Overhead Hazards, High Water, Heat

June 16th, 2015

Overhead Hazards.  Last week an ISO container was being loaded onto a chassis when a clevis pin broke on the lift truck that held the container.  The container was approximately 15 feet above the deck of the chassis when the pin broke. Obviously, the chassis was destroyed and a small amount of product was spilled through a leak caused by the incident.  

 

Most importantly, there were no injuries in this incident. However, the possibility for injuries did present itself.

 

Please never position yourself under an object being moved overhead and always monitor the movement of the object.   Not only can a falling object fall straight down, it can also be deflected, bounce, and/or roll before it comes to rest.  Furthermore, the contents of a container could be spilled if a container ruptures or is punctured due to a fall.

 

High Water.  The news reports of heavy flooding in Texas, portions of the planes states, and eastern U.S. are troublesome indeed.   When confronted with flooding consider the fact that you cannot control the flow of water…it will control you.   Also consider the following:

 

  • If a road is marked closed, it is closed.  Unless it is a true emergency, do not drive around the barriers.  Fines can be levied against offenders.  Especially if the vehicle floods out and has to be towed.
  • You could be held liable for damage to property that your vehicle caused, if it can be proven that your vehicle stalled after you drove your vehicle into the high water.
  • The driving surface of the road can be hidden from view and you might drive off of the paved surface.
  • Water is often deeper than it appears to be and still water is usually deep water.
  • Flowing water can washout the pavement.
  • Flowing water can move debris including large boulders (that can be concealed) onto the roadway.
  • Flowing water can move a car or truck.  When it does it will always move it toward the faster current.
  • As little as an inch of water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane -- drive slower and do not use your cruise control.
  • Flood water contains every contaminant known to man -- except for emergencies, don’t wade through it.
  • If the road is not marked closed and you find yourself on a flooded section of road which you must drive through portions, drive at a slower speed; “feel” the road surface; be aware of your wake especially if you stop or rapidly slow down.
  • Manhole covers have been known to be lifted by water pressure from below the surface of the road.
  • After driving through water, you should have your brakes cleaned.  Debris in the water will become a coarse abrasive and will shorten the life of pad, drum, and disk.  Additionally, water may enter the brake lines and cause havoc unless it is purged from the lines.
  • After driving through high water during freezing weather, brakes are susceptible to freezing when they are applied.
  • Large pieces of ice may float into structures, potentially causing serious damage when a thaw occurs near water ways.

 

Heat Injuries.  Annually, an average of about 700 people die in this country from heat-related injuries.  If you are wearing PPE, you are more susceptible to heat injuries.  An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to avoiding a heat injury.  

 

Everyone should keep hydrated.   This can be accomplished by simply increasing your intake of fluids – preferably water.   Many soft drinks contain caffeine which is a diuretic which will increase dehydration.   If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, you are already in the early stages of dehydration.   A rule of thumb is to drink regularly, even to the point of scheduled hydration breaks.   Everyone should avoid overexertion in hot weather.  This can be accomplished by working at a slower pace and taking breaks.  When you realized that you are becoming overheated you should stop your work and remove yourself to a safe area and ventilate.

 

Aggressive treatment for heat injuries is paramount.  Call for medical help without delay.   Lowering the body temperature must happen to prevent the injury from getting worse.