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From December 2011 issue of
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Dealing with high forces, metal in motion, hot parts?

Published: December 21, 2011
Tech Cell: Safety

The main topic at the 2011 EDTR Roundtable conference in Wilmington, NC, was safety. Many of the issues involve high forces, metals in motion, and red-hot parts—in other words, topics relevant to any and all tube and pipe producers and...

From October 2011 issue of
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Wet dust collection snuffs hazards of industrial dusts

Published: October 20, 2011
Tech Cell: Safety

Metal manufacturers use wet filter systems for two reasons: to collect combustible metal dust and to filter particulate in heavy-sparking applications. Applications like deburring and grinding can involve both combustible metal particulate and...

From January/February 2011 issue of
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Meeting the new EPA regulation head-on

Published: January 25, 2011
Tech Cell: Safety

On the wings of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) efforts to control the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of hexavalent chromium, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has gone one step further. By July 25, 2011,...

From January/February 2011 issue of
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Wading through the NFPA-51 standard

Published: January 17, 2011
Tech Cell: Safety

The NFPA-51 standard outlines how to properly store, transfer, and use industrial gases; how to handle such gases while they are in their gaseous or liquid phases; and how to implement storage, piping and distribution, and operating practices....

From January/February 2011 issue of
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A feminine approach to PPE

Published: January 10, 2011
Tech Cell: Safety

Women welders face many challenges, and one of the most overlooked is finding PPE that fits women welders properly, while providing them with a safe level of protection and allowing them to showcase their own personalities. Recently, some...

From September 2010 issue of
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Top OSHA violations increase; stricter enforcement program launched

Published: September 13, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

OSHA has announced that the top 10 violations for 2009 increased almost 30 percent over the same time period in 2008. It also has implemented more aggressive targeted enforcement and higher penalties.

From July 2010 issue of
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Update on press and press brake safety standards

Published: July 15, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

Updates to the ANSI standards are meant to harmonize press and press brake safety standards from all parts of the world. Once accomplished, a manufacturer can feel confident that its plants meet the latest safety standards no matter where those...

From July/August 2010 issue of
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Stepping it up

Published: July 8, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is stepping up its efforts to enforce regulation compliance. A new agenda calls for more emphasis and resources geared toward enforcement tactics such as increasing inspections, penalties,...

From May 2010 issue of
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Developing and implementing a successful forklift training program: Six tips

Published: May 25, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

Have all potential operators in your facility been properly trained in forklift safety? Follow the tips in this article to tailor your training for your specific operation. Your employees and bottom line will thank you.

From April 2010 issue of
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Don't let your equipment leave you fuming

Published: April 27, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

Stricter hexavalent chromium standards are just one reason to invest in a welding fume extractor. Providing a healthier work environment also can help you protect and retain your skilled workers. What should you consider when selecting an extractor?

From March/April 2010 issue of
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Heading off health hazards

Published: March 1, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

Each year more than 700,000 Americans injure their eyes at work equating to more than 2,000 eye injuries each day. About 90 percent of which could have been prevented if proper eye protection were used. Safe work practices, along with properly...

From January/February 2010 issue of
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Love your gloves

Published: January 14, 2010
Tech Cell: Safety

Pulling on a pair of welding gloves, for many welders, is like second nature. What may not be second nature, however, is choosing the right glove to fit your needs of protection,comfort, and dexterity. Just as welding processes differ, so do the...

From November 2009 issue of
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Tracking injuries

Published: November 10, 2009
Tech Cell: Safety

When considering activities that can affect your company's bottom line, don't overlook the positive difference tracking injuries can make. Recording and analyzing injury data can help you identify and correct problem areas, properly plan for...

From July 2009 issue of
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Recessions and industrial safety—enemies?

Published: July 14, 2009
Tech Cell: Safety

As you steer your company through the recession, remember that at the end of the day, it really is all about the people. Making safety a priority, especially in tough times, can boost employee morale and increase productivity. A behavioral...

From July 2009 issue of
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Venting on the subject of clean shop air

Published: June 29, 2009
Tech Cell: Safety

A shop owner should want the best ventilating technology for its thermal cutting operations. It keeps employees safe and protects the company from potential liability situations. With that in mind, the feature poses five questions that every shop...

From March/April 2009 issue of
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Fumes + Weld students = Bad news

Published: March 14, 2009
Tech Cell: Safety

A welding program in northeastern Arizona, looking to improve the air quality in its welding lab, replaced its fume extraction equipment.

From January/February 2009 issue of
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Safeguarding against robotic welding hazards

Published: February 10, 2009
Tech Cell: Safety

Safety light screens, safety interlock switches, and two-hand controls are three types of safeguarding devices that can be used as part of a comprehensive safety system for robotic welding setups in your shop.

From September/October 2008 issue of
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Safety update

Published: October 28, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

A little more than a year after implementing stricter hexavalent chromium standards to the metalworking industry, OSHA has gone a step further and released respirator fit testing guidelines to complement the existing standard.

From October/November 2008 issue of
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Steady as she goes

Published: October 14, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the U.S. nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured annually in forklift-related incidents. Knowing how they occur and studying the events that lead up to them can go a...

From August 2008 issue of
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Building relationships, ensuring safety

Published: August 12, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

Safety should be a business priority beginning with the employee hiring process. Once you have hired the right people, you can ensure the success of your safety program by building relationships, giving employees' safety concerns the attention...

From July 2008 issue of
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Preventing torch fires in welding and cutting operations

Published: July 15, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

Welding and cutting, which accounts for 1 percent of structure fires and 4 percent of nonhousehold property damage, is the most dangerous type of hot work, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Companies that weld and cut...

From May/June 2008 issue of
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Clothes before woes

Published: May 13, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

Welding injuries, from minor welding flash burns to serious third-degree burns, can be painful and, in extreme cases, can cause disfigurement and lead to career-ending disabilities. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is an easy...

From May 2008 issue of
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What not to leave at work

Published: May 13, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

The metal fabricating industry is among the employment sectors with the highest rates of amputations from on-the-job accidents. Many are caused by improperly safeguarded machinery, hand tools, forklifts, and other equipment. Preventing...

From April 2008 issue of
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Predicting and preventing workplace accidents

Published: April 15, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

Can workplace accidents be predicted and prevented? Aeroglide safety professional Kelly Langdon believes it's not only possible, but that doing so is critical for a company's success. In this article, Langdon explains the three-step process he...

From March/April 2008 issue of
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Cleaning the air, boosting morale

Published: March 11, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

An automotive stamping plant located in Plymouth, Mich., recently integrated more welding cells. In an effort to continue with its aggressive stance on employee health, the company integrated RoboVent™ air filtration systems from Great Lakes...

From January/February 2008 issue of
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Welding helmets in view

Published: January 15, 2008
Tech Cell: Safety

Welders looking for welding helmets have a lot of options to choose from. With everything that is available, it is important for welders to be informed of the protection levels of each helmet as well as the features each provide in order to find...

From November/December 2007 issue of
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Revisions to respiratory protection

Published: November 6, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recently made changes to its Respiratory Protection Standard. By answering 6 FAQs regarding respirators, you will be better equipped to implement or update an existing respiratory program.

From September/October 2007 issue of
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Examining respiratory safety

Published: September 11, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

In the wake of the implementation of OSHA's hexavalent chromium standard, read three fab shops' efforts to provide safe breathing conditions for its welders.

From September 2007 issue of
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Giving the nod

Published: September 11, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Autodarkening helmets do more than just protect welders from infrared and ultraviolet light the second the arc is struck. By allowing users to keep the helmet down over the face, the helmets help to prevent unnecessary neck strain, which can lead...

From July/August 2007 issue of
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Maximize comfort with the lightweight Speedglas SL welding helmet

Published: August 8, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

3M's new Speedglas™ Super Light (SL) Welding Helmet and Auto-Darkening Filter (ADF) set a new standard for comfort and lightweight. The SL helmet is our lightest helmet today, weighing 25% lighter than our other Speedglas helmets....

From July/August 2007 issue of
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Why doesn't my fume extraction work?

Published: August 8, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Many welding manufacturers today have experienced a great disappointment with fume extraction systems for their welding processes. Often this problem has little to do with the actual filtration equipment itself, but with the way it is applied to...

From July/August 2007 issue of
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The invisible risks of welding

Published: July 10, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Welders who ignore healthy work practices today are putting their long-term health in jeopardy. Being aware of some of the less obvious health hazards can help to ensure healthy living later in life.

From June 2007 issue of
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It's the small things

Published: June 26, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Many times industrial safety programs focus solely on safe equipment operation and other obvious hazards while ignoring simpler concerns. Addressing these concerns can make an important difference in worker safety, morale, and productivity....

From May 2007 issue of
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Last chance: Read the sign!

Published: May 22, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Appropriate warning signage is a critical component of industrial safety—often the last reminder regarding some aspect of safe machine operation. Labels have come a long way since "Keep Off" and "Keep Out." Various standards are having an...

From May 2007 issue of
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New OSHA hexavalent chromium standards

Published: May 8, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hexavalent chromium standards requires certain industries, including steel fabrication, to meet specific respiratory protection requirements. This Q and A article...

From May/June 2007 issue of
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Breathing easy

Published: May 8, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

A manufacturer of hospital and nursing home furniture upgraded its air filtration systems in its London, Ont., Canada, manufacturing plant.

From March/April 2007 issue of
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Locking in safety

Published: March 13, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Assessing the work environment, creating programs, and training staff to abide by those programs are the keys to maintaining a safe work environment and avoiding steep fines, worker injury, or death.

From March 2007 issue of
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Interlocks as machine safety devices

Published: March 13, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Interlocks serve as safety devices on industrial equipment and many consumer products. This article explains some applications, describes different types of interlocks, and provides recommendations for resources that can help you determine the...

From January/February 2007 issue of
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Benefits of autodarkening helmets come to light

Published: January 9, 2007
Tech Cell: Safety

Autodarkening technology has established a firm place in the welding industry not only as a piece of equipment that provides excellent protection, but also as a means to improve welding performance.

From November/December 2006 issue of
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New rule, new equipment

Published: November 7, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Now that OSHA's new ruling on hexavalent chromium is official, fabricators and manufacturers across the country are examining their plants, monitoring their air, and making adjustments to reduce their permissible exposure limits (PELs) to the...

From October 2006 issue of
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Welder health and safety — Who's responsible?

Published: October 10, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

The "Welding Wire" e-newsletter asked subscribers their opinions about who is responsible for ensuring welder health and safety. This article describes the hazards inherent in welding and contains insight from a welding instructor, a business...

From September/October 2006 issue of
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Fuel your safety knowledge

Published: October 3, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

The subject of oxyfuel safety is vast and would take volumes to cover completely. In fact, most large companies involved in oxyfuel cutting and welding publish their own procedural guidelines for employees to follow.

From September 2006 issue of
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How Safely Do You Weld?

Published: September 13, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

By addressing six common hazards, companies that perform pipe and tube welding can provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

From August 2006 issue of
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Keep on truckin'

Published: August 8, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Lack of safe operating procedures and safety rule enforcement, as well as insufficient or inadequate training, lead to tens of thousands of injuries each year. Safe forklift practices through proper use, adequate maintenance, sufficient clearing...

From August 2006 issue of
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A breath of fresh air

Published: August 8, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety, Laser Cutting

Two standard laser assist gases are oxygen and nitrogen. However, a third gas — shop air — has become a viable alternative.

From July/August 2006 issue of
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Control risk with lockout/tagout

Published: July 11, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Lock-out/tag-out procedures are critical when you're dealing with equipment or machines powered by electricity, steam, hydraulics, gas, compressed air, or a combination of sources.

From June 2006 issue of
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Saving money by spending on safety

Published: June 13, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Although the upfront costs of installing machine safeguards can be expensive, it is far more expensive to put your company at risk for employee injury and the resulting medical expenses, lost production, fines, and lawsuits.

From May 2006 issue of
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Emergency response—A critical component of workplace safety

Published: May 9, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Accidents and injuries can occur in all workplaces. Having a well-thought-out emergency response plan and properly organized and trained team can help minimize trauma and damage. This article discusses one company's emergency response program and...

From May/June 2006 issue of
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Stop pickin' up bad vibrations

Published: May 9, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), vibration white-finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all side effects of vibration overexposure, which can occur through using grinders often. Find out how to prevent these effects and reduce your overexposure...

From July 2006 issue of
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OSHA's new hexavalent chromium standard

Published: May 9, 2006
Tech Cell: Safety

Changes are necessary to make sure your welding operation is compliant with OSHA's new permissible exposure limit for hexavalent chromium.