Category Archives: High Visibility Safety

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

DEVELOP WORK ZONE TRAFFIC SAFETY PLANS

DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA chief encourages safe cleanup efforts

The U.S. Department of Labor is always concerned that the loss of life or serious injury to recovery workers won’t be added to tragedies caused by calamitous weather.  Quoting Ed Foulke, Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “I encourage you to take proper precautions to avoid serious injury.  Identify the risks.  Wear personal protective equipment when working in cleanup areas.”

These words can apply to the many disasters in our country: tornadoes, floods, and fires.  Using professionally trained personnel and volunteers, recovery crews need to be informed of the special hazards they are facing before they begin their efforts, and particularly how to stay protected in areas with moving equipment and traffic.

An example of such planning includes:

  • Develop a traffic control plan, and properly train all workers involved.
  • Provide the crew with high visibility apparel and headwear that is visible day or night, and conspicuous to motorists and equipment operators.
  • Signs need to be placed well ahead of the work area to give motorists advance notice.
  • Traffic Controls such as barriers, cones, and a flag person are to be utilized.
  • Flag personnel must wear high visibility headwear and clothing.  They should stand alone while doing their duty.  Other workers should never gather around the person who is flagging traffic.
  • Crew members need to be trained not to stand between mechanical equipment and fixed objects or blind spots.

Blog4Safety says “Thank You” to the many unsung heroes who do this type of work every day as their regular job, or volunteer in times of need.
Source: OSHA
USDOL

High Visibility Safety

HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS, PART II

The purpose of these articles is to help everyone understand the difference in ANSI Standard 107-2004, and ANSI Standard 207-2006, High Visibility Safety Vests that are required to be worn by workers on all federally funded highways.  As previously stated, the ANSI 207-2006 vests do not replace or interchange with the ANSI 107-2004.   It is hoped that the Standards of the 207-2006 vests will be amended soon.  Strong public safety justifications exist to recognize the 207-2006 vests.

Garment design is the key distinction in the two standards.  By allowing less (450 sq. inches) of background fabric to be used, law enforcement could now combine Police Blue fabrics with fluorescent orange or yellow.  Fire Service could use their traditional red, orange, or yellow fabrics, but needed Fire Resistant fabrics per the (NFPA 701) and or (ASTM F-1506) standards.  EMS personnel traditionally wear navy or white.  The National Incident Management System (NIMS) encouraged the use of colorcoding response personnel and/or the use of ID panels.  The result is new vest designs that combine non-traditional fire resistant and poly-cotton fabrics with fluorescent fabrics to create entirely new designs for “Public Safety Vests” and “First Responder Safety Vests”.  Many are one-size-fits-most, which allows for difference in personnel that will use these vests in an emergency.  Clear and velcro removable ID panels permit fast changes in assignments during Incident Management.  (There is also a new Incident Command Vest, which we will discuss later.)

The main difference is that the 207 vest features a shorter length. It has velcro “break-away” sides and shoulder designs on select products, which provide an extra level of protection in the event that the vest becomes tangled or caught on something.  Another advantage of the shorter vest is the ease of access to belt mounted tools, or handguns for law enforcement.  Following these considerations, the new ANSI 207-2006 standard allows Public Safety personnel to maintain their identity as First Responders.

The new standard suggests many design options, such as breakaway, colored identifiers, pockets, loops, badge holders, microphone tabs and ID panels.  These are suggestions and not mandatory to the standard.  The design options are intended to encourage inventive ways to meet end user needs for functionality, while still offering a high visibility safety garment.

It is our hope that all of our highway workers, Public Safety Workers, and First Responders remain safe as they perform their important jobs on our nations highways.

High Visibility Safety

HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS- Part I

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In January, 2006, the Federal Highway Administration published the most recent Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (The MUJTCD.)  This MUJTCD revision accepted and coded into law for the first time the ANSI 107-1999 High Visibility Apparel Standard.  The acceptance of the ANSI 107-2004 Standard (current revision) was a distinct advancement for highway workers.

For Public Safety Workers such as Fire, Police, State Patrol, Emergency Personnel, and other First Responders, however, the circumstances and use of High Visibility Apparel on the job was unclear.  Many Public Safety workers were exempted from using high visibility apparel, and were only partially covered by the ANSI 107 standard and the MUTCD.  In 2006, the FHWA announced that effective in 2006, ALL workers working on a highway that received federal funds must wear high visibility ANSI apparel.  The new rule now included Public Safety personnel, such as those named above, as they are a part of directing traffic, investigating crashes, handling lane closures, clearing obstructed roadways, and all other disasters within the right of way of federal highways.  All First Responders working on any highway that received federal funds were being advised to use ANSI High Visibility Apparel.  The vests must be Class 2 or Class 3.

There was the concern by Public Safety Workers that completing hazardous work such as heat/flame exposure, use of weapons and fire/chemical/electrical exposure, are all part of the risks of on-the-job traffic accidents and required judgment in the use of High Visibility apparel, and flexibility of design for these workers.

The ISEA, working in conjunction with select law enforcement, fire, rescue, EMS, and other city and state First Responder organizations began work on a new consensus standard specifically for Public Service Safety Vests.  The result was the publication of the ANSI 207 Public Safety Vest standard, approved by canvas method and published in late 2006, and it is hoped that the regulation will soon be amended, as the 207 is not intended to be interchangeable or replace the 107.   The ANSI 207-2006 accepted as “Best Practices” much of this standard as defined by the already published ANSI 107-2004 for workers.  In regard to definitions of fluorescent fabrics, retro-reflective tapes, 3rd party testing care labels, marking, and other requirements, the same standards for high visibility public safety are nearly identical.  The required amount of retro-reflective material is the same (201 square inches).

Our next segment will explain the details of the 207-2006 vests that Public Safety Workers felt would better meet their needs.  Stay tuned…………………

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

WAYS TO HAVE A SAFE WALK

Walking is an inexpensive way to get exercise and fresh air, all at the same time!  My day begins with taking my dog for a walk.  He thinks his day is ruined if he doesn’t get to go for a walk; therefore, I have him to thank for motivating me to get into a healthy routine.
Living in a small town, I don’t face as many obstacles as those who live in cities do.  Walkers in larger towns have walking lanes that provide a safe place to walk, but there are other hazards they face.

Here are some tips that may be helpful:

  • Be sure to walk where there is sufficient lighting.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing in order to be visible to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight if you walk when daylight begins to dim.
  • Watch for speeding or distracted drivers.
  • Carry a cell phone with you.
  • Walk against traffic.
  • Leave jewelry at home.
  • Stay on the sidewalk if possible.
  • Cross only at marked intersections.
  • See and Be Seen!
  • Have a walking partner; if you have a dog, you will make his/her day!

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are almost 5,000 pedestrian deaths annually in the United States.  Don’t be a statistic, stay safe!

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Uncategorized

HINTS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN

October is the month for ghosts and goblins, and chances are, you’ve already bought that costume for your little trick or treater.  What a great time for everyone  involved –  parents, kids, and those handing out treats!   A little “thank you” from a spooky monster is a treat for the ones answering the door.  The only thing the children are interested in is filling their bags or plastic pumpkins with goodies; however, safety experts recommend that before October 31st, parents start talking about Halloween safety to their children. 

Here’s some tips for parents to  remember when they are driving their kids to Trick or Treat:

  • Drive slowly
  • Be careful entering and exiting your driveway
  • Do not place children in the back of a pickup truck
  • Watch for children darting from behind parked cars

Caution your Trick or Treaters to:

  • Never accept rides or treats from strangers in cars or trucks
  • Be careful around animals, even their own.  Costumes may scare some pets
  • Go only to houses with porch lights on
  • Walk, don’t run!
  • Look both ways when crossing streets
  • Wait to eat candy until they get home and you have inspected it

Parents should also:

  • Accompany children under age 12
  • Never let them go alone (if they are older, the buddy system works best!)
  • See that their costumes are flame retardant and do not drag on the ground, and that their masks don’t restrict  their vision
  • Consider using face paint
  • Use reflective tape or reflective stickers to make them easily visible
  • Choose light-colored costumes
  • Have them carry a flashlight or glow stick
  • Know the routes older children plan to take
  • Put pets in a quiet room, away from the excitement
  • Consider using battery-operated LED lights rather than candles
  • Inspect all candy and treats and discard any that appear to be slightly unwrapped or tampered with
  • Discard any candy that might present a choking hazard for little ones

If older children are attending a Halloween party, be certain that there will be  adult supervision.  By planning ahead, you will be doing your part to ensure that it is a safe and fun night for everyone!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

A’ Hunting We Will Go!

If you are getting ready to exercise your right to bear arms, whether it’s against deer, turkey, moose, or waterfowl, here are some reminders for your safe hunting:

  • Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded.
  • Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
  • During daylight hours, be sure to wear a hat or cap, vest, rain wear, or outer garment that is Hunter Orange and visible from all sides.
  • Some states allow camouflage vests if they are 50% Hunter Orange.
  • Keep control of your emotions.
  • If you are in an elevated deer blind, wear a fall resistant device, when climbing, sitting, or descending from position.
  • Maintain your weapon properly.
  • Carry flashlight for dim situations, so that you may be seen.
  • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Waterfowl hunters should wear waterproof, warm clothing, and take spare clothes.  Chemical hand warmers come in handy when hunting in cold conditions.

Be sure to tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return.  Take your cell phone for added security.  Happy Hunting!

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Weather Protection

Are You Bright Enough For Your Work?

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Until the document regarding American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999) was published, there was no authoritative guide for performance specifications, design, and use of high visibility and reflective apparel, which included vests, bib-jumpsuit coveralls, jackets, harnesses and trousers.  The many workers that need this protection are now assured of being seen, both day and night, when they wear apparel that conforms to these regulations.  These conspicuity classes of garments are based on wearer’s activities:
Class I:

  • Occupations requiring full and undivided attention to approaching traffic, moving no faster than 25 mph.
  • Non-complex work backgrounds.
  • Working away from traffic.
  • Examples: Sidewalk maintenance workers, parking lot attendants, roadside “right of way”, delivery vehicle drivers (if criteria is met for Class I), shopping cart retrievers, and workers in warehouses with equipment traffic.

Class I garments should have a visible background of 217 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 155 sq. inches.
Class II:

  • Occupations for workers that need greater visibility in inclement weather, or have greater risks than Class I; whose activities are near roadways where traffic speeds exceed 25 mph but less than 50 mph.
  • Complex work backgrounds.
  • Diversion of traffic attention.
  • Examples: Ship cargo handlers, roadway construction, airport baggage/ground crew, emergency response/law enforcement, forestry, railway workers, school crossing guards, trash collection and recycling, delivery vehicle drivers where criteria is met.

Class II garments should have a visible background of 755 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 201 sq. inches.
Class III:

  • Occupations of workers who face serious hazards and have high task loads that require attention away from their work.  Garments should provide enhanced visibility to more of the body, such as arms and legs.  Workers in locations where traffic exceeds 50 mph, should have the highest level of conspicuity.
  • Workers who are exposed to extreme weather conditions.
  • High risk workers and limited sight distances jobs.
  • Examples: Utility workers, roadway personnel, survey crews, emergency response, equipment operators, railway workers, accident side investigators.

Class III garments should have a visible background of 1240 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 310 sq. inches.

Always be sure that the label on the vests identifies the vest maker and that it meets ANSI/ISEA.  It should display a picture of the vest, class and brightness level, and garment care guide.
Source: ANSI, Occunomix

High Visibility Safety

The Colors of Safety Awareness

When you are driving down the highway, and you see construction workers, rescue workers, or persons picking up litter along the roads, have you noticed the bright colors they wear? Those safety vests, hard hats, clothing, reflective stripes, etc. are there for their protection and to assure that they are conspicuous to oncoming traffic.

When you watch emergency personnel doing their job, notice those bright colors on their clothing, and remember color is just one of the many ways to help ensure a person’s safety.

Primary Safety Colors are:

Safety Orange – Used for vests, traffic cones, hunting vests, barrels and other construction marking devices.

Fire Engine Red – Named mainly for fire engines and other emergency vehicles.

Chartreuse Yellow – Greater visibility at night; many cities now use this color for fire engines and emergency equipment.

Neon Yellow – Most visible color to the human eye, present on most vests.

High Visibility Yellow – Used for coveralls, rainwear, slush boots.

High Visibility Safety Products are a neccessity when working near traffic. Remember to be safe and plan ahead.