Employee Safety

Flames engulf plow vehicle, driver unharmed

By Geoffrey McPherson, Employee Safety

On April 14, a WYDOT vehicle was plowing a section of roadway when the driver heard a loud pop from the passenger side of the engine compartment and immediately lost power. The driver pulled the truck over and observed smoke, and a short time later, flames coming from under the hood near the turbocharger. The driver attempted to put out the flames with an on-board portable fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. The fire engulfed the cab of the truck. The vehicle is considered a complete loss. No one was injured in the incident.

What are some things you can do to help prevent a vehicle catching fire? Below are some pre-inspection recommendations.:

Inspecting vehicle before use

1.Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and document it with an M-47 before each use. 2.Ensure that belts, hoses and pulleys are working properly and are in good condition. 3.Check for any leaks, both underneath the vehicle and in the engine bay. 4.If any issues are found be sure to document them with an

SO-5 and notify your supervisor so that the problem can be remedied. 5.Ensure that there is a fire extinguisher installed in the vehicle.

Fire extinguishers are for you to get to safety, or to extinguish very small/incipient fires. • Inspect the fire extinguisher at least monthly, checking that it is charged, and that the pin has not come loose. • Ensure that all employees know where the fire extinguisher is located within the vehicle. • A “fire extinguisher inside” sticker should be placed outside the area the fire extinguisher is located. • Ensure that all employees have proper training in the use of portable fire extinguishers. • Remember PASS; 1. Pull the pin 2. Aim at the base of the fire 3. Squeeze the handle 4. Sweep the nozzle side to side

All types of equipment and tools used by WYDOT employees should be inspected prior to their use and be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. n

WYDOT plow vehicle erupted into flames after driver heard loud pop from engine compartment.

Extinguishing a Fire

By Erik Brannigan, District 4 Safety Representative

On June 3 during material hauling operations, the left rear dual tire on an 8-yard truck suffered damage causing it to heat up and begin smoking. The driver felt the malfunction and immediately pulled the truck over. However, by the time the driver had retrieved the fire extinguisher, the tire had begun to burn catching the surrounding tires on fire as well.

During the blaze, all eight tires caught fire very quickly. The air inside the tires had expanded due to heat and the tires began to explode causing projectiles of molten rubber and steel belting to be discharged. The intense heat of the fire caused the truck’s brake canisters to become overheated, and due to the fatigue caused by heat, the springs broke free from the canister. If a person were in the path of these, the injury could be very severe or even fatal. Thankfully, no WYDOT personnel were injured during the incident.

A tire that is on fire will reach temperatures of more than 750 degrees Fahrenheit and will emit dangerous smoke that can cause serious health issues if inhaled. Tire fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and often require a foam solution versus conventional firefighting methods. When a tire is on fire while attached to the vehicle, it is important to remember that the fuel system is under pressure and if the fire breaches a fuel source, the resulting pressure will cause the vehicle to be consumed VERY quickly.

Employees are not expected to try and fight equipment fires that can’t be immediately extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Employees are expected to evacuate the immediate area of the fire and assist in keeping others away until the fire department arrives on scene.

Finally, as the summer heat continues to rise, remember to do regular checks of tire pressure and tread depth, regularly fill out M-47s and report any concerns or abnormalities to your shop mechanics for inspection. n

By Geoffrey McPherson, Employee Safety

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death.

In 2018, 162 people died in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.

People most at risk include:

• Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars; • People 65 and older; • People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications; and/or • People who are overweight.

Heat Exhaustion

When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include: • Sweating; • Pale, ashen or moist skin; • Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures); • Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion; • Headache, dizziness or fainting; • Nausea or vomiting; and • Rapid heart rate.

Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly: • Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area; • Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages; and/or • Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower.

Heat Stroke

Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include: • Body temperature above 103 degrees; • Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped; • Rapid breathing; • Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status; • Irrational or belligerent behavior; and/or • Convulsions or unresponsiveness.

Immediately take action:

• Call 911; • Move the victim to a cool place; • Remove unnecessary clothing; • Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer); • If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels; • Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees; and • Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed.

DO NOT:

• Force the victim to drink liquids; • Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin; or • Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets.

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Air conditioning is the best way to cool off; • Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol; • Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat; • Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks; • Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; • Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself; and • Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body.

Keep Each Other Safe

If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends: • Working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat; • Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty; • Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke; and • Take time to rest and cool down.

In your community, please check in on neighbors who are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool. n