Personally, the hazard communication (Hazcom) training possessed positive impacts while encountering various chemical hazardous substances at the workplace. The trainers from the safety departments provided adequate background information that assisted the employees to stay safe while interacting with different chemicals that could result in hazard situations when handled inappropriately. The training instilled significant knowledge and in-depth understanding of regulations and standards required for handling and interacting with various chemicals. Notably, the training was practical and successful in meeting the standards needed by the OSHA. For instance, the training outlined the department responsible for carrying out and monitoring the Hazcom programs in the organization. Furthermore, the training covered the various categories of hazards within the company and was mandated by OSHA. Besides, the training provided knowledge on detecting the presence of hazardous chemicals in working environments. Such training focused on reading the device and symbols odor and visual appearance of the released chemicals. On the same note, the training covered essential ways to protect themselves and measures taken in case of exposure to the chemicals. Equally, the effectiveness of the training originated from aims that concentrated on providing a healthy and safe working environment while handling hazardous chemicals. Similarly, the training offered fundamental knowledge on identifying the dangerous chemical in the working place which could cause harm to employees and necessary actions after exposure.
As per OSHA (2021), permitted-required confined space exists as the environment which possesses the potential of causing hazardous effects to the workers, includes dangerous materials or have engulfing impacts, and has an internal configuration that individuals entering can get trapped or contains recognizable hazards. On the other hand, non-permit-required confined space persists as the working conditions have limited atmospheric dangers that could cause death or serious physical harm to the people around (OSHA, 2021). Such surroundings possess factors able to facilitate hazardous atmospheres, such as low or high amounts of oxygen. Non-permit required confined space comprises machinery cabinets, drop ceiling, equipment closet, and ventilated tunnels, to name a few, which lack permits as a requirement for entry by the employees (OSHA, 2021). The surroundings lack hazards that could cause harm or death; hence, employees could enter without a written safety checklist. For example, individuals working on ventilated tunnels have minimal risks to their lives and health; thus, they could enter without permits and work while considering various safety measures (OSHA, 2021). Moreover, steam tunnel persists as the permit-required confined space, which requires employees to acquire Steam Tunnel Entry Permit before entering for safety measures. According to OSHA (2021), the system has various challenges and unique factors in movement and oxygen concentration which require training and getting permits for the employees to work inside. Notably, entering permit-required confined space requires close monitoring to maintain the health and safety of the employees. As a result, the entrant and attendant maintain observation and communication to detect any arising threats to the worker (OSHA, 2021). Furthermore, supervisors and entrants continuously monitor various parameters such as oxygen, heat, and the physical state of the surrounding conditions for detecting hazards.
The hazard communication standard elements, including written program, safety data sheets, labeling of hazardous substances, and training, work together to get the employee informed of chemical hazards leading to the maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace. For instance, the safety data sheet contains an in-depth description of the hazardous materials within the working environment recorded in the materials inventory (OSHA, 2021). The safety data sheet includes essential information such as chemical properties, protective measures, safety precautions while transporting, storing, handling, and potential environmental hazards. On the same, labeling has an essential role in identifying the various chemical in the working conditions (OSHA, 2021). Labeling contributes to providing the chemical containers with the name of the products, pictograms, a statement on hazards, signal words such as “Danger,” and telephone number in case of emergency due to exposure. Such information informs the employee and taking necessary precautions while handling the chemicals (OSHA, 2021). Equally, training of employees assists bin identification and safe working with the hazardous materials. Through training programs, the workforce learns to read the label, symbol, and their meaning measures taken when exposed to chemicals, communication, and improving safety. Besides, written programs make the employees familiar with potential risks while handling hazardous chemicals and understanding the symbols and labeling (OSHA, 2021,). Written programs provide essential information which makes employee prevent accidents and keep safety workplaces. Nevertheless, the material inventory focuses on offering a background of all chemicals available in working conditions to employees leading to an understanding of various substances.
Construction companies can put various measures to prevent employee exposure to overhead loads during steel erection to minimize accidents and maintain healthy and safe working conditions. For instance, the supervisors should ensure that employees understand their working surroundings (OSHA, 2021). On the same note, providing protective gear such as hard hats would prevent overhead loads from causing harm and fatalities. Furthermore, workers should avoid moving objects and cranes and barricade dangerous areas with warning symbols and labels (OSHA, 2021). Working under a load permitted involves receiving the load within the fall zone when the load is landing.
A controlled decking zone (CDZ) exists as performing particular work without utilizing the guardrail systems. Related safety measures such as safety nets and fall restrain while accessing the region are controlled. As per OSHA (2021), working at CDZ requires various criteria, including only permitted workers to enter the area, boundaries clearly marked and designated, and all employees training on CDZ. The duties of the controlling contractor on a steel erection site comprise of offering written to the public before the start of the process, terminating other construction activities below the steel erection area, facilitating access roads and storage space, and providing written notification on the strength of footings, walls, and piers.
References
OSHA. (2021, June 14). Permit-required confined spaces – 1910.146 | Occupational safety and health administration. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9797&p_table=STANDARDS
