Site and Personal Safety Procedures for Hydraulics & Pneumatics Work

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Agency that sets rules to reduce workplace injuries and deaths by establishing minimum safety standards.

Stored Energy

Energy that is retained in pressurized fluid or air, which can cause injury if released suddenly.

General Duty

The requirement for employers to provide a workplace free from recognized serious hazards.

Confined Space

A space that is large enough for an employee to enter but has limited entry/exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.

Permit-required Confined Space

A confined space that contains potential hazards such as hazardous atmospheres or engulfment risks.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A device that protects against electric shock by shutting off power when it detects leakage current.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Documents that provide detailed information about hazardous chemicals, including handling, storage, and emergency measures.

Clearance and Boundaries

Physical barriers and markings used to keep people safe from hazards like moving equipment and energized parts.

Emergency Shower and Eyewash

Safety stations designed to flush hazardous substances off the body or out of the eyes quickly.

Hitch Configuration

The way a sling is attached to a load, which affects the stability and tension during lifting.

Hand Signals

Standardized gestures used to communicate commands in noisy environments, preventing wrong-motion incidents.

Right to Know

Workers' rights to receive information and training about hazardous chemicals they might encounter.

Hierarchical Controls

A framework for addressing hazards, prioritizing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety gear worn to protect against hazards that cannot be fully controlled through other means.

Chemical Mixing

The practice of combining chemicals, which must only be done according to specified safe procedures to avoid dangerous reactions.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Incidents that can occur due to unkempt workspaces, such as oil leaks or hoses across walkways.

Load Handling Practices

Safe methods of controlling and transporting loads to prevent accidents during lifting.

Fire Classes

Categories of fires based on the materials burning—Class A, B, C, D, and K, with different extinguishing methods for each.

Incident Reporting

The process of documenting and reporting accidents or near misses to enhance workplace safety.

Ergonomics

The science of designing the job to fit the worker, aimed at reducing strain and injuries.

Fire Extinguisher Operation (PASS)

The method of using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

Inspection and Rejection Criteria for Slings

Standards for determining the usability of slings based on visible damage or wear.

Near Miss

An unplanned event that does not result in injury, but could have; serves as a critical learning opportunity.

Rescue Plan

A pre-established procedure for retrieving personnel from confined spaces or dangerous situations.

GHS Pictograms

Globally Harmonized System symbols used to indicate chemical hazards on labels and SDSs.

Tagout/Lockout Procedures

Safety protocols used to control hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing tasks.

Slip Trip and Fall Hazards

Common workplace dangers that can lead to injuries, often related to environmental factors.