Neutral Wire
Neutral wires are not as neutral as they sound, often carrying the same amount of electricity as any other wire in the power system. In a confusing tangle of cables and wires, industry standard wire color codes are used to communicate to electricians, maintenance workers, and employees the function of the wire how many volts that particular…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | < 1 min read
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a severely hazardous gas that is colorless, highly flammable, and has a trademark “rotten egg” smell. Like many other gases, it naturally exists within the air in small and unharmful concentrations. While limited exposure and its side effects can be treated, there are no antidotes to H2S gas poisoning and high concentrations…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 3 min read
Variance Inflation Factor (VIF)
VIF, the Variance Inflation Factor, is used during regression analysis to assess whether certain factors are correlated to each other and the severity of this correlation. It measures how much an dependent factor (such as the sales for a specific product) varies due to the influence of other factors (such as the season/weather). Essentially, the VIF…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Fire Hazard
Did you know there were nearly 500,000 structure fires in 2017? Occupational fires are devastating an have the potential to result in fatalities and massive amounts of property loss. The most effective action for preventing fires is by thoroughly assessing your workplace to identify and remedy fire hazards. Electrical Hazards: NFPA estimates electrical distribution and lighting equipment as…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 11, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Chemical-Resistant Gloves
OSHA mandates employers to select and require workers to wear the right safety gloves for the job. Employers must assess the needs and hazards of their workplace to determine what properties (materials, thickness, and length) the gloves will need to adequately protect employees. The first step is to identify what chemicals are being handled and consult…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 11, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Equipment Operator
Equipment operators are skilled workers trained in driving, maneuvering, and controlling heavy equipment or machinery used in industry. A qualified equipment operator is not only in charge of driving or maneuvering machinery, but is also responsible for conducting preventive maintenance, performing daily safety checks, and safely starting and stopping the equipment. They will need to follow safety…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 11, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Critical Control Point (CCP)
A critical control point (CCP) is a point or step at which control can be applied so a hazard may be prevented, completely eliminated, or reduced to an acceptable level. In some cases, more than one CCP may be required to control a hazard. The number of necessary CCPs depends on processing steps and how…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
DFMEA (Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis)
Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) is a Six Sigma tool that is used to identify potential failure in products, systems, or processes as well as the cause for these failures and their outcomes. It is an effective way to attempt to avoid failures and enhance the overall process of production within a facility. Although DFMEA…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Fall Arrest System
A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is required by OSHA for workers who are exposed to vertical drops of six feet or more while performing their duties. OSHA standard 1926.502 covers fall protection system criteria and practices for construction. However, fall arrest systems are important in other industries, including painting, roofing, mining, and electrical utility repair. A…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Alpha Radiation
Alpha radiation is a type of ionizing radiation that is emitted during the process of radioactive decay. It produces alpha particles, which consist of two neutrons and two protons. When the atoms within matter attempt to balance and need to get rid of excess atomic energy, this creates radioactivity. The unstable nuclei emits energy, and this…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Radiation Safety
Radiation is an ordinary part of everyday life, as its primary source is natural minerals. However, situations may arise where a person is exposed to an uncontrolled amount of radiation. This most likely occurs to workers who handle or who are in the proximity of radioactive material, and in the event of an accident. Exposure…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Safety Culture
Safety culture is the overall attitude and values that employees and those working in management share when regarding safety in the workplace. Some argue that this particular atmosphere can be created by the nature of the business. However, more often than not, this is something that the company creates for itself and continues to grow…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Safety Audits
Often confused with a safety inspection which are used for the identification of safety hazards, safety audits are evaluations of programs, training, and practices in a company that work to minimize or eliminate those hazards. Employers who conduct these audits should consider the following: Look to see if the safety program meets company goals. Does the new…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | < 1 min read
Signal Word
Signal words are used to communicate the severity of a hazard as well as alert the reader who is coming into close proximity of the hazardous material. The HCS requires one of two signal words to appear on a label in its GHS labeling standards set by OSHA, these include “Danger” or “Warning.” This important…
CSS Editorial Staff | September 10, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | < 1 min read
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is defined as closely looking at hazards present in the workplace which can disguise themselves in manufacturing processes, day to day tasks, and substances/machinery involved. To combat the large amounts of workplace injuries and illnesses, companies are encouraged to identify problems before something new is put into place or when something is being changed.…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 29, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
