Tool Box from RoadSafe
Right about now in our winter season, most motor vehicle drivers have been or will be involved in a motor vehicle skid typically caused by wet or icy road conditions, or a sudden stop or swerve in order to avoid a crash.
As you may know, there are ways to maintain control of your vehicle under even the worst driving conditions to avoid an injury or a fatality.
First, slow down!! This is a no-brainer, especially during inclement weather. It is recommended that you also slow down if you are driving on a road carrying a significant amount of traffic. The more vehicles there are on the road, the more likely one of them will have to stop or brake suddenly causing trailing vehicles to go into a skid. Drive slowly around curves, especially if it is an unfamiliar road. Since most skids are the fault of the driver, maintaining a safe speed is imperative, especially while traveling in new areas.
Avoid following the vehicle in front of you too closely. Using the four to five second rule will allow you to have time to move your car out of harms way and give you enough time to brake safely. During inclement weather you should stay more than four seconds behind the car in front. Allow plenty of extra time when approaching a stoplight or stop sign. Remember that the distance required to brake doubles when there is rain or ice on the streets.
Above all, dont be distracted – Always be focused on what you are doing.
For more roadway safety information, contact email@example.com
AGC/VT Think Safety Ladder Hazards Introduction
- Review any accidents or “near accidents” from the past week.
- Describe the hazards of the work as they relate to your project. Explain or show the SAFE way of doing the job.
- Ask for ideas about preventing accidents. NOTE: If an idea is not practical, explain the reason why.
- Give the TOOL BOX SAFETY TALK.
AGCVT Tool Box Safety Talk LADDER HAZARDS v Hazards include: ” Ladders with missing or broken parts. ” Using a ladder with too low a weight rating. ” Using a ladder that is too short for purpose. ” Using metal ladders near energized electrical equipment. ” Using ladders as a working platform. ” Objects falling from ladders.
LADDER INSPECTION Inspect ladders before each use. ” All rungs and steps are free of oil, grease, dirt, etc. ” All fittings are tight. ” Spreaders or other locking devices are in place. ” Non-skid safety feet are in place. ” No structural defects, all support braces intact.
DO NOT use broken ladders. Contact Maintenance to have broken ladders tagged Do Not Use and removed from service. LADDER STORAGE ” Store ladders on sturdy hooks in areas where they cannot be damaged. ” Store to prevent warping or sagging. ” Do not hang anything on ladders that are in a stored condition. LADDER RATINGS ” I-A 300 pounds (heavy duty) ” I 250 pounds (heavy duty) ” II 250 pounds (medium duty) ” III 200 pounds (light duty) LADDER SETUP Procedure to prevent ladder incidents: ” Place ladder on a clean slip free level surface. ” Extend the ladder 3-4 feet above the top support, if used to access roof or other elevated surface. ” Anchor or secure the top of the ladder when the 3-4 foot extension is not possible. ” Place the ladder base ﾼ the height of the ladder from the wall when using a straight ladder.
LADDER SETUP continued ” Never allow more than one person on a ladder. ” Use tool belts or hand lines to carry objects. ” Do not lean out from the ladder in any direction. ” If you have a fear of heights dont climb a ladder. ” Do not allow others to work under a ladder in use. LADDER MAINTENANCE ” Keep ladders clean. ” Never replace broken parts unless provided by the original manufacturer. ” Do not attempt to repair broken side rails. ” Keep all threaded fasteners properly adjusted. FIVE RULES OF LADDER SAFETY ” Select the right ladder for the job. ” Inspect ladder before you use it. ” Setup the ladder with care. ” Climb and descend ladders cautiously. ” Face ladder and hold on with both hands. ” Carry tools on belt or raise and lower with hand line. ” Check shoes and rungs for slippery surfaces. ” Use safe practices when working on a ladder. ” Always hold on with one hand and never reach too far to either side or rear to maintain balance. ” Never climb higher than second step from top on a stepladder or third from the top on a straight ladder. Never attempt to move, shift, or extend ladder while in use.