What's the H.O.S.S.?
The Hands Off Safety Scrubber (H.O.S.S.) from Litho Research is a tool
that keeps the press operator's hand away from the moving cylinder and
dangerous nip points during a wash up. Using a one piece molded design,
the hand grip of the H.O.S.S. maintains a safe distance between the
moving cylinder and the operator's hand. The replaceable pads are held
securely in place using Velcro technology. This enables the operator to
quickly, easily, and safely clean the plate and blanket by hand.
Do you need the H.O.S.S.?
YES! Current OSHA Lock Out/Tag Out guidance stipulates that
during routine maintenance the operator's hand can not come in contact
with the moving machine parts. This applies to the routine maintenance
of cleaning the blankets and plates. One exception to this is the use
of a special tool that prevents exposure to the hazardous areas of the
equipment.
Will OSHA really enforce these regulations?
YES! Even though OSHA has experienced cuts in their funding,
there have been many cases of OSHA fining printers for willful
violations under Lock Out/Tag Out. These violations are on an instance
by instance basis, so the fines can quickly mount, even for a smaller
company. Willful violations are those committed with an intentional
disregard or plain indifference to the OSHA requirements. Serious
violations, which can carry stiffer penalties, are defined as those
with a substantial probability for death or serious physical harm.
These fines can range from $7,000.00 up to $70,000.00 per instance!
Are there other reasons for using the H.O.S.S.?
YES! In addition to possible OSHA fines, injured workers and
their families can seek damages through the courts. This is because
Workers Compensation does not cover injuries that result from
activities that are due to negligence. Violations of accepted
occupational safety regulations or procedures can constitute
negligence. Due to the nature of a civil suit, the company, along with
its officers and management, can be named as liable. This opens up the
larger, and potentially more damaging, situation of the dependants of
injured workers suing for lost wages and suffering.
How does the H.O.S.S. work?
The H.O.S.S. begins with an ergonomic handle design that fits
comfortably into the operator's hand, preventing hand fatigue even with
repeated use. The H.O.S.S. is made with solvent resistant
polypropylene, so it is a lightweight but durable tool. The handle
design assures that the pressman's fingers are kept away from the nip.
The big key to the effectiveness of the H.O.S.S. is the pad design - a
sponge reservoir is encapsulated in layers of high absorbency cloth.
The pad is attached to the handle using solvent resistant Velcro
technology, allowing the pads to be detached and laundered (similar to
a shop towel). Between uses the H.O.S.S. (and or pads) can be immersed
in the approved water miscible roller and blanket wash to dissolve
contamination from prior use. After repeated uses, laundering is
recommended.
Benefits of the H.O.S.S.
- Keeps hands away from hazardous nip points on the press.
- Ergonomic design for ease and comfort.
- Minimizes direct contact with chemicals.
- Lightweight durable design.
- Bright yellow for high visibility.
H.O.S.S. Usage Instructions
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