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Friday, February 6, 2009

Hypothermia

• Hypothermia begins when our core body temperature drops below 36 ºC.
• Hypothermia can be life threatening and must always be treated immediately.
Signs & Symptoms :
Mild Hypothermia
Shivering, Loss Of co-ordination, Confusion, Urge To Urinate
Severe Hypothermia
Shivering Ceases, Stumbling, Irrational Behaviour, Slow Irregular Heartbeat.
Do Not
Do Not Leave The Victim Alone.
Do Not Warm Victim With Hot Water
Do Not Give Victim Hot Liquids, Alcohol, Or Anything By Mouth
Do Not Allow The Victim To Move
Do Not Rub Or Manipulate The Extremities.
What to do
Minimise Further Heat Loss
Cover With Coats, Blankets, Survival Bag Etc.
If the victims clothing is wet then carefully remove it first.
Insulate Victim From Cold Floors Surfaces Etc.
If The Victim Is In Danger And Must Be Moved Do So Gently,
Keeping The Victim In A Horizontal Position.
Raise The Alarm - Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the water in our skin tissue crystallizes and freezes causing abnormal function
and sensations.
Your Toes, Nose, Fingers and Ears are
most commonly at risk.
• Signs & Symptoms :
Cold, numb, or painful skin that becomes hard and waxy,
or white, as pain progresses.
Do Not
1. Do Not Rub Affected Area
2. Do Not Break Blisters
3. Do Not Give Victim Stimulants (Alcohol, Coffee, Tobacco)
4. Do Not Leave Victim Alone (Frostbite can lead to Hypothermia !)
5. Do Not Immerse Affected Body Part In Hot Water to re-warm, and Never use radiant heating (e.g. fire, radiators etc.), or dry heating (e.g. warming plate).
What to do
1. Move Victim To A Warm Area & Seek Medical Attention If Available.
2. Wrap Affected Body Part In Warm (37 ºC) Towels, or Put Affected Body Parts In Warm Water (37 ºC) Until Skin Becomes Flushed.
3. Alternatively, Re Warm The Affected Area By Skin - Skin Contact With A Non Injured Area Of The Victim, Or Another Person.
4. After Warming Keep Fingers & Toes Separated with Gauze.
5. Provide Warm / Sweet Fluids If Victim Is Awake
6. If Normal Sensations Have Not Returned Within 30 Mins Seek Immediate Professional Medical Attention.
7. Aftercare :
8. After First Aid Treatment it is advisable to seek Professional Medical attention in all cases.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Welding Explosion—The Case of the Cracked Fuel Tank

Case Study
Let’s Talk About Welding Hazards
 Welder’s flash
 Exposure to fumes and gases
 Explosions or fires
 Electric shock
 Asphyxiation
Take a Look at the Facts
 Experienced welder
 Assigned to weld crack in empty fuel tank
 Diesel fuel tank had been removed that morning
 Welder did not personally inspect tank before commencing his work
 At 7:30 a.m., welder struck an arc on the tank
 Tank exploded away from welder Fractures to jaw, wrist, and hand
 Hospitalized for 4 days
What Do You Think Went Wrong?
 Why do you think the tank exploded?
 Is it important to inspect fuel tanks before welding?
 Is it important to always clean a tank of fuel and fumes before welding it? Why?
 Who should ensure the tank has been cleaned?
 Do you think “assumptions” or “miscommunication” contributed?
 Does the company need a written procedure?
Let’s Review the Causes
 Fuel tank not cleaned
 Fuel tank removed that morning
 Tank still contained diesel vapors
 Shop foreman did not communicate that tank needed cleaning
 Welder did not personally inspect tank
 Welder not trained to clean tanks first
Safe Welding Practices
 Read and follow your company’s safety policy for welding
 Always wear proper personal protective equipment
 Clear the area of combustible objects
 Inspect your equipment
 Inspect your work before starting
 Clean and flush tanks or drums
Protective Clothing
 Fire-retardant clothing with no cuffs or pockets
 Flameproof skull cap
 Eye and face protection with filter lens
 Fire-resistant gauntlet gloves
 Protective boots
Don’t Let It Happen to You
 Clean fuel tanks or drums
 Allow fuel tank to “breathe”
 Inspect work before starting a job
 Make sure you are trained on the job requirements
 Never assume and always communicate

from OSHA Accident Case Studies.