Plant Maintenance
Health and Safety Policy
June 2005
The procedures outlined in this Manual, together with pure common sense, if diligently applied, with respect to the legal guidelines, should work to successfully minimize accidents and injuries in the workplace.
The procedures contained in this manual cannot be compromised, yet no manual can predict and allow for every situation. Professionalism, experience and common sense together with legal guidelines, are the policy and practices that should be followed in such situations.
Safety is everybody’s job, regardless of position in the Board. There are no half measures.
The Plant Maintenance Department is committed in the objective of ensuring that our employees, contractors and sub-contractors are aware and adhere to the importance of Health, Safety and Wellness.
We, in fulfilling this commitment, shall make every effort to promote and provide a safe and healthy work environment and attitudes that eliminate foreseeable hazards. Furthermore, we will regularly review and update this safety policy and program to ensure that it will continue to be effective.
We will always comply with the latest requirements of the Government of Ontario Occupation Health and Safety Act and Safety Regulation.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that machinery and equipment are safe and that employees work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures through adequate training in their specific work tasks.
All employees, Contractors and subcontractors are responsible to ensure that workers work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures. The most effective Health and Safety policy is one in which the employer and employees cooperate in putting the policy into practice.
Every worker must protect their health and safety by working in compliance with the laws of the land, using good safe work practices and procedures established by the Board and or specialist in the field. No work is exempt from these rules.
Any contravention of these legal requirements is a direct violation of the law and any such actions shall be reported to Senior Board Management. Each employee, contractor, sub-contractor, supervisor and manager must understand that maximum safety can only be achieved by complete cooperation and resolved dedication.
It is in everybody’s best interest to consider health and safety in every activity. Commitment to health, safety and wellness is a fundamental part of the Maintenance department.
The Occupation Health & Safety Act & Regulation define the responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker. This document is intended to enhance and clarify these responsibilities. We consider the Occupational Health and Safety Act as a minimum standard; our goal is to do better. If there is any conflict between the Act and our policies, then the Act shall take precedence except where the Board’s rule is more stringent.
The primary responsibility for the employer is to ensure that all employees work in a safe and healthy environment. This is accomplished, in part, by ensuring that all are familiar with the applicable laws and this safety policy. In addition, we require that:
- The provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the appropriate regulations are adhered to at all times.
- All equipment, materials and protective devices that are prescribed are provided.
- All item equipment and protective devices are maintained in good condition.
- Safe work procedures and practices are carried out at all times on the job.
- Supervision, training, information and instruction shall be provided as required.
- Every reasonable precaution shall be undertaken for the protection of all workers at every job.
- Employees have the opportunity to contribute to accident prevention programs and methods to improve safety.
- All accidents are fully investigated, with the findings forwarded to senior management for appropriate action.
- All workers are aware of any actual or potential hazards that may be present at the job.
Safety violations are dealt with as a major breach of policy, and will result in disciplinary action.
- Ensure employees work in compliance with the Ontario Occupation Health & Safety Act and Regulation for Construction Projects.
- Ensure that all workers work in a manner that shall not endanger themselves or other workers.
- Ensure that workers use and wear the required proper personal protective equipment to prevent injury.
- Advise workers and employer of specific health and safety hazards that they are aware of.
- Provide information and training as required to protect the safety of the workers.
- Take every reasonable precaution to protect all workers from injury.
- Smoking is not permitted on Board property in accordance with Motion 64 (88 02 02).
- No eating or drinking except in offices, kitchen and/or lunch room in the Keaton facility, or the designated areas in other buildings.
- Practice good housekeeping. Keep your work area on the job site, your department and your vehicle clean and orderly.
- Be alert, correct or report immediately to your supervisor any unsafe acts or unsafe conditions.
- Safety rules of each department in which you work must be observed while you are in the area.
- Keep your work area on the job site, your department and your vehicle clean and orderly.
- Any doubt about the safe way of performing any part of a particular job should be discussed with your Lead Hand or the Maintenance Supervisor.
- Approved safety shoes shall be worn by all personnel on the job site, workshops and warehouse. Visiting salaried employees and other occasional visitors are exempt from this rule, providing their visits are of an infrequent nature.
- Approved safety glasses must be worn during working hours by everyone, including visitors in the designated workshop areas of the maintenance facility.
- The proper eye protection must be worn when welding, grinding cutting and drilling or any task which could cause eye injury, both on the job site and in the workshops.
- Hard hats must be worn when overhead maintenance work is being carried out, or where there is any chance of head injury, due to falling objects or working conditions.
- Never engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct while at work.
- Consumption and/or possession of intoxicants or illegal substance during working hours are prohibited.
- Do not come to work under the influence of intoxicants and/or illegal substances.
- Uniforms must be properly fastened and tucked in at all times.
- Wearing of jewelry, in particular rings, bracelets and neck chains is prohibited.
- Only designated personnel who have received training or have demonstrated competency shall operate the fork lift, hydraulic scaffold, and any other specialized lifting or elevating equipment.
- Never use defective hand or power tools. Report all defective tools to your Lead Hand or the Supervisor immediately.
- When transporting materials, (planks, ladders, scaffolds, etc.) through a work area, it must be done with extreme care.
- Use ladders and other correct climbing devices to reach elevations. The fork lift, with fitted safety cage, may be used for high level work, providing a driver remains at the controls at all times.
- All ladders shall be placed on a firm footing and shall be tied off at the top, or held at the bottom where it is not possible to secure.
- Use both hands when climbing ladders. Do not carry tools or materials up ladders Use tool belts or hoist
- Faulty extension and step ladders must be tagged, removed from the school and returned to the Maintenance workshop for rectification or disposal.
- Signs and barriers must be used whenever an overhead job is being done, or where there is any chance of injury to people in the area.
- Safety belts must be worn where there is no safety rail or when hazardous footing could cause a fall from a high installation. Caution - anchor ropes must not exceed six feet.
- Where and when practical, electricians shall shut down the electric power supply. If this is not practical, every precaution must be taken to ensure the safety of the individual.
- Electrical lockout and tagging procedure must be followed when working on machinery and electrical services.
- Safety Guards must NOT be removed from power tools and equipment.
- When drilling or grinding small pieces of metal, hold them in a vice or other clamping device.
- When in doubt about any procedure, ask for information or direction from a Supervisor.
Keep the workplace safe and maintain constant observation for unsafe acts and conditions. Inspection of the workplace shall be carried out on a regular basis with particular attention to:
- Material Storage
- Flammable and combustible storage and handling
- Fire Protection and Prevention (Hot Work)
- Temporary electrical power supplies
- Ladders
- Machine Guarding
- Personnel Protective Equipment
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken for granted.
Housekeeping is not jut cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly; maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic “panic” cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents.
- Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents, such as:
- Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms
- Being hit by falling objects
- Slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces
- Striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material
- Cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire or steel strapping
To avoid these hazards, a workplace must “maintain” order throughout a workday.
Effective housekeeping results in:
- Reduced handling to ease the flow of materials
- Fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas
- Decreased fire hazards
- Lower worker exposures to hazardous substances
- Better control of tools and materials
- More efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance
- Better hygienic conditions leading to improved health
- More effective use of space
- Reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance
- Less janitorial work
- Improved morale
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be fewer strain injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual materials handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with work but they should still be readily available when required.
Stored materials shall not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers, or first aid stations.
Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials shall be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose. Storage of materials shall meet all requirements specified in the fire codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction.
- Store flammable or explosive materials such as gasoline, oil and cleaning agents apart from other materials.
- Keep flammable and explosive materials in proper containers with contents clearly marked.
- Post signs prohibiting open flames and other ignition sources in areas where flammable materials are stored.
- Store and chain all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.
- Mark empty cylinders and store them separately from full or partially full cylinders.
- Ventilate all storage areas properly.
Cutting, brazing, soldering and welding operations (commonly referred to as hot work) are associated with Keaton shop, maintenance, and construction activities, as well as certain laboratory-related activities. Potential health, safety, and property hazards result from the fumes, gases, sparks, hot metal and radiant energy produced during hot work. Hot work equipment, which may produce high voltages or utilize compressed gases, also requires special awareness on the part of the worker to be used safely. The hazards associated with hot work can be reduced through the implementation of effective control programs.
Areas where hot work is done shall be properly designated and prepared. Combustible and flammable materials within the work area shall be protected against fire hazards and the operation shall not pose a hazard to others in nearby areas. To help achieve this, the following controls shall be used:
- Cutting, Brazing, Soldering and Welding operations are restricted to authorized, properly trained individuals;
- If possible, hot work performed in a properly designed shop area equipped with all necessary controls and adequate ventilation;
- Move combustible materials at least 35 feet from the work site. If this is not possible, protect combustible materials with metal guards or by flameproof curtains or covers (other than ordinary tarpaulins);
- Cover floor and wall openings within 35 feet of the work site to prevent hot sparks from entering walls or falling beneath floors or to a lower level;
- Fire resistant curtains and/or tinted shields used to prevent fire, employee burns, and ultra-violet light exposure.
- Hot work shall not be conducted in the presence of explosive mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts.
While Brazing & Soldering are not deemed “hot work” the task poses the similar risks as Welding and appropriate precautions, although not so extensive, are required and necessary.
- Brazing & Soldering operations are restricted to authorized, properly trained individuals;
- If possible, the work shall performed in a properly designed shop area equipped with all necessary controls and adequate ventilation;
- Move combustible materials at least 20 feet from the work site. If this is not possible, protect combustible materials with metal guards or by flameproof curtains or covers (other than ordinary tarpaulins);
- Cover floor and wall openings within 5 feet of the work site to prevent hot material from creating a fire hazards
- Brazing & Soldering shall not be conducted in the presence of explosive mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts.
A person or the operator must perform fire watch duties and remain at the work site for at least 60 minutes after hot work operations have ended. Additionally, the following steps shall be taken:
- A fire extinguisher rated at not less than 3-A:20-B:C must be available in any shop areas where hot work is performed;
- A fire extinguisher rated at not less than 3-A:10-B:C must be attached to all portable Cutting, Brazing, Soldering and Welding carts;
- If a building or area is equipped with a sprinkler system, then that system must be operational when hot work is performed.
Storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders are important parts of many Cutting, Brazing, Soldering and Welding operations. The following should be observed:
- Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders shall be stored separately with the protective valve caps in place. Except when in use, oxygen and fuel gas cylinders shall be stored at least 20 feet apart;
- Cylinder carts equipped with a cylinder restraint, such as a chain or strap, shall be used for all transporting of compressed gas cylinders;
- Cylinders shall be secured from tipping, in an upright position;
- Regulators must be compatible with the cylinder and its contents. Many regulators are similar in design and construction. Check the regulator’s model number and compare that with the cylinder’s requirements.
LPG and Propane are one of the highest causes of fines in construction and maintenance.
Most construction fires have simple causes and can be dealt with by simple precautions. The following are particularly important:
- Make sure that LPG or PROPANE cylinders and other flammable materials are properly stored. LPG or PROPANE shall be stored outside buildings in well-ventilated and secure areas.
- Flammable materials such as solvents and adhesives shall be stored in lockable steel containers;
- LPG or PROPANE supplies shall be fumed off at the cylinder when not in use. This is particularly important out of hours;
- Make sure the LPG or PROPANE equipment and fittings are properly maintained. Damaged hoses and fittings or makeshift connections are extremely dangerous because they can easily lead to leaks;
- If there is any suspicion that LPG or PROPANE is leaking, stop using it and check. Leaks can be identified by hissing, smell or using soapy water, but NEVER with a naked flame. Only light up when you are certain that there are no leaks and that any vapor which has leaked has dispersed.
The electrical current in our schools and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because coming in contact with the “hot” or live part of the socket could kill a person.
There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:
- Direct contact with the electrical energy.
- When the electricity arcs (jumps) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the electricity).
- Thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc, and flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents. High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
- Muscle contractions, or a startle reaction, can cause a person to fall from a ladder, scaffold or aerial bucket. The fall can cause serious injuries.
- Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
- Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage cords causing fire and shock hazards.
- Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
- Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.
- Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working with or near electricity or power lines.
- Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
- Know where the circuit breakers and fuse boxes are located in case of an emergency.
- Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
- Do not use power tools with the guards removed.
- Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
- Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current first.
- Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.
- Disconnect power supply before making adjustments.
- Ensure tools are properly grounded or double insulated. The grounded tool must have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug shall be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.
- Do not bypass the switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
- Do not use electrical tools in w hfgget conditions or damp locations unless tool is connected to a GFCI.
- Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
- Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapors or gases.
- Do not leave power tools unattended in schools
- Keep power cords clear of tools during use.
- Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
- Do not use light duty power cords.
- Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
- Do not tie power cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.
Portable ladders shall be inspected at frequent, regular intervals and maintained in good condition free from oil, grease, or other slippery materials. Defective ladders shall be removed from service until repaired. Those which cannot be repaired shall be destroyed.
Care shall be taken while setting up ladders, ensuring that a proper angle is maintained. A simple rule for setting up a ladder is to place the base out from vertical a distance of one-fourth the length of the ladder. For example, if a ladder is being used to reach a height of 8 feet, the base should be set out 2 feet from vertical to achieve a proper angle. Ladders should always be placed on stable bases. Boxes, barrels, or other unstable surfaces shall never be used to obtain additional height. Additionally, ladders should not be place on slippery surfaces unless secured by holding or lashing.
Portable metal ladders shall be inspected before use and removed from service if found defective. Because metal ladders will easily conduct electricity, they must never be used for work on or near exposed electrical conductors.
There seems to be as many hazards created by moving machine parts as there are types of machines. Safeguards are essential for protecting operators from preventable injuries.
Any machine part, function, or process that might cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it could injure to the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be either controlled or eliminated.
Dangerous moving parts in three basic areas require safeguarding:
- The point of operation: that point where work is performed on the material, such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
- Power transmission apparatus: all components of the mechanical system that transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.
- Other moving parts: all parts of the machine that moves while the machine is working. These may include reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving parts, as well as feed mechanisms and auxiliary parts of the machine.
The safeguards on machines are there for your protection. They should NOT be removed or tampered with. A removed or ineffective safeguard is no safeguard at all.
If the safeguard provided impedes an operator from performing their job, they should bring the matter to the attention of their supervisor. Overriding the safety system is strictly forbidden.
Even the most elaborate safeguarding system will not protect you if you don’t know how to use it or why it is there. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, ask your supervisor for appropriate information and applicable training.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes all types of equipment used to increase individual safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks. This may include safety glasses, hard hats, safety belts and harnesses, gloves, coveralls, respirators, or any equipment used to protect against injury or illness.
Appropriate eye and face protection, such as safety glasses, goggles, and face shields, must be used to protect against the hazards associated with flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids and caustic liquids, chemical gases and vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
A protective helmet (hard hat) must be worn when working in areas where there is the potential for injury from falling objects or exposed energized electrical conductors that could contact the head.
Protective footwear must be worn at all times while at work. Protective footwear protects against potential for foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, from objects piercing the sole, or from exposed energized electrical conductors that could contact the feet.
Hand protection must be worn to protect against hazards of skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, or harmful temperature extremes.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Regulation 692/80 requires under:
Subsection 46(1) power supply to electrical installations, equipment or power lines shall be disconnected and locked out of service prior to any work being done on, or proximity to, the installations, equipment or power lines;
and
Subsection 80 where the starting of a machine, transmission machinery, device or thing may endanger the safety of a worker, control switches or other control mechanisms shall be locked out; and other effective precautions necessary to prevent such starting shall be taken, R.R.O. 1980, Reg. 692, s. 80.
While these regulations and this procedure are specific to the hazard associated with the accidental starting of a machine and general electric shock, it does not preclude the employee’s responsibility of ensuring that all sources of power, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, compressed air and gas are safely locked out.
Each employee is responsible for their own safety and shall individually comply with lock-out procedures. No employee shall rely on someone else for lock-out protection.
Each employee performing work that requires services to be locked-out shall apply their own lock to each source of power. If more than one employee is involved in the work then each employee shall apply their own lock. (Two employees-two locks, etc.)
The following elements are part of a proper lock-out procedure.
· Understand how the equipment works.
· Know how to turn off electrical power or break the circuit.
· Lock off air, gas, steam or other valves at the source of power and open the necessary valves to bleed off residual pressure so that if such a valve were opened later, there would be no pressure in it.
· Drain or bleed off hydraulic lines.
· Block or otherwise immobilize gravity devices such as flywheels or motors.
· Machines – lock-out switches and wait for all moving parts to stop.
· Lock-out primary switches do not rely on secondary protection such as limits or micro switches. This means: block all power at the source. Before work commences, a ‘zero energy state’ shall be in effect. Turn off the main disconnect switch and open the disconnect box to make sure all knives or connectors are disengaged. Remove fuses with approved and suitable fuse pullers.
· Each worker working in or on the machine should be protected by personally placing his/her own safety lock on the disconnect switch. Locks should identify the user by name.
· Locks shall be key type with only one key per lock.
· Identify any related systems that may be involved and ensure their lock-out if necessary.
· Use tags to spotlight work in progress.
· Test equipment using a complete checklist as a guide.
o Push the start button to determine the circuit has been deactivated.
o Verify that all movable parts are at rest.
o Ensure that no one is in the danger zone(s).
· When work has been completed, each worker may then remove his/her lock.
· Before restarting machines and equipment, make sure:
o Guards are secured in place
o Braces, pins, chains and blocks have been removed
o All tools used are accounted for
o Tags and locks been removed by authorized persons
Any employee removing another person’s safety lock
shall be subject to disciplinary action.
In the event of a lost key or the departure of an employee from the work site without removal of their safety lock, then the employee in charge shall contact his supervisor for instruction. No employee’s lock shall be cut-off without authorization from his supervisor.
Paint can be hazardous if it is used without taking common sense precautions. While most paint is not an especially high-risk substance, many paints contain ingredients that can cause health and safety problems. Workers must know the hazards and the basic protective measures that can make painting as safe.
· Keep all equipment clean, in good working condition and stored in its proper place.
· Wear proper PPE when working including but not limited to the following:
o Clothing that fully covers the skin.
o Gloves that resist specific paint ingredients.
o Eye/face protection if recommended. (Safety glasses, goggles, hoods or face shields.)
o Properly fitted respirators where required.
o Use protective skin creams when appropriate.
· Keep area clean and access to tools and equipment uncluttered.
· Be aware of these potential hazards:
o Rashes, swelling, etc., from short term skin contact.
o Eye irritation; sore throat, cough, runny nose; nausea, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms from short term inhalation.
o Liver, kidney, lung, digestive system, central nervous system damage from long term or massive exposure.
o Sensitization (skin or respiratory) to any future exposure from long term or massive exposure.
o Fire - avoid using paint in an unventilated area; never expose it to an ignition source such as a spark, lit cigarette or static electricity.
o Explosion, especially if closed container is exposed to high heat.
o Reactivity from mixing with or exposure to other substances, including water.
· If you or a fellow worker are exposed to a paint hazard:
o Inhalation - Get to fresh air immediately. Oxygen or artificial respiration may be needed.
o Skin contact - Wash with soap and water after removing any contaminated clothing.
· Eye contact - flush eyes with warm water for at least fifteen minutes and get medical attention at once.
· Know where the MSDS book is kept and how to read an MSDS. Check labels of all chemicals and MSDS's for ingredients, hazard, protective procedures and PPE.
· Ventilation: Painting in a well ventilated area reduces the chance of inhaling hazardous vapors, and makes fires much less likely.
· Don't mix paints with other substances without approval.
· Keep paints away from ignition sources
· Keep paint containers closed and tightly sealed when not in use.
· Don't use paint from a container with missing or illegible label.
· Wash before eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup or touching contact lenses.
· Remove paint from skin according to manufacturer’s recommendations, NEVER use solvents or thinners.
· Contain and clean up any spills immediately, according to MSDS and supervisor's instructions.
· Dispose of empty paint cans and combustible rags promptly in proper receptacles.
· Dispose of excess paint, thinners and solvents according to proper procedures.
· Be prepared for an emergency. Fast, proper first aid is critical when someone is overexposed to a paint product. For inhalation related problems, get the person to fresh air right away. If needed provide oxygen or artificial respiration. For rashes or other skin problems, remove contaminated clothing and wash thoroughly with soap and water. When paint comes in contact with the eyes, flush eyes with warm water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical care.
· Report all accidents to your supervisor immediately.
· Schedule painting to occur when the area is unoccupied (for example, evenings, on weekends or during vacation periods), and allow time for paint odours to dissipate before occupants return to the area. If the area being painted has a heating, cooling, and ventilation system that is shared with other areas, those areas should also be unoccupied. Special consideration should be given to exam periods and other times when sensitive individuals may be less able to modify their activities to avoid contaminants.
· Use supply and exhaust fans to remove paint fumes from the building. Operate supply fans continuously (24 hours/day, 7 days/week), at the highest possible outdoor air supply setting, from the beginning of the painting work until several days after painting has been completed.
· Block return openings to prevent air circulating from the work area to occupied areas.
· Schedule exterior painting to occur when the building is unoccupied (e.g., evenings, weekends or vacation periods).
· Do not use anything that could spark or flame when in a spray booth.
· Keep space heaters, hot surfaces, portable lamps or trash that could catch fire out of spray booth.
· Keep only as much paint as needed for the job in the spray booth and be certain spray booth
· Check that a fire extinguisher and/or sprinkler are available for spray booth tasks.
· Clean spray booths with non-sparking tools.
· Make certain the spray booth ventilation system is performing to standard.
· Wear protective clothing that fully covers skin.
· Wear gloves to protect against specific ingredients.
· Wear eye and face protection.
· Wear respirators in spray booths and when otherwise required.
· Use water-based rather than oil-based paint whenever possible.
Asbestos is a generic term used to describe any of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Because of several desirable characteristics, asbestos was incorporated into a number of widely used products, many of which were used in building construction beginning in the late 1800’s. By the mid 1980’s, most products containing asbestos had been removed from the market. When left intact and undisturbed, these materials do not pose a health risk to building occupants.
There is potential for exposure only when the material becomes damaged (e.g., torn or missing pipe insulation coverings). If powdered or friable forms of asbestos are disturbed, fibers may become airborne resulting in a possible inhalation hazard. In no friable asbestos products (e.g., floor tiles, roofing materials, etc.) the fibers are bound in a matrix which prevents their release to the air unless the material is cut or abraded. Therefore, these materials present even less of an exposure hazard.
In many cases, it is not possible to readily distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos forms of the same product (e.g., pipe insulation, fireproofing, etc.). In general, laboratory analysis is required to confirm whether or not a material contains asbestos.
The Board has established a comprehensive program of identification and each facility has a detailed manual indicating it’s location of known or suspected asbestos containing materials in the building. Copies of all manuals are also available at the Keaton facility.
If you find damaged material that contains or is suspected of containing asbestos, do not touch and contact your Supervisor, who shall arrange for appropriate action to be taken.
For quick reference, pipework painted blue in Mechanical Rooms are suspected as containing asbestos.
In the interest of Safety, the following work and related actions are not permitted to be undertaken when a facility is occupied.
- Lifting of equipment over the building by mechanical means
- Repairs that involves “hot work”, i.e. welding, flame cutting, and hot asphalt or open flames roofing.
- Pressure testing of pipe work where test pressure is in excess of 25 p.s.i.g.
- Removal of asbestos or other hazardous material, unless area is confined under the Code.
- Chemical cleaning of Air Handling Equipment.
- Start up of gas appliances for the FIRST TIME.
- Welding on gas pipework.
- Do not carry out welding on gas service before purging with nitrogen and verifying that ALL gas has been dispelled.
In the interest of safety, the following do not’s shall be observed
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked even for a few minutes.
- Do not leave your vehicle idling even for a few minutes.
- Do not under any circumstances park vehicles in Fire Lanes.