Discussion:
Handling the heat or other customer related safety problems

This month, around here, we have air temps in the 95F+ range and some techs are experiencing heat stress related problems. I am wondering if besides a reminder to "keep hydrated" if anyone else has any thoughts on how to manage this concern.
When we send on of our employees to visit a customer's location, we don't expect them to provide an A/C shop, but we also can not allow the tech to fall out over the heat.
Does anyone have any "best practices" on how to deal with this?
I would also very much like to hear if anyone has any ideas on dealing with a customer that does not inform the tech what sort of chemical substances are on the machine before they work on the machine.
  • Posted 24 Jul 2010 22:21
  • Modified 24 Jul 2010 22:51 by poster
  • Discussion started by edward_t
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"
Showing items 1 - 6 of 6 results.
good thinking on those bandannas. i always try to let our customers know to "remember" the lowly tech who is crunched inside a tight LT spot trying to repair their problems suggesting a cooler shady "safe" area or out of the way spot to work. Of course this is not always possible. Another thought to make clients more aware: Have added to your invoices "Thanks for helping our techs stay safe at your your place"
Of course our vans should also have AC inside to cool down between trips.
  • Posted 5 Sep 2010 23:03
  • Reply by hiloman
  • New York, United States
"Let's not meet by Accident!"
i didnt mean to suggest that avoiding chemical exposure was solely the employees responsibility. i just meant that the cold hard reality is that unless you ask you aint gonna know. even down here if the stuff is poison or caustic or considered a health hazard you will be advised of its presence but some exposure problems are caused by misusing or combining substances that could otherwise be considered relatively safe. thanks Ed for reminding me to read ALL of the material before espousing my opinions. by the way many of our techs are using those "cool bandanna's" that you soak in cold water and wear around your neck and they swear by them. we buy them for them 100 at a time and they are only about $3.00 each. something to think about. it was 111deg in the plant i worked in today and we put in nearly 13 hours wearing hard hats and "nomex". thank GOD for iced tea and air conditioners.
  • Posted 15 Aug 2010 12:38
  • Reply by rick_c
  • Texas, United States
technology: (no user serviceable parts inside)
as I read the second post links Joseph_H posted, "6(b)(7) of the Act requiring OSHA to 'insure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed,' the Agency concludes that employees must be informed about all potential hazards before the worker is exposed to them".

1926.21(b)(2)
The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

1926.21(b)(3)
Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required.

1926.21(b)(5)
Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in Subparts D, F, and other applicable subparts of this part.

1926.21(b)(6)(i)
All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required. The employer shall comply with any specific regulations that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.

While I fully agree it is each persons responsibility for their own safety, I doubt it to be a "best practice" or even allowable by law to just expect the employee to be able to just protect themselves.




Rick_c asks "how many of us / you have read the msds for brake cleaner or carb cleaner?" I would like everyone to read the MSDS for used motor oil too... I know I do when I train a new tech. It might slow down folks who reach into the pan with bare hands to pick up the drain plug.
  • Posted 14 Aug 2010 23:22
  • Modified 14 Aug 2010 23:28 by poster
  • Reply by edward_t
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"
we provide beach umbrellas for the guys that work outdoors. coolers and ice for all the tech's. fortunately we are heat acclimated and 95 isn't too serious. when it gets over 100 things slow down a little and if a customer complains about the additional time get him to come to your work area to "look at this" and keep him talking till he gets too **** hot to gripe anymore

as for the chemical exposure.....the reality is...... that "reg" requires that information be "made available" not that it be supplied without request so in most cases the employee will be referred to the msds when he/she asks a question and left to his/her comprehension of the data. reactions between chemicals present at the customers location and chemicals introduced by the repair person are even more difficult to prevent or prepare for because the employer is responsible for the msds and hazards of the chemicals he/she is using. how many of us / you have read the msds for brake cleaner or carb cleaner? they contain some mean stuff that can be very reactive. some of the chlorinated stuff when sprayed into the carb and burned can be turned into phosgene which has been used as a chemical warfare agent. i believe this is a very serious issue with permanent and cumulative repercussions. there are way too many lung and skin problems associated with this industry and some of these problems are a bit too close to home for me.
the only thing you can do at this point is demand to see the msds and ask questions when you have doubts. nobody is as responsible for your safety as you are.
  • Posted 14 Aug 2010 11:28
  • Reply by rick_c
  • Texas, United States
technology: (no user serviceable parts inside)
OSHA's 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard gives the employee the right to know the hazards and safeguards of the chemicals in the workplace to which he/she is exposed. Employers are responsible for maintaining and providing such information.

If the employer your mechanic is servicing does not provide the chemical information, it is your company's responsibility to obtain the information for your employee. In your scenario, both of the employers could be cited by OSHA for failure to provide the hazard communication information.

For the safety of your employee and the liability imposed on your company, I would tell that employer to find another service provider if the employer you are servicing will not cooperate and provide the information.

Google: OSHA 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
  • Posted 26 Jul 2010 12:11
  • Modified 26 Jul 2010 12:13 by poster
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States
The following sites provide good information regarding heat stress. The information on the cdc site has the "best practices" that you are seeking.

Google: cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress

Google: osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/recognition.html
  • Posted 26 Jul 2010 11:45
  • Modified 26 Jul 2010 11:47 by poster
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States

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