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PEI Safe Practices : 

PEI Safe Practices

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July 2010 Basic First Aid for Burns Knowing first aid for burns requires knowing the cause of the injury and the severity of the burn according to its degree. Burns to the skin can come from a number of sources, including fire, heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation and sunlight. Burns are classified by severity in "degrees," a measurement of the damage caused. There are three degree classifications of burns: first, second and third degree. Most first-degree burns can be treated at home, while second- and third-degree burns require treatment by a doctor. First-Degree Burns Look for signs of skin peeling and redness. There may be a little swelling associated with this type of burn, which generally affects only the top layer of skin. If a first-degree burn is larger than three inches in diameter, or if it is on the face, feet or genital area, immediately see a doctor. Otherwise, cool water (not icy or freezing cold) should be applied to the burn to cool the skin immediately. An ointment containing an antibiotic may be applied. If the skin is broken or peeling, wrap the area lightly with a dry gauze bandage. Pain can be handled by an over-the-counter pain medication, but remember not to give aspirin to children under the age of 16. The burn should heal In three to six days.

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Chemical and Electrical Burns Electrical shocks and chemical burns are reasons for immediate medical attention. Electrical shocks can cause internal injuries, so any shock that results in a burn warrants a trip to the Emergency Room. For chemical burns, remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical. Soak the area in water to dilute the chemical, making sure to keep any runoff away from parts of the body that haven't been burned. Chemical burns may be accompanied by toxins entering the blood or respiratory system, so an immediate examination by a doctor is necessary.

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Trenching and Shoring: The Basics Construction is hazardous. The average construction site has far more dangers than other workplaces. While falls are the leading cause of construction accidents, the fatality rate for trench accidents is more than 100 percent higher than for construction accidents overall. For this reason, The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has standards and specifications for trench shoring and safety, and is able to fine violators of these regulations. Virtually every state, county, city, utility company or other jurisdiction governing construction in trenches has a specification of its own. All of these regulations have certain things in common. The wise contractor will learn and follow the strictest of the rules where he is working, not only to prevent trench accidents, but to prevent what can be substantial fines for violation of the rules. The Dirt One cubic yard of compacted dirt can weigh 2,500 pounds or more. This is the amount of dirt that would fit into a box that is three feet tall, three feet wide and three feet deep. Different kinds of dirt have different structural characteristics. Dry sand runs. It cannot stand up on its own. A wall hewn through

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solid rock would stand up by itself for a very long time. In between these two extremes are soils with clay, or loam, dirt of all kinds. When digging a trench over four feet deep, it is imperative to understand what kind of dirt you are digging through. With trench safety in mind, dirt has four classifications. Stable rock is obviously the safest for a trench. Type A soils are the next safest. They are "cohesive“ soils. In other words, they stick together. Most often, they have a clay component. Type B soils are less strong than Type A. They may have some gravel in them, or they may have been previously disturbed, making them looser. They may have more organics, or more silt. Type C soils are gravel or sand, or very wet soils. In trenching, the weakest soil structure in the trench rules the regulations regarding shoring if more than one type is layered. The Trenches Knowing how deep a trench will be and the type of soil it will be dug through leads to the decision on shoring or sloping the trench walls. Sloping trench walls means making the top of the trench wider than the bottom, at an angle the soil can be expected to remain stable. There are regulations and specifications to follow

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regarding the angle of the trench sides for each soil type. Drawbacks to sloping include the need for more space and the expense of importing dirt added to the project cost. Also, widening a trench at the top adds to labor and equipment costs in backfilling. If appropriate sloping is not feasible either physically or economically, the solution is trench shoring, or a method to hold back the straight sides of the trench. Hydraulic trench jacks, timber shoring, trench boxes and trench shields are examples of trench shoring. There are rolling shoring systems available that can be pulled ahead by the excavator. In hazardous circumstances, as when groundwater may be encountered or the soil is unstable, engineered shoring is required. Engineered shoring is typically reviewed by the local jurisdiction for approval before trenching may begin. Specifications, Rules, and Regulations Generally, every jurisdiction has its own specification regarding trench shoring. They vary from place to place. One jurisdiction might require shoring or sloping for any trench more than four feet deep, while others start at five. They all cover the same

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basic safety issues, however, and in the case of a trench accident or failure, OSHA investigates and can issue fines. What is Regulated? To keep a trenching operation safe, there are rules governing shoring, benching or sloping trench walls. Other safety issues are regulated as well. The following examples are taken from OSHA's rules, but every jurisdiction includes these regulations in some form. ● Worker access and egress needs to be taken into consideration. Ladders must be provided in trenches over four feet deep. They must be within twenty five feet of the workers. ● Ladders need to be fixed in place, and must extend over the landing. In cases where live electrical utilities exist, metal ladders are to be avoided. ● A "competent person" must be designated for each trenching operation. This person needs to be trained in the hazards and rules of underground work, including understanding the soil types and shoring systems and must have the authority to make necessary changes or to stop work. ● Crossing over the top of trenches is generally discouraged, but if vehicles need to cross a trench, the crossing must be designed by a registered engineer.

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● Workers are not permitted to work under raised loads to prevent injury from falling objects. ● Hard hats and safety vests are required. ● Trench spoils must be piled at least two feet from the top edges of the trench. ● In cases of groundwater or standing water, shields or trench supports must be designed and approved by a registered engineer. Inspections and the Competent Person The designated competent person is charged with inspecting, and documenting, the safety of trenches. Under OSHA's regulations, these inspections are needed daily, and at the start of each shift; whenever changes in the work or trench conditions occur; after rainstorms or other weather changes that could increase hazards, as in after a thaw or earthquake; if signs of trench instability like fissures, cracks, sloughing, water seepage or the like appear; If changes are made in the size, location or placement of spoils; or when there is any observation of changes or movement in adjacent structures.

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Fire Extinguishers Just as there is a right tool for every job, there is a right extinguisher for every fire. The class of an extinguisher, identified on its nameplate, corresponds to the class or classes of fire the extinguisher controls. On most construction jobs, workers should be concerned with Class A, B and C fires. Consequently, the best extinguisher to have on a job site is a multi-purpose Class ABC extinguisher, which contains a dry, powdered chemical under pressure. The following describes the classes of fire and the kind of extinguisher that can be used on each. Class A Fires Class A fires are those of wood, paper, trash and other materials that produce glowing embers. For Class A fires, use a Class A or Class ABC extinguisher. Always remember that a Class A extinguisher contains water and should only be used on a Class A fire. Used on gasoline, it could spread the fire; used on electrical fires, it could cause electrocution.

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Class B Fires Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids and gases, such things as gasoline, solvents, paint thinners, grease, LPG and acetylene. Class B or Class ABC extinguishers should be used on Class B Fires. Class C Fires Class C fires are caused by energized electrical equipment. Only a Class BC or Class ABC extinguisher should be used to extinguish a Class C fire. Extinguisher Tips - Always use the fire extinguisher whose class corresponds to the class of the fire. - Never use a Class A extinguisher, which contains water or foam, on a liquid or electrical fire. - Know where extinguishers are located and how to use them. Follow the directions printed on the label. - Keep the area around the fire extinguisher clear for easy access. - Don't hide the extinguisher by hanging coats, rope, or other materials on it. - Take care of the extinguishers just as you do your tools.

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- Never remove tags from extinguishers. They indicate the last time the extinguisher was serviced and inspected. - Report defective or suspect extinguishers to your supervisor so that they can be replaced or repaired. - When inspecting extinguishers, look for cracked hoses, plugged nozzles, and corrosion. - Don't use extinguishers for purposes other than fighting fires.

PEI Safety Letters : 

PEI Safety Letters

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An employee was installing the HVAC ductwork, vents and fans in a three-story building. The stairway openings were not guarded and two temporary wooden ladders were being used in place of stairs . One ladder went from the first floor to the second floor and a second ladder went from the second floor to the third floor. An employee working on the third floor, out of sight of other members of his crew, was injured when he fell through an open stairway and landed on the concrete basement floor approximately 25 ft below. He was treated at a local hospital for serious head injuries and died later that day. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented if the employee had followed proper guidelines for working at heights. In this situation, this could have included the use of barricading procedures, such as installing temporary hand rails around the stairwell opening and a removable chain barrier at the ladder access point. A worker was descending a ladder after completing work from a scaffold. As he climbed down the ladder, the feet slid and tipped over, causing the worker to fall. He was transported to a medical center where a medical evaluation, which revealed fractured vertebrae in his neck. According to the

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OSHA investigation that followed the accident, the ladder was not tied off at the top and the extension section of the ladder was not fully locked into place. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented of the worker had properly installed the ladder. The committee notes that many scaffolding systems include a built-in stairway or ladder system, which are preferable to free-standing ladders. A fall arrest system may have also helped prevent the accident. A worker was cleaning the lower bay (pit) of an automotive lubrication service station, when he poured gasoline on the floor to help clean up the oil. After pouring the gasoline on the floor, he then moved the gasoline, oil and other material to the center of the pit with the squeegee and proceeded to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to collect the material. The wet/dry vacuum cleaner was not approved for handling flammable material nor approved for use in hazardous locations. The worker was severely burned when he turned on the vacuum cleaner, causing an explosion. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented if the clean up operation were performed with the appropriate products and tools. The committee notes that gasoline should never be used as a solvent and a vacuum cleaning device should not be used with petroleum based products.

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The waste oil should have been cleaned by spreading an absorbent material, collecting with a shovel and then disposing in proper bins. Two employees were performing tests in a 10 foot manhole. The testing required confined space procedures and both employees entered the space without a permit or harness, tripod or winch in place. In addition, the air quality inside the manhole was not tested prior to entry. After working for a short time, both employees were asphyxiated and rushed to a local hospital. Both employees later died, and hospital records indicate that the oxygen level for both of the deceased workers was extremely low. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented by proper CSE protocols were followed. The committee notes that it is imperative that employees are properly trained to work in confined spaces and that the owner/operator of the confined space should have the area properly labeled to prevent non-trained employees from entering. The committee states that only one employee should enter the manhole using a tripod and harness, and should only do so after testing the space with a properly calibrated air quality tester. The manhole should have been continuously monitored for air quality and ventilation should have been provided by a blower.

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An employee was sweeping a floor in a warehouse near a stack of equipment that was stacked six high. The stacked equipment was not interlocked and was approximately 16 feet tall. While the employee worked, a piece of equipment rolled off the stack, fell and struck the employee. The accident broke the employee's back and paralyzed him from the waist down. According to the PEI Safety Committee this accident could have been prevented if a risk assessment had been performed on the multi-level storage system and a suitable storage system determined prior to the stacking/racking of the product in the warehouse. The committee notes that the area should have been clearly marked to indicate the presence of potential falling hazards. A transport driver was off-loading unleaded gasoline into a 12,000-gallon AST. During the off-load the tank failed, forcing gasoline over the AST's containment wall and into the intake of the transport truck engine. The employee was also covered in gasoline. The truck engine then ignited a fire, resulting in an explosion in which the employee suffered multiple third-degree burns. The employee was air-lifted to a local hospital and later died. An investigation revealed that all vents, both normal and emergency, were likely frozen shut, causing the tank to rupture. According to the PEI Safety Committee, a daily routine maintenance check by plant staff (particularly in cold weather)

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should include a visual check of the vent and operational check of the emergency vent. In the case of the site being unmanned, the transport driver operator should be trained on site specifics and operational redundancy should be built into the offloading system to ensure safe off loading and loading procedures. A spark arresting system should be included on any vehicle transporting fuel. The committee also notes that dike containment areas are typically designed to hold 110% or more of the total storage within the storage field, but that consideration for catastrophic failure of tanks is oftentimes not considered in the initial design. A secondary consideration of the plant design should be the proximity (separation) of the fueling and off loading areas in relation to the storage areas. (Note: This accident occurred in early 2005, has been previously published by PEI and other sources and was a catalyst for the publishing of RP600) An employee was cutting fiberglass pipe used for the conveying of gasoline at a gas station when residual gasoline vapors and liquid remaining in the line combusted. The employee was using a reciprocating saw at the time of the accident. The employee was hospitalized with burns as a result of the accident. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented if the lines had been properly drained and

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purged by introducing an inert gas into the line. The employee should have used a cold cutting (non-sparking or explosion proof) tool for cutting Pipe.

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Scaffolding, confined spaces and dispensers: in this issue of the Safety Letter. A worker was descending a ladder after completing work from a scaffold. As he climbed down the ladder, the feet slid and tipped over, causing the worker to fall. He was transported to a medical center, where a medical evaluation revealed fractured vertebrae in his neck. According to the OSHA investigation that followed the accident, the ladder was not tied off at the top and the extension section of the ladder was not fully locked into place. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the accident could have been prevented if the worker had properly installed the ladder. The committee notes that many scaffolding systems include a built-in stairway or ladder system, which is preferable to free-standing ladders. A fall arrest system may have also helped prevent the accident. An employee reported a near miss when working on a confined space job. The employee, a service tech, was working outside of the sump while another tech remained inside. A service vehicle was being used to barricade the work area. While the employees worked, a gas station customer struck the service vehicle. The tech who was working outside reacted by first ensuring the safety of the employee that remained inside the sump and then by securing

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the appropriate accident information from the driver that struck the service vehicle. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the near miss could have been avoided if further steps were taken to delineate work area. In this situation, the PEI Safety Committee recommends a safety/warning light equipped service truck or lighted barricades. A service tech was repairing a shear valve on a fuel dispenser at a self-service gas station when he was sprayed with gasoline. The service tech continued to work on the fuel dispenser for another 2 hours, and later, after going into the bathroom, was found lying on the floor. The service tech was conscious but could only move one side of his body. Local EMS arrived and transported the employee to the hospital. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this accident could have been prevented by ensuring lockout/tagout procedures were followed. The technician should have notified a supervisor of the incident and taken the time to properly clean up with a full change of clothes. The committee notes that gasoline is a hazardous substance for both contact and breathing vapors and must be treated as such. All pump service technicians should carry a change of clothing so contaminated clothing can be removed.

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A service technician reported a near miss while working at a station when a vehicle drove between the pump island and the retail store at an approximate speed of 30 mph. The vehicle did not strike any pedestrians or workers, there were no injuries. The submitting company now makes it mandatory that service technicians barricade work areas with service vehicles and caution tape in conjunction with delineator/cone/vehicle barricades. The company also notes that following the incident, employees are now asked to “keep an eye out for traffic” when working outside at stations. An electrician was attempting to correct an electrical problem involving two non-operational lamps. He went to the area where he thought the problem originated, but he did not shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel nor did he test the wires to see if they were live. When the journeyman electrician grabbed the two live wires with his left hand, he received and electric shock and fell from the ladder. According to OSHA, the accident could have been prevented if the employer had implemented a proper lockout/ tag-out program. An employer should never allow work to be done on energized electrical circuits or circuits which are not positively de-energized or tagged out. The PEI Safety Committee notes that proper fall protection should be used when working from ladders.

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A service technician reported a near miss when he went to a job to fix a dispenser filter housing. Prior to the visit by the service technician, another employee had visited the site and had written ‘bad’ on the front of the housing. The employee, however, had failed to note the bad filter housing in the Dispatch Log. When the service technician was working on the dispenser, he engaged the shear valve, without noticing the sign. When the shear valve was engaged, product was released. The spill was minor and no injuries incurred. The submitting company notes that the incident could have been prevented if the service technician and employee had engaged in better communication. The employee should have added notes to the job's Dispatch Log and thoroughly explained the situation. The dispenser should have also been properly tagged on both sides. The company noted that a red ‘out of order’ wire tag on the Impact Valve would have saved the technician working on the site from an incident. The establishment of a lockout/tagout procedure for this scenario is also advisable.

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A service tech reported a near miss while driving in the middle lane, when another vehicle cut him off in an attempt to cross over 3 lanes of traffic. This action ‘almost’ caused a number of accidents. The service tech was off duty and driving his personal vehicle and was able to brake to avoid a collision. Had the tech had been driving a service vehicle he may not have been able to brake in time. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder to always drive defensively and keep a protective “bubble” around you at all times. The committee notes that all vehicles should be properly maintained and should receive a regular brake inspection. The committee also recommends that all employees receive defensive driving instruction as part of their safety training. A service tech reported a near miss when working at an airport fueling facility, where three contractors were working to purge lines. According to the report, the work had the potential for an overfill if proper safety measures were not taken. With all the activity at the site, and multiple managers giving direction, a safety precaution to have a tech stationed at every turbine hole during the purging was overlooked. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder that when performing large

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jobs with multiple contractors and foremen, it is of the utmost importance to communicate in order to ensure all workers are in sync with the job and steps that need to be taken to safely accomplish the work. The committee notes that employees shouldn't get distracted when performing large jobs; rather, they should slow down and take time to assess all potential hazards. The committee also notes that a safety “tool box talk,” involving all parties should help identify and help clarify where potential hazards might be encountered. A service tech reported multiple near misses related to traffic lights in his city. The lights, which have built-in cameras intended to identify traffic violators, have caused drivers to make abrupt stops when the light turns red in order to avoid traffic citations. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the multiple near misses should serve as reminders to keep a safety “bubble” around your vehicle and maintain a safe driving distance at all times. The committee recommends that all employees receive defensive driving instruction as part of their safety training.

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A service tech reported a near-miss while setting up a blower for compliance testing in a confined space. Using a GFI, the tech plugged in the blower and moments later, heard a ‘pop’ noise. He unplugged the device and went inside to check the breaker and found it had tripped and the plug outlet had burn marks. No one was shocked or injured since a GFI was used. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder to always utilize the proper tools and equipment and to ensure that all equipment is operable prior to beginning work. The committee notes that all equipment used outdoors should be plugged in to a GFCI protected circuit. If the circuit is not protected by a GFCI breaker or a GFCI outlet, a GFCI pigtail should be used on all outdoor equipment and extension cords. A service tech reported a near miss after he had completed a job and was parked at a station doing paperwork. Suddenly his truck started moving violently and the tech could hear someone jumping in the bed of the service vehicle. The tech exited his truck and talked calmly with what was seemingly a mentally challenged person. The tech helped the person out of the truck, who walked away peacefully. No one was injured. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this

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near miss should serve as a reminder to carefully assess the circumstances when an unusual situation occurs. Stay calm and diffuse the situation if possible. If not possible, call 911. A service tech reported a near miss at 1:30am when he and a co-worker were replacing an e-site inside a store. The near miss occurred when the cashier and a customer became involved in a heated argument. After unsuccessfully attempting to diffuse the situation, the argument escalated and the customer threatened to "get his gun and shoot up." In response, the techs called 911, packed up their equipment, vacated the site, and notified their management. No one was injured while the techs were on site. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder that employees should always follow the basic rules of safety: protect yourself, protect your co-worker, protect the public, and protect the environment. If an unsafe situation is observed and cannot be avoided, vacate the site. If the unsafe situation is related to physical violence, the proper authorities should be contacted. Also contact your supervisor/manager to inform them of the situation.

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-An employee was MIG welding a three-compartment tanker wagon, which was approved for delivering home heating oil, diesel fuel and gasoline. The tanker was reported to be purged of any residue gasoline though traces of gasoline were identified on the hose reel. The employee was repairing a hairline crack along the vapor recovery system when an explosion and ensuing fire occurred. The employee sustained third-degree burns over 20 percent of his body and was hospitalized. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this accident should serve as a reminder that all sources of vapor must be identified and eliminated prior to doing any “hot” work on a container known to previously contain a flammable substance. All tanks and lines should be verified as properly purged prior to commencing work. The committee notes that it is standard industry practice to inert the space with nitrogen or carbon dioxide before beginning any hot work. If the purge had been verified, the space continuously monitored for the presence of vapor, and properly inerted, this accident could have been avoided. The committee also notes that the presence of liquid in the hose reel is a strong indicator that vapors are present in the tank, even if the vessel had previously been purged.

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-A worker was pumping diesel fuel into a tank when it ignited. The employee was burned by the fire and hospitalized. An investigation after the accident revealed that an electrical extension cord was plugged and present inside the work area. The PEI Safety Committee notes that any operation involving the transfer of a flammable substance requires extreme caution and states that a hazard assessment of the area would have revealed the potential ignition source. The committee states that the removal of potential ignition sources (electrical, static, etc.) will greatly reduce the fire and explosion potential of handling operations. The committee states that all activities involving the transfer of flammable liquids should include a pre-task safety analysis, tool box talk and safety check. -A service technician experienced a near miss when he arrived at a job to perform an ST30 Test. After arrival, the tech noticed that the site appeared to be in a ‘closing’ state. Upon entering a backroom to check the alarm status, the tech found workers cutting PVC pipes with a hand saw. In the same area, the tech reported seeing standing water and electrical cords on the floor along with a portable 60 watt light. The tech informed the site owner that the situation was an unsafe work environment due to the presence of standing water and electrical cords, yet the owner refused to stop the work or change the unsafe conditions. The tech

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then contacted his supervisor and was told to not work under the unsafe conditions and to vacate the premises. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder to work safely. The committee notes that each site has “work safe” issues which require mitigation before work begins. Working on a site for which there is little consideration for safety is risky and a worker should make an effort in situations such as this to dissuade other parties from ignoring safety hazards.

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An employee was standing on a ladder to reach the top shelf of a metal storage rack. The ladder tipped and the employee attempted to prevent a fall by holding on to the top of the metal storage rack. The sharp edges of the rack severed the employee‘s fingers as he fell. The employee was treated at the hospital and released. According to the PEI Safety Committee this accident should serve as a reminder that ladders should be placed on a stable, level surface or secured to prevent movement. The committee notes that if an employee is working beyond the recommended working range of a ladder, the ladder must be secured and fall protection devices must be worn. Ladders should also be periodically visually inspected by a competent person for defects and should be inspected after all incidents that could affect the ladder’s safe use. Additionally, employees must be trained to recognize hazards related to ladders and instructed to minimize the hazards. A worker was performing an elevated task from a man-basket, supported by a rough terrain-type forklift. The worker was not attached to the fork assembly and when he attempted to move to the opposite end of the basket, the worker slid off the forks and fell about 20 feet. The worker suffered a severe concussion. According to the PEI Safety Committee this accident could have been

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prevented by the use of approved lifting cages secured to the forks or lifting the use of a carriage. Approval of lifting cages is constituted by written approval from the manufacturer of the forklift to ensure that the modification or addition of equipment to the forklift will not affect its operation or lifting capacity. The committee notes that adherence to general safety practices applies when elevating personnel in lifting cages and that when working from an elevated platform, workers are required to use fall protection devices. Employers should also be reminded that it is a violation of federal law to allow anyone to operate a forklift that is not properly trained and certified to do so. Three employees were using a gasoline powered trowel to finish a new concrete floor in a convenience store. Due to the exhaust from the trowel, all three suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. They were hospitalized and treated. According to the PEI Safety Committee this accident should serve as a reminder that the use of gasoline powered equipment or other devices that produce carbon monoxide can cause harm and should be prohibited indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. If used, adequate ventilation, air monitoring, and respiratory protection should be utilized to ensure worker exposure is limited to below the 50ppm 8hr TWA.

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A service tech experienced a near miss while driving, when he noticed a vehicle’s lights aimed directly at his vehicle. In response, the tech slowed down before realizing the oncoming vehicle was stopped on the side of the road with a flat tire. The blowout had caused the vehicle to do a 180° turn, which left it facing oncoming traffic. After stopping to assist the driver of the disabled car, the tech reported that the vehicle caught fire. The tech used his fire extinguisher to assist in putting out the flame and no one was injured. The tech stayed with the driver and his family until authorities arrived. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder to always be alert while driving. The committee notes that being alert and adequately equipped ensures that unsafe situations, should they arise, do not escalate to more dangerous situations. A service technician experienced a near miss while working at a service station where “passing” lanes are present between the dispenser islands. The tech reported that vehicles regularly speed through the lanes and in doing so, nearly strike workers in the area. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder that a work area

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should always be adequately delineated. The committee notes that the defined work area should be both large enough to protect the worker and ensure traffic is properly rerouted. In this case the committee recommends wrapping the work area with caution tape, while fully eliminating traffic between the islands. A service technician experienced a near miss when he arrived at a truck stop site where the owner was attempting to repair defective parts of a tank sump. The owner was working alone, both inside and outside of the sump, and had no personal protective equipment or confined space equipment. The tech also reported that the lighting was poor in the work area. The service tech informed the owner he should be doing the work in a safe manner using proper PPE, confined space equipment and processes, which require a second person. The tech reported that the owner refused to follow proper safety protocol. The tech vacated the site. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this near miss should serve as a reminder that work should always be performed safely and that all employees have a responsibility to ensure others work in a similarly safe manner. In this case, the committee notes that non-certified and non-factory trained personal, or personnel without PPE or training, should never perform work in a hazardous environment.

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An employee was reaching for an item while standing on a ladder, when he lost his balance, fell and struck his head on a concrete floor. The employee, who was working alone, was killed. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this accident could have been prevented if the ladder had been used only for egress or access to the work area, as designed. Ladders should never be used as a work platform and three points of contact should always be maintained while on a ladder. The ladder should be inspected before each use and discarded if defects are found. The committee notes that employers should have a “working alone” policy, which identifies tasks that are acceptable to work alone and tasks require a team. Any job involving a ladder should be deemed a “team” job. A service tech reported experiencing a near miss when driving in the rain. A vehicle in front of him spun out, re-grouped, and spun out again. Fortunately the tech was driving a safe distance behind the vehicle, observing the ‘bubble’ and ‘space cushion’ learned in driver training. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the situation should serve as a reminder to always keep a safe driving distance between yourself and other drivers, allowing proper time and distance to

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slow down gradually and avoid dangerous situations. A service tech was repairing a shear valve on a fuel dispenser at a self-service gas station when he was sprayed with gasoline. The service tech continued to work on the fuel dispenser for another 2 hours, and later, after going into the bathroom, was found lying on the floor. The service tech was conscious but could only move one side of his body. Local EMS arrived and transported the employee to the hospital. According to the PEI Safety Committee, this accident could have been prevented if ensuring lockout/tagout procedures were followed. The technician should have at notified a supervisor of the incident and taken the time to properly clean up with a full change of clothes. The committee notes that gasoline is a hazardous substance for both contact and breathing vapors and must be treated as such. All pump service technicians should carry a change of clothing so contaminated clothing can be removed. A service tech reported experiencing a near miss while working at a station when a customer was distracted by a cell phone while pumping gas. The customer’s cell phone rang, and she removed the nozzle from her car before letting

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go of the trigger. At this point gas sprayed on her clothing. No one was injured in the near miss, but the tech reported that the outcome could have been fatal had someone been smoking in the area. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the near miss should serve as a reminder that all employees need to be aware of their surroundings, and if unusual behavior is observed, be extra cautious. Remove yourself from danger and assist when safely possible to do so. The committee notes that the incident reinforces the concept that cell phone use is a distraction, and can otentially cause accidents.

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A service tech reported a near miss as he was departing a service station where a large truck was parked on the street. As the tech began to exit the driveway into the street, he was unable to view the road due to the truck. As the tech was inching out, a vehicle on the street nearly collided with the service vehicle. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the service tech should have asked a service station employee to act as a “spotter” when attempting to exit the driveway. If that option were not viable, the driver should have exited the driveway through an alternative route. The committee notes that when presented with an unsafe situation, employees should be trained to recognize the unsafe situation and takes steps to avoid it. A service tech reported a near miss at a gas station at 2:30AM when a newspaper delivery truck driver ran over the tech's calibration can, spilling a small amount of gas. The driver of the newspaper delivery truck stated he was unable to see the barricades or calibration can due to the low lighting in the station. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the service technician should have utilized both proper work lights and lighted barricades while placing his truck in a position to serve as a traffic “block.” Requesting the use of full station lighting, the use of 48-inch cones

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and the use of reflective tape on barricades is also recommended. A service tech reported a near miss when working at a gas station. The tech was working on an air compressor in an outside enclosed cabinet when he dropped a bit out of his driver. The tech used his wrench to move around the leaves, which covered the ground near the cabinet, and in doing so found an exposed hypodermic needle. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the near miss could have been avoided if the service tech had cleaned the work area prior to beginning work. A clean work area would have helped the service tech to avoid unseen hazards such as the dangerous hidden refuse. The committee also notes that the use of gloves, coupled with training in bloodborne pathogens contact, may have made the worker aware of the potential danger. An employee reported a near miss when working on a confined space job. The employee, a service tech, was working outside of the sump while another tech remained inside. A service vehicle was being used to barricade the work area. While the employees worked, a gas station customer struck the service vehicle. The tech was working outside reacted by first ensuring the safety of the employee

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who remained inside the sump and then by securing the appropriate accident information from the driver who struck the service vehicle. According to the PEI Safety Committee, the near miss could have been avoided if further steps were taken to delineate work area. In this situation, the PEI Safety Committee recommends a safety/warning light equipped service truck or lighted barricades. The committee notes that barricades, lights, cones and reflective tape must be used to ensure contact with any vehicle is avoided. The use of a service truck as a barricade should be the last means by which to avoid vehicle contact and not the first and only line of defense.