A Reminder on Hazardous Atmospheres
Powered equipment (including tools and generators) and potentially hazardous atmospheres...
In case you missed it, OSHA's QuickTakes from September 15, 2016 included an enforcement update pertaining to a Midwestern steel manufacturer that was cited in connection with a fatality. The worker death was allegedly caused by a hazardous atmosphere (nitrogen). The nitrogen had originated from nitrogen powered air tools being used indoors. I'm sure many of you have seen similar incidents (or near misses) caused by nitrogen, carbon monoxide or other products of combustion. With the weather turning cool and (perhaps) more work being done indoors, it's a good time to make sure your hazard assessment skills are properly honed. This is especially true if you're dealing with non-routine work (demolition or a tear-out, for example). Non-routine work means hazards your employees may not be comfortable assessing on a day-to-day basis. Be safe!