Safety and Equipment

1. Safety and Equipment Module 4: Safety and Equipment Rasma Plato

2. Contributors The Low Impact Development Center, Inc. John Shorb Landscaping, Inc. Logo Groundwork Anacostia River, D.C. Logo

3. Overview • OSHA • Vehicle Safety • Personal Safety • Equipment Safety • Site Safety • DDOT MOT • DC Water

4. Expected Outcomes • Understand the importance of remaining observant and alert • Understand risks of tools used to construct rain gardens • Know what safety training is available and applicable

5. OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Administration • Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. • Refer to OSHA for guidance on any safety and health issues: http://www.osha.gov/

6. OSHA

8. Vehicle Safety • No texting while driving • Program GPS before leaving for job site • Use seatbelts • Observe traffic regulations and speed limits

9. Vehicle Safety Be Prepared! Always carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit

10. Vehicle Safety • Park in appropriate areas only; do not block through traffic, driveways, etc. or cause a safety hazard for others • Use caution getting out of parked vehicles on street For more info: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/Safe_Driving_Practices.pdf

11. Personal Safety • Use personal protective equipment • Safety googles • Gloves • Hardhats • Ear plugs or mufflers • Safety footwear For more info: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf

12. Break • 5 minute leg stretch

13. Assess the Site Where are there hazards?

14. Site Safety • Carefully assess a site when you first step onto it • Consider what is above and below you as well as what’s on ground level • Note all hazards and determine how to address them before work begins • Anticipate the unexpected

15. Site Safety • Underground Utilities • Look for marked main underground water, electrical and gas lines • Determine location of other underground utilities • Electrical • Gas • Water • Irrigation

16. Site Safety • Above Ground Utilities • Note location of any overhead wiring, especially if using tall equipment • Note location of utility boxes and meters

17. Site Safety • Falling and Tripping Hazards • Uneven and sloped ground • Debris (tree limbs, construction materials) • Carelessly left tools and equipment • Steps and low walls • Holes and excavations

18. Site Safety • Slipping Hazards • Steep hillsides • Wet areas • During or after a rainstorm • Water ponding or collecting • Water from drainage systems • Slippery walkways, patios and other hard surfaces For more info: http://www.landcarenetwork.org/riskmgmt/PLANETSafetyTips1april05.pdf

19. Break • 20 minute break

20. Equipment Safety • Heavy Equipment • Trucks • Power Tools • Hand Tools

21. Heavy Equipment • Backhoe • Know your equipment • Always know where your co-workers are • Do not let anyone ride on the equipment For more info: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/trench_excavation_fs.pdf

22. Heavy equipment • Do not walk under extended arm • Do not operate equipment too close to the edge of the hole

23. Heavy Equipment • Bobcat

24. Trucks • Always use one spotter when backing up • Put wheel chocks on downhill side of wheels • Put orange cones at corners of truck

25. Power Tools • Jackhammers: • Use earplugs to protect hearing • Use masks to avoid breathing dustFor more info: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3080.pdf

26. Power Tools • Circular saws: • Use water to prevent excess dust • Use earplugs to protect hearing • Use masks to avoid breathing dust

27. Hand Tools • Shovels • Rakes • Pick axes For more info: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3080.pdf

28. Fuel Safety Use correct gas type: clean, mixed or diesel

29. Other Hazards • Encountering Wildlife • Most wildlife avoids and do not act aggressively unless threatened. • Do not harm, or attempt to capture or handle wildlife. • Sick, strange-acting or dangerous wildlife should be reported to local officials. For more info: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/rodents_snakes_insects.pdf

30. Other Hazards • Encountering Wildlife • Snakes • Be alert and use caution when working around rock and debris piles. • Wear heavy gloves when lifting and moving rocks and wood piles. • If a snake is spotted, step away and allow it to leave the area. Do not molest or try to capture or handle. • Get medical attention immediately if bitten.

31. Other Hazards • Encountering Wildlife • Small mammals (raccoons, opossums, squirrels, groundhogs, etc.) • Healthy animals will leave quickly if disturbed; step away and do not attempt to capture or otherwise handle. • Aggressive animals may carry rabies or other illnesses. Quickly get to a safe area until the animal leaves. • Get immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.

32. Other Hazards • Encountering Wildlife • Bees and stinging insects • Bee stings can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. • Be alert for bee nests, both hanging and in the ground. • Do not intentionally disturb, unless necessary. • If allergic and stung, seek immediate medical help.

33. Other Hazards • Encountering Wildlife • Ticks • Ticks can transmit Lyme and other diseases • Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts if working in wooded or tall grass areas. • Spray clothing and exposed skin with insect repellant. • Check for and immediately remove any ticks found on skin or clothing. For more info: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_LymeFacts/lymefac.pdf

34. Other Hazards • Working Outdoors in Warm Climates • Protect yourself from sun and heat • Be aware of poison ivy and other poisonous plants • Be aware of mosquitos, which can transmit disease For more info: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf

35. Resources