Summer 2011
Do’s
and Don’ts of Chain Slings
We all know construction is an inherently dangerous business. Precast
concrete fabrication entails moving, transporting, hoisting and erecting
massive concrete components. In the construction industry, safe and
strong connections will always require careful attention to detail.
Inspection is foremost in the do’s and don’ts of chain slings.
The sling may be properly hitched and have the correctly rated capacity
for the load to be lifted, but if a damaged sling is not removed from
service, its lifting capacity means nothing. How often should chain
slings be inspected? What are the rules for using chain slings safely?
Take this test from the July/August issue of Precast Inc. magazine to
check your precast “hoisting” knowledge.
New
Safety Page on precast.org.jpg)
Check out the new Safety page on the new precast.org website. The Safety
Health and Environmental Committee will be adding additional content
to this page, including an archive of all Safety Express e-newsletters,
previous Safety Program topics and links to safety materials in the
NCPA Shop. The Safety page is located in the Precast Possibilities section
of the new site.
Abrasive Sandblasting
The focus of the SHE Committee’s latest Safety Program is the
impact of abrasive sandblasting. Sandblasting operations can be overlooked
when preparing safety plans because they are generally a small part
of a larger project such as cleaning and refinishing or painting. As
a result, many workers are exposed to the hazards of sandblasting without
adequate protection. Even if all sandblasting equipment is properly
designed and regularly inspected, users must always be alert to the
hazards of these operations and take precautions against harmful exposures.
To learn more about sandblasting safety visit the Safety
page.
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Dust
Control
Precast concrete production facilities use materials and processes that
can be noisy, dirty and sometimes dangerous. Dust, in particular, is
produced by a number of processes. Cement dust from conveyors, bins,
drop points, saws and mixers are sources of particulate matter in plant
air. Material stockpiles and roads in the yard also produce airborne
dirt and dust form traffic and wind currents. These processes and locations
must be controlled to protect human health. Two NPCA producer members
discuss dust control in precast plants in the May/June issue of Precast
Inc. magazine.
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