|
| | ||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SUBSCRIBE | NEWSSTAND LOCATIONS | ||||
| ||||
|
|
| | |
Keep safety in mind when cleaning up after flood damage Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Agri News staff writer
As flood and storm damage cleanup efforts continue, it is important to consider safety issues.
Often times, people may know safety guidelines but fail to put them into action after a dramatic and stressful event like a flood, said John Shutske, Extension safety specialist for the University of Minnesota.
He said one real farm safety concern is electrical systems. If electrical equipment has been exposed to flood water and moisture, it is important to wait to turn the machine on until it has been inspected by an electrician.
If you purchase an emergency generator plug tools, lights and appliances directly into the generator. Connecting the generator directly into a home or farmstead's circuits can only be done by a qualified, licensed electrician who will install a special switch to keep the generator from feeding power back into the power company's lines. If this step is overlooked, repair power crews working to restore your electric service could be put at risk.
Anyone working outside or in a damp indoor area with electrical tools and cleanup equipment should ensure they are plugged into an outlet protected by a ground fault circuit interrupters.
"These devices protect against electrical shock in damp conditions and have saved hundreds of lives," said Shutske.
Always use gasoline or diesel powered pumps, generators and pressure washers outside to ensure proper ventilation. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it is impossible to guarantee adequate ventilation when using these machines indoors. Without ventilation, the user will be exposed to carbon monoxide, a deadly colorless, odorless gas.
When using a tractor to pull debris or free stuck vehicles from muddy conditions, Shutske said it is essential to use a heavy duty steel chain that is in good shape, including the hooks on the end. Do not use a nylon rope because if it breaks it could act like a massive, snapping rubber band.
"There have been cases where people have been instantly killed," he said.
It is also important to hook up to the tractor's drawbar, and not anywhere higher. People have been injured in the past by hitching too high on the tractor, thinking they will achieve more leverage. In reality, this may cause the tractor to tip backwards. Shutske recommends these tractors be equipped with a rollover protective structure.
If any environmental contamination occurs, such as manure spills or pesticides spilling into water, it is required to contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at (800) 422-0789 or (651) 649-5451.
During flood and storm damage cleanup, Shutske said it's always a good idea to wear heavy duty impermeable gloves.
When working with typical flood water where mold has not had an opportunity to grow, a face mask is usually optional unless recommended by local authorities. If pesticides have spilt, check the label to see if one is necessary. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should seek a health care professional's advice before wearing a protective face mask.
The University of Minnesota Agricultural and Food System Safety, Health and Homeland Security program conducts numerous workshops and planning events to help farmers, agricultural businesses and other small businesses plan and prepare for emergencies and disasters. For more information, contact Shutske@umn.edu.
|
| | |
| |
Copyright 2008 Agri News
All Rights Reserved
