Module M2UB pages 95-114
Class C
(conductive) provides no electrical protection Hard hats should not be confused with another class of protective headgear on the market called a "bump hat," designed for use in areas with low head clearance. They are recommended for areas where protection is needed from head bumps and lacerations. These are not designed to protect against falling or flying objects and are not ANSI approved.
Class E hard hat
(electrical) tested to withstand 20,000 volts Helmets are intended to reduce the danger of exposure to high voltage conductors. Test samples are proof-tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer
Class G
(general) tested at 2,200 volts Helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact exposure to low voltage conductors. Test samples are proof-tested at 2,200 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer.
Because there are different classes of fires
, there are also different classes of fire extinguishers.
Hard Hat Description
A hard hat is worn when a potential for head injury from impact and penetration from falling objects or an electric shock or arc hazard exists. Hard hats must have a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell from 1 to 1 1/4 inches (2.54 cm to 3.18 cm) away from the head. This type of design provides shock absorption during an impact and ventilation during normal wear
Usage of eye googles
A variety of safety goggles exists to meet different eye protection needs. A lab goggle intended to protect your eyes from chemical splashes and dust, for example, probably won't have the impact resistance of a goggle intended to be used by an arborist clearing trees and branches from utility lines and using a chipper to reduce them to mulch. Because of the wide variety of goggles available, you must carefully analyze your work environment to determine the protection needed and then choose your goggles to protect your eyes from those risks. If the risks vary from task to task, you may need to have multiple goggles so that you can change them out to fit the task you are working on at the time. Courtesy of Klein Tools, Inc. Energy Industry Fundamentals — Module 2 112 Employers may supply each worker with appropriate goggles for their job, or they may have goggles that are shared among workers performing a given task.
Cleaning Eyeware
Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may be necessary. • Eye and face protection equipment that has been previously used should be disinfected before being issued to another employee. • When employees are assigned protective equipment for extended periods, the equipment should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. • Several methods for disinfecting eye-protective equipment are acceptable. The most effective method is to disassemble the goggles or spectacles and thoroughly clean all parts with soap and warm water. • Carefully rinse all traces of soap and replace defective parts with new ones. • Swab thoroughly and immerse all parts for 10 minutes in a solution of germicidal deodorant fungicide. • Remove parts from solution and suspend in a clean place for air drying at room temperature or with heated air. • Do not rinse after removing parts from the solution because this will remove the germicidal residue that retains its effectiveness after drying.
eye googles Cleaning
Careful cleaning with appropriate materials is important to maintain goggles. Improper techniques can cause scratching of the lens, removal of optical coatings that help to protect the eyes, and even deterioration of the goggle material. When goggles are shared by employees, it is important to thoroughly clean them for each user. If the cleanliness of the goggle impairs vision, goggles should be cleaned. • Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may be necessary. • Eye and face protection equipment that has been previously used should be disinfected before being issued to another employee. • When employees are assigned protective equipment for extended periods, the equipment should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. • Several methods for disinfecting eye-protective equipment are acceptable. The most effective method is to disassemble the goggles and thoroughly clean all parts with soap and warm water. • Carefully rinse all traces of soap, and replace defective parts with new ones. • Swab thoroughly or completely and immerse all parts for 10 minutes in a solution of germicidal deodorant fungicide. • Remove parts from solution and suspend in a clean place for air drying at room temperature or with heated air. • Do not rinse after removing parts from the solution because this will remove the germicidal residue that retains its effectiveness after drying.
A new ANSI standard, ANSI Z87.1-2010, has been released that is organized by type of hazard.
Changes were also made in the way protection levels are indicated on the device. You should be aware that these differences exist so you will know if you are being protected.
Class K fire
Cooking Oils (vegetable or animal oils and fats)
All employees should be familiar with and periodically trained in the operation and use of fire extinguishers so that
Employees will understand the importance of using only approved fire extinguishers to fight fires near exposed, energized parts and if it becomes necessary to use any solution or liquid that might act as a conductor, by de-energizing all neighboring electrical equipment
Usage
Employers must ensure that their employees wear head protection if any of the following apply: • Objects might fall from above and strike them on the head. • They might bump their heads against fixed objects, such as exposed pipes or beams. • There is a possibility of accidental head contact with electrical hazards. Some examples of occupations in which employees should be required to wear head protection include construction workers, carpenters, electricians, linemen, plumbers and pipefitters, timber and log cutters, and welders, among many others. Whenever there is a danger of objects falling from above, such as working below others who are using tools or working under a conveyor belt, head protection must be worn. Hard hats must be worn with the bill forward to protect employees properly.
Class C fire
Energized Equipment/Electrical Fires (electrical sources still supplied with power)
When using a fire extinguisher to put of a fire always
Ensure you have an unobstructed escape route to your back.
Hazard type:Impact
Examples of Hazard: Flying objects such as large chips, fragments, particles, sand, and dirt. Common Related Tasks: Chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, wood working, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, and sanding.
Hazard type: Optical Radiation
Examples of Hazard: Radiant energy, glare, and intense light. Common Related Tasks: Welding, torch-cutting, brazing, soldering, and laser work.
Hazard type: Chemicals
Examples of Hazard: Splash, fumes, vapors, and irritating mists. Common Related Tasks: Acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, and working with blood.
Hazard type:Heat
Examples of Hazard:Anything emitting extreme heat. Common Related Tasks: Furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding.
Hazard type:Dust
Examples of Hazard:Harmful dust. Common Related Tasks:Woodworking, buffing, and general dusty conditions.
Face Shields Description
Face shields are intended to protect the entire face or portions of it from impact hazards such as flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles. When worn alone, face shields do not protect employees from impact hazards, but should be used in combination with safety glasses or goggles. Face shields consist of two parts, the head gear and the window shield. Headgear supports the window shield and secures the device to the head. Face shield windows extend from the level of the brow to below the chin and across the entire width of the face. Some will wrap around to protect the side of the head and ears as well. The window material may be plastic to provide against light impact and may be clear or filtered. Wire-screen windows protect against some moderate impact but are not recommended for use involving chemical or liquid hazards. Wire screens also help to shield the face from a variety of heat hazards. Some face shields are designed to mount to a hard hat under the visor of the hat. Welders need greater protection from heat and optical radiation so they will wear welding helmets. Welding helmets protect the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter, and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering, and cutting. For complete protection of the eyes, safety glasses or goggles may be worn beneath the welding helmet or face shield. The welding helmet is constructed of heat resistant material such as vulcanized fiber or fiberglass and fitted with a filtered lens to protect the worker's eyes from burns caused by infrared and or other intense radiant energy. The filter lenses are tinted to coincide with specific radiant energy exposure. The table below in standards describes the lenses to use for each level of protection.
Class B fire
Flammable Liquids (oils, gasoline, grease solvents, lacquers)
Storage •eyeware
Goggles should be kept in a case when not in use. Spectacles, in particular, should be given the same care as one's own glasses, since the frame, nose pads, and temples can be damaged by rough usage. • Items should be placed in a clean, dust-proof container, such as a box, bag, or plastic envelope, to protect them until reissue.
Eye Googles Storage •
Goggles should be kept in a case when not in use. • Items should be placed in a clean, dust-proof container, such as a box, bag, or plastic envelope, to protect them until reissue.
safety glasses may bear a variety of different markings that you should be aware of.
Impact protector (must meet High Mass Impact, High Velocity Impact, and Penetration tests) shall be marked Z87+. • Non-Impact Protector (must meet all requirements, except impact requirements) shall be marked Z87. • Lens: Manufacturer's mark, and, if applicable, "S" for lenses with less than 85% visible light transmission. • Frame components: All major components shall bear Manufacturer's mark and shall be marked Z87. • Optional tests and markings: There are optional tests for Welding lenses, UV lenses, IR lenses, and VLT filters. If these properties are claimed, they have to be marked on the lens. • Welding: W-followed by shade number • UV filter: U and scale number • Visible light filter: L and scale number • IR filter: R and scale number
It is critically important to understand the classes of extinguishers and their appropriate uses because ....
In a fire emergency, if you select the wrong class of extinguisher, the fire could actually become worse.
Examples of energy and utilities industry electric shock hazards include:
Inadequate wiring • Exposed electrical components • Overhead power lines • Defective insulation • Improper grounding • Electrical overload • Wet conditions • Faulty tools or equipment • Improper use of PPE
Class A fire
Ordinary Combustibles (paper, wood, cloth, rubber, most plastics)
Remember the acronym "PASS" for safe fire extinguisher use.
P - Pull the Pin A - Aim at the base of the fire S - Squeeze the handle S - Sweep from side to side
Standards Eye and face PPE
PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer. [OSHA CFR 1910.133(a)(4)] The following minimum requirements must be met by all protective devices. Protectors shall: • Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed • Be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed • Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions • Fit snugly and not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer • Be durable • Be capable of being disinfected • Be easily cleanable • Be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer As mentioned earlier, glasses meeting the ANSI Z87.1-1989, ANSI Z87.1-2003, and ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard will satisfy the OSHA CFR 1910.133 standard. Therefore, safety glasses may bear a variety of different markings that you should be aware of.
Maintance
Periodic cleaning and inspection will extend the useful life of protective headgear. A daily inspection of the hard hat shell, suspension system, and other accessories for holes, cracks, tears, or other damage that might compromise the protective value of the hat is essential. Paints, paint thinners, and some cleaning agents can weaken the shells of hard hats and may eliminate electrical resistance. Consult the helmet manufacturer for information on the effects of paint and cleaning materials on their hard hats. Never drill holes, paint, or apply labels to protective headgear as this may reduce the integrity of the protection. Do not store protective headgear in direct sunlight, such as on the rear window shelf of a car, since sunlight and extreme heat can damage them.
Type I hard hat
Protection from blows to top of head
Type II hard hat
Protection from blows to top/sides of head
Safety Glasses (Spectacles) Description
Safety glasses are intended to shield the wearer's eyes from eye hazards from flying fragments, objects, large chips and particles, and glare. Safety glasses are required to have side shields when there is a hazard from flying objects. Dielectric (nonconducting) safety glasses must be worn while working on live exposed electrical parts. To encourage workers to use safety glasses more consistently, manufacturers have worked hard to improve their appearance, offering more modern designs with sleeker looks.
Fit and Sizing safety googles
Safety goggle frames must be properly fitted to the worker's face to form a protective seal around the eyes. Poorly fitted goggles will not offer the necessary protection. If wearing eyecup safety goggles, make sure they cover the eye sockets completely. Some goggles are made to fit over the user's own prescription glasses. Be sure the goggle is sufficiently sized to fit over the glasses and still fit to the face to protect the eyes.
Safety Goggles Description
Safety goggles are tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets, and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust, and splashes. Some goggles will fit over corrective lenses. Safety goggles are intended to shield the wearer's eyes from impact hazards, heat hazards, chemical hazards, dust, and with special lenses even optical radiation. Goggles come in ventilated (both direct and indirect) and nonventilated versions. Ventilated goggles tend to be cooler and to resist fogging. Goggles with tinted lenses can protect eyes during acetylene burning, cutting, or welding but are not recommended for arc welding. A specialty goggle is the laser safety goggle. These specialty goggles protect against intense concentrations of light produced by lasers. The type of laser safety goggles an employer chooses will depend upon the equipment and operating conditions in the workplace.
Every company has its own guidelines and regulations regarding fire extinguisher use.
Some companies instruct employees who are not trained or designated to fight fires to immediately evacuate the area at the first sign of fire or fire alarm activation and are prohibited from using a fire extinguisher.
Accessories
Some protective headgear allows for the use of various accessories to help employees deal with changing environmental conditions, such as slots for earmuffs, safety glasses, face shields, and mounted lights. Optional brims may provide additional protection from the sun and some hats have channels that guide rainwater away from the face. Protective headgear accessories must not compromise the safety elements of the equipment. For example, adding some hearing protection devices may reduce the Class rating from an E to a G or C rating if they are not dielectric.
Hard Hat Standards
The current ANSI standard is ANSI Z89.1-2009
Usage eye and face ppe
The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions. While working in a hazardous area where the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn. Nonconductive eyewear will be worn while working on live, exposed electrical parts. Secondary protective devices such as face shields are required in conjunction with primary protective devices during severe exposure to impact hazards. Safety glasses alone do not give adequate protection when working with chemicals
There are five broad categories of hazards to the eyes and face.
The table below will help to assess these risks. As we discuss each type of protective eyewear in the following sections, we will refer to the five risk categories to identify the hazards protected against by each type of protective eyewea
Eye and Face Protection
There are three types of protection from eye and face injuries: safety glasses (sometimes referred to as spectacles), safety goggles, and face shields. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers. The employer must assess the workplace and determine if hazards that necessitate the use of eye and face protection are present or are likely to be present before assigning PPE to workers.
Standards The standards for safety glasses also cover safety goggles.
These include OSHA CFR 1910.133 and ANSI Z87.1-1989, ANSI Z87.1-2003, and ANSI Z87.1-2010.
It should be noted that the OSHA standard requiring eye and face protection, CFR 1910.133, requires that equipment be constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards referring to ANSI Z87.1-1989 and ANSI Z87.1-2003.
These standards discuss regulations for glasses, goggles, and face shields independently
All work tasks involve certain hazards, but when working around electricity, the hazard can become life-threatening. For example,
a mistake made during a switching operation can result in serious injury or even death because of the high voltages and the large amounts of current involved. However, there are times when equipment must be taken out of service to be worked on safely and thus switching is a necessity. The operator must have the best protective equipment available and must be trained thoroughly in the use of this equipment. Under these circumstances, even if a mistake is made, the operator will be much more likely to avoid serious injury.
. If a fire cannot be immediately and easily extinguished with a fire extinguisher,
all employees should evacuate the area.
The handle of the fire extinguisher should be squeezed
as the extinguisher nozzle is aimed at the base of the fire and moved side to side in a sweeping motion.
In addition to compliance with safe work practices and training, fall protection safeguards such as a personal fall arrest system, work positioning equipment, or travel restricting equipment must be used by employees working
at locations elevated more than four feet above the ground.
Once the fire appears to be completely out,
back away and exit the area.
Coming in contact with an electrical voltage
can cause current to flow through the body, resulting in electrical shock, burns, or even serious injury or death.
fire and explosions.
caused by Arcing/sparking, overheating, friction, static electricity, electrical current leakage/faults, and other electrical hazards
There are different classes of fires commonly referred to as
classes A, B, C, and K
Fire extinguishers are marked with letters and symbols that indicate the
classes of fires they can extinguish.
Fit and Sizing In the fitting of eye and face PPE,
consideration should be given to comfort and fit. Poorly fitting eye and face protection will not offer the necessary protection. They should fit snugly and not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer. • Fitting of goggles and safety spectacles should be done by someone skilled in the procedure. • Prescription safety spectacles should be fitted only by qualified optical personnel. • Devices with adjustable features should be fitted on an individual basis to provide a comfortable fit that maintains the device in the proper position.
The appropriate fire extinguisher should be selected
depending on the type of fire.
If the fire becomes larger or the extinguisher is fully discharged and the fire is not completely out,
exit the area immediately
Working with heat hazards requires
eye protection such as goggles or safety spectacles with special-purpose lenses and side shields. However, many heat hazard exposures require the use of a face shield in addition to safety spectacles or goggles. When selecting PPE, consider the source and intensity of the heat and the type of splashes that may occur in the workplace. Employers and safety officers should consult OSHA to help determine which type of safety eyewear is most appropriate for different jobs
As mentioned in Unit A, employees who work on structures such as poles, towers, or other elevated equipment that support overhead generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment are required by OSHA to
follow fall protection precautionary measures.
Additional ANSI hard hat compliance standards:
hats must include date of manufacture along with the manufacturer's name, sizing instructions, guidelines for care and service, and the ANSI legend and class description. It is important to note that hard hats are not guaranteed to be entirely impact resistant. They are designed to reduce the risk of head injury
As mentioned earlier, a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a fire only
if the fire is incipient or small and the user has been trained in fire extinguisher use.
The use of properly selected Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by workers trained in the proper fit and use,
in tandem with other control methods, is a time-proven and cost-effective method of protecting workers from hazards in the workplace.
It is important to note that fire extinguishers are designed to attempt to extinguish
incipient stage fires or small fires.
Defective or misused electrical equipment
is a major cause of electrical fires.
Maintenance (Care and cleaning of safety goggles
is essentially the same as for safety glasses.) Eyewear will be examined for scratches, pitting, and frame damage. Scratches, pitting, and frame damage weaken the impact and shatter resistance of the eyewear. Worn or damaged equipment should be replaced immediately. • PPE must be used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. • The use of equipment with structural or optical defects is prohibited. • Pitted lenses, like dirty lenses, can be a source of reduced vision. They should be replaced. Deeply scratched or excessively pitted lenses are apt to break. • Slack, worn-out, sweat-soaked, or twisted headbands do not hold the eye protection in proper position. Visual inspection can determine when the headband elasticity is reduced to a point below proper function.
Employees should ensure that extinguishers are
not damaged, out of date, discharged, or partially discharged.
Electricity is one of the most common causes
of fires and thermal burns in workplaces.
The first line of defense against fire hazards is
prevention. Compliance with safe work procedures; regular inspections of work areas, tools, and equipment; and knowledge and understanding of potential fire hazards can help prevent fires.
dielectric with no metal parts eyeglasses are
recommended for linemen.
Identifying fall hazards and deciding how best to protect workers is the first step in
reducing or eliminating injuries caused by falls
Employees who are in working environments with a high probability of anticipated fire extinguisher use
should be trained on the hazards of fires and how to properly operate a fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency.
A hazard assessment
should determine the risk of exposure to eye and face hazards, including those that may be encountered in an emergency. Employers should be aware of the possibility of multiple and simultaneous hazard exposures and be prepared to protect against the highest level of each hazard.
Fit and Sizing Head protection
that is either too large or too small is inappropriate for use, even if it meets all other requirements. Protective headgear must fit appropriately on the body and for the head size of each individual. Most protective headgear comes in a variety of sizes with adjustable headbands to ensure a proper fit (many adjust in 1/8-inch increments). A proper fit should allow sufficient clearance between the shell and the suspension system for ventilation and distribution of an impact. The hat should not bind, slip, fall off, or irritate the skin.
. Materials or equipment should not be stored in a manner
that would block pathways to fire extinguishers or fire equipment or otherwise hinder the operation of fire protection systems.
The fire extinguisher nozzle should be aimed at
the base of the fire.
Whenever work is done on electrical circuits or electrified systems,
there is a risk from electrical hazards, particularly electrical shock.
If personal fall protection systems are used, particular attention should be given
to identifying attachment points and to ensuring that employees know how to properly don and inspect the equipment.
The purpose of PPE is
to provide an effective line of defense against health and safety hazards on and off the job.
Maintenance Eyewear
will be examined for scratches, pitting, and frame damage, all of which damage and weaken the impact and shatter resistance of the eyewear. Worn or damaged equipment should be replaced immediately. • PPE must be used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. • The use of equipment with structural or optical defects is prohibited. • Pitted lenses, like dirty lenses, can be a source of reduced vision. They should be replaced. Deeply scratched or excessively pitted lenses are apt to break. • Slack, worn-out, sweat-soaked, or twisted headbands do not hold the eye protection in proper position. Visual inspection can determine when the headband elasticity is reduced to a point below proper function.
Whether conducting a hazard assessment or developing a comprehensive fall protection plan, thinking about fall hazards before the work begins
will help to manage fall hazards and focus attention on prevention efforts.
Heat injuries may occur to the eye and face when
workers are exposed to high temperatures, splashes of molten metal, or hot sparks. Protect your eyes from heat when workplace operations involve pouring, casting, hot dipping, furnace operations, and other similar activities. Burns to eye and face tissue are the main concern when working with heat hazards.
There are two types of electrical hazards
—current passing through the person's body and dangerous exposure to the intense heat of the electrical arc that forms when an error occurs. Special protective clothing and equipment are provided to minimize the risk of both hazards. Plant management provides specific rules regarding the use of this equipment. It is the responsibility of the operator to use these safeguards properly while working around electrical hazards. It is the responsibility of the plant manager to see that safety equipment is used in the proper manner when switching is performed.
Generally, every job involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of power requires the use of safety glasses. Many of those require the high impact type. A few other occupations requiring high impact protection in eyewear include:
• Construction and Maintenance Workers • Plumbers and Pipefitters • Chain Saw Operators • Millwrights • Lineworkers
General Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines
• Employees should wear and use only company-approved personal protective equipment. • Before starting work, devices or tools should be carefully examined by employees who will use them to make certain they are in good working condition. • It is the responsibility of employees to ensure all PPE is properly maintained, kept in a sanitary condition, and worn as prescribed by company policy. PPE should not be modified in any manner. • Defective or damaged PPE should never be used and should be removed from service immediately.
Hard hats with any of the following defects should be removed from service and replaced:
• Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell • Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals, or ultraviolet light and other radiation (in addition to a loss of surface gloss, such signs include chalking or flaking) Always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not noticeable. Suspension systems are offered as replacement parts and should be replaced when damaged or when excessive wear is noticed. It is not necessary to replace the entire hard hat when deterioration or tears of the suspension systems are noticed.
