Safe Work Practices with Ladders, Electricity, Powered Tools, and Material Handling

1. Safe Work Practiceswith Ladders, Electricity, Powered Tools, and Material Handling Mercy Housing

2. Ladder Accidents • An analysis of accidents involving ladders revealed that the four major causes of such accidents are: • Ascending or descending improperly • Failure to secure ladder at top and/or bottom • Structural failure of the ladder itself • Carrying objects in hands while ascending or descending

3. Ladder Angle • Non-self-supporting ladders, are to be positioned at such an angle that for every 4 feet the ladder goes up, the ladder base is 1 foot out from the base of the structure.

4. Ladders and Slipping • Ladders are to be kept free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards. • Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering, except identification or warning labels on one face only of a side rail.

5. Ladder Safety • Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear • Secure ladders to prevent accidental movement due to workplace activity • Only use ladders on stable and level surfaces, unless secured • Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet. Also, use a second employee to brace the ladder • If using ladders where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, they must have nonconductive siderails such as wood or fiberglass.

6. Ladder Safety • Do not use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step • Face the ladder when going up or down • Use at least one hand to grab the ladder when going up or down • Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance

7. Electrical Terminology • Current – the movement of electrical charge • Resistance – opposition to current flow • Voltage – a measure of electrical force • Conductors – substances, such as metals, that have little resistance to electricity • Insulators – substances, such as wood, rubber, glass, and bakelite, that have high resistance to electricity • Grounding – a conductive connection to the earth which acts as a protective measure

8. Electrical Shock • Received when current passes through the body • Severity of the shock depends on: • Path of current through the body • Amount of current flowing through the body • Length of time the body is in the circuit • LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD

9. How is an electrical shock received? • When two wires have different potential differences (voltages), current will flow if they are connected together • In most household wiring, the black wires are at 110 volts relative to ground • The white wires are at zero volts because they are connected to ground • If you come into contact with an energized (live) black wire, and you are also in contact with the white grounded wire, current will pass through your body and YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK

10. How is an electrical shock received? (cont’d) • If you are in contact with an energized wire or any energized electrical component, and also with any grounded object, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK • You can even receive a shock when you are not in contact with a ground • If you contact both wires of a 240-volt cable, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK and possibly be electrocuted

11. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter • This device protects you from dangerous shock • The GFCI detects a difference in current between the black and white circuit wires (This could happen when electrical equipment is not working correctly, causing current “leakage” – known as a ground fault.) • If a ground fault is detected, the GFCI can shut off electricity flow in as little as 1/40 of a second, protecting you from a dangerous shock

12. Use of Flexible Cords • More vulnerable than fixed wiring • Do not use if one of the recognized wiring methods can be used instead • Flexible cords can be damaged by: • Aging • Door or window edges • Staples or fastenings • Abrasion from adjacent materials • Activities in the area • Improper use of flexible cords can cause shocks, burns or fire

13. Clues that Electrical Hazards Exist • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses • Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxes • GFCI that shuts off a circuit • Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connection

14. Powered Tools • Always follow the manufacturers instructions and intended use of the tool • Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. • Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters

15. Powered Tools • All observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area. • Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool. • Avoid accidental starting. The worker should not hold a finger on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool. • Tools should be maintained with care. They should be kept sharp and clean for the best performance. Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubricating and changing accessories. • Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance.

16. Powered Tools • The proper apparel should be worn. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can become caught in moving parts. • All portable electric tools that are damaged shall be removed from use and tagged "Do Not Use." • Guards shall always be installed during operation of the tool. In particular, this pertains to chop saws on Mercy Housing properties. • Proper hand and eye protection shall be worn at all times.

17. Powered Tools • Ergonomic Concerns • Most musculoskeletal disorders caused by trauma due to: • Repetition • Awkward positioning • Excessive and unnecessary force • Prolonged periods of time in one position • Rely on the weight of the tool or your body rather than upper body strength

19. Material Handling • Use slow and smooth movements • Keep your body square with the object • Carry the load between your shoulders and waist • Try to arrange lifting tasks by storing heavy loads at waist height to reduce the effort needed to lift them. • Avoid storing heavy items blow the knee or above shoulder height.

20. Proper Lifting Technique • Assess the weight of the load • Face the object • Ensure a good grip on the load • Bend at the knees • Keep back straight • Keep the load close to the body • Lift the load with your legs…not back! • Minimize twisting or rotating load

21. Lifting Safety • Seek help: • When a load is too bulky to properly grasp or lift • When you can’t see around or over the load • When you can’t safely handle the load • Attach handles to loads to reduce the chances of getting fingers smashed.

22. Safe Work Practices with Ladders, Electricity, Powered Tools, and Material Handling If you have any questions on these areas, contact your supervisor or submit using the “ASK THE EXPERT” menu selection on this website.