Top Safety HazardsTop Safety Hazards

In an office environment and other frequently cited violations

Common Hazards in the WorkplaceCommon Hazards in the Workplace

• Top Workplace Hazards:

• Chemical Hazards• Fire • Over-exertion and Stress• Electrical Hazards• Accidental Falls and Flying Objects

Unauthorized Storage Unauthorized Storage (Mechanical/Electrical/Stairwell)(Mechanical/Electrical/Stairwell)

Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers (Monthly Inspection/Mounted)(Monthly Inspection/Mounted)

NFPA 10 7.2.1.2 Fire extinguishers shall be inspected either manually or by means of an electronic monitoring device/system at a minimum of 30-day intervals.

NFPA 10 (6.1.3.4) Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed using any of the following means:

(1) Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher

(2) In the bracket supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer

(3) In a listed bracket approved for such purpose

(4) In cabinets or wall recesses

• Fire extinguishers not being inspected monthly

• Obstructed or blocked from view fire extinguishing equipment.

NFPA 10 (6.1.3.3.1) Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.

Fire Extinguishing Equipment Fire Extinguishing Equipment

Emergency LightingEmergency Lighting

NFPA 101 (31-1.3.7) Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment.

A functional test shall be conducted on every requiredemergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for a minimum of 30 seconds. An annual test shall be conducted for the 1 1/2-hour duration. Equipment shallbe fully operational for the duration of the test.

Public Works has all emergency lighting within C4I Complex on Preventive Maintenance Interval (PMI) schedule beginning 2012.

• Non-Functional

• Not being inspected monthly / annually

Hazardous MaterialsHazardous Materials• HAZMAT not properly labeled. HAZMAT not properly labeled.

• Users don’t have access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).Users don’t have access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Household cleaning supplies require an MSDS also (if allowed on AUL)

MSDS’s can be found on most manufacturer’s

websites.

DD Form 2522 / NFPA 704DD Form 2522 / NFPA 704

Label requirements: (a) Identity of material or chemical (b) Name & address of manufacturer (c) Appropriate hazard warning, including target organs

HAZMAT MissingHAZMAT Missing

Sprinkler Head ClearanceSprinkler Head Clearance

1910.159(c)(10) Sprinkler spacing. The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7 cm).

At right is an example of materials stored on shelving that is too high, obstructing the sprinkler head and giving the sprinkler head and giving the sprinkler less than an inch of coverage. Stacked materials should never exceed the height of 18 inches below sprinkler heads.

Examples of Fire Sprinkler Obstruction

To the left is an example of an unacceptable practice with sprinklers. Creating an opening in the storage around a sprinkler does not satisfy code requirements because the sprinkler water is still blocked from reaching the wall.

Exposed WiringExposed Wiring

1910.305(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.

Applies to power panels and electrical boxes.

Exposed WiringExposed Wiring1910.305(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.

Applies to power panels and

electrical outlets.

Required Space Required Space in Front of Electrical Panelsin Front of Electrical Panels

1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A) The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts may not be less than 3ft. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if they are enclosed;

1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B) In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels; and

1910.303(g)(1)(ii) Working space required by this standard may not be used for storage. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded. Wrong

Wrong

ExtensionExtension Cords Cords

1910.305(g)(1)(iv) Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:

1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;

1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;

1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings;

• Do NOT run extension cords through windows, walls, ceilings or doorways.

Extension CordExtension Cord

• NOT authorized for use on base

Limited Use

Only*

*Check with Safety if you are unclear when and where to use extension cords

• Authorized for temporary use indoors– Use Fan during work hours– Portable Power Tools – Floor Strippers / Buffers– Check with your FD for rules on seasonal

lighting

Inappropriate Use of Extension Cords– Using as permanent wiring– Using unapproved extension cords – Overloading power capabilities of the cord during temporary use– Daisy chaining (plugging one extension cord into another and another, etc.) – Using one surge protector/power strip to power another

Basic Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Extension Cords– Cords must be properly approved (by Underwriters Laboratory, etc.)– Approved cords must be for temporary use only (no more than 90 days) – Extension cords may be used for remodeling and maintenance or repair of structures or equipment– It is permissible to use extension cords to light holiday decorations

Examples of Improper Extension Cords and Power Strips

To the right is a common example of improper extension cord usage. As seen in this photo from a Congressional facility, one extension cord is being used to power multiple devices. This cord is of the common household variety and not approved for this type of use.

Common Hazards to Avoid with Power Cords– Power cords with frayed or damaged external sheathing torn away from the plug head, or ground

prongs removed– Pulling a plug from a socket by jerking the cord rather than removing the plug carefully by hand

Regulations Related to Damaged and Ungrounded Power Cords– The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 1910.303) states that electrical insulation shall be free from

recognized hazards that cause death or serious physical harm to employees– The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 1910.334(a)(ii)) requires damaged or defective power

equipment to be removed from service until repairs are made and tests show the equipment is safe– Missing ground prongs are a violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

regulations and the National Electric Code. As required by CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(ii), attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the grounding conductor

To the left is a power cord in use in a Congressional facility. The cord has had its protective sheathing torn away from the plug head, exposing energized wires.

Approved? Approved?

Can you use power strips (surge protectors) with these appliances and electronics?

Check with Safety if you are unclear what can be plugged into a surge protector

Overloaded Surge Protector/Power StripOverloaded Surge Protector/Power Strip

Caused by: Surge Protectors/power strips being used with Caused by: Surge Protectors/power strips being used with refrigerators,refrigerators,

microwaves, space heaters, daisy-chained, and coffee pots.microwaves, space heaters, daisy-chained, and coffee pots.

1910.304(b)(4) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.

Daisy-Chained Power StripsDaisy-Chained Power Strips

1910.303(b)(2) Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

Heat Producing AppliancesHeat Producing Applianceswith Exposed Coilswith Exposed Coils

Toaster ovens and toasters are not authorized in work areas.

[Exception: Kitchenette and galleys are authorized areas]

Multi-Plug AdapterMulti-Plug Adapter

• Not Authorized on base

1910.304(b)(4) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.

EXIT LightsEXIT Lights• EXIT lights being inoperative or missingEXIT lights being inoperative or missing

Notify Facilities to have EXIT lights

repaired or replaced

Prior to any installation or use of portable heaters or coffee makers check with your base FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU for guidance on the local written authorization permit requirements.

EXAMPLE

Things to Keep Away From Space Heaters in the Workplace• Damaged power cords or excessive wiring

• Stacks of paper, wood, or other combustibles

• Clothing

Precautions for Safe Use of Space Heaters in the Workplace• Should be approved by an OSHA recognized laboratory (such as Underwriters Laboratory, Factory Mutual, or the European

Commission electrical standard CE)

• Should be in areas free of combustibles

• Should be equipped with a tip-over switch

• Should NOT be used with extension cords

• Should NOT be used with missing or broken parts (such as nobs, grills, or stands)

Questions?Questions?• Additional Office Safety Resource:Additional Office Safety Resource:

– Office’s Have Safety Hazards (Video) (Video)

Talk with your local Safety Office