Milling Journal - Q1 2008 - (Page 36)

Safety: How Serious Are We? Make a commitment to keeping the mill safe and stick to it. Brad Odum, human resources/environmental health and safety manager for Knoxville Milling, Knoxville, TN (865-5465511), spoke at the International Association of Operative Millers’ (IAOM) Fall 2007 Southeast District meeting in Chattanooga, TN. Odum discussed how to make the mill a safer working environment. When it comes to achieving higher yields, maintaining equipment, and meeting the customer’s specifications, oftentimes safety falls to the bottom of the priority list. The target number of accidents should always be zero, whether it’s for the year, month, or day. Let’s look at several areas in the mill that are hotspots for lost-time accidents. Slips, Trips, and Falls According to the U.S. Department of Labor, falls account for approximately 25% of all lost-time accidents each year. Slips, trips, and falls accounted for 14% of the work-related fatalities in 2006. (See pie chart for a break down of 2006 fatal falls.) Since each floor of a flour mill has a unique equipment layout and structure, millers must be vigilant in preventing slips, trips, and falls. Proper housekeeping goes a long way in preventing falls. Make sure any loose grain or flour is cleaned up immediately. Also, be sure to pick up equipment and tools. Poor lighting is another major cause for falls. Make sure each floor of the mill is properly lit and replace burntout light bulbs. Four-foot rule. The four-foot rule is the basic standard for wearing fall protection. It says that workers who are exposed to a fall hazard of four feet or greater must be equipped with the neces- sary fall protection equipment. Electrical Safety While doing your job, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure electrical panels are secured, power lines are properly maintained, and electric power tools aren’t scattered about the floor. Lockout/tagout. Almost everyone is familiar with one of the most important electrical safety procedures—lockout/ tagout. Even though almost everyone is familiar with this concept, many still don’t take the time to do it. Many electrical accidents can be avoided, if employees lockout and tagout the proper circuit breaker before working on a piece of equipment. Each lock should have only one key, which should be on your person. Arc flash protection. In addition to lockout/tagout, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has updated its standard that deals with arc flash safety— NFPA 70E. Millers are at risk of an arc flash any time a breaker is engaged or disengaged. 36 First Quarter 2008 Response No. 361 MILLING JOURNAL

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Milling Journal - Q1 2008

Milling Journal - First Quarter 2008 Contents First Break Examining Fortification Standards IAOM 2008 Milling Short Courses 2008 IAOM Conference and Expo Melinda Farris Interview Designing a Purifierless Millflow Dirk Maier Named KSU Dept. Head NAMA’s 2008 Division Meetings Protecting Electrical Workers Miller Profiles Todd Bastean Interview Safety: How Serious Are We? Product Quality/Gwirtz Product Roundup: Magnets Pest Management/Subramanyam Explosion Protection Supplier Interview: Darin Stutler Product Reviews New IAOM Safety Award Criteria Don’t Forget OSHA Form 300A Milling Notes Great Lakes Regional Conference 4th Quarter 2007 Flour Production IAOM Reference Guide Hammermills Brushes Aspirators Level Indicators Product Reviews Magnets Mixers Packaging Purifiers Safety Equipment Screeners Separators Sifter Accessories Ad Index

Milling Journal - Q1 2008

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