SAFETY ZONE


OFFSEASON SHOP SAFETY F


or many NALP members, especially those in more northern climates, the off-season


Sam Steel, PhD NALP Safety Advisor


is rapidly approaching. Planting and mowing season will be coming to the end of what was hopefully a successful year for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t very important work to do. Much of this work comes under the heading of equipment maintenance and takes place in shop areas. During the grow- ing season, maintenance shops are busy keep- ing equipment and tools in working condition and available on a daily basis. In the offseason, shop employees begin assessing fleet vehicles and machinery to determine which need major repairs, preventive maintenance and replace- ment. As the equipment needing maintenance and


repairs comes into the shop, some important safety rules and suggestions should be fol- lowed: 1. Make sure that all shop exits are clearly marked and not blocked with equipment or supplies on either the inside or outside of the access doors.


2. Make sure that shop fire extinguishers are fully charged and stored in highly visible areas for easy access.


3. Store all flammables in safety cans and cabinets and away from work areas where sparks or an ignition source could begin a catastrophic fire.


4. Never use blade sharpening or grinding ma- chines without protective eyewear.


5. Never use a grinding wheel without guard- ing because wheels have been known to shatter, creating hazardous flying debris.


6. Never use a grinder without a tool rest for ensuring safety and stability.


7. Never refuel equipment indoors or when the engine is hot.


8. Because shops are typically enclosed during colder weather, require the use of hearing protection when loud equipment is being operated.


9. Shop rags that have been saturated with sol- vents or other flammable liquids should be stored in fireproof containers.


36 THE LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016


Consultations with Sam Steel are a member benefit and are included in the cost of NALP membership. Email safetyspecialist@landscapeprofessionals. org for your free consultation.


Sponsor:


10. Make sure that employees who don’t usu- ally work in the shop have been trained on offseason shop safety guidelines before starting their duties.


11. Maintain good lighting in the shop and its access areas.


12. Shop floors should be kept free of slipping and tripping hazards.


13. Make sure that shop employees use sturdy footwear that prevents crushing injuries from heavy materials and machinery.


14. Make sure that equipment being raised with jacks is also blocked to prevent moving or falling.


15. Never allow an employee to work under the hydraulically raised bed of a truck or trailer unless a locking mechanism is in place to prevent accidental release.


16. Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit in a prominent location.


17. Never store heavy and unstable bulk materi- als on unsecured shelves above head level.


18. Assign the proper hand protection to anyone working on sprayers, mowers and other equipment that has the potential for exposure to toxic residues, sharp edges and pinch points.


19. Assign a management staff member to periodically inspect the shop area to ensure compliance with the firm’s safety policies and procedures.


Augmenting comprehensive shop safety poli-


cies translates into a professionally run land- scape firm that is serious about worker safety year-round! 7


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