The Safety Factory Blog

The ultimate solution for OSHA compliance and workplace safety. Designed to meet OSHA guidelines, these all-purpose safety tags are essential for businesses that prioritize employee well-being and regulatory compliance.

Boost Safety Compliance with OSHA-Approved Self-Laminating Safety Tags

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the top 10 most frequently cited standards

By the time an employee feels the burn of a corrosive material or inhale the first gasp of noxious fumes, it is too late. As an employer it is your responsibility to look out for the welfare of your employees, and when an injury occurs the moment to take proper precautions has passed. More often than not, workplace injury debriefings typically reveal something both an employer and employee could have done better to prevent the injury. Lessons learned are applied to the future. What you do not want to see in an injury debriefing is that you as the employer failed to take the most basic precaution available. 

When a worker becomes injured at work, it is easy for panic to become commonplace. That’s panic among the frontline employees who may have witnessed the injury as well as panic among leadership who have a natural obligation to do something. Not to mention, the injured employee has a reasonable right to a certain amount of panic themselves. That’s why leaders have to be prepared for the worst, though they work diligently to prevent worker injury. That’s why adding appropriate signage to warn of danger as well as direct panicked employees towards life saving equipment is essential. The “fog of war” as they call it can cloud the mind and make otherwise normal decisions very difficult. By adding a little signage, you can cut through the fog and potentially save another’s life.

It can often be said that a good process will save your best employee on their worst day. All employees make mistakes with some just heading down that road a little more often than others. Many times the patterns of behavior exhibited by the troublesome staff are clear reasons for termination. However, what does an organization do when one of your stellar employees makes a costly decision that puts both life and profit at risk? 

It has long been said that there is a time and a season for everything that takes place under the sun. A time to plant and a time to reap. A season to labor and a season to rest. Fortunately for the great American worker, we spend our time trying to envision every season of danger that might threaten the workplace. The threats are many and they come in a variety of different forms. Fire, electricity, water, chemicals and good old fashioned machinery in action hold the potential to cause great harm. That’s why appropriate signage can serve as the first line of defense when a lack of training or common sense comes into play. It might sound simple, but don’t underestimate the value a good sign in the right place at the right time.

The United States Marine Corps has two leadership principles that guide its operations. Ranked first and taught to all leaders is “mission accomplishment.” This, above all other priorities, is to be pursued. That’s why Marines storm the beaches of Iwo Jima or slug away from house to house in the streets of Fallujah. 

Not every measure of good judgement in the workplace has to be dictated by OSHA. There are times when a good measure of common sense would do just fine and as such, OSHA doesn’t dictate every action under the sun when it comes to the workplace. That’s why we have a huge demand for workplace signage that speaks to the commonsense needs around you every day. One of the biggest needs facing the workplace revolve around simply keeping the earth a little greener each day.

There are two types of industrial workplaces when it comes to safety. There are those who look at the OSHA guidelines and think to themselves, “good enough.” Then, there are those who look at their employees, their families and the future ahead of them and think, “not good enough” when it comes to their safety. Beyond a legal obligation enforced by OSHA, good employers have a moral obligation to do everything in their power to send their workers home in one piece at the end of a shift. That’s why personal protection required signs matter. They matter because the lives of your employees matter and there is no such thing as “too safe” in the workplace.

Each industry comes with it an implicit list of dangers that have in times past caused bodily harm and even death. Fortunately for the modern American worker, we have the ability to learn from these past mistakes and take every effort to mitigate risk going forward. Not to mention the fact that OSHA demands we do and running afoul of OSHA is a less than pleasant affair. Seizing upon these past lessons, we here at The Safety Factory have created pre-written operational safety tags for just about every danger under the sun. 

The modern American workforce has done a pretty good job of predicting and addressing the most common threats to worker safety. Certainly accidents happen and in some industries they are more prevalent than others. That being said, the past 100 years has been virtual revolution for worker safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the expressed purpose “to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers.” OSHA, as the are more commonly called, is serious about its mission. To run afoul of OSHA as an employer is to gift yourself a really bad day. However, to watch one of your employees suffer injury that could have been prevented is the worst. You know about many of the threats facing your team and yet, it is the threats you have yet to foresee that keep you up at night.

There are a few rules in business and industry that are golden mantras to live by. First, the pursuit of profit is always a noble venture. Second, pursuing that profit at the expense of angering OSHA is never worth it. If there were a mantra that trumped both of prior, it would be that unnecessarily risking the live of your employees in the pursuit of profit is never worth it. There are risky jobs, to be sure, but casually treating employee safety like another line item expenditure has both moral and business implications. Here at The Safety Factory, we’ve made both the business decisions the passionate American entrepreneur has to make and the safety of our fellow Americans paramount. There is an economical way to ensure that a machine isn’t charged with energy when lives are at the risk and that also makes OSHA happy. Introducing the Peel-N-Stick P-Tag and the Self-Laminated Q-Tag.

It is a general rule of thumb when working in a hazardous environment that “what OSHA wants OSHA gets.” It is not that industry of any sort loves government influence and wakes up hoping for a new set of regulations in the workplace. Rather, it is that there is little benefit worth drawing the ire of OSHA and when it comes to the safety of your employees you can never go too far. That’s why if you haven’t picked up padlock labels yet for your organization, then now is the time to do so. OSHA requires that lockout devices be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: color; shape; or size. That is to say than any employee would immediately recognize this particular lock as it is used for no other purpose at the facility. Thankfully for your organization, we’ve got you covered with some beautifully designed simple and safe options for padlock labels.

In the field of industry, there is a phenomenon known as practical drift. Policy dictates a process be completed a certain way, but on the front line where the real work is done employees tend to show new employees a “better way.” What happens then is that real time operations deviate from established safety protocols and the scope of the problem is only discovered after a tragic accident. Sadly, it is an accident that could have been avoided had managers not assumed policy and protocol was being followed on the front lines. If you fear that might be your organization, then take a look at two of the most commonly overlooked safety feature solutions we offer. From magnets to mirrors, we’ll show you what it takes to make your workplace safe again.

It might seem like a simple tool, but the trusty padlock has worked to keep persons in or out since the 19th century. Technology and metallurgy has come a long way since then, but the simple premise hasn’t changed. That’s why when OSHA requires padlocks to keep machinery from being engaged or activated during routine maintenance and repair they have little tolerance for those who don’t comply. There is simply no excuse to put your employees at risk in the mind of OSHA and certainly not when padlocks come in all varieties for prices that hardly put a dent in the corporate budget. So if you have been tasked with securing your organization’s safety equipment, then let’s not be distracted by YouTube or Twitter and get this job done right shall we. Here’s how to keep OSHA happy and your employees safe with simple, professional, and affordable padlocks.

Currently there exists a show in circulation titled, “Hard to Kill”, which profiles some of America’s most deadliest jobs. Hosted by Army Special Forces Veteran Tim Kennedy, he tackles these deadly occupations head on and likely with a great deal of technical and safety support around him. There is no doubt a hefty insurance policy in place and should the worst come to pass the network would likely just cash out and cancel the show. If you are in charge of your organization’s safety compliance then you likely don’t have such an easy out. Your company employees countless individuals whose livelihoods depend on the organization’s existence. Not to mention, for the employee irreparably harmed or worse killed in the line of duty there is no backup plan. Safety compliance officers who skip OSHA corners harm people and destroy brands. The OSHA compliant lockout is the one simple tool that can save your best employees on their worst day.

There is an unspoken contract one has with mayhem when it comes to investing in the safety and security and those around you. Namely, pay me now or pay me later, but you will pay me. If you are trying to save a few bucks by forfeiting your responsibility to post some common sense signage for the day mayhem shows up at your workplace or school then you will pay big. Not to mention a great deal of safety and security signage is required by the federal government who won’t mind dropping a big fine on you as well. Posting appropriate signage to warn of dangers or direct others to safety is one of the most common sense safety measures an organization can take. If that’s your responsibility then don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with just about any sign you can imagine.

When launching a business, you want to make sure your customers know you take their safety and security seriously. Especially after the past few year's Pulse Nightclub shooting, London Bridge violence and San Bernadino workplace bloodshed, the increase of violence has people on edge. When walking onto my daughter's school campus, I now take note of signs indicating I need to sign in at the office, and I sleep more soundly knowing safety procedures are in place. Just last weekend, my family and I visited the US National Whitewater Center, and our visit was smooth, should I even dare to say - it flowed well (pun intended) because of the signage. We knew where to go, that weapons of any kind were not allowed (and they checked bags too), but unlike our recent theatre experience, cameras and cell phones were permitted, even encouraged if they were waterproof!

Safety and security are of the utmost importance at construction sites and workplace facilities. It’s vitally important to be avoid accidental injuries and fatalities, as well as to be in compliance with OSHA regulations. For these reasons, it’s critical to have the most reliable, durable and re-usable lockout devices to protect electrical boxes, cabinets, and machinery, and prevent dangerous unintentional equipment start-up. Here is an overview of lockout equipment that you can utilize to make your job site or facility safe and secure.

Imagine this scenario: A worker is badly injured on your job site. Not only is this a tragic event for the worker and his or her family, it’s also a huge risk for a lawsuit that could have debilitating fiscal ramifications for your company.

Fortunately, correctly designed signage can go a long way toward preventing injury and even death in the workplace. But how can you know that the signs you are posting are compliant with the standards set by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)? Here’s how to be sure that the safety signage you are posting is doing its utmost to help prevent injury or death: 

Workplace, industrial, transportation, commercial, and public-space security is increasingly important in our complex world. Highly mobile societies and international commerce move quickly and depend on security standards and communication that enable public safety, sound commercial relations, efficiency, and reliability. Properly and clearly communicating about workplace and public-space security rules, standards, permissions, requirements, etc. is a subject for regulatory agencies worldwide. It’s also – for better or worse – a subject of intense lawyer-class scrutiny.

Going out to a nightclub is supposed to be an occasion of joyful celebration, full of the promise of meeting new people, dancing, laughing and blowing off some steam with friends. However, in the aftermath of the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, what began as a night of fun ended in tragedy.

Sadly, the last century has seen some of the deadliest nightclub and assembly fires known to man.  Many were the result of attendees getting trapped inside of buildings where they were gathered to hear music and socialize during the prohibition and post prohibition era. The deadliest of these disasters was the fire at Boston’s Cocoanut Grove Theater –the second worst single building fire in American history (second only to the Iroquois Theatre fire). The space was over its authorized capacity by 32 people, and they all lost their lives to the deadly blaze. The enormity of the event was so shocking that it briefly replaced the news of World War II in papers, and it led to a reform of safety standards and codes across the country.

Safety signs may be considered one of the most basic and fundamental forms of safety equipment. For over 100 years, safety signs have been encouraged or required in specific parts of the workplace, spelled out in the primary language(s) of the workers. They save thousands of lives every year and continue to play an important role in preventing injuries in the workplace.

In 1941, standards for safety signs were introduced by the American Standards Association (later to become ANSI). These standards introduced formats for DANGER, CAUTION, NOTICE, and EXIT signs, to name a few. While many aspects of those early standards still hold today, globalization now has more of an effect. In 2007, ANSI published guidelines that coordinated with ISO label formats, ushering in a new era of global best practices in safety signs for the workplace.

Workplace, industrial, transportation, and commercial safety is a big deal these days. The wheels of international commerce are greased with safety standards that enable efficiency, reliability, and sound commercial relations. Properly marking equipment, chemicals and hazardous materials is a subject closely regulated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), conventions like the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), and other regulatory agencies across the globe—not to mention being the subject of intense scrutiny by the lawyer class.

     The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) were designed to standardize the critically important method of shipping hazardous toxins throughout the world. Many countries have had their own regulatory system for classifying and labeling. However, what one country may classify a chemical as “somewhat toxic” another country may classify the same chemical as “very toxic.” And a third country may classify that very same chemical as “benign.” Chemicals involved in shipping include Physical Hazards – chemicals with explosive properties, flammables, oxidizers, corrosives and gases. Other types in include chemicals that are considered Health Hazards. They include chemicals that cause burns, effect breathing or those that lead to organ damage and cancer. And there are chemicals that can affect the environment. With each country developing their own classifications for these types of chemicals, it is easy to see how it is dangerous and virtually impossible it is for each country to be sure of how each chemical being imported to their country actually fits into their own standards. With this new Global system, each country that signs off to the program will have the same classifications for each and every chemical they import and export.

      Important Documents must be protected if they are to maintain their integrity for any length of time. It could be a Driver’s License, an identification badge, a birth certificate, an award, a legal document, a photo, a menu or piece of art. In order to protect it properly and be assured that it will last indefinitely, it should be laminated. Once a document is laminated, there is no worry that an inadvertent spill of water or other liquid will ruin the document. A child’s crayon will not be able to leave a mark. The document will not be accidently folded. Photos of loved ones will remain as good as new as you review them over many years. Menus in your restaurant can be used over and over and over again. Legal documents will not tear or wrinkle. Identification cards remain legible and valid in your wallet.

Since 2008 there have been 107 Heat-Related Deaths in the continental United States. Each year there are thousands of heat-related illnesses. That is why OSHA has developed a Nationwide Heat Illness Campaign designed to raise awareness to both employers and employees about the dangers of working in heat and hot weather. Those most affected by the heat include but are in no way limited to the in the construction trade, utilities, agriculture and oil and gas exploration. New employees, temporary employees and those returning to work after a period of time off are especially vulnerable to the heat as it takes some time to build up a tolerance to it.

When excessive continuous pressure is placed on the medium nerve, the nerve that allows feeling to parts of the hand, the condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops. The primary symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is numbness of the thumb, index finger and ring finger.  When one bends a wrist forward for any length of time and feels pain it is a sure sign that CPS is present. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have identified work related repetitive tasks, force, posture and vibration as major causes of CTS. A recent study showed that there is in many instances, a greater risk for CTS to affect worker production, than basic physical factors such as obesity. It should be noted that similar injuries caused by falls, slips, motor vehicle accidents or other similar accidents are not recognized as work-related causes of CTS by OSHA.

On average there are over 200 deaths and over 5,000 injuries caused by fires, electrical and chemical burns, radiation, scalding water and explosions in the workplace every year. Fires can be caused by accidents at industrial food preparation ovens, overheated and shorted out wiring, from welding mishaps, spills and leaks of sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, strong bases such as sodium hydroxide and ammonia and burns from scalding hot water.

Employers should have trained personnel on site at all times who know how to identify and treat both minor burns and serious burns.  The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. The dermis is the inner layer of the skin. First degree burns affect only the epidermis. Symptoms involve a very red and painful burn. Second degree burns involve the entire epidermis and upper layer of the dermis. Blisters are usually present, the wound is pink, wet in appearance and very painful. A Third degree burn involves all layers of skin being destroyed and the fatty tissue known as the subcutaneous tissue, under the skin. In a fourth degree burns all layers of skin and muscle and bone are affected.

 

Government regulations and in-house safety rules have really concentrated on the prevention of physical harm to employees. We generally think of injuries in the workplace  as falling into the categories of slips and falls, injuries to eyes and inhalation of dust and chemical vapors to name a few. However, actually it is noise-related hearing loss that is listed as one of the most prevalent occupational concerns for many years. It has been reported than in the past 10 years, nearly 125,000 workers have suffered permanent hearing loss.

The Occupational Health Admiration (OSHA) states that First-Aid is any one-time treatment along with a follow-up treatment dealing with minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters and other minor industrial injury that may occur during the average work day. According to CFR 1910.151 “The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health.” Generally first-aid treatments are simple and require little technology.  However, assuming there is no infirmary on site, there must be at least one person, preferably more, who are trained to provide first aid. A workplace must also provide facilities and equipment for treating the eyes and body should an employee be injured by coming into contact with corrosive material.  Along with these basic first-aid requirements, a number of OSHA standards require training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR.)

     It takes just a very small amount of inhalation of crystalline silica particles to cause serious problems to plant workers. Initial symptoms include but are not limited to shortness of breath, weakness and weight loss. Many  cases of Silicosis can be shown to eventually lead to lung cancer, pulmonary and kidney disease.  Crystalline silica is found in virtually every type of industrial environments. The largest areas of exposures are caused by the everyday factory operations such as abrasive blasting, cement and brick manufacturing, asphalt pavement manufacturing, china and ceramic manufacturing and the tool and die industries. In addition, the manufacturing of adhesives, paints, soaps and glass are made with crystalline silica.

Fork Lift Trucks are used to raise, lower or move large objects or several smaller objects at the same time. They can be driven by an operator or mechanically controlled. In either case, identifying the hazards of moving heavy materials in this manner is of prime importance.

When heavy objects are moved from place to place, there is the possibility of at least some of the objects falling off the forklift. And as the objects can be well off the ground in a fork lift truck, it can lead to a serious accident. There is also the possibility as with all moving vehicles that someone walking nearby can be hit by the fork lift. Also, the driver may inadvertently make a wrong turn and crash into a wall, equipment or even another vehicle.

 

June is National Safety Month and there are many things we can do as employers and employees.

In the workplace Ergonomics is an important key to safety. This month is a good time to identify and abate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs.) These include strains, sprains and tears, inflammation, pinched nerves and spinal disc problems. 

Thermoplastic padlocks are designed exclusively to satisfy CFR 1910.147 Lockout:Tagout regulations. They are durable, lightweight and are non-conductive. Thermoplastic is an excellent insulator preventing the flow of electricity. Static electric charges can remain in equipment even after the equipment has been shut down. Using thermoplastic padlocks for lockout:Tagout use means that the padlocks can be used around heat or electrical equipment with little concern that electronic sparking will occur. In addition, the key retaining feature insures the padlock will not remain unlocked. The key cannot be removed while the padlock is open. A very important fact when equipment is being repaired and lockout procedures are in place.

The OSHA Regulation CFR1910.1200 “Toxic and Hazardous Substances” is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislation or regulatory enactments of state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to the subject.

Toxic Industrial chemicals are manufactured, stored, transported and used throughout the world. They can be found in the form of gas, liquid or solid state. The hazards they contain include carcinogens, corrosives and reproductive hazards. Toxic chemicals can also be highly flammable, combustible, explosive or reactive.

     The Electrical Safety Foundation International (EDFI) has designated May as National Electrical Safety Month. On average, there are more than 300 deaths and over 4,000 injuries per year caused by Electrical Hazards in workplaces here in the United States. Over 60% of the injuries are due to electric shock, the remainder caused by electric burns. Electric shock is caused by either direct or indirect contact with a conductive part that is energized. Electrical arcing, explosions or fire result in burns. Toxic gases released as a result of fire as well as the burning of electrical equipment often leads to severe illness or death.

     The Personal Protective Equipment regulation, CFR 1910.136 has a very comprehensive set of requirements when addressing employee’s foot protection. It states that “The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects piercing the sole, and where such employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards. The ruling continues with the statement that protective footwear must comply with The American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) regulation “Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear. And, by definition, that standard meets the qualifications established by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulation.

     Hazardous Materials in the form of solids, liquids or gases can be a danger to all living things, property and our environment.  Because they are used in the manufacture and the shipment of all types of products they are very closely regulated. Within the regulations are the specifications for the clear labeling of these materials to announce their presence and thus to avoid the possibility of injury or damage. Developed by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Hazardous Material Symbols have become the international standard involved in identification labeling. Each hazardous material has its own specific symbol, colors, borders and printed information to help readily identify the danger one may encounter when coming in contact it. Besides the ANSI standard, many federal, state and local laws as well as international laws require Hazardous materials to be identified. Here is a listing of some of the basic Hazardous Material Symbols:

Improving The Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

     A number of various chemicals, hot or cold water as well as steam can cause serious injury to a worker performing maintenance.  According to the OSHA regulation 1910.147, “The Control of Hazardous Energy” (Lockout/Tagout) all sources of energy to include, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical and thermal must be locked out during a maintenance operation. To help satisfy that requirement, devices have been developed to insure that both liquids and gases are securely locked out.

An arc flash occurs when electric current strays from the path designed for it and instead travels through air to another electrical conductor. The flash results in an uncontrolled voltage surge that can severely injure a person or persons in close proximity.

Unintended conductors include dust, tools, water, corrosion, faulty wiring to name a few.  The arc flash can be responsible for fire, for burns, flying objects, extreme blast pressure, sound blast and heat. To protect against the possibility of arc flashes, the National Fire Protection Association has developed a series of four “Flash Approach Boundaries” to help limit the effects of the flash.

There are many many industrial situations where information has to be inputted onto an informational tag. For example, lockout:tagout procedures; maintenance order instructions; a specific valve number has to be added; right-to-know information, biohazard announcements, just to name a few. Often times the tag has to be written up immediately and placed in position. An ideal way to do this is with a Pressure-Sensitive tag or as The Safety Factory calls it – A “P-tag.”  That is because the tag can easily have information added to it with either pen or pencil and can be sealed by simply removing the release paper from the pressure-sensitive adhesive. No heat-seal lamination is required.

Employer Safety is the most important concern on the job. And Hard hats play an important role in worker protection. They are a relatively inexpensive way to protect against serious injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA has very strict regulations regarding the use of Hard Hats for employees. Typical employees who must wear hart hats include but are not limited to: carpenters, electricians, lineman, mechanic, plumbers, assembler’s sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, timber cutters and loggers and warehouse personnel.  CFR 1910 135 (a) (1) states that each affected employee shall wear protective helmets when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects. Furthermore, 135 (a) (2) states that Protective helmets designed to reduce electrical shock hazard shall be worn by each such affected employee when near exposed electrical conductors which could contact the head.

     Within the OSHA Lockout:Tagout  regulation, 1910.147 is this prominent paragraph: The Definition of an Energy Isolating Device: A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors and, in addition no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices. This has led to a myriad of circuit breaker lockout solutions. Factories throughout the United States, in fact the world, now have a variety of lockout solutions for their single pole and multi-pole circuit breakers.

Often times electrical equipment being used in a factory operation may suddenly shut down. This may be due to an internal power malfunction, a local power plant problem, a sudden jam in a gear, just to name a few. When this type of unintentional shut down takes place, it is extremely important to insure that the equipment does not suddenly start up again. Such an event may catch employees by surprise and lead to a serious accident. The Sensing Saf-Start device automatically “opens” the circuit once there is a sudden power loss. The circuit will remain “open” as long as the equipment power switch is “on.” Once the power switch is turned “off”, the Sensing Saf-Start device will then close the circuit. At that point, with everyone aware that the equipment can now be safely restarted, the power switch can be turned “on” and normal operation resumed.

In September of 1989, The OSHA Lockout:Tagout Regulation CFR1910.147 went into effect. It clearly stated that equipment being serviced had to be completely shut down and had to be both "Locked Out" and "Tagged Out" (with the tag firmly attached to the lock) clearly identifying the person or persons involved in that servicing operation. Furthermore, to insure the tag could not inadvertently slip off, tear off or somehow be removed from the padlock, both the tag and the device used to attach it to the padlock had to be strong enough to "pull" 50 pounds. And thus, the LockWrap(R) Padlock Label was created. The LockWrap acts as a tag and is wrapped securely around the padlock and cannot be removed.

Section (c) (5)(i) of Lockout Regulation CFR 1910.147 states that Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware shall be provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources. Fuse holders and fuse panels are types of energy systems that are difficult to lockout. In order to satisfy the OSHA rule, devices have been devised that “blockout and “latchout” these energy sources. These devices keeps the electrical energy systems “OPEN” with no way for electrical energy to be reconnected. However, as there is no latch on these devices, there not be a padlock to insure that these devices will not be removed. 

     The OSHA Confined Space Regulation, CFR1910.146 is designed to prevent accidents to employees when working in a space where one has limited or restricted access for entry or exit and while in that area might meet up with liquids, gases or obstacles. Thus, a person entering a confined space must be fully trained in the hazards to be faced and must wear the appropriate protective clothing. The area is also constantly monitored for air quality. Before entering a confined space area, one has to receive a “Confined Space Permit.” To help the process along, a series of signs and tags have been created. They contain proper procedures to follow, Caution and Danger announcements as well as directions for those both entering the area or assisting in the operation.

A smoke-free workplace has many advantages. It reduces the amount of smoking by employees. It also protects others from the dangers of second-hand smoke. Furthermore, for the employer, it significantly reduces health care costs. People exposed to smoke in the workplace are 17% more likely to develop lung cancer.

OSHA does not have any regulations that apply directly to smoking in the workplace. However OSHA does have standards which limit the exposure levels of a number of chemicals. And many of the chemicals are found in tobacco smoke. They include but are not limited to limits on carbon monoxide, nicotine, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, nitric oxide, formaldehyde and arsenic. So essentially these require that is no smoking or very limited smoking take place in the workplace. In addition, employers do have a legal right to both restrict and also prohibit completely the use of tobacco.  In some cases, of course, especially when flammable materials or hazardous machinery is present, it is imperative that smoking be prohibited.

To ensure regulations are followed and workplace safety improved, a number of workplace signs have been created. For example where chemicals are used the following essential signs should be posted: DANGER, OXYGEN, NO SMOKING, NO OPEN FLAMES; DANGER, BENZENE, CANCER HAZARD, FLAMMABLE – NO SMOKING, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. RESPIRATOR REQUIRED!

In areas where lead is present: WARNING, LEAD WORK AREA, POISON!! NO SMOKING OR EATING. That sign may also include a skeleton symbol.

When smoking is allowed in some places, a sign may announce: NO SMOKING EXCEPT IN DESIGNATED AREAS. 

Or some prefer low-key signs, such as:  THANK YOU FOR NOT SMOKING. Those signs may include the standard symbol of a cigarette within a circle with a diagonal red line going through it.

In work areas populated by multilingual employees the sign may be in more than one language. An example of that kind of sign might state: NO SMOKING, NO FUMAR.

Signs may be constructed of durable vinyl, with pressure-sensitive backing (for adhering to walls or doors), tough rigid plastic, or the most durable of all, anodized aluminum signs.

In many industrial zones and factories, employers are required by law to establish and implement a lockout/tagout program as mandated by OSHA. Workers performing service or maintenance on machinery and equipment may be exposed to injuries from the unexpected energy start up of the machinery or equipment, or release of stored energy in the equipment. The purpose of this program is to raise awareness of workplace safety and prevent accidents and injuries from occurring on the job.

When implementing OSHA1910.147, “The Control of Hazardous Energy,” one is required to attach a tag and a padlock to the locking device protecting the equipment. But what is the best way for the tag in question to have the most impact? All tags must have the OSHA (or ANSI) DANGER header, along with the phrase “Do Not Operate.” However more can be done to raise awareness to all the personnel involved in a lockout situation. By adding a photograph of the person performing maintenance during the lockout situation and including the phrase “My Life Is OnThe Line” makes this tag stand out and really brings out the Safety Message. 

Proper Padlock Keying for Lockout:Tagout

 

The OSHA Lockout:Tagout regulation CFR1910.147 states that Lockout Device is: A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment

     Padlocks, usually combined with a specific type of lockout device such as a circuit breaker lockout or gate valve lockout insure that machinery cannot be in operation during a lockout:tagout situation. In fact a lockout:tagout operation will not begin until all machinery and equipment involved is locked out by the appropriate device and the appropriate lock.

     There are basically 3 ways that padlocks are configured for Lockout:Tagout operations.

Padlocks can be set up “Keyed Alike.” In this situation more than one padlock being used has the same key set to open the locks Padlocks can be set up “Keyed Differently.” In this situation a number of padlocks being used have different key sets. So only a key for a specific padlock will open only that padlock and no other. Padlocks can also be set up to be “Master Keyed.” In this case, one or more persons, perhaps the supervisors will a key that will open many if not all padlocks being used, regardless of whether they are keyed alike or keyed differently.

Each year, there are countless work-related eye injuries. With the kind of eye protection available today and the comprehensive OSHA regulations in place these injuries could be and should be avoided. And along with the painful and serious injuries to the workers involved comes the cost of medical expenses, lost production time and worker compensation.

The OSHA regulations required employers to provide both eye and face protection against chemical, environmental, radiological as well as mechanical irritants and hazards. In addition, to protect against flying objects, workers must have side protection. Workers must use filtered lenses with a shade number that is appropriate for the type of work being performed. For example, there are a number of different welding operations. Each one requires its own minimum shade protection.

      A lockout hasp is used when more than one employee is involved in a lockout:tagout operation. These employees work in a group on the same energy source. The hasps allow multiple padlocks to be used when isolating one energy source such as a piece of machinery or a power switch. The lockout hasp is placed through a latch on the machinery to be locked out and each person carrying out maintenance or service work attaches their padlock through one of the six openings within the lockout hasp. All of the padlocks are then locked.

     There is little or no warning that a fire has started and that it has quickly gone out of control.

So it is extremely important that all preparations for proper egress be made, including signage well in advance and then practiced (drilled) over and over so that there be no mistakes should there actually be a fire. With that in mind, OSHA created the Means of Egress Standard.

     The first set of signs to be placed would include the name of the WARDENS.They are the people that the employer or someone designated by the employer selects to act as the leaders of groups of employees to assist in leading them to safe locations.

     Other signage that should be placed at key locations throughout the facility is “Floor Plans” which clearly show the emergency escape routes. The use of color-coding for various groups can aid in knowing exactly where to go to leave the facility quickly. Another important sign would indicate the SAFE AREA to exit to. An exit sign has to be made to withstand harsh conditions, so they should be made from heavy-duty laminated plastic.

ADA signs are designed and manufactured for Handicap persons. They follow the guidelines set up under the Americans with Disabilities Act. And with so many more handicapped employees now being hired under that act, these signs are becoming more and more prominent.

     ADA signs can be found wherever a handicap individual will have to negotiate an entrance, a restroom or a walkway. The signs are generally made with heavy-duty lamination, or from steel or aluminum. All signs must have non-glare backgrounds and characters to help ease the way for the elderly and those with little or perhaps no vision.

      While these signs are now beginning to be seen in and around factories, they are not the only type of ADA signs. There are also signs for the hearing impaired, people who are deaf and those that may have a mental disorder of some kind.

When evaluating the potential for injury to hands while working on equipment, if it is determined that general workplace practice will not in itself provide enough protection then protective equipment must be provided. This includes gloves, finger guards and arm coverings or elbow-length gloves. Machine guards can be shown to provide some protection, but certainly not enough to ward off possible injury.

     There are many types of hazards that a worker’s hands may encounter and there are many types of gloves that are available for each of the hazards. It is extremely important that workers use the gloves that have been specifically designed for the type of hazard they face. When making the decision of what type of gloves to choose, the following must be considered: the type of chemicals handled, what type of contact will be encountered, the duration of the contact, what part of the hands or arms are involved, what type of grip is necessary, thermal protection, abrasion protection and the size and comfort needed by the worker.

J49 CFR 192.707 – Line Markers for Mains and Transmission Lines states: that when a pipeline is above ground that Line Markers must be placed and maintained along each section of a main and transmission line that is located above-ground in an area accessible to the public. Furthermore the following must be written legibly on a background of sharply contrasting color on each line marker: the work “Warning,” “Caution,” or “Danger” followed by the words “Gas” (or the name of the gas transported) Pipeline.” Furthermore, all markers, except those in heavily developed urban areas must be in letters at least 1 inch high with a ¼” stroke. In addition, the name of the operator and the area code and telephone number where the operator can be reached at all times must be included on the sign.  The National Electrical Code also has very specific rules governing underground signage. Underground signs are also used to indicate water lines and phone cables.

 According to OSHA 1910.134, Personal Protective Equipment, when engineering controls are neither feasible, available nor effective in preventing the breathing of harmful dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, sprays, etc., then appropriate respirators must be worn.  The regulation goes on to say that the employer must provide each employee with respirators that are suitable and applicable for the purpose intended. There are respirators for virtually every type of operation. For example there are Air-Purifying -Atmosphere-Supplying; Escape Only Respirators to name just a few.

     Wearing a respirator does not automatically mean that an employee is completely safe from the atmospheric conditions he or she is working in. The maximum use concentration (MUC) is determined by multiplying the assigned protection factor specified for a respirator by the required OSHA permissible exposure limit.

 

Among the most frequently cited standards by OSHA in 2013 include those involvingLockout:Tagout, Construction, Hazard Communication (including Right-to-Know,) Confined Space, Electrical Components and Equipment.Interesting enough, there are accidental prevention tags that contain verbiage and symbols to help reduce accidents for all of these categories and more. If only they were to be used properly, if at all.Accident Prevention tags  can be used to specify rules; to specify procedures; to announce Danger or Caution situations; to announce hazardous conditions; to provide “Right-to-Know” information; to record important data, to name just a few.

There are many important items that need the quality long lasting plasticized protection that a desk top laminator delivers. Laminated materials provide protection from weather, abuse, chemical spills and tampering. There are 3 Desk-top laminator sizes: a 4” wide model that is suitable for wallet-sized ID Cards, personalized safety tags, business cards, file cards, driver’s licenses and luggage tags; a 10” wide model that is used for laminating legal and letter sized documents, price lists, signs, 3-hole loos leaf sheets, material safety data sheets and photos; a 12” wide model that is ideal for laminating chart size material and menus. Laminating materials that can be used include clear, matte finish and pressure-sensitive.

Shrink wrap sleeve labels are rapidly growing in many industries. Made from polymer plastic film, shrink wrap sleeves offer protection to packages and labels. They are also used to bundle multiple items together. They are often used on bottles drinks and various other packaged products.

Spotting a safety sign is hard to miss. They are practically everywhere you see them. They can be found under the sink, on appliances and on the road. The main purpose of a safety sign is to warn the viewer of a hazard or potential danger. You are likely to see several dozen different types of safety signs along roads and highways when traveling. Most safety signs are symbol based, therefore allowing for rapid recognition when driving or reading quickly.

Documents and plastic cards tend to wear out and fade after being used for a long period of time. Laminating and sealing anything between two sheets of plastic is an effective way to preserve and protect documents, photographs, business cards, posters, or any other piece of paper that is of value to you. If you wish to laminate something, there are a number of options available to you. Roll laminators, for instance, are the most professional and the most expensive models in the industry.

In this modern age of health and safety awareness, a lot of people are skeptical about most health and safety rules. Some people may see it as overkill, bureaucracy gone mad and a pointless creation of jobs. But, these signs if properly installed and observed will prevent countless accidents both at work and at home, and the proper implementation of personal protective equipment rules will minimize the risk of injury at work in a variety of environments.

Lasers have many applications these days. They are often used in scanners and detectors, night vision optics, medical applications and industry. However, radiation exposure from lasers can be a serious health risk and it does exist in many items that we come in contact with on a regular basis, such as microwave ovens and cellphones.

     The OSHA Confined Space Regulation, CFR1910.146 is designed to prevent accidents to employees when working in a space where one has limited or restricted access for entry or exit and while in that area might meet up with liquids, gases or obstacles. Thus, a person entering a confined space must be fully trained in the hazards to be faced and must wear the appropriate protective clothing. The area is also constantly monitored for air quality. Before entering a confined space area, one has to receive a “Confined Space Permit.” To help the process along, a series of signs and tags have been created. They contain proper procedures to follow, Caution and Danger announcements as well as directions for those both entering the area or assisting in the operation.

Head protection is absolutely crucial for protecting construction industry workers from a wide array of hazards. Hard hats or helmets meeting ANSI standards should be worn any time  when there is a risk of falling or moving objects, fixed objects such as exposed pipes or beams on which one might strike their head, or if there is a  possibility of accidental contact with electrical hazards. Protective headgear should resist penetration, absorb the shock of a blow, resist water and burns, and display clear instructions.

The use of industrial chemicals in the workplace presents a danger to employees if the products are not handled safely. OSHA has set up rules requiring the labeling of chemicals by companies and employee training by employers to minimize the risk of the chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked to regulate the manufacture and transportation of all materials, including hazardous ones. When a material is known to present a health or safety hazard, all materials must be labeled so employees who must work with the material are aware of its dangers.

Lamination provides the ultimate protection for mass-produced safety tags. The Safety Factoryhas a wide selection of OSHA approved laminated safety tags designed to withstand tough, dirty and greasy conditions. The durable polyester laminate resists water, grease and extreme temperatures. These laminated safety tags are easy to use. Simply attach these custom safety tags to machines, equipment and other devices to warn of dangers and communicate status.

Welding can injure both the welder and others working nearby. Welding fumes, vapors, particulates and high intensity light all pose a threat to people that are exposed to them. Temporary or permanent damage to the eyes can result from welding depending on the length and type of exposure. Welding generates metal fumes, chemical gases and vapors. These chemicals can cause irritation of the outer layer of the eye and the cornea.

Thousands of people are yearly blinded from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye protection. Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation. Eye and face protection is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, long shoring, and the construction industry.

The most guaranteed method of preventing occupational deafness is by reducing noise at the source by engineering methods. However, in certain workplace conditions, there is very little or nothing one can do to reduce noise at the source. In such workplaces, workers wear hearing protectors to reduce the amount of noise reaching the ears.

Hand shields or helmets provide eye protection by using an assembly of components such as a helmet shell. This helmet must be opaque to light and resistant to impact, heat and electricity. Outer cover plate made of polycarbonate plastic which protects from UV radiation, impact and scratches. This helmet also includes filter lens made of glass containing a filler which reduces the amount of light passing through to the eyes.

Danger: Respirator Must Be Worn At This Operation 
 Wearing a respiratory protection device does not mean that you are safe. The atmosphere that surrounds you at work still remains dangerous. The air that we breathe in is never "100% clean". For example, your lungs can attacked by cooking smells, carpet deodorizers, chlorine in bleach, cigarette smoke or dead skin cells from animals in your own home. In your yard or on the street, car exhaust, household and industrial smoke, smell of freshly cut grass, tree resin, fungus dust, flower pollens and dust taken by wind, are omnipresent. Moreover, some types of work generate substantial amounts of atmospheric contaminants. For example, spraying with pesticides, washing with solvents, grinding metal, transferring wheat on a feeder, painting with a spray gun or arc welding belong to this group.

 

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What are Laminating Roll Materials?

Laminating roll materials typically refers to the large laminate sheets that are wound around a tubing of identical length to the sheet. The entire laminate sheet and tube are fitted into a roll laminator machine, which rotates to feed the laminate sheet through the machine, with the substrate side pressing the sheet against the object being laminated (in this case a board or piece of paper).

 

What are Q-Tags? Q-Tags are mass-produced safety tags

laminated using The Safety Factory's proprietary lamination method. The Q-Tag lamination

method is employed specifically for safety tags that are harder to laminate

using existing and traditional methods, such as bar codes, photos, tags

containing special messages, machine-specific data, right-to-know chemical stats

and descriptions or any other unique type of safety tag that is not easy to

categorize.

 

The modern democratic world is highly bureaucratic and organized when it comes to safety sign requirements in the commercial arena. It is virtually canonical for insurance companies in developed countries to require the presence of industry-specific and/or general safety signs in work areas as part of their insurance policies.
This is especially applicable to the food industry, which on top of containing specific potential dangers to employees, additional care has to be taken to avoid food contamination, which can harm customers and thus result in a number of different lawsuits.

 

Lockouts are also known as “tag outs,” and hence the term lockout/tag out is often seen in tandem. A lockout/tag out refers to a procedure whereby a company assigns an individual to shut down power and disconnect all equipment and machinery from its primary energy source. The reason for doing so is in an emergency when becoming necessary to prevent the unexpected activation of that machinery as a means to protect workers and employees. The assigned employee then activates the energy-isolation (lockout/tag out) devices in a safe or “off” position.

Laminating pouches are typically measured in inches and small laminating pouches range from 2 x 3 inches (length and width) to 3 x 5 (a typical 3-by-5 index card). Large laminating pouches range in size from (3.5 x 5.5 inches, which are the dimensions of file cards, to 12 x 18 inches, which is the size of a typical menu and many charts.

A lamination pouch is a sealed air-tight plastic pouch with the capability to protect a number of work and home-related supplies, namely documents and other items which are typically written on. A heat-activation process binds the print material to the inside of the lamination pouch, which contributes to the tight seal created during the lamination process.

For example, a lamination pouch can be used for safety signs, labels, ID cards and luggage tags. Laminating pouches are different from traditional lamination in that the air-tight seal protects the contents of the pouch by preventing moisture and other foreign materials from entering the lamination cover. For this reason many industries, such as construction sites and plants, turn to lamination pouches in order to protect signs that are vital for employee safety.

 

Purpose of a Padlock

Padlocks are external, portable locks that can be placed in most locations, versus the traditional stationary lock, such as the type that is built in to a door. Padlocks are also different in another regard: they were designed specifically in order to protect against vandalism, defacement, or any of type of forced entry. They are typically used to protect the contents of storage units, such as sheds, but are very widely used for safety purposes as well, such as for keeping employees out of potentially dangerous areas.

 

Lamination is the process by which two or more layers of material are glued together and placed within a plastic covering as to protect them from damage and normal wear and tear or deliberate damage. This type of lamination, which is the one that people most commonly refer to, should not be confused with the type associated with electrical engineering, which is a technique used to reduce undesired heating effects. The plastic covering sheath used to cover the materials is known as a laminate. Credit cards, photo ID cards and formal documents are some of the most commonly laminated items, but the process is used for protecting virtually any paper document that might need protection, such as school reports and diplomas.

In simple terms, safety signs are signs that include a range of messages with the intent of keeping people from physical harm. Other signs are preventive in nature, instructing people for or against taking certain actions. A third type of safety signs are those categorized as informational and simply alert people to certain information, such as the whereabouts of a fire extinguisher. These signs are found in a range of different locations: factories, offices, educational institutions, and just about in any place where large amounts of people congregate.

Employees can find themselves at risk of a serious injury or death if the machine they operate starts up unexpectedly or releases stored but hazardous energy. It is the sole responsibility of employers to address safety issues that concern the safety of the employees, especially when handling with dangerous equipment.

 Procedures and standards must be in place to disable machinery and prevent the release of perilous energy while maintenance and servicing a machine. These measures may include the use of a multi-step startup procedure, time delays, or audible warnings. In such relatively uncommon situations, lockout/tagout requirements do not apply. However, such alternative precautions must be carefully evaluated for their effectiveness in light of the configuration of the machinery, the reliability of the alternative measures, employee training, and other factors.