CURRENT SAFETY TOPIC

• Discharge any static electricity before refueling

• Shut off the engine and let it cool

• Fuel up in well-ventilated areas

• Never smoke

• Don’t use a cell phone

• Don’t get back into your vehicle

• Don’t spill the fuel

• Don’t overfill the tank

• Clean up fuel spills immediately

PREVIOUS TOPICS

Grilling Safety

Every year, thousands of homes catch fire because of grills.  Make sure your barbeque is risk-free:

• Before using, place your grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.

• Always stay by the grill when cooking.

• Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.

• Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.

• Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas. Do not attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.

• Never bring a barbecue grill inside your home or garage. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

• Keep kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.

Avoiding Heat-related Illnesses 

Working in the hot summer sun can cause more than just discomfort. Serious medical conditions such as dehydration, fainting and heat stroke can send many workers to the hospital – and can even prove fatal in some cases.  Those who are in poor health or are unaccustomed to working in the heat are most highly susceptible.  To prevent against heat-related illnesses, the following tips are provided:

• Drink cool water throughout the day, averaging about 24 ounces per hour. This is the rate at which the average person loses fluid through sweat.  Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or other beverages with high levels of sugar or caffeine.
• Learn to recognize the warning signs of a heat-related illness. These include abnormal sweating, headache, cramping, dizziness, fatigue, blurry vision and vomiting.
• Know how to call for help throughout the day if needed. Keep an eye on your co-workers, watching for signs of heat illnesses.
• If you feel yourself beginning to overheat, tell your supervisor immediately. Rehydrate and go indoors, or find a cool, shaded area to rest.
• Take a cold bath or shower when your workday is done to cool down your body.

Avoiding Driver Distractions

Driver distraction, or “inattention,” while driving has become a growing concern as more distractions are introduced to commercial motor vehicle drivers and the motoring public.  FMCSA offers the following advice to prevent distracted-driving crashes:

• Turn off your cell phone while driving.  If you must use your cell phone, find a safe place to stop or pull off the road, and keep your conversation short. 
• Avoid fixating on objects not related to driving.  Studies show inattentive drivers believe they are paying attention to the road when, in reality, they are gazing blindly at the road or objects ahead without actually seeing or recognizing them.
• Avoid smoking while driving.  Smoking requires removing both hands from the steering wheel, which can increase the risk of being involved in a crash.
• Minimize eating and drinking while driving.  Eat before getting behind the wheel or leave enough time to pull over and eat in a safe area.