July 2024

• 2024-07-01 TBT Decision Making
• 2024-07-08 Heat Stress and working in heat
• 2024-07-15 TBT Fire Extinguishers
• 2024-07-22 TBT Ground Conditions
• 2024-07-29 TBT Electrical Cord Safety

2024-07-01 TBT Decision Making

2024-07-08 Heat Stress and working in heat

2024-07-15 TBT Fire Extinguishers

When a fire breaks out, the correct use of a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a minor loss or a major loss. It’s easier to put out a small fire than it is to outrun a forest fire.

Responding to fires

When you see a fire on the jobsite, the first steps to take are to pull the fire alarm, call 911, and notify your immediate supervisor. Then, you should assess whether or not the fire is small enough that it can be controlled with a fire extinguisher. Don’t waste time taking pictures, posting it on Facebook, or singing in your best Alicia Keys voice – “That house is on fire!”

If you are attempting to extinguish a fire, you should:

Know what type of combustible material is burning

Have been trained to use a fire extinguisher correctly

Make sure the fire is still in the early stages

If the fire is quickly getting out of control, or you do not know what material is burning or how to properly use a fire extinguisher, you should instead evacuate the work area immediately.

Do not enter a building that is on fire under any circumstances.

Classes of fires

There are four different classes of fires, categorized by the type of material and fuel contributing to combustion.

The most likely type we would deal with is Class A.

Class A

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, or plastics. Common extinguishing agents for this class are water or dry chemicals.

Class B

Class B fires involve flammable liquids, grease, or gasses. Common extinguishing agents are foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemicals.

Class C

Class C fires are live electrical fires. Sometimes when fires start this way, a class A combustible may also be involved. However, only a dry chemical extinguisher should be used to extinguish all class c fires. Never use water.

Class D

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium. Special extinguishing agents are needed to extinguish class D fires.

P.A.S.S. method

P- Pull the pin

Hold the extinguisher away from your body and release the locking mechanism.

A- Aim

Aim the stream towards the base of the fire. Do not aim at smoke or flames, as this will not put the fire out.

S- Squeeze

Make sure you squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. If you pull the lever too fast you could shoot the stream where you are not intending and waste valuable fire-fighting agents.

S- Sweep

Be sure to sweep the nozzle side to side at the base of the fire to combat and extinguish the fire.

Fire extinguishers limitations

It is important to know the limitations of your fire extinguisher before you have to use it and put yourself in danger. Some limitations include:

A dry chemical fire extinguisher such as the common "ABC" red extinguishers will reach a distance between 5 and 20 feet. It is important for you to know what type of extinguisher is located in your work area and know the effective distance they can be used for in case of a fire at work.

The length of time the extinguisher can be used depends on the model type and weight. Make sure you are familiar with how long the available extinguisher will last.

Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small fires. This means the fire should be about the size of a small trash can if you are looking to extinguish it with a basic fire extinguisher. If it is any larger, you should instead evacuate.

Fire extinguisher inspection tips

The extinguisher should be checked for damage or malfunction by a worker every 30 days. There should also be a more thorough, documented inspection by a fire prevention specialist at least once a year.

Check the pressure when inspecting the fire extinguisher. Every extinguisher has a gauge that has an arrow measuring the pressure, and the arrow should be located within the green section of the gauge. If the arrow is in the red, the extinguisher needs to be flagged and put out of service until it has been recharged.

Check to make sure the pin is still in place. Sometimes the pin can be bumped out of place, which increases the chance of an accidental discharge.

Check for rust on the container and ensure the label is in good, readable condition.

Following these tips should ensure that the extinguisher in your work area will be ready in the case of an emergency.

Fire extinguisher safety starts with you

In the case of a fire at work, it is important to know more than just where the extinguisher is located. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, know the limitations of the extinguisher, and know how to keep the extinguishers in good working order. 

By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) Toolbox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you receive this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.

2024-07-22 TBT Ground Conditions

Ground conditions can alter within a short distance, they can also alter throughout the course of the work due to the amount of use. You must assess the risk and consider the appropriate control methods in place taking into account that the area is likely to alter, especially if you are moving equipment or materials across the worksite.

Types of conditions:

Holes: These can create trip hazards. Holes should be identified at the beginning of the working day, people should be warned about them and the should be filled in as soon as possible.

 Slopes: Steps need to be cut into slopes in order to make them manageable. Check the condition of the steps as they will deteriorate with use.

Long Grass: A brush cutter or weed whacker needs to be used in order to clear the area and reveal any potential hazards. There may be hidden ruts, ground bees, or other wildlife in the long grass and brush.

Stones: These create uneven ground conditions and hidden trip hazards. Care should be taken to clear the stones, or an alternative route should be found.

Mud: This can create a slippery and uneven surface. Care needs to be taken. If the site becomes too slippery or uneven, an alternative route should be found.

Flooded areas: Stay away from these areas as it is difficult to know what is beneath the water. If possible, pump out the water. Many of our sites have water ponding during various stages of the projects.

Weather conditions: Weather can affect the ground conditions making the surface uneven, slippery, wet and hidden.

Key Points: You must always try to avoid working on difficult ground conditions. Don’t ever take any unnecessary risks if you are unhappy with the conditions. Remember to discuss how ground conditions can be improved and act on this. Vehicles can easily get stuck in poor ground conditions. Always make sure when visiting your site that there are suitable working areas for staging if you need it.

By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) Toolbox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you receive this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.

2024-07-29 TBT Electrical Cord Safety

Electrical extension cords are used on many worksites, and just like you learned in safety training, should be treated with respect.

Now, people don’t pay much attention to them, but…

Extension cords are a leading cause of electrical fires, and if not used properly, there may be serious, negative consequences. I see many cords on jobsites that are routed past of over piles of sawdust and debris.

Always:

• Keep up with our assured grounding program to make sure cords are in useable condition. (This goes for subcontractors as well)
• Inspect cords before use and throw away or properly repair damaged cords.
• Extension cords are not a permanent solution for sourcing power. Unplug and safely store them after every use.
• Remove cords by pulling on the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting them from an outlet.
• Keep extension cords out of high traffic areas like doorways or walkways, where they pose a tripping hazard—we’ve all been there, right?

Never:

• Use an indoor extension cord outdoors
• Plug multiple cords together. (This lowers the amperage rating significantly)
• Use an extension cord that has a lower wattage rating than the tool being used with it.
• Force a plug into an outlet, say, by bending the ground prong.
• Run an extension cord near water or use a wet extension cord.
• Use a cord that feels hot.
• Drag or drive over a cord.
• Use a damaged cord that has exposed wires.

The correct use of extension cords is an important to on-the-job electrical safety because if used incorrectly, injuries and even death can occur.

Until next time, stay positive and stay safe.

 

 

By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) Toolbox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you receive this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.