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9th Air Force holds first machine guarding safety course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Ground safety representatives from across the 9th Air Force gathered at the base education building here from August 15 through 19 for the first 9th Air Force ground safety course to get up to date on Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

The four-day course also taught the ground safety representatives how to inspect work places on their installations for safety violations to prevent mishaps.

The class was taught by Jack Podojil from the College of Southern Nevada, an instructor with 40 years of experience in OSHA guidance.

"This was part of the professional development for ground safety personnel," said Kenneth Walker, 9th AF ground safety chief. "As they learn, they can then go out and be instructors during their inspections."

The students also learned how broad the safety needs are for any kind of machine.

"Before I just assumed machine guarding was just safety guards for drills and saws," said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Hayden, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety. "Now I realize safety precautions need to taken for other office machines, such as a paper shredder."

At the end of the class, the students went over to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron and inspected the drills and saws for a hands-on demonstration of what they would be looking for.

"By having all the 9th AF bases represented, we were able to pull ideas from each other and network," Hayden added .

This course benefitted all the bases represented as they spread their knowledge to prevent mishaps before they happen, Walker said .