Here in the Northwest, rock crushing definately has a season…and that season is now. Road crews are getting set up and now is the time to make sure you get everything is in order…before the MSHA inspector shows up.

Below is my safety punch-list, specific to industrial hygiene:

  • Training – I know it’s required for MSHA sites, but double check. Does everyone have it? What about contractors onsite?
  • Water controls working & in place? The dust isn’t bad, yet.
  • Air monitoring for silica – done it yet? Are you at a new location? New part of the quarry? Better do it again.
  • Miner’s hearing checked (audiogram taken?). Anyone with a threshold shift? Make sure you follow up with another test.
  • Are the air conditioning units working in the vehicles? – if they’re not= the windows will be down = noise levels WILL be up.
  • Noise monitoring (dosimetry) performed 8-hour time weighted averages? If you don’t do it, MSHA will (maybe will be citation too).
  • Is your shop done hardfacing the equipment? see my earlier post here.
  • Paperwork in order?

Be safe out there!