Muster Point
A muster point, or emergency assembly point, is a designated spot away from the facility for people to gather in an emergency situation. In the case of a fire or other emergency, employees, visitors, and those unfamiliar with the workplace should be able to safely exit the building and quickly find the muster point. Often…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Acute Exposure
Preventing exposure to toxic chemicals is a main concern at many workplaces such as hazardous waste sites. Workers are often required to handle a variety of chemicals in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. These substances can come into contact with or enter the body through several routes of exposure: Inhalation, which is often the most…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Ergonomic Hazards
Employees lifting heavy items, working in awkward positions, pushing heavy loads, or reaching overhead are all at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs affect the muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons and common disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains, back injuries, and more. Ergonomics is technically defined as the study of work, but…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Fire Extinguisher Classes
In the case of a fire, it is critical to use the right fire extinguisher for the job. Selecting the wrong one can actually be more dangerous and contribute to hazards like explosions or electrical shocks. Fire extinguishers are sold with class ratings: class A, Class B, and Class C, determined by the contents. Each class…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Noise Reduction Ratings are a unit of measurement used to reflect the effectiveness of hearing protection devices to decrease sound exposure. Ear plugs and ear muffs are sold with a noise reduction rating to indicate its level of protection; the higher the NRR the higher level of protection. Using the NRR rating, ear plugs and…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Accident Investigation
An accident investigation is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing all the information pertaining to any incidents resulting in injury, illness, or death. Although it has long been referred to as an accident investigation, OSHA now strongly urges using the term incident. This is to highlight the fact that workplace incidents are not in…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 8, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Quality Engineering
Quality engineering is a cross-functional Six Sigma strategy encompassing a wide range of methodologies and tools. It is the idea that by incorporating quality into the design, development, and manufacturing processes, a product will be made that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Quality engineers are the individuals who make quality systems a reality. These engineers…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 8, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Chemical Burn
A chemical burn occurs when living tissue comes into contact with a corrosive substance or irritant such as an acid. These types of burns are also known as caustic burns and produce a reaction within the body or on the skin. They can be very dangerous for workers, as they occur on contact, may not…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 6, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Environmental Hazard
Any substance or physical agent with the potential to threaten the surrounding natural environments or the potential to adversely affect people’s health is known as an environmental hazard. The three different types of environmental hazards include: Chemical: Probably the most common kind of environmental hazards, chemical hazards are substances that can cause significant damage to…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 6, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Top 10 OSHA Violations in 2018
Most common OSHA violations in 2018 This illustrated list covers the most frequently cited OSHA standards compiled from the thousands of inspections in 2018. Although the top ten safety violations regularly remained unchanged, you may be surprised to find the addition of eye and face protection. Read to stay up to date with OSHA’s most…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 31, 2019 | CSS.com – Infographics | < 1 min read
Permissible Exposure Limit
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is a limit for occupational exposure to hazardous environments that include physical agents, loud noises, or chemical substances. These limits are established by OSHA and are typically given as a time weighted average (TWA) such as 8 or 10 hours. They may also be expressed as a workplace environmental exposure limit…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 31, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
IIAR
IIAR, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, is the world’s leading advocate for the safe, reliable, and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants. The IIAR organization’s mission statement is to “provide advocacy, education, and standards for the benefit of the global community in the safe and sustainable design, installation and operation of ammonia and…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 24, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Drone Safety
Text From Infographic Drone Safety Though they once seemed like the products of a distant future, drones are now used for all sorts of purposes, from photography to outdoor recreation. Since drone technology comes with the potential for catastrophic injury and costly property damage, it is important to obey safety practices that reduce the risk…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 8, 2019 | CSS.com – Infographics | 2 min read
Occupational Heat Stress
Workers are at risk for occupational heat stress and related illnesses when exposed to extreme heat or when working in hot environments. If the human body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will store that heat and the core body temperature will begin to rise. Heat stress can result heat stroke, heat rashes, heat exhaustion, or…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 2, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Acute Toxicity
In OSHA’s Guidance for Hazard Determination for Compliance, acute toxicity is defined as “the toxic effects resulting from a single dose or short exposure to a substance.” Adverse effects caused by acute toxicity can happen if a chemical is ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled, specifically in small doses or for short amount of time…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 2, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
