Questions and Answers
It’s important for workplaces to safeguard employees and property with fire protection, prevention systems. Buildings have what is called ‘fire load’—a term fire protection professionals use when determining the potential severity of a fire in a building based on the presence of certain hazards—and fire prevention systems are put in place to keep a building’s … Read more
OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as “any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified.” Furthermore, OSHA clarifies chemical hazards and toxic substances pose a wide range of health hazards (like irritation to the skin) and physical hazards (such … Read more
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) was the required documentation for hazardous chemicals before OSHA aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). After its adoption in 2012, businesses that handle, store, and use dangerous chemicals must follow the guidance specified for safety data sheets (SDS). Prior to these major changes in the … Read more
OSHA also encourages employers to train workers about potential fire hazards in the workplace and how to safely respond in the case of a fire emergency—everything from evacuation routes to using firefighting equipment. As part of OSHA’s standard for fire prevention plans, employers are required to inform employees of the fire hazards they will be … Read more
When most people refer to health and safety efforts in the workplace, they primarily target eliminating workplace hazards to keep people safe from harm. However, the World Health Organization directly states that, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This infers that … Read more
According to OSHA’s top ten most cited safety violations in 2020, the most frequently cited electrical violation was the inability to control hazardous energy. In the industrial world, controlling hazardous energy is bundled together with the use of a Lockout Tagout program. Due to the safety implications that electricians and other workers face in electrified … Read more
Electricity is everywhere! It powers our kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, computers, water heaters, hairdryers, and countless other necessities in our homes. However, when improperly managed, electricity can be dangerous. It can cause fires and electrocute workers and homeowners, all of which can ultimately lead to serious injury or even death. Thankfully, there are a handful … Read more
Electrical safety audits must be performed on a regular basis for all electrical safety related programs within a workplace. More specifically, field work audits must happen yearly, and electrical program reviews must occur every three years or less. The three-year review gives the employer a chance to find outdated aspects of the safety program that … Read more
Isolation in electrical equipment, also known as power supply isolation, is primarily concerned with providing a means of separation between two circuits. While still enabling a power transfer from both electric components, electronic isolation prevents the transfer of alternating current and direct current to other parts of a system where it’s not wanted. By separating … Read more
Since its development, the guiding principles of Lean manufacturing have demonstrated to be successful for businesses in virtually any industry. From hospitals implementing Lean company-wide to small offices holding Kaizen events, Lean is proven for improving efficiency and reducing costs. One definition of Lean engineering is as a “holistic approach” that can help improve the … Read more