Doug’s Tips & Tricks

Doug RisedenHi! It’s Doug Riseden with more installation tips.

As the days start to get shorter and the nights longer, here are a couple of tips for staying safe during night time repairs. Remember: your employees are your most valuable asset, so every precaution should be taken to make sure they come home safely every day.

 

 

 

 

Sept. 2015 KC - Doug Tips+Tricks1. Move carefully and deliberately on the work site
Many times, workers will want to get the job done quickly and skip some steps. This is understandable but it’s important to remind them to slow down, and work more cautiously than they do during the day. Even if they are very familiar with performing certain repairs, dark areas and shadows can hinder their perception of risk.

Planning and communication become crucial during night time operations. Before the job starts, supervisors should have a brief meeting to ensure all team members understand what will take place at the work site, what their role is, and where they will be located throughout the night. Plan your work and work your plan!

Make sure everything is done with a focus on safety. This includes wearing reflective clothing in accordance with the law, and using a trench box or shoring to ensure that the trench doesn’t collapse while workers are inside. There are many who never use a trench box because it gets in the way of some repairs. At night, the use of trench boxes and shoring is even more critical. Make trench boxes a normal part of every excavation, and never put speed ahead of safety.

 

Night install

2. Keep area well lit and clear
In the interests of saving time, sometimes workers will use the lights of the backhoe to do this job without auxiliary lighting and a generator. These lights will not supply enough illumination for the work site and compromise safety.

Use floodlights to illuminate any equipment crossings, and other areas where crew members will be working. Flaggers in particular should be well lit to ensure their own safety, and the safety of the work zone. If drivers can’t see the flagger, his or her ability to slow down, divert or stop traffic is hindered.

Floodlights can also blind drivers entering a work zone. Once lights are set, a worker should drive through the area to observe the lights’ positioning and make adjustments as necessary. The use of self-righting work lights are a great way to provide light without causing it to shine in motorists’ eyes. Keep the work area also clear of obstacles, tools, and equipment.

The use of rotating or flashing amber lights on service vehicles is necessary and required by law in most states, however, these lights can be their own hazard. They can be very bright and blind drivers who are traveling the roadways and prevent safe driving. Where ever possible, direct these lights so drivers can see properly as they drive through and ensure worker safety.

I love getting your questions. If you have one, just sent it to me at doug.riseden@HYMAXusa.com.

In this issue of HYMAX Connected
September 2015 Hymax Connect | Hymax In the News | Case Study: HYMAX VERSA | Hymax USA Q&A | Doug's Tips & Tricks