Safety tips for
industrial work
Industrial work has the most dangerous environment of any occupation. If not careful a
worker can easily be burned, cut or exposed to many types of toxic substances. A
worker can also be cut on sharp-edge instruments, tools or machinery. Even minor cuts
can potentially provide a transit point for toxins or other viral substances into
the blood stream. Exposure either by accident or intentional to chemicals, dirt, solvents, fuels,
grease, cutters, etc, can mean costly medical bills and even cause irreparable
harm to the worker's health. However, many industrial accidents or injuries can
easily be prevented by proper care, common sense and adequate protection.
 "Leather gloves can also be
very valuable when dealing with sharp objects and cutting tools"
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Hand protection
Abrasive, sharp and rough surfaces or materials typically cause the majority
of hand injuries. A good leather glove can easily
protect your handswhen
working with or handling these types of materials. Leather gloves can also be
very valuable when dealing with sharp objects and cutting tools. When dealing
with solvents, petroleum, acids, pesticides, and other chemicals, industrial or
medical agents it is recommended that the worker wear high quality rubber gloves.
For adequate protection, gloves should fit properly, and not be oversized so
as not to interfere with work or get caught in moving parts or equipment.
Chemical protection
Adequate hand protection also includes the use of preventive measures such
as creams, ointments or screens applied before work to guard against
dermatitis causing grease, paint, chemicals, etc. After working with
chemical agents, it is recommended that the hands be thoroughly cleansed
and that a good quality hand lotion be applied to soothe and moisten dry
or cracked skin after a job.
Suggested
procedures
Proactive caution in the work environment is a vital strategy for dealing
with and recognizing the hazards of industrial work. Following and adhering
to safety procedures, avoiding short cuts and using common sense along with
basic safety principles can go a long way in preventing potential harmful
situations.
Concentrate on work
Many work related accidents occur due to a distraction that causes you to
take your eyes off the equipment you are working with, and move your body,
clothing or hands into contact with dangerous machines or moving parts.
Generally, you should think through each job before doing it, and not take
your eyes from the work you are performing. You should always work carefully
and deliberately. You should keep your hands away from rotating equipment
and moving parts and never use your hands to stop rotating or moving parts.
"Do not clean your hands or your skin with gasoline,
kerosene, mineral
spirits, or turpentine; use a hand cleaner or lotion."
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Safety
procedures
Basic work procedures can be invaluable in accident prevention. When
lifting a load, check for any sharp edges, protruding objects, wood splinters,
nails, screws, broken glass, etc. Watch your fingers and hands when handling
heavy objects and keep away from objects that are being mechanically moved.
Never use your hands or your skin to test the temperature of any gas, liquid
or machine. If injury occurs, seek prompt medical attention and report it
to your supervisor.
What you should do
- Hazardous work or occupations require you to wear gloves, aprons, goggles,
ear plugs, and other protective clothing to keep your skin, eyes and ears
from coming into contact with oils, greases, acids and other dangerous
chemicals and from loud noises.
- You should wear clean clothes to work,
and take off oil-soaked or chemical-soaked work clothes right after work.
- Do not clean your hands or your skin with gasoline, kerosene, mineral
spirits, or turpentine.
- You should always
wash your hands after handling
chemicals or any hazardous substances.
- Always wash your hands after handling any chemical or hazardous materials,
especially before eating or drinking.
- After
washing your hands, you
should protect them by applying some type of skin protective agent such
as petroleum jelly, a lotion, or a cream.
- Never smoke, eat or drink while handling dangerous substances.
- Never touch your skin, eyes, hair or
any other body part while handling dangerous chemicals or materials. Doing so can bring chemicals or other harmful substances in close contact
with your skin.
- If you work outdoors, put sunscreen on your skin several
times a day, wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, cap or helmet,
and a shirt or jacket with long sleeves.
- Ask your supervisor for tips on
how to safely remove dangerous materials or agents from your skin and how
to get help.
The above recommendations are for general guidance only and should not
be relied upon for legal or compliance purposes. We do not make any
warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful
or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
