Lifting SafetyCompressed GasInfection Control

Health and Safety

Lifting Safety

Statistics

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics– One million workers suffer from back injuries each

year– Back injuries account for 1 out of every 5 workplace

injuries or illnesses– One-fourth of all compensation indemnity claims

involve back injuries, costing the industry billions of dollars on top of the pain and suffering borne by employees.

– 4 out of 5 injured the lower back – 3 out of 4 injuries occurred while lifting

What is Back Pain

• Three Types of Back Pain– Sacroiliac Pain– Facet Joint Pain– Disc Disruption

• These types of pain account for almost 70% of back pain suffering.

• Disc Disruption accounts for nearly 40% of all back injuries

What Causes Lower Back Pain

http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/neck-pain/cervical-disorders-spinal-stenosis-disc-herniation

Until recently researchers were in the dark about the exact cause of lower back pain and how it developed over time.

They now believe that lower back pain develops over time due to a failure/fracture of the vertebral end plate.

When the end plate fails it causes the development of scar tissue. As the scar tissue develops it slows the nutrient flow to the disc resulting in tears in the disc itself. As these tears develop they trigger an inflammatory response which we all know as lower back pain.

Researchers believe the key to reducing lower back pain is to reduce the likelihood of a fracture of the end plate

How Does End Plate Fracture Occur

A large load placed on the spine or a jolt such a in the case of a car wreck

Researchers seem to agree the most common way a fracture occurs is due to fatigue failure.

Fatigue failure occurs when a small fracture is developed in the end plate. The fracture continues to grow as repetition continues. Until a large fracture has developed. Research suggests repetitive lifting can be just as damaging as a one time load placed upon the spine. Research also suggests that as the discs continue to weaken over time a simple task such as reaching to pick up something off the floor can result in extreme back pain.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27187/

Using the Power ZoneLifting Techniques:Lift with your knees– keeping your back straight. Always lift straight up pushing with your knees. This only works if the load is small and lightweight and can fit between the knees.

Lifting a sack:Lean and slide the sack onto your kneeling leg. Then slide the sack onto your other leg while keeping the sack close to your body. Push up with your knees keeping the sack close to your body.

Equipment Lists:Scissor lift, load lifter, pneumatic lifter, forklift, pallet jack, turn table, step stool, catwalks, platforms, power stackers, tilt stands, pail tipper.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08004/lifting_powerzone.htm

Management Guidelines for Safer Carrying

• The CDC makes the following recommendations when lifting– Plan the workflow to eliminate unnecessary carrying.– Slide, push, or roll instead of carrying, when appropriate.– Organize the work so that the physical demands and work pace

increase gradually.– Reduce the distances that loads are moved to a minimum.– Tag loads to alert workers of heavy materials or unstable

materials.– Rotate workers, rotate non carrying workers with carrying

workers.– Divide the load to reduce overall weight of the materials to be

moved.– Raise the materials to be moved to a comfortable height, to

reduce bending.

Employee Guidelines for Safer Carrying

• The CDC makes the following recommendations for employees when lifting– Before lifting warm up and stretch– Check for tags on loads (heavy 2 person lift)– Test the load for stability and weight– Use material moving equipment when available – Wear appropriate shoes to avoid slips, trips, or falls– Avoid loads that obstruct your vision– Always push instead of pull when possible– Slide, push, or roll instead of carrying when possible– Try to avoid stairs, slopes, or slippery floors when possible

Employee Guidelines for Safer Carrying Continued

• CDC guidelines for lifting– Keep loads close to your body– Make sure you have a clear view of the path– When carrying containers with one hand,

alternate hands– Whenever appropriate use two hands to carry

containers– Alternate heavy or forceful exertion tasks with less

physically demanding tasks– Take rest breaks

Ergonomic Awareness WorksheetUsing this worksheet can provide you with valuable feedback about repetitive lifting.

Risk factors to look for:•Awkward postures (bending or twisting)•Repetitive motion (frequent reaching lifting or carrying)•Forceful exertions (carrying or lifting heavy loads)•Pressure points (grasping loads, leaning against parts or surfaces that are hard or have sharp edges)•Static posture (maintaining fixed positions for a long time)

How Can I Take Care of My Back?

• Exercise - find exercises that stretch and strengthen back muscles

• Develop proper sleeping habits• Sitting properly in a chair reduces the stress and

tension on the lower back• Use proper lifting techniques including back

braces• Stretch your back and warm it up before lifting

materials

Scenarios

• Here are a few tasks performed everyday by people under our direct supervision. How can we improve/suggest they go about their job in a safe way.– Lifting up 300 hundred cafeteria chairs, then

putting down 300 cafeteria chairs each working day

– Manually pulling bleachers five sections high– Folding/unfolding 25 cafeteria tables each day

Scenarios

• Mopping 10 classrooms with 1000 square feet each/per day.

• Lifting salt from a pallet into a large tank 6ft high.• Moving a large pneumatic compressor weighing

300 pounds up five steps.• Moving a 900lb heat exchanger down a flight of

steps.• Moving a case(s) of paper from storage to the

office

Questions

References/Additional Information

• http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pdfs/bicmfm.pdf

• http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-131/pdfs/2007-131.pdf

• http://www.bnl.gov/esh/shsd/pdf/safe%20lifting%20and%20carrying%20techniques.pdf

Compressed Gas

Compressed Gas

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 sets the standards for compressed gas compliance.

• Dangers associated with compressed gas– Accidental release of gas

• Gas can be flammable, combustible, corrosive, explosive, poisonous, inert, acidic, or reactive

– A cylinder when damaged can become like a rocket– A regulator when damaged can become like a bullet– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzn6MDVqSFU

Identification

• Read and understand MSDS before using, handling, or transporting compressed gas

• Read and understand the label on the cylinder before using, handling, or transporting compressed gas– Labels which cannot be read should be marked unknown

and returned to distributor– Verify that proper signage is posted near compressed gas

cylinder storage. Examples: No smoking, Flammable, Chlorine, Oxygen, keep all cylinders chained

– Experts agree: “do not rely on the color of the cylinder or the cap– they are easily interchanged”

Storage• Cylinders need to be stored upright and secured with

straps or chains• Cylinders should be segregated into hazard classes

• Store cylinders in a location where space temps will not exceed 125 degrees

• Protective caps must be secure to the unit while in storage

Handling

• Protective caps should be in place while moving the unit

• Always use a cylinder cart for transportation• Remove regulator before moving• Never bang, drop, or strike cylinders while

moving

USE

• Only properly trained personnel should service compressed gas systems

• PPE’s such as a face shield or safety glasses should always be worn

• Only use approved wrenches and tools to connect and disconnect cylinders to regulators (Never use a pliers)

• Avoid using copper tubing/fittings on acetylene tanks

USE Cont.

• Never repair a leaking valve or cylinder

• Close valves after use• Regulators are gas

specific

Emergency Response• Leaks Minor:

– Isolate if possible– Call for help – Relocate cylinder to a location where it can dissipate safely

• Away from flammable sources and in a well ventilated area – Call local supplier for response directions

• Leaks Major:– Call 911 immediately– Isolate if possible– Evacuate area surrounding leak

• Explosions:– Call 911 immediately – Evacuate building and surrounding grounds

Accidents• Praxair St. Louis Missouri

– Safety relief valves began venting gas on a hot summer day– Causing five hours of explosions, launching cylinders into nearby

neighborhoods– Setting cars and houses on fire in nearby neighborhoods– One cylinder was launched through an apartment building wall

UPI.COM

Questions

References/Additional Information

• http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/comp_gas.html

• http://www.cganet.com/• http://www.niu.edu/ehs/chemical/

CompressedGas.pdf• http://www.wsmr.army.mil/PDF/

compressedgassafety.PDF• http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/cylinder/

handling.htm

Infection Control

What is Infection Control

• Infection control deals with identifying potential seasonal illnesses and diseases.

• Understanding the potential risks for individuals and localized environments.

• Developing/Implementing practices to deal effectively with health risks to both individuals and also to localized environments.

Contagion

• A recently released film dealing with the subject of a pandemic outbreak.

• Things to walk away with from the film– In general society spreads a lot of germs each and

everyday through commonly touched objects, handles, panic bars, and railings to name a few

– Panic and fear are just as easily spread as germs

Common Cold Statistics

• How many work days are lost each year staying home with sick kids?– 126 million days

• How much is spent in over the counter medications?– 3 billion dollars annually

• Annually how much does the US spend to fight the common cold?– 40 billion dollars

Statistics provided by Marketplace January 2011

Identification

What types of illnesses do we need to be concerned about?

What is CA-MRSA?

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus– Simply a staph infection– Methicillin-resistant – simply stated this type of

staph infection is resistant to some antibiotics– Symptoms include a red swollen area with pimples

which develops into a blister– MRSA is spread by skin to skin

contact or by touching contaminated items

Controlling CA-MRSA

• Utilize a good disinfectant with a MRSA kill claim.– Such as Quat Stat, Green Earth Disinfectant,

Oxyfect G or H, AF 79• Evidence suggests that cleaning common

contact points is equally as effective as fogging• Most likely places for infection:– Locker rooms, showers, benches, weight rooms,

wrestling rooms, and mats.

Seasonal Flu/H1N1/Avian Flu

• The Flu comes in many forms. For the purposes of this discussion we will focus on the seasonal flu.

• Seasonal flu is caused by an infection from the influenza virus.

• Symptoms include:– Fever or feeling feverish/chills, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose,

Muscle or body aches, Headaches, Fatigue (very tired), Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Seasonal Flu/H1N1/Avian Flu

• How is the Flu spread?– The flu is spread by water droplets which have

become airborne.– People inhale them directly or they touch a surface

which has become infected.• How can we slow the spread of Seasonal Flu?– Disinfect common use surfaces– Wash hands frequently– Vaccinate– Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

A Note About H1N1 and Avian Flu• Avian flu is often deadly if contracted. Killing

more than half the people who become infected with it. It rarely occurs in humans.

• Avian flu is common in poultry and in water fowl.• H1N1 in 2009 was considered a pandemic by the

World Health Organization• H1N1 is a flu that occurs in pigs and other related

live stock. Thus swine flu.• H1N1 is a flu that is not fatal, but usually requires

medication to control the symptoms

Other Communicable Diseases• What are communicable diseases?

– They are diseases that are spread from one person to another.– Communicable infections can be caused by a virus, bacteria,

protozoa, fungus, or parasite• Examples include:

– TB, STD’s, HIV which causes AIDS, Meningitis, Hepatitis A,B,C, Chicken/Small Pox, Lyme, Mumps, Rabies, and many more not mentioned above

• How can we slow these outbreaks– Vaccinate when possible– Disinfect common surfaces (using proper dwell time)– Wear PPE’s– Wash hands

Simple Steps

• Explain the importance of good personal hygiene to your staff. Washing hands frequently between tasks will help reduce the spread of germs.

• Review Betco’s education disinfection video at your next staff meeting

• Research and education, www.cdc.gov, www.mayoclinic.com,

• Get vaccinated

Simple Steps Cont. • Have ample soap and hand sanitizer for peak

usage• Provide disinfectant sprays for coaching staff• Always use clean rags to avoid cross

contamination• Use clean mops and change them frequently to

avoid cross contamination• Clean commonly touched items as often as

needed. Examples: desks, locker rooms, handles, doors, mice, keyboards, phones, benches, weights, exercise equipment, pencil sharpeners.

References/Additional Information

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735

• http://www.betco.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Infection%20Prevention/MRSA%20Powerpoint.pdf

• http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html