Tti Tailgate Safety Topic - December 23, 2013

ANZI Z358.1 recommends that eye and face wash fixtures should deliver water between the temperatures of 60 and 100 degrees F. This temperature range is considered to be the most effective in providing relief and minimizing damage in case of eye or face exposure to hazardous substances or materials. Water that is too cold or too hot can cause discomfort or further harm to the affected area. Therefore, maintaining the water temperature within the specified range ensures optimal safety and effectiveness of the eye and face wash fixtures.

The statement provided states that workplace fatalities have decreased by more than 65% since 1970, and occupational injury and illness rates have declined by 67%. Additionally, it mentions that the U.S. employment rate has almost doubled. Based on this information, it can be inferred that the statement is true, as it suggests that despite an increase in employment, the rates of workplace fatalities and occupational injuries and illnesses have significantly decreased.

Benzene exposure is known to have a strong association with the development of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, it is important to note that leukemia is not an acute effect of benzene. Instead, it is a long-term effect that may occur after prolonged exposure to benzene. Acute effects of benzene exposure include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even death in severe cases.

Benzene is found in gasoline, used as a solvent, and is used in making plastics, dyes, resins, and pesticides. It is also a carcinogen and can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting. The odor threshold of benzene varies greatly from person to person, so it is not a reliable indicator of safety. Benzene has an OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 5 ppm for an 8-hour work shift.

Exposure to certain drugs and chemicals can indeed cause hearing loss. Some medications, such as certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, have been known to have ototoxic effects, meaning they can damage the structures in the ear responsible for hearing. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace or environment, such as loud noise or heavy metals, can also lead to hearing loss. Therefore, it is true that hearing loss can be caused by exposure to certain drugs and chemicals.

When inserting an ear plug, it is recommended to hold it in place for 20 to 30 seconds while it expands in the ear. This duration allows the ear plug to properly conform to the shape of the ear canal, ensuring a snug and effective fit. Holding it for a shorter time may result in incomplete expansion and reduced effectiveness, while holding it for longer may not provide any additional benefits. Therefore, 20 to 30 seconds is the recommended duration for holding the ear plug in place.

This statement is false. While it is true that silica exposure primarily leads to chronic effects, it is not accurate to say that there are no acute effects. Short-term exposure to high levels of silica can cause acute health effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and take necessary precautions even during short periods of high exposure to silica.

According to the information in the presentation on silica dust, the safest amount of dust in the air during work is zero. This means that there should be no detectable amount of silica dust in the air to ensure the safety of workers. Even small amounts of silica dust can be harmful to health, causing respiratory issues and potentially leading to serious conditions such as silicosis. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a dust-free environment to protect the well-being of workers.

Prohibiting eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, and applying cosmetics in regulated areas is an example of a work practice control. Work practice controls involve implementing specific procedures or practices to minimize or eliminate hazards in the workplace. In this case, the practice of not allowing these activities in regulated areas helps to prevent potential contamination or exposure to harmful substances. It is a measure taken to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in the workplace.

The statement is false because when implementing hazard controls, there is a preferred order in which hazard controls should be used. The hierarchy of hazard controls, known as the "Hierarchy of Controls," prioritizes the elimination or substitution of hazards first, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE). This hierarchy ensures that the most effective and reliable controls are implemented first before resorting to less effective measures like PPE.

Engineering controls are measures put in place to minimize employee exposure to hazards in the workplace. These controls work by either reducing or removing the hazard at its source or by isolating the worker from the hazards. This can include implementing ventilation systems, installing safety guards on machinery, or using automated processes to reduce the need for manual labor. By implementing engineering controls, employers can create a safer work environment and protect their employees from potential harm. Therefore, the statement that engineering controls minimize employee exposure by either reducing or removing the hazard at the source or isolating the worker from the hazards is true.

The disadvantage of using a Draeger Pump and detector tubes is that they have a large range of sensitivity. This means that the measured reading can vary by up to +/- 25% from the actual value. This wide range of sensitivity can lead to less accurate readings and potentially misinterpretation of the data collected.

The statement is false because when reading the Draeger tube after drawing the air sample, the correct procedure is to read to the point where the darkest discoloration is visible. This means that any areas where the discoloration is faint or just visible should be discounted. Therefore, the statement that the discoloration should become progressively lighter is incorrect.

According to the presentation, people can walk on extremely slippery surfaces by modifying their speed and stride, provided they know about the dangerous condition. By adjusting their speed, individuals can slow down to reduce the risk of slipping. Additionally, modifying their stride can help maintain balance and stability while walking on slippery surfaces. Therefore, the combination of speed and stride adjustment can enable individuals to navigate such surfaces safely.

Pouring hot water on windows to clear condensation or frost can cause the glass to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. This is especially true if the windows are already cold. It is best to use a scraper or defroster to remove the frost/ice from the windows instead.

A cold environment can indeed challenge workers in three ways: air temperature, air movement (wind speed), and humidity (wetness). Cold air temperature can cause discomfort and increase the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Air movement, especially if it is windy, can intensify the effects of cold temperature by increasing heat loss from the body. High humidity in a cold environment can also make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature, leading to increased discomfort and potential health risks. Therefore, it is true that a cold environment can pose challenges to workers in these three ways.

In 2013, the #1 cited standard for violations was Fall Protection. This means that the most common standard that was violated by companies or individuals during that year was related to fall protection measures. This could include failing to provide proper safety equipment or failing to implement adequate safety protocols to prevent falls in the workplace.

The Lock Out/Tag Out standard does not cover general safety requirements for designing electrical systems. It is specifically focused on the control of hazardous energy sources during maintenance or servicing of machines and equipment.

Personal sampling involves placing collection devices on individuals to measure their personal exposure to certain substances or pollutants over specific periods of time. It is not about placing collection devices within designated areas. Therefore, the given statement is false.