Vol 4., No. 7, Nov-Dec 2003

Contents


THOUGHTS & QUOTES

I know that safety messages can often seem like the "same old, same old!"
But especially over the holiday season, take those extra few seconds to
think safety. Take the extra minute to read up on the "same old, same old" safety reminders in your local paper. They are there because it's the "same old, same old" stuff that keeps happening. (I get frustrated when I read about preventable things happening and all that changes is the name of the victim! The causes, actions, and outcomes are the same!) Think safety and be aware of your surroundings. Local officials remind us of the increase in personal robberies, etc. during this time of the year. Perhaps when walking to your car in the parking lot is not the time to be intense in a cell phone conversation! Take a few seconds to look around and be alert to your surroundings. Also, especially with cold weather and with the decorations and candles and lights, there certainly is an increased home fire hazard -- not leaving candles lit when leaving the house seems pretty common sense -- but in the hurry to get family members out the door to the evening church service or school concert, these things can get overlooked. I have done it myself -- and come home to realize how close the cat came to knocking a lit candle into the curtain!!

FEMA has a fact sheet and video clips of how quickly a tree can burn. "Water That Tree" is at:
<http://www.usfa.fema.gov/public/factsheets/treefir.shtm>.

Take a few minutes to check the safety reminders in this issue of SN&N and
have a safe holiday season.

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3 H's FOR HAYRIDE SAFETY

Also see this public service announcement from National Safety Council: <http://www.nsc.org/news/nr092603.htm#psa>

With the fall harvest season upon us, and Halloween just around the corner, the popularity of hayrides as a fundraiser or social event is increasing. However, reports of accidents involving hayrides have been on the increase over the past several years. These events need to be well organized and carefully monitored, so that a fun outdoor activity doesn't turn into a tragedy.

To approach the planning and coordination of a hayride, consider the 3 H's:
Hitching, Highways and Horseplay.

Hitching includes the wagon, the tractor or truck that is pulling the wagon, and the safeguards used to ensure that the wagon is properly attached. Never attach more than one wagon behind the pulling vehicle. Extra wagons make the "snaking" action of the caravan more severe and may result in sideswiping or overturning of the trailing wagons. A truck or tractor should never pull a wagon so fast that it sways out of a straight line. "Proper hitching also includes using a well-designed hitch pin with a clip or lock between the wagon and the pulling vehicle; and installing safety chains to ensure that the wagon does not disconnect while in motion," according to Professor Dennis J. Murphy, agricultural safety specialist at the Pennsylvania State University.

Highway considerations include the careful planning of the hayride route. Highways with excessive vehicular traffic moving at high rates of speed should be avoided at all costs. Hayride organizers should consult with local law enforcement agencies to seek their advice on which roads to use. These agencies may also be willing to provide security and safety during the hayride. To further reduce the highway hayride hazard, have escort vehicles traveling in front and in back of the hayride with their emergency lights activated. Of course, your hayride could stay off highways altogether!

Horseplay on a hayride should not be tolerated and may become an unwanted distraction to the driver. Adult supervision is a must! Hayride
participants can easily fall from a wagon or truck and be run over by the vehicle's wheels causing traumatic injuries. All riders should be sitting down while the wagon or truck is moving. Be sure these rules are clearly stated to all participants before the ride begins.

Note: One of our readers suggested a very important 4th H -- Hang On! He shared the story of a friend's little sister who was thrown from a haywagon when it hit a sudden bump. She fell into the path of the wagon and was killed. Be sure the vehicle or trailer you pick for your hayride has plenty of secure handholds. -- Ed.

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COOL WEATHER REMINDERS

As cool weather approaches we need to consider the safety reminders
for heating, wood burning stoves, portable heaters, fireplaces and carbon
monoxide.

Heating safety reminders can be found at:

Carbon monoxide reminders and information about CO detectors are at
<http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html>. FAQ's about detectors can be found at <http://freenet.msp.mn.us/people/guestb/pubed/cofaq.html>.
(Personally I prefer the CO detector with the digital readout since I can tell at a glance if it is picking up anything. Also, it can be reset. See notes in
FAQ in the section for electric vs. battery operated).

Tips for use of CO Detectors

1. Carbon monoxide detectors do NOT function as smoke detectors.

2. Smoke detectors do Not work as carbon monoxide detectors.

3. Select detector(s) listed by a qualified, independent testing laboratory.

4. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for placement in your home.

5. Treat all activations as real, and get the activation checked out by a professional.

6. Evacuate everyone from your home immediately, leaving the door open for ventilation on your way out.

7. Notify the fire service from a neighbor's home.

8. Test CO detectors at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Replace CO detectors and batteries according to the manufacturer' s instructions.

The U.S. Fire Administration has many publications etc. that can be ordered free of charge. A listing of these can be found at <http://www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications/>.

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TURKEY FRYERS NOT ENDORSED BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)

Turkey fryers that are popular at this time of the year do not have the UL Seal of Approval. With the hazards of the combination of hot oil over an open flame and people not using them in a safe manner, UL has opted not to endorse them. Like anything else, they can be used safely, and they cannot be left unsupervised when in use. A recent news story, including a video of how rapidly a fire can get out of hand is at <http://www.wndu.com/news/turkeyfr/turkeyfr.php>.

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CURRICULUM FOR PREVENTING FIRES AT THE GAS PUMP

Following a personal experience with a gas pump fire caused by static
electricity, a Purdue Extension Educator has developed a curriculum that
teaches gas pump fire prevention. The materials are comprehensive and easy to use. If you are interested in looking further into the available
information, please visit <http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/extension/gaspump/>.

Throughout Indiana and neighboring states, the material is being taken very well. Curriculum contents include a video to purchase as well as a PowerPoint presentation, lesson plan, and handouts for downloading. All items are available at the above URL.

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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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