Industrial Processes and Site Visits (02/26/2014) Ravenswood Power Plant Electrical power production and distribution in the US Generation Indian Point/Ravenswood Transmission High voltage transmission lines (>110 KV)to reduce energy loss during transmission- limited ability to store electricity Substations (step up/step down) Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Radiation from power lines Localized supply to customer Varying safety and/or work related health issues for each segment National Power grid Three regional grids with limited links Eastern/Western/Texas grids Safety training- Ravenswood Learning management system Software for the administration, documentation, tracking, delivery of electronic training to workers Ravenswood potential hazards Noise > 105 db. double protection required Electrical Arc flash shocks Slips/trips/falls Confined spaces Chemical exposure LOTO Asbestos PCBs Ergonomic/ repetitive stress/over exertion/awkward postures Hot/cold environment (seasonal) Shift work 24/7 Shiftwork Shiftwork is anything other than a daylight work schedule-nights, evenings, extended work days, etc. Circadian rhythm Zeitgraber - environmental cues that synchronize biological systems to the light/dark cycle Elevated BMI (reports of an association with Diabetes Mellitus), certain cancers or ulcers, accidents e.g. Exon Valdez, Challenger, automobile, medical. Controls Consistent scheduling, use of window shades, eliminate family/social interruptions at home, pre/post shift naps, caffeine, etc. Ravenswood Asbestos US production stopped 2002 We still import substantial amounts of asbestos 2012 – 1060 tons Primarily the Chlor-Alkali industry (chlorine and sodium hydroxide for chemical industry) and roofing industry Coal fired generators Protective clothing Confined spaces Large enough for workers to enter and perform required tasks A limited or restricted means for entry or exit Not designed for continuous occupancy. Permit required confined space hazardous atmosphere, sloping walls potential to engulf, trap or asphyxiate an entrant unguarded machinery live wires a potential for heat stress. Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO) Designed to prevent unexpected startup during repair, servicing or maintenance of machinery and equipment by removing sources of energy - electrical, chemical, hydraulic, gravitational, pneumatic, thermal etc. Employers are required to have written LOTO procedures and ID all potential energy sources including stored or residual sources Provide site specific worker training Locks are removed by the worker that put it on. Exemptions To de-energizing the equipment will cause a hazardous condition (life saving equipment) It is impossible to do because of design or operational limitations. LOTO Tags can use if you are unable to lock out the energy source Required to demonstrate that a tag system will provide the equivalent level of protection as a lock .

1. Industrial Processes and Site Visits
(02/26/2014)
Ravenswood Power Plant
Electrical power production and distribution in the US
Generation
Indian Point/Ravenswood
Transmission
High voltage transmission lines (>110 KV)to reduce energy loss
during transmission- limited ability to store electricity
Substations (step up/step down)
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Radiation from power lines
Localized supply to customer
Varying safety and/or work related health issues for each
segment
National Power grid
Three regional grids with limited links
Eastern/Western/Texas grids
Safety training- Ravenswood
Learning management system
Software for the administration, documentation, tracking,
delivery of electronic training to workers
Ravenswood potential hazards
Noise

2. > 105 db. double protection required
Electrical
Arc flash
shocks
Slips/trips/falls
Confined spaces
Chemical exposure
LOTO
Asbestos
PCBs
Ergonomic/ repetitive stress/over exertion/awkward postures
Hot/cold environment (seasonal)
Shift work
24/7
Shiftwork
Shiftwork is anything other than a daylight work schedule-
nights, evenings, extended work days, etc.
Circadian rhythm
Zeitgraber - environmental cues that synchronize biological
systems to the light/dark cycle
Elevated BMI (reports of an association with Diabetes
Mellitus), certain cancers or ulcers, accidents e.g. Exon Valdez,
Challenger, automobile, medical.
Controls
Consistent scheduling, use of window shades, eliminate
family/social interruptions at home, pre/post shift naps,
caffeine, etc.
Ravenswood

3. Asbestos
US production stopped 2002
We still import substantial amounts of asbestos
2012 – 1060 tons
Primarily the Chlor-Alkali industry (chlorine and sodium
hydroxide for chemical industry) and roofing industry
Coal fired generators
Protective clothing
Confined spaces
Large enough for workers to enter and perform required tasks
A limited or restricted means for entry or exit

4. Not designed for continuous occupancy.
Permit required confined space
hazardous atmosphere,
sloping walls
potential to engulf, trap or asphyxiate an entrant
unguarded machinery
live wires
a potential for heat stress.
Control of Hazardous Energy
(LOTO)
Designed to prevent unexpected startup during repair, servicing
or maintenance of machinery and equipment by removing
sources of energy - electrical, chemical, hydraulic,
gravitational, pneumatic, thermal etc.
Employers are required to have written LOTO procedures and
ID all potential energy sources including stored or residual
sources
Provide site specific worker training
Locks are removed by the worker that put it on.
Exemptions
To de-energizing the equipment will cause a hazardous
condition (life saving equipment)
It is impossible to do because of design or operational
limitations.
LOTO
Tags can use if you are unable to lock out the energy source

5. Required to demonstrate that a tag system will provide the
equivalent level of protection as a lock
L’Oreal/Ravenswood
Two key system/other LOTO systems
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of
Chemicals (REACH)
REACH – European Union regulatory system for chemicals
(2007)
Requires registration of all chemicals manufactured or imported
in EU with the European chemicals agency (143,000).
Manufacturers and importers are required to gather information
on the properties of their chemicals to will allow safe handling
and they must register the information in a central database
Requires sharing of information
Provides lists of hazardous chemicals
Substances of Very High Level of Concern (151) - carcinogens,
mutagens, reproductive toxin, hormone interrupters
SVHCs placed on authorization list cannot be used unless
granted an exemption
Substitute it now list (SIN) for chemicals of concern
Importers/manufacturers are required to assess risks to human
health or the environment
Requires that chemical companies minimize animal testing
REACH eliminates requirements for types of testing on animals
e.g. corrosive,
What is a Job Hazard Analysis
A technique designed to identify hazards at the work site
Break the job down into it’s basic components

6. ID the hazards in each component
Develop controls for all of the recognized hazards
JHA focuses on the relationship between the worker, task, tools
and the environment
Prioritization of JHA at the work site
Jobs associated with the highest rate of injury, illness
Jobs associated with severe illness, injuries or catastrophic
events
New operations
Complex procedures
Jobs in which a small error could lead to severe accidents or
injuries
Bandar Sayyad
Ravenswood Power Plant
02/20/2013

7. Site Visit Report
Ravenswood Power Plant
Introduction Comment by zucken01: This section should have
included a little bit of information about the industry, how
power is produced alternative sources of energy, etc.
Ravenswood Power Plant is a station that generates power for
New York independent operator and ConEdison of New York. It
is located in Long Island city, Queen, New York, USA.
Ravenswood Power Plant is owned and operated by
TransCanada. In the 1970s, this station used to generate power
from coil, however, now, the station utilizes natural gas, fuel
oil, and kerosene to produce 2,480 megawatt to meet the system
demand. Ravenswood Power Plant consists of 21 units, within

8. these units gas/oil-fired boiler, Dual fuel capable combined
cycle unit, and 17 dual fuel capable combustion turbines.
(Ravenswood Generating Station, 2012) Comment by
zucken01: It would have been useful to include the recent
ownership history of the plant in the introduction Comment by
zucken01: editing
The number of employees in total is 200 employees. Further, 30
to 60 employees are working per shiftwork. By providing a
good work environment, employees will be able to achieve their
tasks safely.
The purpose of this site visit is to be able to identify hazards in
a workplace. During the walk through in facility of Ravenswood
Power Plant, the safety personal attempts to identify places
within the facility that may cause injuries or future illness to
employees. Additionally, the safety personal tries to correct the
action by using proper method in order to minimize the
likelihood of the employees getting injured in the future.
Hazard in workplace
Electric shock: electrical shock is a lethal amount of electricity
travel from the source to the body. This type of injury can lead
to burn or death. According to OSHA report, electrocution has
the highest rate for causing death among electrical power
installers and repairs. (OSHA, 2012)
Arc flash: Arc flash is a product of welding process that
conducts in the workplace. This flash can damage the lens of
eyes and increase the skin effect. (OSHA, 1996) Comment by
zucken01: Arc eye
Confined space: confined space is one of the most dangerous
places to work in. it has limited access and exit. According to
OSHA report, 530 fatalities occurred in the US due to oxygen
deficiency. In addition, confined space sometimes result in
multiple injuries. (OSHA)
Welding fume exposure: the product from welding process such
as carbon monoxide and dust can cause lung disease and
increase the risk of lung cancer. The zinc oxide fume is most
common metal fumes associated with metal fume fever.

9. Comment by zucken01: CO may come from the welder not
the process
Falls: falls from high elevation is consider one of the fourth
leading cause of occupational-injury fatality. Since,
Ravenswood’s Power Plant employees work in high elevation
zone, they are exposed to fall injury at least once in their career
life. (cdc, 2000)
Physical hazard
Noise: noise is unwanted sound. It can result in hearing loss
after prolonged exposure. Also, this type of hazard is very
common in such industry that utilizes old technology to produce
power such as Ravenswood. Therefore, industries such that type
need to develop hearing conservation program.
Cold / heat stress: excessive cold or excessive heat can alter the
employees’ manner in achieving their tasks. Comment by
zucken01: You have to include a reason why workers may be
exposed to such conditions e.g. they have to work outside
Ergonomic: ergonomic issues appear clearly in case of
repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of hands. This issue
can result in musculoskeletal problem
Slippery surface: slippery surface is known to cause back pain,
bone fracture, and requires hospitalization in some cases.
Tripping material: the present of tripping material in the ground
is considered the trigger stage for employees to fall from high
elevation, struck by other object, or electrocution.
Chemicals
Kerosene: kerosene is known to cause breathing difficulty,
blood stool, and dizziness. (The New York TImes, 2013)
Asbestos thermal insulation: pipe covering with thermal
asbestos is considered the most hazardous asbestos. It’s used to
control the temperature in pipes. Moreover, older asbestos is
considered to be the most hazards. (Asbestos) Comment by
zucken01: Where does this come from?
Natural Gas: exposure to natural gas can lead to poisoning for
employees who work within gas areas. Also, it can cause
headache and dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulty.

10. Comment by zucken01: Explosions
Paint caulk Comment by zucken01: ?
Fuel
Walkthrough inspection:
Ravenswood Power Plant is one of the huge complexes that
generate power. It occupies 36 acres of New York area. The
location is very risky since it is close to high population area.
The use of natural gas, fuel, and kerosene to generate power
near populated areas can result in some unfortunate
consequences. Also, the process of distributing power through
transmitters to customers needs to be accomplished in a safe
environment and a safe manner. Through the walkthrough
inspection, I noticed unsafe act that may result in injuries or
illness to employees in the workplace. Machines that are used in
the process of generating power are too old and not discipline
with the new safety regulations. Comment by zucken01:
When you make a statement like this you have to provide some
examples from your observations.
There were two employees who were working in gas turbine.
Since, the gas turbine is located outside the building, employees
had to work in low temperature. In additional, extreme low
temperature can cause hypothermia. This type of hazard,
physical hazard, could affect the body’s ability to accomplish
tasks. Also, the pathway to get to the gas turbine was not clear.
Objects on the ground can trip employees walking to or from
the turbine. Therefore, the gas turbine needs to be moved to a
safe area such as the maintenance hanger to perform tasks
safely.
In the way to unit 30, there were two trucks trying to park to get
their load off. While one of them was moving backward, the
revers sound started to alert people behind it. At the same time,
the other truck’s revers sound started. Since, the two trucks’
sounds were on at the same time, the drivers might not pay
attention to the sound. In addition, that may result in crash in

11. the site. The ideal method to control this type of hazard is to
have an employee to manage the traffic within the plant or
offering training for drivers. Comment by zucken01: This is a
good point but you probably need a full program /training/ PPE
(reflective vests/ written program . You wouldn’t want workers
to just start directing traffic without proper training and
equipment.
New barricades were installed around the fluid pipe. The idea
from the installation is to prevent employees to be close to the
areas of the pipelines. However, this control method is not
useful since employees can access the areas of the pipelines.
Comment by zucken01: You have to include more
descriptive information where was the pipe, what was in the
pipes (was this conduit?)
One of the employees was rotating the valves manually by using
inappropriate tool. This unsafe act can cause ergonomic issue to
the employee in the future due to the body strength required for
the valve rotation.
Also, heavy tools such as the pressure drill that is used by
employees can cause ergonomic issue that will appear clearly
after long-term exposure of the vibration of the drill.
Comment by zucken01: You should include a little more
narrative, description of the tool how it’s used. Etc.
During the inspection, the noise that produced from machines
was too high. Exposing to prolong noise cause hearing loss.
Employees who are working in this area should be wearing
earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the amount of noise that is
received by employees. Comment by zucken01: Hearing
conservation program
Working inside confined space is considered one of the most
hazardous jobs. Further, the site has variety of tanks that need
to be inspected by employees for maintenance purposes.
However, one of the tanks has a small entering zone, which
increases the possibility of employees suffering from physical
injuries. Also, the ladder that is attached to the tank has a
swinger door that swings outward. Employees find that swinger

12. door not useful for them since employee can’t open the door
while climbing the ladder. Comment by zucken01:
Recommendation?
Also, a green tag indicated to a problem raised in the
workplace. The problem was a leaking from water pipe.
Unfortunately, there was nothing underneath the pipes to absorb
leakage. In addition, the floor became unsafe area to walk on
because it may causes injuries to employees in case of slipping.
Comment by zucken01: Recommendation? Signs,
barricades to prevent people from walking through the area,
prompt cleanup and repair?
Electrical cabinet that controls the power can cause electrical
shock to the exposed employees. It’s one of the most hazardous
zones within the plant since this area deal with electricity. The
cabinet can be opened without authorization. Also, there was no
barricade or fens to prevent employees from getting closer to
the cabinet. Therefore, installation of rubber mat in front of the
cabinet is very important to prevent the power flow from
traveling to the body. In addition, switchgear is considered a
hazard for employees due to arc flash. Comment by
zucken01: Why/how? Comment by zucken01: What other
controls should be in place, arc flash protective areas?
Welding station where is the welding process done. The welder
is required to wear a shield to prevent the exposure to arc flash
and other flying object. Most of the stations are equipped with
a black curtain and ventilation tube and the rest without black
curtain and ventilation tube. However, the ventilation tubes
were installed improperly and small. Therefore, employee is
exposed to the remaining fumes that didn’t’ absorb properly by
the ventilation tube. Further, the dust was all over the station.
Comment by zucken01: What was wrong with the LEV
system, what would have been the correct size?
Pressure hose in the ground, this material can be tripping for
employee, and result in injuries for employees. Also, employee
could step on the hose and disconnect it from the source. Since,
it’s pressurized hose, it may hit employees around the hose’s

13. area and causes injures. Comment by zucken01: You have to
describe the circumstances.
Moving heavy material improperly such as anchors or barricade
can cause injuries to employees. Also, while moving anchors
from a place to another, the chain attached to the anchor can
cause injury to people or damage to building. Comment by
zucken01: Where was this, what was the task?
Recommendation to improve worker safety in the workplace
In this site visit, I have observed numerous hazards that need
appropriate action toward them. By correcting these actions,
injuries rate of the Ravenswood Power Plant will decrease. In
addition, the work environment will be considered the safest
among its type in the industry.
Here are illustrations of the most important recommendations:
Comment by zucken01: Recommendation should be more
specific and include examples.
· Ravenswood Power Plant shall replace their old machine with
new machines in order to safe environment without noise or
mechanical defects.
· Machines should be moved to an area where employees can
work flexibly such as maintenance hanger.
· Ravenswood shall provide training for drivers who drive
trucks within Ravenswood Power Plant or provide an employee
to organize the traffic.
· Barricade installation shall be in compliance with OSHA
regulation.
· Employee shall use proper tools to accomplish their task
efficiently.
· Hearing conservation program is recommended since the
environment is noisy.
· The safety door for the confined space needs to be a sliding
door rather than a swinging door.

14. · Slippery surfaces should be eliminated to prevent injuries.
· Installation of rubber mat and barricade around the electrical
cabinet to keep employee away from the source.
· Welding station needs housekeeping and new ventilation tube
to prevent the employee from inhalation the welding fume.
· Employees should remove their equipment after using it to
avoid tripping other people and result in injuries.
· Moving heavy equipment need to be with a special vehicle to
minimize the likelihood of injuring other employee.
Comment by zucken01: You have to explain where you
saw the hazard
Comments
This was a great improvement compared to your first report.
You need to try to try and include more descriptive information
and specific examples so your reader can follow your thought
process, especially in the walkthrough section of the report. The
walkthrough section of the report describes your observations
during the site visit.

15. Works Cited
(n.d.).
Asbestos. (n.d.). Asbestos insulation . Retrieved March 14,
2013, from Asbestos :
http://www.asbestos.com/products/construction/insulation.php
cdc. (2000, september ). Worker death by fall. (NIASH, Editor)
Retrieved march 14, 2013, from
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2000-116/pdfs/2000-116.pdf
INCHEM. (n.d.). ETHANOL. Retrieved from INCHEM:
http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0044.htm
lenntech. (n.d.). Nitrogen. Retrieved from lenntech:
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/n.htm
OSHA. (n.d.). chemical sampling information. Retrieved from
osha:
http://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_263500.ht
ml
OSHA. (n.d.). Control of hazardous energy lackout tagout .
Retrieved from OSHA:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/controlhazardousenergy/index.html
OSHA. (2012, April). Electrocution hazard . Retrieved March
14, 2013, from OSHA:
http://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/elect
rocution/electr_ig.pdf
OSHA. (n.d.). OSHA Statistics. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from
OSHA: http://confinedspacecontrolcovers.com/osha-statistics-
info/
osha. (n.d.). Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.
Retrieved from osha:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_ta
ble=STANDARDS&p_id=10641
OSHA. (1996, May). welding health hazard. Retrieved march
14, 2013, from OSHA:
http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/weldhlth.ht
ml
Public Health - Seattle & King County. (n.d.). Lead and its

16. human effects. Retrieved from Public Health - Seattle & King
County:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/toxic/Lead
General.aspx
Ravenswood Generating Station. (2012, June). Ravenswood .
(TransCanda, Editor) Retrieved March 14, 2013, from
Ravenswood.
The amecian museum of natural history . (n.d.). The amecian
museum of natural history . Retrieved 02 26, 2013, from The
amecian museum of natural history : http://www.amnh.org/
The New York TImes. (2013, March 19). Kerosene Poisoning .
Retrieved March 19, 2013, from Health Guide:
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/poison/kerosene/overvie
w.html
Thermo scientific. (2012, 2 30). Material Safety Data Sheet .
Retrieved from piercenet:
http://www.piercenet.com/msds/EN0300.pdf
Bandar Sayyad
Ravenswood Power Plant
02/20/2013

17. Site Visit Report
XXXX Construction Site
Introduction
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) reports that construction workers have relatively high
rates of work related injuries and death in comparison with
other U.S. industry sectors. Based on 2006 data, construction
workers experience the highest rates of fatalities, and though
they comprise about 7% of the American workforce, they
experience 21% of fatal injuries nationwide. In 2008, the BLS
reports that the number of fatalities in private sector
construction declined 20 percent, from 1204 cases in 2007 to
969 cases in 2008. Fatalities involving workers in the
construction of buildings were down 21 percent form 2007. The

18. leading causes of construction fatalities include falls to a lower
level, electrocutions, struck-by events, and caught-in or
crushed-by events. NIOSH reports that these three causes
represent about 65% of total injuries and 43% of nonfatal
injuries with days away from work. In 2005, the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the rates of non-fatal injuries
requiring days away from work in construction to be 2.4 per 100
full-time workers -- the second highest rate among all U.S.
industry sectors, after Transportation and Warehousing with a
rate of 2.9 per 100 full-time workers.
The construction industry is composed of a complex mix of
different trades and activities. Much of the work is contracted
out and each worker is typically present at the worksite for
short durations and only a portion of the length of the project.
This unique organization of construction makes the management
of its occupational health and safety more challenging than
other industries. The temporary nature of the work engenders a
free, independent spirit in construction site personnel and has
let to a disregard for authority and regulations[1].
Construction Hazards -- Leading Causes of Fatalities
· Falls: Construction workers are a high risk population for
falls. BLS reports that in 2001, falls to a lower level accounted
for the greatest number of fatal occupational injuries among
construction workers (410 fatalities or 4.3 per 100,000 full-time
workers). In 2003, the Occupational Safety and Health
Association (OSHA) inspected 707 fatal construction incidents
involving 730 fatalities. Of these, falls from/through roofs
accounted for 76 events (10.7 percent), and falls from/with
structures for 74 events (10.5 percent)[2].
· Electrocutions: NIOSH reports that during the ten year period
from 1992-2002, the overall total of deaths associated with
contact with electricity was nearly 3,400 with 47% of these
occurring in the construction industry. About 1 in 8

19. construction industry deaths involved electricity versus 1 in 20
for all industry. The risk is not exclusive to electricians, and is
important for many construction trades such as roofers,
painters, laborers, operating engineers, and carpenters.
· Struck by Object: In 2001, BLS estimated the fatality rate of
struck-by events in construction to be 1.2 per 100,000 workers.
Other Construction Hazards
· Biological
· Animals: Bites from animals can transmit disease, including
rabies.
· Insects: Insects bites can result in localized itch, allergic
reactions, and transmission of disease.
· Bacteria
· Lyme Disease is transmitted from a bite from an infected tick.
It can result in a chronic disease characterized by flu-like
symptoms. The bite typically results in a bulls-eye appearing
rash at the site of the bite from 3-30 days after the bite.
· Viruses
· Protozoa
· Molds: Can cause a irritation of the upper airways
(nose/throat), and in some people can affect the lungs and cause
difficulty breathing.
· Chemical
· Silica: Breathing-in silica dust can increase the workers risk
of developing lung diseases and cancer.

20. · Dust: Various types of dust can cause respiratory symptoms,
including cough, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
· Asbestos: Long term respiratory exposure is known to cause
lung disease, and increase the risk of lung cancer.
· Carbon monoxide: Build-up of carbon monoxide can result in
asphyxiation, and is a common cause of death in the
construction industry.
· Welding fumes and gases: Inhaling welding fumes and gases
are known to cause lung disease, and can result in disease from
absorption of various types of toxic metals.
· Wood dusts: If inhaled, the dust formed from sanding and
cutting wood is known to cause lung disease and cancer.
· Metals: Inhalation and absorption of various kinds of metals
are known to cause serious disease in humans. The health
effects of lead have been extensively studies, and are known to
be found in some paints, and construction materials. Exposure
is often encountered in older buildings.
· Man-made mineral fibers: Inhalation of man-made mineral
fibers are known to cause lung diseases.
· Coal tar
· Epoxy resins
· Asphalts
· Cleaning products contain many chemicals that are irritants to
the skin, eyes, nose, and lungs. Some chemicals are also known
to cause cancer if the worker is exposed to sufficient quantities.

21. · Solvents: Various trades within the construction industry are
associated with high levels of exposure to solvents, which can
be immediately threatening to life, or cause chronic diseases.
· Physical
· Cold / Heat: Construction workers are often required to work
outdoors in extreme climates. They are often exposed to high
winds, and confined spaces. The large variety of work locations
makes it difficult for construction workers to prepare for all
exposures. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold can
result in the life threatening conditions of hyper/hypothermia.
· Hand tools: A large variety of hand tools are used in
construction. Injury from hand tools can result from
mechanical trauma as well as electrical burn and shock.
· Ergonomic: Construction work often involves physically
demanding work, and workers are exposed to forceful exertions,
static muscle contractions, and non-neutral postures.
· Noise: The construction industries reliance hand tools,
portable energy sources, and heavy machinery results in
significant exposures to noise levels in excess of that which is
known to cause hearing loss. Without adequate protection,
prolonged exposure will result in a characteristic premature loss
of hearing.
· Sun: Prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet rays in
sunlight is a known cause of skin cancer, including one of the
most deadly cancers, melanoma.
· Stress
· Ionizing radiation exposure can occur when radiologic
equipment is used to identify weak points in steel. The health

22. effects of exposure are highly dependent on the dose of
exposure, and can result in short and long term health
consequences.
· Vibration: Workers can be exposed to vibration while using
various kinds of hand tools and heavy machinery. It is a well
established risk factor for a variety of musculoskeletal diseases.
XXX Construction Site
The XXX is a 21-story building construction project located in
the neighborhood of XXX in New York City. The 662,000 sq-ft
building is estimated to cost $316 million dollars. The project
is being developed by XXX on the corner of North 111st Street
and 20th Avenue. It is scheduled to be completed in early 2014.
The construction project is managed by XXX. There are
approximately 250 workers contracted at the site.
Previous OSHA settled violations to XXX over the past 2 years
include:
· February 12th, 2008
· Standard cited: 19260404 F06 Wiring design and protection.
· Standard cited: 19260405 G02 IV Wiring methods,
components, and equipment for general use.
· Standard cited: 19260404 F06 Wiring design and protection
· October 23th, 2005
· Standard Cited:19260416 E01 General requirements.
· Standard Cited:19260405 A02 IIE Wiring methods,
components, and equipment for general use.
· August 12th, 2002
· Standard Cited:19260502 B03 Fall protection systems criteria
and practices.
· August 8th, 2003
· Standard Cited:19260350 A01 Gas welding and cutting.
Walkthrough Inspection

23. On the date of the inspection, the building construction was
partially complete. The structure of the building had been
placed, and cement floors were in place. The glass exterior
modules had not yet been placed on the upper half of the
building. Many of the walls were not yet placed.
On the top floors several employees were involved with small
modifications of the cement flooring. One employee was
removing molding from the cement flooring at the edge of the
structure using a crowbar. Management reports that the
worksite abides by OSHA’s standard for utilization of tool
lanyard’s, although this employee was not using a tool lanyard.
Management reports that a cocoon system is utilized on the top
floor. Full height vertical safety netting was in place on all
floors without the glass modules in place. The employee was
not attached to a drop line, although anchored attachments, drop
lines, and lanyard equipment was available to all employees.
Management reports that all anchored points meet the OSHA
5000lb rule for tying-off. Horizontal safety netting was in
place surrounding the building at the 17th floor. A safety
perimeter 15 ft from the edge was indicated by bright yellow
tape. Workers are taught to take certain safety precautions
when working beyond the indicated perimeter.
The top floors were exposed to relatively high winds, and the
temperature drop was noticeable. The few workers that were
actively working on the upper floors seemed appropriately
dressed for the temperature. Portable kerosene heaters were
available, although none were in use at the time of the visit.
All heaters had fireguards underneath to collect leaking/excess
kerosene. The workers were of course exposed to a mild degree
of sunlight.
There were several (4x4’ and 18 x 18) holes in the cement
flooring. They were cordoned off with casing and surrounded

24. with brightly colored tape. The OSHA standard dictates that the
casing extends 42” from the ground, but the management’s
policy exceeds this standard, and uses casing that extends 60”
from the ground. There was one wood board next to one of the
floor holes that could have potentially been a trip/fall hazard.
One hole was completely covered with a thick wood panel
secured in place.
All floors had fire extinguishers -- reported to be one located at
stations every 2500 sq-ft. Running vertically in a central
location there was a compressed air cylinder per fire standard.
The cylinder is primed and ready to transport water quickly in
the event of fire. There is an elevator and two stairways that
service all floors. Management policy dictates that the
stairways not be blocked, and be free of debris at all times.
Employees are given fire safety training. They are given
instruction of a meeting place at the SW corner of the building
in the case of emergency/fire. All employees performing hot
work are required to take a special pre-training course prior to
working on the site. Chapter 14 of the Fire Safety Code dictates
the need for one personnel assigned to a dedicated fire safety
position at every worksite.
Several workers were sweeping and collecting loose debris
without wearing masks. There was very little noticeable dust at
the time.
One worker was operating a jackhammer on cement. He was
wearing gloves, protective eye-ware, ear plugs, a long sleeve
sweatshirt, and boots. He was not wearing a mask, and the
safety supervisor requested that he stop and obtain a particulate
mask before continuing.
Although there was not an employee actively installing
ventilation ducts at the time of our site-visit, there was a crank
operated and tilting duct jack available at the site of planned

25. ceiling and wall installation.
Four workers were working on transporting bundles of glass
modules from there collection point to the staging area for
installation. The glass modules were heavy, large, and not
liftable by an individual worker -- approximately 5x10’ in size.
Several of the workers were wearing gloves with some kind of
grip enhancing beads on the palmar side. The modules were
lifted using a forklift, and transported on a dolly. Several
workers would assist the forklift operator by placing/removing
cinder blocks under the loading panels. This process required
relatively minimal ergonomic stress on the workers.
One worker was using a power tool with a damaged cord. This
is a potential hazard, and could cause an electrical shock if the
cord came into contact with water or other conductive surface.
The cord had been repaired using electrical tape -- the safety
officer requested that the worker stop using the device. To
reduce the risk of electrical shock, Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used exclusively at the worksite.
These safety devices are able prevent serious injury by
detecting when the electrical current has diverted, and
automatically disconnecting the source of electrical conduction.
One worker was spraying support beams and other structures
with a mineral based insulating material. The material was
sprayed-on using an approximately 4 ft extension nozzle. The
worker was elevated to his spraying position using a lift device,
with safety rails within arms reach surrounding his standing
position. The floor in which the spraying took place was
contained with plastic to limit environmental/worksite
contamination from the spraying material. There was no
ventilation in place however, and this resulted in a build-up of
particulate contaminant in the workspace. The employee
performing the spraying was wearing an N95 particle filtering
mask, and long sleeve clothing. The worker was not wearing

26. safety glasses, and it would be recommended for this type of
work. Nearby workers were not wearing protective masks
despite visible particulates in the air resulting from the spraying
process. The noise level seemed close to the threshold level. It
was unclear if the employee was wearing hearing protection, or
if it was required. Other workers in the area were not wearing
hearing protection.
The management company does maintain a respirator fit testing
program.
A crane was operational at the site. Winds were monitored to
ensure safe operating conditions.
Noise hazards and equipment capable of generating dangerous
levels of noise were present throughout the worksite. Much of
the equipment was not in use at the time of the visit.
The elevator was operational to all levels of the building. There
is a potential for workers to be injured if working near the
elevator shaft. To limit this risk, management designated a
controlled access zone for elevator shaft operation.
Multiple risks for head injury were present throughout the
worksite. Head injury can result from falls, being struck by a
falling object, flying debris/tools, or low-hanging
structures/objects. All employees are required to wear an
approved helmet while present on the worksite.
A tower crane was present on one side of the building. It was
stabilized to the building to prevent tipping over and causing
significant damage/injury.
Injury is more likely to occur later in the day, when there is not
supervision present, and when it becomes dark. To mitigate this
risk, the management has enforced a strict policy

27. reducing/eliminating work being done after 3pm. Every day an
inspector will periodically monitor the worksite for violations.
Compressed gas cylinders are used throughout the worksite.
These cylinders are potentially dangerous due to the tremendous
energy of compressed gas, and the volatility/flammability of the
gas itself. They can potentially become projectiles, or explode
if misused. Care must be taken to prevent rapid temperature
changes or mechanical mishandling. Employees receive special
training in the handling of gas cylinders, and it is management
policy that the cylinders be brought to the ground floor for
overnight storage. They are to be stored upright, and not laid
on their side. At the time of our visit, there was one gas
cylinder that was properly labeled and stored in its upright
position.
Management policy dictates that all power tools are utilized
with a guard.
Management reports that all scaffolding structures meet OSHA
standards, and that all employees involved with constructing
scaffolding are required to take a special 4hr course dedicated
to that subject.
All employees are required to take the OSHA 10hr course. This
course teaches basic hazard identification and injury prevention.
Operation of boom lifts is a significant falls/injury hazard,
especially when used on an incline. All employees operating
book lifts are required to take a special safety class.
A worksite inspector performs daily inspections, and uses a
red/green tag system for determining if the worksite meets
safety standards. All rigging equipment is inspected.
Safety of workers and the public walking along the sidewalks

28. around the perimeter of the worksite are protected from debris
by using sheds, and occasionally diverting traffic during crane
operation in the area.
Management reports that a priority is placed on housekeeping.
During the inspection there was relatively minimal loose debris.
Management reports that SOP’s and safety manuals/resources
are available to the employees.
There is a full time paramedic at the worksite.
Overall Impression and Recommendations to Improve Worker
Safety
Overall the construction site seems to have an efficient and
effective safety program. The safety policy and practices
observed appear to be operating at a near optimal level. During
our site visit, the safety management was quick to identify
hazards and make on-the-spot corrections. Balancing safety
policy/enforcement and efficiency of work is a complex and
dynamic process, requiring clear communication between all
stakeholders and those charged with ensuring safety.
Our site visit provided the opportunity to identify potential
safety hazards. Recommending remedies to these hazards would
typically require a more thorough investigation of the proximal
and ultimate cause leading to the hazard. Bearing this in mind,
the following recommendations are made:
· Respiratory protection should be used when applying mineral
based insulating material.
· Those employees working near the edge of the building should
always be using the available secondary fall protection.
· When working near the edge, all tools should be securely
fastened with a tool lanyard.

29. · It is recommended that those exposed to noise at near
threshold levels, wear hearing protection.
· Loose materials and tripping hazards should be removed from
the ground, especially those near holes in the floor.
· When possible, holes in the floor should be covered/closed.
Bibliography
1.
Lingard, H.C. and S.M. Rowlinson, Occupational Health and
Safety in Construction Project Management. 2005: Spon Press.
396.
2.
Shriver, W., An analysis of fatal events in the construction
industry 2003. 2005, Construction Industry Research and Policy
Center.
Report Writing Requirements for ERC Plant Visits course
In this course we visit a number of industrial facilities and other
places of work. You are required to write two reports about the
walkthrough inspection. The reports will discuss the industry,
the process, the work hazards, the controls or measures used to
reduce worker exposure and your recommendations. The target
audience for this paper is a “client”, presumably one with a
college education, not the instructor.
I will review every report and return them to you in as timely a
manner as possible. It is important for you to get your papers in
on time. The paper should contain background information
about the facility we are visiting, the work process, a discussion
of your observations during the walkthrough, your assessment
of existing controls and your recommendations for
improvements. Please remember the goal of the site visit is to
observe how different facilities deal with potential work related

30. health and safety hazards.
Report Requirements:
Report Sections (estimated length of report: 5-8 pages):
· Introduction (should be no more than a few pages)
· A little about the type of industry, the processes used and
hazards which might be anticipated.
· Basic information about facility you visited, such as location,
numbers of employees, annual sales. Also a summary of the
violations found by OSHA inspectors in the past is often
helpful.
· Walkthrough process (following the order of departments or
divisions you visited)
· Describe the hazards you observed in each department/division
and the controls in place to reduce or eliminate these hazards.
Were there hazards you detected that were not adequately
controlled? If so describe them and the controls that are needed.
· Diagrams of processes are always helpful
· Photos taken during the site visit are often helpful, but if they
should not take up more than about a page of your 5-8 pages. If
you wish to use more photos, please do not hesitate to do so, but
in that case they should add to the length of the paper beyond 5-
8 pages. The photos are not a substitute for text but a
supplement to it.
· Materials that cause or contribute to the hazards observed
should be named in your discussion
· Don’t forget to observe physical and biological as well as
chemical hazards. Also keep an eye out for ergonomic hazards.
· Summarize your recommendations for improvements in worker
health and safety in the plant or facility.
· Briefly present your overall impression of health and safety
conditions in this plant or facility.