Safety in the Workplace

One tool, which combines a variety of functions, to perform a particular job.

• Safety data sheet

• Asbestos

• NFPA warning diamond

• Apparatus

• Confined space

A fibrous, fire-resistant substance used in pipe insulation, shingles, wallboard, floor coverings, and certain types of insulation. Now banned by government regulation as a health hazard.

• Apparatus

• Safety data sheet

• Confined space

• NFPA warning diamond

• Asbestos

A space that, by design and/or configuration, has limited openings for entry and exit, has unfavorable natural ventilation, may contain or produce hazardous substances, and is not intended for continuous employee occupancy.

• Asbestos

• NFPA warning diamond

• Apparatus

• Safety data sheet

• Confined space

A measure of sound intensity or loudness. The higher the decibel level, the louder and more potentially damaging the sound is.

• Decibels

• Safety data sheet

• Asbestos

• Confined space

• NFPA warning diamond

Devices that protect tool operators from dangerous moving parts, such as blades, gears, and pulleys.

• Confined space

• Safety data sheet

• Guards

• NFPA warning diamond

• Asbestos

Ropes, chains, cables, or rods attached to something as a brace or guide.

• Confined space

• Asbestos

• NFPA warning diamond

• Safety data sheet

• Guy wires

A process for identifying hazardous equipment, locking it so that no workers can use it until it is certified for safe use, and placing a tag on the equipment that describes the problem and warns against use.

• NFPA warning diamond

• Safety data sheet

• Asbestos

• Lockout/tagout procedure

• Confined space

A four-color diamond label placed on containers or doors to alert people to specific safety hazards in a product, room, or building.

• Guards

• Confined space

• Asbestos

• Safety data sheet

• NFPA warning diamond

An atmosphere in which there is not enough oxygen to support life. Usually considered less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.

• Oxygen-deficient atmosphere

• Safety data sheet

• NFPA warning diamond

• Asbestos

• Confined space

Tools that require a power source, such as electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatics, to operate.

• Asbestos

• NFPA warning diamond

• Safety data sheet

• Confined space

• Power tools