In an office environment and other frequently cited violations Top Safety Hazards In an office environment and other frequently cited violations

Common Hazards in the Workplace Top Workplace Hazards: Chemical Hazards Fire Over-exertion and Stress Electrical Hazards Accidental Falls and Flying Objects

Unauthorized Storage (Mechanical/Electrical/Stairwell)

Fire Extinguishers (Monthly Inspection/Mounted) Fire extinguishers not being inspected monthly 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: Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher In the bracket supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer In a listed bracket approved for such purpose In cabinets or wall recesses

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.

Emergency Lighting Non-Functional Not being inspected monthly / annually NFPA 101 (31-1.3.7) Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment. A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency 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 shall be 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.

Hazardous Materials HAZMAT not properly labeled. Users don’t have access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). MSDS’s can be found on most manufacturer’s websites. Household cleaning supplies require an MSDS also (if allowed on AUL)

DD Form 2522 / NFPA 704 HAZMAT Missing Label requirements: (a) Identity of material or chemical (b) Name & address of manufacturer (c) Appropriate hazard warning, including target organs

Sprinkler Head Clearance 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).

Examples of Fire Sprinkler Obstruction 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. 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 Wiring 1910.305(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed. Applies to power panels and electrical boxes.

Applies to power panels and electrical outlets. Exposed Wiring 1910.305(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed. Applies to power panels and electrical outlets.

Required Space in 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

Extension Cords Do NOT run extension cords through windows, walls, ceilings or doorways. 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;

Extension Cord Limited Use Only* 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 NOT authorized for use on base Limited Use Only* *Check with Safety if you are unclear when and where to use extension cords

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? 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 Strip 1910.304(b)(4) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served. Caused by: Surge Protectors/power strips being used with refrigerators, microwaves, space heaters, daisy-chained, and coffee pots.

Daisy-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 Appliances with Exposed Coils Toaster ovens and toasters are not authorized in work areas. [Exception: Kitchenette and galleys are authorized areas]

Multi-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.

Notify Facilities to have EXIT lights repaired or replaced EXIT lights being inoperative or missing Notify Facilities to have EXIT lights repaired or replaced

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) 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

Proper Fire Doors and Fire Door Self-Closing Devices are Required Not all doors are fire doors: Fire doors must be certified by recognized testing laboratories (such as UL) and must have the laboratory’s certification label OSHA regulations require that fire doors not be held open unless equipped with a device that releases the door upon activation of the fire alarm [29 CFR 1910.36(a)(3)] When Fire Doors are Needed Where a door has an EXIT sign on or around it Where a door leads to exit stairwells and horizontal exits Where a door leads to a hazardous area such as flammable storage In general, where a door leads to a hallway or from one fully enclosed room to another Hazards to Avoid With Fire Doors Fire doors should never be tied open or held open by unapproved devices, such as door wedges and blocks Fire doors can only be held open by a device that automatically releases when the fire alarm is activated (such as an electromagnetic hold open device) Even when closed, fire doors should never have latch taped over; during a fire, hot gases can easily build up enough pressure to cause fire doors to blow open At right is an example of a fire door that has been improperly held open by tying it to the wall. Fire doors can only be held open by a device that automatically releases when the fire alarm is activated (such as an electromagnetic hold open device)

Grounding Pin Missing 1910.304(b)(2)(iv)(A) Where a grounding means exists in the receptacle enclosure or a grounding conductor is installed, grounding-type receptacles shall be used and shall be connected to the grounding means or conductor

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