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0 0 SAFE WORK PRACTICES FOR CONTRACTORS WORKING AT RETAIL PETROLEUM/CONVENIENCE FACILITIES 11 3.2.1 Noise Noise can come from a variety of sources.OSHA requires employers to have a hearing conservation program when their employ- ees are exposed to an average of 85 decibels over an 8-hour day.Intensity of sound is measured in decibels(dB).The scale begins at 0 dB,the faintest sound the human ear can detect.It ends at over 180 dB,the noise at a rocket pad launch.On the decibel scale, changes of 6 to 10 decibels make things sound twice as loud(6 dB up)or half as loud(6 dB down).This is also how the effective- ness of hearing protection PPE is measured.Here are some examples of noises and their volume on the decibel scale(dB). Activity dB Activity dB Activity dB Activity dB quiet office,library 40 electric drill 95 chain saw 120 rocket launching 180 from pad convenience store 50-60 factory machinery 80-100 pneumatic drill 120 'et engine taking off 150 power lawn mower 65-95 gas-powered blower 90-105 ambulance siren 120 subway/train 90-115 truck 75-85 power saw 110 jackhammer 130 See the discussion regarding Noise Reduction Ratings for hearing conservation(3.1.1.6). 3.2.2 Splashing Fueling systems at retail petroleum/convenience sites in the US typically operate under pressure.Therefore,gasoline splashing or spraying is always a possible hazard when working on fueling systems.Other splashing or spraying hazards from hot or cold liq- uids or grease may exist when servicing food and beverage equipment,plumbing,HVAC or refrigeration systems.The best way to avoid these hazards is to de-energize equipment(e.g.: electrical, fluid pressure)before working on it,and verifying that the energy has been controlled. Refer to Section 12, Lockout-Tagout for additional information. Even with an effective Lockout- Tagout program in place,proper PPE shall be worn at all times. 3.2.3 Fire Gasoline vapors in the air are the most likely source of a hazardous atmosphere or fire hazard at a retail petroleum/convenience facility.However,there are other materials at a facility that may cause fire hazards if ignited.These may include:cooking grease, janitorial chemicals,car wash chemicals,or the building structure and insulation.Refer to Section 13,Hot Work for a discussion regarding safety in an area that may have a potentially hazardous atmosphere or flammable materials.If there is a risk of a hazard- ous vapor concentration a meter capable of measuring Lower Explosive Limit(LEL)shall be used to verify that the atmosphere is within the acceptable level. 3.3 CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING OF PPE REQUIREMENTS In many circumstances,the use of PPE is required by government regulation.Not wearing proper PPE will result in violations and fines.However,the most important reason for wearing PPE is because it prevents injuries and saves lives.Where PPE is required, all workers shall follow the requirements. 3.4 ENGINEERING CONTROLS Engineering controls are features that are built into pieces of equipment so they can be used and/or serviced safely.Where a haz- ard is present,it is always best to eliminate it by using engineering controls.If a hazard cannot be controlled in this way,then the use of personal protective equipment is required.Examples of engineering controls include belt guards for pulley and belt drive systems,or toe boards to prevent tools and materials from falling off of a scaffold.Another example would be construction of a building such that there is a parapet wall or guardrail surrounding the roof.These are examples of engineering controls designed to eliminate the hazard of working near the edge of the roof.If there are no engineering controls to eliminate the hazards of work- ing near the edge of a roof,then fall protection PPE is required.