The Hazardous Materials Identification System identifies chemical hazards and how to handle them using a color bar label. The National Paint Coatings Association (now known as the American Coatings Association) developed this hazard rating system. Although it may seem confusing when initially looking at the labels, understanding the components makes them easier to read. Here’s everything you need to know about reading an HMIS label.

An HMIS Label Uses Numerical Classifications To Identify Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses the HMIS system for both public and worker identification of chemical hazards and safety threats. There are specific labeling requirements for a variety of hazardous materials, so you will see HMIS labels on a number of items in transit. These labels can be either a placard or a sticker. They may appear on individual units like drums, barrels or bottles, or they could identify an entire shipping container or box.

Each label has a unique appearance depending on the age of the label and the ratings of the hazardous material. All labels feature four colored and clearly labeled rectangular stripes. The stickers show the hazard type and the level of danger using a number.

Numeric Classifications

An HMIS label relies on a numeric classification system to indicate levels of danger. There is an ascending progression, with the lowest danger level starting at zero and the highest danger level using the number four.

OSHA advises companies to avoid mixing numerical classification systems when one system uses ascending progression and the other relies on descending order. This can cause confusion as the numbers seem to contradict one another.

Comparison With the NFPA Fire Diamond

The HMIS system may look similar to the 704 identification system used by the National Fire Protection Association, but these labels have different purposes. The NFPA uses the Safety Square or Fire Diamond to guide emergency personnel and firefighters on the flammability of hazardous materials and the type of safety equipment necessary when working with the material. The HMIS system complies with the labeling standards of OSHA.

HMIS Labeling Has 5 Common Features

A standard label will contain the following elements:

1. The name of the hazardous material
2. Blue stripe labeled “HEALTH” and marked with two squares
3. Red stripe marked with one square to indicate flammability
4. Orange stripe marked with one square indicating physical hazard
5. White stripe indicating personal protection elements

A label could include more fields for listing additional information, such as the manufacturer of the hazardous material. Within each of these categories, you may get other information about the hazard and the way to handle it through another code.

The Blue Stripe: Health Hazards

The top blue stripe features two squares, with one showing the hazard level and the other distinguishing between chronic or acute-only health hazards. There are five hazard levels, ranging from no significant health risk to the potential for life-threatening or permanent damage from exposure:

• 4: Severe
• 3: Serious
• 2: Moderate
• 1: Slight
• 0: Minimal

If the second square has an asterisk symbol, it identifies the material as a chronic health hazard.

The Red Stripe: Flammability

There are five flammability levels indicated by the yellow strip on the HMIS label. The numeric hazard levels start with zero, indicating no fire hazard. It moves to one for slight hazard, two for moderate, three for serious and four for severe fire hazard.

The Orange Stripe: Physical Reactivity Hazards

The third stripe in HMIS labeling shows how the potential for a reaction with the material. OSHA defines seven reactivity hazards:

1. Compressed gases
2. Organic peroxides
3. Explosives
4. Oxidizers
5. Water reactives
6. Unstable reactives
7. Pyrophoric materials

The label uses a category of zero to four to identify the physical hazard present. These move from no physical hazard at zero up through slight, moderate, serious, and finally severe physical hazard, at number four.

The White Stripe: Personal Protective Equipment

OSHA sets the standards for the personal protective equipment needed to help minimize a person’s exposure to injury or illness-causing hazards. The fourth stripe on an HMIS label shows which type of PPE is necessary for safely working with or handling the material. Instead of numbers, the labels use a letter code to show the combinations of PPE. Site-specific codes are indicated with letters L to Z.

Basic safety starts with “A,” requiring only safety glasses for handling. Protective gloves and a protective apron are added for “B” and “C.” At the “D” level, the material requires a face shield, gloves and an apron. Further levels call for additional equipment like a dust or vapor respirator and splash goggles. Level “K” requires a hazmat suit, gloves, hazmat boots and an airline respirator mask or hood.

Outdated HMIS Labels May Still Be in Use

Depending on the products or materials, you may come across a label that looks like it’s part of the HMIS system but has slight variations. The first version of HMIS labeling was released under the NPCA brand before the name and brand changed to the ACA.

There are two prior versions of the labels termed HMIS I and II. Under these systems, a yellow stripe represented a Reactivity hazard with levels rating from zero to four. Under the current system, an orange stripe replaces the yellow one and labels that danger as a physical hazard. The change was intended to distinguish the HMIS system from the Fire Diamond and to better comply with OSHA’s definitions of physical hazards.

Another change from the HMIS I and II systems is the definition of hazard levels under Flammability. While the older system used numeric ratings identical to the system established for the Fire Diamond’s red section, the revised system is current with the definitions set by OSHA’s standards.

Use an HMIS Label and Other Signage To Put Safety First

Proper use of an HMIS label is only one of the many things you should do to promote employee safety in your work environment. Posting appropriate signage is also important. Turn to ComplianceSigns, LLC for a wide range of safety notices and other markers. Order your safety signs today.

The post How To Read an HMIS Label Like an Expert appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

One crucial element that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role in pipeline safety is safety signage. In this article, we will emphasize the crucial role of pipeline safety signage and discuss best practices for selecting, placing, and maintaining safety signage in pipeline-related projects.

The Significance of Safety Signage

Safety signage serves as a visual communication tool, conveying essential information and warnings in an easily understandable manner. In the context of pipeline safety, it can prevent accidents, reduce risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Consequences of Neglecting Proper Signage

Neglecting proper safety signage in pipeline-related projects can have severe consequences, both for businesses and the community as a whole.

• Accidents: Inadequate or absent safety signage can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities among employees and the public. Accidental damage to pipelines due to lack of warning signs can result in hazardous leaks and environmental disasters.

• OSHA Compliance Fines: Non-compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations can lead to hefty fines for businesses. The absence of appropriate safety signage is a clear violation of these standards and can result in significant financial penalties.

• Potential Lawsuits: Neglecting proper safety signage can expose businesses to potential lawsuits from injured employees or affected parties. Such legal actions can lead to substantial financial liabilities and damage to a company’s reputation.

Selecting the Right Safety Signage

The first step in enhancing pipeline safety is to choosing the right signage. It’s important to select signs that align with the specific hazards and risks present in your work environment. ComplianceSigns.com offers a comprehensive selection of pipeline safety signs, including:

• Caution – Buried Gas Line Below. These signs are essential for identifying underground gas pipelines to prevent accidental digging or construction over these lines.
• Emergency Shut-Off Valve. These signs are crucial for marking the location of emergency shut-off valves along the pipeline.
• Danger – High-Pressure Gas Line. For areas with high-pressure gas pipelines, these signs serve as an important warning to ensure safety precautions are followed.
• Call Before Digging. For areas around pipelines help prevent unsafe digging.

Selecting the right signs and using appropriate wording and symbols is vital to effective communication, and that’s what your signs need to do, right?

Pipeline and Utility Safety Signs

Placement of Safety Signage

Once you have selected the necessary safety signs, proper placement is key. Signs should be highly visible, easily recognizable, and strategically located in areas where they will be most effective. ComplianceSigns.com provides durable sign materials that withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring longevity and visibility.

For instance, the “Caution – Buried Gas Line Below” sign can be affixed to posts, fences, or buildings near the gas line’s location. Proper placement helps prevent accidental damage to the pipeline during construction or excavation activities.

Maintenance and Compliance

To maintain the effectiveness of safety signage, regular inspections and maintenance are essential. Ensure that signs remain free of damage, graffiti, or obstructions. ComplianceSigns.com signs are designed to withstand outdoor elements and provide long-lasting durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Additionally, staying compliant with industry-specific regulations is crucial. ComplianceSigns.com offers signs that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, making it easier for businesses to ensure they are following the necessary guidelines.

Prioritizing Safety

It’s no overstatement to say that safety signage plays a vital role in pipeline safety. By selecting the right signs, placing them strategically and maintaining them properly, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and environmental hazards.

At ComplianceSigns.com we can help you with a wide range of safety signage products designed to meet the needs of businesses in various industries. Their dedication to quality and compliance ensures that you can trust their products for enhancing safety in your pipeline-related projects. Make safety signage a priority, and protect your workforce, the public and the environment.

Related Resources:

• Utility work is one of the 10 most dangerous jobs
• 5 safety monitoring tips for heavy equipment
• Create a maintenance schedule for heavy machinery
• Visit the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration site
• Find Pipeline and Utility Signs at ComplianceSigns.com

The post The Role of Safety Signage in Pipeline Safety: Best Practices for Businesses appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Lead is a toxic metal that, if consumed, can cause serious health issues. And yet, there are no federal laws that regulate the levels of lead in school drinking water, leaving it up to the states and individual schools or school districts to determine how to address the issue — no small responsibility.

While the removal of lead from the drinking water is the ideal solution, it’s also a costly one. So there are a few ways schools can chip away at the problem over time. And the first step is becoming educated on the issue.

Current legislature regarding lead in drinking water

As of 2023, there are no federal laws that require schools to test the drinking water for lead if the school taps into the public water system. The United States also lacks a national health standard for the acceptable levels of lead in the drinking water as various federal agencies have differing thresholds for lead in drinking water.

That means responsibility lies at the state level. And unfortunately, only seven states and Washington, D.C. require lead tests in schools. An additional 17 states have programs for lead testing and elimination that are voluntary. But even these state-led initiatives vary wildly in terms of how much lead is acceptable, how the test are conducted, costs for lead testing, and access to the testing data.

Water testing services Tap Score and SimpleLab, conducted a nationwide investigation of state efforts to deal with lead contamination in drinking water in schools and daycare centers. The study looked at the number of schools in the state that tested for lead, the testing program’s rigor, and what measures were taken to address the issue if lead was found in the water supply. From there, Tap Score and SimpleLab gave each state a letter grade as to the effectiveness of their programs. Of the 50 states, 31 received an F, failing the test and most have no policy at all.

Similarly, a 2018 report written by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that an estimated 41% of school districts — serving 12 million students — had not tested school water for lead in 2016 or 2017, and another 16% of school districts didn’t know whether they had tested for lead. Of those that did test for lead (43% of school districts surveyed, which represents 35 million students), about 37% found elevated lead levels in their school’s water.

The dangers of lead in school drinking water

Lead exposure — such as drinking from contaminated water — can cause serious health problems. Even at low levels, lead affects the central nervous system and can cause brain damage, kidney disease, anemia, and even death. Studies have shown that exposure to lead can lower IQ, decrease focus, cause learning disabilities, decrease growth, and even lead to violent crime and delinquency.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies absorb more lead than adults. This is complicated by the fact that they spend much of their time in schools and daycare facilities. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency, these facilities may have higher elevated lead levels because they’re closed on weekends, holidays, and extended breaks, allowing lead in the pipes and fixtures to seep into the water supply.

How schools can create a safer environment for children

Because there aren’t national standards or laws to protect children from lead exposure in schools, that responsibility often falls on the district or individual school. Fortunately, most lead contamination comes from the faucet fixture or pipes in the school rather than the greater water distribution system. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to pinpoint the source of the contamination and potentially expensive to fix.

A recent report from John Rumpler and Matt Casale from the Environment America Research & Policy Center and the U.S PIRG Education Fund recommended a few steps districts can take to make the drinking water in schools more safe for children. The report suggests that districts:

• Test for lead at all water outlets at all schools used for drinking or cooking and have a protocol for what to do if lead is found.
• Replace fountains with water stations that have filters certified to remove lead.
• Install, test and maintain filters certified to remove lead on all taps used for drinking or cooking.

For schools and districts that cannot afford to replace lead fixtures or pipes, one option is to invest in safety signage that identifies faucets that are not safe to drink from. By posting next to sinks in science labs, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeterias that warn of lead exposure, you can limit the risk of a student drinking water contaminated with lead.

ComplianceSigns has a variety of options for handwashing only signs that discourage school-age children from drinking from contaminated faucets. Browse our collection today and post signs near any faucet that has tested positive for lead contamination or that you suspect may cause lead exposure. This simple step creates a healthier, more successful student body and may even save a life.

The post The Dangers of Lead in School Drinking Water, and How to Keep Children Safe appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What Types of Workplace Safety Tags Are There?

There are four standard OSHA signal words used on tags, and those words indicate varying levels of workplace hazard.

• Danger: Only used for major hazards with a risk of serious injury or death
• Caution: Used for minor hazards, situations where possible safety risks might cause less serious injuries
• Warning: Used when a hazard risk is lower than danger tags but greater than caution tags
• Biohazard: Always required for any immediate or potential biological hazards, including containers, rooms, equipment or animals

OSHA Standard 1910.145 requires that signal words on a tag must be visible from a distance of at least 5 feet. This means a letter height of 0.16 to 0.33 inches, depending on the surroundings.

What Do Safety Tags Mean?

A proper safety tag includes two key elements to help convey its meaning:

Color

OSHA has specific requirements for the colors you choose for your tags. Using the right color is essential to communicate clear messaging to employees:

• Red: Danger tags, emergency instructions and safety cans
• Yellow: Caution tags, falling hazards and some containers for corrosive materials
• Orange: Warning tags, often used for equipment maintenance hazards
• Fluorescent orange-red: Biohazard tags for blood and other biosafety risks
• Black/white/yellow: Boundary tags, often with “Caution” in the label
• Green: Safety tags related to first aid equipment, eye protection and safety equipment locations
• Blue: Information tags with general info, such as notices

Major Message or Hazard Symbol

Every safety tag should have a signal word or easy-to-identify symbol, such as the biological hazard symbol, as well as a “major message” that indicates the specific hazardous condition or instruction to be communicated. Common major messages include:

• Do Not Operate
• Out of Order
• Electrical Hazard
• Do Not Enter
• Do Not Use

Status tags provide key information such as inventory levels or inspection records, or the status of an items such as gas cylinders, ladders and scaffolds, or other equipment.

When Should You Use Tags or Signs?

A tag isn’t meant to be a replacement for a warning sign. Tags are usually designed to be temporary to identify or address:

• Temporary risks: A tag can help you warn employees when a safety risk is temporary, such as a piece of equipment in an unusual location.
• Interim warnings: Until a permanent safety sign is in place, you need a tag to highlight risks.
• Ongoing monitoring: Tags can be a convenient way to keep inspection records close to the item you need to monitor, such as forklifts or pumps.

In other words, tags complement safety signs for a safer workplace.

How Can You Encourage Employees To Read Your Tags?

Creating an environment of workplace safety requires training. Walking your team through different scenarios can help them feel comfortable using different tags.

Safety Tag Resources:

• OSHA 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
• Using Lockout Tags to save lives
• Learn about Flap Tags for harsh environments
• Browse safety tags at ComplianceSigns.com

The post How To Read a Safety Tag appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Occupations That Pose a Significant Risk

Most chemical injuries in the workplace affect the skin and eyes, usually because a corrosive material spilled onto the skin or splashed into a worker’s face. In the latter case, the worker may accidentally swallow some of the material, which can cause injuries to the internal organs. Internal organs can also suffer damage if a worker inhales chemical fumes.

Here are a few occupations in which workers are at high risk for chemical burns.

• Factory Workers
  The manufacture of many consumer goods involves harsh or corrosive chemicals. Predictably, those who work in plants that specifically manufacture chemicals are at particular risk for injuries from accidentally coming in contact with these chemicals.
• Automotive Mechanics
  Battery acid is a highly corrosive chemical. Mechanics who work on motor vehicles may encounter it when changing the battery or while working in the engine compartment. Gasoline on the skin or other tissues also can cause a chemical burn.
• Construction Workers
  Many products used in the construction of new buildings and infrastructure can cause chemical injuries. Specific examples include paint thinners and concrete mix, the latter because it contains cement.

Symptoms of Chemical Burns

In some cases, the effects of a corrosive substance on body tissues are evident immediately. In other cases, the symptoms may emerge gradually. This is a potentially dangerous situation because the affected worker may not remember the incident, let alone what the substance was.

Symptoms of a chemical burn may vary depending on the type of substance, how long it remained in contact and the area of the body affected.

For example, chemical injury to the skin can cause it to change color. It can be red due to irritation, but it can also appear white or black. Blisters may form at the site of contact and the skin may appear cracked or start to peel. There may be burning pain or, if the substance has damaged several layers of skin, there may be no sensation at all. The body’s inflammatory response could cause swelling.

A chemical burn of the eyes could cause redness, watering and stinging pain. The injury could result in vision changes, such as blurring or, if the injury is severe enough, blindness.

Inhaling or accidentally ingesting a corrosive substance could cause vomiting, shortness of breath, hoarseness, cough or chest pain. The esophagus and stomach could become perforated and the worker could develop low blood pressure.

Severity of a Chemical Burn

As with other burn injuries, some chemical burns to the skin are superficial, affecting only the outermost layer. Others can penetrate deeper. Superficial injuries are the least serious, partial-thickness burns are moderately serious and full-thickness burns are severe.

Because the symptoms of a chemical injury do not always show up right away, the best practice is to consider any exposure to a corrosive substance as an emergency that should receive immediate medical attention, even if the injury appears superficial. In addition to the depth of the burn, which may be difficult for non-medical personnel to ascertain, there are other signs indicating that a chemical injury to the skin is particularly severe:

• The worker exhibits symptoms of hypovolemic shock, such as shallow breathing, clammy skin or weak pulse.
• The affected area of the skin has a diameter of at least 3 inches.
• The affected area of skin completely encircles a leg or an arm or completely covers the face, feet, groin, buttocks or hands.

If any of these signs are present, immediate medical attention is critical.

First Aid for a Chemical Burn

First aid for a chemical injury can help minimize damage and stabilize the situation before emergency medical personnel arrive. Appropriate first aid steps vary depending on whether the burn affects the skin, eyes or internal organs.

First Aid for Skin Burns

The first step is for the worker to remove any clothing or jewelry that the chemical has touched. Contaminated clothing can bring the substance back in contact with the skin and cause more damage. If any portion of a dry chemical substance remains on the skin, put on gloves and brush it off with the hands.

Rinse the affected area with water for at least 20 minutes, preferably under a shower, taking care to protect eyes or other unaffected parts of the body from contaminated runoff. Repeated rinses are appropriate as long as a burning sensation persists.

A clean bandage should cover the burn loosely to avoid applying pressure. Burned skin is delicate and, if swelling occurs, a bandage that is too tight can cut off blood flow to the area.

First Aid for a Eye Burns

If the corrosive material splashes into the eyes, remove contact lenses, if present, and rinse the eyes. Some worksites are required to have an eyewash station especially for this purpose. Otherwise, rinse the eyes in a shower or sink. Removing contact lenses prevents them from trapping chemicals next to the eye.

First Aid for Accidental Ingestion of a Corrosive Substance

An accidentally ingested chemical may burn the esophagus or stomach on the way down. Do not induce vomiting as it could cause more internal burns. Instead, have the worker drink lots of water to dilute the chemical in the stomach. Hopefully, this will lessen the effects and prevent further internal damage.

Prevention of Any Chemical Burn

Managers should train workers about chemical safety, including the use of personal protective equipment, and provide emergency showers or eyewash stations in case a chemical burn does occur. It is the management’s responsibility to store chemicals safely with signs or labels advising workers of the danger.

Chemical Safety Resources:

• Visit the OSHA Hazard Communication page
• Chemical Label Literacy: What Your Team Needs to Know About Hazardous Materials in the Workplace
• What Kind of Chemical, Hazmat or Pipeline Safety Signs Does Your Business Need?
• New NIOSH Tools Help Manage Chemical Exposure
• Shop for chemical safety labels

The post The Risk of Chemical Burns in the Workplace appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What Does the NFPA Diamond Look Like?

Because each side of the “fire diamond,” as it is sometimes called, is equal in length, another accurate way to refer to it is a “square-on-point” or a rotated square. In either case, it contains four quadrants, each of which represents a different hazard. Firefighters can identify the hazard both by the position of the quadrant within the diamond and its color. Each quadrant has a different color assigned to it.

In three of the four quadrants, there is a number from zero to four. This number demonstrates the severity of the hazard. The fourth quadrant can contain a symbol representing a special hazard posed by the material.

What Do the Different Colors Mean?

The NFPA diamond uses a color code, with each color representing a different hazard:
Red – The red quadrant appears in the 12 o’clock position on the fire diamond. It represents flammability, or the likelihood that the material will catch on fire.
Blue – The blue quadrant appears on the fire diamond in the 9 o’clock position. It represents health hazards, i.e., whether exposure to the chemical can cause illness or injury.
Yellow – The yellow quadrant appears in the fire diamond’s 3 o’clock position. It represents the chemical’s reactivity, or the likelihood that it could explode.
White – The white quadrant appears in the 6 o’clock position and represents special hazards that the other three quadrants do not cover.

What Do the NFPA Diamond Ratings Mean?

To communicate the severity of each hazard, the red, blue and yellow quadrants each receive a numerical rating from 0 to 4. A lower number represents a lower risk, while a higher number represents a greater risk:

• 0: Minimal hazard
• 1: Slight hazard
• 2: Moderate hazard
• 3: Serious hazard
• 4: Severe hazard

The combination of the color-coded quadrant and the numerical code inside of it communicates quickly to firefighters the type of hazard they are facing and how severe it is. Here are some examples of what the combined colors and numbers mean:

Yellow 1: Slight stability hazard, i.e., a normally stable substance that can become unstable if exposed to elevated pressure or temperature
Red 0: Minimal flammability hazard, i.e., a substance that is not flammable
Blue 4: Severe health hazard, i.e., a highly toxic substance that can cause death under emergency situations
Yellow 4: Severe stability hazard, i.e., a substance that can explode at normal temperatures and pressures
Red 2: Moderate flammability hazard, i.e., a substance that may ignite when exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures or moderate heat

Common NFPA Diamond Signs

What Do the Symbols in the White Quadrant Mean?

The white quadrant of the NFPA diamond is for special hazards not covered by the other four quadrants. Unique symbols communicate these hazards to firefighters and first responders.

There are only three symbols that the NFPA has authorized to go into the white quadrant. However, some people use additional, unauthorized symbols.

NFPA Authorized Symbols

The symbols the NFPA has authorized to go into the white quadrant are: OX, representing a substance that oxidizes; SA, indicating a simple asphyxiant gas; and a struck-through W, representing a substance that reacts with water.

While not itself explosive, an oxidizer can accelerate the explosion of a combustible material if the two come into contact.

A simple asphyxiant gas can push the oxygen out of the air. Low levels of oxygen can cause a person to suffocate. This symbol can only go on certain gases:

• Argon
• Helium
• Krypton
• Neon
• Nitrogen
• Xenon

Other gases may be asphyxiant but are not simple.

Water is a common ingredient in most firefighting substances. However, certain materials react strongly to water. For example, exposure to water causes sodium to combust. Therefore, using water to fight a sodium fire would feed the flames rather than extinguish them.

Non-Authorized Symbols

There are other symbols that, while not receiving authorization, nevertheless show up frequently in the white quadrant of the NFPA diamond. Examples of these non-authorized symbols include the following:

• ACID: Acidic
• ALK: Alkaline
• COR: Corrosive

Some people also use symbols in the white quadrant representing radioactivity or biohazard, if applicable.
While it is not illegal to use unauthorized symbols in the white quadrant, there are issues that can arise from it. First, firefighters receive training on reading the authorized symbols. If an unauthorized symbol appears, they might not understand what it means or waste valuable time trying to decipher it. The other issue is that many of the unauthorized symbols are unnecessary because they cover hazards communicated in the other three quadrants.

When and Where Do Facilities Have To Use the NFPA Diamond?

The NFPA 704 standard only tells facilities how to label hazardous materials. It does not specify when labeling is required. For this information, facilities must look to applicable local, state or federal regulations. Some facilities choose to use the fire diamond even when there is no legal requirement, and this is acceptable as long as they use the labels correctly.

Facilities that use NFPA 704 placards should place them at every entry point where firefighters could potentially enter the facility. If there are multiple possible entry points, placards need to appear at each one.

There is no set size for NFPA placards featuring the fire diamond. Rather, the placards must be large enough to be legible. The 704 standard provides guidance on placard sizing based on the distance at which firefighters and first responders will read them.

NFPA DIAMOND RESOURCES:

• Learn more about NFPA 704 diamond signs in our Compliance Resource Bulletin. (pdf)
• Purchase a copy of the NFPA 704 standard here.
• Make your own printed NFPA 704 diamond sign.
• Create a custom NFPA sign with diamond and chemical text.
• Browse blank signs and letter kits to create diamonds on-site.

The post What Is the NFPA Diamond and Why Is It Important? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

One swing of a hammer to loosen the lid of the box created an explosion that killed fifteen people and sent debris for blocks. This event is commonly referred to as “The San Francisco Incident” by those who discuss workplace safety because it was a tipping point that led to the development of the first chemical and hazardous material labels legislation. 

While your workplace may not be dealing with leaky crates of nitroglycerin, it probably has plenty of hazardous chemicals and materials around. So how do you keep your employees safe? Today’s chemicals have some pretty tight restrictions on their labeling thanks to the  Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). By understanding these  labels, your team will have the knowledge to use, store, and clean up these products safely. 

The key is making sure that any and all employees who may come in contact with these materials have the proper chemical label literacy.

Common Workplace Hazardous Materials

You may think that it’s only industrial companies and manufacturing that are likely to have dangerous materials around, and they do account for the bulk of chemical-related accidents, but nearly every business has some form of hazmat on site. Some common hazardous materials found in workplaces include:

• Chlorine – Used in many industries such as paper, leather, and lumber production as well as the making of printing chemicals. Even the local swimming pool keeps it around.
• Hydrochloric Acid – It may be clear and odorless, but this substance can do serious damage to the eyes, organs, and skin. It’s used in some strong cleaning agents and found in batteries. 
• Sulfuric Acid – Also clear and odorless, sulfuric acid can cause chemical burns and blindness. You can find it in dyes, detergents, and fertilizers.
• Ammonia – Frequently used for cleaning, ammonia gas is very dangerous and all too common.
• Carbon Monoxide – It’s not just something that comes out of your car’s tailpipe. Carbon monoxide can build up where any fuel-burning engine is running and there is poor ventilation. 

These are just a few of the most common culprits when it comes to workplace hazmat issues, but there are many more out there.

GHS Chemical Hazard Labels

In 1992, at the United Nations Earth Summit, the GHS was born. It’s a standardized system for chemical information that can be recognized and understood across the globe. Prior to its development, every country had its own methods for chemical and hazardous material labels, which created confusion and even danger as chemicals were bought, sold and shipped internationally. GHS compliance is now required worldwide.

To meet GHS requirements, every label for hazardous chemicals must have:

• Name, Address and Telephone Number
• Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement(s)
• Precautionary Statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)

The pictograms are small pictures on the label that can help identify hazard types without the use of words, eliminating language barriers. Nine GHS pictograms exist, each representing a hazard classification, but only 8 are considered mandatory by OSHA. At this point in time, the environmental pictogram is optional. 

Another major part of GHS labeling is the requirement for each product to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) included in its packaging. These sheets provide crucial information such as proper use and storage, first-aid and fire-fighting measures, suggested or required personal protection measures, and proper disposal and much more. 

The GHS pictograms provide essential information at a glance, regardless of language, while the SDS sheets provide the complete playbook for each chemical.

GHS Literacy is Your Responsibility

As an employer, the safety of your workforce is your responsibility. What’s more, workplace hazardous material safety training is an OSHA requirement. According to OSHA, “All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.” That means if you do not have your chemicals labeled properly or your staff is not trained to read those labels, your business could be subject to significant fines. 

To make things easier on employers, OSHA has a number of hazard communication and GHS resources available. 

Chemical and hazardous material incidents can happen in a heart beat and they can be deadly. A flammable chemical is left too close to a flame or sparks. An heater is running but there is no ventilation. A worker uses the wrong product to clean up a spill. When these items aren’t treated with extreme care, lives are in danger.

Help your workforce stay safe by helping them understand the chemical and hazardous material labels and safety data sheets. By understanding the materials they work with, they can protect themselves and their coworkers from harm. The San Francisco Incident was tragic, but it was a catalyst that has lead to thousands, if not millions, of safer workplaces.

chemical and hazardous material label resources:

• Visit the OSHA Hazard Communication page
• What kind of chemical hazard signs does your business need?
• Review a bulletin on GHS signs
• Browse GHS signs and labels
• Find chemical safety signs and labels here

The post Chemical Label Literacy: What Your Team Needs to Know About Hazardous Materials in the Workplace appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Would the floor be flooded with cool water, or would a hazardous chemical burst forth? Perhaps a highly flammable gas or liquid would leak out, making its way toward an electrical box across the floor. Unless your pipes are clearly marked, you might not know until it’s too late.

Did you know there are established standards for pipe markings? While OSHA has not created its own standards for pipe markings, it does require your business to maintain a safe work environment. To that end, OSHA recommends following the standards established by ASME.

Is your facility meeting ASME standards? Here’s what you need to know to conduct a pipe marking audit at your facility.

What are ASME Pipe Marking Standards?

The purpose of setting standards for pipe marking is to create some level of consistency. An emergency worker or repair technician should be able to recognize the markings on the pipes in your facility as well as any other building they go to.

To keep it simple, the ASME A13.1 standard has established a color-coding system for pipe markers. While these colors do not tell anyone exactly what is in the pipe, they are broken down into categories to help you understand the nature of the fluid flowing through the pipe. Look for these recommended colors as you conduct your pipe marking audit:

• Black on yellow = Flammable
• White on brown = Combustible
• Black on orange = Toxic or corrosive
• White on red = Fire quenching water or other fire-fighting fluids
• White on green = Any other water
• White on blue = Compressed air
• White on purple = Other
• White on black = Other
• Black on white = Other
• White on gray = Other

While there is some room for flexibility with the “other” label colors, the most dangerous or important categories fall under the first six labels.

Marking Contents and Flow Direction

There are other requirements for pipe marking beyond just following the color scheme. Pipe marking labels and stencils are used to further identify pipe contents and flow direction – and should be part of your pipe marking audit. Each label should also:

• Identify the exact contents of the pipe by using its name, abbreviation, chemical symbol or any combination of those items
• Be sized appropriately according to the size of the pipe
• Include an arrow that shows the direction the pipe contents flow
• Be visible from any direct line of approach
• Be placed 25 to 50 feet apart on straight runs
• Be adjacent to any valves or flanges
• Be present on each side of any wall the pipe goes through
   

The Benefits of Labelling Pipes

You may think that no one in your facility works with the pipes very often, but that’s not a good reason to ignore them. By using a pipe marking system – and conducting pipe marking audits – your company can gain significant benefits with minimal investment. Some potential benefits of a pipe marking system include:

• Improved safety for your employees – Knowing what is in each pipe and which direction it flows can help avoid a tragic mistake.
• Save time for emergency workers – In the event of an emergency, the emergency personnel may need to find water or cut through a pipe for access. Being able to tell at a glance what’s in them can save precious minutes.
• Improved employee efficiency – If your team doesn’t need to go find the building schematics every time they need to deal with a pipe.
• Keep OSHA happy – While OSHA does not require pipe labeling, it does recommend following ASME standards. In the event of an accident, it is always to your company’s benefit to have followed suggested guidelines.

The reality is that pipe marking makes your facility an easier and safer place to work. Shouldn’t that be enough motivation to implement a plan?

Complete a Pipe Marking Audit

Step one to ensuring that your business is up to ASME standards (and thereby OSHA compliant) is to learn those standards. Then, put together a small team from your safety committee (You have one of those, right?) and do a thorough walkthrough of your facility to complete a pipe marking audit. Download our free Pipe-Marking Audit Checklist to guide you through the process.

1. Look at all pipes and valves. Do they follow the proper color code?
2. Try to spot missing, damaged or dirty valve tags. If no one can read them, they’re not doing any good.
3. Look for areas that may need more tags, particularly around valves, flanges, or walls. 
4. Mark down the exact markers, including color, size and name of material that you need, so you can order new labels and get them in place asap.

Compliancesigns.com carries a full selection of pipe markers and valve tags for chemicals, HVAC, ammonia refrigeration and even medical gasses. You can also create pipe markers with custom text, or we can manufacture custom designs if you should need them. 

Your pipes should never be a guessing game. Audit your facility and get those pipes marked!

Pipe Marking Resources:

• Purchase the current A13.1 Scheme for the identification of Piping Systems
• For pipeline safety info, visit the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Review our Pipe Marker Labels and Signs Compliance – Resource Bulletin (pdf)
• Download our Pipe-Marking Audit Checklist (pdf)
• Browse Pipe Labels, Markers, Wraps and Flow Arrows at ComplianceSigns.com

The post Pipe Marking Audit: Is Your Pipe Marking Up To ASME Standards? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

• Do you experience machine breakdowns on a regular basis?
• Have your machines or equipment failed to produce with consistency?
• Must you remake items often because they fail quality inspections?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could benefit from implementing an efficient TPM process.

An Introduction to Total Productive Maintenance

The origins of Total Productive Maintenance go back over 70+ years. It is often considered as an innovative Japanese concept. The overall goal of a TPM program is to improve the integrity of production and the quality of products through regular equipment maintenance. Simply put, TPM is preventative medicine for your machines and equipment. TPM helps your business increase production processes.

Therefore, preventative maintenance is a strategy that focuses on routinely checking machinery and equipment before they break down or cause expensive, unnecessary issues. Oftentimes machine or equipment maintenance is considered the less desirable and difficult lean manufacturing tool; however, it is worth the time and investment in the long run.

In order to implement a successful TPM process, your workplace needs to be organized and clean. Could we be suggesting a 5S workplace? Of course! Because the goal of 5S is to create a work environment that is clean and well-organized. A successful 5S process is an important pre-requisite to have before diving into TPM.

How Does Total Productive Maintenance Work?

With TPM implemented in your workplace, running equipment and machines until they break down is part of the past. Preventative maintenance allows your organization to focus more on production time, instead of wasting time on emergency and unscheduled repairs.

In order to improve the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and eliminate production waste, create small multidisciplinary teams to measure processes. OEE is part of the improvement step of process worth management and takes into account all losses including availability, performance, and quality. Tracking and collecting the OEE data is an integral component of the TPM process. Each collection aims to stop all defects, breakdowns, and stops.

3 Questions that Measure Overall Equipment Effectiveness:

1. Availability – What is the percentage of time that a piece of equipment or a particular process is available for production, without downtime from breakdowns?
2. Performance – How well is the production process performing? Has the speed or efficiency of the equipment changed?
3. Quality – How many products were of good quality? Has the defect-rate of produce goods increased or decreased?

The 8 Pillars of Total Productive Maintenance

1. Autonomous Maintenance: Place the responsibility for maintenance, cleaning, and inspection on the operators of machinery and equipment.
2. Development Methods: Get team leaders and managers together to collect information from operators to predict or prioritize preventative maintenance.
3. Quality Maintenance: Operators and team leaders apply root cause analysis to prevent recurring defects in machines and products.
4. Process Worth Management: Implement small groups of employees to proactively work together to find any needed improvements in equipment.
5. Improvement Stages of New Equipment: Use TPM data (maintenance reports and equipment lifecycles) for the enhancement and redesign of new equipment.
6. Education & Training: Train operators, managers, and maintenance personnel to recognize proactive and preventative resolutions.
7. Safe and Healthy Workplace: Eliminate unsafe risks and focus on an accident-free workplace.
8. Administrative Work: Remove unwanted waste beyond the plant floor by making improvements with processes throughout the workplace.

“S.M.A.R.T.” Goals Achievable with TPM

Although this acronym often refers to attributes of a goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely), in the TPM mindset, they stand for the goals you can achieve through a Total Productive Maintenance initiative:

• Save money when equipment and products meet company standards.
• Manage a clean and organized workplace.
• Avoid product, material, and time waste in a rapidly changing economic environment.
• Reduce accidents and repairs.
• Develop Teamwork and confidence among your employees through TPM processes.

In conclusion, Total Productive Maintenance focuses on cultivating the overall success of your facility. It requires the total participation of your workplace. Strive to get your entire company on board and start recognizing problems, finding solutions, and preventing breakdowns of equipment or machinery.

Total Productive Maintenance Resources:

• Browse TPM supplies for gauge marking and more.
• Lean thinking and methods page at EPA.gov
• Info on Early Equipment Management

The post Total Productive Maintenance: Why You Need TPM appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

It’s important to have the proper PPE, right? But, that doesn’t do a lot of good unless you have signs and markings telling your workers which areas require PPE to be worn while working in them. It’s also vital to do safety inspections, but if you don’t communicate when an inspection was done and by whom, it leaves too much open to confusion. 

One of the most efficient and reliable ways to communicate simple safety messages is by using safety tags. There are at least six kinds of safety tags that you should have in your facility. But no matter what kind of tags you use, they’re only good if you can read them. Things like moisture, dirt, and even chemicals can harm your tags, making them hard or impossible to read. That means they can’t communicate their important safety message. 

Luckily some genius invented Flap Tags — and we can think of five good reasons why you should be using them. 

What are Flap Tags?

Flap Tags are an improved safety tag. Instead of being made of paper, cardboard or any other one material, they are made from durable materials and then protected with a clear adhesive flap. That flap serves as a barrier to dirt, moisture, chemicals or most other condition of the elements that could render your tag impossible to read.

5 Reasons You Should Upgrade to Flap Tags

All in all, Flap Tags are an upgraded version of your regular safety tags. They’re more durable, customizable, and, in the end, safer. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider upgrading your safety tags to flap tags:

1. You Can Write Your Own Safety Message

With blank Flap Tags that come in a variety of colors, you can create your own message in the language that your employees understand and still be OSHA compliant. You can use a pen, a marker, or even print off a sticker label with the exact wording you want to get your message across. 

2. Durable Against the Elements

Standard tags are easily damaged by water, sunlight, dirt or any number of other things that mother nature can (and will) throw at them. With a Flap Tag, you have a durable plastic shield that protects your writing on the main tag from all of these harmful factors. That means your message lasts longer, which improves its safety effectiveness, and won’t need to be replaced as frequently. 

3. Chemical Resistant

Frequently tags are used to mark things in areas where various chemicals are used or stored. These chemicals can corrode and damage standard tags very quickly. A chemical-resistant, clear flap that protects the tag underneath keeps harmful chemicals away from the vital information written on the tag.

4. You Can Double Up

For those tags that need to go in particularly dirty or wet areas, you can even double up your protection with a two-sided Flap Tag or an Everclear dual-flap tag. The Everclear tags use a clear adhesive flap to protect your message from moisture, dirt and chemicals and add a second non-adhesive clear flap on top to keep the information clean and legible. Two-sided Flap Tags feature flaps on both sides to let you customize and protect messages on each side of the tag.

5. Customize for Unique Tags!

Flap Tags are customizable so you can create your own message, set your colors, or even add your branding logo or tagline to boost your company image while creating a safer work environment for your employees. 

Get Your Safety Message Across

Safety tags are an essential part of any comprehensive workplace safety program. Those tags, however, are only useful if you can read the information on them. When dirt, moisture, sunlight or chemicals render them illegible, their crucial safety message is lost and the consequence could be an accident leading to an employee injury or even fatality.

Flap Tags are a simple solution to a common safety problem. A minor investment to upgrade your safety tags, at least in your most environmentally difficult areas, will make you wonder why you haven’t been using them for years.

Additional Resources:

• Compliance-Resource Bulletin on Lockout / Tagout
• OSHA Lockout/Tagout page
• OSHA Lockout/Tagout training
• NIOSH Lockout/Tagout Proecdures bulletin
• Browse all kinds of Flap Tags at ComplianceSigns.com

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