Ardaman & Associates, Inc.

A Tetra Tech Company

Newsletter September 9, 2016

Inside this issue:

Safety Question:

How often should the

first aid kit in a compa-

ny vehicle be inspected?

A. Once a year

B. Once every 2 years

C. It does not need to

be inspected.

D. Once a month

Answer on page 5

Contact Information:

Health & Safety

Ardaman & Associates, Inc.

Brett A. Buxbaum

Orlando, FL

P: (407) 855-3860 X 2413

Cell: (407)509-3085

BBuxbaum@ardaman.com

Hazcom Cont Page 2,3

Ardaman Update Page 4,5

Quiz Page 6

Hazard Communication Training

Our offices use and store chemicals and materials in the labs, field and warehouses/buildings. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200 (or Hazcom) requires that everyone who works with a hazardous chemical has the right to know about its hazards and how to protect against those hazards - and the responsibility to use that knowledge to work safely.

Ardaman has responsibilities that are defined in our written hazard communication program. Those responsibilities include maintaining a list of hazardous chemicals that are used or stored in the facility, training employees to identify chemical hazards, training of employees in the use of procedures to reduce the risks and assure that through the proactive efforts by its employees all chemicals have proper labels and complete, easily available Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

What is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

GHS stands for the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals". GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates heath and safety information on labels and material safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, in GHS). The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world. An international team of hazard communication experts developed GHS.

What are the two major elements in GHS?

The two major elements of GHS are:

1. Classification of the hazards of chemicals according to the GHS rules:

GHS provides guidance on classifying pure chemicals and mixtures according to its criteria or rules.

Chemicals will be classified using a harmonized system that provides standardized language for:

Health Hazard Categories

Physical Hazard Categories

Environmental Hazard Categories

2. Communication of the hazards and precautionary information using Safety Data Sheets and labels:

Labels - With the GHS system, certain information will appear on the label. For example, the chemical identity may be required. Standardized hazard statements, signal words and symbols will appear on the label according to the classification of that chemical or mixture. Precautionary statements may also be required, if adopted by your regulatory authority.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - The GHS SDS has 16 sections in a set

order, and information requirements are prescribed.

Page 2

Hazcom Continued

What do the pictograms on labels mean?

GHS label sample for Isobutyl Alcohol

Parts of a label

1

What do the labels mean on the container?

Product Identifier: Name of product

Signal Words:

These are words used to indicate the severity of the hazard and alert employees to the potential hazard.

Only 2 signal words will appear:

“DANGER” (more severe hazard)

“WARNING” (less severe hazard)

Not all labels will have a signal word. Some chemicals are not hazardous enough to require that a signal word appear on the label. There are specific hazard statements that must appear on the label based on the chemical hazard classification.

Pictograms: Refer to chart to the left

Hazard Statements: Main hazards to be aware of, refer to SDS for further information

Precautionary Statements: Minimum PPE to be used, refer to SDS for details.

Supplier Information: Manufacturer name and contact information.

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3

4

5

6

1

Page 3

Hazcom Continued 1. You have a right to know about chemical hazards and protections

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (or Hazcom) requires that an employee who works with a hazardous chemical has the right to know about its hazards and how to protect against those hazards - and the responsibility to use that knowledge to work safely.

2. Chemical manufacturers must identify hazards and key precautions

Manufacturer must:

Determine the physical and health hazards of their products;

Identify those hazards and key safety precautions on chemical container labels and safety data sheets (SDS). 3. Employers must inform employees about chemical hazards and precautions Employers must:

Develop a written hazard communication program, including a list of hazardous chemicals used or stored in the facility;

Train employees to identify chemical hazards and to use information and procedures to reduce the risks;

Assure through proactive efforts by its employees that all chemicals have proper labels and complete, easily available SDS.

Chemicals that are stored or used for testing or cleaning in the workplace must have a proper label on the container. This label is to include at a minimum: the trade name, relevant Global Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms and signal words (Danger or Warning) and Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) diamond rating system. All of this information is available on the original manufacturer’s labeled container or in the SDS located on our online data base. All of the chemicals must be stored properly when not in use (storage requirements are based on quantities and type of chemical being stored:

4. Chemicals may present physical hazards

They may catch fire easily; suddenly release and explode; or react when exposed to heat, air, water, or certain other chemicals by burning, exploding, or

releasing dangerous vapors. 5. Chemicals may have health hazards

Acute health problems develop quickly after exposure (e.g., corrosive skin burns);

Chronic health problems develop over time, often after many exposures (e.g., cancer from inhaling a toxic chemical);

Skin or eye contact, which can cause burns, rashes, or even blindness;

Inhaling, or breathing in, chemical vapors and fumes, which can cause dizziness, nausea, lung damage, unconsciousness, or even death;

Swallowing (including eating or smoking after handling chemicals without first washing), which can cause poisoning or damage to internal organs.

6. Container labels and SDS identify chemical hazards

You must read them carefully before starting any job involving a chemical:

Labels give a brief summary of the hazards;

Never use a chemical if its label is missing or too damaged to read. Employee has a duty to report such deficiencies;

SDSs detail a chemical’s hazards and signs of exposure, situations that make the chemical more dangerous, and the procedures and equipment to use to reduce risk. They contain 16 sections of information regarding how to use and handle the chemical.

SDS can be found on the Ardaman online database provided by MSDSonline.com,. In addition, printed books have been provided to all Drillers and Field Technicians.

HQ link: https://msdsmanagement.msdsonline.com/8cbe1306-dce1-43dc-8328-5c8d6de0237d/ebinder/?nas=True

7. Container labels and SDSs describe safety precautions and instructions

The safety information may include (these will be changed to SDS in the future):

Handling and storage requirements (e.g., ventilation, avoiding heat exposure);

Personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear when using the chemical;

Signs and symptoms of exposure that could cause health problems.

How to handle spills, fires, and other emergencies involving the chemical.

All containers must have labels on them to identify the contents. This labeling requirement applies to all containers that have chemicals or materials stored/transferred into them. Any bucket, drum, tank, etc., that contains, chemicals or materials, (e.g.; process water, soils, gypsum, muck, gravel or any other materials) must be labeled before being transported from the site to the lab or office. All buckets and samples at a minimum must have the common material name written on it in permanent marker. Any other known additional information should also be included (Safety Data Sheet, project number, PPE requirements for handling, etc…) if available.

Page 4

Ardaman Update Injury Incidents:

Employee was threading a drill rod by hand onto the drilling assembly and felt pain in left wrist. When threading rod by hand,

keep your body lined up with the drill rod and if necessary ask for assistance in holding the weight of the drill rod to make threading easier. First Aid Only.

Employee was walking up the slope of an excavation to another area while carrying a nuclear gauge. While walking in the dry

soft sand, employee felt twinge in lower left back area. When walking up and down slopes use a diagonal path to help increase your stability on the slope and reduce strain on the back area. Place equipment outside of the excavation (if possible) prior to walking on slopes or ask for additional assistance to reduce the load being transported. First Aid Only.

Employee was reviewing site plans in front of a metal tool box on the top deck of a building. A subcontractor crew was moving

a wall form with a crane and the form got away from the worker guiding it. The form struck the toolbox which in turn struck our employee in the lower leg. The subcontractor did not follow proper protocol by blowing whistles to make everyone aware of the lift in progress. First Aid Only.

Vehicle/ Equipment Incidents:

Employee was exiting a job site via a driveway. There were two large trucks parked besides the exit giving our driver limited

space and visibility of the traffic on the road. While pulling out our driver failed to clear the parked truck on his right and struck the parked truck with the passenger rear fender. When making turns always check your side mirrors for distance to objects. Trucks require a larger turning radius than smaller vehicles when making turns.

Employee was driving on a construction site from one test location to another test location. The employee came to his next

location and got out of the vehicle while it was still running to collect the cylinders and left the vehicle in drive. The vehicle began to move forward. The truck stopped after becoming wedged between the tire of a fork lift and a stack of scaffolding. The Ardaman vehicle was damaged and fortunately no one was injured. Vehicles must be in park and turned off at a minimum when left unattended. See safety alert for further details.

Employee entered an intersection heading straight. Another vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction and made a left

hand turn. The other driver failed to yield and struck our vehicle on the driver side. Our driver applied his brakes to avoid contact but was unable to stop in time. Employee was ok after being evaluated at the hospital. When entering intersections in which the main travel lanes have the green light, drivers turning through the intersection must yield until the lanes are clear.

Employee was heading home from the job site. He was stopped at the red light in traffic. He heard a screeching sound and

was struck from behind by another vehicle.

Employee was pulling into the driveway at his home. He misjudged the distance from the vehicle next to him and struck it.

When parking vehicles, always approach the area slowly. If you are unable to judge distances or are unsure of objects around you, stop and walk around the vehicle. Ask for assistance from a spotter if available.

Employee was parked on a job site when a concrete truck operator failed to see our vehicle while backing and struck it.

Remember to park a safe distance from the limits of the work area or other vehicles. Maintain at least 30' distance when parking near heavy equipment. When extra precaution is needed, use a roof mounted strobe light and/or turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights to help make vehicle visible to others.

Employee was driving on the roadway(V1). Our light was green and our driver was about to cross through the intersection

when V2 ran a red light. V2 came across the intersection and our driver hit his brakes to avoid contact but struck the back driver side quarter panel of the V2 truck. V2 then continued across the intersection and struck V3 that was traveling in the opposite direction to us. When approaching intersections, remember to look left, right, left as per the Smith System to help identify potential hazards.

Employee was drilling with jacks/outriggers extended when the welds on the front jack failed. The jack remained extended and

rotated around towards the truck causing damage to the grill and hood and the bumper section that it was attached to. The rig had been recently transferred onto the new truck body and the jacks/outriggers welded while at an independent drill rig repair shop. When welding on heavy equipment, a certified welder should be used.

Safety Audits:

Identified Hazards from 83 Safety audits conducted in the month of August

Housekeeping: Multiple buckets left in chemical lab room creating trip hazard.

PPE: Employee not wearing gloves while loading concrete cylinders into breaking machine in CMT lab.

Page 5

Near Miss/ Hazard Identification:

Highlighted Near Misses from 34 reports received for the Month of August

Employee observed a dump truck driver cleaning out the end of the bed at night. The driver had backed the dump truck up to

an almost vertical stock pile. He then raised his bed and was located between the truck bed and the tailgate using a shovel and small flashlight to break free some material that was stuck. Our employee told the worker that what he was doing was extremely dangerous and notified the QC manager of the plant about the unsafe work practice. Never park or stand near the edge of steep stock piles. When servicing dump trucks, all gravity and electrical hazards must be locked and tagged out prior to performing maintenance activities.

Employee observed a lab technician processing samples that contained slightly acidic process water without PPE. The

employee had the lab technician stop and put on the necessary PPE. When handling contaminated materials, refer to the product’s SDS and at a minimum, safety glasses and nitrile gloves are required.

Employee noticed an ammonia smell when exiting a restroom in the plant. A contractor was driving by and directed us to

proceed crosswind and to the muster/shelter area location. The leak was from a supply line in the area. When working at Chemical or Manufacturing Plants, review the site specific training and familiarize all workers with the nearest emergency muster locations and methods of communication and response actions.

Employee observed a contractor backhoe operator on site that was using the bucket of the backhoe to spread fill while another

worker was in the excavation with a plate compactor. The backhoe operator was not paying attention and struck the worker with the bucket and knocked the worker down. All employees should maintain an established exclusion zone from equipment in use and while working in an excavation. The workers in the excavations should always maintain eye contact with the operator and a spotter should be used at all times. Backhoes are extremely dangerous. Do not stand within the swing radius of the backhoe bucket/arm.

Ardaman Update Continued

Safety Question Answer: D

First aid kits located in company vehicle should be inspected at least once a month. If any creams or ointments have expired, they should be replaced with current supplies.

A safety sticker was awarded to the following individuals:

Lee Tate: For recognition of a safety hazard resulting from incorrect winch line being supplied by a vendor for the drill rigs and requesting information regarding emergency care when working out of town. Employee additionally received a gift card for his actions (Orlando)

Kevin Lariviere: For observation of a fire hazard along a public roadway and actions taken to remove the hazard and for contacting emergency personnel. (Orlando)

Michael Panek: For recognition of a road hazard blocking the travel lane and his actions in removing the hazard. He first surveyed the area for safety concerns and PPE requirements and then removed the hazard. (Cocoa)

Dan Peace: For observation of a struck by hazard due to another company’s drill rig’s ratchet straps failing while on the highway which could have resulted in augers falling onto the highway. Employee alerted the driver and loaned them a strap to continue their travel safely. (Sarasota)

Bruce Barnwell: Recognition of a potential chemical exposure in the soils classification area. PPE was not available when working with acidic solution. Employee notified safety and proper PPE made available in the area. (Orlando)

Carlton Rose III: Employee observed an old borehole on a job site hidden under heavy vegetation. The hole presented a trip hazard and he backfilled the hole. (Orlando)

Kevin Bedsole: Employee observed another contractor on the job site showing symptoms of heat stress. He quickly had the worker sit in his truck and gave him some water. He then notified the workers supervisor for additional care. (Shreveport)

Mohamed Al-hawaree: Employee recognized a contractor on site using incorrect ladders and entering confined spaces without training. Employee notified client and G.C. and the workers were provided training and proper equipment. (Orlando)

Daniel Cimino: Employee observed a puncture hazard from a screw in the parking lot. The screw was identified during the employee’s walk around inspection before driving the vehicle. (New Orleans)

Chris Sotomayor: Employee observed an AC contractor using an incorrect ladder to access the ceiling area. Employee notified safety department and the landlord was contacted regarding the unsafe practice. (Orlando)

Linda Hunt: Employee recognized an unsafe railing system while staying at a hotel on her vacation. She communicated the hazard to the general manager and the corporate headquarters of the hotel. (Orlando)

Ardaman Health and Safety Recognition Awards

September 2016 Safety Quiz Please circle the letter of the answer that fits best. Some answers can be found in the newsletter

1. The OSHA regulation that gives employees the right to know about chemical hazards is:

A. Chemical Act B. Hazard Communication Standard C. Environmental Protection Agency D. All the above

2. Chemical manufacturers identify chemical hazards and provide the information on:

A. Container labels and SDS B. List of hazardous chemicals C. Letters to customers D. All the above

3. Employers must have written hazard communication programs.

A. True B. False

4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Ardaman can be located online at MSDSonline.com using the link on page 3 under

item number 6 in this newsletter.

A. True B. False

5. According to the GHS labeling system Signal words can be Danger or Warning.

A. True B. False

6. You can be exposed to a chemical by skin or eye contact, inhaling, or swallowing.

A. True B. False

7. If a chemical’s container label is missing or so damaged you can’t read it, you should:

A. Label the container with your best guess B. Use the chemical cautiously C. Not use the chemical D. All the above

8. To find all 16 sections of details on a chemical’s hazards and protections, you check:

A. Your hazard communication plan B. Its SDS C. Its label D. All the above

9. When employees complete hazard communication training, they should:

A. Know and understand how to identify chemical hazards and protection B. Understand how chemical manufacturers make the chemical C. Know where to buy PPE

10. Before starting any job with a chemical, you should:

A.Receive a manufacturer’s booklet on the chemical B. Read the chemical's label and SDS C. Put on a respirator and protective suit

11. When transferring a chemical to an unmarked container you must immediately.

A. Label the container B. Transfer key information C. Refer to the SDS for information regarding signal words and pictograms D. All the above

12. Chemical labels will now have easy to read pictograms to alert employees of important dangers.

A. False B. True

All Ardaman employees must complete the quiz and turn it in by the end of each month. For those individuals who cannot attend

the monthly safety meeting please complete the quiz and submit it to your supervisor for approval. These will be sent to HR/H&S.

All others must submit the quiz at the designated location at your office. The supervisor only needs to sign the quiz if you are unable

to attend the meeting, you must explain the reason in the box below:

Print Name Here Sign Name Here Date

Supervisor Print Name Here Supervisor Sign Name Here Date