The purpose of this training is to give field technicians awareness training and guidelines on potential hazards they may encounter in the field.

Transcription

1 Purpose The purpose of this training is to give field technicians awareness training and guidelines on potential hazards they may encounter in the field. Manual Material Handling Manual material handling is a risk factor in the field and a cause of soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains to the back, shoulders etc. Four out of five injuries involve the lower back, and three out of four occur during manual lifting. This section provides an overview of risk factors, the proper lifting techniques and some preventative measures that have been designed to lessen the risk of injury. There are several risk factors associated with soft tissue injuries. The more risk factors that are present, the greater the chance that injury will occur. Risk factors are associated not only with the physical work environment, but also with the product being handled and administrative policies. Risk factors include: Distance of the object from the body This is the distance from the lower back to the hands when holding an object in front of the body. The greater the distance, the higher the risk that injury will occur. To avoid injury, objects should be able to be handled within 10 inches (25 cm) of the worker s body. Weight of the object This is one of the biggest risk factors for injury. Lifting heavy objects requires more strength, and workers are more likely to use improper lifting techniques such as twisting so that momentum can be used. Lifting heavier objects requires more energy and may cause fatigue, which increases the possibility that the worker will make errors and use improper lifting techniques. Having two or three workers lift as a team, or using mechanical lifting devices to handle large, heavy, or awkward objects, are possible solutions. Distance of object from floor Lifting objects that are located close to the floor is more likely to cause back injury, since it requires more bending and greater energy use. Lifting objects that are above shoulder height can also cause injury, since it requires hyperextension of the trunk. Materials should be stored at heights where the majority of workers can handle them between mid-thigh and shoulder height. Twisting while lifting and bending forward Twisting the back while lifting and bending forward places major stress on the back and shoulders. It increases the pressure on the lower back and causes overstretching of ligaments. Good employee training on proper lifting techniques and a well-designed layout of storage areas, equipment, and materials will encourage employees to lift properly. In areas where the layout cannot be changed, emphasis should be placed on training employees to assess an object before bending and lifting and reducing the frequency of lifts and lowers. Poor handholds When handholds are not adequate, the risk of dropping objects is increased. A poor handhold also decreases the amount of weight a worker can safely handle by about 10%. Without an adequate handhold, the hands and arms need more force to support an object, and the worker is more likely to use awkward postures if the object starts to slip or if the worker needs to change grasp positions while lifting, lowering, or carrying. The worker will also have to bend down further to lift an object from the floor if there are no handles to grasp. If handholds can be provided for an object, the following factors should be considered: The handhold should be wide enough to accommodate a very large hand. Usually the best design will allow for the most powerful grasp. Handholds with sharp edges or square corners should be avoided whenever possible. Locate the handhold at or slightly above the line passing through the center of the object. Assessing Risk It is important to assess the potential risk of injury when moving objects. Doc # TRNCC-05 Rev 1 February 25, 2015 Page 1 of 5

2 Factors that should be considered when assessing risk include: Size, weight, and shape of the object, which can contribute to awkwardness. Motion used to move the object, including bending, twisting, and repetition. Distance reaching for and lifting an object, as well as the distance the object needs to be moved. Height from which an object is lifted and to which it is lifted. Duration and frequency of manual handling tasks. Appropriateness of work surfaces. Physical abilities of the worker. Education and training needs in safe operating procedures or safe lifting practices. After assessment, the next step is controlling risk factors. Controls are changes that can be made to the physical work environment, equipment, tools, work processes, and employees behavior to reduce the number or level of risk factors. Proper Lifting Technique Proper lifting can significantly reduce the risk of injury. The following are steps that should be taken to lift an object properly: Make sure that the pathway is clear before moving an object. Size up the object that needs to be lifted. Ask for help if necessary. Get a firm footing. Keep your feet at shoulder width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other. This will allow for a wide base of support and stability. Either put one knee down on the floor or put one in front of the other and squat. Bend your knees, not your back. Do not bend at the waist. Keep the principles of leverage in mind. Tighten your stomach muscles before lifting. Abdominal muscles help to support your spine. Keep the object close to your body. Lift the object with a smooth body motion. Avoid jerking. Lift with the legs, arms, and shoulders. Back muscles should be used minimally. Lift light objects with one leg in the air, bending forward on slightly bent knees. Lowering is the same as lifting, only in reverse. Anytime the weight of an object exceeds the physical capacity of the employee, team lifting and/ or manual aids will be used. If additional assistance is not available, do not attempt the lift, and contact your manager. Powered Industrial Trucks A powered industrial truck (PIT) is defined as any industrial truck or tractor powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine. This includes (but is not limited to) forklifts, tow motors, motorized pallet jacks, order pickers, and parts delivery vehicles. Powered Industrial Truck Program guidelines: When using fork-mounted work platforms all persons working from fork-mounted work platforms must have received fall protection training and must utilize an adequate and properly configured personal fall restraint system. Employees must be certified to operate each type and class of powered industrial trucks they are authorized to operate. Contact your manager or supervisor if certification is needed. Employees required to operate powered industrial trucks must first obtain certification by taking and passing the six training modules available in JELD-WEN Online Training. Once these modules are complete the operator shall receive and must pass a performance evaluation. Operator restraints must be utilized correctly on all equipment for which they are provided. If operator restraints are missing or damaged the equipment may not be used. Recertification is required at a minimum every three years or as mandated by the JELD-WEN Powered Industrial Truck Program. All PIT s will be inspected prior to use utilizing the JELD-WEN Pre-shift Inspection Checklist (Checklist - A). These forms must be maintained on file for a period of thirty days. If an inspection identifies any deficiencies, the PIT must be taken out of service until the deficiencies are corrected. Doc # TRNCC-05 Rev 1 February 25, 2015 Page 2 of 5

3 PIT s must be used for their intended purpose only and according to manufacturer s specifications. For more information regarding this section, refer to the JELD-WEN Risk Management Manual Section F - Subsection 500: Powered Industrial Truck Program or contact your field manager or supervisor. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/ Tagout) Hazardous energy appears in the workplace in the form of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, gravity and thermal energy. This includes chemical, water, steam and gaseous energy systems. Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) prevents the unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy that could cause injuries or fatalities. Field Employees will be authorized by their manager or supervisor to perform specific lockout/tagout procedures once they have been properly trained. Lockout/tagout procedures will be applied: When maintenance or servicing is performed on machines or equipment that requires any part of the body to enter into a danger zone. When performing self-service/ maintenance on the service vehicle. To prevent unexpected startup of equipment or machines. Any time there is a potential exposure to hazardous energy. When working on or repairing electrical plug-type equipment such as office equipment, powered hand tools, vacuums, grinders, etc., the following sequence of procedures must be utilized to prevent accidental or sudden startup: Unplug electrical equipment from socket. Attach and lock a plug box on the end of the equipment power cord. Verify de-energization of equipment by depressing the start or on switch. Ensure the power switch is in the off position after verification. Perform the intended task. Replace all guards that were removed. Remove the plug box from the end of the equipment power cord. Inspect the power cord for damage before plugging it in. When working on or repairing motorized vehicles including carts, autos, PIT s, mobile scaffolding, and similar equipment, the following sequence of procedures must be utilized to prevent accidental or sudden startup: 1. Remove the ignition key(s) and maintain control of the key(s) throughout the servicing and/or maintenance. 2. Attach a tag to the steering mechanism or control panel, in a readily visible location, indicating the following or similar: Danger Under Repair Do Not Operate 3. Set brake and block the wheels of the vehicle to prevent accidental movement. 4. Secure all hydraulic and pneumatic systems to prevent accidental movement. 5. If possible, detach battery cables from the battery. 6. Disable and isolate any other potentially dangerous mechanisms. 7. Dissipate any residual energy. 8. If you must raise attachments, make sure they are blocked and secured to prevent accidental falling. For more information regarding this section, refer to the JELD-WEN Risk Management Manual Section G Subsection 605: Control of Hazardous Energy Program or contact your manager or supervisor. Basic Electrical Safety (Including Overhead Power Lines) The job may require the use of electrical appliances and power tools. In addition, there may be overhead power lines in proximity to the work area. Guidelines that will minimize the chances of electrical shock and injury: Cord and plug-connected equipment and extension cords must be visually inspected before each use. Any damage or hazard must be repaired or the cord replaced prior to use. Extension cords and other electrically powered equipment must be used in conjunction with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Doc # TRNCC-05 Rev 1 February 25, 2015 Page 3 of 5

4 GFCI protective devices must be inspected on a monthly basis. Assess the job site for overhead power lines before beginning the work utilizing the Worksite Hazard Assessment form. Never get closer than 10 feet (3 meters) to an overhead power line. This includes you or any tool, ladder, pole, etc. that you are carrying. If it is impossible to maintain a 10-foot (3 meter) distance to overhead power lines, the lines must be deenergized and grounded. Arrangements must be made with the utility that operates or controls the lines. If the utility cannot de-energize and ground the lines, other protective means such as guarding, isolating, or insulating must be used. The utility company personnel must perform this function. Use only non-conductive ladders when working near overhead power lines. Employees are not permitted to approach or carry any object closer than 10 feet (3 meters) to an energized line. The only exception is for trained and qualified employees/ contractors using insulated tools designed for high voltage lines. If using crane or boom equipment near energized lines rated at 50,000 volts (50kv) or less, the minimum distance between the energized lines and any part of the crane (boom, load, line, etc.) shall be at least 10 feet (3 meters). If using crane or boom equipment near energized lines rated at 50,000 volts or more, the minimum distance between the energized lines and any part of the crane shall be at least 10 feet (3 meters) plus 4 inches (40 cm) for every 10,000 volts over 50,000 volts. For more information regarding this section, refer to the JELD-WEN Risk Management Manual Section I - Subsection 800: Basic Electricity Program or contact your manager or supervisor. Hand and Power Tool Safety Hand tools include non-powered devices such as screwdrivers, pliers, chisels, etc. Power tools include pneumatic, electric, hydraulic and liquid-fueled. The greatest hazards posed by hand and portable power tools are improper use and lack of maintenance. Summary of basic safety procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools: Use and maintain tools with care. Keep them sharp and clean for the safest performance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lubricating and changing tool accessories. Use the right tool for the job. Don't force a small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy- duty tool. It overstrains the tool and overloads the motor. Keep guards in place and follow lockout/tagout procedures before servicing or cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters. Unless it is designed for it, never use a portable electric tool where there are flammable vapors or gases present. Perform a pre-use visual inspection of all tools to ensure they are safe and in good shape before using them. If the tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, it must be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle. If an adapter is used to accommodate it to a two-prong receptacle, the adapter wire must be present and attached to a known ground. Never remove the third prong. Do not disable or bypass guards or safety switches. Do not operate a tool that has a defective guard or safety switch. Keep the cord in good condition. Keep it away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Never carry a tool by its cord, or tug the cord to disconnect it from a receptacle and never carry a plug-in tool with your finger on the switch. Report any defective or broken plugs or insulation on cords, and take the tool out of service to be repaired or replaced. Another hazard of power tools is electric shock - always ensure it is plugged into a GFCI protected source It is dangerous to use power tools in damp or wet locations. Moisture helps electricity flow more easily through the body. Rubber gloves and footwear are recommended when working outdoors where it is damp. Loose clothing or jewelry can get caught in moving parts. Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields protect against flying particles or chips from entering the eye or face. Keep others out of the plane of rotation so they won't be hit by flying particles. Doc # TRNCC-05 Rev 1 February 25, 2015 Page 4 of 5

5 Keep your balance and proper footing when working with power tools, being careful not to over reach. When you've finished with the tool, store it so that it can't cause an injury to another worker. Keep the work area well lit and clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. Powder actuated tools will not be used unless employees are trained and authorized by management. For more information regarding this section, refer to the JELD-WEN Risk Management Manual Section G - Subsection 705: Hand and Power Tools or contact your manager or supervisor. Doc # TRNCC-05 Rev 1 February 25, 2015 Page 5 of 5