Hazard resources for MySafetySign customers.
Resources
Stinging Insects
Bees, hornets, fire ants and wasps usually present only a minor hazard to workers, but they can be fatal for workers with allergies. The best ways to avoid these hazards are to avoid getting stung in the first place. Smart precautions include avoiding fragrant cologne, perfume, soap, perfume or deodorant, as the smells can attract […]
Aerosol: History and Hazards
Aerosol cans are everywhere, used for everything from insecticide to spray paint to cooking spray. The aerosol can was first invented in 1927 in Norway, but first deployed en masse during World War II, as aerosol cans of insecticide saved the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers in the Pacific Theater. Aerosol cans contain both […]
Acetone: History and Hazards
Acetone (chemical formula: (CH3)2CO) is a fast-evaporating, colorless solvent widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and consumer applications. It is one of the most commonly handled chemical solvents in workplaces and households worldwide. Despite being naturally produced in small amounts by the human body, acetone poses serious hazards when handled in quantity, most critically its extreme […]
Anthrax: History and Hazards
Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, and has been known since antiquity. The disease’s name comes from the Greek word for “coal,” because the black lesions that develop on the skin resemble coal. Robert Koch, a German doctor, identified the anthrax bacterium in 1875, a discovery that won him the 1905 […]
Benzene: History, Hazards, and How to Stay Safe
Benzene (C6H6) is a highly flammable, colorless liquid found in gasoline, laboratory solvents, and across the chemical industry. First discovered in 1825 by English chemist Michael Faraday, it was initially called “bicarburet of hydrogen.” Before the 1950s, benzene came from coal. Today, it is primarily a byproduct of petroleum refining. Despite its industrial importance, benzene […]
Protect Workers from Heat Illness
The body’s temperature is naturally self-regulating, as the body normally sweats to lower the body’s temperature in hot weather. But prolonged exposure to hot, humid conditions can cause workers’ body temperatures become dangerously elevated, a condition called heat illness. In 2014, over 2600 workers suffered from heat illness, and 18 died. There are two major […]
Cold Stress: Identify Types Before You Treat Affected Workers
Extreme cold can be dangerous for workers, especially those working outdoors in winter, or in refrigerated environments, such as first responders, utility employees, and people involved in snow removal. (A prefatory note: the definition of “extreme cold” depends on the region– extreme cold in sunny Los Angeles is very, very different from extreme cold in […]
How to Conduct a Pre-Start Forklift Inspection
Conduct pre-start inspection with the engine off. Check fluid levels and inspect for leaks. Make sure safety devices are working and that safety warnings are present. Check mast chain tension. Do not put your hand inside the mast! Check tires for cuts and make sure tire pressure is adequate. Check operator compartment for grease and […]
What are Confined Spaces?
Confined spaces are areas not intended for continuous human occupancy. This makes them dangerous, because they often won’t have safeguards to keep workers safe from falls, dangerous fumes, or temperature extremes. Making matters worse, many confined spaces are extremely difficult for emergency personnel to reach. According to OSHA, confined spaces with “a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment […]
Abrasive Blasting Hazards: Health Risks, Safety Precautions, and Required PPE
Abrasive blasting is the process of directing a high-velocity stream of abrasive material at a surface to remove paint, rust, scale, or chemical buildup. Common abrasive media include sand, glass beads, garnet, steel grit, dry ice, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It is widely used in construction, shipbuilding, industrial maintenance, automotive refinishing, and infrastructure […]
Asbestos: A Brief History
Asbestos: history, hazards, and OSHA warning sign requirements Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals once used across construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing for heat resistance and durability. Industrial mining began in the late 1800s, and by the early 20th century asbestos was built into buildings, military vessels, and industrial equipment throughout the […]