Some times we forget what we are using at work
Corrosives are so commonly used in industry that, like many hazardous materials, they often aren't given much thought. Knowing their properties helps ensure that they are handled and stored safely, minimizing the potential for harm to personnel and the environment.
The Scale
The activity, or "power," of hydrogen ions in a solution is what is commonly referred to as pH. The pH of a liquid is gauged on a scale of 1 to 14, with a pH of 1 being very acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being very caustic.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a corrosive liquid as an aqueous solution with a pH less than or equal to two, or greater than or equal to 12.5; or a liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 6.35 mm per year at 130°F. (40 CFR 261.22)
It is important, however, to look at all of the characteristics of a material when making a hazard determination and creating safety plans. For example, carbonated colas typically have a pH of 2.5. A 35% hydrogen peroxide solution has a pH of 3.5. Although the peroxide solution has a pH closer to neutral, it is likely to cause greater damage if it is not stored and handled properly.
Everyday Use
Batteries, bleach, and even fruit juices are examples of corrosive materials commonly found in homes, and often without incident. In commercial and industrial facilities, two examples of corrosive materials are etching solutions and water treatment chemicals. Listed below are more corrosives and their everyday uses.
Common Acids
Common Uses
Hydrochloric Acid
Phosphoric Acid
Sulfuric Acid
Water treatment, etching, metal cleaning
Rust-proofing metals, soft drink manufacturing
Batteries, electroplating
Common Bases
Common Uses
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hypochlorite
Fire extinguishers, antacids, pharmaceuticals
Water treatment, etching and electroplating
Disinfecting, water purification
Safety
Knowing the properties of a solution, including the pH, helps determine what precautions will be necessary to protect employees from harm. This goes beyond gloves and goggles, however — safety training should include proper storage and handling as well as emergency response procedures and proper disposal of spent materials.
Because corrosive materials can harm both workers and the environment, both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and EPA have regulations requiring preparedness and training.
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to evaluate workplace hazards and develop plans and procedures to protect employees from those hazards.
Information about the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling of a liquid can be found on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Other resources are the chemical manufacturer and safety suppliers. Some chemicals and processes are also subject to additional OSHA regulations to further ensure safety.
The EPA governs air, water and land resources; therefore several environmental regulations may apply to the material.
Storage
Proper storage involves not only checking containers to make sure there aren't any leaks, but also making sure that they are not placed in areas where they could come in contact with other chemicals that will cause an adverse reaction.
Although most facilities don't have the luxury of unlimited storage space, "making room" to store incompatible materials in separate areas can help avoid problems later. Training material handling personnel on why it is important to take the time to put materials in designated areas will also help ensure safety.
Spill containment pallets are another option to aid in storage. In the event of a leak while containers are in storage, the spill will be contained in the sump of the pallet, avoiding slip and fall hazards, costly fines if the material enters a drain, and possible chemical reactions with other materials in the area.
Handling
Transferring corrosive materials for use in various processes is a common cause of injury and spills. During transfer, fittings sometimes come loose, and hand pumps are notorious for consistent small drips.
Storing eyewash stations and drench showers, can also provide quick help for employees who may become injured by corrosives.
Battery recharging stations are another common area where corrosive liquids are handled. Stocking PPE, having a drench shower and stocking spill response materials in this area will also help increase safety and help comply with OSHA battery charging station regulations [29 CFR 1910.178(g)].
Double Checking
When hazardous materials are handled on a daily basis, it is sometimes easy to forget their hazards. Revisiting safety guidelines and double checking storage and handling procedures can help ensure that everyone stays safe.
From Canada, Calgary
11Corrosives are so commonly used in industry that, like many hazardous materials, they often aren't given much thought. Knowing their properties helps ensure that they are handled and stored safely, minimizing the potential for harm to personnel and the environment.
The Scale
The activity, or "power," of hydrogen ions in a solution is what is commonly referred to as pH. The pH of a liquid is gauged on a scale of 1 to 14, with a pH of 1 being very acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being very caustic.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a corrosive liquid as an aqueous solution with a pH less than or equal to two, or greater than or equal to 12.5; or a liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 6.35 mm per year at 130°F. (40 CFR 261.22)
It is important, however, to look at all of the characteristics of a material when making a hazard determination and creating safety plans. For example, carbonated colas typically have a pH of 2.5. A 35% hydrogen peroxide solution has a pH of 3.5. Although the peroxide solution has a pH closer to neutral, it is likely to cause greater damage if it is not stored and handled properly.
Everyday Use
Batteries, bleach, and even fruit juices are examples of corrosive materials commonly found in homes, and often without incident. In commercial and industrial facilities, two examples of corrosive materials are etching solutions and water treatment chemicals. Listed below are more corrosives and their everyday uses.
Common Acids
Common Uses
Hydrochloric Acid
Phosphoric Acid
Sulfuric Acid
Water treatment, etching, metal cleaning
Rust-proofing metals, soft drink manufacturing
Batteries, electroplating
Common Bases
Common Uses
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hypochlorite
Fire extinguishers, antacids, pharmaceuticals
Water treatment, etching and electroplating
Disinfecting, water purification
Safety
Knowing the properties of a solution, including the pH, helps determine what precautions will be necessary to protect employees from harm. This goes beyond gloves and goggles, however — safety training should include proper storage and handling as well as emergency response procedures and proper disposal of spent materials.
Because corrosive materials can harm both workers and the environment, both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and EPA have regulations requiring preparedness and training.
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to evaluate workplace hazards and develop plans and procedures to protect employees from those hazards.
Information about the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling of a liquid can be found on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Other resources are the chemical manufacturer and safety suppliers. Some chemicals and processes are also subject to additional OSHA regulations to further ensure safety.
The EPA governs air, water and land resources; therefore several environmental regulations may apply to the material.
Storage
Proper storage involves not only checking containers to make sure there aren't any leaks, but also making sure that they are not placed in areas where they could come in contact with other chemicals that will cause an adverse reaction.
Although most facilities don't have the luxury of unlimited storage space, "making room" to store incompatible materials in separate areas can help avoid problems later. Training material handling personnel on why it is important to take the time to put materials in designated areas will also help ensure safety.
Spill containment pallets are another option to aid in storage. In the event of a leak while containers are in storage, the spill will be contained in the sump of the pallet, avoiding slip and fall hazards, costly fines if the material enters a drain, and possible chemical reactions with other materials in the area.
Handling
Transferring corrosive materials for use in various processes is a common cause of injury and spills. During transfer, fittings sometimes come loose, and hand pumps are notorious for consistent small drips.
Storing eyewash stations and drench showers, can also provide quick help for employees who may become injured by corrosives.
Battery recharging stations are another common area where corrosive liquids are handled. Stocking PPE, having a drench shower and stocking spill response materials in this area will also help increase safety and help comply with OSHA battery charging station regulations [29 CFR 1910.178(g)].
Double Checking
When hazardous materials are handled on a daily basis, it is sometimes easy to forget their hazards. Revisiting safety guidelines and double checking storage and handling procedures can help ensure that everyone stays safe.
From Canada, Calgary
Great tan line could it be a skin disease
Are your workers at risk read on
Working in construction can be hazardous to your skin. Construction materials as well as outdoor conditions take their toll. Problems range from irritations to skin cancer.
Some construction materials can cause serious health problems. They can produce allergic reactions, create skin irritations that become life-threatening, produce burns that can put you in the hospital, or seep through your skin and make you sick.
For some people, reactions to the even the smallest amount of materials can be so severe that they need to change careers.
Harmful Agents
Certain construction materials produce skin irritations called contact dermatitis. Symptoms include red, itchy, scaly skin or painful burns, ulcers, and rashes like acne. Some materials that can hurt your skin include:
* Wet cement
* Some cement dusts
* Lime
* Metalworking fluids
* Some paints
* Adhesives
* Epoxy resins
* Alcohols
* Toluene
* Turpentine
* Xylene
Also, pitch and coal tar can cause skin cancer.
What You Can Do
Simply washing your hands is not enough. Caution must be used if you work with hazardous construction materials. You should clean your skin with a mild, non-abrasive soap. Don't use solvents such as alcohol, mineral spirits, turpentine, and limonene. Solvents can irritate your skin and make you sick. It is much healthier to use mineral oil or vegetable oil in combination with soap and water. Use a liquid soap instead of a bar.
When working with caustic materials, such as lime or wet cement, use a pH neutral soap. You can actually hurt your hands if you use a harsher soap.
Healthy Hand Tips
Use the following general precautions to protect your hands:
* After work, wash with soap, rinse with water, and dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel.
* Follow the initial cleaning with mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or oil-based lotions, but avoid lotions that have lanolin, limonene (citrus solvent), or perfumes.
* When using work gloves, make sure your hands and the insides of the gloves are clean and dry before you put them on. (If your hands have any of the harsh materials on them when you put on gloves, you can make your skin problems worse.)
* Always use the right gloves for the job. Some gloves will not protect you from some of the materials or protect you for a whole work shift.
* See a doctor if you develop a skin problem that won't go away.
Working Outdoors
Before working outdoors, always apply a sunscreen to the skin areas that will be exposed during your work shift, even if you have dark skin. Make sure your hands and skin are clean before you put on sunscreen.
Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt. This will not only protect your skin from sunburn, but it protects against harmful materials, too.
Caring for your Clothes
Try not to get your clothes wet with cement or other harsh materials. When you work with hot asphalt, do not wear synthetic materials like polyesters or nylon -- they will melt and burn the skin if they touch the asphalt.
At home, don't wash your work clothes with any non-work clothes. If you do, you risk exposing your good clothes and your family's clothes to the harmful materials.
From Canada, Calgary
Are your workers at risk read on
Working in construction can be hazardous to your skin. Construction materials as well as outdoor conditions take their toll. Problems range from irritations to skin cancer.
Some construction materials can cause serious health problems. They can produce allergic reactions, create skin irritations that become life-threatening, produce burns that can put you in the hospital, or seep through your skin and make you sick.
For some people, reactions to the even the smallest amount of materials can be so severe that they need to change careers.
Harmful Agents
Certain construction materials produce skin irritations called contact dermatitis. Symptoms include red, itchy, scaly skin or painful burns, ulcers, and rashes like acne. Some materials that can hurt your skin include:
* Wet cement
* Some cement dusts
* Lime
* Metalworking fluids
* Some paints
* Adhesives
* Epoxy resins
* Alcohols
* Toluene
* Turpentine
* Xylene
Also, pitch and coal tar can cause skin cancer.
What You Can Do
Simply washing your hands is not enough. Caution must be used if you work with hazardous construction materials. You should clean your skin with a mild, non-abrasive soap. Don't use solvents such as alcohol, mineral spirits, turpentine, and limonene. Solvents can irritate your skin and make you sick. It is much healthier to use mineral oil or vegetable oil in combination with soap and water. Use a liquid soap instead of a bar.
When working with caustic materials, such as lime or wet cement, use a pH neutral soap. You can actually hurt your hands if you use a harsher soap.
Healthy Hand Tips
Use the following general precautions to protect your hands:
* After work, wash with soap, rinse with water, and dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel.
* Follow the initial cleaning with mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or oil-based lotions, but avoid lotions that have lanolin, limonene (citrus solvent), or perfumes.
* When using work gloves, make sure your hands and the insides of the gloves are clean and dry before you put them on. (If your hands have any of the harsh materials on them when you put on gloves, you can make your skin problems worse.)
* Always use the right gloves for the job. Some gloves will not protect you from some of the materials or protect you for a whole work shift.
* See a doctor if you develop a skin problem that won't go away.
Working Outdoors
Before working outdoors, always apply a sunscreen to the skin areas that will be exposed during your work shift, even if you have dark skin. Make sure your hands and skin are clean before you put on sunscreen.
Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt. This will not only protect your skin from sunburn, but it protects against harmful materials, too.
Caring for your Clothes
Try not to get your clothes wet with cement or other harsh materials. When you work with hot asphalt, do not wear synthetic materials like polyesters or nylon -- they will melt and burn the skin if they touch the asphalt.
At home, don't wash your work clothes with any non-work clothes. If you do, you risk exposing your good clothes and your family's clothes to the harmful materials.
From Canada, Calgary
A little first aid in 2011 goes a long
Adult, Child & Infant CPR step sequence for CPR trained "bystander" rescuers will change from "A-B-C" (Airway, Breathing, Chest compressions) to "C-A-B" (Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing) for adults and pediatric patients (children and infants, excluding newborns). American CPR has implemented C.A.R.E. CPR™ as shown below - easier to learn & remember!
Defibrillation and use of AEDs remains a vital part of the lifesaving sequence.
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
Bystander / One rescuer Adult, Child & Infant CPR will no longer include the step to "Look, Listen and Feel"
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
A compression rate of 100+ per minute.
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
Adult chest compression depth: push down on the adult breastbone at least 2 inches (5 cm).
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
"Don't Stress... Compress!"™
All trained rescuers should provide chest compressions for victims of cardiac arrest. In addition, if the trained rescuer is able to perform rescue breaths, compressions and breaths should be provided in a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, averaging 100+ compressions per minute.
But... If a trained rescuer cannot perform the rescue breaths, or a bystander is not trained in CPR, the bystander should provide compression-only CPR for the adult victim who suddenly collapses, with 100+ rapid and firm compressions in the center of the chest.
Whenever available, follow the directions of the EMS/911 dispatcher.
As always, a rescuer should relinquish care to any better prepared or trained rescuer, while remaining to assist and assure quality of care.
C.A.R.E. CPR™ explains in easy-to-understand terms the most current 2010 CPR Guideline Updates.
C.A.R.E.™ stands for Compress, Airway, Rescue breathing, External defibrillation. American CPR training is way ahead of other national safety organizations in including these updated guidelines in both our instruction and our class materials.
In the updated C.A.R.E. CPR™ sequence, chest compressions come first, and rescue breathing is only slightly delayed for trained bystanders. While most instructors will continue to teach full CPR, including the rescue breaths which help supply oxygen to the blood, "Compression-Only" CPR will be covered as well, to address the participants' right to know the most current information.
From Canada, Calgary
Adult, Child & Infant CPR step sequence for CPR trained "bystander" rescuers will change from "A-B-C" (Airway, Breathing, Chest compressions) to "C-A-B" (Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing) for adults and pediatric patients (children and infants, excluding newborns). American CPR has implemented C.A.R.E. CPR™ as shown below - easier to learn & remember!
Defibrillation and use of AEDs remains a vital part of the lifesaving sequence.
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
Bystander / One rescuer Adult, Child & Infant CPR will no longer include the step to "Look, Listen and Feel"
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
A compression rate of 100+ per minute.
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
Adult chest compression depth: push down on the adult breastbone at least 2 inches (5 cm).
Also applies to Advanced/Healthcare CPR.
"Don't Stress... Compress!"™
All trained rescuers should provide chest compressions for victims of cardiac arrest. In addition, if the trained rescuer is able to perform rescue breaths, compressions and breaths should be provided in a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, averaging 100+ compressions per minute.
But... If a trained rescuer cannot perform the rescue breaths, or a bystander is not trained in CPR, the bystander should provide compression-only CPR for the adult victim who suddenly collapses, with 100+ rapid and firm compressions in the center of the chest.
Whenever available, follow the directions of the EMS/911 dispatcher.
As always, a rescuer should relinquish care to any better prepared or trained rescuer, while remaining to assist and assure quality of care.
C.A.R.E. CPR™ explains in easy-to-understand terms the most current 2010 CPR Guideline Updates.
C.A.R.E.™ stands for Compress, Airway, Rescue breathing, External defibrillation. American CPR training is way ahead of other national safety organizations in including these updated guidelines in both our instruction and our class materials.
In the updated C.A.R.E. CPR™ sequence, chest compressions come first, and rescue breathing is only slightly delayed for trained bystanders. While most instructors will continue to teach full CPR, including the rescue breaths which help supply oxygen to the blood, "Compression-Only" CPR will be covered as well, to address the participants' right to know the most current information.
From Canada, Calgary
Dear sir,
Thanks for your CPR update.I dont have a time to reading this update will take print out view in my room then put my commands. . .
Very Thanks for your useful update. . .
Keep on touch. . .
From United States, Fpo
Thanks for your CPR update.I dont have a time to reading this update will take print out view in my room then put my commands. . .
Very Thanks for your useful update. . .
Keep on touch. . .
From United States, Fpo
Why didnt he hear what the supervisor said --- simple he couldnt he was deaf from long term hearing loss on the jobsite
The results of audiometric tests are an important part of efforts to conserve and protect workers' hearing. Because they check a worker’s hearing ability from year-to-year, hearing loss can be identified and dealt with properly and promptly. Have all affected employees' hearing tested periodically, when they are transferred to a noisy work environment, or when they are exposed to noise levels that may be dangerous to their hearing.
Engineering Controls Can Help
If the noise level in a work area is too high, actions must be taken to reduce that noise. These steps might include:
• Placing noisy machinery in a separate area away from as many workers as possible.
• Placing machinery on rubber mountings to reduce vibration.
• Using sound-absorbing acoustical tiles and blankets on floors, walls and ceilings.
• Arranging work schedules to cut down on the time each worker spends in a noisy area.
Choosing the right hearing protection
When engineering controls are not enough to reduce the hazards, 29 CFR 1910.95(i) requires employers to supply hearing protection "to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater." There are several different types of hearing protection that can be used, including:
• Expandable foam plugs — made of a formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each person’s ear canal.
• Pre-molded, reusable plugs — made from silicone, plastic, or rubber and are manufactured as either "one-size-fits-most" or are available in several sizes.
• Canal caps — often resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal band, which is convenient because they can be inserted or taken out quickly.
• Earmuffs — block out noise by completely covering the outer ear and come in many models to fit most people.
Unfortunately, some equipment, like saws and punch presses, cannot be made to operate any quieter, so it's up to the employer to evaluate working conditions, take the steps necessary to reduce noise levels, and provide proper hearing protection if required.
From Canada, Calgary
The results of audiometric tests are an important part of efforts to conserve and protect workers' hearing. Because they check a worker’s hearing ability from year-to-year, hearing loss can be identified and dealt with properly and promptly. Have all affected employees' hearing tested periodically, when they are transferred to a noisy work environment, or when they are exposed to noise levels that may be dangerous to their hearing.
Engineering Controls Can Help
If the noise level in a work area is too high, actions must be taken to reduce that noise. These steps might include:
• Placing noisy machinery in a separate area away from as many workers as possible.
• Placing machinery on rubber mountings to reduce vibration.
• Using sound-absorbing acoustical tiles and blankets on floors, walls and ceilings.
• Arranging work schedules to cut down on the time each worker spends in a noisy area.
Choosing the right hearing protection
When engineering controls are not enough to reduce the hazards, 29 CFR 1910.95(i) requires employers to supply hearing protection "to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater." There are several different types of hearing protection that can be used, including:
• Expandable foam plugs — made of a formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each person’s ear canal.
• Pre-molded, reusable plugs — made from silicone, plastic, or rubber and are manufactured as either "one-size-fits-most" or are available in several sizes.
• Canal caps — often resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal band, which is convenient because they can be inserted or taken out quickly.
• Earmuffs — block out noise by completely covering the outer ear and come in many models to fit most people.
Unfortunately, some equipment, like saws and punch presses, cannot be made to operate any quieter, so it's up to the employer to evaluate working conditions, take the steps necessary to reduce noise levels, and provide proper hearing protection if required.
From Canada, Calgary
Safety Inspections either written or in electronic style the key is are they getting done what is the style and what information is being recorded
These are some common problems that safety managers face every day.
Asset Identification
The first step in safety compliance is identifying a piece of equipment. Traditionally, serial numbers are visually read by inspectors. Serial numbers can be read and recorded incorrectly or become dirty and unreadable. If an asset is improperly identified, subsequent inspections, no matter how properly done, are useless.
Inspection Scheduling
Organizations have thousands of pieces of equipment, from rigging to fall protection. Some equipment requires daily inspections, some need annual inspections and some require recertification. Managing this process quickly becomes unmanageable.
Compliance Guesswork
Safety compliance is a complicated matter. Knowing which inspection criteria to use on which piece of equipment is a nightmare. There are multiple government regulations, corporate policies and manufacturer’s suggestions that a safety manager has to keep in mind.
Time Consumption
Identifying an asset, figuring out which inspection criteria is appropriate, recording the inspection, and then storing the inspection is an extremely time consuming process. An inspection doesn’t stop on the field, the backend administration and storage is where a bulk of the time is spent.
Unmanageable Paperwork
To properly manage safety compliance, a safety audit trail must be maintained for each and every piece of equipment. This includes internal inspections, third party inspections, certifications and manufacturer’s documentation. Managing all this paperwork from different parties, storing and filing it properly becomes unmanageable very quickly. One the biggest problem is presenting all this paperwork to a government auditor or, even worse, during an accident investigation. Not having a quick way t access and view the status of your safety data is a huge problem inherent to traditional ISCM.
The Solution: Electronic Inspection and Safety Compliance Management
Like with many traditional processes, software is revolutionizing the way safety compliance is managed. Companies are now using new electronic methods to completely automate safety compliance. Electronic inspection and safety compliance management is a paradigm shift. The vast difference between email and mail is the difference that electronic ISCM provides organizations over traditional methods. The following sections will walk through how traditional safety compliance management is changed using electronic ISCM.
Identification – Using electronic identification
The first step in safety compliance is asset identification. Instead of reading a serial number, assets are now being tagged with either barcodes or radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. This allows assets to be identified without human intervention, completely electronically. Not only are you saving time when identifying a piece of equipment, all human error is eliminated.
Inspection – Using mobile computers
The basic step in all safety management is an inspection. Instead of using a clipboard and pen, handheld computers and mobile phones are being used to completely digitize the process. A handheld computer scans an electronic tag and the asset is identified. Right away the handheld will display the inspection history and if the asset is safe to use. If an inspection is to be done, the software on the handheld will tell the inspector exactly which inspection standard to use and guide the user through the process. A user literally clicks through inspection criteria with minimal, if not zero, keyboard input. Not only is the entire inspection process paperless, all the compliance guesswork is eliminated. The mobile software guides you through the entire inspection and safety compliance process for that piece of equipment.
Safety Documentation – Using the Web
Being able to present safety data in a timely manner and store it without backend administration is one of the key fea
These are some common problems that safety managers face every day.
Asset Identification
The first step in safety compliance is identifying a piece of equipment. Traditionally, serial numbers are visually read by inspectors. Serial numbers can be read and recorded incorrectly or become dirty and unreadable. If an asset is improperly identified, subsequent inspections, no matter how properly done, are useless.
Inspection Scheduling
Organizations have thousands of pieces of equipment, from rigging to fall protection. Some equipment requires daily inspections, some need annual inspections and some require recertification. Managing this process quickly becomes unmanageable.
Compliance Guesswork
Safety compliance is a complicated matter. Knowing which inspection criteria to use on which piece of equipment is a nightmare. There are multiple government regulations, corporate policies and manufacturer’s suggestions that a safety manager has to keep in mind.
Time Consumption
Identifying an asset, figuring out which inspection criteria is appropriate, recording the inspection, and then storing the inspection is an extremely time consuming process. An inspection doesn’t stop on the field, the backend administration and storage is where a bulk of the time is spent.
Unmanageable Paperwork
To properly manage safety compliance, a safety audit trail must be maintained for each and every piece of equipment. This includes internal inspections, third party inspections, certifications and manufacturer’s documentation. Managing all this paperwork from different parties, storing and filing it properly becomes unmanageable very quickly. One the biggest problem is presenting all this paperwork to a government auditor or, even worse, during an accident investigation. Not having a quick way t access and view the status of your safety data is a huge problem inherent to traditional ISCM.
The Solution: Electronic Inspection and Safety Compliance Management
Like with many traditional processes, software is revolutionizing the way safety compliance is managed. Companies are now using new electronic methods to completely automate safety compliance. Electronic inspection and safety compliance management is a paradigm shift. The vast difference between email and mail is the difference that electronic ISCM provides organizations over traditional methods. The following sections will walk through how traditional safety compliance management is changed using electronic ISCM.
Identification – Using electronic identification
The first step in safety compliance is asset identification. Instead of reading a serial number, assets are now being tagged with either barcodes or radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. This allows assets to be identified without human intervention, completely electronically. Not only are you saving time when identifying a piece of equipment, all human error is eliminated.
Inspection – Using mobile computers
The basic step in all safety management is an inspection. Instead of using a clipboard and pen, handheld computers and mobile phones are being used to completely digitize the process. A handheld computer scans an electronic tag and the asset is identified. Right away the handheld will display the inspection history and if the asset is safe to use. If an inspection is to be done, the software on the handheld will tell the inspector exactly which inspection standard to use and guide the user through the process. A user literally clicks through inspection criteria with minimal, if not zero, keyboard input. Not only is the entire inspection process paperless, all the compliance guesswork is eliminated. The mobile software guides you through the entire inspection and safety compliance process for that piece of equipment.
Safety Documentation – Using the Web
Being able to present safety data in a timely manner and store it without backend administration is one of the key fea