- 06
- Nov
A substantial component of creating a protected environment for employees involves reducing the likelihood that an employee’s environment will in some aspect play a part or raise the danger of an mishap happening. Supervisors must frequently engage in the evaluation of a facility’s workflow, specifically if it is often changed in order to adapt to extra projects, or if workers are frequently asked to move around the building or workshop and execute their individual tasks in shifting circumstances.
The storage of possibly unsafe materials falls under this class of risk mitigation. Keeping workers secure from the dangers presented by certain classes of agents, gases or other matter means more than just reducing access. It involves comprehending the nature of the chemicals themselves, the circumstances in which they could possibly become unsafe, and the regulatory guidelines that have been created to reduce the likelihood of an accident happening.
OSHA has recently published a Direct Final Rule concerning the acetylene industry that reviews out-of-date guidelines about the utilization, storage and moving of cylinders containing this volatile gas. Becoming directive in effect November 2009, the updated statues are intended to enhance the protection of employees who on a regular basis work with acetylene.
The brand new protocols make it unmistakable that supervisors are required that their workplaces conform to the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1-2003, Acetylene. A crucial stipulation of this booklet changes the situations in which acetylene cylinders can be managed. Before, it was not uncommon for cylinders to be transported from site to site in enclosed spaces, be they car trunks, sealed trucks or possibly even in boxes. Workers were also allowed to stock acetylene cylinders in airless lockers, closets, drawers or small storage rooms. These procedures dated back to 1966, when acetylene storage rules were last appended.
This last procedure is no longer acceptable, due to the eruption and fire hazards presented by likely gas increase from leaking cylinders. As a precaution to stop this type of mistake from happening, a new guideline that acetylene cylinders be left in well-ventilated lockers or cabinets have been put into the location. Examples of the satisfactory type of gas cylinder storage units include Justrite aluminum cylinder lockers, that highlight an wide open grille model and numerous configurations to allow horizontal, vertical or mixed storage. The aluminum construction also makes the lockers resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use on outdoor sites where theft of cylinders is a problem.
Fire-resistant safety cabinets are not appropriate for acetylene cylinder storage. Although these units may seem to afford protection against potential detonation, their air-tight limitations can in reality contribute towards the increase of dangerous escaped gas pressures, increasing risks in spite of their well-built construction. The instability and unstable nature of acetylene gas means that no chances should be taken during storage. The appended OSHA regulations should improve worker safety across a wide range of industries, particularly those where large-scale welding is a ordinary activity.
About The Author: Mike Richards is a risk management expert specializing in protective safety equipment and health safety equipment.
