SRBX Safety

EPA Lead Certification (RRP)-Feb. 27th Register Today!

Safety — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:44:48 +0000

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Training
Feb. 27th 8AM-4:30PM
SRBX-1331 T Street Sacramento CA 95811
$200 for members/$225 for non-members

If you work on buildings built before 1978 where children may be present, you must be EPA Lead RRP Certified. The EPA requires that all contractors must register for Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Certification by September 30, 2010 in order to perform renovation, repair and painting projects in homes, rentals, child-occupied facilities and schools built before 1978.

Under the new rules, contractors and workers must have documented training and practice lead-safe work practices to reduce potential lead exposures during renovation and repair activities. The requirements apply to anyone, such as painters, plumbers, electricians and contractors, who could potentially expose children to lead dust while performing their work.

For any contractor performing this work without the Lead RRP Certification, the EPA may seek penalties of up to $37,500 per violation, per day.

Become Lead RRP Certified in just 8 hours.

The EPA mandates training to prepare workers for lead handling best practices. With this course, you receive:
◦Comprehensive on-line training
◦Lead RRP certification exam
◦Certificate of Completion
◦Course workbook
◦Reporting templates for your firm and much more..

Click Here To Register!

Who Needs to be Lead-RRP Certified?

All contractors who work with homes, schools and day care centers built prior to 1978 need to become EPA certified in Lead-Safe work practices. Renovators, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, painters and maintenance staff who disrupt more than six square feet of lead paint in pre-1978 homes, schools, day care centers and other places where children spend time must have this certifcation, or face fines of thousands of dollars.

EPA Requirements

Common renovation activities like demolition, sanding and cutting demolition can create hazardous lead dust by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. On April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning September 30, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

SPECIAL ALERT: Regarding Cal/OSHA Special Emphasis Program

Safety — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:57:44 +0000

SPECIAL ALERT

Urgent alert for CALPASC members regarding a Cal/OSHA
special emphasis program on Confined Spaces!In response to 7 fatalities in 2011 due to confined spaces, Cal/OSHA is pursuing a focused effort to reduce these fatalities to zero. Much of the time the tragedy with confined spaces is multiplied by rescuers dying trying to save a fellow worker. The ultimate tragedy was a 22 year old Bakersfield worker dying in an attempt to save his brother, who also died in the confined space. Cal/OSHA is holding a webinar on Thursday, February 23rd, at 10 am; in order to promote greater awareness and understanding of the issue. You can register at this link.Cal/OSHA has also issued a Hazard alert on Confined Spaces, you can link to it here.The list of confined spaces includes attics, crawl spaces, pipes, vaults, manholes, trenches, and many more. All Cal/OSHA inspections from here forward will include an inspection of the worksite for any possible confined spaces; and a review of the employer’s compliance with the confined space regulations if any confined spaces are found. Cal/OSHA is not considering changing the regulations, only strongly enforcing the regulations that are in place.

If you have any questions regarding this special alert, please contact Bruce Wick, Director of Risk Management with CALPASC @ (909) 793.9932 | bwick@calpasc.org.

Excavation/Trench Safety Competent Person-Register Today

Safety — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:57:13 +0000

Excavation/Trench Safety Competent Person
February 28th, 8:00am-4:30pm
Western Safety Institute
3700 Riego Road
Elverta, CA 95626

**NEW HANDS-ON TRAINING FACILITY**

Participants in this workshop will learn to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings of an open trench, proper set-up of work sites, gain knowledge of current safety orders, soil analysis and classification, design and use of protective systems, and learn how to recognize and test for hazardous atmospheres. This training meets the requirements of Cal-OSHA Construction Safety Orders §1539-1543. Students will be working in an open LIVE trench for hands on training of the proper shoring procedures.

>>> TO REGISTER CLICK HERE <<<

For questions or information, contact:
Rudy Schroeder, President and Lead Instructor, Western Safety Institute at 916-910-0200 or rudy@westernsafetyinstitute.com
Or contact: Jim Neely, Safety Coordinator, SRBX at 916-442-8991 or jneely@sbxchange.net

To view all SRBX safety workshops, visit: www.srbxsafety.com

Confined Space Special Emphasis Program

Safety — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:30:36 +0000

Confined space deaths are often among the most heart-wrenching of all the preventable workplace fatalities we investigate because about 60% of deaths in these incidents are would-be rescuers, often family members and close friends of the original victim. In California, we experienced seven deaths in 2011- including 16-year-old and 22-year-old brother – up from two reported deaths in each of 2009 and 2010. In addition to fatalities, many confined space incidents produce severe and life-long injuries to workers and rescuers alike.

Starting in February, DOSH will conduct a Special Emphasis Program to prevent confined deaths involving both Enforcement and Consultation units of the Division. The goal of this imitative is zero confined space deaths in 2012. The SEP includes an education and outreach campaign to both employers and employee organizations; investigation of confined space program evaluation in all Consultation Service on-site visits; and compliance evaluation of confined space procedures, training and rescue preparations in all Enforcement inspections of workplaces with confined spaces on site. This Division-wide campaign will start with the release of a DOSH Hazard alert in the first week of February, public education events with mass media, and concerted effort to reach out to employer and worker organizations.

Click Here for the entire PDF announcement

Courtesy: CA Dept of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Hazards

Carbon Monoxide:What is Carbon Monoxide?

Safety — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:29:32 +0000

Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas. CO gas is generated as a waste product of the incomplete combustion of coal, wood, oil, and other petroleum based fuels (e.g. gasoline, propane, etc). CO gas although odorless, usually occurs in a combination of combustion by-products that have distinctive odors. The primary source of CO gas is the internal combustion engine. CO gas is also generated in industrial operations such as auto repair, oil refining, steel and chemical manufacturing.
Hazards of Carbon Monoxide
Health Hazards:
CO is a chemical asphyxiant which means that it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Asphyxiation, or suffocation, occurs when the blood does not deliver enough oxygen to the body.
CO gas is absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. Inhalation of CO gas may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, rapid breathing, unconsciousness and death. High concentrations of CO may be rapidly fatal without producing significant warning symptoms.
Exposure to this gas may aggravate preexisting heart and artery disease. As CO gas is odorless, there may be no odor warning if toxic concentrations are present.
If you suspect CO poisoning, move the person immediately to the fresh air away from the source of the CO. Call 911 or your emergency number for medical assistance. CO poisoning can be reversed if caught in time.
Safety Hazards:
CO gas mixes very well with air. CO gas penetrates easily through walls and ceilings. It is an extremely flammable gas. CO gas may react very strongly with oxygen, acetylene, chlorine, fluorine or nitrous oxide.
Who is at Risk?
Workers most likely to be exposed to carbon monoxide are welders, mechanics, firefighters, long shore workers, diesel engine operators, forklift drivers, toll booth or tunnel attendants, police, taxi drivers, shipping and receiving workers and warehouse personnel.
Methods of Control of Carbon Monoxide
To reduce the chances of CO poisoning in the workplace:
• Install a ventilation system that will effectively remove CO from the work area.
• Properly maintain equipment that may produce COto enhance safe operation and to reduce CO generation.
• Consider switching from gasoline-powered equipment to battery or electric equipment.
• Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered equipment indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
• Consider installing CO detectors with audible alarms.
• Educate workers about the sources, hazards, and controls of CO
What Can You Do To Help?
• Report any situation to your employer that might cause CO to build up.
• Pay attention to ventilation problems, especially in enclosed areas.
• Avoid the use of gas-powered equipment in enclosed spaces.
More Information
For more detailed information visit the website maintained by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration at www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/carbonmonoxide/. If you have any health concerns or questions, contact your health care providers.
Source: State Compensation Insurance Fund

Safety Open House-Feb. 21st Register Today!

Safety — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:24:19 +0000

Safety Open House-Complimentary Event

Feb 21, 2012 from 3pm-5pm
1331 T Street, Sacramento CA 95811

Invited Speaker: Richard DaRosa, Area Manager Cal/OSHA Consultation Services

The two hour program will consist of 30 min. arrival/networking, 60 minute presentations and 30 min. Q & A. Welcome Introductions by Tom Waltman, V.P. Operations SRBX, Safety Program Overview by Jim Neely, SRBX Safety Coordinator. There will be a Cal/OSHA Regulatory Update by Richard DeRosa, District Manager, Cal/OSHA Consultation. State Fund Loss Control will be represented by Steve Heller, SCIF. There will also be an overview of the 2012 Safety Expo and an open Q & A with the Advisory Council.

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Cal/OSHA Issues Hazard Alert and Launches Confined Spaces Emphasis Program

Safety — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:42:14 +0000

Cal/OSHA Issues Hazard Alert and Launches Confined Spaces Emphasis Program

On February 8, 2012, Cal/OSHA launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to focus attention on preventing worker deaths and injuries in confined spaces. The press release can be found at https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2012/IR2012-05.html. For your convenience, content of the release is included below. A copy of the Alert is also attached.

Oakland –The California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) today launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to focus attention on preventing worker deaths and injuries in confined spaces in worksites across the state. As part of this initiative, Cal/OSHA issued a Confined Space Hazard Alert to help employers and employees identify confined space situations and take immediate steps to protect workers.

“Employers in California are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks in the workplace,” said Department of Industrial Relations Director Christine Baker. “This initiative and the Confined Space Hazard Alert provide specific information so that employers can identify when confined space hazards exist and special precautions must be taken.”

Since confined spaces may be encountered in virtually any industry, their identification is the first step in preventing fatalities and injuries. The goals of the Confined Space Emphasis Initiative are to:

Increase awareness of employees and employers of these hazards.
Provide resources, online materials, training, and consultation to prevent injuries and deaths
Increase enforcement efforts to ensure all employers have adequate confined space programs and training at their workplaces.

The initiative follows investigations of confined space deaths and injuries in California—in different industries and different situations. In 2011, seven workers were killed unconfined space incidents in California, including two young brothers in Kern County overcome by toxic gases in a recycling drainage tunnel.

“Confined spaces can be deceptively dangerous. It is even more tragic that over 60% of confined space worker deaths occur to would-be rescuers who attempt to save a worker who initially succumbs”, said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. “These confined space fatalities are preventable with proper programs in place. We are taking a comprehensive approach to reducing these deaths and injuries in California—through widespread education, enforcement, consultation as well as partnerships to help increase awareness and compliance.”

Cal/OSHA begins its yearlong campaign on confined space hazards in collaboration with partners in labor, industry, public safety agencies and other safety and health groups. The campaign stresses the importance of the requirement that businesses have plans in place to identify confined space at their workplaces, notify and train employees, and ensure that on-site rescue plans are in place. These requirements include having a written confined space plan, procedures to test the air quality inside the space, proper employee and supervisor training prior to entering confined spaces and having effective rescue procedures in place which must be immediately available on site.

Common types of confined spaces include tanks, silos, pipelines, sewers, storage bins, drain tunnels, and vaults. These are widespread in many industries, and also in non-industrial workplaces such as health care, education, retail and services.

Cal/OSHA has posted confined space hazard materials on its website at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh. Online webinars and other outreach programs will also be held throughout the year to help educate employers become aware of the risks inherent of working in confined spaces and necessary steps to prevent injuries and deaths.

For more help on working safely in confined spaces, contact the Cal/OSHA Consultation Service toll-free at 1-800-963-9424. Also visit www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html for more information.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints can call the California Workers’ Information Hotline at 1-866-924-9757.

Courtesy: California State Compensation Insurance Fund

Why You Should Attend the 2012 Safety Expo

Safety — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:32:18 +0000

Why You Should Attend

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGING ASPECT FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES AND INDUSTRIES.

With progressive changes from both Federal and California OSHA, coupled with economic variables, employers are challenged with compliance while maintaining a competitive business advantage. Training is one key area that cannot be compromised even in difficult times. The 2012 Safety Expo is presenting a dedicated Regulatory Track of presentations that may be of interest to employers, industry professionals and trade workers.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 – REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

Cal/OSHA Just Showed Up! What Now? 8:00 am – 9:30 am – Marty Tamayo, Cal/OSHA Standards Board – What to do when OSHA knocks on your door; what to say to minimize your exposures; how to prepare for an OSHA inspection; how to appeal citations and fines.

Regulatory Section-Heat and Illness Prevention Program 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Heat Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3395) with the emphasis to the Cal/OSHA Enforcement procedures.

New Ladder Regulation 9:00 am – 11:00 am – Jennifer Martin, State Fund – Did you know there were updates to the Cal/OSHA safety orders on the use, inspection, training, care and maintenance of ladders in 2011? Learn what the changes were and what you need to do to comply with the new regulation.

Cal/OSHA – Dos, Don’ts and Truth 10:00 am – 12 Noon – Rhyanne Truax, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Sacramento District Enforcement – A Cal/OSHA Inspection from the Inspector’s point of view – what you should expect and what you should and should not do; how to keep your inspection from getting expanded; how rumors can hurt you when it comes to inspections.

Regulatory Section-Injury and Illness Prevention Program 10:00 am – 11:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3203) with the emphasis to the Cal/ OSHA Enforcement procedures.

Cal/OSHA Fall Protection – 10:00 am – 11:30 am- John Ford, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Learn what Cal/OSHA expects for compliance with Fall Protection Standards, including fall rescue in commercial and residential construction.

Understanding CDAC – The New Construction Crane Regulations 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Mike Donlon, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Federal OSHA’s Crane and Derrick Advisory Committee (CDAC) developed new crane regulations for the construction industry. Cal/OSHA adopted its own version of these regulations which went into effect on July 7, 2011. There are many changes and new requirements you need to know if you operate, use or work around cranes. Learn what equipment is covered under this new standard and what is excluded. Topics include: general contractor responsibilities; assembly/dis-assembly; working near power lines; crane inspection and certification; wire rope; safety devices; qualification for crane operators, signal persons, and riggers; forklifts used in lifting service; additional proposed changes and more. This critical information is for anyone who works with cranes in the construction industry.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

Regulatory Section-Injury and Illness Prevention Program 10:00 am – 11:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3203) with the emphasis to the Cal/OSHA Enforcement procedures.

REGISTRATION BROCHURE

Click here to register electronically

Why you should attend the 2012 Safety Expo!

Safety — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:40:27 +0000

Why You Should Attend

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGING ASPECT FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES AND INDUSTRIES.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 – REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

REGISTRATION BROCHURE

Click here to register electronically

Support the 2012 Safety Expo

Safety — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:44:57 +0000

The Expo is the premium opportunity for your company to heighten its visibility – there are no other comparable events like this program where owners, decision-makers, and principals assemble. Support the 2012 Safety Expo by committing to Sponsorship and/or Advertising. Opportunities are currently available – contact Heidi Hughes directly at 916-442-8991 or email: Heidi@sbxchange.net for additional information.

Click here for more information