Processing Track: Mineral Processing, Refining and Recycling · Module 4 of 4 · about 15 min
Plant safety: lockout, confined space, chemicals
Plants are full of stored energy: motors, conveyors, pressurized lines, gravity and chemicals. OSHA's lockout/tagout standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, requires that machines be shut down and isolated from every energy source, locked out and verified before anyone services them. Every worker puts on their own lock, and only that worker takes it off.
Verification is the step people skip. After isolating, try to start the machine, check for zero energy and bleed off pressure or block parts that can move. If you have not tested it, it is not locked out.
Tanks, bins, thickeners and pits are often confined spaces. Under 1910.146, a permit-required confined space can have a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment hazards, a layout that can trap you, or other serious hazards. Entry needs a permit, air testing for oxygen, flammables and toxics, an attendant outside and a rescue plan. Many confined space deaths are would-be rescuers who went in without protection.
OSHA's Hazard Communication standard requires labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals. An SDS has 16 standard sections covering hazards, first aid, handling, PPE and spill response. Read it before you handle a chemical, not after.
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