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Hazard Alerts - Take One Step
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4/26/2010This year when your child begins looking for work, you should know that the Ministry of Labour (MOL) places a great deal of importance on their safety in the workplace. According to the MOL, young workers fall between the ages of 15 and 24 and account for 15 percent of the workforce in Canada. Statistics show that young workers are twice as likely to suffer injuries at work compared to adults, and 5 times more likely to get injured in the first four weeks on the job.
Based on research conducted across the country, at new jobs, young workers find that:
• Most tasks they are assigned involve work they aren't familiar with;
• They are afraid to ask for help or question existing work methods for fear of looking incapable or 'stupid';
• They don't have the experience to know how to recognize workplace hazards;
• They fall back on trust. Children are taught to respect and listen to adults, so when they don't know what to do, they decide to trust their employers to look out for their safety - which is one of the worst times to rely on trust;
• They don't get training, demonstrations, or supervision;
• The employer / worker relationship is new, and young workers don't always know how they are expected to relate to their 'boss';
• Some adults in the workplace don't know how to relate to young workers, and may not take the time to explain the basics to them.
Take time to speak with your young worker and have them ask the questions listed below, before they accept a new job, or better yet, ask the employer yourself. Getting involved is one of the best ways to ensure your child's safety.
1. How can a young worker be injured doing the job?
2. What kind of training and supervision will my child receive?
3. What safety procedures need to be followed?
4. What are my child's rights and responsibilities?
5. What health & safety laws are in place to protect workers?
6. Are there any harmful chemicals that need to be used?
7. Who do I speak to if I have a question about the job or equipment being used?
8. What safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, mask, safety shoes) will be needed?
In addition, you should know there are a number of internet resources that can help. For more information and to be taken to these sites, click the links below. Stay aware, and stay safe!
4/19/2010Chemical products are all around us, in our workplaces, our homes and our communities. There are laws pertaining to chemical products that are in place to protect us from both health effects such as corrosivity, and from safety effects such as fires. No matter where you use chemicals, knowing their hazardous properties and how to use them safely is important.
In our workplace, chemicals are generally used either for curriculum or for custodial purposes. Curriculum chemicals are typically found in our science, technology and visual arts programs. PDSB has a list of approved science chemicals, as well as guidance information for safe use of chemicals in technology and the arts.
Custodial chemicals undergo a health and safety review as well as field testing before becoming approved to be used in schools. The Facilities Services department actively promotes the Eco Schools program which includes use of environmentally-friendly, non-toxic products.
Bringing in cleaning chemicals from home is strictly prohibited.
Workplace chemicals that have hazardous ingredients may be considered "controlled" and would fall under the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS). WHMIS laws require labeling, material safety data sheets and training. For more information on WHMIS requirements, contact Health, Wellness and Safety.
Many chemical products are available in retail outlets such as your local hardware or grocery store. These products are regulated as Consumer Products. As such, there are certain requirements for labeling but no requirements for material safety data sheets or training. Despite this, consumer products can have health and safety hazards and it is important that they be handled safely. For more information, visit Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety website located at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/index-eng.php3/22/2010
Electrical Safety
Electricity is all around us: in our homes, our workplaces and our communities. We recognize the usefulness of electricity, do we recognize the hazards? We usually encounter an electrical hazard (such as a frayed or damaged cord) at the most inconvenient time possible: the moment at which we plug something in to use it. What you do next can mean life or death for you, someone you work with or someone you love. Do you proceed to use that cord knowing the risk of serious electrical shock, even death by electrocution? Or do you stop and find a safer alternative? Here are examples of electrical hazards you may encounter and the appropriate solution for those hazards:
Hazard: I need temporary power for a specfic task (e.g.: power drill or overhead projector).
Solution: Use one CSA or ULC approved extension cord. Be careful to avoid creating trip hazards. Use only one cord, long enough for the task.
Hazard: I need long-term power (e.g.: installing a computer at a desk).
Solution: Use one CSA or ULC approved power bar of adequate length. Extension cords are NOT intended for long-term use.
Hazard: My equipment cord has 3 prongs but the extension cord only has room for 2 prongs.
Solution: Discard the extension cord and replace with a CSA or ULC approved cord with room for 3 prongs. Using 2 prong extension cords is hazardous.
Hazard: My power cord is damaged (e.g.: frayed, missing ground pin, cracked insulation etc.).
Solution: Never used damaged power cords! Damaged AV equipment can be repaired by placing a Heat Web call to LTSS. Non-AV equipment such as custodial or technology equipment can be repaired by placing a Category 33 Work Order.
2/2/2009
There have been incidents of cabinetry collapsing at schools around the PDSB (Figure 1). Fortunately these incidents have not resulted in any injuries. There is also a serious risk of shelving units coming loose from walls and striking occupants if they are overloaded (Figure 2). No shelving or cabinets are risk-free from collapse or tipping. As such, all shelving and cabinets must be used appropriately.
 
Figure 1 Figure 2
PRECAUTIONS:
In order to prevent this, the following is recommended:
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Never load shelving to its fullest capacity
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If a shelf begins to bend or 'bow' - it is overloaded and must be re-organized to lighten the load
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Remove or throw out old, unused materials – do not allow them to build up.
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Avoid storing heavy items on shelving or in cabinets.
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Heavy items should be stored in cupboards/cabinets below waist level.
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Store the lightest materials on the higher shelves and push all items to the back of the shelf.
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Stand alone shelving units higher than 5 ft must be secured to the wall with appropriate anchors.
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Never use a shelf as a stepstool or makeshift ladder – this will damage/ weaken the shelf, attachment points, and wall anchors.
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If you suspect your shelving/cabinets of being loose or to be in a weakened state, report it to your principal immediately. They will contact maintenance services to take corrective action.
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If your school requires new shelving/cabinets, place a work order with maintenance services.
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Avoid purchasing particle-board type pre-fabricated shelving units as they are prone to failure. Contact Maintenance Services to request new shelving or cabinets.
10/20/2008
There is a serious hazard of saw dust explosion with the use of dust collectors. There have been instances of dust explosions while dust collection hoppers are being emptied. Where there is a sudden in-rush of air, dust can become suspended in the air, resulting in an air/dust mixture sufficient to explode when provided with an ignition source.
The activities listed below can cause an air/dust mixture to be created.
• opening the hopper
• opening panels to access filter assemblies
• emptying filter bags/hoppers
• cleaning filter bags/hoppers
Regular day-to-day activities such as emptying and cleaning of filter bags and hoppers can become a spark source themselves as these activities create friction which causes static charges to build up. Upon discharge, an ignition source is created, which may result in an explosion.
PRECAUTIONS:
When emptying/cleaning dust collectors or when maintaining the collection equipment itself, all ignition sources must be eliminated or removed from the area. Ignition sources may include:
• operating electrical or combustion motors
• welding/soldering operations
• grinding work
• sanding work
• nearby faulty machinery
Students should never be permitted to perform these operations.
Look for the "Health, Wellness and Safety Tips" that will be posted on the broadcast page every Monday morning.
10/6/2008Fire Hazard of "Fish Lights"
• The Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has informed PDSB a concern regarding "fish lights". These products may be found in junior grades or in sensory-type rooms.
• These products do not have the approval required for electrical safety in Ontario and present a serious fire hazard.
• If this product is present in your school it must be removed immediately. It is advised that the product be returned to where it was purchased or discarded, it should not be used in residences.
Fire Hazard of "Oily Rags"
There is a serious hazard of fires with oily rag cans used in technology program workshops. Oily waste cans are designed with automatic closing mechanisms to prevent or limit combustion of oily waste (paper, absorbent pads, cleaning rags) that may reach ignition temperature if a chemical reaction occurs within the container. The self-closing lids greatly reduce any combusting materials' access to oxygen, thereby limiting or preventing fires.
Over time, oily waste containers may develop a build-up of adhesive materials around the rim of the container. This condition prevents the containers from closing and allows oxygen to enter the container, disabling the self-closing safety mechanism and greatly increasing the risk of fire.
PRECAUTIONS:
In order to prevent this, the following is recommended:
• Inspect container rims to ensure they close properly, creating a seal around the rim
• If possible, remove or clean build-up around rims to ensure they seat properly on the rim
• If a container cannot be cleaned and closed properly, it must be replaced. FM and UL approved polyethylene containers are available from vendors at lower cost than metal containers. 9/8/2008
Welcome back to a new school year! As you commence your new duties for the 2008-2009 school year, you may require information pertaining to health, wellness and safety.
For instance, you may have the following questions:
• What are my responsibilities and rights as an Employee under the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
• What are my responsibilities as a Supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
• What information should be posted on our health and safety bulletin board?
• How do I separate my hazardous chemical waste?
• Who has been trained at my workplace to operate the hydraulic lift?
Perhaps there has been an injury at your workplace and you will need to answer the following questions:
• Where can I find the accident reporting forms?
• Who has a valid standard first aid certificate at our school?
• How does WSIB work?
• How do I get in touch with the EAP office?
Or maybe you are looking for information about healthy eating or details about our corporate fitness partners.
The following link to the Health, Wellness and Safety web site will provide the assistance you require.
Look for the "Health, Wellness and Safety Tips" that will be posted on the broadcast page every Monday morning.
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