Executive Housekeeping Today - June 2008 - (Page 10)

man vS. machine (continued from page 5) operation is the point that the work actually takes place. In custodial services, this will nearly always be where the machine pad or brush comes into contact with the floor. Power train is the point at which energy is transferred through moving parts, such as gears, drives, cables, belts, and shafts. Moving parts, such as spinning fan blades, rotating gears, pulleys, belts, and drive heads, have the potential to cause injuries if contact with body parts occurs. Additionally, injuries may result from flying objects propelled out of a machine. Common injuries resulting from machines and equipment include amputations; friction burns; broken bones; cuts and bruises; torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons; and eye injuries from flying debris or sparks. An easy and effective way to prevent injuries caused by mechanical hazards is the use of machine guards. Many pieces of custodial equipment have safety guards as a part of their construction, and it is vital to recognize the importance of such guards. Regulatory requirements mandate that one or more of the machine guarding methods be in place at the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, blades, and pinch points. Generally speaking, machine guards may be fixed, adjustable, interlocking, or may be in the form of restraints, controls, or pressure-sensing devices. Machine guards should NEVER be removed, disabled, or reached through. Any piece of equipment or machinery that is found to be damaged or malfunctioning should not be used and immediately tagged out at the power source or other conspicuous place indicating that the equipment is down until repairs are made. To avoid hazards caused by improper machine guarding in the workplace, follow these helpful hints: • Recognize and understand guards or other safety devices. • Know and understand how to operate equipment safely. • Make sure all parts are in place. • Keep up on all routine maintenance. • Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). • Tag out any equipment with missing or damaged guards. Additionally, machine and equipment operators can follow a few simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of an equipment-related accident. Equipment operators should never disable or remove any guard or safety device; operate any piece of equipment that is damaged or improperly maintained; wear clothing or jewelry that dangles or may become caught in moving parts; allow attention to be distracted from the work being performed; or engage in unsafe behavior while on the job. Electrical hazards from cleaning machines and equipment include electric shock, burns, and fire. • Electrical cords or connections that are exposed to water or other liquids. • Electrical devices that spark, shock, or smoke because they are damaged. • Lack of or improper grounding. • Obstructed access to electrical panels and switches. Any and all of these hazards could cause electrical current to flow outside of its intended path. If the electrical current does flow through an unintended path, such as your body, the result could be death or serious injury. The injuries that could be caused by electrical shock include burns, muscle damage, heart attack, organ damage, or blunt force injury caused by falls. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries from electrical hazards are frequently caused by careless behavior on the part of the operators. These behaviors include using damaged or defective cords or equipment, disabling a grounding system, and using improperly grounded equipment near water. Operators must avoid such risky behaviors and never overload outlets, run cords under carpets or mats where they can be damaged, or make electrical repairs unless (continued on page 27) Electrical Hazards Most machines and equipment used in institutional cleaning operations are either cord electric or battery powered. Electrical hazards from cleaning machines and equipment include electric shock, burns, and fire. Electrical hazards associated with custodial work are most commonly the result of improper use of the equipment or damaged electrical parts or cords. Working safely with energized equipment is as important in custodial services as it is in every other occupation. The electrical hazards associated with custodial work include: • Electrical cords that are damaged or have broken insulation. • Loose electrical connections. 0 Executive Housekeeping Today/June 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - June 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - June 2008 Contents Executive Corner The Fundamentals of Safety Man vs. Machine: Equipment Safety in Professional Cleaning Operations Frugal Housekeeper Planning for Disaster Eliminating Bed Bugs 2008 Candidate Information Executive Profile IHW Product Information The Green Scene Spring Board Briefing 2008 Call to Convention 2008 Convention Information USGBC Green Tip Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members CEH/REH Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done for Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - June 2008

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