Safety conductive flooring

Laboratories working frequently with flammables, such as in extraction processes, may set aside a separate room for such work for maximum safety. Ideally, this room should have explosion-proof electrical equipment and special ventilation. Rigid work rules should be enforced, such as requiring workers to leave matches and lighters on a shelf outside before entering. Installation of conductive flooring should be considered, and steel tools should be prohibited at times when work is in progress. 

Figure 1 indicates a typical nitroglycerin facility "inside out" wood frame construction at a concrete floor slab. Note that the exterior cant strip, the lead conductive floor cant and the wood cap are all sloped to discourage product build-up and facilitate cleaning. This assembly also indicates spray-on foam insulation as an optional construction item. At Radford AAP this is a safety approved insulation system. The insulation at Radford AAP received a chlorinated rubber paint coating for weathering. 

For BSD safety, a path to ground must be provided for static charges that would otherwise discharge on a device or board assembly. Provisions are made for grounding the worker, preferably via a wrist strap or a heel strap, provided conductive flooring is used. 

In areas where dry powder is handled, the buildup of static electricity presents a safety hazard. A static charge could possibly ignite or detonate propellant in the dry state. For this reason, materials used in these areas are conductive and properly grounded. Flooring and footwear must also be conductive as outlined in the Department of Defense Safety Manual. Conductivity tests are made periodically to insure that there is proper protection against static charge buildup. 

Review facility historical accident and injury records to assist in identifying slip, trip, and fall hazards. Establish written housekeeping procedures and reqnire everyone including patient care staff to immediately report spills and other floor hazards. Incorporate slip, trip, and fall prevention education into recurring safety training. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate employees about the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Provide feedback on the actions taken to prevent slip, trip, and fall injuries. 

An employee stops you on the production floor while you are conducting an inspection. The employee asks to talk to you about a safety issue impacting production. You respond, "How can I help you " The employee communicates that production has been slowed due to a guard being removed from a machine. The employee further states that she has told her supervisor several times, and he only responds with sexist remarks. She wanted to tell you because this situation and her reporting this to her supervisor has resulted in her being transferred to another job and her overtime cut, which affects her pay and childcare situation. 

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