Hazard Recognition Bulletin

Hazard Recognition Bulletin from Carl Potter, CSP

Is there a spider bite in your future?

Spring is here and it is time for spiders to become active in many parts of the country. Spider bites are rare but painful. Recently, as I conducted on of my Hazard Recognition and Control (HRC) Workshops, a participant asked, "What can we do about spiders?" My answer, "First stop being a victim and take control of the situation as much as possible." As a group, we discussed this question and realized that creating a haven for spiders by leaving work gloves, rubber boots and rain gear lying around in cool dark places was inviting the hazard and giving up control.

Brown Recluse spiders are one of the worst threats to workplaces. As humans, we have very little resistance to this spider’s venom and the bite can be a serious problem. As I teach in my HRC Workshop, prevention is the key to workplace injuries. The following information is provided for keeping the Brown Recluse from becoming a problem at work and at home.

Control
Control of indoor infestations of the Brown Recluse spider can take a long time (6 months or more) and can be difficult because humans have a very low tolerance for this pest. These spiders seek secluded sites and tend to be widely dispersed within infested buildings. Control of spiders, including the Brown Recluse, is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM involves using multiple approaches such as preventive measures, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatment when necessary.

Preventing spider bites
• Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.
• Inspect rags, shop towels, and other materials stored in a truck or other storage area. At home check bedding and towels before use.
• Wear gloves when handling lumber, and rocks (be sure to inspect the gloves for spiders before putting them on).
• Exercise care when handling cardboard boxes (recluse spiders often are found in the space under folded cardboard flaps).
• At home, remove bedskirts and storage boxes from underneath beds. Move beds and other furniture away from the wall.

Exclusion
• Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors; also install door sweeps.
• Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the building.
• Install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors to attract fewer insects for spiders to feed upon.
• Tape the edges of cardboard boxes to prevent spider entry.
• Use sealed plastic bags to store loose items in the workshop, garage, basement, and attic.

Sanitation
• Remove trash, old boxes, old rags, wood piles, rock piles, and other unwanted items.
• Eliminate clutter in storage areas, closets, basements, attics, garages, and outbuildings.
• Do not stack wood against the building or house.
• Clean up dead insects that the Brown Recluse spider can feed on.

Non-chemical control
• Use sticky traps or glueboards to capture spiders.
• Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs (dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor container
• Use a rolled up newspaper or fly swatter to kill individual spiders.

Insecticides
Many labeled pesticides for spider control exist. Some are labeled only for the licensed, certified pesticide applicator and others can be self-applied in commercial or residential buildings. It would be prudent to enlist the services of a professional pest management company when dealing with an indoor infestation of the Brown Recluse spider.

Hazard recognition and control is the cornerstone for any safety process. When your organization has everyone participating in the process of Situational Hazard Recognition workplace injuries will be drastically reduced. Consider my Hazard Recognition and Control (HRC) Workshop . In this workshop participants improve their ability to “see and fix” hazards that can lead to injuries in the workplace. Additionally, they will leave the 6-hour workshop knowing that they can control hazards themselves and create a workplace where Nobody Gets Hurt.

Call or email me today to discuss booking an HRC Workshop at your location.

More information can be found at: www.hazardrecognitionworkshop.com / www.carlpotter.com / or by calling and requesting a conference call with Carl Potter at:

800-259-6209

ANNOUNCING TWO NEW OPEN ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Chicago, IL – May 11, 2011 Hazard Recognition and Control Workshop ENROLL HERE Chicago, IL – May 12. 2011 Safety and the Supervisor Seminar ENROLL HERE Modesto, CA - June 9, 2011 – Safety and the Supervisor Seminar ENROLL HERE These are the only open enrollments currently planned for 2011. Take advantage of this opportunity by enrolling today. Seating is limited!

www.hazardrecognitionworkshop.com

ALSO:
Want to have my books and videos available to use in your safety meetings and training sessions? These safety resources are available 24/7/365 to you at www.safetyinstitute.com A membership in the safety institute is a "no-brainer." - Safety Manager

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