Compressed Air
UNB Reference Number: 7808
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
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INTENT: To outline safe procedures in the use of compressed air.
SCOPE: All University personnel using compressed air.
HAZARD: The practice of using compressed air to remove dust from clothing is extremely dangerous and entrained particles may puncture the skin or enter the eyes. Using compressed air to clean machinery or equipment can also be hazardous and should only be done under controlled conditions.
PROCEDURE 1: Compressed air shall not be used to clean clothing.
PROCEDURE 2: Where compressed air must be used to clean machinery, equipment or any surface, e.g., automobile carburetors, the following precautions must be taken:
a) Eye protection, protective clothing and equipment shall be worn by any person using compressed air for cleaning machinery, equipment or any surface.
b) Any area where compressed air is used for cleaning machinery or equipment must be maintained clear of persons who are not directly involved with the work at hand.
c) A blowpipe, complete with control valve, shall be installed on the end of the hose.
d) The compressed air supply shall be limited to 69 kPa or safety nozzles shall be used to have the same pressure limiting effect.
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Work on Flammable or Explosive Material Containers
UNB Reference Number: 7809
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
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INTENT: To outline procedures for performing "hot work" on a container used for explosive or flammable substances.
SCOPE: All University personnel working on containers that are, or have been, used for explosive or flammable substances.
PROCEDURE 1: Where repairs or alterations which involve welding, brazing, soldering or any operation involving open flame, have to be performed on a container that is, or has been, used for explosive or flammable substances, the following precautions must be taken:
a) The substance must be removed from the container in an area free from any potential source of ignition.
b) The container must be purged in a manner which will render it free from any flammable or explosive vapors. This can be done in one or a combination of the following methods.
i) steam the container until it is free from flammable or explosive vapors
ii) flush the container with warm water until it is free from flammable or explosive vapors
iii) purge the container with CO2 until it is free from flammable or explosive vapors.
c) The container shall not be deemed free from flammable or explosive vapors unless it has been tested with an explosion meter or similar instruments approved for the purpose of detecting flammable or explosive vapors and certified in writing by the employer to be free of combustible gases or vapors.
d) A CO2 fire extinguisher must be readily available while such work is being performed.
e) Before recharging the container must be cooled sufficiently to prevent any risk of igniting the substance.
PROCEDURE 2: Where welding, soldering or any other application of heat to large tanks is involved, refer to the N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations for details.
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Lockout of Electrical Installations or Machinery
UNB Reference Number: 7810
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures for lockout of electrical installations and machinery.
SCOPE: All University personnel working on electrical installations or machinery.
PROCEDURE 1: Electrical Installations
a) Power supply to live electrical installations or related equipment shall be disconnected, locked out and tagged by a qualified electrician prior to commencement of repairs, maintenance, inspection or cleaning any piece of machinery or equipment.
b) Each electrician shall carry the following:
i) padlock and key
ii) lockout tag which shall be signed and attached to the padlock at all times when lockout is required
iii) lockout bar which will allow for the installation of more than one padlock if required, e.g., where other trades or contractors required to work on equipment.
c) After lockout of the equipment the key must be retained by the person to whom the padlock has been assigned.
d) In all cases where major or complex switching is entailed, the Physical Plant Department will provide written instructions. Supervision for the switching will be provided by the Physical Plant Department.
e) In the extreme case where it is not practicable to disconnect the electrical supply to an installation, the following steps must be taken:
i) a written work procedure shall be issued by the Physical Plant Department
ii) rubber gloves, mats, shields, or other protective equipment adequate to ensure the safety of all persons shall be used.
iii) no person shall be allowed to work alone.
iv) all persons involved in such work shall be instructed on how to obtain emergency assistance from the Security Office.
PROCEDURE 2: Machinery
a) The operator or person responsible for the machine shall put the machine in zero energy state i.e., shut off dry power, close valves, open bleeds, blank lines, etc.
b) Where applicable, the person responsible for the machine shall open the main electrical disconnect switch and install the padlock and lockout tag on the open switch.
c) Where more than one person or trade group is scheduled to work on the equipment a lockout bar will be used, this to allow for the use of more than one padlock.
d) The padlock placed by the operator or person responsible for the machine shall remain in place until all other padlocks have been removed and notification received that all work has been completed.
SPECIAL NOTE: A tag attached to locked out switches shall only be removed
a) by the person who attached it; and
b) upon completion of the inspection or repairs.
Refer further to the N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations
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Central Heating Plant Supplement To
UNB Reference Number: 7810 and 7811
Authorized by: James Downey, President,
Effective Date: January 13, 1989
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SCOPE: All University personnel required to work on location at the Central Heating Plant.
PROCEDURE: Shift Supervisor shall be advised of all work that is to be carried out and shall ensure that proper safety procedures are being followed. Shift Engineer-in-Charge shall be the first to lock out, the last to remove lock, shall provide lockout bar for other trades and shall record all actions in station log.
INTENT A: To provide the procedures related to the safe entry into the confined spaces found within the Central Heating Plant, i.e., boiler drums, deaerator, blowdown tank.
All supply lines to and from the boiler deaerator or blowdown tank are isolated and control valves locked shut by Shift Supervisor. Such valves to and from a boiler include:
a) main steam header valve
b) feedwater valve
c) continuous blowdown valve
d) bottom blowdown valve
All pressure vessels shall be well vented before entry.
No person shall enter a pressure vessel before it has been adequately cooled.
A person shall be stationed outside to keep watch and assist as required.
Care must be exercised to prevent tools, material, etc., from being dropped into boiler tubes during course of maintenance in upper drums.
Battery powered lights should be used to provide illumination during inspection and repairs.
INTENT B: To outline the procedures related to the safe entry into wood receiving hopper and wood storage silos.
Power supply to live electrical equipment shall be disconnected and locked out prior to commencement of work.
Before entry into receiving hopper or silo, Shift Supervisor and employee in charge of repairs shall be satisfied that such entry is free of hazard; e.g., stored material is not domed; stored material has safe angle of repose.
No employee shall enter a silo without having a second employee standing by outside of silo.
No employee shall remain in a silo when material or equipment is being raised or lowered within the silo.
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Entry into Confined Space
UNB Reference Number: 7811
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
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INTENT: To outline procedures for entry into confined spaces.
SCOPE: All University personnel required to work in an enclosed space not designed for continuous human occupancy and with limited egress (storage tanks, portion of UNB Service tunnels, etc.).
REGULATION 1: For any work requiring entry into a confined space, a written Code of Practice must be established by the University department responsible and the employees involved must be trained in the established procedures. (N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)
REGULATION 2: No person shall enter a confined space unless:
a) Written emergency procedures have been established and communicated to employees involved for entry into the space and for any accident or emergency at or near the confined space location.
b) A safe form of egress from the confined space is maintained.
c) All mechanical equipment in the confined space is disconnected from its power source and locked out; only explosion proof lights may be used.
d) All pipes and supply lines to and from the confined space are disconnected or blanked off.
e) The confined space is tested for air quality by a competent person and certified safe for entry. The results of the tests for toxic gas, flammable vapors, oxygen content, etc. shall be recorded.
f) The Security Office is alerted, maintains a log of entries and can provide stand-by and emergency assistance.
g) The person entering the confined space is using appropriate protective equipment and a full body harness attached to a life line secured to an anchor outside of the confined space and is controlled by a competent person keeping watch outside the confined space.
h) The person keeping watch outside the confined space is equipped with a two-way radio, an alarm by which any necessary assistance can be obtained and trained in emergency procedures (First Aid and C.P.R.).
i) All equipment has been inspected before and after use, maintained and appropriate records kept.
Smoking shall not be permitted in or adjacent to a confined space.
POLICY: The University underground tunnel system has been designated as "hazardous space" and is under the control of the Physical Plant Department. Entry is restricted to authorized persons only. Sections of the tunnel system have been further designated as "confined space" and the preceding Regulations for entry apply.
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Machine Guarding
UNB Reference Number: 7814
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: Setpember 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations related to machinery.
SCOPE: Every person required to work on or near machinery must be protected from the following hazards:
i) direct contact with moving parts of a machine.
ii) contact with the work being processed on a machine tool.
iii) improper location of machinery.
REGULATION 1: Moving Parts
a) Wherever possible fixed guards must be installed at all "shear" points, e.g., circular and band saw blades, metal shear blades, grinding wheels, etc.
b) Guards must be installed at all inrunning nip points, e.g., chain and sprocket drives, inrunning rollers, belt drives, etc.
c) Fixed metal guards must be installed over exposed drive shaft couplings, flywheels, etc.
d) Where fixed guarding is not practical at the shear point of a machine, e.g., paper guillotine, some alternative form of guard must be provided, e.g., control switches which require both hands to activate the machine, eliminating any possibility of the hands contacting the shear point.
e) Persons required to work on or around machinery will not wear loose clothing or any other source of entanglement, e.g., neck ties, loose jewellery, etc. Long hair must be contained to avoid possible entangle-ment with any rotating shaft, spindle, gear, etc.
REGULATION 2: Contact with the work being processed on a machine tool
a) Where possible, guards will be provided to prevent injury from uncontrolled material being processed on a machine tool, e.g., kickback finger guard on a circular saw.
b) Where a machine tool design precludes the use of a guard to prevent injury from uncontrolled material being processed, personal protective devices must be used, e.g., eye and face protection for use where hazards exist from flying metal, wood chips, chemical spray or hazardous rays.
REGULATION 3: Location of Machinery
a) In locating a machine tool, reasonable access space must be allowed for maintenance purposes.
b) Space must also be allocated for incoming and outgoing stock.
c) Machines must be placed so that the operator is not exposed to aisle traffic.
d) Adequate lighting must be provided in all areas containing machine tools.
Refer to the N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations for criteria on the specific location for guards.
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Ladders
UNB Reference Number: 7816
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To define requirements for approval, inspection and use of ladders.
SCOPE: All University personnel using ladders.
PROCEDURE 1: Purchasing
a) All requisitions for new ladders shall be approved by the Physical Plant Department.
b) All portable ladders must be equipped with non-slip safety seats (footing).
PROCEDURE 2: Inspection
Ladders must be inspected and unsafe conditions corrected before use.
PROCEDURE 3: Use
a) Metal ladders shall not be used by persons working on or near any electrical power source. Only ladders manufactured from non-conductive material, e.g., wood, may be used for this type of work.
b) Ladders must be placed on a firm footing.
c) When not securely fastened, the ladder shall be inclined so that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is at least one quarter of the length of the ladder; where a ladder in use is liable to move, an employee shall stabilize the bottom of the ladder.
d) A ladder extending 20 feet in length or which is likely to be endangered from passing traffic must be securely fastened or be held in place by one or more persons while being used.
e) Areas around the base of the ladders should be kept clear of unauthorized persons and material when the ladder is in use.
f) Both hands must be used during both ascent and descent.
g) Ladders shall not be used as scaffold flooring. (N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)
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Compressed Gas Cylinders
UNB Reference Number: 7817
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline hazards and regulations relating to compressed gas cylinders.
SCOPE: All University personnel using compressed gas cylinders.
HAZARDS: Compressed gas cylinders present three major safety hazards:
a) A falling cylinder may cause injury.
b) If a valve is sheared off a cylinder it may become a projectile due to release of pressure.
c) Damaged or faulty valves may cause release of toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous gas.
REGULATIONS:
1. All cylinders shall display a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) supplier label describing the contents and hazards. A Material Safety Data Sheet (M.S.D.S.) shall be readily available for each gas in use.
2. Cylinders shall be stored and used in a vertical position, secured by a restraining strap or chain.
3. Cylinders shall be stored away from ignition or heat sources, flammable gases and corrosive materials. Oxidizing gases must be stored separately from each other. Storage rooms shall be cool, dry and well ventilated.
4. Full and empty cylinders shall be stored in separate areas.
5. Storage areas for cylinders shall be prominently posted with the name of gases stored and with signs prohibiting smoking.
6. A cylinder of compressed gas shall not be used without the pressure being reduced by means of a regulator attached to the cylinder valve. Whenever a cylinder is not in use the regulator must be removed and the valve cap replaced. A regulator should never be used as a shut-off valve.
7. Regulators and pressure gauges shall be used only for the gas for which they are intended. Oil and grease must never be allowed to come in contact with oxygen cylinders or their attachments.
8. Hose lines and cylinder fittings shall be in accordance with the CGA/CSA Standard.
9. Cylinders shall be transported on wheeled carts to which they are secured by a chain. When moving cylinders short distances they may be rolled on their bottom edge while held in an upright position. At no time may a cylinder be dragged or rolled on its side. (N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)
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Abrasive Grinding and Cutting Wheels
UNB Reference Number: 7818
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
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INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations relating to abrasive grinding and cutting wheels.
SCOPE: All University personnel using abrasive grinding and/or cutting wheels.
STORAGE, HANDLING & INSPECTION:
a) Abrasive wheels clearly marked as to specified speed, must be stored in a
manner whereby they will not be subjected to extremes of temperature and humidity or damage from impact.
b) Care must be taken when handling abrasive wheels to prevent damage from impact.
c) Abrasive wheels must be inspected for possible defects prior to being used.
OPERATING PROCEDURE 1: Mounting
a) Abrasive wheels and retaining flanges shall have good contact over the surface area.
b) All abrasive wheels must be mounted between flanges which should not be less than 1/3 the diameter of the wheel.
c) Work rests for grinding wheels shall have a maximum clearance of 1/8" from the grinding wheel and be in a position above the centre line of the wheel.
PROCEDURE 2: Use
a) Abrasive wheels must never be operated at a speed which exceeds the manufacturers recommendations.
b) The governor on portable grinding or cutting tools must never be tampered with.
c) Where possible, persons operating abrasive cutting wheels should avoid standing in direct line with the wheel.
d) New abrasive and grinding wheels shall be run at full operating speed for a few seconds before applying any work.
e) Work shall be applied gradually against 'cold' abrasive wheels to allow the wheel to warm up.
f) Grinding on the sides of straight abrasive or grinding wheels shall not be permitted except on wheels designated for that purpose.
PROCEDURE 3: Personal Protection
a) Eye protection shall be worn by persons operating abrasive grinding or
b) All abrasive grinding or cutting wheels will be fitted with protective hoods which enclose the wheel as closely as the work allows.
c) Mechanical exhaust or respiratory protection shall be employed by persons working with abrasive tools under dusty or confined conditions.
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Portable Electric Tools and Equipment
UNB Reference Number: 7819
Authorized by: Thomas J. Condon, Acting President,
Effective Date: December 12, 1979
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations associated with portable electric tools and equipment.
SCOPE: All University personnel required to use portable electric tools and equipment.
HAZARDS: The use of ungrounded portable electric tools and equipment can result in fatal electrical shock. This is especially true with portable tools where the metal frame can become energized as a result of the insulation breaking down or by bridging from motor parts to the frame.
REGULATIONS:
a) All portable electric tools and equipment used on Campus shall be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
b) All portable electric tools and equipment shall be effectively grounded by means of a ground wire connecting the metal frame of the tool to as 3-wire polarized plug or be double insulated.
c) All electric extension cords used in conjunction with portable electric tools and equipment shall be of standard heavy duty 3-wire cord, one wire of which shall be grounding conductor, and shall be equipped with a 3-pronged grounding plug.
d) Electric extension cords shall not be used for permanent extension of electrical service in a building.
e) All portable electric tools and extension cords shall be inspected daily and maintained in a safe condition.
f) Employees shall not wear gloves, loose clothing or jewellery while using revolving power tools; eye protection shall be used as required under UNB Safety Policy number 7805.
g) Electrical lines, extension cords or hoses shall not cross aisles or work areas creating a hazard to other employees.
(N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)
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Explosive Actuated Tools
UNB Reference Number: 7820
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations associated with the use of explosive actuated tools.
SCOPE: All persons required to work explosive actuated tools.
POLICY 1: Equipment - Explosive actuated tools
a) The tools shall have a firing mechanism that will prevent them from being fired:
i) while being loaded
ii) if dropped
b) The tool will be capable of being fired only after two separate actions by the operator, including having the muzzle end held firmly against the working surface.
c) In the case of a high velocity tool, i.e., where the speed of the fastener or stud will exceed 300 feet per second at a distance of 6 1/2 feet from the muzzle end of the tool, the tool must be equipped with an ANSI Standard guard suitable for the particular operation.
d) When not in use, explosive actuated tools will be stored in locked containers.
POLICY 2: Equipment - Explosive loads
a) The loads shall be clearly labelled as to their strength.
b) The loads shall be stored separately according to their strength.
c) When not in use, loads shall be stored in locked containers.
OPERATION:
a) The operator shall inspect the tool before use to ensure that:
i) it is clean
ii) all moving parts move freely
iii) the barrel is free from any obstruction
b) The operator shall ensure that:
i) the guard on any high velocity tool is suitable for the particular fastening operation
ii) the guard on any high velocity tool is indexed to the proper position for the particular fastening operation
iii) no person is working near or behind any wall or object into which a stud or fastener is being driven
c) An explosive actuated tool shall be operated only by a person who:
i) has received instruction from an authorized representative for the manufacturer of the tool and possesses a valid operator's certificate
ii) is wearing safety glasses and a hard hat
iii) has ensured that no flammable or explosive gases, vapors, dusts or other such hazardous substances are present
d) Explosive-actuated tools shall not be used to force a projectile into a working surface which is harder than the projectile being used
e) Where there is the possibility of the projectile passing through a working surface, appropriate action should be taken to ensure that no persons will be exposed to the danger involved.
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Forklift Trucks
UNB Reference Number: 7821
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations related to forklift trucks.
SCOPE: All persons required to operate forklift trucks.
PROCEDURES: Operating
a) Only authorized and trained personnel shall operate a forklift truck.
b) Forklift trucks shall not be loaded beyond the truck capacity rating (t.c.r.), which must be indicated on the vehicle.
c) Forklift trucks shall not be operated in enclosed areas containing flammable liquids or explosive mixtures of combustible dust.
d) Passengers shall not be permitted on forklift trucks. Personnel shall not be elevated on the forks except when the truck is steadied with a platform designed for this purpose.
e) When it is necessary to leave a forklift truck unattended, the engine shall be stopped, the brakes applied, operating controls locked, the wheels blocked if on an incline and the forklift mechanism lowered to the floor.
Maintenance
a) All forklift trucks shall be serviced on a regular basis.
b) Daily checks shall be made by the operator or person in charge of a forklift truck and all defects, e.g., fuel or hydraulic oil leaks, brakes, horn and steering malfunctions, etc., shall be reported and the appropriate steps taken to have the vehicle repaired before it is used.
Safety Devices
a) All forklift trucks shall be equipped with a horn which shall be maintained in working order at all times.
b) All forklift trucks shall be equipped with a canopy guard to protect the operator.
c) All forklift trucks shall be equipped with a sound device which signals when vehicle is operated in reverse.
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