|
The hands and fingers are among the most frequently injured parts of
the body in the compressed gases industry. Because of this, GAWDA's Safety
Committee decided to look into the problem and develop recommendations
members can use to reduce these types of injuries. The committee has produced
what we believe are the four leading causes of hand and finger injuries.
We have also identified control measures for each. It is believed that
by effectively implementing the prescribed actions, a reduction in hand
and finger injuries can occur.
Fingers caught between two cylinders or other stationary objects such
as walls, doorways, truck bed, etc.
- Consider the use of cylinder carts when the movement is 10 feet or
more.
- As a minimum, promote the use of cylinder carts.
- Eliminate congestion in fill plant and docks. Make sure doorways are
clear and aisles are wide enough to provide proper hand clearance.
- Properly train the employee on how to approach the cylinder(s), where
to place hands, and how to use the cylinder cart properly.
- Select the right cart for the job. There are many other carts to choose
from.
- Properly maintain the carts and remove defective carts from service.
- Require the use of gloves.
- Audit for compliance.
Hands and fingers suffer cuts during scraper blade changing and the
removal of cylinder labels.
- Consider not allowing window type razor scrapers. Select the safest
tool possible.
- Require the use of gloves.
- Train employees on proper use of the tool.
- Observe employees to ensure the tool is used properly.
Holding the liquid cylinder ring and fingers get caught if the cylinder
slides off the hook, catching fingers between the ring and the cart.
- Select the right cart for the job. Look for a cart with an adjustable
hook and pneumatic tires.
- Liquid carts must be properly maintained and removed from service
if any defects exist.
- Employees must be properly trained in the safe use and proper hand
placement when using carts.
- Require the use of gloves.
- Audit for compliance.
Cuts on hands in maintenance type activities.
- Use the proper tool for the job.
- Remove defective tools from service.
- Always cut away from the hands and body.
- Place hands in proper position.
- Require the use of gloves.
 |
|
The complete report developed by GAWDA's
Safety Committee can be read by clicking
here. It lays out a three-step
approach to reducing hand and finger injuries, including
specific suggestions on how to identify and control
hazards that can lead to such injuries.
|
|
|
Keep Accident Records
What is your hand and finger injury history? You need to know what your
experience has been to help determine the time and resources you might
want to commit to reducing these types of injuries. This is where good
accident record keeping becomes important. You may want to identify someone
in your organization to look at your five-year hand and finger injury
history and focus on these questions:
- How many hand and finger injuries have I had, including first aid
cases?
- How serious were they? Break them down between first aid, medical
treatment, restricted work and lost time cases.
- What were the costs associated with these injuries, both direct and
indirect?
Another important factor to consider is the likelihood of these types
of injuries.
|
