Vol 4., No. 6, October 2003

Contents


THOUGHTS & QUOTES

"Wanna go for a tractor ride?" How many of you have noticed the
commercial for Singulair (allergy medicine) that airs on tv where the
woman visits her fiance's parents on the farm and at the very end she
rides with her future father-in-law on the tractor? Not only are they
depicting an unsafe practice, but they also show an old tractor with no
safety features such as ROPS. The media's 'nostalgic' view of farming!!
We did call Merck and wrote an initial e-mail-we did receive a positive
response (so now we have a real name!) and they noted they would have
their ad department review it. We followed up with a more descriptive
letter. We have posted a copy of the letters and background information
at http://www.flagsafe.ufl.edu/merck

As you see these types of unsafe practices depicted in the media, make a
point to contact them and mention why these things should not be
'glamorized'! Often, after taking the safety class, my former students
will comment how much more observant they are when they see something like this. A few years ago, there was an ad (in print) that was for the
instructional seat on a tractor. The ad showed a child with dad in the
tractor cab and in the write-up it said safe for kids and adults and bring
your 'buddy' with to work! What would people's reaction have been if they
would have depicted that setting for a backhoe at a construction site?
Outrage no doubt!

The ad can be viewed at the Singulair Web site:
http://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/singulair/consumer/adult_aller
gies/index.jsp

Available on NASD is a "Guide to Communicating Farm Safety for Editors,
Illustrators, Cinematographers, and Photographers"
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001001-d001100/d001048/d001048.html

A victim of a PTO related amputation summarized a safety message in the
following thought provoking statement: "Personal protective equipment-
may be warm and uncomfortable for the short amount of time it may be
required....but a prosthesis can be uncomfortable for the rest of your
life. Think before taking a short cut."

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TIPS FOR PREVENTING FALLS

After motor vehicle incidents falls account for more deaths than any other
unintentional injury cause. One in five of all hospital visits for
unintentional injury are the result of falls.

The three leading causes are 1) stairs and steps 2) falls from beds and 3)
falls from ladders.

Fact sheets etc. for fall prevention can be found at the National Safety
Council's Web site: http://www.nsc.org/issues/fallstop.htm

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NIOSH IDENTIFIES HAZARDS OF BALING EQUIPMENT, SUGGESTS WAYS TO PREVENT DEATHS, INJURIES

Several workplace measures for preventing job-related deaths and injuries
associated with baling and compacting machines are recommended by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in a new
bulletin.

Thirty-four workers were killed between 1992 and 2000 when they were
caught in or crushed by the powerful compacting rams in baling or
compacting machines, according to data analyzed by NIOSH. Baling or
compacting machines are widely used in manufacturing and retail trade
businesses to compress large amounts of cardboard, scrap metal, and other
solid waste into smaller bales for handling and transportation.

In some balers or compactors, materials are placed directly into the
chamber where they will be compressed. In other models, the materials are
fed into a chute or hopper. Fatalities generally have involved situations
in which employees entered a compactor to clear a jam, fell into the path
of the ram, or reached into the machine while it was operating.

Material jams commonly occur in balers and compactors. Because many
machines are automatically activated by the material that flows into them,
the compacting ram stops moving when a jam occurs, the bulletin notes.
Employees may not recognize that these machines are still turned on and
can begin operating again suddenly. Employees also may not fully
appreciate the hazards of entering or working near the hoppers that feed
material into the machine, according to NIOSH.

Safety measures recommended by NIOSH include the following:

  • Whenever a baler or compactor is being unjammed, maintained, or
    repaired, it should be de-energized. In addition, pursuant to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules on lockout and tagout, the controls should be locked to prevent the machine from being turned on again inadvertently, and should be tagged to inform other employees that the machine is temporarily out of operation.
  • Balers and compactors should be equipped with machine guards and with
    safety interlocks that will immediately stop the machine if an employee
    attempts to gain access to the ram or the ram area.
  • Employers should establish and follow standard procedures for dealing
    safely with jams and other disruptions, and for requiring machine
    operators to account for the presence of co-workers before activating the
    equipment.
  • Platforms incorporating stairs and railings should be provided near the
    opening of feed chutes to provide safe access for clearing jams.
  • Employers should train their employees to recognize the hazards of
    working near balers and compactors, and to be familiar with safe working
    procedures.
  • Employers should not assign employees under age 18 to service, load,
    operate, or help operate balers and compactors, except for one limited
    exemption allowed by law as long as certain safety requirements are
    followed. The exemption under U.S. labor standards allows workers aged 16 and 17 to load de-energized scrap paper balers and cardboard box
    compactors, as long as the equipment is turned off, the switch is locked
    in the "off" position, and the employer posts a notice that the machine
    meets given design requirements. Where this exemption is allowed, the
    employer should ensure that these safety requirements under the exemption are met, NIOSH recommended.

"NIOSH Alert: Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling
Refuse Material," DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-124, is available from
1-800-35-NIOSH or from the NIOSH web page at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-124/ .

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AG FIRST-AID FOR CUTS, PUNCTURES, SNAKE BITES, AND SPLINTERS

CUTS
Basic first aid for treating cuts-remember in the ag setting,
infections are more likely due to the nature of what gets into the wound
(grease, manure, plant materials etc.). Gaping and deep wounds should be
seen by a medical expert. The basic steps for minor wounds are:

  • Stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage
  • Clean the wound with clear water
  • Use an antibiotic after you clean the wound. The antibiotic won't make the wound heal faster, but it will discourage infection.
  • Cover the wound to keep the bacteria out.

PUNCTURES
Puncture wounds may not bleed, but they present a risk of becoming
infected. The items that may cause puncture wounds such as nails and
tacks are exposed to tetanus spores and bacteria. If the wound is minor,
follow the procedures listed above for cuts. If it is deep enough to
draw blood, is contaminated, or is the result of a bite, see a doctor
immediately.

SNAKE BITES
A recent article in Progressive Farmer (October 2003) offered new
recommendations for treating snakebites. The article states that the best way to avoid being bitten is to be observant. Be sure to wear boots when working or walking in snake territory. Using a cell phone is a quick way to get help if bitten. Experts still disagree on the recommendations response a snake bite victim should make, but try to get to a hospital within an hour of the bite. Here are the recommendations for what to do if bit:

DO.......

    • Stay calm. Call for help.
    • Remove jewelry in case of rapid swelling.
    • Squeeze the venom gently from the bite site and suck it out. Venom taken orally is not harmful.
    • Mark the time symptoms begin to occur, especially swelling. This helps the doctor calculate how much venom you've received.
    • Keep the stricken portion of the body below heart level.
    • Note the type of snake if possible.
    • Get to the hospital as quickly as possible.
    • Get a tetanus shot.

DON'T.....

    • Do not walk or run around.
    • Do not cut the wound.
    • Do not use a torniquet.
    • Do not drink alcohol. It speeds the heart and blood flow.
    • Do not put ice on the bite. This has proven a major factor leading to
      amputations after a snake bite.
    • Do not try to kill the snake. You run the risk of being bitten again.

SPLINTERS
"Most splinters eventually work out on their own. But stubborn slivers
can cause pain, swelling and infection if not removed promptly. First try
to 'milk' the splinter out by gently squeezing on each side of it. To
make a child more comfortable, you can try rubbing the site with a numbing
teething gel or ice. Keep in mind that chilling the area may cause the
splinter to retract. Clean a needle, a pair of tweezers and a small pair
of nail clippers with isopropyl alcohol or Betadine solution, and let air
dry. Wash the skin where the splinter is lodged with soap and water or
Betadine. With the tip of the needle, make a small hole in the skin above
the splinter. Gently try to squeeze the splinter through the hole. Use
the tweezers to pull out the splinter as soon as you can get hold of it.
If the needle fails to open a path, use the nail clippers to carefully cut
away the skin above the splinter. Soaking the area in warm water will
soften the skin if you're having trouble getting to the splinter. Consult
a doctor about any prolonged redness or pain." Pam Henderson, Farm
Journal Magazine, Mid-January 2002.

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MANY ISABEL INJURIES/DEATHS DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE FROM IMPROPER USE OF GENERATORS

Just a reminder to not use gas-powered generators indoors. Even though
they have a warning label about not using them inside, many people did just that when their homes were darkened from Hurricane Isabel. Others were overcome by carbon monoxide (CO) when using charcoal grills to cook inside.
Safety tips for when the electric goes out can be found at the Consumer Products Safety Commission Web site:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03184.html

In the time span of Sep. 19-22 there were 31 reported cases of CO poisoning in homes from generators and four serious house fires caused by
candles or power surges as electricity was restored. This was in just one
county, Montgomery County, near Washington, DC.

Details about generators can be found in the Disaster Handbook:
http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP02/D02-14.PDF

View the entire Disaster Handbook starting at: http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu

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SAFETY AROUND FARM PONDS

The following water safety publication includes an activity that can be
done in a day camp or other training type of setting. It also includes
tips for constructing rescue stations near farm ponds.

Water Safty (American Red Cross):
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000101-d000200/d000155/water.html

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SURGE PROTECTORS CAN POSE A FIRE HAZARD

In 1996, electrical cords and plugs were involved in about 7,100 fires
resulting in 120 deaths or about 32 percent of all deaths associated with
residential electrical system fires.

Most modern businesses and homes are supplied with 220-volt power systems. Heavy draw appliances such as air conditioners, dryers, and electric
stoves operate on 220-volts and are not protected by surge protectors. Other appliances operate on 110-volts. These include computers, microwaves, stereo equipment and TV sets. These items are often used with surge protectors. The normal voltage flow will range from 110-117 volts. Surge protectors are designed to trap the voltage that exceeds those
limits.

Excessive voltage occurs due to power spikes. When these spikes
occur for a sufficient duration, they activate a trapping device, a
metal oxide varistor (MOV), located in the surge protector. The MOV is the
heart of a surge suppressor. The role of the MOV is to divert surge
current. However, MOVs wear out with use. As more surges are diverted, the
MOVs life span shortens, and failure becomes imminent. There is no
forewarning or visual indication given -- just failure. And while failing,
they can reach very high temperatures, and actually start fires.

Most surge protectors will continue to function as a power strip, even
though the power spike may have destroyed the surge trap mechanism. This
presents two possible dangers: 1) If another power surge should occur, it
can damage the equipment or appliances that are plugged into this surge
protector, and 2) If sufficient voltage passes through the surge protector
due to a second power spike, a resistant short may have been formed,
allowing heating to occur and a fire to ignite.

When buying this equipment, look for a surge protector with an indicator
light that tells you if the protection components are functioning. All
MOVs will burn out after repeated power surges. Without an indicator
light, you have no way of knowing if your protector is still functioning
properly. Unfortunately due to manufacturing differences, the light may be
"on" or "off" during proper operation. It is important to review the
operating instructions provided with the surge protector.

Every year, thousands of fires result from surge protectors, power strips
and electrical cords. Listed below are some suggestions to help prevent a
possible fire from igniting.

  • USE ONLY SURGE PROTECTORS OR POWER STRIPS THAT HAVE AN INTERNAL
    CIRCUIT BREAKER. These units will trip the breaker if the power strip is
    over loaded or shorted to prevent overheating and fire.
  • Any surge protector or power strip that has frayed wires, or has a unit that is not working properly, should be replaced immediately.
  • Surge protectors, power strips, or extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring.
  • If at any time the surge protector or power strip is hot to the touch, remove and replace the unit. The electrical load for this strip should be evaluated for overloading.
  • Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems.
  • The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label must never be removed from the unit. On the underside of the casing, there should be the manufacturer's name and the name of the testing lab where the unit was tested.
  • There should only be one surge protector or power strip plugged into a single duplex electrical outlet.
  • Do not locate a surge protector or power strip in any area where the unit would be covered with carpet, furniture, or any other item that will limit or prevent air circulation.
  • Do not locate a surge protector in a moist environment.

All surge protectors or power strips need to be UL approved. Be sure that
the product is listed as a TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGE SUPPRESSOR. This means that it meets the criteria for UL 1449, UL's minimum performance standard for surge suppressors. There are a lot of power strips listed by UL that have no surge protection components at all. They are listed only for their performance as extension cords. On a UL listed surge protectors, you will find a couple of ratings. Look for:

  • Clamping voltage. This tells you what voltage will cause the MOVs to
    conduct electricity to the ground line. A lower clamping voltage indicates
    better protection. There are three levels of protection in the UL rating -- 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. Generally, a clamping voltage more than 400 V is too high.
  • Energy absorption/dissipation. This rating, given in joules, tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.
  • Response time. Surge protectors don't kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge. A longer response time tells you that your computer (or other equipment) will be exposed to the surge for a greater amount of time. Look for a surge protector that responds in less than one nanosecond.

Visually inspect all surge protectors or power strips on a regular basis
to ensure that they are not damaged or showing signs of wear or damage.
During the visual inspection, ensure that the plug is fully engaged in
their respective outlets. The surge protector or power strips should
always have either a polarized plug with one of the blades being larger
then the other one or a three-prong grounded plug. Never use a three to
two prong adapter to power the unit. Surge protectors or power strips
should have a cord of no more than 6 feet in length. When the surge
protector or plug strip is not in use, unplug the cord from the power
source.

Photos of an office fire from a surge protector can be found at:
http://www.westwhitelandfire.com/Articles/Surge%20Protectors.pdf

Information about surge protectors that were on the recall list as well as
additional safety tips are provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml99/99069.html

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SAFETY NEWS & NOTES is an e-mail newsletter prepared by Carol J. Lehtola, Extension Agricultural Safety Specialist. Design Team FL 124: Prevention and Preparedness: Agricultural Safety & Disaster Management. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, UF/IFAS. If you have safety- or disaster-related questions or ideas that you would like to share with other agents, please contact Dr. Lehtola. If you know someone interested in receiving this, we will gladly add them to the e-mail list.

BE AWARE!

BE ALERT!

BE ALIVE!

Florida AgSafe Web site: http://www.flagsafe.ufl.edu

The Disaster Handbook: http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu

National Agricultural Safety Database: http://www.cdc.gov/nasd

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