Toolbox Talk

TOOLBOX TALK: LINE OF FIRE HAZARDS PART 

The line separating safety from danger is sometimes quite small.

To avoid crossing that line, we must

(1) always be aware of the hazards around us;

(2) understand the machines and operations in our work areas;

(3) take the time to think about the possible consequences that may result from where we place our bodies or the actions we perform.

When we do this, we can avoid suddenly finding ourselves in the “line of fire.”

• We must be aware of the hazards presented by tension and gravity;

• Equipment operators and bystanders alike must be aware of the flying debris and projectiles;

• We must be alert when working around moving machinery, automated equipment and other potential hazards.

SUDDEN RELEASE OF TENSION

A supervisor asked Troy to cut off the bands that bound some pallets of work material.

When Troy cut the first sharp metal band with some shears, it flew away with enough force to inflict a nasty cut to his elbow.

He had no idea that the sudden release of tension could cause this to happen; he didn’t realize he had placed himself in the line of fire.

• The sudden release of tension can be hazardous.

• Tension is a specific type of stored energy and can be found in many forms, such as springs, chains, lifting straps and tie-downs.

• Always position yourself out of harm’s way and be prepared for a sudden release of tension.

HAZARDS PRESENTED BY GRAVITY

At the end of his shift at the steel plant, Scott needed to advance a large water pipe down to the loading area so he could go home.

Instead of waiting for the pipe hauler to return to the area, he decided to rock the pipe and kick out the chocks.

He assumed the pipe would roll down the line so it could be loaded and that he could get out of the way when it started to roll.

He realized too late that he had placed himself in the line of fire as he was unable to move out of the pipe’s path before it rolled over and crushed his leg.

• Gravity is another type of stored energy that must be considered a potential hazard.

• For example, a large roll-up door is held up by a spring and a few moving parts; any failure could cause it to come crashing down.

• Standing under it places you in the line of fire. Rather than pass under it, use a pedestrian door instead.

• Gravity is a constant force that we often restrain by using various devices, such as chocks, blocks and valves.

Removing these devices without considering what may happen next can be a crushing decision.

• Other examples of gravity becoming a hazard include items dropping from material handling equipment,

materials falling from conveyors and elevated platforms or materials falling when stacked too high.

• Stay alert for these types of situations and avoid them.

MOVING MACHINERY

Moving machinery can present various dangers. When working around any type of moving machinery, it’s important to understand the movement and the actions of the machine.

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance to be sure you understand the various hazards presented by the machinery in your work area.

Many machine hazards can be controlled by guards, electric beams, pressure mats and other safety devices, but do not depend on them for your protection.

Often it is the combination of two mistakes that leads to an injury, such as the guard being removed and a hand being placed near the turning gears of a machine.

Remember, moving equipment has no brain, but you do.

You must use it to avoid placing your body in the line of fire.

Don’t be fooled by parts that aren’t moving; a machine can start up at any time unless it has been properly shutdown and removed from service.

Even when you are controlling the action, having your fingers in the line of fire is an injury waiting to happen.

Freddy needed to use a crane to lift some work materials. He was in a hurry and was trying to free the hook from another load so he could move the crane to his area.

Freddy attempted to lower the hook with one hand while trying to free it with the other.

When he hit the up button instead of the down, he discovered just how quickly a line of fire injury can occur as his finger was caught and severed between the hook and the sling holding the load.

MOVING VEHICLES

Lanny was taking a shortcut through an area where heavy equipment was in operation.

He knew pedestrians were not supposed to pass through this area, but he thought it would be okay just this once.

Just as he got behind the tire of a large construction vehicle, the driver decided to back up and Lanny was crushed to death.

The driver had no way to know Lanny was behind him; Lanny placed himself directly in the line of fire.

Similar incidents happen each year when workers are injured by forklifts, cranes, utility carts and automobiles.

Most equipment operators are taught that pedestrians have the right of way, but that only applies if the operator is aware of your presence.

Pedestrians should treat these types of vehicles just like any other piece of unpredictable automated equipment and stay clear.

“Don’t ever believe anyone that tells you that you can’t make a difference; if we all work on our little parts of the planet we will change the world” Tara Quinn