Archive for category: Safety Resources

Let’s talk Fire Extinguisher Maintenance. On site you can have all the fire safety training in the world but if your extinguisher has not been maintained… What’s the point? Yet, some workers may neglect the monthly, annually or any inspections. Fire extinguishers need to be maintained just like anything else on site. A matter of fact it’s the law in Canada. Here’s some good rules of thumb to go by when a fire extinguisher is needed in your work area.

Even a brand new fire extinguisher must be inspected before it goes onto site for use. These inspections continue…you will need to do an inspection every 30 days. Check the tag to make sure it’s up to date and signed off by a certified technician, make sure the tamper seal is intact, the pin is in place and there are no signs of damage such as corrosion. A trained professional will do an inspection every 12 months along with hydrostatic testing. Depending on the type of extinguisher the hydrostatic testing could be at the 12 year mark. If you’re using the most common extinguisher for work sites (ABC dry chemical) it will need to be recharged every 6 years.

Let your supervisor know if you have an out of date extinguisher. Always have extinguishers available in work areas and do your part to keep them in good working order. Keeping on top of your maintenance and inspections will give you peace of mind that you’re extinguisher will work if ever needed.

In order to reduce our footprint, most oil sites will be returned to their natural state once the oil collection is complete. To do this, we need to be careful not to contaminate the environment we are working in. Even a small spill can have a lasting effect on the wildlife and vegetation. So kicking dirt on top of spill and walking away just won’t do. Here are a few things you can do.

Most sites use drip trays for any type of vehicle or equipment. This is a large plastic tray you can put under your truck, EWP, welder or anything else that has the potential to leak fluids. Make sure to use them. Check the fluids in your vehicle and equipment regularly to prevent a leak. Always check that equipment and vehicles have a spill kit close by. Note the inspection date on the kits, and make sure they are up to date. Now if a spill or leak does occur you need to act quickly. Every site has different protocol, make sure you know it. Call the appropriate people. If you don’t know who that is, tell your foreman, they will. If you don’t know the source of the leak… Find it and stop it. You cannot contain a leak if it keeps coming. Make sure you are wearing the proper PPE for the spill at hand. If the spill is flammable, clear all ignition sources. Once safe, begin containing. Your spill kit will tell you which absorbents to use depending on the chemical that has spilled. Most sites will have a spill crew that will come and take over, but if not, make sure to properly dispose of your absorbents that have been soiled with hazardous materials.

Never try and cover up a spill, the damage caused could be irreversible. Not to mention the fines that can come along with it. It’s not just worrying about the environment (which is kind of a big deal), it’s your safety as well. Make sure to do your part!

Just like anything else on site, a first aid kit needs maintenance too. This insures the items are fully stocked even after supplies are used. How horrible would it be if you were standing there bleeding and all the bandages were missing? While working on some sites you are actually in the middle of nowhere and the first aid kit could be your lifeline, so make sure to follow these quick tips to be ready for anything thrown your way.

First off, everyone should know where the first aid kit is stored which should be in a place readily available. In the box of your foreman’s pick-up will not due. It should be stored in a weatherproof/waterproof container.  They are to be inspected on a regular basis. Usually a first aider will be assigned this task. When inspecting, check that all items are labeled, fully stocked and have not expired. Whenever using the kit, make sure to replace any items you have removed from the kit. There should be a checklist to help you restock.

Hopefully, you only ever need an antacid (because well… too much camp food) but in an emergency, having a fully equipped first aid kit could just save your life.

I know you may think some pranks are harmless such as the old switch the polarity on the welder or get the green as grass worker to catch the welding fumes with a garbage bag or mess with someone’s PPE. Even though no one is intended to get injured, it’s still a very real possibility. Now when it comes to more physical pranks such as tripping, pushing or hitting, the outcome is inevitable… Someone will get hurt.

If you see such horseplay taking place please ask the participants to stop or report it. I know you’re thinking you don’t want to “rat” or “tell” on your coworkers, but the truth is you could be saving them from an injury or even death. Make sure not to encourage this behaviour, no laughing or egging on. If you’re engaging in horseplay and someone asks you to stop, listen. They aren’t being a poor sport or boring, they have your best interest in mind. Every company on site will have their own horseplay policy. These policies are in place to protect you, not to make your day mundane. Your safety is no game.

As a non smoker I used to feel like everyone on site smoked especially my welder colleagues. You know the type… the worker that’s been welding for 40 years and every time they lift their lid there is a burnt, down to the filter cigarette hanging out of their mouth. (OMG there are so many things wrong with that!) It blows me away that so many people still smoke in this day and age, but the truth is the majority of us trades people smoke. Other than the obvious health hazards to yourself and second hand smoke to us close by, there are serious risks associated with smoking on site.

Smoking near any ignition source is putting everyone at risk. Be sure that you are at least 50 feet from any refueling station.  All paints and other flammable chemicals are out of the designated smoking area. Steer clear of wood or dusty areas, these can go up in flames in a flash.

Only smoke in designated smoking areas and during the designated times allowed. Some sites are deemed smoke free, (nonsmokers rejoice!) however I have never seen one. Most sites do have strict smoking rules to adhere to and failing to do so can leave you not only unemployed but also banned from that site for life. So make sure you know exactly where and when you can smoke. Please note this includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes and vape pens. Deciding to ignore smoking guidelines can lead to more than just a personal health hazard. Just because you are willing to put your life on the line one cigarette at time… Doesn’t mean the rest of us are.