Health & Safety Committee
Best Practices
The PFI Health & Safety Committee is working to provide comprehensive Best Practices that will assist companies in the shared goal of creating safer environments and workers. These “Best Practices” are designed to provide a framework for companies to achieve that goal.
For more information reach out to our committee chairman or visit our LinkedIn
- Don Campbell
- Chairman Safety & Health Committee
- don.campbell@p1group.com
BP01 – Argon
Introduction:
Argon is known as one of the “Noble” gases since it does not react with other materials. It is nonflammable, will not support combustion, displaces oxygen, and is not life-supporting. The gas is heavier than air and is only slightly soluble in water. When liquid argon is vaporized and then heated it consumes a large amount of heat, making it an ideal coolant. Argon is a gas that is used in many welding processes. The inert properties are used as shielding/blanket gas for many welding applications. The area of the weld is protected from airborne contaminants by the shielding gas argon. The argon gas helps keep the weld free of fusion defects, porosity, weak welds, oxidation and other defects due to varying arc length.
BP02 – Overhead Cranes
Introduction:
These practices are intended to maintain a safe workplace for employees; therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that only qualified and licensed individuals shall operate these devices. The guidance within these practices applies to the use of cranes and hoists installed in or attached to buildings and to all personnel who use such devices.
BP03 – Recordkeeping
Introduction:
OSHA places significant emphasis on injury and illness recordkeeping because the data pulled from employers’ injury and illness logs is used by OSHA to identify workplace safety and health trends and to track progress in resolving those issues. OSHA also uses recordkeeping data to improve standards, tailor enforcement programs, and focus individual inspections.
BP04 – Rigging
Introduction:
These practices are intended to maintain a safe workplace for employees; therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that only qualified and competent individuals shall inspect and use rigging equipment. The guidance within these practices applies to the inspection and use of rigging equipment to move and/or lift material and to all personnel who use such devices.
BP05 - Health Hazards in Welding
Introduction:
Welding is a method for joining pieces of metal using heat, pressure, or both. The health effects of welding exposures vary widely because the fumes may contain different substances that are known to be harmful. The guidance within this practice applies to welding processes and the individuals that perform and supervise these processes. It is designed to provide information to the short and long term hazards that can be associated with welding and to identify the work practices that can minimize these exposures.
BP06 - Hand and Power Tools
Introduction:
Hand and power tools are used every day in our shops. These tools help us to easily perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. It is important to always follow manufacturer recommendations, inspect tools, and use tools with proper guards, handles, and other supplied accessories. This best practice encompasses many of the tools used in our shop along with the recommended safe practices.
BP07 - Fall Protection
Introduction:
Fall protection deals with both the human and equipment-related issues in protecting workers from fall hazards. This best practice identifies the regulatory requirements for working from heights, as well as, the inspection requirements and care for the components of a fall protection system.
SH – BP08 – Confined Spaces
Introduction:
Often times, Mechanical contractors can function as both the employer and the employee as defined by OSHA through their services. Contractors can serve in the employer capacity during fabrication in shops and in the employee capacity as the entry employer while performing field installations and maintenance operations for host companies. It is important to recognize that Contractors will have different responsibilities under each role. This Best Practice will provide some direction and also provide a sample permit that can be used when working in confined spaces.
SH – BP09 – Fleet Safety
Introduction:
Company vehicles are provided to support business activities and are to be used only by qualified and authorized employees. These Best Practices outline driver responsibilities, as well as, processes companies can utilize to qualify drivers and minimize risk associated with company vehicles on the road.
SH – BP10 – Personal Protective Equipment
Introduction:
In the fabrication industry, employees are exposed to flying particles, falling objects, sharp edges, heat, cold, light and other potentially hazardous situations. As a last line of defense many of these exposures are protected against with the use of personal protective equipment. This Best Practices will provide some guidance on some generally required protective equipment in our industry.
SH - BP11 - Line of Fire “Introduction”
Introduction:
Whether we’re disconnecting a flange or using an angle grinder, line of fire hazards are present in all facets of the Mechanical Contracting industry. There are generally three mechanisms of potential injury related to Line of Fire Hazards: Stored Energy, Striking Hazards, and Crushing Hazards. This Best Practice will assist in the identification of tasks that put you in the line of fire.
SH - BP12 - Powered Industrial Trucks “Introduction”
Introduction:
Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT’s) are essential when it comes to moving materials throughout our shops. This best practice will help to ensure that your PIT operators are competent in operating these pieces of equipment. This best practice also includes an operator qualification checklist as well as an inspection form.