 miles an hour. Avoid

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making any sudden changes in vehicle direction or speed. Drive smoothly, keeping about
the same pressure on the accelerator, steering wheel and bakes. If your bakes grab,
release them and pump again. If you skid, turn the wheels in the direction of the skid.
Freezing rain can be especially dangerous because you don’t always realize what it is in
time. It combines the menaces of both rain an dice. Temperature can change as much as
20 degrees in less than a mile and driving conditions will change with them.
Fog makes you nearsighted and requires reduced speed. Watch for dips in the road –
places where it usually accumulates, such as valleys, ravines, and near bodies of water.
Us your low beams, as fog is made up of small drops of water that reflects like mirrors
and high beams can blind you and oncoming drivers. Start your wipers to clear the
condensation on your windshield. Keep to the right as much as possible, using the right
hand side of the road to guide you.
The main answer to al bad weather conditions is slow down. Your can’t rely on speed
limit signs to tell you what’s a safe speed. These signs don’t have barometers attached
and can’t change as weather conditions change. The change is up to you.

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Talk No. 34
HIGHWAY DRIVING
Every year there are more people being killed in motor vehicle accidents. The annual
death toll is now over 55,000 and it is going up, not down.
We are building more roads, more toll roads, more superhighways. We are building
automobiles at an even faster pace and as a result our highways are becoming
increasingly crowded.
We can no longer afford the terrible toll of motor vehicle accidents…one accident every
three seconds, a person injured every eleven seconds, and traffic death every ten minutes.
Part of the blame for automobile accidents is due to automobiles, part is due to highways
but the main cause is the driver.
You probably feel that you are a good driver, most people do. But are you?
A person in poor physical health is generally a poor driver because he may not be able to
react with sufficient speed in an emergency. There may be defects that affect both mind
and body and while these defects may be regrettable, they are another reason for our
soaring accident rate.
Certain visual deficiencies are common. Millions of persons are afflicted with night
blindness, which makes it far more difficult or even impossible to distinguish objects in
the dark. Glare recovery from a sudden brightly light may be prolonged in some cases
for as long as six seconds and during this time the driver is blind and a potential victim to
highway hazard.
Driver attitudes are an important factor in accident prevention…hot-tempered drivers,
show-off drivers who take unnecessary chances in order to attract attention - know-it-all
drivers who pay no attention to traffic rules - careless drivers who fail to realize that
safety is a full time necessity - absent-minded drivers - inconsiderate drivers who feel that
no one else has any rights on the highway.
Habit patterns also affect driving – one hand on the wheel and the other on the room of
the car or holding a cigarette outside the window or always driving about five to ten miles
above the speed limit.
The drinking driver is the greatest menace on the roads. When his blood alcohol reaches
a figure definitely indicating intoxication, the probability of his causing an accident
increases 25 times.
Because the body absorbs alcohol quickly and eliminates it slowly. It is important to
determine how long a time should elapse between drinking and driving. This depends
upon several factors – number of drinks, amount of alcohol in each drink, the food that is

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consumed just before and after or while drinking, the size and weight of this individual
doing the drinking. All of these elements have been carefully figured and are available to
persons who take their driving seriously.
Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol. The driver who falls asleep at the wheel is
dangerous to others as well as to himself.
The good driver must not only be able to manage his own care, but also be prepared for
anything that inexperience or careless drivers may do. There must be no accidents, for
accidents can be fatal.

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Talk No. 35
HIGHWAY HAZARDS
The ever increasing number of traffic accidents is sufficient proof of emergency and
hazardous situations.
Cities have serious driving problems, such as narrow streets in congested business
districts. The fact that city motor vehicle traffic is concentrated in morning and evening
rush periods make a bad situation that much worse. Stop lights at every corner, masses of
pedestrians, the noise and confusion of a busy city, all combine to create a tension which
is difficult even for the experienced driver.
Relax. Rush hours are inevitable. Here are some things you can do.
Obey traffic laws – they are designed to make driving as safe as possible for you.
Cooperate with traffic officers. They are trying to keep traffic moving smoothly and
safely.
Show courtesy and consideration to other drivers. Honking your horn and screaming at
others in crowded traffic only adds to the confusion.
Use common sense driving. Don’t try to jump lights or crowd ahead of the other fellow.
Driving on rural roads has hazards all its own, especially when driving at excessive
speeds. A tire blowout, a car suddenly darting out form a crossroad, an unexpected
stretch of badly broken pavement, can all lead to an accident.
Modern expressways and toll roads present dangers that begin on entering the highway.
Don’t try to edge in slowly. Wait for a break in traffic and try to enter at a speed
commensurate with that of other cars on the road.
Traffic moves at such high a rate of speed on expressways that any type of accident can
result in a series of chain crashes. Stay at a sufficient distance behind the car ahead. A
good rule of thumb for a sufficient distance is from one to two car lengths for each ten
miles of speed. Avoid unnecessary lane changes on expressways.
EMERGENCIES
Know what to do in emergencies and hazardous situations.
If you have a blowout, don’t brake too hard. Keep control of your car by coasting to a
stop. Move to the side of the road – signaling your intention.
If forced off the roadway at high speed, you must recover control of your car. Keep a
firm hold of the wheel, slow down your car and then get back on the road.
If your brakes fail, use your hand brake and steer in the curb if necessary to stop

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If your car skids, steer into the skid and pump the brake pedal with your foot. Between
each jab you can steer.
If you drive at high speed in a heavy rain, your car can hydroplane – in other words, the
front wheels actually lave the road and climb upon a tough film of rain. Under these
conditions, slow down if you have new tires, come to a safe stop if the treads are worn.
Night driving requires extra skill and care, for more than one-half of all traffic fatalities
occur at night. Drive slower after dark, obey road markers, be alert for unlighted vehicles
or obstacles.

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Talk No. 36
HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE
For years, experts have been struggling to find some easy, practical way to teach and to
convince drivers that most rear-end collisions can be prevented. But, as traffic constantly
increases, as we get more and more vehicles on the road, the number of rear-end
collisions continues to go up. All sorts of methods and techniques have been tried in an
effort to determine how close is too close. Even the inventors have been getting into the
act, coming up with electronic devices that are supposed to alert the driver by a buzzer or
a flashing light or by automatically applying the brakes.
One of the first techniques developed was the old reliable “one vehicle-length for each 10
miles of speed.” Now, this is a good system, but it has certain limitations. First,
conditions have to be perfect for its application. In wet weather, you have to increase this
to two, three or even more vehicle lengths. But even more important – and this has been
borne out by a number of informal tests – very few people can estimate what a vehicle
length is.
Another technique used by some drivers is license-plate visibility. Some drivers say that,
at freeway speeds with perfect visibility, you’re too close if you can read the plate on the
care ahead at 60 mph, or at 40-45 when visibility is poorer. Of course, one of the
problems here is eyesight. Everyone’s vision is different, and some plates can be covered
with mud you couldn’t read them if you were standing two feet away. However, this is
another technique that your might consider.
Then, there’s the “timed interval” idea. Here, you “time” yourself by picking a reference
mark on or alongside the road some distance ahead and counting – one thousand and one,
one thousand and two, one thousand and three etc. – until you’ve reached the mark. You
allow one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length of you vehicle. If you’re driving a
passenger car that’s about 20 feet long, you count to two seconds. If you’re driving a 40
foot rig, you allow four seconds; a 60 foot rig – six seconds, etc. You start counting as
the rear of the vehicle in from of you passes that mark and if you reach the mark before
you finish counting the correct number of seconds, you are too close.
Some freeway drivers use what’s called “the rule of thumb” technique. They extend an
arm in from of them, sight over their thumb, and if their thumb doesn’t cover the vehicle
in front of them, they’re too close. There’s an obvious weakness in this technique, too,
but it’s another method that may work for some people.
Try out each of these systems. Find something that works for you. Above all, though,
make sure you know your own and your vehicle’s capabilities, so that if the fellow in
front of you makes a panic stop, you have plenty of room to make an easy stop. A panic
stop on your part may cause the fellow behind to rear-end you.
How close is too close? Too close is when you are unable to come to a gradual stop if the
fellow in front of you makes a sudden stop.

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Talk No. 37
I NEVER SAW HIM
After you’ve analyzed a number of accident reports, you find certain phrases that pop up
repeatedly. One of these is, “I never saw him…” Another is, “He came out of nowhere.”
The sad part about these statements is that in a way they’re true. But the fact that they
may be true doesn’t make them valid excuses for an accident happening. What it does
mean is that the driver either didn’t know what to look for in the traffic stream or he was
inattentive to what was going on – or what is usually more common, he looked right at
the source of danger but didn’t see it.
How can you look right at something and not see it? Simple! The next time you see
someone look his watch, ask him a few seconds later what time it is. Almost without fail
he’ll look at his watch again. The first time he looked, he got only a vague impression of
time in reference to some even. For example, he may have been thinking “It isn’t time
for lunch yet,” or “I have plenty of time before I catch the train.”
The eyes faithfully send impressions back to the brain the same way that a camera
records all the details of a scene on the film. But even though the brain receives every
detail of information that comes through the eyes, it is very selective in what is uses. It
ignores everything except those items that are meaningful to it and have some bearing on
the immediate situation. For example, when you’re driving, your eyes will tell your brain
that the sky is blue, the grass is green, there’s an airplane off in the distance, the on-
coming cars are green, blue, black, etc. Even though all of this is being fed in, your brain
doesn’t want to concern itself with all these details. What it’s really interested in is what
color the traffic light up ahead may be, whether the car coming at you through an
intersection is slowing down or speeding or that the pedestrian up ahead might step off
the curb into the path of your vehicle. Through experience you’ve learned that those are
some of things that are important in driving. Now, here’s where a lot of us get unto
trouble. Either through lack of experience or lack of training, we never learn how to use
our eyes while driving or how to sort out important things from the unimportant ones.
The good driver knows he’s got to keep his eyes moving – that he can’t afford to stare at
any one fixed point for more than a second or two. He knows that the faster he drives, the
farther down the road he must look. He knows it’s important to check his inside and
outside rear view mirrors. His eyes are constantly moving – staying on one scene for
only a second or two and then moving to another.
Good driving begins with good seeing habits. Seeing habits have to be developed
through training and experience if you, as a driver, want to stay accident-free.
The good driver knows what to look for and how to use his eyes properly so nothing
important is missed. Then, his brain receives the information it needs to direct him safely
in traffic.
It works like a computer. If you put in the right information in the right way, you’ll get
back the right answers.
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Talk No. 38
MR. NICE GUY
Why is it that a man who’s usually a gentleman in every sense of the work sometimes
becomes a rude, boor when he gets behind a steering wheel? The man, when he’s not
driving, will step aside to let a lady precede him through a doorway But on the road,
he’ll cuss the same lady if he thinks she cut him off.
Every day on the road we see drivers using bad manners. What is it that turns a driver
who is usually a “nice guy” into an aggressive, ill-mannered “me-first” clown when he
gets behind the wheel? We’ll leave that for the psychologists to explain!
It’s funny, though – if someone is polite and friendly in a traffic situation, it seems to be
contagious. At first, the other fellow is surprised. Then e smiles and seems happy hat
somebody was nice to him. Usually this feeling stays with him for a wile and if he ahs
the occasion, he’ll probably be courteous to other drivers he meets.
Let’s look at a few other things Mr. Nice Guy would do in some traffic situations. If he
sees there are puddles and pools of water along the roadway, he’ll slow down as he goes
through them so he won’t splash pedestrians or other cars. If he spots a vehicle trying to
come out of a driveway, he’ll stop, wave the driver out and usually get a grateful smile in
return. When he’s behind another vehicle at a traffic light, and the light turns to green, he
doesn’t lay on the horn and try to blow the other guy through the intersection. Once in a
while the other fellow may stall and blowing your horn doesn’t help him one bit; it just
makes him made.
When our Mr. Nice Guy comes up behind another care at night, he switches to low beam
far enough back so that the reflection in the other fellow’s mirrors isn’t blinding. Also,
he doesn’t wave his arms and scream at other drivers who irritate him.
Aggressive reactions only get other drivers mad at you. This leads to a lot of
unreasonable, foolish actions and chance-taking. The attitude of “I’ll show you, you so-
and-so” is a great way to get yourself or somebody else killed.
Which is the real you? When you’re boorish on the road, are you showing your true self?
Develop and practice patience and consideration in all situations. You’ll be a much
better person – and much better driver – if you do.

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Talk No. 39
SKID ROW
It’s an unfortunate fact of our driving lives that hardly any drivers ever get a chance to
practice skid control and recovery. Many drivers, especially the pros, have read about
what to do in skids, spins and slides. But reading advice and then following it
instinctively are two different things. The instructions for skid recovery call for an
unnatural reaction by the driver. So too many of us – when we go into an actual skid –
usually let reflexes take over and make the wrong moves.
We usually associate loss of control through skids with icy roads. But that’s only one of
many ways that the friction between your tires and the road can be reduced. A road, right
after the start of a rain, will get very slick due to the mixture of water with the oily road
film that’s on the surface of the pavement.
During a heavy rain, water on the pavement an lead to a phenomenon known as
hydroplaning. The front wheels of the vehicle actually can rise off the road surface and
ride on a wedge of water. There’s a complete loss of steering control and the only
solution is to reduce speed. This doesn’t mean slamming on the brakes in panic. It
means that you gradually reduce pressure on the accelerator and bring the speed down.
Skids, spins and slides cam also happen on dry surfaces when the vehicle is going fast
enough and the driver tries to change direction too quickly. As a matter of fact, most of
the time when a car goes into a skid or slide, it’s because the vehicle is going around a
corner or changing its forward direction.
Here are the basic rules for keeping control:
1. Learn to recognize the sort of situations that cause skidding. Wet roads, icy
roads, oil slicks, sand or gravel on the road, bald tires, high speed – all can set
you up for a skid.
2. Ease off on the accelerator and avoid heavy breaking. A hard, solid application
of the brake usually only makes the skid worse.
3. “Stab” or pump-braking is the correct way. Here, there is a momentary
application and release of the brakes. You don’t want to lock up the wheels, but
just bring them to the point where they’re still turning. Once you go into lock-up,
you’ve lost steering control.
4. Turn your front wheels n the same direction the rear wheels are sliding. The
second you feel the skid coming under control, turn the front wheels back into the
opposite direction and then into a straight line.
Probably one of the most important pieces of advice that can be given is to try to find an
opportunity to practice going into skids, spins and slides at low speeds on a wide open
area such as a vacant, icy, wide-open parking lot. Practice such as this may save your life
or keep you out of serious trouble.
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Talk No. 40
THE SILENT KILLER
Most of us know that carbon monoxide gas (CO) is present in engine exhaust and we have
enough sense not to let an engine run in a closed garage. Safety experts have suspected for years
that carbon monoxide contributes to many more vehicle accidents than we’re able to prove. This
insidious gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and nonirritating. It can kill without ever being
detected by the senses. When you smell exhaust fumes, you aren’t smelling the carbon monoxide
– you’re smelling unburned hydrocarbons.
Here are some points to help you keep the silent killer from making you one of its victims:
1. Be sure all parts of the manifold, exhaust pipe and muffler are sealed against leaks.
2. Keep you engine properly tuned so that combustion will be as complete as possible.
3. Before starting your engine, open the garage doors wide or if you have an exhaust
venting system, be sure it’s operating.
4. Never crawl under your vehicle while the engine is running. (There are many other good
reasons for this).
5. Never drive without a fresh air supply coming into your vehicle.
6. Avoid following other vehicles too closely, their exhausts contain carbon monoxide that
can be drawn into your vehicle.
7. If you feel a little sleep while driving, or feel a tightness across your forehead, or get a
headache, or your temples start throbbing, you may be inhaling some carbon monoxide.
Other signs while driving at night are that the oncoming lights seem brighter and more
glaring than usual and you’re slower in recovering you vision from the glare, or that the
darkness seems blacker than usual. If you notice any of these signs, stop at once, get out
and walk about in open air and then drive with the windows open.
Carbon Monoxide can slow down your brain and your reflexes, dim your vision and lead you into
an accident. During the cooler months we’re more apt to drive with all the windows closed.
Always have some fresh air coming in . the oxygen in fresh air is what you need more than
anything else to offset the carbon monoxide.
Most people don’t realize how little carbon monoxide it takes to be poisonous to the human body.
Only 50 parts of CO per million parts of air, by volume, is considered dangerous. And there have
been cases where that much of the deadly gas been found in underpasses on city streets.
Carbon monoxide doesn’t suffocate you, it kills you by chemical action. It’s an asphyxiant. It
combines directly with the blood in your body so the blood can’t carry oxygen to the tissues. In a
sense, you die from oxygen starvation. So, if you have even the least suspicion you’re inhaling
too much carbon monoxide, get some fresh air or pure oxygen as fast as you can.

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Talk No. 41
THOSE COUNTRY ROADS
So much driving is done today on expressways, it’s easy to forget the old-fashioned
hazards of driving on country roads – blind intersections, narrow bridges, chuck holes,
slow-moving farm equipment and wandering animals.
Be especially careful of gravel and dirt roads, because you can skid at just about any
speed if you have to stop or turn suddenly. Wet leaves are equally dangerous. Take it
easy on gravel, dirt or wet leaves.
Never drive in a cloud of dust. If the vehicle in front of you is barreling along, throwing
dust all over the landscape, don’t follow him too closely. He may have to stop or turn
suddenly and you’ll be right on top of him. If the dust gets too thick for you to see, pull
off the road and stop. Wait for it to settle. Just be sure you’re off the road, out of traffic.
When you start up again, drive slowly so you can find the right speed – one that won’t
kick up so much dust it blocks your rear vision. Or, if the vehicle ahead of you is
throwing up a lot of dust, drop behind him far enough to make sure you have a clear view
of the road. Never try to pass any vehicle – horse-drawn or motorized – if you don’t have
a clear view of the road ahead.
Black top country roads can mean trouble, too. Be ready for holes and loose gravel,
especially at bends in the road, where the extra force of turning vehicles breaks up the
surface faster. Such holes can throw you into a ditch. The loose gravel can send you
skidding off the road or into another vehicle.
There are not as many signs along country roads to tell you what to expect, so try to
watch as far ahead as possible and give yourself time to handle any emergency. Curves
may not be marked – or if they are, the sign may not tell you how sharp or how long a
turn it is.
When you see a farmhouse, remember it means you’re near a driveway. Maybe it’s
hidden by trees or bushes or by a cornfield, but be ready in case a vehicle suddenly
appears in your path. As soon as you see a house, slow down and watch for the
driveway. If you enter a rural road from a driveway, come to a full stop at the roadway
and check thoroughly for traffic. Get out of your vehicle if it’s necessary so you can see
around brush, crops or other obstacles.
Many country bridges are narrow or one-lane and their surfaces often aren’t in the best
shape. Approach small bridges slowly and look to see if there are clearances and load
limit signs, or if a vehicles is starting to cross from the other approach. If there is, stop
your own vehicle and pull to the right to let it pass. Watch for any water on bridge floor
that could cause you to skid. Ice usually forms faster on the surface of the road
approaching it.

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Road surfaces can change radically as you go from one county into another. That’s
because conditions depend on the county board’s budget and the interest taken by the
board members. Be ready to pass suddenly from a smooth, paved surface to one full of
chuck holes or even to loose gravel whenever you see a county-line sign.
Slow-moving farm vehicles, whether they’re pulled by horses or motor-driven, may look
far away and then suddenly appear within a few feet of you. Whenever you spot farm
equipment, slow down. GE sure the driver knows you’re behind him. If he pulls over,
pass him cautiously.
Never pass a school bus unless it’s moving. Always stop when a school bus stops,
because the door may open to let children dash in all directions. Give yourself plenty of
room to stop behind the bus.
More than 100,000 deer are killed each year by vehicles, and a lot of the motorists who
hit them as well. Farm animals are equally dangerous, especially at night when they
can’t be seen easily. Be extra alert if your driving in unfenced range country. If you see
an animal, whether it’s wild or domestic, dim your lights. Your high beam will blind
him. By lowering your lights, you give the animal a chance to look around and see where
it can run. If necessary, honk your horn to scare him away.
City and country driving each have their own kinds of hazards. The real professional
knows how to handle either one.

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Talk No. 42
TRIPLE THREAT
In the old days of two-way football, before the specialists took over, the greatest
compliment you could pay a backfield man was to call him a triple threat. This meant
that he could run, pass and kick. It was taken for granted that everyone could block and
tackle, so they didn’t add those two and make the man a quintuple threat. But sometimes
the term was also used in a derogatory sense. Occasionally a player was so bad that he
was a triple threat to his own team – he would stumble, tumble and fumble.
Now, the same description could be used for drivers. Some are skillful, law-abiding and
safety-conscious. Others are clumsy, take all kinds of chances and break laws every time
they get behind the wheel.
Of course there are some people who just can’t learn to react properly, or they’re too
nervous or they haven’t got the coordination needed to drive. Not many, but a few. In
most cases, bad driving is simply due to lack of training and practice. If you’re not very
good at backing then find the right way to do it, and practice it until you have it letter-
perfect. The same thing applies to negotiating turns at intersections, handling skids, etc.
As for obeying the laws, no driver can call himself a true professional unless he’s familiar
with the laws and ordinances that cover his vehicle on the road. He should also know all
the rules, regulations and policies of his company that relate to his driving. But knowing
the rules is still not enough – they must be observed. What if you don’t agree with them?
What if you think they just restrict your activities? Well, rules have been set down for a
reason. Until they’re changed or improved, it’s up to you to observe them.
Safety-consciousness is the most difficult of all habits to learn, but it’s probably the most
important of all in making or breaking you as a driver. Safety starts with a proper attitude
of respect for your own welfare, the well-being of others and their property. When you
take foolish chances, you endanger not only your own life but also those of other people.
You’ll most likely end up damaging the vehicle you’re in , or another vehicle or the
property you may hit. At any rate, safety starts with you wanting to be safe and then
learning how to avoid all the hazardous situation that can get you into an accident.
To be a professional in any field calls for a lot of hard work, training and practice. A real
pro has to be so good at what many other people can do fairly well that others are willing
to pay him for his performance. There are many cases where a person was lucky enough
to have lots of natural talent for something. But he didn’t develop it, and the fellow with
less talent who worked hare at it passed him right by.
So the kind of a triple threat that you can be is up to you – you can be a star or a bench
warmer. You can be a true professional driver or you can be just another wheel jockey
until your weaknesses catch up with you.

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Talk No. 43
WHAT EVERY DRIVER SHOULD KNOW
A good driver knows how to operate his car safely at all times and under all conditions.
He may find himself confronted with emergencies, but emergency situations are the
exception rather than the rule. He must understand how to start and how to drive under
normal conditions, how to make turns, how to stop and how to park.
There are certain things that a good driver does every time he enters his car. First of all,
he enters safely from the curb side, rather than walking around the automobile and
risking danger from speeding cars on the street side.
Upon entering the care, the driver adjusts the seat for comfortable and safe driving,
checks the mirrors, locks the doors, applies pressure to the brake pedal to check the
braking system and fastens his seat belt. He also looks to see if the parking brake is on
and the gear selector in park or neutral.
Once he has started his engine the driver should check the instruments on this dashboard.
When starting, the driver should check oncoming traffic before pulling out from the curb.
When driving, the chief concern should be with the care ahead, and a sufficient interval
must be allowed to guard against a sudden stop.
Many accidents occur with the changing of stop lights at busy intersections. A good
driver has his car under control when approaching a stop light. If he is traveling at too
high a rate of speed he must make a split second decision as to whether to try to come to
a sudden stop or to beat the traffic coming from the cross direction – either of which
presents hazards. If he is waiting at the intersection of a light change, he should watch
traffic as well as the green light.
A “Stop” sign means stop. The driver must come to a compete stop and look both ways
to make certain there is no approaching traffic before proceeding.
Right turns offer no unusual difficulties, provided the driver has the common sense to
stay in the right lane and not attempt a turn from the middle of the street.
Left turns are another matter. First of all, make certain that left turns are permitted.
Next, do not take chances that you can beat cars coming from the other direction, and that
they can or will slow down for you.
Lane changes are mainly a matter of watching traffic and showing consideration for other
drivers. Think twice before making lane changes and decide whether they are really
necessary. The nervous driver who keep cutting in from one lane to another is a real
menace. Adjust speed to other traffic. Use turn signals!

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Talk No. 44
WHAT HAPPENED?
How often do you check your vehicle for signs of trouble?
Prominent fleet safety directory spoke on this subject recently. He was addressing fleet
safety directors from all over the country, and he said something like this:
“What’s happened to drivers who really know what they’re doing?”
“What’s happened to drivers who used to look at their gauges and instrument
panels once in a while?”
“What’s happened to drivers who have a feel for their equipment?”
“What’s happened to the ‘old pros’ who could recognized symptoms leading up to
mechanical failure, and who reported them promptly to the shop?”
“What’s happened to drivers who could hear odd noises possibly leading up to a
malfunction?”
“What’s happened to drivers who know what really makes their wheels go
‘round?”
“We suspect sometimes that they’ve all retired.”
He had pretty good reason for thinking so, too – judging by some of the costly
mechanical failures of his fleet equipment.
One driver ran for well over tow hours with a water pump leak. He gradually ran out of
water and burned up a diesel engine that cost over $3,500 to replace. Obviously, he
never looked at his temperature gauge because he had to drive many miles while his heat
climbed slowly to the critical temperature. When it was all over, this driver claimed he
never knew anything was wrong until the engine froze up!
Another case involved a bad oil leak. The driver said he made a coffee stop and checked
his equipment. He couldn’t have looked underneath it, because if he had, he wouldn’t
have missed the oil leak. The result? Same as in the first case. His engine slowly heated
up, the oil pressure slowly dropped and he never knew it! The question is, why didn’t he
know it? He couldn’t possibly have looked at all his gauges and instruments for nearly
300 miles; it took that long before the engine froze-up.
Here’s another case of engine seizure. The driver with 15 years’ experience checked his
water at a truck stop. He said afterwards that he thought the cooling system took an
awful lot of water. He was absolutely right, because 55 miles down the road his engine
seized. It was out of water. With one look in the right place he may have found the leak.
Just the fact that he used “an awful lot of water” should have reminded him to watch his
temperature gauge.
It’s things like these that make you wonder; What happened?

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The repair records of every fleet company are filled with cases like these. Cases that are
caused by plain, simple neglect of duties and responsibilities – or at the best,
incompetency.
Now our safety director was not talking about a few isolated cases here and there. This
sort of thing is happening every day. Any good, professional driver knows that before he
starts out, he should make a thorough pre-trip inspection. The “pro” goes over his
vehicle from stem to stem, looks under the hood, under the engine, and is alert for any
leaks that may indicate trouble. He checks out all his instruments carefully to be sure
they’re functioning properly. He continues to check them while enroute so that he knows
the condition of his electrical system, his brakes, his operating temperature, etc.
No pilot in his right mind would try to fly a plane without making continuous references
to his gauges and instruments; no professional driver should attempt to drive without
doing the same thing.

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Talk No. 45
WHEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS
As drivers, we must do all we can to prevent accidents. But if you’re in an accident,
whether it’s your fault or not, you should know what to do so the situation isn’t made
worse, and so that needed help is called immediately. You should be so sure what to do
that your actions are almost automatic.
Every accident must be reported at once, no matter who’s responsible. And it’s a
criminal offense to leave the scene of any accident before identifying yourself.
If possible, get off the road. Turn off your ignition. Commercial drivers must comply
with BMCS regulations and set up reflective triangles and flags or flares.
Stay at the scene of the accident until someone relieves you, unless you need medical
attention or go to al help. The professional driver should set an example by his behavior
at the accident scene. He should be calm and businesslike.
Call the police and your home office immediately. Get the license numbers of all
vehicles involved and the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers. If there’s
been any property damage, note the name and address of the owner or owners. List the
companies that insure the property and vehicles. Include the names and addresses of
anyone at the scene, whether they actually saw the accident or not.
Never argue. People are emotionally upset at an accident and will argue without making
much sense. Arguing only prevents you from getting the facts down on paper.
If the accident involves an unattended vehicle, make a reasonable search for the owner.
If he can’t be found, leave a note in a conspicuous place so he can notify you . Inform
the police and ask if they want you to remain at the scene or not.
Never move any of the victims unless it’s absolutely necessary to get them away from
fire or danger from passing traffic. You can easily make their condition worse, especially
if they have internal injuries. Call a doctor or see that one is called immediately. If you
know how, give first aid, but don’t try it unless you know what you’re doing. Try to stop
bleeding by applying some material in the form of a compress.
If it’s essential to drag people out of the wreckage, make sure there’s nothing to hinder
moving them. If wreckage has to be lifted from a victim, be sure there are enough people
to do the lifting, so nothing is dropped again on the person caught under it. Don’t move a
corpse until it’s been examined by authorities.
If people gather around, help keep them away from the victims. Make sure they don’t
remove or destroy any of the evidence such as skid marks and parts of vehicles. Keep
everyone away from spilled gasoline. A careless cigarette can turn a minor accident into
a major one.

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Take pictures if you have a camera. Take photos from different angles, including the
directions from which the vehicles approached the accident scene.
As soon as there’s time, write an account of the accident as it looked to you. Fill out all
required local forms and insurance reports. Even though such reports may seem like a
burden at the time, remember that your description can be the basis for preventing such
accidents in the future.
Above all, be thoroughly familiar with your company’s policies and procedures in regard
to accidents – and follow them to the letter.

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Talk No. 46
WINTER-TIME DRIVING
Fair or foul weather, driving always presents hazards. But winter months curse drivers
wit conditions that are far different than those they face during the summer.
Seven Tips For Winter Driving
1. Be able to see and be seen. Clean all the snow and ice off of your windshield,
other windows, outside mirrors, lights and reflectors. Make sure your vehicle is
equipped with good wiper blades, and that wiper arms are exerting enough
pressure on the blades to ensure a clean sweep. If moisture or ice builds up on the
inside or outside of your windshield, stop and clean it off.
2. Tires: Tires with good deep treads are essential for good cornering and handling
on slippery roads. Check the air pressure frequently to maintain the
manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
3. Get the feel of the road. Occasionally try your brakes, or gently depress your
accelerator while driving. When you have found out just how slippery the road is,
adjust your speed accordingly. Rising temperatures greatly increase the
slipperiness of ice and snow.
4. Stretch your “following” distance. Knowing that winter surfaces increase
stopping distance three to 12 times , the smart driver increases his normal dry
road following distance. Heavy trucks require a longer stopping distance on
slippery roads than passenger cars. And don’t tailgate.
5. Brake before curves. All vehicles are particularly sensitive to over-powering,
over-steering and over-braking on curves. Unseen hazards around the bend may
require an evasive action, so around the bend may require an evasive action, so
turn your steering wheel slowly and smoothly, keep a constant speed in the turn,
and pump your brakes carefully if it’s necessary to slow down or stop.
6. Pump your brakes. The key to stopping under control on slippery surfaces is to
avoid locking the wheels. A rapid pumping of brakes will provide short intervals
of braking and of rolling wheels alternately and will enable you to maintain
steering control while stopping.
7. Use proper lights. Never drive with parking lights instead of head-lights in
winter’s early dusk and poor visibility. Parking lights can cause an oncoming
driver to think you are farther away than you are. Keep head-lights clean; dirty
ones can greatly reduce your own seeing distance at night.

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Talk No. 47
YOU CAN’T FOOL MOTHER NATURE
As a driver, you’re supposed to know the laws about operating your vehicle. By failing
to obey them you can be arrested, have your license suspended, get fined, and maybe put
in jail. It’s important, too, that you understand the physical laws that operate when you
drive. By ignoring them, you can lose a lot more than your driver’s license or some
folding money.
Centrifugal force is one of these physical laws. As a child, you may have demonstrated it
by holding a bucket half full of water by the bail and whirling it around you. Even with
one side of the bucket parallel to the ground, the water stayed in the bucket if you swung
it fast enough.
When you swing around the curve of a road, this same force is at work. Like the water in
the bucket, your vehicle hugs the outside of the curve. The force is so strong that, if
you’re moving fast enough, your vehicle will leave the road.
Some of the newer highways have curves that are banked to compensate for the
centrifugal force of cars going around them. When you come to an ordinary curve that
isn’t banked, you have to reduce your speed to stay on the road. The sharper the curve,
the slower you must go. As you round the curve, your tires must grip the surface strongly
enough to overcome the centrifugal force. This means that both the road surface and your
tires must be in good shape for your vehicle to hole the road properly. Anything such as
water, ice, gravel or oil film reduce the grip needed to hold the road and overcome the
pull of centrifugal force. Roads with crowns in the middle add to the danger.
Friction or gripping power is another natural force that greatly influences the behavior of
your vehicle. In a passenger car there are only four contact points with the road, each
about the size of the sole of your shoe. Trucks, because they’re heavier and have bigger
tires and often more of them, have a lot more gripping surface. This helps the driver to
control the vehicle and hold it on the road.
Brakes are gripping devices that create friction. They turn the energy of the turning
wheels into heat. Friction between the brake shoes and the drum stops the wheels, and
the friction between the tires and the road pushes against the car’s movement.
Water, mud, gravel and sand – not to mention ice and snow – all reduce the grip of your
tires on the road. And don’t forget that washboard roads do the same thing.
Skids are caused by lack of friction. If there’s almost no friction, as ice melting at about
32 degrees, your vehicle is likely to skid in any direction. Centrifugal force causes
sideslip. Skids also happen as a result of unequal tire pressure or brake pressure.
Gravity is another force of nature that helps hold your vehicle on the road. This has to do
with the weight of your vehicle and it’s most important going up and down hills.

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With a slight downgrade, just releasing pressure on the accelerator may be enough to take
you down quickly. On moderately steep grades, you may have to help the braking action
of the engine by using the foot brakes. On a very steep downgrade, shifting into a lower
gear to use the full braking power of the engine and save the brake linings may be
necessary. Figure out what gear you want before you start down. It can be difficult to
change gears once your start rolling.
Use the same gear going uphill as going down. Today’s vehicles can go up and over
steep hills at high speed, but it’s best to slow down. There may be a vehicle ahead in
your lane, just over the crest of the hill, that’s moving slower than you. If you don’t see
him in time you can get on top of him without enough distance to avoid a collision.
Watch your temperature gauge; if you’re climbing a long grade the temperature will rise
if you use too high a gear. Too low a gear will show a temperature drop.
The force of impact is another physical law you should know something about. It’s hard
to picture the force with which a moving vehicle can hit, but a vehicle hitting a stationary
object at 20 miles an hour would collide with a force equal to its being dropped 13 ½ feet;
at 40 miles an hour, it would hit with a force equal to its dropping a distance of 54 feet;
and at 60 miles an hour the dropping distance is 121 ½ feet. Did you ever jump off the
high dive at a swimming pool? Usually it’s about 10 feet above the water. So, if you can
imagine raising the diving board to 13 ½ feet, then 54 and finally 121 ½, you get some idea
of the force with which your vehicle would hit – with you inside – if there wasn’t any
water in the pool.
Speed multiplies the effects of the physical laws. The faster a vehicle goes, the more
centrifugal force you have to overcome in going around a curve, and the less friction
you’ve got to help you stay on the road. When you add speed to the pull of gravity
downhill, the greater the force of impact will be if you hit a moving or stationary object.
Respect these physical laws and make sure they don’t take the control of your vehicle out
of your hands.

8-96
Talk No. 48
OUTLETS – ELECTIRICAL
BEFORE USING – make safety check for loose cable connections, bare wires, cracked
outlets and missing or damaged face plates.
WHEN USING – be sure plug fits firmly and check for any signs of heating caused by
faulty connections.
To Remove Cord – Grab At Plug
Yanking a cord form an outlet can:
• Break cord insulation and wires.
• Pull loose wire connections.
• Bend plug prongs.
• Spread clips inside outlet.
About The Three (3) Prong Plug
Guard it! It is your shock LIFEGUARD. Never cut off the third prong to fit an older
tow-hole outlet. Never use a two-wire extension cord with this three-prong plug. If
using an adapter at a two-hole outlet, be sure the ground lung is attached to the face plate
center screw. (NOTE: The screw must be tested for an adequate source to ground).
(CAUTION! An adapter which has a pig tail is dangerous and illegal and must never be
used.

8-97
Talk No. 49
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
With electricity we are dealing with something that cannot be seen and is still the most
useful power controlled by man. It is useful but can be a very destructive power to both
man and material if the proper precautions are not taken. The danger is always there and
we must know what means of protection can be used to eliminate the hazards.
Portable Power Tools
In construction portable power tools with defective wiring cause many injuries. The
following safe practices are recommended:
1. Use tools with three wire plug and make sure connections are tight.
2. Check tool, equipment and cables frequently for safe conditions.
3. Disconnect tool before making adjustments or repairs.
4. When using power tools in a wet area, use caution. The shock hazard is
increased.
Temporary Electrical Installations
Only skilled electricians should be allowed to perform any kind of electrical work.
Foremen have the responsibility of making certain that electricians are provided with and
use the proper protective equipment. The following are safety suggestions for installation
and use of temporary electrical systems:
1. Do not overload circuits.
2. Use proper size wire for amps to be carried and also for grounding.
3. All circuits must be fused or circuit breakers installed to give adequate protection.
4. All circuits must be properly grounded.
5. Wire must be protected from vehicle traffic.
6. Temporary wiring must not be hung over nails, re-bar or other metal objects.
7. Periodic inspections should be made of all temporary electrical systems to ensure
they are in a safe condition.
8. If a circuit is de-energized for any reason, tag and/or lock it “out of service” until
it can be safely returned to service.
9. Know the hazards of electricity. It will help prevent injuries or even death!

8-98
Talk No. 50
ELECTRICAL
The following regulations apply only to electrical installations used on the jobsite, both
temporary and permanent:
1. Extension cords used with portable electrical tools and appliances shall be of
three-wire types. Grounds are never to be removed from the extension
cords.
2. Temporary lights shall be equipped with guards to prevent accidental contact with
the bulb. Guards are not required when the reflector is constructed in such a way
that the bulb is deeply recessed.
3. Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electric cords unless cords and
lights are designed for this means of suspension.
4. Splices shall have insulation equal to that of the cable.
5. Electrical and extension cords or cables are not to be laid on floors, in walkways,
etc., unless it is impractical to do otherwise. They should be suspended or
secured in such a way as not to block or hang in walkways, doorways or work
areas.
6. Panel boxes shall have a cover on them at all times, except when being serviced
and when a temporary cover is in place it should be marked “HOT” to denote live
current.
7. Explain to the employees which ground fault system your company has in effect,
either GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS OR ASSURED
EQUIPMENT GOUDNING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM.

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Talk No. 51
MATERIAL ELEVATORS
TOWERS:
1. Use only experienced men in the erection and taking down of towers. Construct
towers of sound material only and of ample strength to carry the loads intended.
2. Towers and all parts thereof should be regularly and frequently inspected and a
substantial ladder securely fastened must extend the entire height of the tower.
3. Platforms of ample size and strength with railings and toe boards must be built at
each level where men work and the bottom of the tower must be screened or
planked in on as many sides as possible.
4. All platform hoists must be guarded at all floors with suitable gates two feet away
from opening.
5. Interior shafts or towers in which buckets or cages are operated must be
barricaded so that no traffic is possible through them. At basement level where
cage runs only occasionally, railings or gates and danger signs must be provided.
CAGES OR PLATFORMS:
1. Platforms of elevators must be of sufficient size so that wheelbarrow handles will
not project over the edge. Stop cleats must be nailed on platforms for
wheelbarrows. Care must be taken in piling empty barrows on hoists to prevent
slipping.
2. Platforms of elevators must be strongly built and have toe boards on unused sides.
3. Construct roof of 2-inch plank on the head of the cage to protect men loading
from falling objects.
BUCKET HOISTS:
1. When working bucket hoist, men must not be allowed to work in pits without first
resting the bucket on timbers place across opening and resting on solid supports
on two sides of the pit.
GENERAL:
1. Inspect all cables frequently and report any that are found to be worn, frayed or
partially broken.
2. Sheaves of largest practical diameter should be used for all cables of installation.
They must be frequently inspected and kept will oiled.
3. Post danger signs on material hoists and elevators, to warn men that they must not
ride on them – this applies to everyone.

8-100
Talk No. 52
FROM HEAD TO FOOT
Business reviews would indicate that today, the American male is spending more for
clothing than anytime in history. This is in accordance with American standards and to
deny the advantages of being merticulous in dress would be an insult to manhood.
And yet, we take so much pride in the social aspect of our dress – what about the really
important angle? What about the manner in which we dress for work with safety in
mind?
1. Are we meticulous in the protection of our skull, the important guardian of our
brain center, through the wearing of a hard hat?
2. What about our eyes, our most important sense? Do we have them examined
periodically…if necessary, do we used our glasses when reading…and above all,
do we cover them with safety goggles when the occasion demands?
3. The shirt, an important piece of apparel. If we operate, or are engaged around
moving machinery and equipment, do we wear short sleeve shirts, or have straight
cuffs? The same goes for jackets. Never wear a loose fitting jacket, keep it
buttoned or zippered shut at least chest high.
4. Our hands are a very vulnerable part of our body. If our work calls for it, do we
wear gloves? Also remember, worn or tattered gloves are more dangerous than
no gloves at all.
5. Wearing overalls or pants with cuffed or rolled up legs is a poor practice. If the
legs are too long have them cut off and hemmed. Straight legs reduce the self-
tripping hazard.
6. How about shoes; they don’t have to shine with a brilliant luster, but they must e
practical. A safe working shoe has a thick sole; thin sole shoes can result in
serious foot punctures. To protect against toe injuries, steel capped shoes are
most practical. Shoe laces should not be too long.
7. Accessories…fine for social life, but are dangerous as a part of our working attire.
Never wear loose watch chains, straps, keys on belt, etc., or any item that might
hook on something and place you in a hazardous position. Rings, wristlets and
wrist watches belong at home and not on the job.
REMEMBER TO DRESS PROPERLY FOR THE JOB YOU’RE DOING.

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Talk No. 53
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Hard hats shall be worn at all times, even on coffee and lunch breaks on the jobsite.
Hearing protection shall be provided and used whenever it is not feasible to reduce the
noise levels or duration of exposures. A safe working condition is 90 dBA for eight
hours.
Eye and face protection shall be worn when there is present danger of injury.
1. Don’t wear pants with cuffs or bell bottoms.
2. Shirt sleeves should be buttoned and not left hanging.
3. Nylon shirts and jackets should not be worn around welding or cutting operations.
4. Wear safety shoes (steel toe) when lifting materials either by machine or
manually.
5. Wearing “sneakers” or tennis shoes, high heel platform shoes, etc., should be
prohibited on a construction site or in a shop area.
6. Gloves should be worn when work requires such.
7. Lift with your legs – not your back.
8. Report all injuries, no matter how minor, to someone in authority.

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Talk No. 54
A PRICELESS POSSESSION
Let’s take a quick elementary test…how many basic senses are we endowed with at birth,
and name each of them. It is one…two…four?…I’m sure we’ll all agree the answer is
five and these five senses are SIGHT…HEARING…TASTE…TOUCH…SMELL.
And now to pose a more serious problem. Supposing we were faced with the sacrificing
of four of these five basic senses, which one would we retain? If we are to go along with
the average, we definitely would retain the sense of SIGHT. And yet on so many
occasions how lightly we treat this most priceless possession.
The eye is so much like a camera, and yet so intangible in value. A camera consists
primarily of a lens, usually rather expensive. This lens gathers light rays, focuses them
and forms an image on a sensitized film, this mechanically creating a picture.
The eye, too, has a very valuable lens. The eye also consists of the retina, iris, cornea and
optic nerve. These five members of the human body, in an almost supernatural fashion,
coordinate their activities to transmit impulses to the brain and it is these impulses that
provide vision, the miracle of color, perception and the ability to learn. Eighty percent of
everything we know comes through the eyes.
It is a moral obligation to take care of our eyes, but we still neglect them. I recall
investigating an accident in which a man lost the sight of one eye when a grinding wheel
exploded. This man wore a pair of safety goggles at the time of the accident, but
unfortunately they were on his forehead. The ironic part of this story is that the injured
person was an ardent camera ‘bug’, owned many valuable cameras, and the lens of each
was well protected with a leather cap type cover, this to eliminate the slightest scratch or
piece of lint. Something that could be judged in dollars and cents was worth protecting,
but his own sight was just taken for granted.
Medical science today works near miracles, but we were given just two eyes and science
will not replace them. Let’s keep them and take care of them.

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Talk No. 55
FORESIGHT PRESERVES EYESIGHT
“He should have worn his safety glasses.” That’s a hindsight statement that crops up
every time someone suffers an eye injury. And too often it’s too late; someone’s eyesight
is gone, due to lack of foresight!
You’ve always got to remember that there are serious eye dangers involved in
construction work – flying particles of dirt, dust, rust, rock, bits of concrete – and the
only answer is EYE PROTECTION!
Any time you see that you are going to be exposed to special eye hazards, use foresight;
wear eye protection. Your good judgment will tell you when anyone’s sight will be in
special danger – when work is going to be done with jack-hammers…when men work
underneath materials with loosely-clinging particles (be sure to wear hard hats, too)… or
when you are working outside in windy weather.
If any member of your crew gets something in his eye, serious injury can be prevented by
hustling him off to first aid. No one but a professional medical person should ever try to
remove anything from an eye if it’s near the pupil, or if there is bleeding, or if a particle
appears to be imbedded, or if it appears that there might be a puncture or other injury. In
such case, simply place a clean pad lightly over the eye and rush the man to a doctor.
Eyesight is precious…and irreplaceable. Foresight can save vision … but the best of
hindsight can never bring it back, once it’s lost!

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Talk No. 56
LAST TO GO
Man is gifted with a number of abilities. Some of them are known as senses. Man is able
to see, hear, smell, feel or touch and he can taste. These are the well-known five senses.
Sometimes we talk of a sixth sense…that of perception or intuition. Some people have a
remarkable sense of perception or uncanny intuition. In some people, one or more of the
six senses is more highly developed than the others. For example, a handicapped person
very often overdevelops one sense in order to compensate for another that has been lost.
Many a blind person has a super sense of hearing or touch.
Considering how dependent you are upon all your senses – what sense, if you had to,
would you be willing to give up? Let’s take a hypothetical situation. For some reason or
other, you have to part with one of your senses. The choice would be yours. Most
people would probably vote to give up the sense of touch. While very difficult to live
without, a loss of the sense of touch might not posse the problems that the loss of one of
the other senses could cause.
Probably the next to go would be smell. In some people’s book, this might be the first to
go. Others might rank the sense of taste as lees important than the sense of smell. Some
would want to retain the sense of taste over the sense of smell, even though some experts
tell us that the taste buds do not work accurately when the sense of smell is not present.
The last two senses to be given up in anyone’s book would be the sense of hearing and
the sense of sight. While no one would like to be deaf, he would rather be deaf than
blind. It is almost universally accepted that the sense of sight is the most precious sense
we have. It would be the last to go on any imagined or hypothetical list.
But consider this: Why is it that workmen take so many chances with their most precious
sense? Every day people are blinded or suffer serious eye injuries because of failure to
wear protective eye equipment. It is almost as if the sense of sight was considered the
least valued on the list…instead of the last to go.

8-105
Talk No. 57
NEGATIVE REACTION
Remember the excitement an eclipse of the sun could cause years ago? Eclipses, of
course, are still a rare event but in this age of space rocketry, television and all the other
modern-day wonders, eclipses just aren’t the exciting event they once were.
As for forthcoming eclipse was announced, people would scurry about to find some
tinted or smoked material to look through. One of the more popular items was a
photograph negative. The darker the negative, the better. A photograph negative was
considered to be excellent filter to see the notched out portion of the sun. the anxious
spectator would hold it over his yes and turn his face skyward. He would be gazing
directly into the blazing sun with only a piece of blackened celluloid covering his eyes.
The number of damaged human eyes will never be known. The only factor that
precluded serious and permanent eye damage to millions was the limited frequency of
eclipse occurrences.
In the beginning, the risks were taken unknowingly. But even as the hazards of sun
gazing became known and were publicized, some people till took the chance in order to
see one of nature’s rare shows.
People today often take chances with their eyes that are about foolish as gazing at the sun
through a photograph negative. The welder’s helper that uses plain sunglasses or turns
his head slightly to avoid a direct look at the arc is taking a worse gamble than the eclipse
gazer. The passerby who stares fascinated at a welding arc might as well be looking at
the sun through an inadequate filter.
The workman using a bench grinder or performing a chipping operation without adequate
eye protection makes the old-time sun-gazer look like a smalltime risk-taker.
The thing that saved the eyes of the eclipse watchers was the rarity of the event.
Infrequency of a certain task or job will not save a workman’s eyes. Many blinding eye
injuries occurred the first time the person ever used the grinding wheel or an air gun.

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Talk No. 58
NEVER LET DOWN
People who must wear glasses become so accustomed to them that the minor
disadvantages of wearing them are seldom thought of – keeping them clean, having an
extra article of personal gear to look after, keeping the prescription current, being careful
not to break them. Some people have worn glasses for so long that the small
inconveniences become instinctive. They seldom even come to mind.
Not too many years ago, a lot of people needing glasses went to the nearest “five and
dime” store for them. The person needing glasses selected a pair that fit comfortable, and
if he or she could read the newspaper usually supplied at the counter, the spectacles were
purchased and the failing eyesight problem was solved. Little concern was given to
underlying causes that might cause loss of sight.
Times have changed. Most people now go to eye specialists for their prescriptions and as
the condition of their eyes change, the specialists adjust the prescription to correct or
accommodate changes in the eyes.
A lot of people regard eye protection in the same casual way that the early purchasers of
“something to see with” did. One of the advantages the constant or frequent wearer of
glasses has is that he usually selects his eyewear with though and care…for protection
both on and off the job.
People who do not wear glasses seem to be more lax in wearing eye protection when it is
necessary or required. They just seem to forget to put it on.
How could someone thirty or forty years ago trust variety store? The same person asking
that questions will often trust to luck that an eye injury could never happen to him.
Never let down on eye protection. Always wear proper eye protection even when a
hazard to your eyes seems very remote.
Safety is a simple thing that may add a little time and bother to the job, but without it you
may never get the job done.

8-107
Talk No. 59
FALLING OR MOVING OBJECTS
Falling or Moving Objects – Falling or moving objects disable more than 260,000
workers a year. Of every 100 workers hurt, 14 get hit by something.
WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Safety glasses will save your eyes from misguided missiles! Always wear safety glasses
or shields when the job calls for them. Keep glasses clean and have them adjusted.
HARD HATS
Head protection is a must on certain jobs especially around overhead work or where there
might be falling objects. Be hard-hatted – not hard headed!
SAFETY SHOES
That hidden steel toe cap often is the difference between a crushed foot and no injury at
all. It’s really foolish not to wear safety shoes at work no matter what your job.
PROTECT YOURSELF
1. Stay out from under cranes, suspended loads and overhead work.
2. Stand clear when you hear warning bells or horns or power trucks and overhead
equipment.
3. Keep clear of barricaded areas.
4. Wear protective equipment as required.
PROTECT THE OTHER GUY
1. Warn unauthorized personnel away from danger areas.
2. Take care that tools or material don’t fall from overhead work.
Weak Spot: Failure to wear personal protective equipment “just this once.”

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Talk No. 60
LET’S ELIMINATE FALLS
The only way to be safe from falls is to avoid falling. A simple and basic philosophy, but
oh so true. The year 1961 evidenced 91,500 people dying as the result of accidents. Of
this number, 18,400, or more than 20% died from falls. This figure is exceeded only by
traffic fatalities as the greatest killer.
With particular reference to the construction industry, let’s explore just a few of the
factors contributing to falls and their serious results. Where do these accidents occur?
Stairways:
Running – carrying objects that block view of the steps – failure to use handrail –
inattention. To avoid these causes of falls, take time, look where you step and use the
hand rail.
Ladders:
Select a ladder that suits the job – be sure it is in good condition – place it securely. Face
the ladder too far out when working. When using a step ladder, be sure it’s long enough
for your to stand on the second step below the top.
Scaffolds:
Never erect a temporary scaffold. Even if a scaffold is to be used only a short time, it
should be as solidly constructed as a permanent structure, with plenty of uprights
uniformly spaced, horizontal bracing in both directions, railings and toe-boards to prevent
falls of men and materials and diagonal bracing to prevent sway.
Housekeeping:
A secure footing is the prime requisite in avoiding falls, and good housekeeping is
essential to secure footing. Carelessly strewn nails, accumulations of wood, trash, grease,
oil, etc., lead to certain falls.
Floor Openings:
Floor openings must be covered. The hole should be covered securely, with a cover big
enough and rigid enough to prevent failure. It should be marked with a warning sign and
every employee on the job should be warned about it.
These are but a few of the many hazards involving falls. Alertness and surefootedness is
the greatest insurance against this particularly dangerous type of accident. Let’s be alert!

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Talk No. 61
THE DANGEROUS FOUR
Falls – Falls disable 400,000 workers a year. Of every 100 workers hurt, 20 fall down.
Almost as many happen on the level as from elevated places.
If you are on the level, you should:
1. Watch out for slippery spots such as oil, grease or water spills.
2. Use aisles. Don’t take shortcuts through storage and machinery areas.
3. Look out for objects on the floor that can roll, slide or trip you up.
If you are higher up:
1. Don’t run on stairs. Use the handrail.
2. Inspect safety belts and lines before using them.
3. Never jump from work stages, trucks or loading docks.
4. Use ladders the right way.
Ladder Sense
1. Inspect a ladder for cracks and loose rungs.
2. Choose a ladder long enough so you can stay off the top rungs.
3. Climb with both hands holding the rungs. Hoist tools and materials by hand line.
4. Don’t overreach. Be sure of your balance by keeping your belt buckle between
the rails.
5. A ladder should have safety feet. Use a board on soft earth or to level the feet.
6. The 4 to 1 rule: Set the ladder one foot out for every four feet up to the point of
support. Rungs are one foot apart so it’s easy to figure the angle.
Weak Spot: Inattention is the weak spot in the defense against falls… Watch where
you are going!

8-110
Talk No. 62
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Have you inspected your fire extinguishers lately? Are thy fully charged, strategically
located, accessible and ready for use? Or, are they laden with dust, obscurely hidden in
some off corner affording a false sense of security?
So often, fire extinguishers are purchased with enthusiasm, a vital need; and then,
suddenly, because they are not regularly used, they are relegated to a secondary position
in our operation.
The fact that fire extinguishers are our first line of defense in event of fire should warrant
a periodic and thorough inspection. Fire extinguishers must be kept clean to attract
attention, they must be kept accessible to eliminate lost time when needed, and the rubber
hose, horn or other dispensing component must be checked to assure against blockage.
The following is a brief resume of the classification of fire and the recommended
extinguisher to be used on each:
Class “A: Fires: Ordinary combustibles such as rubbish, paper, rags, scrap lumber etc.
These are fires that require a cooling agent for extinguishment. Recommended
extinguishers are – Water through use of hose, pump type water cans, pressurized
extinguishers and soda-acid extinguishers.
Class “B” Fires: Flammable liquids, oils and grease. First that required a smothering
effect for extinguishment. Recommended extinguishers – Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical
and Foam.
Class “C” Fires: Electrical equipment. Fires that require a non-conducting
extinguishing agent. Recommended extinguishers – Carbon Dioxide and Dry Chemical.
Many sources recommend the use of vaporizing liquid (carbon-tetrachloride) on electrical
fires. However, because of the danger involved through the generating of a phosgenic
type gas, I would advise against the use of this type of extinguisher.

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Talk No. 63
FIRE AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Good housekeeping and fire prevention go hand-and-hand for obvious reasons, not only
on your jobsites but in the home and office, as well. Fires can start anywhere at anytime
and this is why it is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher and which
extinguisher to use on different fires.
TYPES OF FIRES
Class “A” – These fires consist of wood, paper, rages, rubbish and other ordinary
combustible materials.
RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS
Water, through the use of a hose, pump type water cans, pressurized extinguishers and
soda-acid extinguishers.
FIGHTING THE FIRE
Soak a fire completely – even the smoking embers.
Class “B” Fires - Flammable liquids, oils and grease.
RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS
ABC units, dry chemical, foam and carbon dioxide.
FIGHTING THE FIRE
Start at the base of the fire and use a swinging motion from left to right always keeping
the fire in front of you.
Class “C” Fires - Electrical equipment.
RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS
Carbon Dioxide and dry chemical (ABC units)
FIGHTING THE FIRE
Use short bursts on the fire. When the electrical current is shut off on Class “C” fire, it
can become a Class “A” fire when the materials around the electrical fire become ignited.

8-112
Talk No. 64
FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING
Always obey smoking regulations. These are made for the protection of you and of
others. Usually the “No Smoking” sign indicates that there are flammable materials or
conditions in the area. You cannot see vapors, but lighting match could involve you in a
fire.
Dispose of all flammable wastes quickly and efficiently. Flammable scrap, wiping rags,
or rubbish go in metal containers provided. Gasoline, kerosene, oil or other flammable
liquids go in special containers provided – never pour down drains or sewers.
Know where and how to turn in a fire alarm. Know where the fire extinguishers are kept
in your area and know what type fire they are meant for. Know the fire exit you should
use in an emergency. Help emergency fire brigades, but do not get in their way.
Change your clothes right away if they get soaked with oil, kerosene, naphtha or other
flammable liquid. Not only will changing prevent skin troubles but it will prevent a bad
burn if the retained vapor catches on fire.

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Talk No. 65
GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR GIVING FIRST AID
SUPERVISOR: You should read and explain the following procedures for giving first
aid. If possible, have someone on hand to demonstrate as you read/explain.
1. Keep the injured person lying down.
2. Do not give liquids to the unconscious.
3. Control bleeding by pressing on the wound.
4. Restart breathing by giving mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration.
5. Dilute swallowed poisons
6. Keep broken bones from moving.
7. Cover burns with thick layers of cloth.
8. Keep heart attack cases quiet.
9. For someone who has fainted, keep head lower than heart.
10. Cover eye injuries with a gauze pad.
11. Always call a doctor.

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Talk No. 66
FOOT PROTECTION
Nearly a quarter of a million disabling foot injuries occur on the job annually.
Adequate foot protection must guard against a host of hazards, from simple dermatitis to
rushing injuries caused by impact from heavy objects.
Within this broad range, attention must be given to possible attack from caustics,
chemicals, extreme cold, and excessive heat; slippery surfaces; puncture from hails and
other sharp objects; electricity – both live and static, causing shock or explosion; and
contamination from bacteria or radiation.
As generally used, the term “safety shoe” means a shoe with a reinforced steel toe.
Where it is felt that impact-resistance must be compromised with the need for insulation,
box toes of fiber or plastic are sometimes used. Such shoes, however, are not classed as
“safety shoes”. Safety shoes fall into five general categories, determined by intended
use:
• Steel box toe (general use);
• Conductive;
• Non-sparking (explosives-resistant);
• Shock-resisting (electrical hazards), and
• Foundry
In addition, there are foot guards – plastic, aluminum ally, or galvanized steel foot
coverings – which are attached to the shoes temporarily to protect not only the toe but
also the instep (metatarsal area), and shin guards.
Other items covered by the broad term “foot protection” include rubber and rubber-like
boots and foot coverings, wood-soled shoes, slip-resistant soles, steel-reinforced soles,
shoe liners, disposable shoe covers, etc. Even barrier creams, fungicide ointments, sprays
and powders.

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Talk No. 67
COMRESSED GAS CYLINDERS - A
One of the most frequently observed violations of safety procedures is the misuse of and
careless attitude toward the handling of compressed gas cylinders.
In the construction industry, the gases most commonly used are in the form of oxygen
and acetylene. Their use is confined, primarily, to main pain operations, but are
frequently used in the field. During inspection tours, rare is the occasion that safe
procedures are observed in the handling and storing of cylinders.
The following suggestions regarding the handling and storing of cylinders will contribute
to a safer operation.
1. Accept only cylinders approved for use in interstate commerce (marked ICC).
Never accept cylinders not provided with a valve protection cap.
2. Cylinders should be moved by means of a hand truck or other mechanical means
and never by magnetic crane. If absolutely necessary to move them by hand, roll
them on the bottom edge – never drag them.
3. Do not drop or permit cylinders to strike each other.
4. Cylinders should always be stored securely in an upright position.
5. When empty cylinders are to be returned to the vendor, mark them Empty or MT;
close the valve and replace the valve protection cap.
6. When in doubt, always consider cylinders to be full and handle them accordingly.
Accidents have resulted when containers under partial pressure were thought to be
empty.

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Talk No. 68
COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS – B
Compressed gas cylinders are tricky things to handle. They are heavy; they are smooth
and hard to get a grip on; they have valves that can be easily damaged; and finally, they
are full of gas under pressure that can cause plenty of trouble if one gets loose in the
shop.
There have been many cases of injury, death and heavy property damage caused by
compressed gas cylinders, becoming projectiles propelled at high speed by escaping gas
when ruptured at the neck by rough handling.
If you have to move a cylinder a short distance, you can tip it and roll it along on the
bottom edge. But never drag it along the floor. Any rough handling that scratches or
cuts the surface may cause an accident later.
Don’t try to carry a cylinder by hand – not even with two men. Use a truck or else a
special carrying device.
Don’t ever hoist one with an electro-magnet or in a sling.
Treat the cylinders gently. They may seem solid and strong – but a dropped cylinder, if
not ruptured and turned into a wild missile, may develop a weak spot that will let the gas
escape. Don’t bang them together.
Try to move them and handle them so as to avoid unnecessary jolting and jarring.
Sometimes a guy is tempted to use one or more of the gas cylinders as rollers, or to
support something. Don’t do it – don’t ever use one for any other purpose than the one it
was designed for, the storage of gas.
Figure that every single gas cylinder is full. Sometimes you may think one is empty, and
therefore safe but there may be enough pressure left in it to cause trouble.
Some kinds of cylinders have what are called fusible plugs – that is, openings closed with
a bit of metal with a low melting point. In acetylene cylinders, the melting point is just
about the boiling point of water.
So, if you ever have to thaw out a frozen valve on one of these, use warm, not boiling,
water, and never, under any circumstances, use flame to warm the valve or cylinder.
If a cylinder leaks, get it outdoors as quickly as possible, some place well away from any
flames or sparks. Notify me at once. Post warning signs telling people to keep cigarettes
and fires away from the area. It is usually best to leave a valve slightly open so that the
gas can escape gradually.

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Even if a cylinder is not leaking, keep it away from sparks, molten metal, electric currents
or flame. It is just flirting with disaster to bring compressed gases in reach of such
sources of heat. There are some special pointers on oxygen cylinders. Oxygen, you
know, is the stuff in air that makes fires burn. Pure oxygen is a lot better supporter of fire
than air, and it can even start a fire where no spark or ember exists – particularly if it
comes in contact with oily material.
So the rule on oxygen cylinders is never to handle them with oily hands, gloves or
clothing. Never use oil or grease to lubricate valves or attachments on these cylinders.
Keep the cylinders away from oil and grease.
Never store oxygen cylinders near those of flammable gases and never try to use the
oxygen for compressed air.
Gas cylinders are well made and they are safe if properly handled. But so is a gun or a
stick of dynamite.
Badly handled, compressed gas cylinders can cause fires, explosions or deaths.
So handle them carefully; don’t bang them around.
If you have any doubt about the way to handle a cylinder, come to me before you try to
move it.
Our business needs gas and lots of it. We’re going to have to live and work with these
cylinders for a long time. Let’s learn to live with them and then we won’t die form them!

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Talk No. 69
LP – GAS HEATERS
LP-gas (propane, butane or mixture) is, in many cases, an indispensable fuel for industrial
space heating.
When use of portable containers is necessary and their location outside of buildings or
structures is impracticable, containers and equipment may be used inside in accordance
with the provisions of NFPA Pamphlet 58 as are applicable to the particular use of
occupancy. The common sense rules in this bulletin should be applied for the safe use of
LP-gas in such instances.
Space heating refers to the heat for personnel or other requirements and usually means
infra-red heaters, salamanders or standard space heaters.
Locate containers, regulators, piping and hose where they will not be subjected to
damage, tampering or excessive temperature. Container valves should be protected from
physical damage while in us either by being recessed or by a suitable protective collar.
Containers, in use, must be upright and on a firm foundation or secured.
Do not drop containers.
Temporary space heating units must be designed for use with LP-gas and should be listed
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as American Gas Association,
Underwriters’ Laboratories, Canadian Gas Association and/or be acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction.
Heaters shall be located at least 6 ft. from any LP-gas container. This shall not prohibit
the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting
standard, providing they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat
application from the heater onto the container. Blower and radiant type heaters shall not
be directed toward any LP-gas container within 20 ft.
Containers not in use should be stored upright, in a specified outside location and
protected against damage or tampering. Valves should be closed and protective collars in
place.
When transporting containers on a truck, forklift, etc., the containers should be firmly
secured in an upright position with valves closed and protective collar shall be in place.
For temporary inside installations only approved containers such as ICC 26, ICC 4B-240
or ICC 4B-300 with a maximum capacity of 100 lb. Or LP-gas may be used. Each
container shall be equipped with an excess flow valve as an integral part of the container
valve or in the connection to the container valve outlet.

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When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same
floor, the total LP-gas capacity of containers manifolded together in connection to a
heater or heaters shall not be greater than 300 lb. Such manifolds shall be separated from
each other by at least 20 fl.
Regulators, if used, shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to
manifolds connected to the container valves. The regulator shall be suitable for use with
LP-gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be
designed for at least250 psig service pressure.
For flexible connection between the regulator outlet and the heater, use only approved
LP-gas hose of the shortest practical length which should have a working pressure of at
least 250 psig. Protect all hose from damage and excessive heat.
Heaters should be operated only where there is sufficient air for combustion. Use only
heaters or salamanders equipped with 100% safety shut-off valves. Do not use controls
utilized bi-metal strips.

Upon changing containers and making hose connections, check all fittings for leaks with
soap solution or other suitable leak detector solution.
In addition to the specific points covered below, all installations should comply fully with
NFPA Pamphlet 58, “Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, (Division I)”
or applicable local LP-gas regulations.
CHART
REQUIEMENTS FOR VARIOUS OCUPANCIES

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Talk No. 70
LP-GAS LEAKS AND FIRE CONTROL
As in any emergency situation, it is of paramount importance to avoid endangering
human life in ____ of fire involving or exposing LP-Gas equipment, or serious leakage of
LP-Gas without fire.
BASIC PRECAUTIONS
1. Approach the fire or gas leak form upwind.
2. Keep all persons out of vapor cloud area. If necessary to evacuate any are which
is in the path of vapor cloud, do so immediately, eliminating all sources of
ignition at the same time.
3. Police the area. Keep all persons except those necessary to cope with the
condition completely out of the area, but in no case less than one to two thousand
feet.
LEAKAGE WITHOUT FIRE
1. If escaping LP-Gas is not burning, close any ale available that can stop the flow of
gas. Small lines such as copper tubing can be flattened to stop the flow. If an LP-
Gas vehicle is involved, consult the driver; or if storage facilities are involved,
consult plant personnel regarding possibilities of shutting off leaks.
2. Water spray is effective in dispersing LP-Gas vapor. If available it should be
used as soon as possible, directing the spray stream across the normal vapor path
and dispersing the vapor into a safe location. Those handling the hose should
avoid entering the vapor cloud and should keep low behind the spray so that they
will be somewhat protected from radiant heat if the vapor should be ignited
unexpectedly.
3. In some instances of leakage from a tank without a fire, it may be desirable to
move the tank to some remote area such as a blocked-off isolated roadway or
open field where it an leak safely away from a source of ignition. However, if
this is done, the tank should be moved only in an upright position. Never drag the
tank in a manner which might damage valves or piping. Any attempt to turn a
tank upright for moving it to some remote location should be done carefully to
avoid damage to valves and piping and preferably under cover of water spray.
LEAKAGE WITH FIRE
1. Do not extinguish unless leakage can be stopped, except under certain conditions.
2. If the escaping gas is on fire, apply large quantities of water as quickly as possible
to all surfaces exposed to heat. Approach the tank(s) from the sides. Concentrate

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 on piping and metal surfaces of vessels or adjoining vessels, equipment or
combustible surfaces exposed to flame or intense radiant heat, especially the
upper position of the tank(s) shell (see Step No. 7). If an number of tanks are
involved, use additional streams from the opposite sides for adequate cooling.
3. Consult driver or vehicle or plant operating personnel (as the case may be)
regarding possibilities of shutting off fuel supply. Stopping the flow of gas
should be the first consideration after water cooling is established.
4. If the only valve that can be used to stop the flow of fuel is involved in the fire,
consider the possibility of effecting shutoff by protective clothing and gloves,
while they are closing the valve. Proceed slowly to avoid any flashbacks or
trapping firemen in the flames.
5. The controlled burning of escaping LP-Gas (which cannot be shut off by closing a
valve) is commonly accepted fire-fighting practice. Application of sufficient
water to keep the shell of the vessel and piping cool will allow the fire to consume
the product in the tank without danger of causing failure.
6. Dry chemical portable extinguishers are effective for extinguishing small LP-Gas
fires. Extinguishing agent should be directed toward point of vapor discharge.
Carbon dioxide may also be used.
7. Failure of LP-Gas tanks usually occurs only when some portion of the metal
surface in the vapor space of the vessel becomes overheated, softens and weakens
to the point that it will not contain the pressure of the product. In the absence of
sufficient water to keep the metal surface cool where it is exposed to direct flames
or extreme radiant heat, there is danger of the tank rupturing. PROTECT VAPOR
AREA BY SPRAYING WITH WATER. SOMETIMES FROST LINE SHOWS
LIQUID LEVEL.
8. When sufficient water is not available to keep the tank cool, where excessive heat
is present, some warning of increased pressure may be noted from the increase in
volume of the fire or of noise level. This should be a signal to consider
withdrawal of all men to a safe area.
9. Shooting holes in an LP-Gas tank that is involved in fire does not serve any useful
purpose and should not be permitted.
10. Where possible, remove container from area before flames of burning building
reach the container. It may be advisable to move the container under cover of
water spray. It should be moved in only an upright position. Never drag it in a
manner that might further damage valves. Any attempt to turn the tank upright to
remove it to some remote location to facilitate product withdrawal should be done
carefully to avoid damage to valves and piping.

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EXPOSURE TO FIRE
1. It is always important to control any exposure fire. In addition, when LP-Gas
storage vessels or equipment are subjected to serious fire exposure such as from a
nearby burning building or a fire involving another fuel, it is of prime importance
to apply sufficient water to keep the shell of the vessel and piping cool to avoid
any unnecessary release of LP-Gas.
2. If the LP-Gas storage vessel becomes heated to the point of causing the relief
valve to function, the discharge should be allowed to burn if it becomes ignited.
At the same time, continue to apply large volumes of water to the vessel and
piping to keep them cool and to allow the relief valve to close after the excess
pressure has been relieved.
3. Portable LP-Gas cylinders that are exposed to a fire should be moved, if feasible,
to a safe location.

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Talk No. 71
GOGGLES VS. EYE INJURIES
Eye protection devices have been used in the construction industry since 1910. Many of
you know of men who have been spared injury or even blindness because they wore their
goggles at the right time.
Sometimes a flying particle will strike with the force of a bullet. To protect the eyes from
such particles and corrosive vapors and liquids, various devices are used. Depending on
the job, you wear goggles, an eye shield, a face mask or spectacle-type safety glasses.
There’s eye protection that will suit every type of exposure. Safety goggles and glasses
can take a terrific blow. Your eyes can’t. People who wear spectacles with corrective
lenses may need goggles which can be worn over them for protection against damage or
breakage. This “covers all protection” can be oversize cup-type goggles or an eye shield.
Believe me, eye protection on this job is necessary for a good reason. If you don’t use it,
you could, within the next few months, lose an eye on the work right around here. In
fact, it could happen within the next few minutes after you return to work if you don’t
protect your eyes.
There are many operations on construction projects where it’s mandatory for workers to
wear eye protection. I am going to read a partial list of these:
Chipping, sledging and hammering on metal, stone and concrete.
Use of manual, pneumatic and powder-actuated impact tools:
Caulking, brushing, grinding
Drilling, scaling and scraping
Babbitting, soldering and casting of hot metals
Handling of hot tar, oils and liquids, and molten substances
Handling of acids, caustics and creosoted materials.
Gas welding, cutting, brazing
Electric arc welding and cutting and other operations which subject the eyes for flying
particles, dust, hot liquids, molten substances, gases, fumes and liquids.
It’s important to recognize eye hazards and anticipate where they may be present. In
addition to the eye dangers I just mentioned, there are many others that shouldn’t be
overlooked. For instance, when drilling overhead or when excessive dust is present,
suitable goggles will give helpful protection.

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Some men object to goggles because they fog up. Fogging does occur because sweat
vaporizes and since it can’t get out, coats the inside of the lens. If you sweat a lot, wear a
handkerchief or sweatband around your forehead to keep perspiration off your goggles.
Use anti-fog liquid when necessary.
Men have said that goggles are uncomfortable. Usually the fast is they just don’t fit.
Good fit is important. Whenever your goggles annoy you, just remember that you can’t
see with a glass eye, so arrange to make them comfortable. Compensation of any amount
certainly won’t take the place of your eyesight. It should be easy to decide which you’d
rather do – take the risk or take a minute to put your goggles on, before you do a job that
requires eye protection. Like many other personal safety devices, large quantities of
goggles are produced each year. But, like other safety devices, we don’t always keep
them handy or use them when we should. There will always be goggles, but we are on
our last pair of eyes. Let’s be smart let’s use eye protection when eye hazards are present.

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Talk No. 72
PORTABLE ABRASIVE WHEELS
Portable abrasive wheels have most of the hazards of the wheels mounted on fixed
stands. The act hat they’re portable makes them more hazardous in some ways. They
have to take lots of punishment because they get banged around and dropped. Unless the
wheel has already stopped before it’s dropped, it’s apt to jump around some and that’s
not as good.
If portable wheels are properly mounted and used right, you won’t get hurt, but if you
misuse them, you’re apt to. The biggest danger is that the wheel may explode. It’s
probably running at 2,000 or 3,000 rpm, and if you bang it into something or give it a
good blow it’s apt to let go. Don’t forget that those chunks from an exploding wheel are
plenty hard and have sharp corners. They can crack your skull and tear your flesh.
Over-speed can explode a wheel, too, but you can hardly over-speed a motor-driven
wheel unless you mount an oversized wheel on the grinder, for instance, put an 8-inch
wheel on in place of a 4-inch one. You’d get twice the rim speed that way, and the wheel
would probably let go. Of course, you’d have to take the guard off to put the 8-incher on,
and that would be a fool thing to do, for sure. It’s been done, though.
You should never use a portable grinder on any ordinary grinding job without a guard.
The guard should cover at least half the wheel. See that it’s secure and set to give you the
best possible protection if the wheel should let go. Always handle the grinder and
yourself so as to keep the guard between your face and the wheel. That can mean the
difference between getting a chunk of wheel in the face and merely hearing it zip past
you. The guard will turn a lot of the dust and sparks away from you, too. Without a
guard you’d eat plenty of it.
Suppose we run through the safe way to do a job with a portable grinder. First, check the
tool over carefully. Is the cord in good condition? Is the guard on tight? Are the
washers full size? They should just cover the paper washers that are glued onto the
wheel. Does the trigger work right? Does it cut off the juice when you take your finger
off? Does the wheel run smoothly and without vibration?
If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” you’re ready to get on with the job. Or
are you? How about your goggles? Safety shoes, too? You shouldn’t drop that grinder,
but you might and a grinder dropped on your toes would make them plenty sore for a
while.
Next, check the “surround,” the area around the job. If there’s anything loose underfoot,
pick it up. If there’s anything you can’t pick up that you might trip over – like a pipe –
notice where it is and keep clear of it. Then decide where you want to run the extension

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cord. You don’t want anyone to trip over it or interfere with it and you don’t want to get
your feet tangled in it. The record shows that an extension cord which isn’t safely out of
the way is practically a sure-fire device for causing injury, usually to the guy with the
grinder. If the cord isn’t long enough to run where it’s safe, get another and hook it up.
Don’t take chances with that kind of trouble.
This preparation doesn’t need to take long – probably not as long as it has taken me to
run through it. Anyway, it would be worthwhile no matter how long it took.
Now you’re ready to do your grinding. Keep a firm hold on your grinder. You not only
want to hold it steady, but you also want to be able to apply just the right pressure with it
– the right touch. You know, of course, how important the right touch is in sharpening a
tool on a stand grinder. It isn’t hard to get the knack, but it does take a little care and
some practice.
Some portable grinders are run by air. If you use that kind, make plenty sure that the
governor works. Hold the wheel up and away from you, and press the trigger. The wheel
should come up to full speed smoothly and run smooth with a steady hum or whirl. If the
tone isn’t steady, it isn’t right. Don’t use the tool until it’s fixed.
If your grinder is powered by electricity, be sure to ground it, especially in wet places.
Finally, treat your grinder with respect. The wheel is brittle. It doesn’t like shocks. Lay
it down carefully where it will be safe every time you stop your grinding. Respect it and
it will be a real help to you.

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Talk No. 73
SAFE USE OF BENCH AND STAND GRINDERS
The abrasive grinding wheel is probably the most universally used power tool in all
industry. Because it is used indiscriminately, by many persons, frequent injuries result
from lack of training, ignorance of hazards and incorrect setup and operation.
Some causes of injury involving abrasive wheels include:
1. Failure to use eye protective equipment or the eye shield mounted on the grinder
itself. Cup-type goggles should be used for extremely rough grinding.
2. Holding the work improperly.
3. No work rest or an improperly adjusted work rest. (Work rest should be no more
than one-eighth inch from the wheel).
4. Cleaning, adjusting or gauging work while the machine is in motion.
5. Improper wheel guards; excessive wheel speed.
6. Taking too heavy a cut.
7. Applying work too quickly to a cold wheel.
8. Side grinding.
9. Vibration and bursting of wheels.
10. Using a spindle with incorrect diameter; threads on spindle cut so that the nut
tends to loosen as spindle revolves.
11. Incorrect dressing of wheel; wheel out of balance.

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Talk No. 74
HAZARDOUS CYLINDERS
Everyone knows that gas cylinders are exposed to many dangers. If we can follow these
common sense rules, we may be able to eliminate some of the hazards.
1. Cylinders should be placed in a rack and secured in an upright position to guard
against tipping over.
2. When the cylinder is empty it should be tagged or otherwise marked as such and
the valve completely closed off and the cap replaced.
3. Keep cylinders from contact with electrical wire or sources of heat.
4. Shield from sparks or flames from welding or cutting.
5. Do not store anything on top of cylinders.
6. When you move a cylinder make sure the valve is closed and the cap is on.
7. Never use valves or caps for raising or lowering.
8. Use a suitable rack or cradle for raising or lowering.
9. Never use a flame if the outlet valve on any type of cylinder becomes clogged
with ice or snow. Use warm water.
10. Do not lay the valve in any area where oil or dirt can come into contact with any
part of the valve.
11. Always “HANDLE WITH CARE” – do not drop or jar.

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Talk No. 75
WHY WEAR HARD HATS?
The average safety hard hat weights about 14 ounces. The average man’s head weights
14 pounds. So there’s an ounce of safety for every pound of head – provided the head
protection is properly worn and maintained.
The brain is the control center of the body. The slightest damage to any part of the brain
will cause malfunction of some area of the body. The skull, under normal circumstances,
protects the brain. But when a possibility of injury from falling or flying objects exists,
additional protection is required. This is the objective of the use of hard hats.
The force of a falling object can be calculated approximately by multiplying the weight
of the object by the distance of its fall. A three and one half ounce washer, for example,
falling thirty-two feet, will generate a force of seven foot pounds of impact. Should this
washer strike an unprotected head, the force of the blow would be equivalent to 560
pounds; when a hard hat is worn, the force transmitted to the neck and spine is reduced to
only 127 pounds.
Often workmen are reluctant to wear hard hats because of an expressed concern of the
weight and discomfort of heat during warm weather. Considering the protection
afforded, the weight theory is negligible. The average hard hat weights 14 ounces as
compared to the three pounds of the helmet used in World War II and the Korean
Conflict. However, under duress of battle, the helmet afforded a psychological feeling of
security. Whey then, in certain areas of employment, shouldn’t the hard hat give this
same feeling of security in industry.
Regarding the so-called discomfort of heat, a test in temperature of 110 degrees showed
that the inside temperature of a cloth cap and a felt hat were 2 degrees cooler than the
prevailing outside temperature. The same test revealed the inside temperature of hard
hats varied from 5 to 12 degrees cooler. The material, reflection and air space were the
governing factors.

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Talk No. 76
HANDLING OF CEMENT PRODUCTS
Cement is the major cause of skin irritation. The more lime it contains, the more
irritating the cement is to the skin. Adding water to cement generates heat, thus aiding
the possibility of reddening or burning o the skin upon contact.
When cement with little moisture comes into contact with the skin, the skin becomes
hard, dry and thickened. The dry skin is then likely to crack and become fissured and
slowly developing ulcers may form. The nails become dry and brittle. Cement can also
cause inflammation of the eyelids and chronic conjunctivitis. Ulcers can result in the
mucous membranes of the nose and mouth upon inhalation of cement.
Factors which can contribute to the development of dermatitis are:
1. Excessive sweating – workers who perspire freely are more likely to develop
cement dermatitis firs ton the exposed parts of the body and later on the covered
parts. For this reason, cement dermatitis occurs more frequently in hot weather.
2. The lack of cleanliness.
3. Pre-existing non-occupational dermatitis or allergy.
Dermatitis may also be caused by using harsh or poor quality skin cleansers, especially if
you have dry skin or work wit alkalis. It is believed that Lanolin is the best agent to
counteract the fat removing and dehydrating action of harsh soap on the skin. A water-
type barrier cream is thought to be effective.
Proper personal hygiene is the most important facet in the prevention of dermatitis among
cement workers. Workers should know the proper preventive measures, this includes
showers after each shift and change of clothing daily. During the work shift, a lanolin-
based soap should be used to wash hands.
Lanolin should be applied to exposed areas before putting on gloves, for those workers
who are inclined to develop dryness and cracking of the skin.
Medical care should be sought for those who develop dermatitis. If necessary, they
should be taken off the job until they recover.
With reasonable care and cleanliness, cement dermatitis need not occur among workers
with normal skin.

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Talk No. 77
HEATING DEVICES
The Use of the Friendly Fire

Introduction: The use of the heating devices allows cold weather construction and
directly enables building tradesmen to be employed in the winter months.
Defining Terms: The term “friendly fire” is used to describe heating devices and other
types of controlled combustion or burning operations – the useful and wanted fire.
The “unfriendly fire” is described as that which burns in an uncontrolled fashion –
usually harmful and destructive burning event.
Responsibility: Building tradesmen have the responsibility to themselves to prevent
injury and to the contractor to prevent the damage of equipment or materials due to fire.
Types of devices: The heating devices normally used include: portable fuel oil and low
pressure gas heaters of various capacities, and salamanders.
Dangers: The dangers that can be normally observed and corrected with little effort are
unprotected fuel lines that are susceptible to damage or rupture; control valves that have
been damaged and, therefore, no longer function properly; and the storage of fuel tank
too close to the heating device itself or in an area where they can be damaged or knocked
over. These items all contribute to the possibility of fire and/or explosion which could
seriously injure men and create damage to the building project.
Other fire dangers are over-heating and placing heating devices too close to wood and
other combustible materials and insufficient clearance for vents that go through wooden
walls.
A health atmosphere: Frequently temporary heating devices, in tightly enclosed areas,
consume much of the available oxygen supply and therefore, create an atmosphere that is
not healthful for workers. It is recommended that efforts be made to have adequate
ventilation- fresh air.
Report: When tradesmen observe a questionable situation, the foreman or
superintendent should be immediately advised – report what is seen. Supervisors are
expected to know how the equipment should be installed and the proper clearance to
materials that will burn.

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Talk No. 78
WARNINGS ON USE OF SPACE HEATERS
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, millions of consumers rely on
space heaters to warm their homes. Millions more use smaller heaters, some portable,
some gas and some electric to take the chill out of cold mornings and nights in their
campers and tents. Many consumers, however, fail to follow instructions or rules of
safety, forgetting for a moment that death and serious injuries, including burns and
carbon monoxide poisoning, strike thousands of Americans each year.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that last year more than five
thousand persons received hospital room emergency treatment for injuries associated
with gas, kerosene, oil and electric space heaters. The Commission estimates that more
than two-thirds of those injured required treatment for burns and about half of all the
injured victims were children under five years of age.
At least twelve million American homes use fuel oil space heaters and health officials
estimate that thousands more have heaters that emit excessive amounts of carbon
monoxide – the odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can kill a sleeping person in less
than two hours. Unvented heaters which burn natural gas, liquefied petroleum and other
fuels pose the greatest threat of carbon monoxide poisoning because they require a
constant supply of fresh air to operate safely and avert a buildup of poisonous gases.
Unvented heaters have been outlawed in some areas.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be as mild as drowsiness, headaches, or
nausea and frequently may be misdiagnosed. Exposure to carbon monoxide can also
result in severe brain damage and could be injurious for elderly persons, especially those
with heart problems, those with anemia, pregnant women and the very young.
Fire and burn problems are common to both fuel and electric space heaters. The
Commission’s investigations of emergency room cases reveal that children and adults
often contact exposed flame or hot exterior surfaces of heaters and suffer severe burns as
a result of clothing catching on fire or direct skin contact.
All equipment, particularly old or long idle equipment should be inspected annually
before use by a qualified service person. Installation and repairs should be done by a
qualified service person. Heaters should be located out of traffic and away from
furniture, draperies and anything combustible. Children and adults should be alert to the
hazards of high surface temperatures and should keep far enough away to avoid igniting
clothing. Young children should be carefully supervised when they are in the same area
with a space heater.

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Use heaters with a thermostat control and an automatic device that turns the heater off if
it tips over. Warn children never to insert fingers or objects through the protective guard.
They could be burned or received an electric shock.
Avoid the use of extension cords for heaters and if one is absolutely necessary, use heavy
duty cords that are appropriate for the wattage of the heater. The ordinary home
extension cord is probably inadequate for a heater and even home wiring could be
inadequate for some higher wattage heaters.
A person should exert special caution when using an electric heater in the bathroom;
accumulation of moisture or direct contact with water and grounded plumbing fixtures
could cause electric shocks. Never place the heater near the tub or sink where it could
fall in the water.
Although gas and electric heaters are most common, some families may still have
kerosene heaters. The National Fire Protection Association urges care when filling
kerosene heaters because spillage could ignite. The association warns that if the reservoir
is filled to the brim, the coal oil could later expand, overflow and flare up. Also, they
warn never to make fuel substitutions or to convert heaters to another fuel without expert
advice.

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Talk No. 79
HEAT STROKES, HEAT EXHAUSTION:
WHOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

It’s time again for all contractors and subcontractors to familiarize themselves with the
symptoms and treatment for those hot weather dangers: heat strokes and heat exhaustion.
Any time the temperature rises above 90 degrees, the danger exists that persons exposed
to the direct sun may be affected with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It is important that
you – and your foremen – know the symptoms and emergency treatment of these two
different types of illness.
Heat Stroke
The symptoms of heat stroke often appear quite suddenly and are characterized by
collapse, delirium or coma. Certain characteristics include diminished sweating; dry, hot
skin and flushed face; rapid pulse; headaches, dizziness and irritability, nausea and
vomiting; an extra high body temperature ranging from 105 to 110 degrees; and an
extremely rapid pulse.
The heat stroke victim should be taken to a hospital or doctor immediately. Attempts
also should be made to lower the body temperature. This can be done by removing all
the patient’s clothes except for shorts and sprinkling his entire body with water. A fine
spray of water evaporates more rapidly and produces a better cooling effect.
During transportation, windows should be left down so that air passing over the patient’s
body will evaporate the water.
The patient’s arms, legs and trunk should be rubbed briskly to increase circulation to the
skin. If ice is available, an ice bag or towel wrung out in ice water should be applied to
the head.
Heat Exhaustion
The symptoms of the slightly less serious heat exhaustion are different form heat stroke
in that the patient’s skin normally is cold, clammy and covered with perspiration instead
of hot and dry. The face is pale; other symptoms include a headache, loss of appetite,
drowsiness, cramps of the limbs and abdominal muscles, faintness or unconsciousness.
The pupils of the eyes sometimes are dilated.
To treat heat exhaustion, move the patient to a cool place where hey may rest and keep
him lying down with head level low. If you have salt available, give him small amounts
mixed with water. It’s not a bad idea to send the patient to the doctor for a checkup after
he rests a few moments.

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Talk No. 80
HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFE PRACTICES
The primary sources of injury to operators and other personnel working around heavy equipment
are:
1. Repairing and servicing equipment in dangerous positions.
2. Striking individuals or other vehicles with the equipment, particularly its blade.
3. Unexpected violent tipping of the equipment.
4. Uncontrolled traffic within or through the work area.
5. Unexpected violent shocks or jars to the machine.
6. Sudden movement of a power unit while it is being attached to earth moving equipment.
7. Limbs of trees or overhead obstructions.
8. Leaving earth moving or other equipment in dangerous positions while unattended.
9. Failure of lifting mechanisms.
General Operating Precautions:
1. Machines should be maintained in good working order. All vital parts such as motors,
chassis, blades, blade holders, tracks, drives, hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms, and
transmissions should be thoroughly inspected each day.
2. Before starting a job, the operator should be given instructions regarding the work to be
done.
3. Before using the starting motor, the operator should check to make sure that all operating
controls are in the neutral position.
4. Machines should be operated at speeds and in a manner consistent with conditions on the
particular job.
5. At no time should a piece of equipment be left unattended while the motor is running,
especially if the machine is on a inclined surface or on loose material.
6. If possible, equipment should be driven entirely off the road at night. When any portion
of the machine projects into the road, it should be adequately marked with red lights or
flares. Red flags should be used in daytime.
7. Personnel should stop motors and refrain from smoking during refueling operations.
8. The operator should keep deck plates or steps on equipment free from grease, oil, ice and
mud. Corded sole shoes are recommended.
9. Employees, other than operator, should not ride on equipment.
10. Operators should not wear loose clothing, which can get caught in moving parts of
equipment.

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Talk No. 81
HOISTING SAFELY
Hoisting if done improperly can present hazards for the operator and other workers in the
vicinity. But, if proper precautions and techniques for operation, inspection,
maintenance, and repair are followed, the risks can be reduced.
Using hoists safely can be broken down into several areas, the most important being
SAFE OPERATION.
Operators of hoists should be told to:
• Know and do not exceed the safe load limit of the hoisting equipment.
• Check controls to see that the proper reaction results from the operation of a
certain control.
• Check pendant control cable for cuts, kinking or signs of wear.
• Visually check hoist cables for fraying, kinking, crushing and twisting of the
cables between the cable and the drum.
• Look at the hoist drum for proper cable alignment, stacking of the cable on the
drum and cable alignment in the drum guides.
• Visually inspect the hook for cracks, bending or distortion and the safety latch for
proper operation.
• Not operate the hoist if not physically fit.
• Not attempt to lengthen or repair the load chain.
• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and all instructions and warnings on
the hoist.
• Position and the hoist directly over the load.
• Avoid swinging of load or hook when traveling the hoist.
• Pull in a straight line so that neither hoist body nor load chain or rope are angled
around anything.
• After the hook is placed in the lifting ring, apply slight pressure to the hoist to
ensure that the lifting ring is seated in the bottom of the hook and that the hook is
properly aligned.
• Between lifts, check to see that the rope is properly reeved on the drum.

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• Attach sufficient guide ropes to control the unit being moved.
• Check the intended movement path to see that it is clear of people and
obstructions and to see if the intended destination is ready to receive the load.
• Not tamper with any part of the hoist.
• Check brakes for excessive drift.
• Be sure there is proper clearance for movement.
• Get positioned on the pendant side of the hoist to get maximum clearance from
the load and to prevent entanglement of cables.
• Avoid sudden starts, stops or reverses to avoid shock loading.
• Raise the load only high enough to avoid obstructions.
• Do not hoist loads over workers – wait until area is vacated.
• Not permit the operator or guide rope handlers to become distracted.
• Be alert for any variation of hoist operation and any possible malfunction.
• Not leave a load suspended in the air – if a short delay is unavoidable, look the
controls.
• Not allow unqualified personnel to operate hoists.
• Never carry anyone on the hook or load.
• Not operate hoist to extreme limits of chain or rope.
• Avoid sharp contact between two hoists, between hoist and end post, and between
hooks and hoist body.
• Never use the hoist rope or chain as a sling.
• Not use chain or rope as ground for welding nor touch a live welding electrode to
the chain or rope.

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Talk No. 82
STOP INJURIES
The big causes:
Handling Objects 23 percent
Falls 20 percent
Hit by Objects 14 percent
Machinery 10 percent
Vehicles 7 percent
Hit Against 7 percent
All Others 19 percent
WHY: Human errors are a factor in 80 percent of all injuries.
We nee your safe actions to prevent most accidents.
The safe way is required always per our work policy and OSHA law. A safe place is
uncluttered, clean and orderly. Emergency equipment and aisles are kept clear, machine
guards are kept in place. If you see machine trouble, electrical hazard or other unsafe
conditions, report them immediately to your supervisor.
For safe actions use equipment only if permitted, obey all signs, be reasonable, wear
protective equipment when needed. Keep horseplay of the job and report any injuries.
Give us your hand for safety.

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Talk No. 83
PREVENTING COMMON INJURIES
The largest number of injuries occur to fingers and hands. Here are some pointers on
how to avoid those common injuries.
1. Inspect materials for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, rough or slippery surfaces.
2. Get a firm grip on the object.
3. Keep fingers away from pinch points, especially when setting down materials.
4. When handling lumber, pipe or other long objects, keep hands away from the
ends to prevent them from being pinched.
5. Wipe off greasy, wet, slippery or dirty objects before trying to handle them.
6. Keep hands free of oil and grease.
In most cases, gloves have to be used to prevent hand injuries.
If injuries do occur, report such injuries and have them treated. Cuts or scratches can
become infected unless properly cared for.
In addition to the specifics just related to, here are some general rules that should be
adhered to in order to prevent injuries to yourself or your fellow worker.
1. Order is the first step in doing anything right. Practice good housekeeping
everywhere. A work area is in order when there are no unnecessary objects about
and everything is in its place.
2. Learn the right way to do your job. That will be the safe way. If you are not sure
you thoroughly understand the job, ask your super for further instructions.
3. Work at a safe speed. Foolish hurry such as running in passageways or on stairs,
is dangerous.
4. Jumping from an elevation such as a table, bench or platform is liable to result in
serious injury. Don’t do it.
5. Work clear of suspended loads. If a load is moved above where you are working,
stand aside until it has passed by.
6. Obey warning tags and signs. They are posted to point out hazards.
7. Avoid practical jokes and horseplay. Such actions lead to accidents and are
forbidden on the jobsite.
8. Make suggestions that will assist in safe performance of work. Bring to the
supers attention any unsafe condition found in the job or on the jobsite.

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Talk No. 84
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS INJURED
The first rule of first aid is that if you don’t know how to give it, don’t try to. You may
do more harm than good. It’s important to know not only what to do, but also what NOT
to do.
For instance, don’t try to move an injured person unless you know that moving him will
not worsen the injury. Improper, and/or careless moving can increase the severity of an
injury and even cause death. In case of a fracture or broken bone, it’s often best to let the
victim lie where he is until competent help arrives. Wait until a person arrives who is
experienced in first aid.
As an example of what to do if an accident occurs, let’s take the situation where a man
has come in contact with a live wire. The very first thing to do is to free the man from
the live wires or source of shock, but the rescuer must exert extreme caution and care or
he may lose his own life. If the current cannot be turned off, pull the wire away from the
victim with a dry stick, dry rope, dry coat, or other nonconductor. Don’t get too close.
Stand on a dry surface. If they’re handy, use heavy rubber gloves. After you’ve pulled
the wire away start artificial respiration at once. Remember that damp materials may
conduct enough current to kill, and that high voltage will arc on damp days.
Of course, these are the big accidents. Most often you’ll run up against smaller injuries –
burns, cuts and scratches. The danger here is in the fact that most men don’t bother to get
first aid for these minor injuries. But unless they are properly treated, these little injuries
can develop into serious infection cases. Remember the old adage about a stitch in time.
Work carefully – but if you do get hurt or someone else gets hurt, get expert attention as
soon as you can. Time is often very important.
When any injury occurs – serious or minor – be sure that it receives the right kind of
treatment, as early as possible.

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Talk No. 85
CHECK LADDERS
A ladder is one thing you have to have to bet your life on.
A good ladder used right is a safe and convenient helper.
But a defective ladder or a ladder misused can kill or cripple.
Before you climb, always check the ladder for defects. Here are some things to look for:
• Loose, split, cracked or missing rungs
• Missing or damaged feet (if the ladder is equipped with them)
• Any signs of rot
• Excessive warping
• Cracks or excessive checking in the rails, especially cracks near the rungs.
We have plenty of good ladders, so don’t use a defective one.
Be sure the ladder is the right type for the job. Soft ground or slippery flooring may
demand a ladder with safety feet. A metal ladder may be too hazardous around
electricity. Certain jobs may need a platform ladder. Get the type that fits you need.
Handle the ladder carefully. A large ladder is tricky to handle. Don’t hesitate to get help.
Be sure you know where you are putting it. Don’t let is contact live electric wires and
don’t rest it on gutters, glass or other weak supporting surfaces.
Don’t climb with your hands full or gear. If you can’t sling what you need over your
shoulders, put the stuff in a pail or bag fastened to a line which goes up the ladder with
you. When you get to the working level, hoist the stuff up and fasten it to the platform or
to a rung.
If you are climbing in an area where people are walking or running power trucks, post
someone at the base of the ladder to keep traffic away.
When climbing a ladder, hold on to the rails, not to the rungs. As you climb, check the
ladder to be sure each rung and the rails are safe. This is in addition to your initial check.
Case Study
Art _________ used a ladder with a cracked rung. He had noticed it and took care to
avoid the broken rung as he went up. But coming down he forgot about it and, or course,
did not see it below his feet. His weight broke the rung, and he fell eight feet to a cement
floor. He died of a skull-fracture.
Discussion Points
Where and under what conditions are ladders used by your group? What types and sizes
of ladders are available? Are there any problems or any needs not now being met?

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Talk No. 86
LADDER DOWNFALLS
Ladders are such familiar items of equipment that every man, woman and child seems to
take it for granted that he or she knows how to use them. Too many times, however
people break the rules for safe use of ladders. The result can be a bad fall, and such falls
can be fatal. Ladder accidents happen in the shop, at home while painting or hanging
storm windows, even in the kitchen. But don’t get the idea ladder accidents happen only
to people who are inexperienced. Many victims of ladder falls were experienced men.
For example:
Case History
An experienced millwright was going to dress a weld in the metal drip edge of a building.
He got a straight ladder equipped with safety shoes – the kind with both steel spurs and
rubber soles. The ground below where he had to work was a gravel slope, but he set the
ladder up with the rubber ends of the safety feet on the gravel. The top of the ladder
reached to about five or six inches above the drip edge. The millwright climbed the
ladder and started to dress the weld, but he found he’d have to cut off a burr. So down he
went, and got a hammer and a cold chisel. He climbed up again with these tools. Then,
as he was swinging the hammer, the ladder slipped on the gravel below. The millwright
lost his balance, fell about eight feet to the ground, and broke his shoulder.
THOUGHT PROVOKERS
Falls are the source of many serious injuries and ladders are involved in many of them.
When using such equipment, we should make sure that ladders are kept in perfect
condition and as we use them we should be sure that we take ever precaution t avoid a
dangerous fall.
What rules of safety were violated in this case? How could he have made the ladder
secure? What about the top of the ladder? Should he have used a longer ladder? If you
place a 12 foot ladder against a structure, how far out from the base of the structure
should the feet of the ladder be placed? In spite of his experience, it is clear that this man
acted unsafely in several ways. He should have used a longer ladder. The feet of the
ladder should have been more firmly set, steel spurs down, so they would not slide. It
would have been better to have a man holding the ladder from the ground. The ladder
might have been secured at the top by some method of lashing. What about carrying
tools up a ladder? What should you do with them?

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Talk No. 87
LADDERS
Ladders present on e of the major hazards in construction work and their use is the cause
of many serious accidents.
1. Construction
a. Wood – Stock ladders should be solidly constructed of straight grain
materials and free from defects. Side rails should be of spruce, maple,
cypress or similar species of woods, perfectly smooth and free from
slivers. Rungs should be oak, hickory or ash.
b. Metal – Side rails of metal ladders should be of sufficient cross-section to
prevent extreme deflection when in use. Rungs should be corrugated,
coated with skid resistant materials or otherwise treated to minimize
slipping.
2. Inspection and Testing
a. Wood – Wood ladders should be inspected frequently for damage and
deterioration. Close visual inspection is recommended in preference to
load testing. Jumping on a ladder which is supported horizontally subjects
the ladder to more severe loads than it is intended to carry and may result
in damage that can lead to sudden failure while in use.
b. Metal – Frequent inspection of metal ladders is recommended. All parts
should be checked for wear, corrosion and structural failure.
3. Maintenance
a. Wood – Wood ladders should be periodically treated with a clear
preservative such as varnish, shellac or linseed oil. Painting is not
advisable as defects and deterioration may be covered up.
b. Metal – Rungs should be cleaned to prevent accumulation of materials
that might destroy non-slipping properties and all metal fittings should be
carefully checked.
c. All types of ladders – When not in use, all types of ladders should be
stored under suitable cover for protection from the weather. Ladders
stored horizontally should be supported at both ends as well as the
intermediate points to prevent sagging which will loosen the rungs and
warp the rails.

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Talk No. 88
LADDERS
General requirements – the use of ladders with broken or missing rungs, broken or split
side rails or other faulty or defective construction is prohibited.
Portable ladder feet shall be placed on a substantial base, and the area around the top and
bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.
Ladders shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways or scaffolds.
JOB MADE LADERS
Ladders shall not be placed in passageways, doorways, driveways or any location where
they may be displaced by activities being conducted on any other work, unless protected
by barricades or guards.
The side rails of ladders shall extend not less than thirty-six inches above the landing.
When this is not practical, grab rails, which provide a secure grip for an employee
moving to or from the point of access, shall be installed.
Portable ladders shall be tied, blocked or otherwise secured to prevent movement.
Portable metal ladders shall not be used for electrical work.
A double cleated ladder shall not exceed twenty-four feet in length.
A single cleated ladder shall not exceed thirty feet in length and be at least fifteen inches
wide but no more than twenty inches between rails at the top.
All ladders shall extend thirty-six inches above the landing.

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Talk No. 89
SAFETY WITH LADDERS
1. Inspect ladders at frequent regular intervals; if any ladder is found defective, red
tag it until it is repaired or discarded. NEVER use a defective ladder.
2. Use shellac, varnish or two coats of oil as a preservative; pain conceals defects.
3. Avoid the use of metal ladders when the possibility of contact with electrical
power exists.
4. Clean mud or greasy substances from your shoes before climbing up a ladder.
5. Place the ladder securely, against a solid backing, at a safe angle of about 75
degrees with the horizontal.
6. Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands, whether climbing up or
down.
7. Carry tools in suitable pockets or have tools and other objects hoisted with rope
and bucket.
8. Work facing the ladder and hold on with one hand.
9. Use a safety belt if the type of work requires it.
10. It is dangerous to reach out too far from a ladder in any direction; move the ladder
as the work requires.
11. It is unsafe to use a ladder as a horizontal member of a scaffold.

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Talk No. 90
LIFTING
In spite of the increased use of machinery and equipment in construction work, most of
the materials put into a structure are moved by hand during some phase of its building.
The human body is subject to severe damage in the form of back injuries and hernia if
caution is not observed in this handling process. Each worker should know the proper
method of lifting heavy objects.
The general guidelines for lifting are:
• Get a good footing.
• Place feet about shoulder width apart.
• Bend at the knees to grasp the weight.
• Keep the back straight.
• Get a firm hold.
• Keep the back as straight as possible.
• Lift gradually by straightening the legs.
• When the lift is too heavy or bulky for you to lift comfortably – GET HELP!
• When putting the load down, reverse the procedure.
• Remember: LIFT PROPERLY – THINK.

THE DANGEROUS FOUR

1. Handling Materials
2. Machinery
3. Falls
4. Falling or Moving Objects
These four kinds of accidents cause more than two out of three work injuries!
Handling Materials – Nearly a half million disabling injuries on the job every year –
most of them back injuries. Of every one hundred workers hurt, twenty-three are
handling materials.

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Lift this way:
1. Check weight and size – A bulky, awkward load can cause more strain than a
compact, heavier one.
2. Plant your feet firmly – Well apart and squat down.
3. Watch for sharp edges – Get a good grip before lifting.
4. Keep your back straight – Lift slowly (don’t jerk) by pushing up with your legs.
5. Don’t twist your body with the load – Shift your feet.
Is the load too big, too long, too heavy? If in doubt, consult your supervisor.
Weak Spot: Acute bending is the weak spot in the defense against back strain. LIFT
WITH YOUR KNEES!

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Talk No. 91
HOW TO LIFT
How many of you have been instructed on the proper method of lifting? Recently a
considerable number of construction workers have reported to First Aid with back strains
– many of which were result of improper lifting. Since there is a right way to do
everything, let’s make sure that each of you is instructed as to the right way of lifting.
Back strain and hernia are likely to develop if we bend at the waist when we lean over to
pick up a heavy or awkward object or piece of material. As we all know, such injuries
are not only very painful, they often have serious and lasting consequences.
First, there’s always the chance of something slipping and landing on your toes. Always
make sure that they are protected by safety shoes. When lifting objects that have rough
or sharp edges, make sure that you have a pair of good tough gloves. The safe way to
life, as you’ve heard dozens of times, is “bend the knees; keep the back straight”. This is
necessary because, if you bend at your waist and lean over with your back horizontal, the
load is too far from the center of balance. All the strain is on the lower back muscles,
which aren’t built to take it. The result can be a sprained back or worse injury.
By “bending your knees” we don’t mean to squat until you sit on your heels. You won’t
have any leg power to raise a load from that position. Your position at the start of the lift
should be more of a crouch, so the power of your leg muscles can be exerted. When we
say, “Keep the back straight”, we don’t mean straight up like a flagpole for you’d be off
balance. We mean reasonable straight, so the back muscles won’t be doing all the work.
The most important rules to remember for safe lifting are these:
1. Wear gloves when handling rough equipment or material.
2. Be sure of a good grip and good footing.
3. Keep the load close to the body.
4. See that your fingers and toes are in the clear.
5. Bend your knees and use your leg muscles.
6. Don’t twist your body while lifting.
7. Don’t try to lift or carry a load that’s beyond your physical ability – get help!

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Talk No. 92
HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY
One out of every four work injuries results from materials handling.
But you say that’s not a part of your job. The trouble is that many of those who are injured get
hurt because they LIFT and PUSH and PULL when it’s NOT a part of their job.
So go easy on the heavy work.
DON’T BUST IT – BUSTER!
Whether it’s a part of your job or not, sooner or later you’re going to lift something. So you may
as well do it right.
First…look at what you’re lifting. If the load has sharp edges, slivers, protruding nails or is
slippery, you should know about it before you hold it in your hands. Find out how heavy it is.
Check the footing to be sure that the floor is clear.
Now you’re ready to lift. Bend your knees, keep your feet apart, get a good grip. Lift by
straightening your legs with your back vertical, so that your strong leg muscles do all the work.
When you carry a load, watch where you’re going. Don’t’ skin your knuckles at doorways and
tight places.
Don’t try to change the position of a load while you’re carrying it. Set it down or rest it against
some object, and then readjust your grip.
You set it down the way you picked it up – by bending your knees, with your back straight up and
down, but don’t set it on your hands. Put down one corner of the load first and then slide your
hands away.
That’s the way to get it from there to here.
To lift a load shoulder high or above your head…first lift it waist high, rest it on a support and
change your grip. Then bend your knees to get added power for the big push.
Lots of objects, like lots of people, have strange and assorted shapes.
…Sacked materials should be grasped by diagonal corners and swung to the shoulder with a
boost from the knee.
…Drums or barrels should be rolled with your hands against the sides. Grasping the ends with
your hands can mean crushed fingers – using your feet can mean crushed toes.
Take a long hard look at a load before you lift it. If it’s too heavy or bulky, get someone to help
you. It’s quicker and easier and safer.
Long objects, regardless of weight, should be carried by two or more persons when possible,
walking instep. If you handle it alone, keep the front end as high as possible. Long objects can
easily sway up and down or sideways, and it’s no trick at all to smash someone’s head or a
window.
If you get help before you try to lift you will not need help afterward.

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Talk No. 93
HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY
Use spine-saving methods whenever there are things to be hoisted and handled. Before
you bend down and give with the old heave-ho, ask yourself some questions:
• What kind of a load is it? How heavy? How awkward?
• Is it smart to get help? Splinters? Oil? Grease? Moisture to make it slippery?
Sharp edges? Do I need gloves or other protection?
• Where will I put the load? Is a spot cleared for it? Any stumbling blocks is may
path?
• Can I walk with the load and see clearly where I’m going?

HERE’S HOW TO SPARE YOUR SPINE

1. Footing is as important in lifting as it is in the batter’s box. Feet close to the
object; far enough apart for good balance (about shoulder-width). One foot
slightly ahead of the other seems best for many.
2. Bend knees, go down to a crouch, but not a full squat. It takes double the effort to
straighten up from a full squat as it does from a crouch.
3. Keep back as straight as possible; don’t arch it.
4. Get a good, firm grip; no lifting until your hold is strong and slip-proof.
5. Lift object by straightening your legs, keeping load close to you as you come up.
6. If you have to change direction, don’t twist body. Lift object to carrying position,
then turn your whole body by changing position of your feet.
7. In setting load down, go down with back straight, knees bent, to a crouch.

BEWARE WHEN YOU’VE BEEN AWAY

Even if you’re a rugged, seasoned lifter, remember that muscles quickly get out of shape
during vacation, or spell of illness. Be doubly careful those first few days back on the
job; ease into it gradually.
AND REMEMBER
Whenever conveyors, hand and lift trucks, other mechanical-handling equipment can do
the job, let it take the strain and spare your spine.

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Talk No. 94
OPERATING RULES FOR LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS
A. RESPONSIBILITY
Safety rules are work rules and as such are part of your responsibility for efficient
production.
1. The operator is in charge of his own vehicle. As such he is responsible for his
own safety, his truck, his load, company property and equipment and other
employees or pedestrians.
2. Only qualified drivers may operate trucks. This will be determined by the
supervisor. Also, these rules will be interpreted in the same manner.
3. Wear hard hat, safety glasses and safety shoes as required.
4. Horseplay is prohibited.
5. Report all accidents immediately.
B. TRAFFIC
In general, observe the usual traffic rules and regulations wherever possible. This
includes:
1. Keep to the right on roadways and wide aisles.
2. Drive at a reasonable speed depending on location and condition of surface.
3. Slow down at intersections, corners, ramps and other danger points.
4. Leave plenty of space between trucks when traveling.
5. Use horn in “blind” spots but don’t overdo it.
6. Watch in turning that you don’t cut short.
7. Be alert for wet and slippery surfaces while driving.
8. Give pedestrians the right of way. Assume they are not thinking about lift trucks.
9. Stop at all stop signs.
10. (a) When parking do not block traffic.
(b) Park with forks on the floor.
© Turn off the power and take the key with you.

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Talk No. 95
LASER – HAZARD CONTROLS
The type of laser which has found the greatest use in the construction industry has been
the helium-neon (He-Ne) gas laser. Its beam has been used to project a reference line for
construction equipment in such operations as dredging, tunneling, pipe laying, bridge
building and marine construction.
HAZARD CONTROLS
1. Lasers should not be left unattended during operation. Beam shutter or caps
should be utilized or the laser turned off when laser transmission is not actually
required.
2. Personnel who work with laser units should become aware of the potential eye
hazards and the importance of limiting unnecessary exposure.
3. A warning sign should be attached to laser equipment in a conspicuous location
indicating the potential eye hazard associated with the laser and warning against
looking into the primary beam.
4. The use of corner cube retro-reflectors should be avoided at close ranges if the
reflected beam is to be observed.
5. The use of binoculars of aiming telescopes should not be used to view the direct
beam unless the beam intensities are greatly below safe levels.
6. During the alignment and set-up procedures, care should be taken to avoid aiming
the laser into potentially occupied areas.
7. Stable mounts for the laser are important so that it can be readily controlled.
Despite the potential hazards, the laser beam can be used safely if the proper procedures
and necessary precautions are followed: No employee other than highly trained persons
should be permitted to work in an area where he could come into direct contact with a
laser beam. The work area should be brightly lighted to prevent dilation of the pupils.
All surfaces in laser area must be nonreflective. Work areas should be monitored
regularly for ozone or other potential contaminants and stray radiation.
The guidelines should only be applied to the small HE-NE lasers and are not by any
means complete. In utilizing a laser please check manufacturer’s precautions and
guidelines for that particular unit.

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Talk No. 96
MACHINERY
Machinery – Almost 200,000 workers are crippled by machinery each year. Of every
100 workers hurt, 10 are caused by machinery.
The Menace of Motion
There are basically two kinds of motion in machinery – rotating or sliding
(reciprocating).
Rotating: A shaft rotates. So does a drill press, a roller, a belt and pulley, gears.
Rotating motion can pull you in a nip point or wind up your clothing – then smash or
tear.
Sliding: A power press slides. So does a shear and a planer. The sliding motion moves
up and down or back and forth. It can crush and it can chop.
Don’t Get Caught
1. Operate a machine only when all guards are in place and you and everyone else is
clear of moving parts.
2. Turn off a machine when you clear it, clean it, fix it and every time you leave it.
Lock and tag main power switch during repairs. Never let a machine run
unattended.
3. Use a machine only the way it’s designed to be used, only when it is in good
operating order, only when you’re dressed properly (no jewelry or big clothing)
and only when you’re sure you know how.
Weak Spot: Disregard for guards. Use of proper guards may save you from human
error.

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Talk No. 97
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR OILERS
1. Whenever possible, shut off all machinery before working on it.
2. Wear tight-fitting clothing – no long ties, gloves or loose or unbuttoned sleeves.
3. Select the right ladder and place it correctly. Be sure it is securely anchored or
have an assistant hold it.
4. Do not place a ladder astride machinery in motion. Avoid overreaching.
5. Do not stand on or climb over machinery.
6. Do not reach over or between moving belts, pulleys or shafts.
7. Do not use waste or rags to wipe excess oil or grease from moving machine parts.
8. Replace guards immediately after each oiling and grease job.
9. Do not allow excess grease, lubricants or oils to become a slipping hazard for
others.
10. Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.

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Talk No. 98
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
These rules apply to the following types of earth-moving equipment: scrapers, loaders,
crawlers or steel tractors, bulldozers, off-highway trucks, agriculture and industrial
tractors and similar equipment (this does not include compactors and rubber-tired
“skidsteer” equipment).
1. Anytime equipment or its parts are suspended by use of slings, hoists or jacks,
they shall be blocked or cribbed to prevent falling or shifting before employees
are permitted to work under or between them.
2. Dozer and scraper blades, end loader buckets, dump bodies and similar
equipment, shall either be fully lowered or blocked when being repaired or when
not in use.
3. All controls shall be in neutral position with the motors stopped and brakes set
unless work being performed requires otherwise.
4. Seat belts need not be provided for equipment which is designed only for stand-
up operations; i.e., graders, or for equipment which does not have roll over
protection structure (ROPS) or adequate canopy protection. In other words, if
you have overhead protection you must wear a seat belt unless it is designed for
stand-up operations.
5. Check the braking system on all equipment – it must be capable for stopping and
holding the equipment fully loaded.
6. Watch for changing road conditions – icy and wet roads should be used with
extreme caution.
7. Keep ladders, walkways and tracks clear of mud, ice, snow, etc. to insure proper
footing.

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Talk No. 99
SAFETY FOR MECHANICS
1. Never depend solely on jacks or chain hoists to support a vehicle you have to
work under. Use blocks.
2. Use electric extension lamps and portable electric tools only when cords and
fittings are in good condition.
3. Be sure your feet are clear of passing automobiles or moving machinery when
you get under a vehicle.
4. Guard against carbon monoxide gas from the exhausts of running engines. See
that there is proper ventilation.
5. Do not leave gasoline standing around in open containers. Whenever possible,
use Stoddard Solvent or other relatively safe preparations to clean parts.
6. Don’t attempt to lift anything too heavy for you – get help or use a hoist.
7. Watch the wrenches and other tools you use. Keep them in safe working
condition.
8. Keep a pair of safety goggles handy and wear them when doing any work in
which eye protection is necessary.
9. Be sure that mechanics’ creepers are in safe operating condition.
10. Never consider a job complete until you have checked to make sure that all lock
washers and cotter pins are in place.
11. Never allow grease and oil to remain on the floor where you or others might slip
and fall on it.
12. Always keep a suitable fire extinguisher near at hand and ready for use.

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Talk No. 100
COVERS OVER FLOOR AND ROOF OPENINGS
Safely covering an opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying the
material over the hole.
1. The hole shall be covered with a cover large enough an d of sufficient strength to
prevent failure and secured in place to prevent displacement.
2. It should b marked with a danger warning.
3. Every employee on the job should be warned about the hazard.
4. Never leave an opening uncovered or unprotected.
If covering a hole is impractical, guardrails shall be installed with toe boards.
Ladder-way floor openings for platforms shall be guarded by standard railings and toe
boards on all exposed sides, except at entrances to openings. The entrance shall also be
protected so that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.
How many times have you heard of someone picking up a piece of plywood off the floor,
thinking it was just loose materials, and discovering to their dismay (as they were falling
through the hole) that the plywood was actually covering a hole?

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Talk No. 101
PLYWOOD COVERS ON FLOOR OPENINGS
Safely covering a floor opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying
the material over the hole or even nailing it down.
Total safety on the job means a total job of eliminating a hazard. Half a job…inadequate
or incomplete jobs of covering hole hazards can result only in half, inadequate or
incomplete accident prevention.
A recent accident illustrates the point. A carpenter on a floor above called down to a
laborer to hand him a sheet of plywood. The laborer walked over to a sheet lying on the
floor, picked it up, took a step or two forward in the act of standing the plywood up and
he went sailing right down through a hole in the floor. Why did it happen?
Although originally nailed down with concrete nails, a small piece of plywood over the
hole wasn’t large enough to overlap it adequately. Traffic over it, springing the plywood,
loosened the nails.
The plywood over the hole wasn’t marked in any way. There was no warning of any
kind on it. The man mistook it for a piece of loose material laying on the floor.
The man wasn’t told about it. He wasn’t made aware of the fact that the covering of floor
openings was a job procedure calculated to prevent accidents. Nor was he told that he
must maintain and report such danger spots.
Anything less than total safety is no safety at all. The total safety attitude must be kept in
mind when floor openings are being covered:
1. The hole should be covered securely, with a cover big enough and rigid enough to
prevent failure.
2. It should be marked with danger warning.
3. Every employee on the job should be warned about it.
4. The cover shall be secured in place to prevent displacement.

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Talk No. 102
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF EMPLOYEES?
OSHA
The Act requires each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards,
as well as al rules, regulations and orders issued under the Act the apply to his or her own
actions and conduct.
Employee Responsibilities
Here’s a checklist. As an employee, you should:
• Read the OSHA poster at our jobsite;
• Comply with any applicable OSHA standards;
• Follow all of your employer’s safety and health standards and rules;
• Wear or use prescribed protective equipment;
• Report any hazardous conditions to your supervisor;
• Report any job-related injuries or illnesses to your employer and seek treatment
promptly;
• Cooperate with the OSHA compliance officer conducting an inspection if he
inquires about conditions at your jobsite;
• Use your rights under the Act responsibly.
Employee Rights
The Act provides that employees have certain rights. Here’s a checklist. As an
employee, you may:
• Obtain a copy of the OSHA standards and other rules, regulations and
requirements form your employer, the nearest OSHA office or the government
Printing Office’
• Request information form your employer on safety and health hazards in your
work area, on precautions you need to take, and on what you must do if you’re
involved in an accident or exposed to toxic substances;
• Accompany the OSHA compliance officer during the inspection walk around if
you are designated by your union or employee association;
• Observe monitoring or measuring of hazardous materials, including the right of
access t records on those materials, as specified in regulations under the Act;

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• Submit a written request to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) for information on whether any substance in your workplace has
potentially toxic effects in the concentration being used and have your name
withheld form your employer if you so desire;
• Request the OSHA area director, in writing, to conduct an inspection if you
believe a hazardous condition exists in your workplace. You must be specific and
name the hazard that concerns you (you should, however, first make a good-faith
effort to have your employer correct the condition);
• Have your name withheld from you employer; obtain your request to OSHA, if
you file a complaint; be advised of OSHA actions regarding your complaint and
have an informal review, if you request it, of any decision not to make in
inspection;
• File a complaint to OSHA within 30 days if you believe you have been
discriminated against because you asserted a right under the Act and be notified
by OSHA of its decision within 90 days of your filing;
• Object to the abatement period fixed in the citation issued to your employer by
appealing to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (it is not
possible to do this without having your name revealed since the area director must
send your objection to the Review Commission);
• Be notified by your employer if he applies for a variance (waiver) from an OSHA
standard, testify at a variance hearing, and appeal the final decision;
• Submit information or comment to OSHA on the issuance, modification or
revocation of OSHA standards and request a public hearing.

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Talk No. 103

TOP 25 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS CITED (OCTOBER 1, 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1987)

1. 1926.50(f) Emergency phone numbers not posted.

2. 1926.404(f) (6) No effective grounding – ground wire not continuous.

3. 1926.404(b) (1) No GFCI or Assured Equipment Grounding Program.

4. 1926.150© (1) (i) No fire protection for the work area.

5. 1926.50(d) (1) No first aid supplies.

6. 1926.152(a) (1) No safety cans for flammable liquids.

7. 1926.602(a) (9) (i) No horn for operator on bi-directional machine.

8. 1926.150(e) (2) Fire alarm codes not posted at phone and entrance.

9. 1926.25(a) Housekeeping.

10. 1926.416(e) (1) Worn or frayed electric cords and cables.

11. 1926.28(a) Require employees to wear personal protective equipment.

12. 1926.100(a) Employees not protected with hard hats.

13. 1926.405(g) (2) (iv) Plugs on cords without effective cord grips.

14. 1926.150© (1) (iv) Inadequate fire extinguishers in multi-story building.

15. 1926.450(a) (10) Ladders not tied off or blocked to prevent displacement.

16. 1926.150(e) (1) No fire alarm system to alert employees and fire department.

17. 1926.500(e) (1) (iii) No stair railings – less 44” – open both sides.

18. 1926.450(a) (2) Broken ladders in use.

19. 1926.403(h) Disconnects not marked as to purpose.

20. 1926.500(e) (1) (iv) No stair rails – 44” to 88” – open on one side.

21. 1926.350(a) (9) Gas cylinders not secured.

22. 1926.152(g) (9) “No smoking” signs not posted.

23. 1926.1904.5 Annual summary not posted in February.

24. 1926.350(j) Oxygen cylinders not separated from fuel.

25. 1926.450(a) (1) Ladders not provided for safe access.

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Talk No. 104

SUPERVISOR IS KEY TO OSHACT SUCCESS

If I were asked to put my finger on the one thing that can do more than any other to
improve safety in every industry, I would not pull out a copy of OSHA’s standards. I
would not speak of first-instance sanctions or federal vs. state plans. I would point
directly at you – the first-line supervisor.

You are the guys who know the jobs. You are the guys who know the hazards – because
you have worked around them and because you’re here, gives proof that you survived
them. You are the men whom the workers listen to and look to for direction.

OSHA’s inspectors may visit a plant once in a lifetime. The safety committee or the
safety engineer may come around once a month or so. But you are on the job every day –
all through a working shift period. You can see hazards developing. You can see a
worker sliding into careless habits. You can spot the faulty equipment, the dangerous
situation, as soon as it begins.

And you correct it. You can force the change in the workman’s habits; you can see to it
that the dangerous tool is repaired or retired.

Yet are you doing these things?

It may mean “chewing out” a personal friend, or hassling with your own boss. But you
may be richly rewarded. You may have saved a life or a limb.

If I seem to be saying that each of you should be a safety expert, then you are hearing me
dead right. Each of you, when you think about it, must be a safety expert – you should
know the dangers of our workplace.

All the laws, all the studies, all the books, however important they may be, can never take
the place of your common sense. And no one is in a better position to use that common
sense.

Let me pose a question. If a lathe or an earth-mover or a press were ruined because you
didn’t insist that the machine be properly oiled, what would happen to you? You know
the answer: You’d probably be fired or demoted.

Let me pose a second question. When was the last time you heard of a foreman being
fired because on e of his crew had been injured in an accident? The answer, of course, is
practically never.

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Yet loss of a man is always worse than loss of a machine. And your men must be a much greater
responsibility than your machines. That time has come. Industry must realize 1his and act upon
it, now.

We hear a good deal about the importance of top management taking an interest in safety. And it
is important – damned important. But no front office can do the job the way the foreman can do
it.

I believe we are fast moving toward the day when, to hold his job, a foreman will first have to
hold a certificate proving his knowledge of safe practices, standards and detection of hazards.
This requirement may first be seen in the long-shoring industry. Other industries will follow.

There’s nothing really new in what I’m saying. Fifty year ago, the Associated General
Contractors put out its first safety manual. It said: “No hard and fast rules will insure safety on a
job. This can be secured only by constant and careful attention on the part of the superintendent
and foreman, with the cooperation of the workmen.” The manual goes on: “Accidents do not
happen in convention or in the contractor’s office. Accidents happen on the job”.

And that’s where you men are. And because you are there, on the job, where the accidents
happen, I urge you to remember your importance in making the job safe, and in keeping it safe.
And I urge you to take the same message to your fellow supervisors.

Because of your special knowledge, you hold in your hands the effectiveness and productivity of
your co-worker. And often you hold his safety – his very life.

It is a big responsibility; one that must be met unequivocally by people like you all across the
country. Only then can we reach our highest aim: the safest possible working conditions for each
man and woman in America.

If all of us, working together, can achieve that, we will automatically achieve a lot of other things
as well – higher morale – greater productivity – which should mean higher returns to each man
for his labor.

But each of us will also achieve, for himself as an individual, the greatest satisfaction I know of,
the knowledge that he has lived well and benefited his fellow human beings.

Sometimes, just before I go to sleep, I can look back over what I’ve done that day and feel pretty
good. I can feel that maybe I’ve saved a man’s arm or finger or an eye, maybe a life.

If this kind of satisfaction can come to me, many miles distant from the workplace, how much
more rewarding it must be for you to know, quietly, at the end of a day, that you have done the
same.

Not for a statistic or a percentage or a fraction of some tally of workmen; but for Joe or Bill or
Gus – the men who work with you.

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Talk No. 105
RESPECT OXYACETYLENE
Recently a representative of a manufacturer of welding supplies stated his belief – “only
10 percent of the people using oxygen-acetylene equipment really know what they are
handling or have any formal training”. Listed below are ten facts about oxyacetylene that
should be brought to the attention of all employees and supervisors:
1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5 to 80. (The widest explosion range of
any commonly used gas)
2. Acetylene cylinders are not hollow. (Packed with diatomaceous earth, saturated
with acetone)
3. Acetylene cylinders should never be used from a horizontal position. (Loses
liquid acetone from cylinder – gums gauges, ruins hoses)
4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 p.s.i.
(Acetylene will self ignite and explode when compressed in the gaseous form at
pressures slightly greater than 15 p.s.i.).
5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation. (It can’t
stand the over 2,000 pounds pressure under which oxygen is stored)
6. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. (A little dab
from the hands while changing cylinders could cause such an explosion)
7. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended.
(Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room where
a spark from any source can explode it)
8. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the
temperature of boiling water. (Don’t store next to furnaces or allow slag to touch
them.
9. These safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding form the cylinder in
recessed tops. (Storage of tools in the top could break them off causing a fire
from the hole in direct proportion to the pressure in the tank).
10. Carbide should be stored in a moisture-proof area and only one can opened at any
given time. (One drop of water in a can of carbide will generate acetylene to
escape into the room)
IT TAKES ONE…minute to build a safety thought; hour to make a guard; week to study
plant conditions; month to develop safety program; year to make it operate; lifetime to
make a good safe workman; second to destroy it with on accident
Anonymous

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Talk No. 106
PROPER HANDLING
Have you ever tried to stop a joint of 16” pipe rolling downhill or even on level ground
after it picked up a little speed? If you have, let that be your last time; and if you have
not, talk with the man who has before you put yourself in such a hazardous position.
Workmen must stand in the clear when pipe is rolling. Some persons have a habit of
waiting until a section is ready to strike them and then jumping over it as it goes by. But
sometimes they slip, the pipe knocks them down, and they suffer a broken leg or at least
some painful bruises. Or, perhaps a man will stand behind a pipe rack where pipe is
being stacked and the first joint of a new layer will roll off the rack and strike him.
Occasionally we hear about a workman being injured because he jumped in the ditch to
do something at the time a section of pipe was being lowered and the section fell on him.
When pipe is directly overhead and is being put on place, by side boom tractors or other
machinery – stay clear of it! Something may go wrong and cause a severe injury or even
a fatality.
When pipe is being moved by side boom tractors using slings made of wire or belting,
several important factors must be remembered. First, be sure the section is balanced so it
won’t slip out of the sing when it is raised. Second, only one loose section should be
moved at a time; if more than one section is handled, the chances are the load will not be
balanced and the pipe will slide out of the sling when the load is lifted.
Third, don’t attempt to move pipe using a sling when the pipe is covered with frost, ice or
snow. It is almost impossible to hold the section in the sling under such conditions. The
safest method of handling separate sections using machinery is to provide a caliper type
clamp.
Those who are guiding pipe that is being moved should keep their hands on the outside of
the pipe. Sometimes persons will grab the end of a section by placing their fingers on the
inside of the pipe. When the pipe moves, their hands may be cut from the sharp edges, or
if the end of the section strikes something, their fingers may be cut off.
Of course, all equipment should be checked frequently. Be sure your pipe skids will hold
the load that you intend to place on them. When pipe is hauled on trailers, make sure the
load is secured. The bolsters on the two-wheeled pole trailers should have a wooden strip
or a piece of belting across the top. This will cause the load to be held firm when the
binder is tightened. If the pipe rides directly on a steel bolster, it is difficult to bind it
tight enough to hold. When storing pipe, use sleepers between each layer and have each
layer securely chocked or tied.
When carrying small diameter pipe, such as one or two each, must work as a team. When
two persons are carrying one or more joints on their shoulders, a definite understanding
must be had between the men a to when the pipe is to be lifted and when it is to be put

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down. When two men are carrying a joint of two inch 20’ long, it should be on the same
shoulder of each man and the men should keep in step. Many injuries occur when one
man drops his end of pipe and the other man holds onto his end. This practice may cause
a man who holds his end of the pipe to get jarred or jerked in such a way as to receive a
bad strain.
Back injuries can be avoided if the proper method of lifting is practiced; that is, with leg
muscles rather than back muscles.
In summary, here are some important things to remember when you are handling pipe:
1. Stay out of the path of rolling pipe.
2. Stay clear of pipe when it is being transported.
3. Always wear gloves and goggles when needed. The wearing of safety shoes is
also recommended. Wear your hard hat.
4. Keep pipe balanced when it’s in a sling.
5. When guiding pipe, keep your hands on the outside.
6. Check tools, equipment, and skids frequently.
7. Understand what your fellow workmen are going to do next, and make sure they
know what you intend to do.

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Talk No. 107
CONSTRUCTION USE AND MAINTENANCE OF REFUELING EQUIPMENT
A survey made recently of the 50 states indicates that few of the jurisdictions queried
have a code specific to the construction, maintenance and use of refueling equipment.
It is almost universal that each state requires contractors to comply with the basic rules
for refueling equipment:
1. Shut off motors before refueling.
2. Make sure that the nozzle of the dispensing unit makes contact with the filler cap.
3. No smoking in refueling area.
4. Use ALL possible care to prevent running fuel tank over. Should gasoline be
spilled, be sure that no fuel is on the equipment before restarting.
5. Fill the tank from the windward side whenever possible to prevent excessive
burns in the event of ignition.
6. Allow a sufficient vapor space in the fuel drum or tank to permit expansion of the
liquid with changing temperatures. Gasoline expands at the rate of one percent
for each 14 degree F. rise in temperature.
7. Equip electric motors having sparking contacts with explosion proof enclosures.
8. Install adequate hold down devices to anchor each drum or tank in a suitable
manner to prevent movement. Turnbuckles, tie rod and eye bolt connections or
similar positive action devices for drawing the tank or drum down tight on the
truck bed are recommended.
9. Mark each side and rear of the refueling truck with the words “Flammable – NO
Smoking” in letters three inches high. Each container should be marked as to its
contents.
10. Equip each vehicle with at least one suitable size extinguisher having a C rating.
11. Take precautions to prevent ignition in locations where flammable vapors are
present. Sources of ignition may be open flames, smoking, cutting and welding
and hot surfaces.

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Talk No 108
A BELT CAN HELP
How hard does a vehicle hit something at 60 miles an hour?
In one of our talks the force of impact in a collision was mentioned, and it was suggested
that you compare it to the high dive at a swimming pool. Usually that’s about 10 feet
above the water. Imagine raising the board to a height of 121 ½ feet above a pool with no
water in it. Now, if you drop a vehicle into the empty poof from that height, that’s how
hard it would hit a wall or some other stationary object at 60 miles an hour – with you
inside. The vehicle is stopped by the wall, but you continue at the same speed – right
through the windshield or into the steering wheel.
Although careful driving helps avoid sudden stops caused by braking or collision at high
speeds, it’s still necessary to take the precaution of wearing safety belts. Many thousands
of lives could be saved each year if safety belts were installed – and used – in every
vehicle.
It’s the sudden reduction in speed and not the speed itself, that kills and injures people.
Even a low-speed collision or a sudden stop can throw you forward with such force that it
can cause death or severe injury.
In a crash you’re much safer if you aren’t thrown out of your vehicle. In one study 12.8
percent of the people thrown from the vehicles were killed, but only 2.6 percent of those
who weren’t thrown out were killed. So your chances of being killed are five times
greater if you are thrown out. Even if you stay inside the vehicle, you are 60 percent
safer with a belt than without one.
You’re also more likely to keep control of the vehicle in an unexpected crash or sudden
swerve, because the belt will keep you in a position behind the wheel. By keeping
control, you’re better able to prevent any additional crash.
Safety belts are useful if the vehicle is submerged or catches fire, because they help keep
you from being knocked unconscious. The second or two it takes to unhitch a safety belt
is enough time to get clear in an emergency. If you’re knocked unconscious you may
regain your senses before the oxygen in the air has been taken away by fire or water.
Get in the habit of fastening your belt just before you turn your ignition key. This brings
up a good point – how important it is to hook up for even the shortest trips.
Strange as it may seem it’s a know fact you need safety belts more for short trips than for
long ones! That’s right . Two-thirds of the drivers who get into fatal accident have them
within 25 miles from home. More than half of all injuries happen in cities and towns,
where speeds are low and trips are short. Low speeds are just as capable as high speeds
of throwing you against a hard object unless you’re held in place with a safety belt.
Remember it’s the slowing-down time that determines how hard you hit. The faster the
vehicle stops or slows down, the more you are thrown forward.

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The wisdom of using safety belts on long trips over highways should be obvious. Speeds
can vary, but traveling at high speeds and then suddenly slowing down ins your number
one problem. Safety belts give you the advantage of your body being held in place so
that, in a sudden stop, you can keep control of your vehicle. They also hold you in place
so you’re jostled around less and therefore less tired after a long trip. At the same time,
they give you enough room to let you change position to avoid fatigue that comes from
being held in one spot for a long time.
Safety belts aren’t meant to do away with the need for careful driving. That always
comes first. But they will help you stay alive and in one piece when you’re forced to stop
fast.

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Talk No. 109
AVOID UNSAFE ACTS
An accident is an unplanned event caused by either an unsafe act, an unsafe condition, or
both. Injuries and accidents trace back to unsafe acts or conditions.
Injuries on the job don’t just happen – they are caused! An injury is the final link in a
chain of events or circumstances. We are fortunate indeed to be able to say that most
unsafe acts or conditions do not complete the chain of events that leads to an injury-
producing accident.
Let me compare unsafe acts or conditions to something that has probably thrilled most of
us ever since we were kids. I’m thinking of several acts in the circus that always thrill
the crowds that attend. One act that would certainly be classes as an unsafe act would be
the one done by the trapeze performers. Another would be the one put on by the
trampoline stars.
I am always fearful that the man swinging through the air will just miss his fellow
performer and drop to the hard floor below.
When I see a performer on the trampoline, I wonder if the fellow will misjudge his
descent and come down in such a way that he straddles the framework which holds up he
stretched fabric. What a surprised guy he would be!
In fact, I also wouldn’t engage in some of the unsafe acts that I’ve seen workers commit.
Again, I wouldn’t want to run the risk of getting hurt.
Some figures have been rather widely used to show that only 30 out of 330 accidents
result in injuries. These figures also show that out of the 30 injury-producing accidents,
20 require first aid and only one is serious enough to disable the worker or to cause loss
of time from the job.
What does this mean to you? It means that you can’t afford to take a chance on an unsafe
act or an unsafe condition. The odds are such that if you continue to take chances you
will be involved in an injury-producing accident. Your injury could very well be so
serious that it would cause you to lose time from work or be laid up in the hospital.
I suppose that each of you realizes that both unsafe acts and unsafe conditions cause
almost every kind of work accident that can happen or has happened. Let’s talk a little
about the four most common sources of injury-producing accidents in the order of their
frequency:
1. Manual handling of materials is the source of about one-fourth of all compensable
work injuries. Injuries due to improper lifting occur quite often. There are also
many cases involving bruised and smashed fingers and toes.
2. There are many types of falls; falls on slippery floors and tripping over objects
left on floors, falls on stairs, falls from slight elevations, and falls from heights.

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 3. Next are the injuries caused by falling or moving objects. You can get hit with
anything from falling tool to a load swung by a crane.
4. Machinery is safe if you know how to handle it and if you utilize the safety
devices. Machinery is dangerous for the inexperienced worker to operate, or for
the one who takes chances.
I’m going to be looking for unsafe conditions on the job and I’ll be trying to spot the
unsafe acts that each of you may engage in without realizing it. Here are some of the
unsafe acts that I am going to be looking for:
1. Operating machines or equipment without authority, failure to secure it or warn
others.
2. Operating equipment at an unsafe speed.
3. Bypassing safety devices.
4. Using unsafe equipment or using equipment unsafely.
5. Handling of material in an unsafe manner.
6. Taking an unsafe position or posture.
7. Indulging in horseplay or inattention.
8. Failing to use protective equipment.
You, too, can help in our safety program if you’ll agree to practice safety and to warn
others when you seen them endangering themselves. If you see a dangerous condition,
report it to me! Always wear your protective clothing where your work demands it.
Let’s leave the unsafe acts for the circus performer!

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Talk No. 110
SAFETY BELTS
A safety belt, purchased for the sole purpose of preventing injury, was recently observed
lying on the ground partially covered with a large cement block. This important piece of
equipment, prior to the days end would be used to afford life saving benefits to a trusting
worker once more lulled into false sense of security.
If we are to expect maximum results from personal protective equipment as vital as a
safety belt, we certainly must render it the maximum care as follows:
1. Inspect and test your belt and hardware carefully before use to be sure there are
not defects; use a belt that you know is entirely safe. Any safety belt subjected to
in-service loading, shall be removed from service.
2. Do not permit acids, caustic or other corrosive materials to get on leather or
ordinary web belts.
3. Never weaken the belt or strap by cutting or rough-punching extra holes in it.
4. Handle you belt with care; never drop it on the ground; keep it away from sharp
tools or other objects which might scratch or cut it.
5. Wipe a wet leather belt with a clean dry cloth; let it dry slowly at a temperature no
higher than your hand can bear. Do not expose any wet belt to extreme cold or
heat.
6. Store belts in separate dry compartments or hand them so they will no be rushed,
worn or creased.
7. Apply a light coating of neatsfoot oil occasionally to a leather belt especially after
it has been wet; use only special dressing on fabric belts.
8. Oil, wash with saddle soap and thoroughly inspect leather safety belts at least
once every 90 days; never use gasoline or other drying solvents to clean any belt.
9. If the belt is accidentally cut or damaged, turn it in for repair or for salvage of
usable parts.

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Talk No. 111
INFLUENCING ATTITUDES FOR SAFETY
Attitudes have much to do with employee safety performance and job performance.
Many safety people have made the mistake of talking mainly about the attitudes that
cause accidents. Some of these are:
• Safety is just a matter of chance. I’ll get it when my number is up.
• It’s necessary to take chances to get anything done.
• If I’m tough and strong I can take chances and get away with it.
• The company doesn’t really care about safety.
• The other men will think I’m a sissy if I’m always careful.
These “Attitudes for Accidents” may have been overemphasized, since it often amounts
to scolding or finding fault and as such really doesn’t change any attitudes.
If we want people to have good attitudes for safety we ought to think about what the safe
attitudes are. Here are a few:
• Accidents have causes. They can be prevented.
• Accidents interfere with production. Safe work is efficient work.
• My fellow employees will respect me if I show good judgment and work
safely.
• Working safely is a mark of skill. We are proud of our safety record.
There are many other Attitudes for Safety. If we accept positive attitudes for safety they
will rub off on the people we associate with and become a part of our daily conversation.
Attitudes grow, and like anything that grows, they flourish best in a favorable
environment. So if we create a good environment for safety ideas, everyone is more
likely to accept them.
Attitudes also are influenced by example. If we set an example of working safely and
working for safety, others will be influenced by what they see. Particularly, new
employees are influenced by the behavior of veteran workers and others who they look to
as leaders.
Attitudes for safety will grow if people take part in discussions about how accidents can
be prevented. It is natural for people on the job to talk about accidents. If the ideas
expressed are sound, it tends to kill off the unsound, superstitious beliefs.

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Talk No. 112
SAFE PRACTICES PAY
When you think of dice or cards, you naturally think of gambling – you know that there is
a risk of losing money! When betting on the horses, you run the same risk.
But you could get hurt or seriously injured when gambling with your own safety.
For instance, if you engage in unsafe acts there is a gamble that the accident might cause
you to lose time from work, suffer an amputated finer, toe, foot, hand, arm or leg or other
type of serious injury.
So, do safe practices really pay off for any of you? I think you’ll have to admit the
answer is yes! If you don’t admit it now, I hope you’ll be convinced after our discussion
today.
Safe practices really do pay off for you as well as for the company. I know you
understand that I am so sold on safety, that I want you to have a reason for observing safe
practices in your work.
In other words, your wish to observe safe practices may be, in part, prompted by your
knowledge that avoiding an injury on the job will save you money.
I hope that a cost consciousness will be part of your reason s for working safely. I mean
an awareness of the cost to you in pain and suffering, and also your loss of money caused
by a serious accident.
Speaking of cost consciousness, the management of our company has its share of it. You
couldn’t expect otherwise. In face, we all should be glad that management is because that
gives us assurance that we will have jobs for a long time. Our jobs are tied in with the
successful and economical operation of our company.
It is true that our management puts a lot of money into the safety program and that
management is interested in your safety. Management does get benefits from the money
it puts into the safety program. How do they profit financially?
Well, one way is through a reduction in insurance costs. Our company carries
workmen’s compensation insurance through an insurance company. Our accident
prevention program will help to reduce losses that would otherwise be paid out in
compensation payments. Therefore, the improved loss experience of the company causes
a reduction in premium payments. Money is saved!
Then there is the reduction in indirect costs. Management realizes that accidents take
men from the job; that training new men costs money; that damaged materials,
equipment, and tools cost money; that equipment idled by an accident also raises
production costs. There are many other incidental casts that can be classes as indirect
losses.

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The company benefits by an increase in operating efficiency if the accident record is
good.
You know that when accidents are prevented, production usually goes up. The things
that eventually cause accidents are continually causing inefficiency in our operations.
So you can see why our company has been so sold on a well-planned accident prevention
program. Management knows that safety and safe practices really pay off because the
figures prove it.
It is true that the company must put some cash into the safety program in order to save
money in the long run. You and I can lose money if we take a risk or gamble with our
own safety. Yes, a man who takes a risk at work is the biggest gambler in existence.
You may get away with an unsafe act a number of times, but sooner or later it will catch
up with you.
Does it cost you money when you are off from work losing time as a result of an
accident? It surely does – you do get compensation payments for disabling work injuries,
but they amount to only a percentage of your pay.
I don’t believe that there is a person working for this company who would knowingly
consent to a reduction in pay. Yet that is exactly what you are doing when you lay
yourself wide open for an accident.
With that as my final point, I know that we are all bound to agree that safe practices
really pay off. I feel sure that none of you will be willing to take that shortcut or gamble
in any of your work operations.

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Talk No. 113
SAFETY ALWAYS – ALL WAYS
While a great deal of emphasis is placed on practicing safety at work, this only partially
serves our purpose. We cannot be one-third safe – we must practice ‘Safety Always –
All Ways!’
On the job, it is our responsibility to exert every effort to avoid accident and injury. We
must constantly be on the alert and exercise good judgment. It is our obligation to
contribute our share to overall good housekeeping in the work area, thus eliminating
unsafe conditions. Personal protective equipment is made to afford the worker maximum
protection. It should be worn whenever the work makes it necessary.
Statistics indicate that we are safer on the job than at home. It is, therefore, imperative
that we direct certain efforts toward making our homes safer for ourselves and for our
families. As self-appointed home safety engineers, we must be on the lookout for unsafe
conditions and unsafe practices on the par of our families. Storage areas should be kept
free of unnecessary items that present fire hazards. Paints, thinners, pesticides and other
solvents, constituting potential danger, should be kept under lock and key. The medicine
cabinet represents a contribution to our safe being, but it should not be used to store items
of a dangerous nature. All gas and electrical appliances should be inspected frequently to
assure A-1 operating conditions.
The automobile is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity; driving cannot be regarded as a
right, it is a privilege. If we are to adhere to around-the-clock safety, we must include
responsibility with an automobile as a paramount part of 24-hour safety. Like the
professional driver, we must drive defensively, being ever on the alert for the unexpected.
Safety must also be considered at play. If swimming is your sport, enjoy it; but never
swim alone or immediately after eating. Nine holes of golf may be relaxing, while
eighteen may mean overexertion – you must be the judge. Boating and water skiing are
great recreational activities, but both demand the application of safety rules.
Always be alert – practice safety all the time.

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Talk No. 114
THE POSITIVE APPROACH
Here are attitudes you must develop if you are to make Safety work for you and if you are
to do your work without accidents:
1. Accidents can be prevented.
2. Preventing accidents is more important than blaming the people who cause them.
3. Safety rules and regulations are reasonable and important.
4. The fellows I work with will respect me for practicing Safety.
5. Safety is a mark of intelligence and skill.
6. It’s dumb to take chances.
7. I have a responsibility to do something toward correcting any hazard that I see.
Any worker who develops attitudes such as these will not only work Safely himself and
avoid accidents; he will also be a strong force for Safety in the plant.

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Talk No. 115
SCAFFOLDS
Many construction accidents result from improper construction and use of scaffolds.
Height is not the only factor – short falls are also dangerous.
While each type of scaffold has its own particular hazards, there are certain major
problems which are common to all. Men fall from scaffolds and injure themselves –
tools fall off scaffolds and injure others.
When scaffolds and staging are properly designed and constructed and when workmen
observe proper safety measures and maintenance, there need be no greater hazards on
scaffolds than in any other work area.
Scaffolds constructed for safety provide safe working conditions.
There must be secure footing for uprights. This is especially important when they rest on
earth, sand or other loose material.
Top and mid guard rails and toe boards make for safe working conditions on scaffolds.
Hand rails on open ends keep men from falling off scaffolds and working platforms.
Toe boards are fastened to inside of uprights. With metal tubular scaffolds, toe boards
are nailed to platform plants or bolted to inside of uprights.
When constructing scaffolds, nails should be of the proper size and used properly. A
minimum of four nails per joint is recommended and all nails should be driven home. No
nail should be subjected to direct pull.
Only designated scaffolding materials shall be used.
Scaffold working platforms must be kept free of rubbish and of snow, ice, oil or grease.
Tools should not be left on scaffolds overnight, nor should there be stockpiling of
materials on scaffolds. Never build an open fire upon or near wooden scaffolds, or metal
scaffolds with flammable components.
Men working on a swinging scaffold should wear a safety belt with lanyard properly
fastened to an independent safety line.
Hard hats must be worn by men on scaffolds, particularly if work is being carried on
overhead.

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Talk No. 116
SPECIAL HAZARDS
Compressed Air
A good rule to follow when using compressed air is to keep the pressure as low as
possible (if it can be adjusted) in order to do the job adequately. Hold the nozzle securely
in order to prevent it from kicking and never kink the line to cut off the air.
Under no circumstances should compressed air be used to clean clothing.
A compressed air hose should never be pointed at yourself or at anyone else. Severe
injuries and even death have been caused by workers with a misguided sense of humor
who tried to be funny with compressed air.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders should always be handled as if full. Keep the cylinders on end
and strap or chain them securely. Use a cylinder truck for transporting and secure in
transit.
The protective cap over the valve should be screwed in place when not in use.
Gas cylinders should be stored in a place where they will not e subject to excessive
variations in temperature.
Never let oil even on your hands get near oxygen cylinder controls, for oil and oxygen
can explode.
Chemical Agents
Air contaminants – Always use hoods, exhaust systems, or special enclosures (if
available) to cut down air-borne contaminants. Harmful by-products are often produced
by grinding, welding or brazing, paint spraying or dipping, degreasing, pickling and other
such operations.
Labeling – Containers for chemicals are labeled not only to tell one from another, but
also to indicate dangerous properties that may be health or fire hazards. A label that tells
the name of the product, gives a signal work, states hazards and lists precautionary
measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure should be on all containers.
Read the labels. Don’t remove them.
Skin contact – If you want to reduce your chances of skin troubles, keep yourself clean.
Wash up promptly if you get irritating material on your skin. Wear proper protective
clothing and equipment for the work you are doing.

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Physical Agents
Welding sparks and light-rays – Do not look at any welding or gas welding operations
unless you are wearing proper eye protection.
Noise – Wear proper ear protection if you must go into high noise-intensity areas.
Hot or cold areas – Wear proper protective clothing if you are exposed to extremes of
temperature or to infrared radiation from hot equipment or processes.
Hot work permits – Before you start welding, be sure that the area has been inspected for
fire hazards. After you are through welding, make sure ho fire has started.

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Talk No. 117
SCAFFOLDS
No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision
of competent persons.
These general requirements for scaffolds should be followed to have a safe working
platform:
1. Guardrails and toe boards shall be installed on all open sides and ends of
platforms more than ten feet above the ground of floor (EXCEPT NEEDLE
BEAM SCAFFOLDS AND FLOATS).
2. Scaffolds four feet to ten feet in height, having a minimum horizontal dimension
in either direction of less than forty-five inches, shall have standard guardrails
installed on all open sides and ends of the platform.
3. Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches, or the equivalent, and approximately forty-two
inches high. Supports shall be at intervals not to exceed eight feet. Toe boards
shall be a minimum of four inches in height.
4. When persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, they shall be
provided with a screen between the toe board and the guardrail – extending along
the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 Gauge U.S. Standard Wire and one half
inch mesh or the equivalent.
5. Any employee working on a needle beam scaffold shall be protected by a safety
belt and lifeline.
6. Planking for scaffolds shall be secured.
7. All parts of the casters for the rolling scaffolds should be in good working
condition.

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Talk No. 118
SCAFFOLDS ARE FOR SAFETY
Scarcely a day passes that we don’t read of or hear about someone being injured or killed
in a scaffold fall. Faulty design and inadequate construction are sometimes involved by,
in most cases, scaffold accident are caused by careless maintenance and improper use.
Help keep your scaffolds safe for your safety by observing these simple procedures:
• Inspect scaffolds daily prior to use; particularly guard rails, connectors,
fastenings, footings, tie-ins and bracing.
• Keep platforms closely boarded, fenced and securely fastened.
• Don’t stockpile materials on scaffolds; remove all materials and tools at the end
of the day.
• Never overload scaffolds. Pile materials being worked over ledger and bearer
points to minimize platform loading.
• Don’t work on scaffolds during storms or high winds and clear platforms of all
ice and snow before using. Sand wet planking to prevent slipping.
• Protect scaffolds…don’t bump or strike against scaffolds with vehicles or
materials…control hoisted material from ground with taglines.
• Keep platforms and area around scaffold cleared of debris, un-needed
equipment, material and other hazards that will cause you to trip or fall.

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Talk No. 119
ROLLING SCAFFOLD SAFETY RULES
The following Additional Rules Apply:
1. DO NOT RIDE ROLLING SCAFFOLDS.
2. REMOVE ALL MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT from platform before moving
scaffold.
3. CASTER BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED at all time when scaffolds are not being
moved.
4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE A ROLLING SCAFFOLD WITHOUT
SUFFICIENT HELP – watch out for holes in floor and overhead obstructions.
5. DO NOT EXTEND ADJUSTING SCREWS ON ROLLING SCAFOLS MORE
THAN 12”.
6. USE HORIZONTAL DIAGONAL BRACING near the bottom, top and at
intermediate levels of 30’.
7. DO NOT USE BRACKETS ON ROLLING SCAFFOLDS without consideration
of overturning effect.
8. THE WORKING PLATFORM HEIGHT OF A ROLLING SCAFFOLD must not
exceed four times the smallest base dimension unless guyed or otherwise
stabilized.
For “PUTOGS” and “TRUSSES” the following additional rules apply:
1. DO NOT CANTILEVER OR EXTEND PUTLOGS/TRUSSES as side brackets
without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.
2. PUTLOGS/TRUSSES SHOULD EXTEND AT LEAST 6” beyond point of
support.
3. PLACE PROPER BRACING BETWEEN PUTLOGS/TRUSSES when the span
of putlog/truss is more than 12’.

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Talk No. 120
STEEL SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES
Following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of steel
scaffolding. These rules are illustrative and suggestive only and are intended to deal only
with some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of scaffolding.
The rules do not purport to be all-inclusive or to supplant or replace other additional
safety and precautionary measures to cover usual or unusual conditions.
1. POST THESE SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES in a conspicuous place and be
sure that all persons who erect, dismantle or use scaffolding are aware of them.
2. FOLLOW LOCAL CODES, ORDINANCES and regulations pertaining to
scaffolding.
3. INSPECT ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE USING – Never use any equipment that
is damaged or deteriorated in any way.
4. KEEP ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR. Avoid using rusted equipment –
the strength of rusted equipment is not known.
5. INSPECT ERECTED SCAFFOLDS REGULARLY to be sure that they are
maintained in safe condition.
6. CONSULT YOUR SCAFFOLDING SUPPLIER WHEN IN DOUBT –
scaffolding is his business. NEVER TAKE CHANCES.
7. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SILLS for scaffold posts and use base plates.
8. USE ADJUSTING SCREWS instead of blocking to adjust to uneven grade
conditions.
9. PLUMB AND LEVEL ALL SCAFFOLDS as the erection proceeds. Do not
force braces to fit – level the scaffold until proper fit can be made easily.
10. FASTEN ALL BRACES SECURELY.
11. DO NOT CLIMB CROSS BRACES.
12. ON WALL SCAFFOLDS PLACE AND MAINTAIN ANCHORS securely
between structure and scaffold at least every 30’ of length and 25’ of height.
13. FREE STANDING SCAFFOLD TOWERS MUST BE RESTRAINED FROM
TIPPING by guying or other means.
14. EQUIP ALL PLANKED OR STAGED AREAS with proper guard rails and add
toe boards when required.
15. POWER LINES NEAR SCAFFOLDS are dangerous – use caution and consult
the power service company for advice.

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16. DO NOT USE ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase the
height.
17. DO NOT OVERLOAD SCAFFOLDS.
18. PLAKING:
• Use only lumber that is properly inspected and graded as scaffold plank.
• Planking shall have at least 12” of overlap and extend 6” beyond center of
support or be cleated at both ends to prevent sliding off supports.
• Do not allow unsupported ends of plank to extend an unsafe distance
beyond supports.
• Secure plank to scaffold when necessary.

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Talk No. 121
GENERAL SAFETY RULES – SCREWDRIVERS AND SAWS
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are another common tool in industry. Some tips on their proper use
include:
• Use of screwdrivers as punches, wedges, pinch bars or pries should be
discouraged.
• They should be in a good repair – a broken handle, bent blade or a dull or twisted
tip may cause a screwdriver to slip out of the slot and cause a hand injury.
• Cross-slot screwdrivers are safer than the square bit type because they have less
tendency to slip.
• A sharp, square-edged bit will not slip as easily as a dull, rounded one.
• The part to be worked on should not be held in the hand; it should be placed on a
flat surface or in a vise – if the tools slips, there is less chance of hand injury.
• No screwdriver used for electrical work should have a blade or rivet extending
through the handle – blade and handle should be insulated except at the tip.
Saws
To a large extent, handsaws have been replaced with power equipment, but handsaws and
hacksaws are still in use. Pointers in the safe use of such tools include:
• Install hacksaw blades with the teeth pointing forward and avoid having the blade
buckle because it could break and send pieces flying.
• When using a new blade in a hacksaw, start a new cut because a new blade could
break in an old cut.
• Heated hacksaw blades can break – prevent heat buildup with the use of light
machine oil.
• With handsaws, avoid causing the blade to buckle – it could break or send teeth
flying.
• Store saws so that they are not dangerous to others.

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Talk No. 122
STEEL CONSTRUCITON
Live power wires constitute one of the greatest dangers with steel hoisting equipment –
both to operators and other workmen. Whenever possible, power lines should be
relocated or taken out of service
Cranes and derricks should be operated at a safe distance from power lines. A high
voltage wire can cut wire rope instantly and drop the load onto vehicles, workmen or
pedestrians.
There is also the danger of electrocution of workmen when cranes, derricks or other
machinery come into contact with live wires.
Unless necessary for some important reason, steel should never be hoisted to a structure
under construction until it is ready to be set into position and fastened.
In setting steel, each piece must be bolted securely before the line is take off.
Steel trusses and skeleton steel frames, when being set, should be guyed or braced
securely until permanently secured or braced.
Great care must be taken when throwing rivets or bolts in order that they do not fall and
strike workmen or property below.
Metal buckets, pails or cans that are used for catching bolts or rivets should have false
bottoms of soft wood. Cone shaped cans should be used when they are available.
The snaps and plungers of pneumatic hammers used in riveting sometimes drop out.
They should be secured by a piece of annealed wire fastened around the handle so that
there will be sufficient slack to operate the hammer properly, but not enough to allow the
snap to drop out of place.
Canvas, leather or rope slings should be used for riveting dollies. Do not use chain
slings.
Rivets, bolts, nuts, dollies, wrenches and other articles should always be kept in boxes. If
allowed to be loose, vibration may cause them to creep and fall over the edge of planking.
Riveters and rivet heaters should use all precautions to prevent fires.
Float scaffolds are small open platforms secured by four heavy manila ropes tied to the
structural steel. Workmen stand on the platform with a few light tools for bolting or
riveting.
When a man neglects to secure his safety belt he can step off the edge of the platform or
stumble over a tool. You can never fall more than once from a float scaffold.

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Talk No. 123
SAFE PRACTICES FOR STRUCTURAL IRON WORKER
• Riding loads is forbidden. Take the safest way of moving about structure. Do
not jump from one place to another.
• Secure bundles of material before hoisting. Avoid overstraining of chains or
slings. Frequently inspect al rigging. Know the capacity of the equipment.
• Keep clear of suspended or moving loads. Keep hands off loads that may nest or
pinch fingers. Use guide lines for swinging loads.
• When pulling or dragging material make certain that all workers are clear of the
cable and load.
• Securely bolt pieces before taking off line. Securely tie or cross brae trusses until
they are permanently braced.
• Set and secure temporary flooring as soon as possible to provide protection for
workers below, to provide a safe working floor and to limit any fall.
• Secure all wrenches, bull pins, etc. in your belt holster so that they will not fall
out.
• Do not knock out drift pins or bolts until you make certain that they will not hit
anyone. Make provisions to catch them.
• Secure snaps and plungers of pneumatic hammers. Inspect wire or holding clamp
daily.
• If you normally wear glasses, do not go aloft without them. Do not wear bifocal
lenses.
• Keep rivets, bolts, nuts, dollies, wrenches and other loose articles in boxes, canvas
bags or other suitable containers so that vibration will not cause them to fall
through or off planking.

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Talk No. 124
GROUNDING ELECTRIC TOOLS
A recent accident involving a portable electric drill and resulting in burns to a workman
warrants a review of electrically powered tools. Regarding this particular accident the
employee was standing on top of a form about 6 feet from floor level and was preparing
to drill holes with an electric drill. The employee had an arm around a metal pole for
support. When the drill was turned on the man, he received a severe shock and could not
release the drill. The dampness of perspiration plus placing his hand around the metal
pole contributed to the electric shock. Another employee working nearby immediately
pulled the pug cutting off the power. The employee injured sustained burns to his neck
and both hands. Had the workman been alone, he might well have died.
Several years ago an Iowa contractor had a young man using a portable grinder during
the building of a high school. I had just rained and the floor deck had several puddles on
it. The young man stopped work for a break, laid his grinder on the edge of a shallow
pool. He was electrocuted instantly when he returned and picked up the grinder. I the
toll had been grounded, he’d be alive today.
Grounding of portable electric tools provides the most convenient and efficient way of
safe guarding the operator. If there is any defect or short inside the tool, the current is
drained from the metal fame through a ground wire and does not pass through the
operators body. The most efficient method of grounding is through the use of the three
wire system. If this system is not possible then it is recommended that a ground be
installed by fastening one end of a wire of at least number 18 gauge to the metal frame of
the tool and the other end to a ground by means of a battery clip or permanently attached
clip. Insulating platforms, rubber mats and rubber gloves are other means to guard
against electrical shock. Tools should be inspected frequently for the following
malfunctions to reduce the hazard of electrical shock.
1. Defective or broken insulation or cord.
2. Improper or poorly made connections to the terminals.
3. Broken or otherwise defective plug.
4. Loose or broken switch.
5. Brushes arcing.
Remember the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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Talk No. 125
GUARDS PROTECT YOU
Whenever we hear of a terrible accident we have the tendency to say to ourselves that we
would never have done what the person who caused the accident did.
But when we examine a large number of histories of such cases, we are surprised to find
that the main cause of the trouble, in almost every case, is the sort of thing that we,
ourselves, have often done. WE have to conclude that we have just been lucky.
I would hate to ask for a count on how many of us had ever removed a safety device from
a machine and gone on using the machine without protection. I am afraid that most of us
would have to plead guilty.
Sometimes the guard gets in the way and we are in a great hurry. We forget safety,
remove the guard and run the risk of a serious accident to ourselves or others.
I have a story that comes from an old style tin mill. In the hot mill department they had a
floor level power shear which trimmed one end of the hot packs after they had been
partially rolled. The shear man grasps the pack with tongs and thrusts it under the knife
of the shear, which is in continuous operation.
On one of these shears there happened to be a crack in the steel floor plate just in front of
the shear. A piece of thin steel sheet had been put over to keep the packs from catching
in the crack. The back edge of the thin sheet had been bend up slightly in the course of
the operation.
There was a guard on the knife which made it perfectly safe to operate, but it made it a
little difficult for the workman to get his packs over the bent-up edge of the thin sheet.
So he removed the guard and operated the shear for more than half an hour without it.
Soon a pack caught on the bent sheet and the operator kicked at the edge to straighten it
just as the shear knife came down. All the toes on that foot were sheared off.
Now this was a perfectly human thing for that workman to do; just the kind of thing that
many workmen do and get away with. But it was in direct violation of a safety rule,
which says that workmen shall never remove an existing guard and that if the machine is
defective, the foreman in charge shall be notified at once.
This workman had a high school education and admitted that he knew better than to
remove the guard and operate the shear without it. But some obstinacy or recklessness
led him to violate the rule, violate his own knowledge of what was safe and sensible and
lose five toes.
He should have reported that the floor patch interfered with his job.

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As we have said again and again, we are sorry for the fellow who gets hurt. But we
cannot forget that he did a very foolish thing in removing the guard. We cannot excuse
him, but he is not the only one who ever removed a guard. Sooner or later though, that
kind of a workman gets just such an awakening as came to this young man.
I am going to say something I think will be true for every man who has worked for any
length of time in any modern factory. I would like you to write it down and remember it.
Post it near some safety rail or guard, which you have sometimes wished was out of the
way. Here it is:
”You can thank the guards for your life and safety”.
I sincerely believe it is true. Without these guards, many more of us would have lost eyes
or legs, or hands or even our lives. Let us, therefore, always respect them and keep them
where they belong.
You can thank the guards for your life and safety.

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Talk No. 126
HANDLING HAND TOOLS
Keep tools clean. Check their condition before you use them. If heads of striking tools
become mushroomed or burred, have them dressed. If handles are splintered, broken or
loose, have them replaced before you use the tool.
Each tool should have its own storage place. Tools must be returned to their proper
places, and not be allowed to lie around where they could fall on, or trip you or someone
else.
Carrying tools in your pockets is dangerous, especially if the tools are sharp or pointed.
Use a kit or tool belt.
Do not use excessive pressure or force on any hand tool.
When chipping or doing other work that may cause particles to fly, protect your eyes by
wearing eye protection.
Here are specific rules:
Screwdrivers:
Use the size and type of screwdriver for the job. Do not hold the work in the palm of
your hand – the screwdriver may slip and injure you. Screwdrivers should be filed
properly to prevent slipping. Do not hammer on them as you would a chisel or use them
for a pry.
Hammers:
Use a machinist’s hammer for machine work and a claw hammer for carpentry work. In
using a sledge or maul, always look behind you before you begin your back swing.
Wrenches:
In using any wrench, it is better to pull than to push. If it is necessary to push, use your
open palm. When using an adjustable wrench, exert presser toward the movable jaw.
Stand to one side when you are pulling down on wrenches above your head. Do not
hammer on wrenches or use a pipe extension. Use a proper size wrench.
Saws:
Saws that are sharp and free of rust are less likely to bind or jump. Start cuts with both
wood saws and hack saws by guiding the blade with your thumb.
Files:
Do not use a file without a handle. Do not use a file for a pry, as it is brittle and breaks
easily.
Pry Bars:
Be sure your bite is secure by applying first a slight pressure. Then check your own
balance before you exert your full force. This will prevent a fall in case the pry slips.
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Talk No. 127
THE CARE OF HAND TOOLS
Hand tools are used every day on a construction site. They are used so much and so often
that the proper care is many times forgotten. As we list some important points on proper
care of hand tools please refresh your memory concerning these points.
Proper Care of Tools
1. Take good care of tools. Use tools carefully and you will have less need for a
first-aid kit.
2. Keep tools clean. Protect them against damage form corrosion. Dip tools
occasionally in cleaning fluids or solvents and wipe them clean. Lubricate
adjustable and moving parts to prevent wear and misalignment.
3. Keep cutting edges sharp. Sharp tools are much safer than dull ones.
4. When sharpening, redressing or repairing tools, sharpen, grind, hone, file, fit and
set them properly, using other tools suited for each purpose.
5. For sharpening tools, either an oil stone or a grind stone is preferable.
6. Tools which are struck by hammers, such as chisels or punches, should have the
head ground periodically to prevent mushrooming.
7. When tools are not in use keep them in suitable boxes, racks, or trays. Put them
down carefully and in an orderly manner on work benches, with cutting edges
turned away from you.
8. Place tools so they cannot fall and where no one can strike against or trip over
them. Tools should be placed on elevated benches, tables or platforms so they
cannot roll or be kicked or knocked off.
9. When carrying tools protect the cutting edges and carry the tools in such a way
that you will not endanger yourself or others.
10. Carry pointed or sharp-edged tools in pouches or holsters.
11. Refit or replace loose or split handles. Do not rely on friction tape to secure split
handles.
12. Keep handles wedged tightly in the heads of all tools. Keep them smooth and free
of rough or jagged surfaces.

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Talk No. 128
AVOIDING HAND TOOL INJURIES
Hand tools have been with us probably as long as the use of fire has. And like fire, hand
tools cause their share of injuries to users.
For instance, according to Accident Facts, hand tools are involved in six percent of all
cases of compensable work injuries. The average cost of a hand tool injury is listed as
$850 – just counting compensation costs.
Causes of hand tool injuries can often be traced to some type of improper use of hand
tool – be it manual or some type of power tool (electrical, hydraulic, gasoline, powder,
etc.).
Some ways to avoid hand tool injuries are:
• Use the right tool for the job. Some examples of misuse of tools are using a
wrench as a hammer, pliers as a wrench and a claw hammer as a ball peen
hammer.
• Keep tools in good condition. Broken or worn tools (wrenches with cracked or
worn jaws, electric tools with broken plugs, etc.) should be repaired or discarded.
• Use tools in the way they were intended to be used (e.g., instruct users to cut
away from the body when using knives, ground all electric tools, etc.).
• Keep tools in a safe place. Many accidents have been caused by tools falling
from overhead, and by sharp tools carried in pockets or left in toolboxes with the
cutting edges exposed.

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Talk No. 129
HANDLING POWER FOOLS SAFETY
Power tools present far greater accident hazards then hand tools, Portable power tools –
because they must be handled – are even more dangerous than stationary power
machinery. The most frequent accidents are cuts, punctures, electric shock, burns and
eye damage from flying particles.
Nearly all power tool accidents are due to improper handling and poor maintenance.
Clean tools regularly.
Guards are for your protection. Power tool hazards are vastly increased when workmen
neglect using the guards or wedge the guard open on electric saws and other equipment.
Disconnect the power source before adjusting, oiling or changing accessories – never fail
to replace the guards afterward.
When stringing temporary extension cords and hoses, make certain that they are
protected and do not present a tripping hazard.
Make a daily check of the insulation on the wires of the power tools that you are using
and couplings on pneumatic hoses. Repair or report them if they are frayed or broken.
Every electric power tool must be grounded. This averts the possibility of the body of the
operator becoming a part of the energized circuit. Grounding is done automatically on
unaltered three-pronged plugs when the plug is inserted.
SAW SAFELY WITH SAWS – Operators of table saws must always have the guards in
proper position.
Even though the saw may be guarded, it is advisable to employ a push stick push work
past the saw blade rather than feed work with the hands only.
It is important that circular saw be stopped completely before they are approached for
adjustment. Idling saws can be the cause of amputations.
Portable power saws must be equipped with a free moving guard that covers the blade
when the work is completed.
As feeding is entirely by hand with hand saws and the hand must come close to the blade,
the guard must not be too high.
Portable hand power saws must never be used without the guard in safe working
condition.
Chain saws require extreme caution. As the cutting mechanism is exposed, proper
protective clothing must be worn when using.

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DRILLS – Before using a drill on a wall, floor or ceiling, make certain that it will not
strike electric wires, gas lines and high pressure lines.
GRINDERS – Inspect the grinding wheel, as a cracked wheel may fly to pieces.
Portable grinders should be used with a retaining hood covering at least half of the wheel.
SANDERS – The abrasive belt or disc cannot be guarded so that caution is the only way
of avoiding injury.
Sanders should be moved away from the body when using.
PWDER ACTUATED TOOLS – Only properly trained and certified operators should
use powder actuated tools.
Tools must always be left unloaded until ready for actual use. Studs should be driven a
safe distance from the edge of material.
Operators should wear safety goggles or face shields.
Do not use cartridge tools for driving studs in walls, ceilings or floors when people are
working on the other side.
Always use proper cartridge and stud for the work at hand.
Treat powder actuated tools like powder arms.
PNEUMATIC IMPACT TOOLS – Tools such as jack hammers and riveting guns receive
their impact from a piston driven by compressed air.
Operators must wear safety goggles to guard against flying chips, and screens should be
set up to protect other employees working nearby and the public.

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Talk No. 130
ELECTRIC PORTABLE TOOLS
A recent accident, involving a portable electric drill and resulting in burns to a workman,
warrants a review of the use of electrically powered tools.
Concerning this particular accident, the employee was standing on the top of a form,
about six feet from floor level, preparing to drill holes with an electric drill. Employee
had arm around metal pole for support. When the drill was turned on the man, he
received a shock and could not release grip on drill. Another employee working nearby
immediately pulled the pug cutting off the power. The employee injured sustained burns
to his neck and both hands.
Assuming the man was standing on a wood form and being off the floor or surface level
his body resistance was considerably lessened. The dampness of perspiration, plus
placing his arm around the metal pole, also contributed to the electrical shock.
Grounding of portable electric tools provides the most convenient way of safeguarding
the operator. If there is any defect or short inside the tool, the current is drained from the
metal frame through a ground wire and does not pass through the operator’s body. The
most assurable method of grounding is through the use of a three-prong plug and
receptacle, more commonly known as the third wire system. If this system is not
possible, then it is recommended that a ground be installed by fastening one end of a wire
of at least No. 18 gauge to the metal frame of the tool and the other end to a ground by
means of a battery clip or permanently attached clamp.
Insulating platforms, rubber mats and rubber gloves are other means to guard against
electrical shock. Tools should be inspected frequently for the following malfunctions to
reduce the hazard of electrical shock.
6. Defective or broken insulation or cord.
7. Improper or poorly made connections to the terminals.
8. Broken or otherwise defective plug.
9. Loose or broken switch.
10. Brushes arcing.
NOTE: All employees using 110V. cord and plug connected equipment must use a GFCI
device or use equipment and outlets that are on an Assured Equipment Grounding
Conductor Program.

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Talk No. 131
SAFETY RULES FOR POWER TOOLS
KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL – Read the owner’s manual carefully. Learn its
applications and limitations as well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to this tool.
GROUND ALL TOOLS – UNLESS DOUBLE-INSULATED – If tool is equipped with
the three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle. If
adapter is used to accommodate two-prong receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached
to a known ground. Never remove third prong.
KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN – Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT – Don’t use power tools in damp or wet
locations. Keep work area well lit.
STORE IDLE TOOLS – When not in use, tools should be stored in dry, high or locked
up place.
DON’T FORCE TOOL – It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
USE RIGHT TOOL – Don’t force small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty
tool.
WEAR PROPER APPAREL – No loose clothing or jewelry to get caught in moving
parts. Rubber gloves and footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
USE SAFETY GLASSS with most tools. Also face or dust masks if cutting operating is
dusty.
DON’T ABUSE CORD – Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from
receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.
SECURE WORK – use clamps or a vise to hold work. It’s safer than using your hand
and it frees both hands to operate tool.
DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE – Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
DISCONNECT TOOLS – When not in use; before servicing; when changing accessories
such as blades, bits, cutters, etc.
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES – Form habit of checking to see that
keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.
AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING – Don’t carry plugged-in tool with finger on
switch.

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Talk No. 132
SAFE USE OF HAND TOOLS
Of all the equipment placed at our disposal, the common hand tools, which we take for
granted, are the most useful and the most often abused.
A recent review of construction injuries reveal quite a number of minor incidents
involving the use offhand tools. To counteract this trend, it would be wise to review the
basic rules governing the use of hand tools.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. NEVER USE A MAKESHIFT.
2. USE ONLY TOOLS IN GOOD CONDITION. NO TOOLS WITH CRACKED
OR BROKEN HANDLES, NONE WITHOUT HANDLES, NONE WITH
MUSHROOMED OR BROKEN HEADS.
3. KEEP KEEN-EDGED BLADES SHARP; STORE THEM SAFELY WHEN
NOT IN USE.
4. DO NOT USE A HAMMER WITH A HARDENED FACE ON A HIGHLY
TEMPERED TOOL SUCH AS A DRILL, FILE, DIE OR JIG. CHIPS MAY
FLY.
5. USE WRENCHES OF THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE JOB. FACE THE JAWS
OF AN ADJUSTALE WRENCH IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PULL.
6. NEVER APPLY A WRENCH TO MOVING MACHINERY; STOP THE
MACHINE, THEN REMOVE ALL TOOLS BEFORE STARTING IT AGAIN.
7. SEE THAT PIPE WRENCH JAWS ARE SHARP AND CHAINS IN GOOD
CONDITION SO THEY WILL NOT SLIP.
8. NEVER USE ANY TOOL IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU WILL BE INJURED
IF IT SLIPS. PRE-ANALYZE YOUR MOVEMENTS AND POSITION YOUR
BODY ACCORDINGLY.
9. THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CALLS FOR THE USE OF MANY
TYPES OFHAND TOOLS. HANDLE THEM WITH CARE; TREAT THEM
CAREFULLY AND USE THEM EXACTLY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR
WHICH THEY WERE MADE.

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Talk No. 133
TORSION TOOLS
Any tool applying torque is potentially dangerous – the more torque involved, the more serious
the potential injury.
Possibly the most commonly used torsion tools are wrenches. Some basic rules for their safe use
include:
• Never use a “cheater” to increase the leverage of any wrench.
• Use a wrench whose opening exactly fits the nut – too large an opening can spread the
jaws of an open-end wrench and batter the points of a box or socket wrench making it
prone to slipping.
• If possible, always pull on a wrench and adjust stance to prevent a fall if something
suddenly gives.
• Try to use a box or socket wrench and a straight (rather than off-set) handle wherever
possible.
• To free a “frozen” nut or bolt, apply penetrating oil and use a striking face box wrench or
a heavy-duty box or socket wrench.
• Be sure the nut or bolt head is fully seated in the jaw of an open end wrench – avoid
tilting the wrench.
• On adjustable wrenches, adjust tightly and pull so that the force goes against the fixed
jaw.
• Use a torque wrench whenever possible.
• Never expose a wrench to excessive heat – such as from a blow torch – this can draw
temper and ruin the tool.
• Wrenches should not be ground to change their shape.
• Remember, ordinary plastic-dipped handles are designed for comfort, NOT electrical
insulation.
• When using hand-socket wrenches always stay within safe torque limits when changing
to smaller or larger sockets and never use on power or impact wrenches.
• Use a hammer on a striking face wrench only – use a sledge and always wear safety
goggles.
• Discard any wrench with broken or battered points.
• Never pull on a loosely adjusted adjustable wrench.
• Never use a pipe wrench to bend, raise, or lift a pipe.
• Never use a pipe wrench as a hammer.
• When such tools are subjected to severe vibration, they should be wired or taped closed
to prevent accidental opening.

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Talk No. 134
POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS
A number of tools utilizing explosive charges to drive fastenings, cut cables and perform
similar functions have been developed in recent years, and are now widely used
throughout industry. The manufacturers of these devices provide detailed instructions
regarding their use, and these instructions should be closely adhered to at all times. The
following general recommendations apply to all powder actuated tools.
1. Only properly trained and qualified operators should use powder actuated tools.
Users should possess Qualified Operator’s Cards which are, after thorough
training, issued by a particular manufacturer’s authorized dealer or distributor or
other competent source.
2. A loaded tool should never be carried away from the worksite. The tool should
always be left unloaded until ready for actual use.
3. The tool should never be pointed at anyone, whether loaded or unloaded and
hands should be kept clear of open muzzle end.
4. Powder actuated tools should never be stored or used in explosive atmospheres or
in the vicinity of highly flammable materials, or where nonsparking tools are
required.
5. Tool should be held firmly against and perpendicular to the surface being driven
into.
6. Safety goggles should be worn by operator, and face should be protected if there
is danger of spilling materials. Transparent face shields provide both eye and
face protection.
7. Manufacturers’ recommendations should be sought if there is any doubt about the
material being driven into. Most manufacturers recommend against driving into
very hard or brittle materials such as cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel,
glass block, live rock, face brick, hollow tile and similar materials.
8. In order to prevent flying hazards no stud or attachment should be driven without
first making sure that it will not pass completely through the material being driven
into.
9. Tool should be loaded only if it is to be used immediately.
In areas where stud drivers are being extensively used, signs and barricades
identifying the high hazard area are recommended.

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Talk No. 135
STRIKING TOOLS
There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools.
Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it is intended. Never
use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull
cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking
tools.
Some other rules that apply particularly to hammers are:
• Strike blows squarely – a glancing blow increases the chances of striking a finger
or hand or chipping the head.
• Never strike with the side of the hammer.
• Never strike one hammer with another.
• When striking chisels, punches, wedges, etc., the hammer face should be larger
than the head of the struck tool.
One other point to remember about striking tools: Axes and hatchets are meant to strike
wood. They should never be struck against metal, stone, or concrete. Striking faces can
be used to drive common nails, but not cold chisels, rock drills, etc.
STRUCK TOOLS
Struck tools include rock and star drills, cold chisels, hot chisels, wood chisels, brick
chisels, drift pins and wedges.
Common rules for the safe use of struck tools include:
• Always wear safety goggles.
• Use the proper tool for the job – never use cold chisels on stone or concrete, hot
chisels on cold metal, stone or concrete, wood chisels on metal, etc.
• Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge – dull edges can
be sharpened.
• Never use a punch with a mushroomed head, a slanted or chipped point or a loose
or damaged handle.
• Never use a drift pin as a punch or strike one if the struck end is chipped or
mushroomed.
• Never use a star drill with a dull cutting edge or damaged head and never on
anything but masonry.
• Don’t use brick chisels and sets on metal or use one in bad conditions.
• Use only wedges in good condition.
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Talk No. 136
EXCAVATION AND SHORING
Shoring is employed in many construction operations. Excavation shoring, as concerns building
excavations and trenches, is intended for the protection of workmen and property, and often the
general public as well.
Men working in excavations must always be aware of the fact that much of their safety depends
upon themselves. Even though there is a daily inspection of bracing systems, certain conditions
may arise suddenly that come to the attention only of the man on the job. You must be able to
recognize dangers when you see them and report them before they cause injury to yourself or
those around you.
Accidents such as falls or being struck by objects in and about excavations and trenches often
result because workmen fail to follow the safety instructions that have been given them.
Shoring presents problems and hazards. That is another of the reasons why safety education has
become so important in the field of construction.
One of the major purposes of shoring is to protect you while you work in the excavation. Bracing
systems are intended to prevent sliding, slipping, caving, squeezing or any other movement of the
face of the excavation that could endanger men in the excavation.
At times, soil conditions make it possible to slope excavations, but in many cases the sides must
be supported by shoring. Regular physical inspection should be loose materials. Any surface
with dangerous material should be scaled. Workmen should not work one above another where
there is danger of falling rock or materials.
Shoring of adjacent buildings may be necessary when their walls are weakened by excavation.
Sidewalks, if undermined during construction, require shoring for the protection of the public and
the men working below.
Always make use of stairways, ramps or ladders when you enter or leave an excavation. Climbing
or jumping is hazardous.
Because shoring is often subjected to considerable pressures, it demands regular inspection.
Every workman engaged in excavation must take the responsibility of helping to check on
shoring because your own safety is at stake. If you detect any unusual conditions you must report
them immediately.
When using screw jacks in shoring, be careful of them slipping and throwing you. The jack will
not kick out when the load is properly centered. Nevertheless, blocking should be carried
forward with jacking in order to reduce the hazards due to failure or slipping of jacks.
In general, you should not work under structures or other objects that are supported by jacks
alone.
Operators of equipment and all workmen on excavations must be alert to the danger of shoring
and walls being struck by swinging loads.

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Talk No. 137
TRENCH EXCAVATION
A necessary consideration in the planning of sewer, pipeline, and similar subsurface work
by the cut and cover (trench and backfill) method is preventing trench wall cave-in and
soil movement. Either, or both, may result in death or serious injury to workers, plus
damage to adjacent structures, utilities, and facilities.
1. The hazards of trench excavation are:
• Death by suffocation or crushing when falling soil buries a worker.
• Materials falling on a worker in the trench.
• Falls of persons when climbing into or our of the excavation.
• Men working too close together.
• Stumbling over equipment or excavated material or falling into the trench.
• Encountering toxic, irritating or flammable gases.
2. Caving of side walls is the worst hazard. Most accidents like this type occur
because:
• Taking a chance without shoring; or inadequate shoring in an attempt to
reduce cost.
• Inadequate knowledge of the shoring necessary or misjudgment of soil
stability.
• Failure of apparently adequate shoring due to unexpected or transient loads
superimposed on the shoring structure or ground surface at the edge of the
trench or from vibration due to traffic.
• Use of defective shoring material.
• Failure to maintain shoring properly after changes incidental to operations, or
after damage by washouts or heavy rains.
• Failure to place removed soil at a safe distance from the edge of the
excavation.
• Undercutting of trench walls by trenching machines not properly leveled.
3. Proper sheeting and bracing (shoring) will prevent both cave-in and probable soil
movement.

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4. Proper trench shoring cannot be reduced to a standard formula. Each job just be
treated as an individual problem, because of the variable conditions existing on
each job. Some of the important factors to be considered in planning the job are:
• Natural of soil structure. Soil structure varies from hard rock at one extreme
to soil containing sufficient water to produce hydrostatic pressure. Hard rock
may contain faults in strata which make it unstable when cut through. Normal
moisture content in soil affects its stability; possible variations in moisture
content must be considered in determining margins of safety. Sandy soil, or
soil which has been backfilled, is very unstable and usually requires tight
sheeting where the trench depth exceeds four feet.
• Fluctuating weather and moisture conditions. Rainfall, freezing and thawing,
overflow of adjacent streams, storm drains, or sewers and melting of snow all
produce change in the condition o the soil that should be considered. Water
from any source probably will increase the rate of seepage and may reduce the
cohesion of the soil or swell the soil thereby increasing the pressure on the
sheeting and bracing. A trench in frozen ground may be safe with little or no
sheeting; thawing may cause the entire bank to cave.
• Proximity of other structures or sources of vibration. Shoring not otherwise
necessary may be needed to prevent dislocation of foundation soil or structure
of an adjoining building or of curb lines, trees or utility poles. Also to be
considered is vibration which may arise from machine operations (as from
punch presses or forging hammers) in nearby building, passing vehicular or
railway traffic or blasting. Equipment used on the job (such as material
trucks, pile drivers, air spades or power ramrods) may also produce vibration
which should be considered in planning shoring.
• Trench dimensions. As width of the trench increases, the cross braces or
struts must be increased in cross-section to maintain the necessary rigidity.
Remember that with soil possessing sufficient cohesion to act as a solid, the
side pressures reach a maximum at a point slightly higher than one-half the
depth of the cut…and with dry granular and saturated soils, the side pressures
increase in proportion to the depth of the excavation
5. Standing shoring tables are available in any safety manual and should be
consulted before excavation begins. Greater factors of safety should be provided
as required by job conditions. Heavier than minimum sizes of materials will
usually be required if the trench is to be kept open for a considerable period.

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Talk No. 138
TRENCHING OPERATIONS
Trenching operations account for many injuries. Accidents can happen to men working
in trenches to other workmen as a result of excavated materials and to men working in
the vicinity of trenches.
As is the case with most accident situations, a few simple precautions take most of the
risk out of trench construction.
First of all, men working in trenches must have hard hats and should wear sturdy shoes.
Men should be safely spaced out in a trench unless there is a necessity of working
together. They should also stay out of the immediate area of excavating equipment,
and not work ahead of the shoring.
Workmen are sometimes injured by slides of earth or rock into the trench in which they
are working. All excavated materials should be placed a safe distance back from the
edge of the trench. Men should check with their supervisor for instructions as to how
far back material should be placed.
Even when this is done, large heavy objects can roll or slide down the incline and into
the trench. Tools and rocks should either be placed on the outer slope of the excavated
materials or else on the other side of the trench if the surface is flat.
When men are working on hard surface roads where a flow of traffic is being
maintained, it is important that small stones be removed of the road. Stones are
sometimes thrown with great speed by the tires of passing cars and can cause serious
accidents.
Broken arms and legs and other injuries can result when workmen fall into construction
trenches. They result because men fail to look where they are going, when they walk
too close to the edge, or when they attempt to leap across the trench.
Rocks and tools thrown near the edge are not only a hazard to men working in the
trenches, but can cause falls into the trench by men walking on the surface.
Use extra care in venturing near the edges of trenches and other excavation when the
weather is bad and there are icy or muddy conditions.

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 Talk No. 139
MOUNTING HEAVY DUTY TIRES AND RIMS
The principle hazard is assembling, mounting, storing and handling truck wheels, rims,
tires and their parts is that of rings or removable flanges blowing off. Such blow-offs
may cause lockrings, rims or other fastenings to be thrown violently through the air,
striking persons or property.
A blow-off is most likely to occur while a tire that has just been mounted on a rim is
being inflated or immediately after it has been inflated. Blow-offs that have caused the
greatest number of injuries appear to have been due to improper mounting, use of
defective parts or interchange of unmatched parts.
Blowouts may occur because of over-inflation of the tire, improper placement of the
tire on the rim of the wheel (causing pinching or chafing of the tire or tube), or
improper mounting of lockrings or rims. Tires, rims and lockrings should be inspected
frequently while in service.
A few general precautions to be taken while changing tires are:
1. Block the truck with chock blocks so that it cannot roll or move.
2. Completely deflate the tire by removing the valve core before doing any
work.
3. Loosen, but do not remove, the nuts before jacking up the wheel.
4. On dual wheel assemblies, be sure that the nuts on the inside wheels are
securely tightened before mounting the outside wheels.
5. Never over-inflate or under-inflate a tire.
6. Never inflate a hot tire.
7. Never inflate a tire that has been run flat, as the lockring may have come
loose.
Wheels, tires and rims are heavy and unwieldly and should always be stored in sturdy
racks. Whenever possible, mechanical handling equipment should be used. Wheels,
tires and rims should not be thrown, dropped or otherwise roughly handled. Tires should
be inflated only in some restraining device which will contain flying parts should a blow-
off occur.
All trucks should be supplied with wheel chocks, jacks, tools and gauges as well as flags,
flares and warning devices in case a tire must be changed on the highway.

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Talk No. 140
SAFETY HINT FOR PRE-MIX TRUCKS
It’s Happened Before! A workman climbs up from the step of the catwalk on his pre-
mix truck, then onto the top of the equipment where the drum was turned so that the
manhole was at the top end of the drum’s circuit. To carry out his work, the man
lowered himself through the manhole, stepping on the mixer blade to ease his descent.
However, as he stepped on the blade along the side of the drum, the drum began to
revolve, due to the man’s weight. His head or neck was caught between the rim of the
manhole and the outer rails of the vehicle, resulting in serious injuries to the workman.
The drum had been in gear and obviously the workman had used the gear lever to raise
himself to the catwalk from the step, thus pulling it into neutral position.
One suggested solution is a safety bar made of 2” or 3” channel iron with clamps on
each end. Two strong feet or dogs are located in the central part of the bar, which is
placed across the top of the vehicle with the dogs placed on the manhole, against the
rim of the hole and the clamps secured on each of the two top side rails and tightened
into place by wing-nuts.
When the bar is proper installed across the manhole, it is impossible for the drum to
revolve, and the workman may carry on in the utmost of safety. It is also considered
advisable to have a fan operating in the rear of the exit pipe to keep a fresh supply of air
circulating in the drum for the workman.
Late model pre-mix trucks are not equipped with the side rails, and the control lever is
removed from the catwalk area. However, when necessary to enter the drum, the
workman should remove the ignition keys, post a notice to the effect that he is within
the drum, and if possible, have another worker stand by to assure that no action will
take place to cause the drum to revolve.

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Talk No. 141
YEAR-AROUND WATER HAZARDS
Most of us don’t worry about drowning accident until the weather is warm enough to
put on our swim suits. But the National Safety Council warns sportsmen that drowning
and other water hazards present a threat the year-around.
Statistics recently released by the Council show that approximately 8,700 persons
drowned in 1973. About 3,3.. of these victims were swimming or playing in the water.
The remaining 5,400 drownings were “non-swimming” fatalities; that is, persons
falling into the water from docks, bridges, shores, etc., or from home, work or
recreational accidents.
Not surprisingly, most fishing and recreational boating accident fatalities were
drownings. What is not widely known is that drowning takes many lives in other fall,
winter and year-around sports. Some non-water sports that claimed drowning victims
in 1973, according to Safety Council figures, including snowmobiling, sledding and
skiing, ice skating, hunting, hiking, camping and even horseback riding.
Drowning is not the only year-around water hazard to sportsmen. Hypothermia (the
lowering of body temperature from exposure to cold) is always a serious threat to
persons immersed in cold water. To prevent or minimize water hazards to sportsmen in
fall and winter, the National Safety Council offers the following suggestions:
• Wear protective clothing and even flotation devices where there is any
possibility that you might fall or be thrown into a body of water.
• Know you terrain when hunting, snowmobiling, etc., so that you will suddenly
find yourself on or in a body of water.

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Talk No. 142
WELDING AND BURNING SAFETY
The greatest hazard of welding and burning operations is the possibility of eye injuries.
Ultraviolet radiation is generated during these operations. After exposure to excessive
ultraviolet radiation, eyes may develop sharp pains, become red and irritated. Without
proper protection it is possible to damage eyes permanently.
The following are recommended shades of lenses for various welding and burning
operations:
OPERATION SHADE NUMBER
Soldering 2
Torch Brazing 3 or 4
Light Cutting up to one inch 3 or 4
Medium Cutting, one to six inches 4 or 5
Heavy Cutting, six inches and over 5 or 6
Gas Welding (light) up to 1/8 inch 4 or 5
Gas Welding (medium) up to 1/8 to ½ inch 5 or 6
Gas Welding (heavy) ½ inch and over 6 or 8
Shielded metal-arc welding, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (nonferrous, 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 11
Inert-gas metal-arc welding (ferrous), 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 3/16 to ¼ inch electrodes 12
Shielded metal-arc welding 516 to 3/8 electrodes 14
Carbon-arc welding 14
It must be remembered that some plated and/or painted metals can give off harmful
fumes or vapors when subjected to the high temperatures of welding or burning. These
fumes or vapors could cause a health problem if breathed for too long. Welding and
burning should be performed in a well-ventilated area or if working outside position
yourself “up-wind” from the point of operation.
When chipping slag, be sure to wear eye protection!
In all welding and burning operations be sure the necessary fire protection measures are
taken.
Do not store oxygen and acetylene bottles in the same area and protect them from
physical damage.

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Talk No. 143
SAFE PRACTICES FOR ARC WELDING AND CUTTING
1. Wear clothing which will protect all of you body from the rays of the arc and
from hot metal sparks.
2. Wear shoes that extend above ankles or spats and trousers extending below tops
of shoes. Turn trouser cuffs up on inside and sew.
3. See that sufficient ventilation is provided or wear airline respirator when welding
in confined places.
4. Be sure your hood is in place before striking an arc and at all times while welding.
Wear hardened filter lens goggles under hood or shield.
5. Keep shield in place to protect others from the rays of the arc. Warn them to
avoid looking at the arc.
6. If persons working nearby are unprotected by the shield, advise them to wear
protective goggles.
7. Prior to commencing operation, thoroughly inspect area to make sure that there
are no combustible materials close by. Keep fire extinguisher on hand on all
welding jobs.
8. Welding cable is subjected to severe abuse as it is dragged over work under
construction and across sharp corners. Special cable with high quality insulation
should be used. The fact that welding circuit voltages are low may lead to laxity
in keeping the welding cable in good repair. Frequent inspection should be made
and defective cable replaced or repaired immediately.
9. Put rod stubs in a container; if they are thrown loosely around they present a
slipping hazard.
10. If a gasoline powered welding generator is used inside a building or in a confined
area, the engine exhaust should lead to the outside atmosphere.
11. Use fully insulated electrode holders (stingers). Do not dip hot electrode holders
in water for cooling purposes.
12. Before welding on any drum or container which has contained gasoline, oils or
other flammable liquids, make sure that proper cleaning methods are used prior to
welding operation.

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Talk No. 144
USING WRENCHES
In grandfather’s day, the good, old-fashioned monkey wrench was used everywhere for
just about everything. The big family of wrenches we have today wouldn’t have been
practical then because nuts and bolts hadn’t been standardized. Nuts came in all sizes
and shapes. No mechanic’s tool box would have been big enough to hold all the fixed
jaw wrenches he would have needed. So he did his work with monkey wrenches of three
or four sizes. By the way, they’re called “monkey” wrenches because the inventor was
Charles Monkey, one of the best mechanics who ever handled a wrench.
Now nuts come in standard sizes – not so many sizes but enough that a set of fixed jaw
wrenches and tow or three with adjustable jaws will handle most kinds of jobs. This
standardization has helped safety a lot because having many different kinds of nuts and
bolts made for confusion and bother and that always makes for accidents. When you
know that your wrenches will fit the nuts just right, you can work faster, more surely and
more safely.
Nowadays, all sorts of things are standardized. It’s good for safety in a lot of ways.
Wrenches are just one example. In the old days every mechanic was expected to be an
“all around” man able to handle just about any kind of repair job. He learned his trade
partly from an older mechanic and partly in the school of hard knocks. “Safety First”
hadn’t come yet – not in many places, anyway.
As a result, you could usually tell old mechanics by their hands – missing fingers or parts
of fingers, stiff joint, big joints, scars and so much grease and metal dust ground into the
skin and under their fingernails that they never could get it out.
Things are different now. We still have accidents, but not nearly so many. Men still get
hurt, but they don’t need to. If they’ll just follow the safe practices they’re taught and use
their heads, they won’t get hurt.
The reports of accidents from work with wrenches show two main causes – unsafe
surroundings and unthinking, sometimes downright foolish acts. In practically every
case, you can either get rid of the hazards around the job or set the job up in a way to
avoid them. And you can always act safely. It just takes a little planning, a little
headwork and some carefulness.
Whenever you have a job to do that calls for a wrench, take time to look it over and size
it up. Can you do it from the floor? If so, will you have good footing and plenty of foot
room: If it’s overhead, where are you going to work from? You need a secure place, you
know. When you’re working on a stubborn nut up near the ceiling, you don’t want to

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have to do a balancing act. So make sure you won’t have to. If that calls for scaffold, put
it up. Is there anything you’ll want to protect yourself against, like electric wiring or
steam pipes?
Is there any delicate equipment that should be protected against you, like a gauge glass or
a pressure gauge or perhaps a regulator of some sort? One fellow lost his eyesight when
his wrench slipped and broke the water gauge glass on a boiler.
What wrench or wrenches will be best for the job? Say there are nuts of only three or
four sizes to deal with, and they are all standard. Fixed jaw wrenches it is then, because
the jaw sizes are set to give just the right fit on nuts of standards size.
If there are some special-sized nuts, adjustable jaw wrenches will be better. Keep in
mind the fact that they’re not as strong as fixed jaw wrenches. Also, you want to set
them for a close fit. Place them so the pull is taken by the fixed jaws. An adjustable jaw
can’t take as much.
There really isn’t much more to it, except go easy on a nut until you get the feel of it. Put
on a little pressure. If it doesn’t come, put on more, but not with a jerk. And don’t give it
all you’ve go unless you’re sure the bolt is big enough to take it. If you do, be sure to
brace yourself so you won’t do a ground loop if the nut lets go suddenly.
Use your safety-mindedness and stay unhurt.

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Talk No. 145
ACCEPT IT – IT’S YOURS
Accident prevention is the responsibility of everyone. You’ve heard that statement
probably more times than you can remember. But it is a fact.
Safety responsibility has to be the responsibility of each and everyone of us. No one man
or department can constantly watch, guide or instruct every operation that is going on
throughout a company each day.
Top management is vitally concerned with your safety. So are your department heads,
the safety supervisors and foreman. However, these people can’t be with you every
minute on every job, and you have to accept your own responsibility for safety.
It’s not such an overwhelming task. You should know how to do your job safely. The
training that you have received, the departmental work procedures, the safety rule book
and the use of everyday common sense will prevent you from being involved in an
accident.
Don’t be ashamed to ask questions about a job assigned to you. A workman trying to
bluff his way through a job he doesn’t understand is just asking for trouble. Even if you
think you know the correct procedures, a review may bring out an important phase of the
job that had slipped your mind. At the same time, your questions and the answers you
get may be helping a new or less experienced man on the job who is too bashful to ask
questions.
But your responsibility for accident prevention doesn’t stop with the job. At home,
behind the wheel, at play, you’ve got a keep your safety guard up. Not just for your own
safety, but for the safety of others as well.
Face your safety responsibility as you do the other obligations that make up your daily
live and each day will be completed without an untimely accident or injury.

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Talk No. 146
ACTION
A great many people are avid sports fans who enjoy watching favorite players in action –
a goalie on a hockey team, a baseball catcher, maybe a pro-football linebacker, a
prizefighter or possibly a race car driver. No matter what the sport or type of action, they
enjoy watching these people, some of them the best in the business.
Many sports have a variety of hazards, and in order to cope with the hazards, the
participants all have something in common – they all use protective equipment. The
consequences if they didn’t use their equipment are obvious.
Most people know that in many industries hazards are always present on the job. If
someone mentions protective equipment to you on the job, do you automatically think of
nuisance items or are you like the sports star and think of items to keep you from being
injured or killed – items that may keep you healthy for next year’s action?
Sometimes a degree of comfort and ease of movement have to be traded off for personal
protection. No one has ever said that protective clothing and equipment are as
comfortable or convenient as everyday apparel. A boxer would have a heck of a time
trying to eat popcorn at a movie with his mouth guard in, but “on the job” he can’t do
without it.
Of course you can’t or don’t want to wear protective equipment around the clock, but if
not worn in the situation for which the equipment is intended, you not only cheat yourself
but co-workers and family as well. Should the unexpected occur, protective equipment
could well be the “second chance.”
Just as a ballplayer who feels safe and secure is a better player, a worker who feels safe
and secure is a better worker and a better family man. Let protective equipment help
keep you around for next year’s action.

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Talk No. 147
AFTER THOUGHTS
1. That’s the way I’ve always done it before (this accident occurred).
2. I never thought that a hard hat could have protected me against such an incident
(or I wouldn’t have this bloomin’ headache).
3. If I had taken that First Aid Course I probably could have helped him (and
chances are he wouldn’t be of for two months).
4. I noticed that board with the projecting rusty nail earlier (gee, but those tetanus
shots sting).
5. Golly, I never realized that a fire and could get out of control so fast (if I’d
checked that extinguisher this morning I’d be going to work tomorrow).
6. Oh, I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg muscles
instead of the back muscles (wonder how long I’ll have to remain in this traction).
7. I’ll be off work for two weeks, I had to ruin that good shoe by cutting off the toe
section and this fractured toe still hurts (for another $1.29 I could have bought
those safety shoes).
8. So my carelessness spoiled our safety record, so what? (I’ll sure feel lousy going
back and facing the boys).
9. A few years ago it didn’t bother me to jump across a 42 inch trench carrying a
piece of pipe (what in the heck is an inguinal hernia)?
10. We were only going to use the scaffold for one day, I never thought of a hammer
slipping form the floorboard and striking someone (I had the feeling I should have
taken a minute to nail on a toe-board).
11. I had the right-of-way at the intersection, officer, but this other fellow must have
been day dreaming (I guess defensive driving alertness would have eliminated
this).
12. The safety supervisor always insisted that the tool rest be no more than one-eight
inch from the grinding wheel, but as I told him, what difference does another
quarter inch make (I sure was lucky, when that chisel became wedged that wheel
exploded in a thousand pieces).

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Talk No. 148
AN OPEN MARKET FOR SAFETY
Many years ago writer John Donne hit the nail on the head when he said that no man is
an island unto himself. Old as those words are, its message is as meaningful today as it
was when it was written.
We live together and work together. No man lives or works entirely alone. He is
involved with people around him, affected by their accomplishments, marked by their
failures.
If a worker fails the man beside him, he fails himself too. Both share the burden of that
loss.
One of the most disturbing penalties paid when an accident happens is when a man
realizes that because of his own failure someone else was injured. It isn’t easy for a man
to live with the feeling that someone has failed him.
Safety is something we shouldn’t have to “sell.” But we have to keep selling because
people keep getting hurt. And if enough of us talk about safety long enough, we’re going
to get more “buyers.”
When we do, accidents will drop. Increased motivation on our part in promoting safe
practices will lessen the number of failures caused by the untrained, the unskilled and the
gamblers who accept risk unnecessarily.
Nobody wants to be a failure and few of us are without pride. There’s embarrassment in
failure, but usually that’s the least serious aspect of the matter involved.
It is believed that accidents are conceived in improper attitudes and born in moments of
action without thought. They will cease only when proper attitude is strong enough to
prevent the act…when the right attitude creates awareness that controls the act.
The solution to accident prevention is personal responsibility. The philosophy of
personal responsibility isn’t anything new. It’s an essential part of our American way of
life.

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Talk No. 149
BEFRORE…AND AFTER
In almost every terrible construction accident that ever happened, there’s a simple thing
or two that could have been done to prevent the fateful chain reaction or stop it short of
its tragic climax.
Of course, it’s far easier looking back than looking ahead. But a foreman has to keep
trying to look ahead, think ahead and always with the big question, “What if…?” in his
mind. If he can do this, who knows what he might save his crew and his company!
If we’d only think to snuff out the spark…tighten up the loose bolt…shore the trench…
secure the ladder… inspect the cable… make the guy put on his hard hat. Before hand,
it’s quick and easy; afterwards, it’s beyond all human reach, beyond all human
knowledge – beyond every power we’ve every know, or will know.
Before hand, it’s rubbing out a single spark; afterwards, it’s fire roaring through human
lives and resources.
Before hand, it’s snugging up a loose bolt and nipping malfunction in the bud;
afterwards, it’s three fingers or a hand, smashed out of existence.
Before hand it’s getting a responsible signalman to guide backing equipment; afterwards,
it’s some unsuspecting guy getting it for good.
Before hand it’s shoring up a questionable trench; afterwards, it’s the whole caving in on
someone.
Before hand, it’s taking suspicious ladder out of service; afterwards, it’s a sickening
crack of defective wood and permanent disability.
Before hand, it’s barricading a floor opening; afterwards, it’s a scream, a brief downward
flight and a widow and four kids.
Before hand, the little things are sometimes hard to see – but they’re seldom completely
invisible; and even if they are, they can still be visualized with a little imagination, with a
little double-checking sparked by that important question, “What if…?”
Before hand, a supervisor has the power to act, to prevent, to turn a key and lock out
cruel and terrible things. Afterwards, there’s no power within us or upon God’s green
earth that can do anything…anything at all.

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Talk No. 150
CLEANING DRUMS
An empty drum isn’t empty!
Not a drum which has contained flammable liquids, anyway. You can pour out the liquid
to the very last drop, and still you can’t empty the drum!
The reason for that is that the liquid leaves a vapor which mixes with the air inside the
drum and fills the empty space.
Now, many of you already know that such a mixture of vapor and air is what produces
explosions. That’s what explodes in the cylinders of your car to run it and that’s what
explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s empty.
You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid – oils, solvents,
shellac, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s mishandled.
So, before we re-use an old drum and before we make any repairs on it by welding, it has
to be thoroughly cleaned.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for cleaning that will avoid danger:
• First, remove all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are
going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and electric
switches. If you can’t remove the sources of ignition, do the work in an area
where they are not present. Use only the special explosion proof extension lights.
• Second, put on the protective clothing you need – rubber boots and apron and
either rubber or asbestos gloves.
• Third, remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to
drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and you’ll be
instructed on that).
• Fourth, using the explosion proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or
other stuff that would prevent good draining.
• Nest, place the drum on the steam rack or upend it against some support and let it
drain another five minutes. Be sure the bung is at the low end.
• Apply steam for at least ten minutes. Some materials take longer and you’ll be
told about them. Then put in caustic solution and rotate the drums for at least five
minutes. (Different types of material need special caustics – you’ll be instructed
on that.) Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet to loosen scale.
• Next, flush the drum with hot water, allowing all water to drain out the bung.
After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water.

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• Then dry the drum with a stream of warm air.
• When it is dry, inspect it carefully with an explosion-proof light and if you find it
isn’t clean, steam it again.
• We have equipment for testing a drum to see whether it is free of explosive
vapors. Always get a safe test on the drum before you call it clean.
• Even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested, always make a new test
before you start any welding on the drum.
• Don’t try to clean out a drum which contained material you’re not used to
working with. Some cases call for special handling, so be sure you know the right
way before you work on a drum.

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Talk No. 151
COMMON SENSE SAFETY
Do you want to know another way to say safety? It is this simple: it is just common
sense! If you use common sense precautions, you’ll have the real core or what is meant
by the terms safety, accident prevention, loss prevention or whatever you choose to call
our efforts to work on an accident free basis.
In other safety talks, the various causes of accidents are discussed…where and why they
happen and more important what each of us should do to prevent similar accidents from
happening. A common sense way of looking at the accident problem as it affects each of
us is to consider it in this way:
“If I am the one who has an accident, I am the one who is going to suffer the pain that
goes with a serious injury at the time it happens. And that may be just the start of pain
and suffering I’ll have to endure. Maybe I’ll be laid up in the hospital with surgery or the
setting of broken bones.”
If you would think of your stake in the safety program in this way, you’d place a higher
regard on common sense precautions than ever before.
A single moment of inattention or lapsing into an unsafe act may cause you to be injured
and laid up for days, weeks or even months. Your injury could last a long time – even
forever.
You could be disfigured or badly maimed, so that you would never again look like
yourself. You could be crippled so that you couldn’t perform your normal work.
Whether you became crippled, disfigured or a bundle of permanent ashes, you would be a
living example of what happens to a worker when he doesn’t use common sense and take
safety precautions.
Of course, your accident might not have been caused by your failure to take common
sense precautions. But there’s not much consolation in knowing that a fellow worker
didn’t use common sense in his work.
Accidents can cost you plenty. We’ve already talked about your loss of money when
you are on compensation pay. Will your compensation payments allow you to maintain
your present standard of living? Will your family suffer from a lowered income that was
caused by the injury? Questions like these will lead all of us to the common sense
precautions that we should have been taking in the first place.
Let’s consider some of the common sense safety precautions that each of you should be
taking in your everyday work. You wouldn’t:
1. Walk under suspended loads.
2. chip or grind without safety glasses or goggles.
3. Clean machines parts with flammable solvents, especially in a confined place.

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 4. Block out guards.
5. Use an ungrounded portable electric hand tool.
6. Look for a gas leak with a lighted match, torch or lantern.
7. Talk a shortcut by climbing over a moving conveyor.
8. Oil or adjust unguarded moving machinery.
9. Wipe of oil from in running rolls.
10. Lift loads that are too heavy.
11. Overload a scaffold or a pile of material.
12. Bypass safety devices.
That’s one dozen things that I trust none of you would think of doing because they are
obviously the wrong and dangerous things to do. There must be dozens more that you
could name. How many violations of good common sense precautions have you seen
right here at work?
Unfortunately most of the things that we have just mentioned have been the cause of
accidental injuries. The thought that comes to mind when I describe all of these
violations is: a little safety-mindedness and the use of good common sense would have
prevented injuries.
I suppose that every one of us is guilty of violating these precautions at some time or
other. The accident records prove that such violations do occur.
So, I think that we are going to benefit a lot by this discussion. I hope that you might
have a little different outlook on how to practice safety. All that each of us has to do is
use common sense for our own preservation.

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Talk No. 152
FIGHTING WORDS
“This is a hell of a way to die,” said the general, as they lifted him into the ambulance.
Those are words to be remembered. Remember them as words that speak the bitter
tragedy and the utter irony of accidents. Maybe the words should be put on the highway
billboards or pasted on dashboards near the speedometers or lettered on rear license
plates. Better still, memorize them and remember them while driving.
“A hell of a way to die.”
Tough words of a tough man. A man feared by the whole Nazi army. A man who had
known the stark danger of war…danger that is continuous and terrible even with
precaution and preparedness. A man who had seen the bloody violence that is necessary
once a war is on. A man who was himself brave and shrewd and appreciative of life.
But General Patton died a few days before Christmas 1945 as a result of an ordinary
traffic collision between a trick and the car in which he was riding on a hunting trip. Just
a peacetime motor vehicle accident. The kind that happens every day on our streets and
highways. The kind that may happen just as suddenly, just as tragically, though perhaps
not a dramatically, to someone you know or to strangers along your traffic routes. It was
what some people call “just one of those things.”
The eulogies for General Patton have long ago been spoken and written. Younger men
and women have possibly seen the movie made about him. But, whatever else is
remembered about him and his accomplishments, let’s also remember those bitter words
which, without pointing the accusing finger at anyone in particular, forcefully and
convincingly state the whole case against accidents.
Yes, even in his last battle – for his life – hard fighting General Patton charge forward
against an enemy of mankind that is till to be conquered.
The general gave us a battle cry: “This is a hell of a way to die.”

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Talk No. 153
FORESIGHT OR HINDSIGHT?
Would you start out on a trip from your home to a destination a thousand miles away or
so without some planning or forethought? Most people would say, “Of course not!”
That would be foolhardy.
Would you purchase a model ship of the Queen Mary if it didn’t have a set of instructions
with it or if some of the parts were missing? Again, you’d probably answer with a
definite, “No.”
This all leads up to the subject of Job Briefing, a subject probably spoken and written
about as much as any phase of accident prevention. Yet, this phase of accident
prevention is overlooked many times.
Analyzing a lot of on-the-job accidents over the past few years, it becomes plain that a
large percentage of them could have been prevented had a proper job briefing been
conducted.
Everyone can learn from mistakes…their own and others. But mistakes – and accidents –
don’t need to happen. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision, and when you investigate almost
any accident it’s usually obvious that the cause was always there and should have been
noticed – and corrected – before the accident happened.
The questions that should be going through everyone’s mind are: “Why aren’t we seeing
these things? Why don’t we say something if and when we do spot a problem area?”
that’s what a job briefing or a job appraisal is all about.

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Talk No. 154
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping is an integral part of every company’s safe work practices. Many
times during the course of a work day, you may find that all of a sudden you’re starting to
walk around or trip and stumble over tools, equipment or debris in a work area that was
clear before. The job has become difficult to do in a safe and efficient manner.
It is a proven fact that a clean work area helps prevent accidents. Many times in reading
over accident reports it’s apparent that had the work area been cleaned up, there would
have been no accident.
It is everybody’s responsibility to keep his work area clear and safe. Good housekeeping
not only makes trucks, trailer, work areas, offices and garages look good, but it also
makes for an efficient and safe operation.
There’s an added bonus. Trucks, trailers and many work areas are often observed by the
public. A truck or trailer, for instance, that looks shoddy and ill-kept leaves a bad
impression on customers. Once again, good housekeeping has an effect.
How clean is your work area or office? Do you clean enough to get by or do you do a job
to really be proud of? There is always room for improvement and housekeeping is one
area in which everyone can improve. Housecleaning is not just a rainy-day deal or a once
a month chore, but it is a job that should be done daily.
Work areas reflect the neatness and abilities of their occupants. If each individual would
leave his work area in the condition he would like to find it, everyone’s work could be
done more efficiently and safely. Good housekeeping is a team effort!

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Talk No. 155
IT’S SIMPLE AS 1-2-3
Some people say that safety rules and practices complicate the job. They slow down
production and even, in some cases, border on the ridiculous. Well, maybe. But let’s
examine those charges and then make an honest appraisal of them.
Does safety really complicate the job? If you were an airplane pilot, for example, you
would be required to first file a flight plan. This is primarily a safety precaution, but it
does take time and effort. Before take-off you would be required to obtain permission
from the control tower. Numerous instrument checks must be made. Now these things
do add some degree of complication to the job.
The space industry observes many long hours of countdown, while astronauts and
mission control run thousands of checks to assure that everything is operable and safer
for “blast off.” This, too, complicates the job. But how complicated is it to stop for a
stop sign…to place a lock on a switch…to copy down a switching order and read it back?
No, doubt about it, safety procedures may slow down a job 20 or 30 minutes. To install
welding shields around the work area, for instance, may add as much as 15 minutes to the
job…15 minutes that could be used in productive work. But what’s the other side of the
story? By skipping safety considerations, you save 10 minutes today, 30 minutes
tomorrow, perhaps several hours and this goes on for some time. Then there is an
accident. The entire crew, department, supervisors, safety people and others spend days
investigating the accident and filing reports. But the important thing is that a skilled
workman may be out of production for a long time.
It is true that sometimes there may be a tendency to overdo…to bottle things up with so
many rules and regulations that it does border on the ridiculous. But that’s the exception
rather than the rule. You can’t overdo safety.
Basically, safety is ad simple as 1-2-3.
1. Know the job.
2. Spot the hazards.
3. Keep your mind on the job.

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Talk No. 156
LONG HAIR – FASHION OR HAZARD?
One of the more recent controversies facing those responsible for company safety
programs involves hair styles of their employees.

Safety administrators from companies of all sizes and functions have wrestled with the
question – How long is too long, when hair length or style become a hazard?
In construction, no set standard has been set in writing. However, as a general rule, these
observations are made.

Hair length and beards are to be restricted whenever there is a possibility hair may catch
on fire or become entangled in moving machinery. Beards are to be restricted if they
restrict the use of air masks whenever or wherever the masks may be required or if there
is a fire hazard.

Long hair should either be tucked into you hard hat, contained in a hair net, or trimmed to
a length not to protrude beyond your collar. Beards should be trimmed in order that they
do not affect the complete sealing of an air mask and to prevent becoming entangled in
moving machinery.

Employees are also being reminded of the importance of keeping their hair and beards
clean. Construction work, by necessity, is dirty. We work in dusty conditions, with
concrete, asphalt and other substances which may lead to dermatitis or skin problems if
they are not washed and groomed regularly.

As your employer, we do not want to preclude your free choice of hair styles – nor do we
want to see you scalped or burned in an accident.

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Talk No. 157
LOOK AND LIVE
Accidents on construction jobs occur because the person who is injured fails to “look.”
Look where you walk, stand, sit or climb. It’s one of the most important and basic
principles of accident prevention on a construction job. We’ve all heard of the painter
who stepped back to admire his work and fell from his scaffolding which was five stories
high. It’s good to admire your work but certainly it’s important to look before stepping
in any direction. You might step into an open stairwell, off the edge of a platform, onto a
pile of lumbar, in the path of a moving vehicle or into the path of a swinging load.

Materials and equipment are constantly being handled and moved on any construction
job. It’s important that those working on the job be constantly alert to such movements.
Look up, look down and look all around, so that there will be no occasion when you will
walk into the path of a moving truck, an earth moving piece of machinery, an elevator or
other type of hoisting equipment.

Normally, persons on a construction job don’t do much sitting around. There are times,
however, when the opportunity presents itself. It’s important to look where you sit. On
rare occasions men have been killed because they chose to sit close to or behind
machinery which suddenly moved. One of the most common excuses for an accident is
the childish expression “I didn’t see.” On a construction job this is hardly a valid
excuse. How can you explain the fact that you were struck by a piece of moving
equipment by saying “I didn’t see it coming.” What that really means is “I wasn’t
looking.”

On a construction job scrap material and debris are removed from the structure by
throwing or dropping it to the ground level. No such materials should be thrown from a
structure unless the person doing the throwing first looks to see, for sure, that there is no
one in the way. No worker should walk under a swinging load if it can be prevented at
all. Being alert to what is going on overhead is very important for all workers and the
best way to be alert to overhead conditions is to occasionally look up.

Men have been killed on construction jobs as a result of falling through false ceilings or
temporary floor covering. They did not take the time to look where they were stepping.
By the same token, men have been injured while working in poorly lighted area merely
because they could not see. So, if the occasion present itself for you to work in a poorly
lighted place, it is important for you to be especially cautious.

Your eyes are your greatest asset on a contruction job; take care of them! On grinding
jobs, sawing jobs, welding jobs and the like, wear suitable eye protection so you will
always have eyes for looking. If your eyesight is below normal, have glasses fitted so
you can see what you’re doing.

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Talk No. 158
NEAR MISSES

"Foul ball," the umpire shouts, as a hard-hit liner lands in the left field stands.

The season is only a few weeks old. And Jeff Hardy, a long-ball hitter, is having trouble
keeping his drives in fair territory. The players in the opposing dugout are really riding
him.

"So they call you Home-Run Hardy?"

"No extra bases on foul balls, Jeff."
"Hey, Hardy! A miss is as good as a mile."

Today, the boys on the other team are having a good time. But they know that with
drives coming that close to the foul pole, it is just a matter of time before Hardy finds the
range.

In accident prevention, too, a lot of near misses mean a sure hit sooner or later. That is
why safety conscious people keep a close check on minor accidents and near misses.
They know that a fraction of a second or a few thousandths of an inch may be all there is
between a close call and a serious accident.

When a worker has a close call, people usually say, "Well, he was lucky that time." That
also means: He may not be lucky next time.
It's important to get quick treatment for any near miss injury. There's a twofold reason.
First, it helps to ward off serious complications that can come of minor cuts and bruises.
Second, it impresses everyone with the importance of simple, safety precautions.
Near misses should be investigated as thoroughly as real accidents. What were the
circumstances surrounding the near miss? Is there a safety rule covering the situation? If
so, was the worker properly instructed in the rule? If not, is a new rule needed? Were
safety devices used properly? What does the worker have to say about the near miss?
Are there some personal factors that may account for the slip? Is the man a "repeater" –
does he frequently have near misses and accidents?
How can you prevent lapses of safety consciousness? Brush up on safe practices. Follow
safety rules. Accept the notion that every near miss is a caution sign.
Unlike the ballplayer sliding into second base, you are never "safe by a mile."
Near misses are important danger signals. They are symptoms of unsafe conditions. Pay
attention to them to prevent more serious mishaps.
IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION…
A MISS IS NOT AS GOOD AS A MILE.

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Talk No. 159
PANIC!
Why does the dictionary define panic as "sudden, extreme and groundless fear?" What's
interesting is that work "groundless." Certainly there's no doubt that when panic sets in,
the fear is "groundless" means that it shouldn't exist. It means there's no reason for the
person to be afraid.
That definitions isn't quiet accurate. Panic sets in when you get into a situation that
threatens your survival and you don't know how to handle it. Probably no one ever lived
who never felt fear. Even our greatest heroes in some of their most desperate
predicaments confessed to fear. But they didn't let their fear turn into panic.
The important thing is that you can be afraid and still handle the situation. If you're
inexperienced and untrained, this fear can turn into panic and the way you react may be
exactly the wrong way.
Panic kills many people in situations such as theatre fires or sinking ships. In either case,
there probably are many who realize that if they act sensibly, and proceed in an orderly
fashion to the exits or lifeboats, their lives can e saved. Others let their fear give way to
panic, and their terrified rushing throws the whole situation into chaos. In one such case,
many bodies were found piled against a door that opened inward. The mass of people ran
blindly and pushed against the door when all that was needed was for those nearest the
door to step back for a moment and open it inward.
Another case where panic caused death involved a bomber crew member whose chute
failed to open. When his body was examined, it was found that when he had put on his
parachute he had hooked it with the handle to the left. These crew members had chest
parachutes that, when put on normally and correctly, would have the handle on the right-
hand side. With his right hand, he had clawed through his clothing and the flesh on his
right side, desperately trying to find the handle of the chute. If he had only tried using his
left hand, the chute would have opened and saved his life. Fear had become panic and
his frantic, wrong response caused his death.
In your everyday driving, are you ready for emergencies and unusual situations? Do you
know what you would do if your vehicle caught fire? Do you know what you would do if
you brakes failed on a downgrade? Do you know what you would do if your vehicle
went off a bridge and into the water? It would be great if you could practice your
response to emergencies before they happen. But there are many cases where this is
impossible. The alternative is to have a course of action clear in your mind – and
rehearsed, mentally, over and over. That was, when the worse happens, you're prepared
to act in a way that will greatly improve your chances of survival.
There is no shame in feeling fear, but it is a great tragedy to let fear turn into panic when
it could have been controlled with a little foresight and preparation.

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Talk No. 160
SAFETY DIVIDENDS

Why should you be interested in safety? Look at it from a selfish standpoint, you are the
fellow who gets hurt. Sure, you collect workmen's compensation if you are hurt on the
job but don't kid yourself, workmen's compensation payments are nowhere near the
wages you receive while working.
I'll bet that some of you are still pretty skeptical about how much interest we have in you
– so let's talk about the Company. It is true the Company stands to gain when we don't
have accidents, because accidents cost time and money. Preventing accidents saves time
and Company money. But, remember, the Company can't feel the pain of a broken arm
or a broken leg. It is your widow, not the Company, who must scrimp and save in order
to make ends meet when the breadwinner is killed or permanently disabled.
Keep in mind, it is almost impossible for a worker to make up the total loss that results
from an accident. Usually, a disabled worker finds that his income is lower, therefore,
his standard of living is lower. Gone forever is the chance of providing that college
education. Gone is the dream of a new care or a new home.
We have a good safety program but we still have accidents. With everyone taking an
active part in accident prevention, I am sure we can reduce the number of accidents even
more.
Each of you should recognize what safety programs are trying to accomplish. The most
important lesson to be learned from this meeting is that everyone, including your fellow
workers, is trying to help you. When we call your attention to an unsafe condition on
your job and ask you to correct it, we are helping you in two ways. By eliminating
obstacles or job hindrances, we are helping you to do a better job. And, when we help
you to work safely, we are helping to insure that you get home safely tonight and every
night.

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Talk No. 161
SCENT OF DANGER
We use the sense of smell to guard us from eating improper food. At one time we may have been
able, like the Virginia deer, to use the sense of smell to detect the approach of enemies.
At any rate, we still use it to warn ourselves of gas or smoke. The man who has little or no sense
of smell is much less secure than the man who is able to detect danger by the use of his nose.
So we see how important it is to keep the organ of smell in the best possible condition.
We have the story of an accident which illustrates this point. A man was welding a tank with an
acetylene torch. There happened to be a small leak in the valve so when the torch was shut off
there was some gas escaping. When the workman went to lunch he shut off his torch and left it
so the nozzle projected into the tank he was working on.
When he returned from lunch, he resumed his welding on the side of the tank. Scarcely had he
done so, when a tremendous explosion shattered the tank and killed him. His nose has failed to
tell him there was an excessive amount of acetylene gas in and about the tank.
We might guess that this accident occurred because the operator had become so used to the odor
of acetylene that he did not notice it. But, for the sake of safety, he should have schooled himself
in the difference between safe and unsafe amounts of acetylene gas in the air.
We have mentioned the application of the sense of smell to detecting the presence of smoke.
There is a type of smoke which has a peculiar odor and ought always to warn us of particular
danger. When for any reason electric wiring gets hot enough to produce that odor, there is an
overload on that wire and possible danger somewhere.
Another type of smoke, the odor of which is a special warning, comes from a belt that’s being
scorched. Excessive friction between a belt and pulley generates heat.
The usual warning is a squeal or smoke or both. Either should be a warning that something is
wrong. Perhaps a man is caught.
It is said that a cat can smell a mouse. We can say that it pays to be able to smell trouble. And
there is more to it than just the simple act of smelling. There must be an alert, watchful brain
ready to receive the smell impulse and the interpret it.
In the mines, the smell of gas sometimes warns men of coming explosions. Yet many men will
notice the unusual odor without forecasting the coming disaster.
A cat does more than smell a mouse. He bases a plan of action on the smell. He watches for the
mouse to appear and catches him for his lunch. We must do more than smell smoke or gas. We
must base a plan of action on the smell.
Usually, it means that we investigate at once to discover the source of the odor. Having found the
source, we must take immediate action to prevent trouble.

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Talk No. 162
THE DEADLY DOZEN
We have often heard of the ‘Daily Dozen’ with regard to proper exercise and maintaining good
heath. The ‘Daily Dozen,’ has a counter part, known as the ‘Deadly Dozen,’ which is applicable
to safety on the job and which also has an important bearing on health and welfare.
These causes of accidents are classified in two categories of 12 each; ‘Unsafe Actions’ and
‘Unsafe Conditions.’ If we acquaint ourselves with these enemies, a majority of accidents can be
eliminated.
UNSAFE ACTIONS
1. Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.
2. Failure to secure or tie down against unexpected movement.
3. Operating or working at an unsafe speed.
4. Failure to warn or signal as required.
5. Removing or making safety devices inoperative.
6. Using defective tools or equipment.
7. Using tools or equipment unsafely.
8. Standing in an unsafe place or taking an unsafe posture.
9. Servicing moving or working equipment.
10. Riding hazardous moving equipment.
11. Horse-play, distracting, startling and kidding.
12. Failure to wear personal protective equipment.
UNSAFE CONDITIONS
1. Lack of adequate guards or safety devices.
2. Lack of adequate warning system.
3. Fire and explosion hazards.
4. Unexpected movement hazards.
5. Poor housekeeping.
6. Protruding object hazards.
7. Close clearance and congestion hazards.
8. Hazardous atmospheric conditions.
9. Hazardous arrangement, placement, storage.
10. Hazardous defects of tools, equipment, etc.
11. Inadequate illumination, intense noise.
12. Hazardous personal attire.

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Talk No. 163
THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

An employee of a construction firm, while walking from one area of a project to another,
observed a ¾ inch lock nut lying on the ground. Other than his casually noticing this nut,
he paid no particular attention and continued on to his work point.
After working a short while, he discovered that his mind was not concentrated on his
work efforts, but his thoughts were being directed to the small nut lying on the ground.
Having been indoctrinated in the safety movement, and curious as to where the nut came
from, he decided to investigate.
He located the nut and delivered it to his supervisor, explaining to him his theory that the
nut was not, to his knowledge, a component of project materials being used. He
suggested that perhaps it had loosened from a piece of operating equipment and that an
unsafe condition may have been created. The supervisor was rather dubious as to the
man’s thinking but decided to investigate.
Final investigation and inspection of equipment revealed that the nut had become
detached from an important holding bolt of the blade frame structure of a bulldozer being
operated nearby. The bolt was still partially in position but had commenced to dislodge
from its intended operation. The superintendent of the project asserted that had the bolt
not been detected, serious injury to the operator or other employees could have been the
result.
This incident illustrates that importance of ever being on the alert for the “little”
infractions of accident prevention – a small lock nut, a split shovel handle, a protruding
nail, a carelessly discarded piece of wood. Eliminate the little things and you’re on your
way to a safe operation.
‘The Little Things That Count’ is akin to the phrased so often used to best describe fire
prevention, “Extinguish the Incipient Fire, and the Infernal Blaze is Denied Birth.”

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Talk No. 164
THINK SAFETY

If you were asked to define ‘Safety’ in one word, what would be your reply? Would you
define safety as alertness, always ready for the unexpected? Would you define safety as
skill, the art of being ultra adept? Would you define safety as experience, asserting that
the veteran never gets hurt?
Would you define safety as cooperation, the ability to exercise patience and get along
with your fellow worker? Or, after due deliberation, would you finally define safety with
use of the single word THINK?
Perhaps Alertness, Skill, Experience and Cooperation could be associated with safety ,but
these are subservient to the word Think and must be construed as secondary definitions.
A well known business executive has made the work ‘THINK’ synonymous with
success, and as in other phases of industry, the application of the meaning of the work is
also very necessary if we are to reduce the umber of accidents and injuries. As has been
so often stated, ninety percent of all accidents are attributed to unsafe acts on the part of
the worker, and failure to think before acting constitutes the cause of practically all
accidents in this category.
A carpenter removes a guard from a table saw for the purpose of expediency; an injury
results. The man has not given thought to the original purpose of the guard and has
suffered the unfortunate consequences. Another individual, again in the essence of time,
fails to don safety goggles for a project ‘that will take only a minute.’ Again, injury
results because of failure to think of the possible negative result. A truck driver is
involved in an accident because he knew he had the right-of-way but failed to think that
perhaps the second party involved would not recognize this established right.
Many accidents could be averted if we would only discipline ourselves to give full
thought prior to the application of our actions.
Think Safety – Then Act Safely.

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Talk No. 165
WE KNOW BETTER
Most of use have the necessary knowledge and experience to do our jobs and most of us
don’t want to hurt ourselves or others.
Why, then, do we often ignore our good friend “common sense” and set ourselves or
others up for accidental injury?
Yes, we know better—but! Here are a few things that we know…along with the things
that we do, even though we know we shouldn’t do them:
1. Carbon monoxide can kill – but we sometimes work in a closed garage with our
automobile engine running!
2. A bump on the head hurts – but we don’t think about that for a minute when we
walk under an overhead load!
3. A circular saw can cut off a finger – but we go right ahead and operate a saw
without a guard!
4. There is a safe way to climb a ladder, which we use here at work – but we take a
chance and fall from a ladder while painting our house!
5. Excessive speed in an automobile may cause an accident – but we try it anyhow
and wrap the family car around a tree!
6. Radioactive fallout is dangerous – but we think nothing about leaving household
poisons around where kids can get at them!
7. It is dangerous for children to run out in front of cars – but we drag them across
the street on the red light!
8. It is important for teenagers to learn safe driving habits – but we violate a traffic
law with our teenage son or daughter right in the car with us!
9. A loose board on a stairway can trip someone – but we don’t bother to report it!
10. Grease and oil spills can cause a nasty fall – but we “forget” that we should cover
these spills with oil absorbent materials!
11. Tools and parts can become falling objects or we can trip over them – but we fail
to put them back where they belong!
12. We know an unsafe condition when we see one – but we pay no attention to
material or trucks in the aisles!
13. We know an unsafe act when we see one – but we oil, adjust or try to fix a
machine without even bothering to stop it!
14. We shouldn’t take a chance when operating equipment – but we drive a forklift
truck with the load carried high and try to turn a corner while gong too fast!

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 15. We can’t fool safety devices – but we remove or fasten a machine guard so it
won’t give us the protection we need!
16. It is dangerous for us to block fire-fighting equipment – but we pile boxes and
cartons in front of fire extinguishers and store material right up to the underside of
sprinklers.
17. We should wear protective equipment – but we wear our goggles around our neck
and leave our hard hat in our locker, our car or on the shelf while at work!
18. Horseplay causes a lot of injuries – but we blast Gus with an air hose just for the
heck of it.
I realize that we all know better and I’m sure that most of you aren’t guilty of doing the
many things that I have covered. But you’ll have to admit that some of these things are a
possibility, even for each of us with all our knowledge of the safe way of doing things.
Yes, we know better! But, since knowing is only half the job, we must act on our
knowledge to be safe.

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Talk No.166
WHAT OF IT?
Sometimes it does us good to get back to the first principles of safety by asking such a
question as “Why should we care, if we do get hurt or killed?”
It seems impossible that any sane man would ask such a question, but it is not so very
unusual when you talk about safety to hear a man say, “Oh, well, what of it?” He may
not use the words of the first question, but by asking the second question, he implies all
that is in the first.
And what shall we answer to this question, “Oh, well, what of it?” We all know a dozen
answers at once, but let’s organize them a little. Let’s start with “What of it, to the man
himself?” And our answers might fall in the following order:
1. Pain. However indifferent we may seem to be to human suffering, when the
agony grips our own flesh, we cry for mercy. When the punishment for
carelessness is the pain of a compound fracture, the suffering alone is enough to
make a man wish he had been more careful.
2. Lost time. He will be away from his job. He may think that the compensation,
relief or insurance that he will receive balances the economic loss, but experience
proves that it never does. It doesn’t even equal the actual wages he might have
earned. In analyzing lost time, we find it contains the following factors:
• Loss of money.
• Loss of skill.
• Loss of contact with friends.
• Also a question in the minds of the management concerning the value of
that man as a workman.
Then we might take it up from the point of view of “What of it to the man’s family?” We
analyze this one as follows:
1. Mental anguish. This includes:
• Worry concerning his condition.
• Anxiety concerning food and clothing for the mother and children.
• Fear concerning his job for the future.
2. Actual suffering.
• Lack of food, clothing or shelter.
• Lack of his parental care and guidance.

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We haven’t covered the ground thoroughly, but we have indicated clearly that there is a
definite answer to the question “What of it?”
One possibility, which we purposely left out of our outline is the death of the workman.
We need to consider the question, “What of it?” should he die almost as a separate
question – because men, sometimes, before taking careful though, consider it of no
importance to themselves to die.
But, leaving eternity out of the question, what man is there who prefers death to the
opportunities in the world today? Show me such a man and I will show you haw he has
neglected to count his blessing and measure the possibilities of continued existence in
this world.
How blind he must be to the love of his wife and his children, the beauties of nature, and
the joys of successful contest with the problems of life!
However, due to our safety programs and teaching, this attitude toward safety is rapidly
passing, but occasionally, we meet a man with the “What of it?” attitude. Our answer to
him is our slogan for today: Look out or be at rest!

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Talk No. 167
WHO AM I?

1. I try, at all times, to practice good housekeeping habits. I believe in following the
policy of “a place for everything and everything in its place.”
2. I am careful when using hand tools, which I use only for the purpose for which
they were designed. I look for defects, such as loose or split handles, loose or
bent shovel blades, worn or sprung wrench jaws. If I discover a defective tool, I
turn it in for replacement.
3. I firmly believe in wearing personal protective equipment. I am fully aware of the
many times, in the past, that my use of hard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes and
gloves has enabled me to avert injury.
4. When assigned to a job that requires lifting, I follow correct lifting procedures,
using leg muscles rather than back muscles. If it appears that the weight is
beyond my limits, I make it a habit to ask for help.
5. When operating heavy equipment, I recognize the hazards involved and take
necessary precautionary measures. Before starting a piece of equipment, I walk
around it to see that neither workmen or materials will be endangered. When I
leave equipment unattended, I make certain that scoops, shovels, blades, etc., are
resting on ground level. I take necessary precautions against any chance of the
equipment’s being started by an unauthorized person.
6. When driving mobile equipment on streets and highways, I obey all traffic rules
and regulations. As a professional driver, I am alert to the possible inadequacies
of other drivers and am prepared to make necessary allowances.
7. I anticipate possible dangers in any given operation and make every effort to
analyze these before starting on the work involved.
8. With full realization that unattended cuts and scratches can result in serious
complications, I report for first aid care at any time that I receive an injury of this
type.

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Talk No. 168
WHO IS THE SAFETY EXPERT?
The term “safety expert” is used frequently by those not actively engaged in the field for
accident prevention. You seldom hear it in conversation or discussion among
participants in the safety movement. Men in the field of safety will refer to each other as
safety engineers or more likely, safety men. The term expert implies the ability to move
about unerringly pointing out exactly how specific hazards can be eliminated and laying
down the ideal rule that will prevent accidents.
You may have your own idea of what a “safety expert” is. But…try to keep in mind that
a “safety expert,” on the basis of performance, could be anyone who successfully
discharges the duty of preventing accidents on a certain operation or series of operations.
As a for instance, let’s look at a crew replacing a transformer. The ob has been planned
by the superintendent and given to the foreman to carry on. The crew drives to the job,
unloads the tools and equipment and the foreman explains the plans and procedure to be
followed. Under his direction the linemen cover all exposed energized conductors. With
each man doing his part, the old transformer is lowered to the ground, the new
transformer installed, the voltages checked, the linemen remove the protective equipment
and return to the ground. The crew places all tools and material on the truck, cleans up
the area and is ready to move on to the next job.
Who on this job was the safety expert? The foreman was one, of course, but so were the
linemen, ground men and the truck driver. All were safety experts who played their parts
without accident. On any crew the foreman has the greatest responsibility for getting the
job done without accident. So you, too, can consider yourself a safety expert just so long
as you think and act in accordance with the best work practices.
You’ve probably been a safety expert for years without knowing it. Here’s to many more
years for you as a safety expert and a growing pride in your continued safety on the job.

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Talk No. 169
THOUGHTS TO START THE WORK DAY
Do you realize how important your safety is to you and to your family? Are you “on the
alert” every minute of the day…to the dangers of using unsafe procedures? Many safe
procedures have been designed to protect you on the job. These safe procedures are vital
to you…for you are up against a tough enemy who has an arsenal of missiles to launch
against one of your most vulnerable targets…your hands. SAFE PROCEDURES
PROTECT HANDS against injury’s missiles, such as sharp edges…improperly
conditioned hand tools, improperly handled material and other pinch points.
Be on guard every minute of the day. Failure to observe just one safe procedure…just
one time…can cause injury to those vulnerable “tools…YOUR HANDS.
If you have learned the safety know-how of your job and learned it well, it will be easy
for you to catch anything some other fellow does that isn’t as safe as it should be. If you
see it and don’t say anything and he gets hurt, aren’t you partly to blame? Think it over.
Keeping an eye out for the other fellow’s safety can help you too… a lot, sometimes. We
all make mistakes. We slip up once in a while. After all, we’re only human. But if each
of us is keeping the other fellow’s safety in mind and he is doing the same for us, he’s
likely to catch our slips or at least the serious ones. You help him, he helps you. One
hand washes the other. Believe me, it pays.
How are you fixed for safety? …Have you enough left the last until the next hazard
comes along? Be sure before you answer.
Buying safety is pretty much the same process as buying anything.
Most employees buy it. Some by more than others. Big buyers, naturally, are less likely
to be injured on the job. They are also less likely to injure someone else.
The question isn’t always how much safety does an employee WANT, but rather, how
much safety does he NEED…How are you fixed for safety?

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Talk No. 170
BE KIND TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

Construction projects in heavily populated areas give the contractor an opportunity to demonstrate how to
be a good neighbor. An essential element in being a good neighbor is showing concern to avoid accidents
involving those who live or work near the construction site…as well as your own workers.
The following are some important things to watch:
Burning during Clearing and Grubbing
1. Have fire fighting equipment nearby for emergency use.
2. Check wind velocity and direction before starting fires.
3. Be sure that smoke will not obstruct vision of passing motorists.
4. Do not let the fire get out of control.
Blasting
1. Before blasting in populated areas and near railroads or roads in use, notify your insurance
company. A representative may want to suggest ways to minimize blast vibrations.
2. Notify all residents in the vicinity before blasting.
3. Erect adequate shielding to prevent flying rock from causing injury or damaging property.
4. Stop all traffic at safe distances during shooting.
Trenching and Excavation
1. Check with the utility companies to learn location of underground facilities and mark their
location.
2. If exact locations are not known, proceed cautiously. Excavate by hand when you may be near
utility facilities.
3. Adequately support and protect all exposed utilities.
4. Check local codes and standards for shoring of trenches.
5. Keep the length of open trenches to a minimum particularly in residential or congested areas.
6. Keep all excavations well fenced and pumped out especially during weekends.
General
1. Stack materials so they will not topple or roll even if climbed on.
2. Keep spoil piles small, well barricaded and lighted at night.
3. Discourage children from playing around the job site.
4. Assign watchmen where necessary.
5. Make an effort to control dust and smoke.
6. Instruct equipment operators to cross railroads only at authorized crossovers.

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Talk No. 171
15 YEARS TO D…I…E!

It was an obituary that really set you to thinking!

Local man, age 36, dies after fifteen years in the hospital, following construction
accident.
Fifteen years of staring at the same ceiling;
180 months of complete dependence upon others;
780 weeks of hope-erosion, with expenses towering to crowd everything else off the
skyline;
5,475 days of waiting for the night;
5,475 nights of waiting for the day;
131,400 hours of four walls, fading flowers, medicinal smells, useless sympathy;
7,844,000 minutes of vegetation with roots withering in hopelessness, spirits shrinking in
stagnation;
473,040,000 seconds of death before burial, and probably because of some “little”
rigging error the handing scaffold gave way, the end dropped. One man was instantly
killed. Another is now selling real estate, unable to work in the trade.
This man wasn’t so lucky.
Death at 36! After 15 years of dying!
Within that period of time, a man usually marries, has a family, climbs upward in the
world, travels, fishes, hunts, begins to mature, enjoys a million sights, sounds and
sensations.
Over these same 15 years, this man was a castaway on a lonely bed-island. He absorbed
tasteless food, slept a desperate sleep, suffered, cursed, cried, felt the bitterness kink his
insides into knots at such ordinary sounds as laughter, free footsteps and hearty talk. For
every person who dies in construction accidents, many others spend agonizing weeks,
months, lifetimes of disability.
ARE YOU BORED WITH ALL THIS SAFETY TALK?
You risk a lifetime of disability or 15 years of dying when you forget to be safety
conscious. Do you realize this? Do you know what errors are yours, and what you must
do to correct them?
“The life you save might be your own.”

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Talk No. 172
1 ½ SAFE?

Ever heard this one? “If a hen and a half can lay an egg and a half in a day and a half,
how many eggs will 12 hens lay in 12 days?”
It’s an old problem and a tricky one. But if you’ve worked it before or if you tackle it
now, you’ll realize there is only one correct answer.
Here’s another one: “If a worker and a half can have an accident and a half minute and a
half, how many accidents will one worker have in his lifetime?”
Well! That’s something different. It’s an old problem and a tough on e to solve. But
what makes it so much more complicated than the strictly theoretical egg-laying deal is
that it is real-life problem and so it has many angles and many possible answers.
In the first place, who ever heard of half a worker? Then you get to thinking – some
workers are just about half as thoughtful or half as careful as they should be.
Would half a worker know better than to use only half of the proper tools, machinery or
protective equipment required?
How could any worker or half a worker have half an accident? Well, maybe that would
be one of those near-accidents that a person only half remembers and does nothing about.
Then, of course, the answer to the problem depends somewhat on the severity of the
accident. Maybe that one worker mentioned will have no more accidents in his lifetime
because he will have no more lifetime!
The answer depends, too, on the attitude of the worker. That’s the real key to the solution
of the problem. Will the worker learn anything from his one accident or his half-accident
experience.
The simplest and best solution is to use the safe-work formula. Let C stand for Courtesy
and Common Sense. Let S stand for Safety and Savvy, H for Hazards, T for Time and A
for Accidents. Then 2C plus 25 minus H, times T = A times O. (Eggs – 96; Accidents –
“0”)

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Talk No. 173
THE HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS STANDARD

The purpose of this standard is to make sure that information on working safely with
hazardous chemicals on the jobsite is given to workers.
The standard requires manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to properly label
chemical containers and to provide Material Safety Data Sheets to down stream user of
their products.
Employers must have a written Hazard Communication Program, a Chemical Inventory
List for each work site and must train workers about chemicals and make available
information on the chemicals in use in their workplaces.
Employers must provide training to workers in: the provision of the Hazard
Communication Standard, Physical and Chemical Properties of Chemicals in use,
Protective Measure for Workers in using these chemicals in normal and non-routine
tasks, and appropriate personnel protective equipment, safe work procedures and first aid
measures. This training must be provided initially and when new chemical hazards are
brought into the workplace.
The employers must also ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and train
employees in the labeling, hazardous warning and monitoring (if any) systems in use at
the jobsite.
Employees have the right to review the written Hazard Communication Program and
Chemical List for their jobsite. Employees can also request a copy of the Material Safety
Data Sheet for any chemical they are using. Your foreman will tell you who to talk to, to
review programs, obtain MSDS or receive more information.
Working safely with chemicals is a two way street. Your employers will provide you
with access to the needed information but it is up to you to handle chemicals safely, and
to use the proper protective equipment and safe work procedure whenever you are
working with chemicals.

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Talk No. 174
HOW CHEMICALS ENTER YOUR BODY
In order for a chemical to have any effect on you, you have to come in contact with a
chemical in its solid, liquid or gas form.
There are four “routes of entry” or paths a chemical can take.
BREATHING (INHALATION)
Chemicals can enter through your lungs as you breath the air around you. Some
chemicals can irritate your lungs, nose and throat, like ammonia. Others can be absorbed
into you blood, traveling to and affecting the organs in your body. Prolonged exposure to
Hazardous Substances like asbestos and other solid fiber materials can cause serious
health problems. Dusts and fibers can become trapped in your lungs causing irritation,
scarring and damage.
Regardless of the type of chemical you work with, your first line of defense against
breathing hazardous chemicals is to use an approved respirator.
THROUGH YOU SKIN (ABSORPTION)
Although the skin is a very effective barrier to most chemicals, it can be penetrated.
Damage to the skin from cuts, scrapes, cracking, dryness or other conditions can allow a
chemical to enter into the body. Some chemicals can damage the skin on contact and
others pass through the skin and into your bloodstream. A group of chemicals solvents
such as toluene, gasoline and mineral spirits are absorbed easily through your skin. Some
pesticides like parathion can easily pass through the skin, building up to poisonous levels
in the body.
There are two easy steps which will prevent absorption – wearing gloves that are
chemical resistant and washing off any chemical that contacts the skin as soon as
possible. When you’re washing, make sure you use a product designed for washing skin
and not products like paint thinner, turpentine and benzene.
SWALLOWING (INGESTION)
A chemical can enter into your body if you accidentally swallow it or if your food or
drink become contaminated. Simply by not washing you hands before you eat after
working with chemicals or eating, smoking or drinking in an area where chemicals are in
use could lead to trouble.
INJECTION
Like the shot you get from your doctor when you’re ill, chemicals can be accidentally
injected into your body. If you work around high pressure equipment of any kind like
compressed air, grease guns, or hydraulic lines, the potential exists for this kind of
accident. Be extra cautious around any kind of pressurized spray equipment or high
pressure ones and never use compressed air to clean off your hands, arms or clothing.

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Talk No. 175
USING A MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
An MSDS provides information the manufacturer of a chemical considers necessary for
you the worker to determine what chemicals are in a product and what steps to take to
protect yourself when using the product.
Although MSDSs from different sources may look very different, they all contain the same type
of information. MSDS may look difficult and yes there is a lot of technical language and data but
the information you need to identify, understand and work safely with a chemical product is fairly
easy to find.
MSDSs are divided into sections usually beginning with the chemical and common name of the
product. Besides knowing what this product is called, it’s important to know who makes it and
where to reach the manufacturer. The manufacturer can answer questions about his product and
help you if an emergency arises. You will usually find a phone number for the manufacturer in
this section.
An important section to look for is usually called “Health Hazards” which tells you how
dangerous the product can be, the type of danger it represents and what happens if you are
overexposed to this product.
Equally important is the section that deals with “First Aid.” This section will give you some
basic steps to take if you or another person are affected by the chemicals in this product.
Another section deals with “Protective Equipment.” Here specific recommendations for safety
equipment and procedures are listed. This section tells you how to protect yourself from
exposure when working with or near this product.
By taking the time to read the MSDS you have found some important basic information about the
chemical (s) you work with including:
~What’s it called
~What’s in it
~What happens if the chemical affects you
~What first aid steps to take if exposure occurs
~How to protect yourself and work safely with the chemical
Other sections of a MSDS will tell you what the chemical looks, smells and feels like; how to
safely handle and store the chemical; what happens to the chemical in the event of a fire; and
what if any exposure limits have been set or recommended for the chemical (s) or product.
More information on MSDS, chemical information references and chemical safety can be
obtained by asking your supervisor.
Under the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard, you have the opportunity to review
your company’s HCS program, chemical inventory list and copies of MSDSs for chemicals you
are working with.

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Talk No. 176
OUR SKIN AROUND US
The human body, as we know it, is completely covered with protective covering call skin.
This covering is necessary for our everyday well being as well as being vital to sustaining
life. Skin disorders can result from exposure to any number of things and are incurred at
home, work or play. To better understand disorders of the skin and how to protect
ourselves, to prevent these disease, we should know more of how the skin functions.
The skin is composed of several substances. In fact, it is composed of the same material
as the hair and fingernails. It is quite brittle and the chemical substances of the skin
requires body oils and water to keep it soft and pliable. If the oil is removed from the
skin through the action of solvents, such as kerosene, gasoline, pain thinner, lacquer
thinner and others, the skin may become dry and tend to crack.
Similarly, during cold, dry month, the skin loses some of its moisture and becomes more
brittle. The skin can then very easily crack. Once there are breaks in the skin, grease and
grime can enter very easily and cause infection.
Another way that the skin can become broken, making it possible for infection to take
place, is through abrasion of the skin. The skin can become scuffed from a fall, from
working with fine chips or from constant rapping of the fingers or hands against sharp
objects. Once a sufficient number of openings have developed, infection has an easy
target.
Acids and alkaline materials act in different manners; but if a material is too caustic, it
will cause a severe skin irritation. Some acids that are weak will not harm the skin since
the skin itself is mildly acidic in nature. Some weak acids, however, such as the acid in
the vinegar, will dissolve the skin itself.
Continual exposure to substances that are mildly alkaline, such as many soaps and
detergents, some soluble cutting oils and the like, can also cause dermatitis. As we
mentioned previously, the skin is normally acid in nature. If, however, the skin is
continually exposed to alkaline material, the acid in the skin is neutralized and the skin
cannot function properly. It dries and cracks and makes possible bacterial invasion.
All of these materials can cause what is called contact dermatitis. It is given this name
because contact must take place between the skin and material before a dermatitis
condition will develop.
A second type of dermatitis is caused by working with a material which may not cause
any difficulty for a long period of time. Then, suddenly, the person breaks out in a rash
for no apparent reason. This is what is termed sensitivity dermatitis. This type of
dermatitis can also occur from breathing the vapors of many materials, from contact with
or ingestion of the materials. These materials act from within. It should be pointed out
that many of the materials which can cause sensitivity dermatitis also cause contact
dermatitis.
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Several general controls which should be applied to different conditions are:
1. Skin cleanliness is extremely important. The skin should receive a regular
cleaning with a good industrial hand cleaner, regardless of the type of exposure.
2. Solvents should not be used to clean the hands.
3. Depending on the type of exposure, it may be necessary to wear protective
clothing, such as gloves, aprons, glasses and boots.
4. Protective hand creams are helpful in controlling some exposures.
5. Before starting to work with a new material, find out the composition of the
material, the exposure it presents and plan controls for its use.
Skin problems, which may arise from time to time, are not associated with just a few
types of industries but many. Therefore, the foregoing general control procedures, if
followed, will help minimize skin irritation caused by industrial materials and processes.

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Talk No. 177
ACIDS, BASESS, ALKALI
Acids and bases (Caustics) can easily damage skin and eyes. How serious the damage is depends
on how strong the chemical is, how long contact is maintained and what actions you take.
Acids and bases can be liquids, solid granules, powders, vapors or gases. A few commonly used
acids include: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid and nitric acid. Some common bases
(caustics) are lye (sodium hydroxide) and potash (potassium hydroxide).
Both acids and bases can be corrosive, causing damage to whatever they come in contact with.
The more concentrated the chemical them ore dangerous it can be. Vinegar is a mild form of
acetic acid and as such it can be swallowed or rubbed into the skin with no damage, but a
concentrated solution of acetic acid can cause serious burns.
Different acids react differently when they contact your skin. Sulfuric acid mixes with water to
produce heat; when it contacts your skin it reacts with moisture causing burns. Hydrofluoric acid
may not even be noticed if it spills on your skin but hours later as the acid is absorbed into the
muscle tissue, it can cause deep burns that are very painful. Most acids in a gas or vapor form
when you breathe them in react with the moisture in your nose and throat causing irritation or
damage. Acetic and nitric acids don’t react with water so when these vapors are breathed in they
quickly penetrate into the lungs causing serious damage.
Bases as a class of chemicals fee slippery or soapy, in fact, soap is made from a mixture of a base
(lye) and animal fat. Concentrated bases dissolve tissue easily and therefore can cause severe
skin damage on contact. Concentrated caustic gases like ammonia vapors can damage the skin,
eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Even dry power forms of bases can damage you when you breathe
them in because they react with the moisture in your skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Cement and mortar are alkali compounds in their wet or dry form. As dust and powder they can
cause damage to skin and eyes when they react with moisture in your body. Concrete and mortar
can also cause an allergic reaction in people who become sensitive to them. These compounds
are abrasive and can damage your skin by the sandpaper-like quality they possess.
Always follow these rules when working with acids and bases:
• Know what chemicals you are working with and how strong (concentrated) they are.
• Use Personnel Protective Equipment as required.
• In case of skin or eye contact, flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes buy do not rub
the skin or eyes.
• Always add acid to water to prevent splatter.
• Keep acids and bases apart, store separately and clean up spills promptly.
• Check with your supervisor if you need more information.

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Talk No. 178
CLEANING DRUMS
One point to remember when cleaning drums is that no matter how much liquid you pour
out of it, you still can’t empty the drum, not a drum that has contained flammable liquids.
The reason for this is that vapor remains after the liquid is poured. This vapor mixes with
the air inside the drum and fills the empty space.
I am sure most of you know that this mixture of vapor and air sometimes produces
explosions. This combination is what explodes in the cylinders of your car when you run
it and it’s also what explodes when you light a match to look into a gas tank to see if it’s
empty. You’ve just got to figure that any drum which has held flammable liquid
gasoline, oil solvents, etc. – is a loaded bomb just waiting to go off in your face if it’s
mishandled. So, thoroughly clean and make any necessary welding repairs on an old
drum before re-use.
The procedure for cleaning a drum should consist of:
1. Removing all sources of fire, sparks or heat from the area in which you are
going to open old drums. That includes unguarded electric lights and
electric switches. If the sources of ignition cannot be removed, do the
work in an area where they are not present. Use only the special
explosion-proof extension lights.
2. Wear the protective clothing your need. This should include rubber boots
and apron and either rubber or asbestos gloves.
3. Remove the bungs with a long-handled wrench and allow any liquid to
drain out. (On some drums, this material may need special handling and
you’ll be instructed on that).
4. Using the explosion-proof light, inspect the inside of the drum for rags or
other stuff that would prevent good draining.
The next step is draining the drum another five minutes. This should be done by placing
the drum on the steam rack or up end it against some support and letting it drain, making
sure the bung is at the low end. Steam should be applied for at least ten minutes. Some
materials may take longer and you’ll be told about them. Then put in caustic solution and
rotate the drum for at least five minutes. Hammer the drum a little with a wooden mallet
to loosen scale. The drum should be flushed with hot water after, allowing all the water
to drain out the bung. After this, wash the outside with a stream of hot water. Then dry
the drum with a stream of warm air.
Inspect the drum carefully after it is dried, using an explosion-proof light to make sure it
is clean. If it isn’t, steam it again. Always make a new test before you start any welding
on the drum, even if a drum has previously been cleaned and tested.

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Talk No. 179
COMMON SOLVENTS
Most of you men know what solvents are, but for those who don’t – solvents are liquids
that can dissolve other substances without changing their nature. Water, for instance, will
dissolve salt. If you boil water away, you get the salt back and it’s still salt. Water is the
most common solvent, but it’s no good for greases, oils or fats. But, since it’s mostly the
greases, oils and fats that make grease stick to things, we need solvents that are good at
dissolving them and washing the dirt away.
Each solvent – alcohol, naptha and so on – has definite advantages and disadvantages.
That is the reason form the mixtures. The use of carbon tetrachloride should be avoided
due to its toxicity.
Every solvent is hazardous, depending on how it is used. Many organic solvents will
burn. They can cause fires and explosions if misused. Many of them are toxic; some are
both, all are useful and all can be used and worked safely. It’s not hard to do so but you
know the hazards and the way to control them.
Whenever you heat a solvent, you get vapors. How much will depend upon the
temperature of the operation and the nature of the solvent. Some solvents evaporate very
rapidly, others are slower in evaporating. The larger the area of contact between the
solvent and air, the more vapor will be produced.
Suppose you leave the cap off a can of solvent. You’ll get only a small stream of vapor.
If you could lift the whole cap off the can, you’d get more. If you poured the solvent into
a large, uncovered pan, you’d get still more. Also, you’d get some from the stream as
you poured it. Then if you emptied the pain across the floor, you’d get more yet. Finally,
if you shot all the solvent out into the air through a pain sprayer, it would all come out as
vapor.
The hotter the solvent is, the faster it will turn to vapor. It’s hard to figure out a condition
which required a solvent to be heated, but it’s been done in that way lies trouble and
danger. Solvents will make vapor faster in a draft than in dead air.
When you handle solvents, first know the hazards of the solvent, look the situation over,
plan the job thoroughly and use your head. Remember how solvent vapors act, and make
sure that they can’t vaporize enough anywhere to be hazardous. Don’t forget that they
spread rapidly out through the air and move with air currents, just a cigarette smoke does.
Know your solvent – whether it is flammable or not – whether it is toxic or not – whether
it is both. Never use gasoline as a solvent as it is extremely volatile and highly
flammable. A safe substitute is mineral spirits.

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Talk No. 180
METALS
We don’t usually think of chemicals when we talk about metals, but the fact is that every
time we weld, braze, torch cut, solder, grind, polish, coat, finish or drill metals we may be
producing dust, fumes and vapors containing that metal.
The metal in dust, fumes and vapors can easily be deposited in the lungs and then into the
blood stream. Although breathing in the dust or fume form of a metal is the most
common way for metals to get into your body, you could swallow metal particles or
compounds if you smoke, drink, chew gum or eat your lunch in an area where these
compounds are present. Some metals are mercury and certain compounds of lead can be
absorbed by your skin.
Common Construction Metals
CADMIUM – Cadmium and its compounds can be toxic. A condition called metal fume
fever, with flu-like symptoms can occur when small doses are inhaled. In larger doses
cadmium inhalation can be fatal. Small repetitive doses can cause kidney damage or lead
to emphysema. Welding cadmium-coated metals is the most common cause of exposure,
adequate ventilation and an approved respirator will protect you.
NICKEL – Exposure to metal dust or fumes containing nickel and nickel compounds can
inflame and irritate the skin causing an itching rash. Inhalation of nickel compounds has
been linked to cancer of the lungs and nasal sinuses.
LEAD – Lead exists normally in the body but can easily build to a level that is toxic.
Early signs of lead poisoning – fatigue, irritability, headache, cramps, stomach pain, loss
of appetite – are likely to be ignored. Continual buildup can damage the nervous system,
brain, kidneys and reproductive system. Soldering Pipes, casting lead seals and repairing
piping are common lead producers; but lead is also found in gasoline, canned food and
most city water supplies.
ZINC, COPPER, BRASS AND MAGNESIUM – Fumes, powders and compounds of
these metals are sometimes encountered in welding, brazing, cutting and spray metalizing
work. Inhalation of these metals can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like condition with
coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, profuse sweating and chest pains.
Following a few simple procedures will protect you from metal exposure:
• Know what is in the metals you are working with.
• When dust or fumes are produced, use the appropriate respirator properly.
• Always make sure you have plenty of ventilation.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene and housekeeping. Before eating, drinking
and smoking, wash your hands and keep your work area separate from your
lunch area.
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Talk No. 181
SOLVENTS
A solvent in simple language is a liquid that dissolves another substance. In construction,
we most often see them as cleaners, degreasers, thinners, fuels and glues.
Solvents are lumped into three main types of classes. Those containing water (aqueous
solutions) like liquid forms of acids, alkalis and detergents and those containing carbon
organic solvents) like acetone, toluene and gasoline. The third group contains chlorine
and their chemical makeup and are called chlorinated solvents like methylene-chloride
and trichloroethylene.
Solvents can enter into your body in two ways, be breathing or by contact with your skin.
Any solvent you breath (inhalation) can cause dizziness or headache as it affects your
central nervous system. If you continue to breath the vapors of a solvent you could
develop nose, throat, eye and lung irritation and even damage to the liver, blood, kidneys
and digestive system.
Solvents on your skin can be absorbed into the body. Because solvents dissolve oils and
greases, contact with your skin can dry it out producing irritation, cracking and skin
rashes. Once a solvent penetrates through the skin, it enters into the bloodstream and can
attack the central nervous system and body organs.
Like all chemicals the effect upon you will depend on a number of factors – how toxic it
is, how long were you exposed, your own body’s sensitivity and how concentrated or
strong the solvent is.
You can protect yourself from solvent hazards by following a few simple rules:
• Know what chemicals you are working with,
• Use protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses and proper respirators
recommended for that chemical,
• Make sure your work area has plenty of fresh air,
• Avoid skin contact with solvents,
• Wash with plenty of soap and water if contact with your skin and a solvent
occurs,
• If a solvent splashes into your eye, flush with running water for a minimum of 15
minutes and get medical help.
More information on the chemicals you work with is available from your supervisor.

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Talk No. 182
TRICHLOROETHYLENE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Trichloroethylene has many uses, one of them being a solvent for metal degreasing in
either a liquid or vapor phase. Trichloroethylene, like many other chemicals, is perfectly
harmless if used properly. It is sometimes used for degreasing pipe by a circulatory
method and by bathing or soaking in vats. The following general precautions are urged
wherever trichloroethylene is being utilized:
1. Provide plenty of ventilation in the vicinity where trichloroethylene is being used.
Use mechanical air-moving equipment to maintain good ventilation when
necessary.
2. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin. Employees using
trichloroethylene to clean tools and small equipment by bathing and soaking in
small vessels should wear protective apparel (neoprene or polyvinyl, plastic
gloves and apron) to prevent skin contact.
3. Goggles should be worn during the cleaning to prevent splashes in the eyes.
4. Do not breathe vapors from trichloroethylene for any long period of time.
5. Do not install trichloroethylene vapor degreasers in or near areas where there are
open flames, particularly welding operations.
6. Keep covers closed on vapor degreasers except when work is being passed in or
removed from the degreaser.
7. In cleaning vapor degreasers, employee should wear a full-face airline respirator.
A lifeline should be provided for the man entering the degreaser and a man should
be posted outside to keep the man observed. This man should be supplied with a
full-face airline respirator.
Special safety precautions to be taken for cleaning pipe shops or areas:
1. “No Smoking” signs posted in conspicuous locations within the area and “No
Smoking” enforced.
2. When employees of other contractors pass through the area, a blockade and sign
should be provided to warm people that cleaning operations are under way.
3. Employees hooking up the lines from the truck to circulate trichloroethylene
should wear gloves, aprons and goggles, as prescribed under general precautions.
4. A fresh water spigot or hose in the area should be provided for those who might
make bodily contact with trichloroethylene or receive splashes in the face to wash
the fluid from the body.

8-257
5. Employees assigned to the trichloroethylene cleaning crew should be cautioned
about drinking alcoholic beverages the night before as trichloroethylene is also
used as an anesthetic in the medical profession. Alcohol stimulates the
trichloroethylene reaction if one should breathe a sufficient amount causing
possible headache, dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath and could, with a
large dose, cause unconsciousness.
Emergency procedures
1. Any employee who becomes overexposed to trichloroethylene should be removed
to fresh air immediately, then referred to the First Aid Station.
2. If trichloroethylene is splashed in the eye, flush with clean water to ensure
complete washing.
3. If trichloroethylene is splashed on clothing, remove clothing and air dry until free
of all trichloroethylene odors.

8-258
 SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

8-259
 SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

8-260
 SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

8-261
 SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

8-262
 SAFETY TALK RECORD SHEET

Date Talk No. Number in attendance

8-263
IX. SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-1
 CHART
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

9-2
 CHART
SPECIALTY CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-3
 CONTENTS
FOREWORD …………………………………………………………………….. 9-15
Methylene Chloride and its formulations………………………………………….. 9-15
Trichlorethylene formulations …………………………………………………….. 9-15
1,1,1-Trichloroethane formulations ………………………………………………. 9-15
Perchloroethylene formulations …………………………………………………… 9-15
INTRODUCTION ….……………………………………………………………. 9-15
1.1 A commitment To The Health And Safety Of Dow Customers ………….. 9-16
Background information ………………………………….……………….. 9-16
Dow commitment to protecting workers’ health and safety ………………. 9-16
Availability of Dow’s Technical Service team ……………………………. 9-16
1.2 Product Stewardship ……………………………………………….……….. 9-16
Aid on environmental and safety considerations ………………………….. 9-16
Hazards, protective equipment, first aid ………………………….………...9-16
Guide for users of chlorinated solvents …………………………………….9-16
User responsibility ………………………………………………………….9-16
User responsibility for specific end use …………………………………… 9-16
1.3 Review Material Safety Data Sheets Before Handling Dow
Chlorinated Solvents …………………………………………………………9-17
MSD sheets available ……………………………………………………… 9-17
MSD sheets reflect most recent detailed information ……………………... 9-17
1.4 Health & Safety Services …………………………………………………….9-17
Dow Health & Safety Services ……………………………………………. 9-17
Emergency & Information Phone Numbers ………………………………. 9-17
TOXICITY AND USE HAZARDS OF DOW SPECIALTY SOLFENTS …… 9-18
2.1 Toxicity Versus Hazard ………………………………………………………9-18
Definition of toxicity ……………………………………………………….9-18
Definition of hazard ……………………………………………………….. 9-18

9-4
2.2 Routes of Exposure ………………………………………………………….. 9-18
2.2.1 Inhalation …………………………………………………………..9-18
Accumulation in poorly ventilated areas ………………………….. 9-18
Varied individual response ………………………………………... 9-18
Characteristic odor ………………………………………………… 9-19
Odor signals problems …………………………………………….. 9-19
Proper odor detection ……………………………………………… 9-19
General effects of excessive exposure …………………………….. 9-19
Exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane …………………………………. 9-19
Special consideration: Methylene Chloride ………………………. 9-19
2.2.2 Ingestion …………………………………………………………... 9-19
Low single dose oral toxicity ……………………………………… 9-19
Effects of ingestion ………………………………………………... 9-20
Possible aspiration into lungs ……………………………………... 9-20
2.2.3 Skin ……………………………………………………………….. 9-20
Brief contact: adverse effects not likely ………………………….. 9-20
Special considerations: Perchloroethylene SVG, Methylene
Chloride, Urethane Grade …………………………………………. 9-20
Table A: Summary of Responses and Limits for
Inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents ……………………………………. 9-21
2.2.4 Eyes ……………………………………………………………….. 9-22
Effects of eye exposure ……………………………………………. 9-22
2.3 Effects Of Long –Term Exposure …………………………………………...9-22
Results of long-term animal studies on
Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity ………………………………………… 9-22
PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF
CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ………………………………………………….. 9-23
3.1 Avoid Workplace Hazards ………………………………………………….. 9-23
Maintain and cleanup present greatest hazards ……………………………. 9-23
3.1.1 General Safety Rules …………………………………………….. 9-23

9-5
 Be aware of toxicity and hazards of specific solvent ……………… 9-23
Before using solvent, consult MSD ……………………………….. 9-23
Wear protective garments, use safety equipment …………………. 9-23
Provide adequate ventilation ………………………………………. 9-23
Be alert, avoid potential overexposure situations …………………. 9-23
Monitor solvent concentrations in air by trained person ………….. 9-23
Leave work area if lightheadedness or dizziness occur …………… 9-24
Do not use near open flames or heat ………………………………. 9-24
Do not weld or torch-cut near solvent vapors ……………………... 9-24
Do not weld or torch-cut empty solvent drums …………………… 9-24
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin …………………… 9-24
Prohibit smoking where solvents are in use ………………………. 9-24
Avoid alcohol before and after contact …………………………… 9-24
Clean up small spills and leaks immediately ……………………… 9-24
Wear respiratory equipment when cleaning major spills …………. 9-24
Properly label any transfer container ……………………………… 9-24
Standard procedures when vapor accumulates ……………………. 9-24
Precautions before entering tank ………………………………….. 9-24
Figure 1: Hydrogen Chloride, Chlorine and Phosgene Releases
Produced in Glove Box Welding Studies ………………………………. 9-25
Use the “buddy system,” have others nearby ………………………9-26
Be aware of any signs of overexposure or illness …………………. 9-26
3.1.2 Tank Entry Procedures ………………………………………….. 9-26
Thoroughly trained personnel should direct ………………………. 9-26
Get written permission from supervisor …………………………... 9-26
Prepare tank before entering ………………………………………. 9-26
Ventilate tank before entering …………………………………….. 9-26
Test air in tank to confirm presence of oxygen ……………………. 9-27
Monitor air in tank with instruments ……………………………… 9-27

9-6
 Supervisor should check escape routes and rescue gear …………...9-27
Supervisor check worker and observer equipment ………………... 9-27
3.1.3 Operating Degreasers Safely ……………………………………. 9-27
Understand degreasing theory, know your degreaser …………….. 9-27
Follow recommended startup procedure ………………………….. 9-27
Maintain good housekeeping ……………………………………… 9-27
Do not smoke ……………………………………………………… 9-27
Do not overload degreaser or work too fast ……………………….. 9-27
Avoid porous equipment which will remove solvent ……………... 9-27
Do not clean absorbent items in degreaser ………………………... 9-28
Do not use fans near degreaser opening while operating …………. 9-28
Keep excessive heat and open flames away ………………………. 9-28
3.2 Flammability Of Chlorinated Solvents …………………………………….. 9-28
Comment on flash and fire points …………………………………………. 9-28
Low solvent flammability …………………………………………………. 9-28
Flammable limits ………………………………………………………….. 9-28
Ground all tanks …………………………………………………………… 9-28
Solvent vapors decompose in heat ………………………………………… 9-28
Hydrogen chloride created ………………………………………………… 9-28
Table B: Flammable Limits in Air ……………………………………………. 9-28
Hydrogen chloride provides warning ……………………………………… 9-29
Avoid hot processes or provide adequate venting ………………………… 9-29
3.3 Protecting Personnel ………………………………………………………… 9-29
Health status ……………………………………………………………….. 9-29
Personnel must be properly equipped ……………………………………... 9-29
Use protective equipment as recommended ………………………………. 9-29
Have eyebaths and showers available ……………………………………... 9-29
Equipment no substitute for safe practices ………………………………... 9-29
Review MSD sheets first for recent details ………………………………...9-29

9-7
 Operating personnel safety equipment …………………………………….. 9-30
Equipment for maintenance personnel ……………………………………..9-30
Approved industrial respirators permissible ………………………………. 9-30
Discard canisters after use ………………………………………………… 9-30
Maintain and service equipment …………………………………………... 9-30
Respiratory programs must meet OSHA code …………………………….. 9-30
Monitoring the work environment ………………………………………… 9-30
Use of halide detector ……………………………………………………... 9-31
Limitations of halide detector ……………………………………………... 9-31
Visual inspection may be employed ………………………………………. 9-31
Sealing joint connections ………………………………………………….. 9-31
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATIONS …………………………………………………………….. 9-32
4.1 The Effects Of Legislation …………………………………………………...9-32
Regulation is increasing …………………………………………………… 9-32
Federal regulations ………………………………………………………… 9-32
Responsibilities of states …………………………………………………... 9-32
State vs. federal regulations ……………………………………………….. 9-32
Compliance by solvent users ……………………………………………… 9-33
4.2 Air Quality …………………………………………………………………… 9-33
EPA Standards …………………………………………………………….. 9-33
General scope of EPA controls ……………………………………………. 9-33
State Implementation Plans (SIPs) ………………………………………… 9-33
Purpose of SIPs ……………………………………………………………. 9-33
Scope of SIPs ……………………………………………………………… 9-33
SIPs guide compliance …………………………………………………….. 9-33
Approaches for achieving compliance …………………………………….. 9-33
4.3 Exempt Solvents ……………………………………………………………... 9-33
EPA allows some exemptions ……………………………………………...9-33

9-8
 Most SIPs exempt 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride …………….. 9-33
Degreasers can be converted to use exempt solvents ……………………... 9-33
Conversion costs compared ……………………………………………….. 9-33
4.4 Controlling Worker Exposure To Solvent Vapors ………………………... 9-33
OSHA prescribes Permissible Exposure Limits …………………………... 9-33
Time-Weighted Average for 40-hour weeks ……………………………… 9-33
Short-Term Exposure Limits within TWA ………………………………... 9-33
Other limits for some chemicals: ACC, AMP, PEL defined ……………… 9-33
Acceptable Ceiling Concentration defined ………………………………... 9-34
Acceptable Maximum Peak defined ………………………………………. 9-34
Table C: Possible Health Effect, Handling Procedures, First Aid ………………... 9-35
TLV a guideline only ……………………………………………………… 9-35
Essential to minimize worker exposure always …………………………… 9-36
Instructing employees ……………………………………………………... 9-36
First aid, rescue, escape training …………………………………………... 9-36
Importance of first aid ……………………………………………………... 9-36
CAUTION: secure medical attention ……………………………………... 9-36
4.5 Safe Storage And Disposal Of Chlorinated Solvents ……………………… 9-37
RCRA ………………………………………………………………………9-37
User compliance ……………………………………………………………9-37
Environmental contamination from small amounts ……………………….. 9-37
Sources of contamination ………………………………………………….. 9-37
Storage of contaminated solvents …………………………………………. 9-37
4.5.1 Action To Take For Spills/Leaks/Releases ……………………... 9-38
Keep out of sewers, groundwater ………………………………….. 9-38
Preventive measures ………………………………………………..9-38
Regular inspection and maintenance ……………………………… 9-38
Use proper protective equipment; act promptly …………………... 9-38
For small spills/leaks ……………………………………………… 9-38

9-9
 For large spills/leaks ……………………………………………… 9-38
Comply with all applicable laws ………………………………….. 9-38
Emergency response phone numbers ……………………………… 9-38
4.5.2 Disposal Procedures For Chlorinated Solvents ………………... 9-38
Preferred disposal options …………………………………………. 9-38
Comply with all applicable laws …………………………………... 9-38
Dispose of containers ……………………………………………… 9-39
4.6 Community Right-To-Know ………………………………………………... 9-39
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act ………………………... 9-39
SOLVENT SAMPLING …………………………………………………………. 9-40
5.1 General Information ………………………………………………………… 9-40
Introduction ………………………………………………………………. 9-40
Sampling container specifications ………………………………………… 9-40
Do no use aluminum in any form …………………………………………. 9-40
Sampling devices ………………………………………………………….. 9-40
Labeling and storing samples ……………………………………………… 9-40
5.2 Sampling From Tank Trucks Or Tank Cars ……………………………… 9-40
Details on sampling ………………………………………………………...9-40
5.3 Sampling From Storage Tanks ……………………………………………... 9-40
Details on sampling ………………………………………………………...9-40
Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic ……………………………………………….. 9-41
UNLOADING BULK CHLOINATED SOLVENTS …………………………...9-42
6.1 General Information …………………………………………………………. 9-42
Operator in attendance (CFR 49) ………………………………………….. 9-42
Material Safety Data Sheets available …………………………………….. 9-42
Transportation Equipment Data Sheets …………………………………… 9-42
Vapor piping system ……………………………………………………… 9-42
Spill, leak, drainage containment …………………………………………. 9-42
Repackaging bulk chlorinated solvents …………………………………... 9-42

9-10
 Dow recommends that aluminum not be used ……………………………. 9-42
6.2 Tank Car ……………………………………………………………………... 9-42
6.2.1 Specifications ……………………………………………………... 9-42
Tank car equipment ………………………………………………...9-43
Maximum allowable pressures, work platform …………………… 9-43
Other car specifications, equipment ………………………………..9-43
6.2.2 Unloading Hose ……………………………………………………9-43
Hose specifications …………………………………………………………9-43
6.2.3 Unloading Preparations and Precautions ……………………….9-43
Properly equipped and trained employees ………………………… 9-43
Spotting tank cars …………………………………………………..9-43
Grounding tank cars ……………………………………………….. 9-43
Derails and derail signs ……………………………………………. 9-43
Identify receiving tank …………………………………………….. 9-43
Figure 3: Suggested Unloading System Diagram ………………………. 9-44
Do not unload in dark ……………………………………………... 9-45
6.2.4 Bottom Unloading By Gravity …………………………………... 9-45
Unloading procedures ……………………………………………... 9-45
6.2.5 Top Unloading By Pump Or Gas Pressure …………………….. 9-45
Unloading procedures ……………………………………………... 9-45
Inert gas line may be used …………………………………………. 9-46
6.2.6 Unloading Completion …………………………………………… 9-46
Specifications of completion ……………………………………….9-46
Figure 4: Suggested Semiautomatic Drumming Station Using A
Scale For Drumming Solvents From Tank Trucks ……………………… 9-47
6.3 TANK TRUCKS …………………………………………………………….. 9-48
6.3.1 Specifications …………………………………………………….. 9-48
Types of trucks that may be used …………………………………. 9-48

9-11
 6.3.2 Loading Compartmented Trucks ……………………………….. 9-48
Load heavier solvent over wheels …………………………………. 9-48
6.3.3 Unloading Hose …………………………………………………... 9-48
Hose specifications ………………………………………………... 9-48
6.3.4 Unloading Preparations And Precautions ……………………… 9-48
Properly trained and equipped employees ………………………… 9-48
Parking tank trucks ………………………………………………... 9-48
Grounding tank trucks …………………………………………….. 9-48
6.3.5 Pump Or Gravity Unloading ……………………………………. 9-49
Pump preferable …………………………………………………… 9-49
What customer supplies; what Dow supplies ……………………... 9-49
Unloading procedure ………………………………………………. 9-49
6.3.6 Unloading Completion …………………………………………… 9-49
Determining completion …………………………………………... 9-49
Close and disconnect peripherals ………………………………….. 9-49
6.3.7 Inert Gas Unloading ……………………………………………... 9-49
Inert gas usually not recommended ……………………………….. 9-49
STORING AND TRANSFERRING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ... 9-50
7.1 Tank Storage ………………………………………………………………… 9-50
7.1.1 Materials Of Construction ………………………………………. 9-50
Keep chlorinated solvents dry ……………………………………... 9-50
Do not use aluminum ……………………………………………… 9-50
Tanks built to ASME code ………………………………………… 9-50
Specific gravity, specifications ……………………………………. 9-50
7.1.2 Selection And Preparation ………………………………………. 9-50
Tank size …………………………………………………………... 9-50
Pre-service preparation ……………………………………………. 9-50
Used tanks …………………………………………………………. 9-50
Checking out tank before purchase ………………………………... 9-51

9-12
 Tank Accessories ………………………………………………….. 9-51
Fabricated vent dryers …………………………………………….. 9-51
Position of dryer …………………………………………………... 9-51
Electrical grounding ……………………………………………….. 9-51
7.1.3 Types And Locations Of Tanks …………………………………. 9-51
Amendments to RCRA ……………………………………………. 9-51
Tanks already in use ……………………………………………….. 9-51
Establish inspection schedule ……………………………………... 9-51
Maintenance review program ……………………………………... 9-51
Figure 5: Vertical Solvent Storage System …………………………….. 9-52
Paint for tanks ……………………………………………………... 9-53
Vertical vs. Horizontal tanks ……………………………………… 9-53
Proper foundation …………………………………………………. 9-53
Design for emptying by gravity …………………………………… 9-53
Horizontal aboveground tank requirements ………………………. 9-53
7.2 Secondary Containment For Chlorinated Solvents ……………………….. 9-53
To prevent leakage into water or ground ………………………………….. 9-53
7.2.1 Design ……………………………………………………………... 9-53
Consult regulations ………………………………………………... 9-53
For specific chemical involved ……………………………………. 9-54
Impermeable, compatible dikes …………………………………… 9-54
Consider horizontal trajectory of leak …………………………….. 9-54
No breaks in dike ………………………………………………….. 9-54
Containment for pumps and joints ………………………………… 9-54
Provide proper drainage; allow for rain water …………………….. 9-54
Containment for trucks and rail cars ………………………………. 9-54
7.2.2 Volume ……………………………………………………………. 9-54
Volume of dike defined …………………………………………… 9-54
For single tank …………………………………………………………….9-54
For more than one tank ………………………………………………….. 9-54

9-13
 For tanks containing Class A, B or C RCRA materials …………………. 9-54
Figure 6: Typical Details of Horizontal Above ground Storage Tank ……..
9-55
7.2.3 Inspection And Leak Detection ……………………………………….. 9-56
Inspect for structural soundness regularly ………………………………. 9-56
Leak detection systems recommended …………………………………... 9-56
Systems using instrumentation ………………………………………….. 9-56
Annual hydrotesting recommended ………………………………………9-56
7.3 Related Equipment …………………………………………………………………. 9-56
7.3.1 Pumps …………………………………………………………………… 9-56
Consider high vapor pressure of methylene chloride …………….……… 9-56
Pump specifications ………………………………………………………9-56
7.3.2 Piping …………………………………………………………….……… 9-56
7.3.3 Valves …………………………………………………………………….9-56
Special requirements …………………………………………………….. 9-57
7.3.4 Gaskets ………………………………………………………….………. 9-57
7.3.5 Meters …………………………………………………………………… 9-57
7.4 Tank Cleaning And Repairs ……………………………………………….……….. 9-57
Trained personnel ………………………………………………………………… 9-57
7.5 Transfer Of Solvents From Storage ……………………………………….………..9-57
Introduction ……………………………………………………………….……….9-57
7.5.1 Gravity Flow ……………………………………………………………. 9-57
Simplest, most economical method ……………………………………… 9-57
7.5.2 Pumping ………………………………………………………….……... 9-57
Alternative to gravity flow ………………………………………………. 9-57
Figure 7: Solvent Transfer By Pump ……………………………………. 9-58
7.5.3 Portable Tanks …………………………………………………………. 9-59
On wheels or skids ………………………………………………………. 9-59
Specifications, recommendations ……………………………………….. 9-59
Delivery plumbing or tubing ……………………………………………. 9-59
7.6 Maintenance ………………………………………………………………………… 9-59
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations ………………………………………... 9-59
Continuous maintenance to prevent losses ……………………………….……….9-59
9-14
 FOREWORD
This manual is intended as a guide for the safe handling of the chlorinated solvents
discussed herein and as a review of environmental considerations related to their use. As
such, it is limited to a discussion of toxicological considerations, safe handling and
storage and approved disposal techniques. For details on general physical properties of
chlorinated solvents, the selection of solvents and of equipment for specific end uses and
for general use information, consult your Dow representative and request literature
pertaining to your specific application/solvent.
The following chlorinated solvents are discussed in this manual:
METHYLENE CHLORIDE AND ITS FORMULATIONS
• AEROTHENE* MM Solvent †
• Methylene Chloride, Technical Grade
• Methylene Chloride Urethane Grade
• Methylene Chloride, Vapor Degreasing Grade
• Methylene Chloide, FCC/NF
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE FORMULATIONS
• AEROTHENE TT Solvent †
• CHLOROTHENE* SM Solvent †
• DOWCLENE LS Solvent
• Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized
• PROACT * Solvent
TRICHLOROETHYLENE FORMULATIONS
• HI-TRI* Solvent
• NEU-TRI* Solvent
PERCHLOROETHYLENE FORMULATIONS
• DOWPER* Solvent
• Perchloroethylene SVG
• Perchloroethylene Industrial
The Dow Chemical Company recommends that every individual who handles, stores,
uses or regularly comes into incidental contact with these chemicals read this manual in
its entirety and become familiar with its contents.
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
† Note: AEROTHENE MM solvent is based on methylene chloride and AEROTHENE solvent is based on 1,1,1-trichloroethane

9-15
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 A Commitment To The Health And Safety Of Dow Customers

Chlorinated solvents have been in widespread use of more than 50 years and have proven
useful in applications ranging from dry cleaning, industrial coating, paint removal and
metal cleaning to food processing, urethane foam production and pharmaceutical
applications.
As the world’s leading producer of chlorinated solvents. The Dow Chemical Company is
committed to encouraging proper use to protect the health and safety of industrial
workers, the public and the environment. For this reason, Dow has dedicated extensive
capital and human resources to technological advancement in the safe and effective use
of chlorinated solvents.
As a user of Dow chlorinated solvents, you benefit from the company’s commitment to
Product Stewardship through the efforts of Dow’s Technical Service team, a highly
experienced group of solvents experts who are available to answer your questions about
nearly every aspect of chlorinated solvent use.
1.2 Product Stewardship
The Dow Chemical Company has always maintained an active concern for the safe
handling of its products and has established an excellent safety record. To help ensure
that Dow products are not used in ways other then as intended or tested, Dow encourages
its customers to review their applications from the standpoint of health and environmental
concern. Dow specialists are ready to assist customers in dealing with environmental
user safety considerations. Your Dow representative can arrange the proper contacts.
The safeguard worker health, promote maximum safety and maintain solvent exposure
levels below current industrial health standards, it is essential for all persons who may
contact solvents to b thoroughly trained in safe work practices and the proper use of
handling equipment. All personnel should be aware of potential hazards, understand how
to use protective safety equipment and know how to administer first aid.
This document is offered to users of chlorinated solvents as a guide to the safe handling
and disposal of Dow’s Specialty Solvents.
Dow believes the information and recommendations herein to be accurate and reliable as
of June, 1990 and that Dow products discussed are reasonable fit for the recommended
purposes. However, as use conditions are not within its control, The Dow Chemical
Company does not guarantee results from use of these products or of the information
furnished herein.
As governmental regulations and use conditions are subject to change, it is the user’s
responsibility to determine the appropriateness of these products and these
recommendations for specific end uses.

9-16
 1.3 REVIEW MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS BEFORE HANDLING
DOW CHLORINATED SOLVENTS
Guidelines for handling these and other Dow chlorinated solvents are covered in individual
Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets, which are updated regularly and therefore, supersede this
manual.
MSD sheets reflect the most recent detailed information on health effects, handling precautions
and first aid. Always Review MSD Sheets Before Handling Dow Products.
1.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES
Dow has developed many special services to assist customers in safeguarding health and safety.
CHEMAWARE† Enhanced Product and Environmental Stewardship is designed to assist
customers in safeguarding employee health and safety and protecting the environment. A number
of special services are included under the CHEMAWARE program. Your Dow representative
can provide you with information on services such as these:
• Equipment inspection
• Solvent analysis services
• Formulation development
• Acid acceptance test kits
• Vapor degreasing conversion assistance and evaluation
• Chlorinated solvent vapor measurements
• Health and safety information
• Information regarding governmental regulations
• Assistance in training degreaser operators
• Physicians (for consultation with other physicians)
For help in handling emergencies involving Dow chlorinated solvents, telephone:
Dow Emergency Response
(409) 238-2112
For help in handling emergencies involving chemicals in general, telephone:
Chemtrec Emergency Response
(800) 424-9300
For Material Safety Data Sheets on Dow chlorinated solvents or additional product literature,
telephone:
Customer Information Center

800 447-4DOW(4369)

9-17
 2. TOXICITY AND USE HAZARDS OF DOW SPECIALTY SOLVENTS

2.1 Toxicity Versus Hazard

Toxicity may be defined as a property that defines the capability of a substance to

produce a harmful effect to a living organism at some level or frequency of exposure via
inhalation, ingestion or direct skin or eye contact. Toxicity, therefore, is a property of all
chemicals.

All substances are potentially hazardous if they are handled in a way that can cause
injury. During handling of chlorinated solvents, the use of engineering controls, fume
hoods, respirators, chemical goggles and other safety equipment can minimize the
possibility and amount of exposure, this minimizing hazard. Used properly by trained
personnel (see 1.2) and stored carefully in accordance with accepted practice, these
solvents should present little or no practical hazard to workers. At levels below current
industrial health criteria, it is unlikely that any of these solvents would produce adverse
effects, even from repeated exposure.

TOXICITY INFORMATION

Note: Entries in this section are cross-referenced to the appropriate comments in the section on safe
handling and vice versa.

2.2 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Inhalation 2.2.1

Breathing solvent vapor is the most likely route of exposure to these materials and it is
essential to maintain atmospheric levels in the workplace below the exposure guidelines
(see 1.1, page 9-16 and Table A, page 9-21).

Solvent vapor can readily accumulate in tanks, pits, degreasers, small rooms and other
confined or poorly ventilated areas, resulting in concentrations that can cause
unconsciousness and death. The hazards and cautions given in the sections on tank
cleaning and entering vapor degreasers should be carefully studied and understood by
personnel working near tanks, pits and degreasers and those working in confined or
poorly ventilated areas.

There can be considerable differences in the levels of exposure causing subjective results
(for example, odor detection, eye irritation) in various individuals. Even in the same
person, the response level will vary with the length of exposure and probably with
variations in the individual’s physical condition.

9-18
The presence of solvent vapor in the air produces various intensities of odor. The
characteristic odor of the chlorinated solvents has been described as “sweetish”,
“aromatic”, or “ether-like”.

Although odor by itself is not an acceptable measure of vapor concentration, it can

serve as a warning of a condition that requires investigation.

The intensity of odors can be related to vapor concentration in the air. People may be
able to detect the odor at levels below established exposure guidelines for that particular
solvent (see 4.4, page 9-33). In time, however, individuals can become accustomed to
the odor; therefore, the perception of odor is not sufficient warning of excessive
exposure. (See Table A: Summary of Responses and Limits for Inhalation of
Chlorinated Solvents on page 9-21). To assure worker safety, the work area should be
monitored regularly by a trained individual.

Exposures to vapor concentrations within recommended exposure guideline levels will

not result in any known adverse effects for most people. Exposure to these materials
above guideline levels, however, may cause various adverse effects, including anesthetic
or narcotic effects, central nervous system effects and liver and/or kidney effects.

Of the four types of Specialty Solvents, 1,1,1-trichloroethane presents the lowest degree
of hazard from inhalation (Table A, page 9-21). Minimal anesthetic or narcotic effects
from 1,1,1-trichloroethane exposure may be seen in the range from 500 to 1000 parts per
million (ppm). Progressively higher levels of 1,1,1-trichloroethane over 1000 ppm may
cause eye irritation, dizziness and drunkenness. Concentrations as low as 10,000 ppm
can cause unconsciousness or death.

Special Consideration: Methylene Chloride. When methylene chloride is inhaled, the

body converts a portion of it to carbon monoxide. When the solvent is used properly, the
resulting levels of carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide combined with hemoglobin)
will not be high enough to be hazardous to an individual with unimpaired blood
circulation.

Ingestion 2.2.2

The basic measure of acute oral toxicity is the LD50, the single dose expressed in
milligrams per kilogram of body weight calculated on the basis of acute lethality studies
in animals to kill 50% of animals treated.

The single dose oral toxicity of these chlorinated solvents is low.

9-19
Amounts that might be ingested as a result of handling these solvents are not likely to
cause injury. Ingestion of larger amounts, accidentally or intentionally, could result in
serious injury or death. Ingestion occurs, do not induce vomiting. Call a physician or
take the worker to an emergency medical facility.

If the liquid is aspirated into the lung, it may be rapidly absorbed by the lung tissue and
this may result in injury to other body systems. Do not induce vomiting. Call a
physician or take the worker to an emergency facility. The decision whether to
induce vomiting should be made by the attending physician. (See First Aid, Table C,
pages 9-35).

Skin 2.2.3

All of the chlorinated solvents can defat the skin. This may allow infection and
dermatitis to develop, especially when there is frequent gross daily contact. Also,
chlorinated solvents may produce a burn if the solvent is confined against skin in shoes,
clothing or gloves.

Occasional brief skin contact with chlorinated solvents is not likely to produce any
significant adverse effects and a single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in
absorption of harmful amounts through the skin. (If any contact occurs, the skin should
be thoroughly washed with water immediately, as specified in Table C, First Aid pages
9-35).

Special Considerations: Perchloroethylene SVG has been specifically developed as an

outstanding vapor degreasing solvent for cleaning metals and is intended for that use
only. Because the stabilizers which contribute to its superior performance may cause
skin sensitization, it should not be used in operations where skin contact will normally
occur, such as dry cleaning or cold cleaning. Methylene Chloride, Urethane Grade,
should be used only for urethane Grade, should be used only for urethane foam
applications

9-20
 CHART

TABLE A

Summary of Responses and Limits for Inhalation of Chlorinated Solvents (PPM)

9-21
Eyes 2.2.4

Both liquid solvents and excessive levels of vapors are capable of causing pain and
severe eye irritation; therefore, suitable eye protection should be provided and used
consistently. (See page 9-35).

Methylene chloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane may cause slight, usually transient and
reversible, corneal injury. Corneal injury from exposure to trichloroethylene and
perchloroethyene is unlikely. Exposure to any of the chlorinated solvents should be
treated by immediate irrigation with water under the eyelids for at least 5 minutes and
medical attention should be secured. If the individual was exposed to methylene chloride
or 1,1,1-trichloroethane, eye irrigation may be continued for as long as 15 minutes for
added insurance against corneal injury. (See Table C, First Aid, pages 9-35).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM EXPOSURE

Numerous long-term studies in animals, as well as genetic toxicity tests and human
epidemiology studies, have been conducted with chlorinated solvents. When the results
of these studies are considered in total, there is no indication that workers exposed to
chlorinated solvents in the workplace are likely to develop cancer from these exposures.
Also, studies in animals do not indicate that exposure to chlorinated solvents will produce
birth defects in the children of exposed workers.

9-22
 3. PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF
CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

3.1 Avoid Workplace Hazards

Potential problems with chlorinated solvents are most likely to arise during maintenance
operations and spill cleanup. Refer any problem or question concerning solvent
handling or equipment maintenance to your solvent representative.

General Safety Rules 3.1.1

Most potential problems can be avoided if personnel adhere consistently to the following
general safety rules when working with chlorinated solvents:

• Be aware of the toxic properties and hazards associated with the use of the
specific solvent involved. (Become thoroughly familiar with Chapter 2).

• Always consult the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets before using
chlorinated solvents. (See 1.3, page 9-17)
• Always wear protective garments and use safety equipment appropriate to the
tasks being performed. Use of eye protection is always advisable. (See 3.3, page
9-29).
• Do not use chlorinated solvents in open containers unless ventilation is adequate
to draw the vapors safely away from the work area and any other area of potential
accumulation.
• Be alert when working with chlorinated solvents and constantly avoid situations
that might result in overexposure.
• Odor alone cannot be relied on as an indicator of hazardous exposure levels.
Solvent concentrations in the air should be monitored regularly by a trained
individual to assure worker safety, as well as compliance with governmental
regulations. See Table A, Summary of Responses and Limits for inhalation of
Chlorinated Solvents, page 9-21.

9-23
• A worker who becomes lightheaded or dizzy while working with chlorinated
solvents should leave the work area immediately, seek fresh air and report to the
supervisor. Beyond toxic effects, dizziness and uncoordination can lead to other
accidents.
• Do not use chlorinated solvents near open flame (e.g., ovens, furnaces, space
heaters, welding operations, pilot lights) or excessive heat, because of the
potential hazards associated with thermal decomposition of the solvent. (See 3.2,
page 9-28 for a discussion of these hazards).
• Do not arc weld or torch cut in any area where there may be chlorinated solvent
vapors. (See 3.2 page 9-28 and Figure 1, Hydrogen Chloride, Chlorine and
Phosgene Releases Produced in Glove Box Welding Studies, Page 9-25). Arc
welding near equipment containing these solvents is not advisable because air
currents might direct vapors toward the welding operation.
• Do not weld or torch cut any drums which have contained a chlorinated
solvent. The residual vapors in the drum could be in a flammable range and an
explosion could result. (See 3.2, page 9-28 and Table B, Flammable Limits in
Air, page 9-28).
• Avoid prolonged or repeated contact of chlorinated solvents with the skin. (See
Appendix II, page 9-62).
• Smoking should be prohibited in areas where chlorinated solvents are being used.
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol before using chlorinated solvents or after
possible excessive exposure to chlorinated solvents, since the presence of alcohol
in the body may lower the adverse effect threshold from breathing solvent vapor.
• Clean up small spills and leaks immediately, placing solvent-laden rags or
absorbent in a closed container.
• For clean up of major spills, wear respiratory equipment as described under
Maintenance Personnel Equipment, page 9-29.
• When a chlorinated solvent has been transferred from its original container, the
new container should be properly labeled to identify its contents and to display
the proper use, storage, hazards and disposal practices listed on the original Dow
label.
• The vapors of al chlorinated solvents are heavier than air and high concentrations
tend to collect in low, unventilated spaces, such as tanks, pits and degreasers.
Needless fatalities have occurred because workers have failed to follow
standard tank entry procedures. (See 3.1.2, page 9-26).
• Do not enter tanks, pits or degreasers without wearing a supplied-air positive-
pressure breathing apparatus and a rescue harness with a lifeline. An identically
equipped observer stationed outside the vessel must be capable of performing
rescue and be prepared to do so. Other workers should be within calling distance.
9-24
 CHART
FIGURE 1:
HYDROGEN CHLORIDE, CHLORINE, AND PHOSGENE RELEASES

9-25
 • Entry into tanks, degreasers or other confined, unventilated spaces when solvent
vapors are present without the aid of adequate protective equipment and a
supplied-air positive-pressure breathing apparatus can result in exposure to
extremely high vapor concentrations. This may cause dizziness, drunkenness,
unconsciousness or death.
• Do not enter the area without wearing appropriate protective equipment and until
the tank or degreaser has been emptied and ventilated until visually dry and
another properly equipped person is present. (See 3.1.2, page 9-26 and 3.3, page
9-29).
• Use the “buddy system.” Have an appropriately equipped observer standing by
for rescue as specified in 3.3, page 9-29. In addition, other workers should be
within calling distance.
• When working inside a tank or degreaser or as an observer outside, be alert for
any sign of overexposure or illness in your fellow workers. Such signs may
include loss of inhibitions, light-headedness, giddiness or “drunkenness” and loss
of coordination. Also, be alert for any stinging sensation in your eyes, nose or
throat or feelings of headache, nausea or dizziness. These can be signs of
overexposure.
Tank Entry Procedures 3.1.2
See The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice of
Confined Entry (Designation: D4276-84), Dow Form #100-6075.
Cleaning of degreasers and storage tanks should be directed by thoroughly trained
personnel who are completely familiar with the hazards, appropriate safety precautions
equipment, rescue and first aid procedures associated with the use of chlorinated solvents.
Observe the following procedures for tank entry:
Get written permission from the supervisor.
Prepare the tank as follows”
• Lock out power feeds.
• Shut off heating systems.
• Drain solvent.
• Steam clean from outside if necessary to remove sludge or deposits from tank
walls. (Lines supplying steam should be large enough to raise the tank wall
temperature above the boiling point of a solvent/water mixture).
• Air-dry the tank.
• Vent solvent vapors properly.

9-26
 • Disconnect all pipelines, including vents, into or out of the tank. Cap pipe ends or
install a blank in the pipeline.
• Post “Worker in Tank” signs in approaches.
• Test atmosphere in tank for vapor levels.
Ventilate the tank during the entire cleaning or repair operations through openings at the
bottom or by mechanical exhaust with intake at the lower part of the enclosure.
BEFORE anyone enters the tank, it should always be tested to assure that no oxygen
deficiency exists.
Monitor the inside with instruments to assure:
• Oxygen at least 19.5%
• Solvent vapors below appropriate exposure limits listed in Table A, page 9-21).
• Flammable vapors are absent.
Before cleaning or repairs, the crew supervisor should inspect the tank carefully. The
supervisor should also make certain that manholes are easily accessible, well lighted and
of sufficient size to accommodate safety gear and that steps and ladders are rigid and well
secured. (It is advisable to provide mechanical hoisting equipment, if possible, for
removal of injured or disabled workers.).
Supervisors should check to see that all workers entering the tank or serving as observers
are equipped with necessary protective equipment (including gloves, chemical goggles,
face shields, hard hats, aprons, boots, jackets and trousers), use a rescue harness and
lifeline and have either a positive-pressure supplied-air or self-contained positive-
pressure breathing apparatus close at hand for emergency use. Supervisors should also
check the fit, operation and appropriateness of all safety equipment, clothing and
breathing apparatuses.
Operating Degreasers Safely 3.1.3
Understand the basic theory of solvent degreasing (consult the Dow publication,
Degreasing, Form No. 100-6096).
Maintain good housekeeping around the degreaser.
Do not smoke while operating a degreaser or in an area where solvent vapors may be
present.
To avoid pulling solvent vapors out of the degreaser, do not overload the degreaser or
process the work too rapidly.
Do not use baskets, racks or hangers made of porous materials which will absorb solvent
and remove it from the degreaser.

9-27
Never clean textiles, leather gloves or other absorbent materials in a degreaser, because
such materials will remove solvent from the degreaser.
Do not use a fan blowing across the degreaser opening during normal operation of the
unit, because the air current will draw vapor from the degreaser into the workplace.
Do not permit excessive heat or any open flames in the proximity of a degreaser. (See
3.2, on this page).
3.2 Flammability Of Chlorinated Solvents
The solvents discussed in this bulletin have no flash point or fire point as determined by
standard test methods (Tag Closed Cup, Setaflash, Tag Open Cup).
The Practically nonflammable properties of these solvents have been demonstrated in a
wide variety of applications.
These solvents, except perchloroethylene, do, however, have flammable limits in air and
have a flammable range when high concentrations are mixed in air (see Table B) and
exposed to a high energy source. For this reason, only electrical equipment approved
for use in hazardous locations is recommended for use in closed tanks, in areas where
high vapor concentrations may occur due to a spill or other mishap, or in other locations
where high concentrations of solvent vapor may accumulate. Take care to eliminate all
ignition sources.
TABLE B

9-28
Because it is a strong respiratory irritant, hydrogen chloride provides a warning that
decomposition is occurring. This will generally allow users to correct the condition or
vacate the area before hazardous levels of vapors can accumulate. Note, however, that
with perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene, dangerous concentrations of chlorine or
phosgene can sometimes build up before the warning properties of hydrogen chloride
become intolerable. Levels of certain breakdown products can cause serious injury or
death.
If hot processes, such as welding operations, must be performed in an area where solvent
vapors may be present, the products of combustion should be vented outside the building
through corrosion-resistant ducts. Also, where solvent vapors may be present, air for
combustion in space heaters, ovens or heat-treating furnaces should be drawn from the
outside atmosphere, well away from the outlet of any exhaust vent. Be sure that ground
leads used in arc welding will not allow stray currents into potentially flammable levels
of solvent vapors.
3.3 Protecting personnel

Health Status. There are no special or specific requirements for persons assigned to jobs
involving the handling of chlorinated solvents, except as noted in Special Consideration:
Methylene Chloride (See 2.2.1, page 9-19).

Regardless of health status, only properly trained and equipped personnel should be
permitted in areas contaminated by solvent vapor from leaking or otherwise
malfunctioning equipment.

Protective equipment should be provided and used consistently in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and all state and federal regulations to safeguard the health
and assure the safety of operators, maintenance workers and all others who work with
chlorinated solvents.

Eye baths and showers should be readily available to the workplace for emergency use as
specified by governmental regulations and walkways to these facilities should be free of
obstructions.

Safety equipment is not intended as a substitute for proper operating and maintenance
practices.

MSD sheets reflect the most recent information on health effects, handling precautions
and first aid. ALWAYS REVIEW HSD SHEETS BEFORE HANDLING DOW
PRODUCTS.

9-29
Operating personnel handling chlorinated solvents should wear the following:

• Gloves: Made from Viton fluoroelastomer, neoprene or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

Note: PVA, though solvent-resistant, is vulnerable to water. (See Appendix II,
page 9-62).

• Apron: Polyvinyl alcohol or neoprene.

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or their equivalent; chemical goggles where

liquid splash contact is likely (see MSD sheet).

Maintenance personnel should wear the following:

• Chemical goggles.

• Rescue harness and lifeline for entering tanks and enclosed or confined spaces
(see 3.1.2, page 9-26 & 9-27).

• Positive-pressure airline masks with proper reduction valves and filters or

supplied-air positive-pressure breathing equipment.

Approved industrial respirators are permissible for temporary emergency use, such as
escape from contaminated areas, but never for entry into tanks or other confined spaces
or as a substitute for adequate ventilation or proper operation.

Canisters should be discarded after use.

All equipment should be maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s

recommendations. Periodic drills for practice in using personal protective equipment,
including attaining proper fit, securing hoses, etc., are recommended.

All respiratory protection programs must conform to OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Act) requirements, as stated in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Subpart
1, Section 1910.134.

The work environment should be carefully monitored on a regular basis by trained

personnel. A halide detector, such as is employed by refrigeration maintenance workers
or its equivalent, can be used to measure airborne solvent vapors in areas that do not
contain combustibles or where flammable levels of solvent vapors are not present.

9-30
The halide detector can be used to check for leaks in connections, valves, pump packing
and any other easily accessible parts of the system where combustibles are not likely to
be present.

The halide detector employs a small propane gas flame or an electric spark, which makes
it unsuitable for use in areas containing combustibles. Note: Flammable vapor
concentrations are usually very toxic.

In areas that may contain combustibles, on overhead lines and on parts of the system not
readily accessible to checking with the halide detector, careful periodic visual inspection
can be employed satisfactorily.

To prevent joint failure and release of solvent, be sure that all connections are made with
a material that will not be affected by the solvent. Several commonly used pipe dopes
fall into this category.

9-31
 4. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 The Effects Of Legislation

Legislation for protecting the environment has had important effects on the choice of
solvents and on the methods by which they are used. Environmental regulations from
cities, states and the federal government and the total body of legislation and regulation,
can be expected to continue growing as our technology and understanding of the
environment continue to grow.

Some examples of environmental and worker safety/health regulations at the federal level
are the Clean Air Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Generally, state agencies, rather than the federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), have primary responsibility for enforcing regulations concerning environmental
protection.

Because of local conditions, each state may, if it wishes, set standards more restrictive
than those established by federal agencies.

Owners of all manufacturing operations must be aware of and comply with all
appropriate federal, states and local regulations. Contact your local Dow representative
for assistance.

4.2 Air Quality

The EPA has established certain national air quality standards, including one for
tropospheric ozone or smog.

EPA controls aim to limit the amount of those solvent vapors emitted into the
atmosphere, where, under certain conditions, they contribute to the formation of smog.

The states were required to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs).

The SIP includes regulations designed to maintain local air quality within national
standards.

The SIP generally outlines ways by which a solvent-using operation can be brought into
compliance with federal and state rules.

The SIP can be expected to include controls to limit emissions of solvent vapors into the
atmosphere.

9-32
In general, the following approaches are recommended for achieving compliance:

• Adoption of operating practices that reduce emissions of solvent vapors.

• Installation of air pollutions control devices on such equipment as vapor

degreasers.

• Modification of equipment (for example, extending the height of vapor degreaser

side walls) to reduce emissions.

• Switchover to use of an exempt solvent, if the SIP permits

4.3 Exempt Solvents

The EPA allows any state to exempt certain solvents from air pollution controls because
of their inactivity as smog precursors.

Most states with SIPs currently exempt 1,1,1-trichloroethane or methylene chloride, or

both, but some states make no exemption.

Degreasers originally equipped to operate with trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene

can be converted to use of an exempt solvent.

Conversion of a degreaser 1,1,1-trichloroethane is usually less expensive and more

efficient than conversion to methylene chloride.

4.4 Controlling Worker Exposure To Solvent Vapors

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that an employee’s
exposure to atmospheric concentrations of many materials be controlled with certain
OSHA-prescribed limits called Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL).

PEL’s may include several types of values:

TWA (Time-Weighted Average) concentrations refer to the average exposure for an 8-

hou workday. The TWA is a concentration to which it is believed nearly all workers may
be repeatedly exposed for eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, for a working lifetime,
without an adverse effect.

For most chemicals, excursion exposures above the TWA value are acceptable provided
that the 8-hour TWA is met. However, for some chemicals these excursions are limited
by STEL’s (Short-Term Exposure Limits). For these chemicals both the TWA and the
STEL values must be met.

9-33
For a very few chemicals which have older PEL’s (i.e., methylene chloride), there are
slightly different types of values. In addition to the TWA values, they have Acceptable
Ceiling Concentrations equivalent to STEL’s and Acceptable Maximum Peaks (absolute
maximum concentrations form very brief exposures).

The PEL is the 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) concentration to which it is

believed nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed for eight hours a day 40 hours a
week, for the working lifetime of the worker, without adverse effect.

The Acceptable Ceiling Concentration is the maximum allowable excursion (deviation

above the TWA) concentration to which workers may be exposed during an eight-hour
shift.

The Acceptable Maximum Peak is the absolute maximum concentration to which a

worker may be very briefly exposed (no longer than five minutes in any specified period)

See Table A, page 9-21, for specific exposure limits.

9-34
 CHART

TABLE C

Summary of Possible Health Effects, Handling Procedures and First Aid

9-35
 CHART

TABLE C

Summary of Possible Health Effects, Handling Procedures and First Aid

9-36
 4.5 Safe Storage And Disposal Of Chlorinated Solvents

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal regulatory statute
designed to provide management of hazardous wastes from manufacture to ultimate
disposal. The 1984 amendments to RCRA, signed in to law on November 8, 1984,
provide for a greatly expanded federal role in the hazardous waste management program.
These new amendments contain a number of “hammer” provisions that require the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to act by a deadline or the congressionally
prescribed regulation automatically goes into effect. These new amendments to RCRA
are having impact of varying degree on U.S. businesses that produce hazardous waste
from industrial or commercial operations. Subtitle C of RCRA sets the regulatory
requirements for the hazardous waste management program. More specifically, it details
the requirements and responsibilities incumbent on generators and transporters of
hazardous wastes as well as the owners and/or operators of hazardous waste treatment,
storage and disposal facilities. Consult your Dow representative for further details on this
program and its associated regulatory actions and requirements.

Users of chlorinated solvents must be aware of and comply with all federal, state and
local regulations governing the use, storage and disposal of these materials. Regulations
concerning storage and disposal are chiefly intended to limit solvent contamination of
water and of the soil.

Ensure that your storage, use, process and disposal practices involving solvents will not
result in environmental contamination. If not properly controlled, very small (i.e., one
quart) quantities of this product or wastes containing this product can reach and
contaminate soil. Vast quantities of ground, surface and drinking water supplies may be
contaminated at or above governmental drinking water standards (parts per billion) as a
result of improper disposal or handling. Contamination can travel great distances through
soil or with ground, surface and other water systems.

Contamination can occur from spills, leaking equipment or holding tanks, releases or
disposal of unused or spent product, process wastes, rinseate or containers of this product,
via waste stream discharges, surface impoundment leakage, movement through soils,
flooring or permeable slabs or surfaces. Special concern should be given to preventing
the entry of solvents into sewers, lakes, rivers or surface waters and water systems.
Proper spill containment should be provided where spills may occur. (See 7.2, page 9-
53). Contamination can result in aquatic, plant, animal and human health hazards.
Contamination can also be difficult and expensive to clean up. Therefore, the importance
of effective environmental controls over storage, use and disposal cannot be
overemphasized.

Contaminated solvents should be stored away from inhabited buildings and water
supplies in appropriately labeled, sealed, leak proof containers. Long-term storage of
hazardous wastes will require permitting as a waste storage facility. Routine transfer of
wastes to permitted facilities is desirable.

9-37
Action To Take For Spills/Leaks/Releases 4.5.1

Spilled solvent should not be flushed into sewers. Contaminated solvent should not be
dumped into sewers or into any body of water or on the ground.

Continually inspect and maintain your process equipment, holding tanks and spill control
devices to ensure that spills/leaks/releases do not occur. Do not allow
spills/leaks/releases on permeable surfaces. Dike applicable areas. Dike volume should
be equal to or greater than storage volume to guard against worse case situations or
spilling entire contents of storage tanks. Line dike and seal cracks with appropriate
material impermeable to the product to prevent soil soakage.

Establish a regular inspection and maintenance procedure.

Use proper protective equipment to avoid excessive exposure during clean up and act
promptly in the event of spills/leaks/releases to prevent environmental contamination.

For small spill/leaks, use sorbent immediately, allow to stand briefly and then sweep into
appropriate covered container for disposal.

For large spills/leaks, evacuate the area. Properly equipped and trained personnel should
then quickly establish temporary dikes of sandbags to contain spill if necessary; then
pump into containers for disposal. It is likely that contaminated soil may need to be
treated as hazardous waste.

Comply with federal, state and local laws in responding to, reporting and cleaning up
spills.

For assistance and/or information, call Dow Emergency Response (1-409-238-2112) or

CHEMTREC Emergency Response (1-800-424-9300).

Disposal Procedures For Chlorinated Solvents 4.5.2

When disposing of unused contents, spent materials or process wastes containing any
quantity of this product, the preferred options are to send waste via a permitted waste
hauler to licensed reclaimers or permitted incinerators.

Disposal practices must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws and
regulations which are intended to prevent solvent contamination of water and soils. Do
not flush or dump into sewers or open trenches, on the ground or into or near any body of
water or water system.

9-38
The container must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state and
local laws and regulations. Offer empty container to qualified reconditioner or crush
and dispose of the container in accordance with procedures approved by federal, state and
local authorities. Do not torch cut or weld empty containers as flammable vapor levels
may exist in the containers and result in fire/explosion hazard (see Section 3).

Consult The Dow Chemical Company for further information on regulatory actions and
requirements and consultants or contractors who can assist you in evaluating or
developing controls to prevent environmental contamination.

4.6 Community Right-To-Know

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) contains the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (Title III). SARA Title III
outlines requirements for providing chemical hazard information, inventory data and
emission data to local, state and federal emergency planning and response groups. The
specialty solvent are subject to most reporting requirements contained in Title III.

Consult your Dow representative for further information on this program and its
associated regulatory actions and requirements.

9-39
 5. SOLVENT SAMPLING

5.1 General Information

Because ionic material, moisture and other contaminants cannot always be detected by
visual inspection, the chlorinated solvents discussed in this manual should be sampled
according to recommended procedures. Detailed analytical procedures for these solvents
are available upon request. General guidelines for obtaining and storing solvent samples
are given here.

Sampling containers should be glass, with metal-lined or Poly-Seal screw caps. (Note:
Aluminum foil is not an appropriate lining material for screw caps. See following
paragraph).

A good liner is tinfoil (not aluminum foil) or SARAN* resin.

Aluminum in any form should not be used for storing retained samples. Plastic caps may
be used where nonvolatile matter and color and are not specification items and storage
duration is short.

Glass thief tubes or siphons are preferred as sampling devices. Those made of stainless
steel or other metals may be used, but are less satisfactory. Never allow plastic or rubber
equipment to contact solvent samples that are to be analyzed.

All sampling apparatus must be clean and dry. Under fill the container to allow for
thermal expansion of the sample. Label sample containers properly. Store samples in
tightly sealed containers, in a cool place and away from direct sunlight.

5.2 Sampling From Tank Trucks Or Tank Cars

It is suggested that analysis be done before unloading. Any pressure in the vessel should
be relieved prior to opening the anyway cover. With a tank car, this can be accomplished
by cautiously opening the 1-inch air valve. (See Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic).
Cautiously open the man way (dome) cover to avoid breathing vapors. Obtain a sample
by immersing a glass container that has been securely wired to a stiff metal rod. Close
the cover immediately. Samples may be taken during the unloading operation by
withdrawing material directly from a sampling point in the unloading line or pump.

5.3 Sampling From Storage Tanks

If sampling takes place after unloading, material should be withdrawn from the center of
the storage tank, away from the bottom or sides of the tank. Metal sample lines,
preferably of stainless steel, may be used. Valves should have polytetrafluoroethylene
packing to avoid contaminating the solvent.

9-40
 CHART

FIGURE 2: TANK CAR SCHEMATIC

9-41
 6. UNLOADING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

6.1 General Information

When unloading a chlorinated solvent, an operator should be in attendance at all times,

according to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49, Paragraph 177.8341 and Paragraph
174.67.

The latest edition of the Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets for the individual product
should be obtained from Dow and made readily available to all persons responsible for
loading or unloading the chlorinated solvent.

Transportation Equipment Data Sheets, available from your Dow representative, specify
the types of gaskets and hoses suitable for use with specific chlorinated solvents. (See
also 6.2.2, page 9-43 and 7.3.4, page 9-57).

Whenever a container is unloaded by gravity or pump, a vapor piping system may be

connected between the shipping container and the receiving tank to reduce solvent losses
that contribute to air pollution (Figure 3).

Total containment for spills, leaks and hose draining should be provided in all areas
where shipping containers are loaded and unloaded. Containment should also be
provided around storage tanks. (See 7.2, page 9-53).

Customers who receive bulk quantities of chlorinated solvents and repackage them into
55-gallon drums should implement safety and environmental controls to prevent spills
and solvent contamination. A safe working area should be provided. (See Figure 4:
Suggested Semiautomatic Drumming Station Using a Scale for Drumming Solvents from
Tank Trucks, page 9-47).

Notice: Aluminum should not be used as a material of construction for any of the
equipment used in handling, storing or processing chlorinated solvents. Aluminum may
be subject to corrosion and aluminum parts may ultimately fail and cause a spill.

6.2 Tank Cars

Specifications 6.2.1

Solvents are usually shipped by Dow in uncompartmented or compartmented tank cars

that meet DOT Specification 111A 100W1. As shown in Figure 2: Tank Car Schematic,
page 9-41, these tank cards are equipped with the following.

9-42
 • One 1-inch air valve

• One 2-inch unloading product

• One vacuum relief valve

• One 6-inch internal plug-type valve (usually top operated)

• One 2-inch unloading auxiliary external valve

• One 75 psig safety valve

The maximum allowable pressures for the safety valve and tank are stenciled near the ends of the
car. All cars have a standard safety dome work platform with rails.

Cars that meet DOT Specifications 103W and 111A 60W1 are also used in solvent service and
may be equipped differently.

Unloading Hose 6.2.2

A 2-inch diameter seamless flexible metal hose, preferably stainless steel, can be used to unload
tank cars. Polytetrafluoroethylene-lined hose sheathed in a metal braid (such as stainless steel or
bronze) or in neoprene rubber is also satisfactory. Interlocked, spiral-type hose should never be
used, as it will allow solvent to leak through the packing. Hose should be ordered in the required
length with fittings already installed by the manufacturer.

Unloading Preparations And Precautions 6.2.3

Unloading operations should be carried out only by properly equipped and trained employees
under adequate supervision.

Tank cars should be spotted accurately on a level track in a position where connections can be
made quickly and easily. Hand brakes should be applied and the wheels chocked to prevent any
movement of the car that could break the connections.

Tank cars should be grounded. Also, as a safety measure, the proper caution signs must be
affixed to the tracks in front of the tank car. These signs, usually 12 by 15 inches, are light blue,
with the legend “STOP. TANK CAR CONNECTED.” “STOP” appears in 4-inch letters. These
signs are available from safety equipment dealers.

Unless the car has been protected by a switch or gate that is closed and locked, place derails and
standard derail warning signs at the open end of the siding, at least 50 feet from the car.

Identify the proper receiving tank to receive the contents of the tank car. Also, check the
receiving tank to make sure the safety vent works and that it has a capacity equal to or greater
than the flow from the tank car to avoid receiving tank rupture. Be certain the receiving tank is
capable of containing the off-loaded solvent.

9-43
 CHART

FIGURE 3: SUGGESTED UNLOADING SYSTEM

9-44
No attempt should be made to connect or disconnect a tank car, open or close any
attachments or discharge the contents except in daylight or when adequate light is
provided.

Bottom Unloading By Gravity 6.2.4

If the tank car is to be unloaded by gravity, procedures are as follows:

1. Before removing the plug in the bottom outlet leg, check the bottom internal and
external unloading valves to make sure they are properly closed. (The internal
bottom valve is operated by the cover valve operating the wheel located on the car
dome).

2. Carefully remove the bottom plug. If the valve is slightly open, a small quantity
of liquid will be collected in the outlet leg. If leakage becomes apparent upon
loosening the plug on the bottom outlet leg, don’t remove the plug. Leave it
engaged long enough to allow liquid accumulated in the chamber to escape. If the
initial rate of leakage continues, screw the plug up tight and unload the car from
the top. (Refer to following section on top unloading.).

3. Connect the flexible hose to the 2-inch bottom outlet of the car. Check the
connection for tightness to prevent leakage.

4. Open the 1-inch air valve on the dome to relieve pressure.

5. Open the external bottom unloading valve.

6. Open the internal bottom valve and start unloading. Check to ensure that venting
is adequate for the desired unloading rate. In the event of unloading problems,
loosen the manhole bolts and cautiously open the cover a crack to permit easier
flow of the solvent. To avoid contaminating the solvent, do not open the cover
completely.

7. During rainy or high humidity weather, pad cars with dry nitrogen during
unloading to prevent moisture from entering with the air.

Top Unloading By Pump Or Gas Pressure 6.25

When top unloading is desirable, the pump-suction siphon method of top unloading may
be used. The procedure is as follows:

1. Connect the pump suction line to the 2-inch unloading valve in the dome.

2. Open the 1-inch air valve.

9-45
 3. Start the pump and proceed to unload the car.

4. During rainy or high humidity weather, pad cars with dry nitrogen during
unloading to prevent moisture from entering with the air. Pumping should not
start until adequate venting has been assured.

If pumping facilities are not available and the tank car relief devices have a sufficiently
high rating (check the maximum allowable pressure), an inert gas line may be connected
to the 1-inch air valve in the dome and the contents of the tank slowly pressured out.
Connection by means of a line with a tee is recommended, with a pressure-control valve
and gauge on the teed side and a pressure-relief valve set at 50% of relief valve set
pressure. Clean, dry nitrogen at a pressure of 20-30 psig is suitable for this purpose. The
use of air pressure for unloading is not recommended because moisture in the air could
contaminate the solvent.

Unloading Completion 6.2.6

Continue unloading until the contents of the storage tank show no increase and the
calculated amount has been added to the tank. When the tank car has been completely
unloaded, close the compressed nitrogen valve and relieve the pressure on the car. Then,
wearing all appropriate safety equipment (including chemical goggles and a positive-
pressure breathing apparatus), carefully open the dome and visually inspect the car for
complete unloading. Seal it immediately by closing all valves and outlets securely.
Remove all connection lines and replace all caps and plugs. Disconnect the ground wire
and remove the caution signs and derails from the tracks. Reverse any placards that
might be on the tank car and notify the railroad that unloading has been completed.

9-46
 CHART

FIGURE 4: SUGGESTED SEMIAUTOMATIC DRUMMING STATION USING

A SCALE FOR DRUMMING SOLVENTS FROM TANK TRUCKS

LEGEND 8. Exhaust Fan – Pickup at Drum Bunghole and

Floor Level.
1. Static Electricity Ground. 9. Eye Wash/Safety Shower Station(s).
2. Clamps and Ground Wires for Piping, 10. Emergency Stops – Locations at Pump,
Pumping and Filling System. Filling Station and Others if Required.
3. Customer’s Manual Valve – Note: Do not 11. Fire Blanket/Protective Equipment Cabinet.
open until pip connections and filling 12. Spill/Leak Drainage to Sump*
equipment have been checked. 13. Wheel Chocks.
4. Truck Valve and Operator. 14. Vent Scrubber.
5. Posted Operation Instructions. 15. Pressure Switch – Shuts of Pump when
6. Pump Switches Controlling Centrifugal Pump Valve Closes.
and Fan Switch. 16. Operator Emergency Escape Routes.
7. Filling Station – Dial Scale with Automatic 17. Sample Valve.
Shutoff, Filling Drums Using a Bottom-Filling 18. Line Drain/Cleanout Connection**
Drum Lance. (Max. Cap. 60 GPM)

*The sump should be contained, not drained into the sewer.

**Draining must be collected from the line drain.

9-47
 6.3 Tank Trucks

Specifications 6.3.1

Chlorinated solvents are available in uncompartmented or compartmented tank trucks.

The location and size of valves and outlets vary somewhat from truck to truck. While
aluminum is not recommended as a material of construction for equipment to be used in
handling chlorinated solvents, stabilized solvents may, if necessary, be shipped in tank
trucks mad of aluminum. Lower-stabilized solvents, including Methylene Chloride
Technical, Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized, PROACT solvent and AEROTHENETT
solvent, should NOT be shipped in aluminum tanks. The possibility of a reaction
between the solvent and the metal might produce corrosion of the tank, resulting gin
solvent contamination or leakage.

Loading Compartment Tank Trucks 6.3.2

When loading compartmented tan trucks, make sure the heavier solvent is over the
wheels. Tipping of a truck by fulcrum action has occurred as a result of an improperly
balanced load.

Unloading Hose 6.3.3

A 2-inch diameter, seamless, flexible metal hose, preferably stainless steel, can be used to
unload tank trucks. Polytetrafluoroethylene-lined hose, sheathed in metal braid (such as
stainless steel or bronze) or in neoprene rubber is also satisfactory. Interlocked, spiral-
type hose should never be used, as it would allow solvent to leak through the packing.
Hose should be ordered in the required length, wire fittings already installed by the
manufacturer.

Unloading Preparations And Precautions 6.3.4

Unloading operations should be carried out only by properly trained and equipped
employees under adequate supervision.

Tank trucks should be parked on a level spot, in a position where connections can be
easily made. Brakes should be set and the wheels chocked to prevent any movement of
the truck that could break the connections. The location of the truck should be such that
some slack is allowed in the hose used to connect the truck to the permanent installation.

Tank trucks should be grounded.

9-48
Pump Or Gravity Unloading 6.3.5

Unloading with a pump is preferred. Gravity unloading may be used if the storage tank is at a
lower elevation.

Customers should supply their own pump, unloading hose and connections or adapters. If
necessary, the tank truck pump and hose can be used for making the delivery. If pumping
equipment is to be furnished by Dow or the common carrier, this requirement should be specified
in the shipping orders. In such cases, carefully inspect the hoses, the pump and any special
fittings before unloading. Flush a small amount of solvent through for cleaning purposes and
collect it for waste disposal. Then flush a second quantity of solvent into a clean glass container
and examine it for color and insoluble material to make sure the hose and pump are clean. Repeat
the flushing if necessary.

The unloading procedure is as follows:

1. Check to be sure that the receiving tank has sufficient empty capacity.

2. Remove the caps from the bottom outlet and from the hoses. Connect one of the hoses
from the outlet to the suction side of the pump. Connect a second hose from the pump
discharge to the tank-filling line. If the truck is being unloaded by gravity, connect the
hose from the tank truck outlet to the storage tank inlet.

3. If the tank truck has an air vent, open it to permit pumping at the proper rate. If it has no
air vent, loosen the bolts on the manhole and crack the cover slightly. Both operations
should be carried out slowly and carefully to relieve pressure.

4. Open the proper valves in the storage tank lines.

5. Open the truck outlet valve and start the pump.

6. Check the storage tank to make sure it is vented properly, that the proper lines are open
and that product is flowing into the tank.

Unloading Completion 6.3.6

Continue unloading until the contents of the storage tank show no increase and the calculated
amount has been added to the tank. Then, wearing all appropriate safety equipment, carefully
check the tank truck to see whether unloading has been completed

Close all valves and the manhole, disconnect and drain the hose and collect the drainings for
waste disposal. Replace the plugs and caps. Disconnect the ground wire.

Inert Gas Unloading 6.3.7

Inert gas can be used for unloading, but usually it is not recommended. If inert gas unloading is
to be used, specify tank trucks that meet DOT Specifications MC304 or MC307.

9-49
 7. STORING AND TRANSFERRING BULK CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

7.1 Tank Storage

Materials Of Construction 7.1.1

To prevent equipment corrosion and product degradation, it is important to keep

chlorinated solvents dry. Ordinary steel tanks are usually satisfactory for storing
chlorinated solvents. Where exceptional product purity is required, stainless steel tanks
may be used or carbon steel tanks may be coated with high-baked phenolics or equivalent
solvent-resistant materials.

Do not use aluminum or other “white” metals where they may contact solvent or solvent
vapors, which can be corrosive to such metals. This includes instruments, valves and
pressure relief devices used in solvent handling.

Tanks should be built to the ASME code for unfired pressure vessels or to API Standard
650 Appendix J. In addition, facilities and equipment must comply with all federal, state
and local codes, the requirements of all regulating agencies and the standards of the
underwriting agencies that cover such product systems.

Most chlorinated solvents have a specific gravity greater than 1.0, so tank specifications
should be written for the specific product being stored.

Selection and Preparation 7.1.2

Tank Size: This depends on shipment size, delivery time and rate of use. As a rule, tank
capacity should be 50% greater than shipment size. This insures an adequate supply on
hand and allows an entire shipment to be unloaded without delay.

Preservice Preparation: Tanks should be clean, dry and free of rust and weld scale
before being put in service. Tanks purchased from suppliers are usually shipped with a
protective coating of oil. This coating should be removed by steaming, followed by a
chlorinated solvent or detergent wash. The tank should then be thoroughly dried.

Used Tanks: Thoroughly inspect any used equipment before purchase. If there is any
doubt about the equipment, contact the original tank manufacturer. If the shell plate or
wall and head thickness are adequate, inspect the tank and pressure-test it for evidence of
corrosion or weakness. If the tank is suitable in all other respects, clean it to remove all
traces of previously stored material

9-50
 However, before deciding to buy a used tank, determine approximate cost of a new one.
You may find it more economical to purchase a new one, especially when the costs of
cleaning and installing the necessary openings are taken into account.

Tank Accessories: As illustrated in Figure 5: Vertical Solvent Storage System, page 9-

52, all tanks should be equipped with a pressure-vacuum relief valve and a vent dryer.
The relief valve should be set at a maximum of 75% of the tank’s rated pressure and
vacuum. Use of a controlled evaporation device is also recommended.

Fabricated vent dryer using calcium chloride, calcium sulfate or other drying agents are
available. Calcium chloride, if used, should be in the lump form, rather than in flake or
pellets. DO NOT use caustic soda as a drying agent for solvents, because caustic soda as
a drying agent for solvents, because caustic soda can be dangerously reactive with certain
solvents. The trap containing the drying agent should be located to allow frequent
inspection and maintenance.

The opening of the dryer should be positioned downward to prevent rain or dirt from
entering. For convenient inspection and discharge, the dryer opening should be
positioned near ground level.

Electrical Grounding: Tanks should be grounded to prevent a buildup of static

electricity. More than one rod should be used to minimize the danger of a rod’s
becoming corroded and inoperative. To eliminate any difference in potential, connect the
rods to an underground grip of copper wire. Check rods at least once every two years.

Types And Locations Of Tanks 7.1.3

It has become increasingly apparent that underground storage tanks for all organic
liquids, including gasoline and chlorinated solvents, can develop unexpected, undetected
leaks, with resultant migration of some of thee materials to groundwater. The 1984
amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulate both
existing and new underground storage tanks. Consult your Dow representative for
further information. For new installations, aboveground storage for chlorinated solvents
may be preferable because the tanks are readily accessible for anticipated monitoring and
testing.

If underground storage is already in place, a tank testing and monitoring system is

recommended. Also for old installations of steel tanks, cathodic protection can be useful
to reduce corrosion and extend the life of the tank.

A routine schedule of inspection should be established for tanks in your facility.

Due to the potential cost of removing contamination from possible leaks, a maintenance
review program is prudent. Retirement of existing underground tanks should be
considered well within their expected life.

9-51
 CHART

FIGURE 5: VERTICAL SOLVENT STORAGE SYSTEM

9-52
A light-reflecting pain should be used on all aboveground storage tanks to minimize heat
absorption and resultant vapor losses.

Vertical vs. Horizontal: Either vertical or horizontal tanks may be used for storing
chlorinated solvents. A vertical tank is usually more economical to install and occupies
less ground space, while a horizontal tank is usually easier to maintain and repair.

Vertical Aboveground Storage Tanks should have two manholes of at least 24 inches
in diameter for access and ventilation during inspection and cleaning. One manhole
should be located on the top and one on the side, as shown in Figure 5: Vertical Solvent
Storage System. Vertical tanks should be equipped with fill and drain outlets 2 to 3
inches in diameter. The product withdrawal line should be located 6 to 12 inches above
the bottom of the tank.

Vertical tanks should be set on a properly designed foundation, such as a concrete pad.

Vertical tanks designed for emptying by gravity should have the bottom slanted slightly
toward the discharge end.

Horizontal Aboveground Storage Tanks should have a manhole at least 24 inches in

diameter for access and ventilation during inspection and cleaning. If possible, it would
be advantageous to have two manholes, one at the top and one at the bottom, for venting
thoroughly during cleaning and for personnel escape. Horizontal tanks should also be
equipped with fill and drain outlets 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Some means, such as a
drain, should be provided for emptying the tank completely. Horizontal tanks should be
supported on saddles of reinforced concrete or steel.

Details on tank data and supports are shown in Figure 6: Typical Details of Horizontal
Aboveground Storage Tank, page 9-55).

7.2 Secondary Containment For Chlorinated Solvents

To prevent leakage into water systems, aboveground storage tanks should incorporate a
method of secondary containment, such as dikes and sealing of ground surface. They
should also have a method to monitor leaks from primary containers and adjoining pipes
or pumps.

Design 7.2.1

Each containment system should be designed by a knowledgeable engineer so as to

afford the most economical and efficient installation possible, consistent with meeting the
objectives of personnel, fire and environmental protection. The EPA and/or state

9-53
regulations concerning material storage and handling are continually changing; therefore,
the most current regulations and guidelines should be consulted prior to designing a
containment area.

Each installation must be designed specifically for the chemicals being handled and will
depend on such factors as flammability, toxicity and biodegradability.

Dikes shall be constructed of compatible and impermeable materials so as to contain

leaks and spills and prevent these materials from getting to surface and groundwater.
Some structures may require that a coating be applied to assure chemical compatibility
and impermeability. Joints should be sealed with a compatible sealant.

In choosing the location of a tank within a dike, consideration should be given to

containing the horizontal trajectory of a leak from the vessel.

There should be no penetrations through the floor and walls of the dike.

Pumps and other mechanical joints should be located inside the containment area or be
provided separate containment equivalent to the tank containment.

Proper drainage of the diked area to a collection point must be provided. There should be
no direct sewer connections to the dike collection area. Provisions shall be made for
appropriate analysis of all rain water collected in the dike prior to discharging such water
to any sewer system.

Railroading car and tank truck loading and unloading stations shall be contained against
accidental spillage or overflow. The containment system shall be sloped to a sump sized
according to the guidelines for storage tank containment. The associated piping and
pumps shall be contained as part of the rail/truck loading/unloading station.

Volume 7.2.2

The volume of a dike is defined to be:

For a dike enclosing a single tank, the volume is the total enclosed volume less any
volume occupied by the tank foundation.

For dikes enclosing more than one tank, the volume is the total enclosed volume less the
volume (up to the height of the dike) of all tanks other than the largest tank, less any
volume occupied by tank foundations.

Dikes for tanks containing Class A, B or C RCRA listed materials shall be sized to hold
from 110% to 150% of the total volume of the tank. See RCRA guidelines for more
details on the specific requirements for your material.

9-54
 CHART

FIGURE 6: TYPICAL DETAILS OF HORIZONTAL ABOVEGROUND

STORAGE TANK

9-55
Inspection And Leak Detection 7.2.3

All dikes should be inspected at regular intervals in order to assure their structural
soundness.

Leak detection systems are strongly recommended for all tanks and containment areas.
Leak detection systems should be capable of detecting leaks in the primary containment
system within 24 hours of the initial leak. The most widely used systems are those that
rely on visual inspection of the system and/or gravity flow of the leakage.

There are a variety of leak detection systems on the market which use instrumentation to
detect and sometimes pinpoint the location of leaks.

It is recommended that all containment structures be hydro-tested annually check for

leaks from the secondary containment structure. In some cases this test may be required
by law.

7.3 Related Equipment

Pumps 7.3.1

If methylene chloride is stored underground or if an elevated pump location is

contemplated for any reason, the operator should consider the high vapor pressure of the
product when the lifting capability of the pump is calculated.

Centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pumps of ductile iron or carbon steel casing
are satisfactory for transferring chlorinated solvents. Pumps should be equipped with a
stainless steel shaft and double mechanical seals. Cast iron is not recommended for
pumps or valves.*

Piping 7.3.2

Piping should be of carbon steel unless product purity requires stainless steel. Schedule
40 pipe is usually adequate. Whenever practical, use welded fittings to insure a leak-free
system. When threaded fittings are employed, use tape made of polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) as a substitute for regular pipe “dope”. Remove cutting oils and other dirt before
placing piping in service. Pipe sections that can be closed off by valves should be
protected with relief valves if pressures can exceed the burst pressure of the pipe.

Valves 7.3.3

Steel ball, gate or glove valves are satisfactory. Bronze valves can also be used.* Ball
valves should have a PTFE seat and globe valves should have a metal seat. Rings of
PTFE or asbestos impregnated with PTFE may be used as stem packing.
*Cast iron is not recommended. Cast iron pumps or valves are susceptible to breaking or cracking due to mechanical strain and
temperature changes. This may lead to leaking of the chlorinated solvents.

9-56
Where full line flow is desired, ball or gate valves are recommended. Where throttling is
necessary, globe or needle valves may be used. Swing and lift valves are both
satisfactory as back flow prevention (check) valves.

Gaskets 7.3.4

Gasket materials must be solvent-resistant, flexible enough to conform to the flange and
resilient enough to recover from compression. Impregnated cellulose fiber or cork base
materials, Viton resin,** or PTFE-impregnated asbestos are representative materials.
Gaskets of rubber or synthetic rubber, such as neoprene or Buna N, should not be used.

Meters 7.3.5

Meters should be suitable for use with the particular solvent being handled. Information
on suitability can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. Meters should not have
any aluminum, magnesium or zinc components or any alloys of these materials (i.e.
bronze).

7.4 Tank Cleaning And Repairs

Tank cleaning should be directed by thoroughly trained personnel who are familiar with
the hazards, appropriate safety precautions, equipment and first aid procedures associated
with chlorinated solvents (See Tank Entry Procedures, 3.1.2, page 9-26).

7.5 Transfer Of Solvents From Storage

Transfer of solvent from the storage tank to the point of use can be accomplished in
several ways, depending on the transfer distance and the number of end-use points.

Gravity Flow 7.5.1

The simplest and most economical method of transfer is to pipe the solvent directly to the
point of use, using gravity flow. If the point of use is far from the storage tank or there
are several widely separated point of use, this method will not be satisfactory.

Pumping 7.5.2

As an alternative to the gravity flow method, solvent may be pumped from the storage
tank to the point of use. This method is suitable where the point of use is higher than the
storage tank or far away from it. Pumping is easiest when there is a single point of use;
however, with suitable valving, multiple end-use points can be accommodated.
Centrifugal pumps are preferred to avoid excessive pressure if deadheaded. Figure 7:
Arrangement for Transferring Solvent by Pump, page 9-58, shows a typical arrangement
for pumping from storage.
**Viton resin should not be used with methylene chloride.

9-57
 CHART

FIGURE 7: ARRANGEMETN FOR TRANSFERRING SOLVENT BY PUMP

9-58
Portable Tanks 7.5.3

Piping the solvent to the point of use is not always practical or desirable. A portable tank
on wheels or a skid is sometimes used to transport the material. The size of this smaller
tank will vary according to the size of the installation.

The portable tank can be constructed of either stainless steel or mild steel. In some cases,
a suitable lining can reduce corrosion potential. The unit should have an adequate
pressure relief device and its own permanently mounted pump, used exclusively for
solvent transfer. Any tank openings should have an attached cover to prevent accidental
contamination of the unit.

Plumbing or flexible tubing should be provided to permit delivery to the bottom of the
receiving tank to prevent splashing and unnecessary evaporation.

7.6 Maintenance

All equipment should be maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s

recommendations.

To prevent excessive solvent losses, continuous maintenance must be practiced. Because

solvents usually evaporate rapidly, a small leak under pressure can result in solvent losses
without any warning pool of liquid. A simple halide leak detector, such as is employed
by refrigeration maintenance workers, can be used to check connections, valves, pump
packing and any other easily accessible parts of the system. The halide detector employs
a small propane gas flame or electric spark which may make it unsuitable for use in areas
containing combustibles. In theses areas, on overhead lines and on parts of the system
not readily accessible to checking by the detector, careful periodic visual inspection can
be employed satisfactorily. Be sure that all connections are made with a material that
will not be affected by the solvent. Several commonly used pipe dopes fall into this
category. Polytetrafluoroethylene tape is preferred.

For More Information

For the most recent material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and detailed information on the
use of chlorinated solvents in specific applications, consult your Dow representative, or
call 1-800-477-4Dow (4369).

9-59
APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………………9-61
I. Product Application Restriction……………9-61
Some applications unsuitable; review each one….9-61
Consult MSD or Dow representative…………….9-61
METHYLENE CHLORIDE……………………..9-61
PERCHLOROETHYLENE……………………...9-61
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE…………………...9-62
TICHLOROETHYLENE………………………..9-62
II. Selection Of Gloves For Use With
Chlorinated Solvents…………………………...9-62
Avoid contact with skin………………………….9-62
Glove selection depends on application,
duration of exposure……………………………...9-62
Permeation testing of gloves……………………...9-62
HOW PERMEATION TESTING IS
CONDUCTED……………………………………9-63
ASTM Method F739-81………………………….9-63
Breakthrough time, permeation rate……………...9-63
FACTORS AFFECTING PERMEATION………9-63
Results of Dow testing……………………………9-63
Materials tested…………………………………...9-63
Thickness…………………………………………9-63
Amount of contact………………………………..9-63
Mixtures: permeation different from pure
components………………………………………9-63
INDEX………………………………………………………………………………9-70
Methylene Chloride……………………………9-70
Perchloroethyle………………………………..9-70
9-60
Temperature, effect on permeation,
breakthrough …………………………………….9-63
GLOVE CLASSIFICATION……………………9-63
Other considerations……………………………..9-63
Types available, factors to consider……………...9-63
Table AA: Permeation Resistance of
Common Glove Materials……………………..9-64
Table AB: Physical Properties of
Chlorinated Solvents…………………………..9-65
Table AC: Relative Evaporation Rates……...9-66
Figure A1: Boiling Temperatures of
Chlorinated Solvents and Oil…………………9-66
Trichloroethylene…………………….9-66
Perchloroethylene……………………9-66
Methylene Chloride…………………..9-66
Inhibited 1,1,1-Trichloroethane………9-66
Figure A2: Vapor Pressure of Chlorinated
Solvents………………………………………...9-67
Figure A3: Density of Chlorinated Solvents
as a Function of Temperature………………..9-68
Figure A4: Specific Gravity Data……………9-69
Trichloroethylene……………………9-69
Perchloroethylene……………………9-69
Methylene Chloride………………….9-69
Inhibited 1,1,1-Trichloroethane……...9-69
1,1,1-Trichloroethane………………………….9-71
Trichloroethylene………………………………9-71
 APPENDIX

I. Production Application Restrictions

Some formulations of the specialty chlorinated solvents are formulated specifically for
certain applications any may not be suitable in all end uses. Similarly, workplace and
environmental safety concerns suggest that certain applications may present handling
difficulties for some solvents. To assist you in selecting the appropriate solvent for your
application, Dow developed this partial list of uses for which we believe these materials
may not be suitable. Dow recommends that customers periodically review each
chlorinated solvent application to ensure that only the appropriate products are being used
and that such use is consistent with good product and environmental stewardship.

NOTE: Consult the Material Safety Data sheet and product literature or contact your
Dow representative for more information about specific formulations.

Methylene Chloride

General: In some applications it may be difficult to control vapors within recommended

exposure guidelines. Such applications should be carefully reviewed to ensure that
average exposures are below the ACGIH TLV.* This is especially important in stripping
floors, solvent baths without exhaust ventilation, cleaning operations and paint stripping.
Methylene chloride should not be used in direct foot contact applications.**

Formulations: Only Methylene Chloride Urethane Grade should be used for urethane
foam blowing. Only Methylene Chloride Vapor Degreasing Grade should be used for
vapor degreasing. Only AEROTHENE MM solvent should be used for aerosol
applications.

Perchloroethylene

General: Exposures can be controlled adequately in most product applications.

Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled
below the OSHA PEL. Perchloroethylene should not be used in direct food contact
applications.

Formulations: Perchloroethylene SVG is specially formulated for vapor degreasing

only and should not be used for cold cleaning or dry cleaning or other applications where
skin contact is likely to occur.
*The OSHA PEL for methylene chloride is being revised, as of June, 1990. If the revised PEL is lower then the ACGIH TLV,
exposures must be controlled below this value.

**Under certain conditions, methylene chloride may be used in spice extraction, hops extraction and the extraction of caffeine from
green coffee beans. See 21 CFR, chapter 1, section 173.225.

9-61
1,1,1-Trichloroethane

General: Exposure can be controlled adequately in most product applications.

Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled
below the OSHA PEL. 1,1,1-trichloroethane should not be used in the following
applications: fire ant insecticides, direct food contact, fire extinguisher fluid, septic tank
cleaner, presurgical cleanup in hospitals, anesthetic, adhesive tape remover from skin,
wig cleaner and sink drain cleaner.

Formulations: AEROTHENE TT solvent, Methyl Chloroform Low Stabilized, Methyl

Chloroform Technical, PROACT solvent and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Film Cleaning Grade
should not be used for vapor degreasing or in the presence of aluminum or zinc powders,
aluminum equipment, etc. (See Section 7.1.1, page 9-50 of this manual). DOWCLENE
LS solvent is specifically formulated for dry cleaning, but must be used only in
equipment designed for this solvent.

Trichloroethylene

General: Exposures can be controlled adequately in most product applications.

Applications should be reviewed carefully to ensure that average exposures are controlled
below the OSHA PEL. Trichloroethylene should not be used in the following
applications: cold-cleaning (in noncontrolled conditions, such as hand use), dry cleaning,
aerosols, electrical spray cleaning, paint, wax and varnish stripping, fabric treatment
(retail and consumer applied), pesticide carrier solvent and any use in proximity to
caustic soda.

Formulations: HI-TRI solvent should not be used for vapor degreasing.

II. Selection Of Gloves For Use With Chlorinated Solvents

Chlorinated solvents, like most other solvents, can remove natural skin oils and cause
skin irritation and dermatitis. Glove protection is strongly recommended to prevent these
chemicals from coming into contact with skin.

However, selecting gloves for use with chlorinated solvents can be confusing. Inaccurate
interpretations of test data have led many to conclude that only heavy-duty gloves can be
used with these solvents. The fact is, several kinds of gloves are appropriate. Selection
depends mainly on their use and their duration of exposure to the solvents.

To develop criteria for selecting appropriate gloves, Dow has conducted permeation tests
at its Industrial Hygiene Laboratory in Midland, Michigan. Permeation testing is one
way to determine how well a glove will withstand exposure to the chemical. Use
conditions determine the permeation resistance needed. Three categories of use
conditions, “continual,” “intermittent,” and “one-time” are defined in Table AA, page
9-64. Each category offers two or three choices of gloves.

9-62
How Permeation Testing Is Conducted

ASTM Method F739-81 is the standard method used by Dow researchers to compare chemical
barrier properties of glove materials. Researchers expose one side of a sample of the glove
material to the chemical, noting when the chemical reaches the opposite side of the material. This
is called breakthrough time.

Once breakthrough occurs, testing continues in order to determine the rate or speed of the
chemical passing through the material. The permeation rate is expressed in weight of chemical
per unit of time per unit area of glove material (mg/sec/m²). Breakthrough time indicates how
long the material serves as an absolute barrier to the chemical under conditions of immersion.
Permeation rate indicates the severity of breakthrough.

Factors Affecting Permeation

Numbers given in Table AA, page 9-64, are results of testing at Dow, under specific laboratory
parameters. Several factors can change the test results:

Material: Gloves are made of many different polymer materials, each material suited to some
chemicals better than others. Those tested in the Dow laboratories for resistance to chlorinated
solvents represent a wide range commonly found on the market.

Thickness: Permeation of the same material varies directly with the thickness. The thicker the
glove, the longer the breakthrough time and the lower the permeation rate.

Amount of Contact: In the tests conducted by Dow, the data represent the worst case(s) of
continuous immersion in the liquid.

Mixtures: The permeation behavior of mixtures can be very different from that of the pure
components. The test data given in Table AA were obtained with commercially available
inhibited solvents. These tests cannot be duplicated with mixtures containing more than about
5% of another component.

Temperature: The test data were obtained at room temperature (23˚ C). An increase in
temperature of 10˚ C causes approximately a two-fold decrease in breakthrough time and a
comparable increase in permeation rate.

Glove Classification

Other considerations in selecting gloves are dexterity and durability as well as disposable or
reusable features.

The glove categories shown here offer a guide to the types of gloves available and the variation in
permeation protection they offer. There are, of course, other factors which should also be
considered in selection of gloves for specific operations, such as dexterity and comfort. Some
other factors to consider are the availability of longer gauntlets, offering arm protection, and, of
course, durability of the gloves under actual use conditions.

9-63
 CHART

TABLE AA: PERMEATIONS RESISTANCE OF COMMON GLOVE

MATERIALS TO CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-64
 CHART

TABLE AB: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-65
 CHART

TABLE AC: RELATIVE EVAPORATION RATES.

9-66
 CHART

FIGURE A2: VAPOR PRESSURE OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

9-67
 CHART

FIGURE A3: DENSITY OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS AS A FUNCTION OF

TEMPERATURE

9-68
 CHART

FIGURE A4: SPECIFIC GRAVITY DATA

9-69
 INDEX
Note To Users: Most of the information contained in this manual applies generally to all
Dow Specialty Solvents. Individual products have been mentioned only to point out
special considerations involved in their use. The user can easily locate general
information by using the detailed Contents section, which is designed for ready reference.
The index covers exceptions only.

METHYLENE CHLORIDE
Formulations P Health And Safety P

Methylene Chloride, Technical Grade ………………9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid …9-22

Tank truck, materials of construction …………….9-48 Inhalation, specific effects …………9-19,21

Methylene Chloride, Urethane Grade …….…………9-19

Use restriction …………………………………….9-61 Handling Considerations

Methylene Chloride, Vapor Degreasing Grade ……..9-15 Pumps for methylene chloride
service …………………………….9-56

Conversion of degreaser from other solvents ……...9-33

Exempt solvents ……………………………………9-33

AEROTHENE MM Solvent …………………………9-15

PERCHLOROETHYLENE

Formulations P Healthy And Safety P

Perchloroethylene SVG ……………………………..9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid ……9-22

Developed specifically for vapor degreasing ……….9-61

DOWPER Solvent …………………………………..9-15

Perchloroethylene, Industrial ………………………..9-15

9-70
 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE

Formulations P P

AEROTHENE TT Solvent ………………………….9-15 Mehtyl Cloroform, Low Stabilized …9-15

Tank trucks, materials of construction ……………9-48 Tank trucks, materials of

contruction .…………………….…9-48

CHLOROTHENE SM Solvent ……………………..9-15 PROTACT Solvent ………………….9-15

Conversion of degreaser from other solvents …….9-33 Tank trucks, materials of

construction ………………………….9-48

Exempt Solvents ………………………………….9-33

DOWCLENE LS Solvent …………………………..9-15 Health And Safety

Eye exposure, effects and first aid …9-22

Inhalation, low degree of hazard …9-19,21

TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Formulations Health And Safety

HI-TRI Solvent …………………………………….9-15 Eye exposure, effects and first aid……..9-22

NEU-TRI Solvent ………………………………….9-15

Conversion of degreaser to exempt solvent ……...9-33

9-71
 CHART

WORK WITH SAFETY FIRST IN MIND

9-72
DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. CHEMICALS & METALS DEPARTMENT

9-73