I got my start in the “Heavy Industrial Trades” at 18 years of age working in several different types of wood product manufacturing facilities as a welder.  I spent my high school summers working on farms,  working around equipment was not new to me. But there were so many more dangers of working in large facilities with huge pieces of equipment, it was at times very intimidating.

Since first entering the workforce I have been working in and around dangerous equipment for nearly 28 years and have done so without suffering any injuries or being involved in any accidents.  There have been a few close calls, but the safety training I received throughout my career helped to keep me safe.

In this book, we will touch on some of the major safety training requirements that most major manufacturers implement at their facilities. These will be both general for general industrial work and specific for pipe trade work.

There are certain things that I wish I knew when I entered the workforce and that is what I am going to try and give to you.

The state or region you work in or the company you work for will impact how each rule is enforced and also the severity of the rules.

The following pages are a reflection of some of the general rules, how I have applied them.  This book is meant to give you some background information, and some better understand so when you do enter the workforce you are better prepared for the safety rules you will encounter.

****Special Note****

There is no substitute for additional and more specific safety training.  This book by no means is a substitute for more safety training.  This book will not certify you in any way and is informational in nature only.