Month: April 2019

The Environmental Supervisor is responsible for selecting the proper respirator for the application it is intended for use on.

The Plant Superintendent is responsible for maintaining stock of the approved equipment and for distributing the equipment to the employees and is also responsible for ensuring that their employees use the respirator properly.

The Employees are responsible for wearing and maintaining the correct respirator.

1. Respirator fit testing will be performed by the Environmental Supervisor or any other qualified person.
2. Respirator fit testing will be performed utilizing the “irritant smoke” qualitative method. A copy of this procedure can be found in this appendix and in the “Fit Testing” kit which is located with the respirators and supplies.
3. All fit testing will be recorded and filed with the annual training records.
4. Training shall occur annually and will include the following:
   1. Nature of respiratory hazards and the consequences of not using the respirator properly.
   2. Engineering and administrative controls being used and the need for the respirator as added protection.
   3. Reason(s) for selection of a particular type of respirator.
   4. Limitations of the selected respirator.
   5. Methods of donning the respirator and checking its fit and operation.
   6. Proper wear of the respirator.
   7. Respirator maintenance and storage.
   8. Proper method for handling emergency situations.
5. All training will be documented

The Plant Manager is responsible for ensuring that the site complies with this guidance, and audits against it, as part of their basic site SHE improvement plan.

The Plant Superintendent ensures that –

• A Restricted Access procedure is maintained consistent with this guidance.
• Individuals involved with the system have received adequate training
• Individuals authorized to issue and accept permits have been appointed

The Permit Issuer ensures that-

• The persons doing the permitted work understand the hazards and have adequately addressed them.
• Those signing off on the permit are aware of the meaning of their signature.
• The procedure has been followed in its entirety.
• The work location has been personally inspected by the Issuer.

Authorized Person’s Duties:

1. Know space hazards, including information on the mode of exposure, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure

Use appropriate PPE properly

4. A reason (maintenance, inspection, etc.) must be given for entrance.
5. The permit must be signed by the authorized supervisors, the personnel performing the work and the affected operator
6. The permit should be signed off at each shift change by the incoming shift. Permits should not automatically extend beyond the end of a shift.
7. The Restricted Access procedure should be audited regularly to make sure it’s working as intended.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION – identify the ways in which workers who operate or work around powered lift trucks may be harmed;

INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING – provide training, information and    instruction to lift truck operators and those who work in the vicinity of the lift trucks about the hazards associated with the work and how to protect themselves and others;

EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION – appoint competent supervisors;

INTERNAL RESPONSIBILITY – involve workplace parties in managing the safety of lift truck operations;

RULES FOR EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, MODIFICATION –         prepare rules and procedures for the proper testing, maintenance, repair and modification of lift trucks, (including rules governing the qualifications of persons authorized to carry out these activities);

LIFT TRUCK SELECTION CRITERIA – select lift trucks based on the type of job to be done and the environment in which the job will be done;

SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES  – establish safe work practices and management systems;

FACILITY DESIGN – design and maintain the work environment in a manner to reduce the likelihood of accidents involving powered lift trucks.

Supervisors who,

a) are qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,

b) are familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and

c) have the knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.

Employees who,

a) have been informed of the hazards associated with operating a power lift truck in the particular workplace, including the hazards associated with the load, the design of the workplace, the environmental conditions;

b) know how to protect him/herself and others from hazards;

c) have demonstrated to a person whose training and experience provide him/her with expert knowledge on the safe operation of powered lift trucks that he/she acquired the skills and knowledge identified as final outcomes in the definition.

Training of employees should be conducted only by someone who has received a training certificate, or by an outside certified company.

Employees who are continuously off loading chemicals, have an up-to-date TDG certificate.

Regulatory requirements related to management which have been contributing factors in a number of fatalities and critical injuries involving powered lift trucks

• no part of a load must pass over any worker;
• a lift truck left unattended must be immobilized and secured against accidental movement and forks, buckets or other attachments must be in the lowered position or be firmly supported;
• no load may exceed the maximum rated load and loads must be handled in accordance with the height and weight restrictions on the load chart;
• when a load is in the raised position, the controls must be attended by an operator;
• if an operator does not have a clear view of the path, a signaller who has been instructed in a code of signals for managing traffic in the workplace must be used;
• loads must be carried as close to the ground or floor as the situation permits. Recommended height is four to six inches;
• loads that may tip or fall and endanger a worker must be secured;
• where a lift truck is required to enter or exit a vehicle to load or unload, the vehicle must be immobilized and secured against accidental movement. Special Note – It is the driver’s responsibility to secure his vehicle. It is the lift truck operators responsibility to make sure that it has been secured;
• if the trailer is not attached to the tractor truck, and a lift truck can pass three feet or more past the trailer’s support legs, trailer jacks or some other means of safety supports approved by (Supervisors) must be used to support the front of the trailer;
• a lift truck must not be used to support, raise or lower a worker on a construction site and must only be so used in an industrial establishment site if the work is carried out in accordance with the Regulations for Industrial establishments or the guideline, “Use of Forklift Truck as a Working Platform”;
• barriers, warning signs, designated walkways or other safeguards must be provided where pedestrians are exposed to the risk of collision;
• ensure that in aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and in rooms, overhead and side clearances are adequate to permit safe operation of the truck;
• ensure floors, aisles and passageways are kept clear and free of hazards;
• ensure the workplace is ventilated as to prevent the accumulation of vapors from the refueling and operation of lift trucks.

In addition to the safe operating procedures above, each workplace should develop and implement a set of rules and safe operating procedures to address the specific hazards in their workplace as described below.

• Only trained and authorized persons should drive fork trucks.
• Conduct a pre-startup inspection check.
• If truck must be operated with driver in a standing position, he should stand firmly on both feet.
• Don’t drive with wet or greasy hands. You could lose steering control.
• Look to the front and rear before starting.
• Face in the direction of travel.
• Only carry loads for which the truck is designed and rated. Check the load plate before picking up a load
• Look backwards before reversing.
• Recheck brakes with the first load, and when changing to heavier loads. Never drive with faulty brakes. Report them immediately.
• Avoid sudden stops, starts and turns. These could spill the load. Maintain a safe speed.
• Stop at doors, corners, exits, etc. when vision is obscured and sound horn. Sound it, also when approaching other personnel.
• Drive slowly on wet or slippery surfaces, and rough ground. Cross railroad tracks at very low speed, if possible at an angle.
• Don’t drive with forks raised, keep them just clear of the ground or floor (10 cm – 15 cm) (4 in. – 6 in.) and tilted slightly back.
• Do no drive into an area where there may be flammable or explosive dust or vapors unless the vehicle is designed and approved for such hazardous areas.
• Do not indulge in horse-play or stunt driving or drive with passengers.
• Do not lift a man/woman on the forks or pallet. Use an approved platform that is secured to the lift truck. Worker being lifted must wear safety harness and is secured to platform.
• Raise lifting carriage up and down and check for defects, before lifting anyone in a platform. Check for hydraulic leaks.
• Do not work under suspended loads.
• Keep all parts of the body inside running lines of the truck.
• Before entering elevators make certain they are unoccupied and locked at floor level and able to carry the load. Switch off equipment in elevator, and lower the forks.
• When climbing or descending inclines, the load should always be uphill. Drive down an incline when not carrying a load.
• Do not park on an incline. Never leave truck unattended without lowering platform or forks, setting brake, neutralizing controls, shutting off power and removing ignition key.
• When parking the truck, do not obstruct gangways, exits, or emergency equipment.
• Do not block doorways, fire exits, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, eye wash and safety showers.
• Report all damage to your immediate supervisor at once.
• Remove key immediately upon noticing defects. Brakes, hydraulics leaks etc.
• Conduct pre-startup inspection at the beginning of each shift.
• When mounting/dismounting, always maintain 3 points of contact (eg. 2 hands, 1 foot)

The “do’s” and “don’t’s” which you should know to ensure maximum safety as well as reliable performance.

• The liquid in the cylinder should not come in contact with the relief valve. Always keep the cylinder in the proper position.
• When liquid is released it produces 270 times as much vapor by volume.
• Do not let the cylinder get too hot or the pressure will rise. If the pressure gets too high the relief valve will open.
• Always protect the relief valve.
• The liquid propane vaporizes quickly and will cause extreme frost bite if it touches your body so be sure to wear protective gloves while making or breaking connections.
• Pay attention to the connections. Use only components approved by the Canadian Transport Commission, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. or Underwriters Laboratories Canada.
• Avoid hazardous situations.
• Use approved hose and protect it from heat or damage.
• Any repairs to the carburation or fuel supply must be done by a qualified service person.
• Removable containers must be exchanged out doors or in well ventilated areas remote from any source of ignition.
• Before breaking any connections close the cylinder valve and let fuel in lines burn out before turning key off.
• Never use matches or an open flame to check for leaks. Use soapy water or a leak detector.
• After the cylinder is connected to the lift truck, open the valve very slowly.
• If the excess flow valve slugs shut while the cylinder valve is being opened, close the valve. Wait a few minutes and open the valve very slowly.
• Cylinders should be stored carefully outside in an upright position. Remember, the valve should be tightly closed.
• Combustion engines require air to operate efficiently. There will be exhaust gases from the lift truck so if it is operated inside a building, make sure the building is ventilated according to regulations.

No smoking or open flames.

• Use eye protection, gloves and apron when changing batteries.
• Remove all metallic jewelry before approaching battery.
• Use a well ventilated area.
• Open battery compartment to let gases escape.
• Unplug battery from truck (check quick disconnect if equipped).

Prepare written instructions on the nature and frequency of inspections, testing and maintenance, taking into account the work to be done and the environmental conditions to which the truck will be exposed and ensuring that the instructions are at least equivalent to the minimum requirements established by the manufacturer and any applicable regulations. Records must be maintained and kept on site.

Where lift trucks are leased, the company should have a written agreement of the nature and frequency of testing and maintenance at initiation of the rental/leasing agreement. Records of arrangements, testing and maintenance must be monitored and kept on file.

Crack testing should be conducted yearly on the forks and carriage, and results of testing kept on file.

1. Have Visitor Sign the Marker Board.
2. Have Visitor Sign the Visitor Logbook.
3. Ask Visitor to show the Safety Guideline Card.
4. Read Site Safety Rules off of the Visitor Badge Card.
5. Have Visitor sign the back of the Visitor Badge Card.
6. Issue the Visitor a Visitor Badge.
Note: If the visitor has a current Safety Guideline Card, go to Step # 9.
7. Have Visitor watch the “Visitor Video” in the conference room.
8. Issue the Visitor a Safety Guideline Card.
9. Issue the Visitor a hardhat, safety glasses, and hearing protection (as required).