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Cool It!!! Addressing Heat Related Illness

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:35:00 -0500

Addressing heat illness on the job site is a must for worker safety in hot summer months.

There are several types of heat illness the most serious two are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Heat related illness can be deadly. In 2014, 18 workers died from heat stroke and thousands suffered from heat illnesses.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include:

Dizziness
Headache
Sweaty Skin
Weakness
Cramps
Nausea, vomiting
Fast heart beat

Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:

Red, hot, dry skin
High body temperature
Confusion
Convulsions
Fainting

Heat illness can be prevented by protecting workers from extreme heat through

Providing workers with water, rest, and shade
Allowing workers time to acclimatize (build tolerance to the heat)
Plan for heat related emergencies
Monitor workers for signs of heat illness
Train workers on recognition and prevention of heat illnesses

Ways to prevent heat related illness include

New, returning, or workers who have not previously worked in the heat should start with a lighter work schedule until they build a tolerance to working in the heat.
Stay hydrated by drinking water at least every 15 min. It is also a good idea to drink at least 500 ml prior to beginning work in the heat.
Take frequent rest breaks and rest in the shade to coll down.
Wear a hat and light colored clothing
Be aware of and watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and your coworkers

Remember Lack of physical fitness, age, sex, drug and alcohol use all increase the risk of heat related illness.

So remember stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay healthy.

ICAO – IATA Po-tae-toe - Po-tot-tuh

Mon, 09 May 2016 23:33:00 -0500

IATA Training, WHY??

In the United States of America the legal document for shipment of Hazardous Materials by Air is 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).

But wait ?? I thought to ship hazardous materials by aircraft I needed to get IATA training. And ..?? What about this thing called eye-kay-owe. (ICAO)? Or was it Bee-Eye-N-Gee-Owe? And what does any of this have to do with the price of peas in Peoria or beer in Baton Rouge?

Humm.. Like we would say on the Bayou, “Let me take a look see, and I'll try an almost explain it.”

It is true shipment of Haz-Mat by air in the US must be in compliance with 49 CFR.

49 CFR ,however, allows the use of ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air with some limitations. (ICAO stands for International Civil Aviation Organization part of the UN) Use and limitations are found in 49 CFR 171.22, 171.23, & 171.24.

Thats great but what about IATA?

IATA stands for the International Air Transport Association which is a trade organization comprised of member airlines. All major US carriers are members. IATA publishes the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) which are based on the ICAO technical instructions. In many cases the DGR are more restrictive.

It is generally accepted the DGR go beyond the ICAO technical instructions, which are allowed by 49 CFR. Proper training on the DGR along with US limitations and variations can be used to fulfill the training requirements 49 CFR has for hazardous materials air shipments

Although not legally binding member airlines require shippers to offer Dangerous Goods in accordance with the DGR.

So if you want to ship on their airplane you have to follow their rules.

DOT and OSHA

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 16:12:00 -0500

DOT requires maintenance on Commercial Vehicles. OSHA regulates the performance of all vehicle maintenance activities in terminal operations. OSHA also regulates mobile maintenance activities on the highways. DOT regulations apply to the road worthiness of the vehicle, not to the performance of the maintenance or the safety and health of the employees performing such tasks. The following links are to some of the OSHA Safety and Health Topics which may be applicable in your maintenance facility. This is not an all inclusive list.