news & notes POOR HOUSEKEEPING     IS PLAYING WITH FIRE    Fires and explosions are the two biggest causes of workplace disasters. Good housekeeping practices are a good way to keep the workplace free of fire hazards.    Follow these safe housekeeping tips: Keep doors and passageways clear. Sweep up dust, sawdust, scraps, etc. Keep storage areas clean and free of        debris. Stack materials so that they don’t             block sprinklers or exits. Keep combustible materials (wood,          paper, gas, oil, chemicals) away from       heat sources like lights or machinery. Dispose of combustible waste in                covered, airtight metal containers.     Keep motors and machines free of           dust and grease. Use nonflammable cleaners. Store flammable materials in                      designated locations. Keep incompatible substances apart. MAKE WAY FOR SAFETY Good housekeeping is easy. All it takes is a little common sense. For example: Pay attention to housekeeping tasks          on a daily basis. Always put tools and equipment in             their proper place. Close doors and drawers. Dispose of waste promptly and in the         proper container. Keep your work area clean. Report broken items. Do the Smart Thing      Practice safe housekeeping on the job      Are you doing the smart thing and practicing safe housekeeping on the job? Take the following quiz and find out. Circle T for True or F for False. 1.  Keeping your work area neat, clean, and orderly may improve productivity, but it doesn’t affect your safety. T   F 2.  The best place to store flammable liquids is on open shelves so that they get plenty of ventilation.   T   F 3.  If you see a tripping hazard, tell your co-workers about it. T   F 4.  Fire is a potential hazard of poor housekeeping. T   F     5.  Put all your tools and materials away at the end of your shift. T   F     6.  Chemical containers should be closed when not in use. T   F 7.  OSHA has no requirements or regulations related to housekeeping. T   F 8.  Keep machines and power tools from building up dust or grease     because it makes a good impression. T   F 9.  Dispose of waste liquids that contain hazardous chemicals by washing      them down the drain with plenty of water to dilute the chemicals. T   F 10.  Straighten up and clean your work area once a week. T   F Answers:     (1) False. Good housekeeping plays an important role in preventing accidents. (2) False. Store flammable liquids in a designated fireproof storage area.     (3) False. If you see a hazard, remove or repair it immediately. If you can’t eliminate it yourself, place a barrier around it and put up a warning sign. Then report the problem to your supervisor.     (4) True.     (5) False. Put tools and materials in their proper storage place as soon as you are finished using them.     (6) True.     (7) False. OSHA covers housekeeping in several regulations.     (8) False. A buildup of dust or grease could cause machines and equipment to overheat, which could start a fire.     (9) False. Hazardous waste should never be disposed of this way. See the MSDS for proper disposal procedures.     (10) False. Do it every day.  All Safety Products    www.AllSafetyProducts.biz   Feb 2004