Toolbox Talks
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Safety – Portable Step ladder
OSHA Training Toolbox Talk: Portable Step Ladders – Safety DO’s and DO NOT’s
[Reference 1910 Subpart D / 1926 Subpart X]
Many of the most common accidents that occur when we use a portable step ladder can be avoided by observing the following tips:
DO’s . . .
Always inspect your portable step ladder before use, and take it out of service if there is any deficiency found that affects its safe use.
Make sure all four feet of the portable step ladder are set on a level and stable surface, and that both ladder spreaders are fully extended and locked into place before use.
Keep your ladder, your body, your tools and any materials at least 10 feet away from energized electrical conductors (or even further for higher voltages exceeding 50kv).
Always make sure at least one of your hands is firmly grasping a rung or side rail when you are climbing up or down a ladder. And be aware that just sliding your hand along a side rail as you ascend or descend the ladder does NOT constitute “grasping” the ladder.
Maintain your balance and center of gravity on your portable step ladder by keeping your belt-buckle between the two side rails. Reposition the ladder instead of over-reaching.
DO NOT’s . . .
Never use a portable step ladder for purposes for which it was not designed. For example, do not lean a closed portable step ladder against a wall or other surface for the purpose of climbing, or stand on one that has been placed across objects in a horizontal position.
Do not use a portable step ladder made of metal or any other conductive materials when performing any task or working in an area where you, your tools or materials, or the ladder could make contact with energized electrical conductors or equipment.
Never climb up or down a portable step ladder while carrying any object that prevents you from firmly grasping the ladder with at least one hand – or that could cause you to lose your balance.
Do not place any tools or materials on the top cap or any step of your ladder that might fall and strike someone if the ladder were to be bumped or inadvertently moved.
Never stand on the top cap of a regular portable step ladder, or on the top step. Always follow the ladder manufacturer’s rules and warning stickers for proper standing surfaces.
While these are not the only precautions and prohibitions applicable to the use of a portable step ladder, heeding these simple tips can go a long ways towards protecting all of us who do use them from accidents, injuries, and even death.
Does anyone have any questions or comments about these tips for the safe use of portable step ladders? Anyone have an additional tip to share?
http://www.oshatraining.com/cmsdocuments/OSHA_Training_Toolbox_Talk_-_Portable_Step_Ladders_-_DOs_and_DO_Nots.pdf
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Safety – Portable Extension Ladder
OSHA Training Toolbox Talk: Portable Extension Ladders – Safety DO’s and DO NOT’s
[Reference 1910 Subpart D / 1926 Subpart X]
Avoid many common accidents that occur when using a portable extension ladder by observing the following tips:
DO’s . . .
Always inspect your portable extension ladder before use, and take it out of service if there is any deficiency found that affects its safe use.
Make sure both feet of your portable extension ladder are set on a level, stable surface that is not slippery; when that is not possible, the ladder must be secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement. And place a temporary barricade, such as cones or caution tape, around the ladder when setting up in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by moving equipment, other activities or traffic.
Ensure your extension ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported against the wall or other supporting surface, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment.
Set the extension ladder up at an angle so that the bottom is placed one-fourth of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see handout).
Make sure the side rails any extension ladder used to gain access to an upper landing surface extend at least three feet above the landing surface (see handout).
Keep your ladder, your body, your tools and any materials at least 10 feet away from energized electrical conductors (or even further for higher voltages exceeding 50kv).
Always make sure at least one of your hands is firmly grasping a rung or side rail when you are climbing up or down a ladder. And be aware that just sliding your hand along a side rail as you ascend or descend the ladder does NOT constitute “grasping” the ladder.
Maintain your balance and center of gravity on your portable extension ladder by keeping your belt-buckle between the two side rails. Reposition the ladder when necessary instead of over-reaching.
DO NOT’s . . .
Never use a portable extension ladder for purposes for which it was not designed.
Do not use a portable extension ladder made of metal or any other conductive materials when performing any task or working in an area where you, your tools or materials, or the ladder could make contact with energized electrical conductors or equipment.
Never climb up or down a portable extension ladder while carrying any object that prevents you from firmly grasping the ladder with at least one hand or could cause you to lose your balance.
Never attempt to move or reposition a ladder while you or someone else is standing on it.
It’s also a good idea to always read and follow the ladder manufacturer’s instructions and warning posted on the labels attached to your portable extension ladder.
Does anyone have any questions or comments about these tips for the safe use of portable extension ladders? Anyone have an additional tip to share?
http://www.oshatraining.com/cmsdocuments/OSHA_Training_Toolbox_Talk_-_Portable_Extension_Ladders_-_DOs_and_DO_Nots.pdf
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Ladder Tips
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
LADDER TIPS
Do you know there’s a killer on this job that you probably meet face-to-face everyday? I’m talking about the common, ordinary ladder. Ladders are involved in many accidents, some of which are fatal. Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect, use, and care for this tool. Let’s spend a few minutes talking about ladders.
INSPECTING LADDERS
Before using any ladder, inspect it. Look for the following faults:
- Loose or missing rungs or cleats.
- Loose nails, bolts, or screws.
- Cracked, broken, split, dented, or badly worn rungs, cleats, or side rails.
- Wood splinters.
- Corrosion of metal ladders or metal parts.
If you find a ladder in poor condition, don’t use it. Report it. It should be tagged and properly repaired or immediately destroyed.
USING LADDERS
Choose the right type and size ladder. Except where stairways, ramps, or runways are provided, use a ladder to go from one level to another. Keep these tips in mind:
- Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support point by 36″ at least.
- Don’t set up ladders in areas such as doorways or walkways where they may be run into by others, unless they are protected by barriers. Keep the area around the top and base of the ladder clear. Don’t run hoses, extension cords, or ropes on a ladder and create an obstruction.
- Don’t try to increase the height of a ladder by standing it on boxes, barrels, or other materials. Don’t try to splice two ladders together either!
- Set the ladder on solid footing against a solid support. Don’t try to use a step ladder as a straight ladder.
- Place the base of straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about one foot for every four feet of vertical height. Don’t use ladders as a platform, runway, or scaffold.
- Tie in, block, or otherwise secure the top of straight ladders to prevent them from being displaced.
- To avoid slipping on a ladder, check your shoes for oil, grease, or mud and wipe it off before climbing.
- Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing up or down. Don’t try to carry tools or materials with you.
- Don’t lean out to the side when you’re on a ladder. If something is out of reach, get down and move the ladder over.
- Most ladders are designed to hold only one person at a time. Two may cause the ladder to fail or throw it off balance.
CARE OF LADDERS
Take good care of ladders and they’ll take care of you. Store them in a well ventilated areas, away from dampness.
REMEMBER
These tips on ladders may save you from a ladder that tips.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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Driving & Pulling Nails
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
DRIVING AND PULLING NAILS
MORE DANGEROUS THAN YOU THINK
You probably haven’t thought much about safety when it comes to driving and pulling nails. Perhaps you believe there isn’t much to it. But almost everyone who drives nails eventually winds up with a bruised finger or banged-up fingernail. Other unpleasant things can happen too. A badly hit nail can fly and strike an eye, perhaps putting it out. Loose hammerheads can fly off. You can miss your target and give yourself a nasty wallop. A cracked handle can push a sliver into your palm. And it’s likely to become infected if you don’t get first aid immediately.
A KNACK TO DRIVING NAILS
Learn to drive nails quickly and cleanly. The first step is to be sure the hammer is in good condition. The head must beset at the proper angle and fit good and tight. The handle must be smooth, straight grained, shaped to give a good grip, and of the right length and weight to give good balance. The hammer face is important. Lt should be in good condition and not chipped or worn away from the shape the manufacturer gave it. Always use the right size hammer for the nail. There is an increase in the use of steel and fiberglass shank hammers. Basically, the same precautions apply that we have recommended for wooden handled hammers.
HOW TO DO IT
Drive the nail so that the center of the hammer face always meets the nail head. If it doesn’t, the nail may fly at the first blow or bend at the second. Lt requires practice to hit a nail right every time. Learn to groove your swing; that is, make the hammer head go through the same path to hit the nail head, always dead center and at right angles.
PULLING NAILS
Remember, nails left in old form lumber, packing crates, or in lumber from wrecking operations are like a snake’s fangs. Pull these nails out immediately or bend them over. You may be the one to step on them or rip your hand open. It’s easy to get hurt when pulling nails. One “do-it-yourselfer” tried to pull a 40-penny spike with an ordinary claw hammer. When it didn’t come out, he threw his weight into it. The handle broke and his knuckles landed with a wallop on the edge of the beam. Two of them were broken. He should have pulled the spike up until he could get a pry bar on it, then placed a block of wood under the bar as a fulcrum to increase the height as more of the nail was removed. Never use a “cheater” pipe on the handle.
LEARN THE KNACK
Driving and pulling nails is not as simple as it seems. But once you’ve got the knack, you can do it efficiently and reduce your chances of getting hurt.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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Flagging Traffic
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
FLAGGING TRAFFIC
Do you feel that the motoring public is out to get you? That if you don’t hop out of the way quickly enough, they will run you down? It is probably because many drivers take the attitude that we should see them and keep out of their path. Just one of the hazards of flagging traffic. When f lagging traffic, we want to do everything we can to prevent an accident. Because when an accident occurs, everyone suffers: the motorist, our Company, and us. An accident can mean damaged vehicles and equipment, personal injury, and fatalities.
SIGNS CAN’T THINK
Signs normally do a good job of giving messages or direction. But they have one disadvantage. They can’t think. And if a situation changes suddenly, our signs can’t automatically adjust. That is where we come in. A flag person is used where conditions are constantly changing and traffic instructions must change, too. For traffic control to be effective, the job has to beset up properly. We put out the necessary signs in advance to warn motorists they are entering a construction area, and to let them know that a flag person will be giving directions.
MAKE SURE THEY SEE YOU
Motorists will be looking for the promised flag person, and should be able to spot you quickly. That is one reason you wear a fluorescent vest. So you will stand out. But let’s not defeat its purpose. Don’t let a bunch of other employees gather around you, so that you can’t be seen at all. Or what do you suppose motorists think when they come upon a whole group of us waving our arms, all of us directing various pieces of construction equipment and no one directing the driver? Sometimes motorists find two persons giving them conflicting directions. We can avoid such situations by following these few basic rules:
- As a flag person, you should understand what our operation involves, so that you know what to anticipate when directing traffic.
- You should be properly dressed and neat in appearance. Foot wear is important. Remember that pavement can get mighty hot or cold, depending on the weather. Sturdy shoes or boots are advisable.
- Depending on state requirements, paddles or flags of the correct size must be used. Flags should be at least 24″ square.
- There is only one right way to signal traffic, while there are many wrong ways. We all should be using one standardized set of signals.
- Only designated flag persons should be directing traffic, except in emergency situations. These individuals must be alert to traffic conditions and the construction operations at all times.
- Never turn your back on traffic. Many a flag person has been knocked for a loop.
- Flag persons should be firm but courteous with the public at all times. The general public could well form an opinion of the construction industry as a whole by the impression they receive from you.
THEIR HIGHWAY
Always remember that it’s the public’s high-way, not the Company’s. So, we do want to be courteous. But at the same time, we want to make sure that an accident doesn’t happen. We may have to be especially firm with some motorists to keep them from hurting themselves or others. Being a flag person is a very important job, because you have the responsibility of protecting the public, your fellow workers, and yourself.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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Accident Prevention
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
Why All The Fuss About Accident Prevention?
You’ve heard lots of talk, read lots of words, about working safely on our projects. Sure it’s “old stuff” — and important stuff.
There’s lots at stake for YOU in working without injury or damage. You have much to gain by keeping fit and unhurt. One reason has a big dollar-sign in front of it. But there are other important reasons: other people who count on you for happiness, and perhaps for financial support; they also have a big stake in your safety as a construction worker.
And there are other things — like what you want most out of life. Maybe it’s a top-favorite hobby like fishing, hunting, a boat, a new set of wheels, a trip to far-off places, entering or finishing up school, early retirement, or a healthy bank account to fall back on. Keeping uninjured and steadily on the payroll has a lot to do with winning your important goals in life.
Think of all the things you’re able to do now that give you earning power; then think of trying to do these same things if you were minus a hand…or arm…or leg…or your eyesight. It’s much harder — if not impossible — for a disabled worker to reach all his major personal goals.
So don’t think about safe work practices and rules as “hemming you in” or “cutting down on your individual freedom”; think about them as positive things, designed to help you keep your freedom and your abilities, so that you have a better chance of getting what you want most out of life.
A risky habit or dangerous condition on the job is a threat to your freedom and your future. Working efficiently and without injury is the safest avenue leading from where you are to where you want to be in life.
That’s why accident prevention is worth fussing about!
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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First Aid
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
First Aid
It’s an excellent idea for construction workers and for everyone to know first aid fundamentals: how to stop bleeding, start breathing, start a stopped heart beating again, and give any other vitally needed care until professional help arrives.
Whether or not you’ve had any first aid training, you should know this principle that is too often forgotten in many emergencies: DON’T MOVE ANYONE WHO APPEARS TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. Well-meaning people often have the impulse to hoist an accident victim to a sitting position, or pointlessly move them from here to there…or from there to here.
The victim of a bad fall, or of some other accident on your project, might have internal injuries or a fractured spine; if so, trying to move him needlessly might aggravate the injury—might permanently cripple, or even kill them!
Wait until experts arrive who will transport the victim to a hospital with a minimum of danger. If the person must be moved to save them from additional danger, try to work a blanket or coat under them, then pull them gently along the ground to a safe location. If they must be lifted, support each part of his body so that his entire frame is kept in a straight line.
Good first aid is not only knowing what to do—how to stop excessive bleeding, or restore breathing; it’s also knowing what not to do—not to move a seriously injured person unless absolutely necessary.
So if someone is ever seriously hurt on the job, see that professional help is called right away—then see that what needs to be done is done… and that what needs not be done isn’t done.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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Electrical Safety
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
Electrical Safety
The following rules 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.
- 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.
- Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension.
- Splices shall have insulation equal to that of the cable.
- 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.
- 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.
- Explain to the employees which ground fault system is being used, either GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS OR ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM.
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:
- Use tools with three wire plug and make sure connections are tight.
- Check tool, equipment and cables frequently for safe condition.
3 .Disconnect tool before making adjustments or repairs.
- When using power tools in a wet area, use caution. The shock hazard is increased.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
BEFORE USING – make a 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 from 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 two-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 pigtail is attached to face plate screw. (NOTE: Screw must be tested for known “ground source”.)
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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Crane Boom Failure
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
CRANE BOOM FAILURE
When a crane boom fails, watch out. As the heavy piece comes crashing down, lives can be snuffed out and thousands of dollars worth of property damaged. Crane boom failure can be one of the biggest disasters on a construction job; yet it can be caused by poor planning on the simplest lifting job.
LISTEN CAREFULLY – IT MAY SAVE LIVES
The time to discuss crane boom failure is before it happens, not afterwards. So pay close attention to what we’re going to discuss today. The suggestions we’re going to make could save lives.
TWO MAIN CAUSES OF BOOM FAILURE
The two main causes of crane boom failure are overloading and improper loading. Some of the specific things of which we constantly should be aware are:
Overloading for length, size, or angle of boom.
Improper calculation of load weight. Remember to include the weight of all rigging.
Boom too high
Sudden release of load on near-vertical boom.
No boom stop to keep it from going over backwards.
Two blocking.
Attempting side pulls.
Top block not centered over load.
Swinging load and not paying attention to the side load on boom.
Load hitting boom.
Walking or turning too fast, causing load to swing and twist boom.
Failure to use tagline or other control on a load.
Chassis not level, causing side bend in boom.
Not using outrigger, or outriggers improperly shored.
Not enough counterweight, tipping the cab house and chassis.
Using boom with twisted members or braces. Makeshift repairs.
Improper maintenance.
Poor brakes. Worn clutch.
Failure to check boom.
Inexperienced or careless operation. Chance taking. Short cuts.
LET’S NOT MAKE THE HEADLINES
I hope you’ve taken this discussion to heart. And that you’ll always take the necessary precautions to prevent boom failures. Let’s lessen the chances of making the headlines with a tragic crane accident on this job.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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