Safety Meeting

Given By_____________________

Topic #66

Date_________________

NEW EMPLOYEE -- NEW JOB So you're the new employee on the job -- or maybe you're an old timer starting a new job. Both of you have a responsibility to learn how to do your new job safely. Your supervisor should take the time necessary to explain the safety requirements for the work you will be doing. Here are several safety topics to think about. First Aid & Emergency: Where is the first aid station located? Where are the first aid supplies? Who is certified to provide first aid? Where are emergency phone numbers posted? Housekeeping & Sanitation: Where is the waste disposal area? Are there any materials which must be disposed of in a special manner? What are the procedures for daily cleanup? Where is drinking water located? Personal Protective Equipment: Are hard hats required at this work site? Are soft soled shoes prohibited? Check eye and ear protection requirements! What other kinds of Personal Protective Equipment are needed? Hand & Power Tools: Are you qualified to use the tools you will be using on this job? Are all the required guards in place? Are your tools properly grounded? Ladders: Is the ladder the right one for the job? Is it in good condition? Be sure the ladder is properly set up and secured. Always check a ladder prior to using it. Hazcom: Are you going to have to work with chemicals? Do you understand all of the precautions which must be taken? Find out where Material Safety Data Sheets are kept, as well as where the main chemical inventory list is located. As a new -- or seasoned -- employee there are many safety topics that you need to think about. Some other subjects which may be of particular importance on your job are: working around cranes and heavy equipment, excavations and trenching, motor vehicles, scaffolds, fall protection, and electricity. As the new guy on the block there is a lot of information that you need to comprehend. If you have a question -- ask. As a supervisor you need to be able to answer any questions a new employee may have.

Prepared by: Justin Robinson

Toolboxtopics.com

Safety Meeting
Given By_____________________
POWER TOOLS
*Know the tool you are using, its application, limitations and potential hazards. *Select the proper tool for the job. *Don't tackle a big job with an undersized tool - make-shift tools can cause accidents.

Topic #69

Date_________________

*Ground all tools unless double insulated. A double insulated tool usually has a plastic or non-conductive outside housing and 'double insulated' embossed into the case or stamped on the manufacturer's label. *If the tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole receptacle or extension cord. Never break off the ground prong, it's there for your protection. *Always remove adjusting keys and wrenches before turning on the tool. It's a good practice to make adjustments only when the tool is unplugged. *Keep your work area free of clutter and debris. These can become tripping hazards. *Tool guards are designed to make tools safer. Never remove or wedge a guard out of the way. *Construction sites change constantly. Be alert to potential hazards in your work area. *Avoid accidental start-up. Make sure the switch is OFF before plugging in the cord or when the power has been interrupted. *Make sure saw blades, drill bits, router cutters, etc., are sharp, clean and regularly maintained. Use only recommended accessories and follow the manufacturer's instructions. *Do not force the tool. Each tool can do a better job at its designed speed. Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. *Dress properly. Avoid loose clothing that could catch in moving parts. *Secure your work. Use clamps or a vise to hold your work whenever practical. *Never use a tool with a frayed or damaged cord. *Do not attempt any field repairs. Return broken tools for proper repair. *After use return the tool to its original carrying case and store in a dry, secure location.

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES AND YOU WILL FIND THAT TOOLS PERFORM BETTER, OPERATE MORE SAFELY, AND LAST LONGER.
Prepared by: Justin Robinson

Toolboxtopics.com

Safety Meeting
Given By_____________________
REFUELING

Topic #71

Date_________________

How much do you know when it comes to refueling small equipment, large equipment, motor vehicles or machinery? Internal combustion engines all run on some type of fuel. Take a look around the construction site. What do you see? You will find portable generators, water pumps, air compressors, chain saws, and cut off saws. Motor vehicles may include pickup trucks, vans, dump trucks, flat bed trucks, motor graders, bulldozers, cranes, etc. The list could go on and on depending on the size of the job. Always remember that when you are refueling you're dealing with flammable liquids which form vapors that can easily catch fire or explode. The golden rule is: Never Smoke Around Flammable Liquids Put all smoking materials out well in advance of any refueling and remind co-workers to do the same. The second rule to remember is to let that small engine cool off before you start the refueling. This is hard to do because the engine always seems to run out of fuel in the middle of what you are trying to get done, but a hot engine and flammables may cause a flash fire or explosion. A few minutes to let the engine cool down could prevent serious injury or even a fatality. When dispensing flammable liquids make sure to use only approved storage containers. Use a safety can to store flammables. Never use glass bottles or plastic milk jugs - they are not approved. The container should have a self-closing lid and a label describing the contents. When dispensing from large storage tanks or at a fuel pump, the same safety rules apply. Shut the motor off prior to filling the fuel tank. As a construction worker you have many pieces of equipment that require the use of flammable liquids. Practice fuel safety at all times (both on and off the job). Follow all your employers rules and report fuel spills to your supervisor immediately. Know where proper fire extinguishers are located (try to have one with you while refueling) and how to use the extinguisher correctly. Your life may depend on it! Before dispensing any flammable liquid be sure the area is well ventilated.

Prepared by: Justin Robinson

Toolboxtopics.com

Safety Meeting
Given By_____________________

Topic #72

Date_________________

JOB SAFETY CHECKLIST

Always follow all safety rules and regulations. Learn to recognize unsafe conditions and be sure to correct them. Make safety your responsibility -- don't depend on others. Handle hazardous materials properly -- check the MSDS for accurate information. Develop good housekeeping habits. Inspect electrical and hand tools before use. When it's heavy get some help. Don't be a hurt hero. Never smoke around flammables. Read and heed signs and other warnings. Don' t take chances -- check it out first only fools rush in. Watch out for pinch points and sharp edges. Keep your work area neat and clean. Avoid horseplay -- someone always gets hurt. Report injuries to your supervisor promptly. Near misses are warnings -- the next time could be much worse. Wear personal protective gear properly and whenever required. When in doubt -- lock it out. Select the right tool for the job. Wear your seat belt -- the life you save may be yours. Check the label and read the manufacturer's instructions before use. Watch out for others on the job. Follow proper trenching safety guidelines -- bench, shore, or sheet. Call for help when there is an emergency. Ask questions whenever you're in doubt.
IF IT DOESN'T LOOK, FEEL OR SMELL RIGHT SAVE THE DAY & BACK AWAY!

Prepared by: Justin Robinson

Toolboxtopics.com

Safety Meeting
Given By_____________________

Topic #76

Date_________________

SHORTCUTS ARE KILLERS

Most of us have the necessary skills and knowledge to do our jobs well, and most of us don't want to hurt ourselves or anyone else. Why then do we take 'shortcuts,' setting up ourselves and others for injury? The following is a list of things we often do, even though we know we shouldn't! 1. You can't fool safety devices - but we remove or wedge back safety guards so they won't protect us! 2. We shouldn't take a chance when operating heavy equipment - but we don't use the seat belt that is provided! 3. We know that flames or sparks are not permitted around flammable liquids - but some of us smoke around them! 4. A protruding nail in a guard rail can cause an injury - but we don't bother to remove it or bend it over. 5. Horseplay causes a lot of injuries on the job - but many of us continue to play practical jokes. 6. A circular saw can amputate a finger - but we insist on using the saw without a guard! 7. We know the safe way to climb a ladder - but we climb it with one hand full of tools! 8. We should wear our personal protective equipment - but we leave our goggles strapped up on our hard hats! 9. We know better than to use chemicals without reading the MSDS - but we use the chemical anyway! 10. We should wear a life jacket when working over water - but we go out over the water without one! 11. A bump or bruise to the head ran realty hurt - but we continue to work without our hard hats. 12. It's dangerous to block fire fighting equipment - but we stack boxes of material in front of fire extinguishers! 13. We know not to work within 10 feet of a power line - but there's just one more load of steel to be unloaded and it won't happen to me! This is a short list, you can probably think of a lot more because we all, at one time or another, have been guilty of taking shortcuts. Usually it's because we are attempting to save some time. Occasionally someone comes up with an idea that works, and is a time-saver. That's great, as long as safety is not sacrificed. Your life and your health are too important to risk by taking stupid chances, and that is exactly what 999 out of 1000 shortcuts are - stupid! Get smart - think safety first - always! Don't take Shortcuts! If you're injured, the minute you saved may cost you days, weeks, or months of recovery time.

Prepared by: Justin Robinson

Toolboxtopics.com