Tip for Pipeline Workers: Follow Safe Practices for Handling or Storing Materials
Here’s another safety tip for pipeline workers which is the second post in this series:
Always follow material handling instructions as set by industry standard or the manufacturer. Efficient handling of materials helps a great deal in keeping job sites safe for all workers at the site.
Material handling entails various tasks at the job site since there is a wide range of materials at that you can come into contact with; this can involve tasks like lifting materials such as metal pipes using heavy equipment, or moving lighter but hazardous materials, such as chemical substances, manually.
Numerous injuries could result from material mishandling and these accidents could be costly not just for the company but for the workers themselves.
Some potential hazards of improper material handling:
- Strained backs and arms from lifting loads that are too heavy
- Cuts or bruises from falling materials that were stored incorrectly
- Burns from handling hazardous chemicals
- Fire from mishandled flammable materials
These days, manufacturers provide safe handling instructions for practically all materials. Keep these safety instructions handy at the job site for quick reference. Employers must provide their employees with sufficient training about the safety practices that must be followed when handling or storing materials. Employees, for their part, must follow all the safety practices to keep the job site safe for everyone.
Below are some simple but good precautionary measures to avoid hazards as recommended by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when handling or storing materials:
- Use the following PPE to “prevent needless injuries when manually moving materials:
– hand and forearm protection such as gloves, for loads with rough or sharp edges;
– eye protection; steel-toed safety shoes or boots; metal fiber, or plastic metatarsal guards to protect instep area from impact or compression.” - Do not overload trucks; overloading may cause tipping or problems with the controls of the truck.
- “Follow the truck manufacturer’s operational requirements.”
- Seek help during the following instances: “when a load is so bulky that employees cannot properly grasp or lift it; when employees cannot see around or over a load, or when employees cannot safely handle a load.”
- “Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions or that may contribute to the harboring of rats and other pests.”
For a complete list of recommendations by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, read the OSHA guide on Materials Handling and Storage: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2236.pdf
Terry Smeader
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Tags: material handling, practises, safe. safety, Work
