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Topics - Charlie

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31
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Driving Fatigue Quick Tips
« on: April 04, 2008, 10:29:57 pm »
Submitted by Mr. Breeden


                                              Driving Fatigue Quick Tips

If you are planning a long trip, AAA offers the following tips for avoiding fatigue:

1. Prepare for your trip by getting a good night’s sleep the night before. Plan to drive during the time that you are normally awake and stay overnight rather than traveling straight through.

2. Avoid driving during the body’s “down time”. According to AAA, this is generally in the mid-afternoon and between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

3. If you have passengers, talk to them. It will help to keep you alert, and they will also be able to tell if you are showing signs of getting sleepy.

4. Schedule a break every 2 hours or every 100 miles. Take a nap, stretch, take a walk and get some exercise before resuming your trip. Stop if you feel you are getting sleepy.

“Tricks” that do not work: Opening the window, turning on the air conditioning, or playing loud music are not effective in keeping drivers alert for any extended period of t

32
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Childrens Shoes w/Wheels
« on: March 31, 2008, 06:57:38 pm »
Shoes That Cruise

A new fad for children is shoes with wheels in the heels, or “Wheelies”. You see them everywhere: in stores, in the mall, on sidewalks and occasionally on you when the kids run into you.
A growing trend with these wheeled shoes is injuries related to falls when the user gets out of control and crashes.
Hospitals and pediatricians are reporting increased numbers of children suffering injuries such as ankle, leg and wrist fractures, sprains and bruises, and in some cases serious head injuries. If you buy these shoes for your children remind them that the hazards of these shoes are similar to skateboards or scooters. Children should wear wrist, knee and head protection. They should also practice using the shoes in a protected, flat area to get use to them before going outside. The shoes should never be used in the street or on steep hills, where the child can lose control quickly and crash. Children should also be taught to not use the shoes in pubic areas, particularly where elderly people are present and could be startled by a child hurtling by them.
Like all child safety issues, a balance of fun and safety sense is needed. Help them practice basic safety awareness – it will last a lifetime, and help them live a long and injury-free life.

Submitted By Mr. Breeden

33
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Basic Vehicle Safety
« on: March 06, 2008, 05:48:30 pm »
Submitted for post by Kentucky Steve.

                                                   Vehicle Safety

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motor vehicle accidents kill an average of 40,000 people in the U.S. each year.

To help ensure vehicle safety while on the road, the National Safety Council recommends performing the
following pre-start safety checks.

Every time you get in your car:
·         Adjust your head rest.  Correctly positioned head rests reduce whiplash injuries by 28 percent.
·         Adjust side and rearview mirrors.  This helps to eliminate blind spots and any unnecessary distractions while driving.
·         Buckle seatbelts and make sure they're properly fastened.  In the last 20 years, an estimated 157,500 lives have been saved by wearing seatbelts.
·         Check your fuel level.  In preparing for a trip—large or small—make sure you have enough gasoline in your tank to get there and back.
·         Look for engine warning lights.  Heed warning lights to lessen the chances of vehicle damage or a roadside breakdown.
·         Secure loose objects.  Loose items—from luggage to soda cans—are responsible for approximately 13,000 injuries in accidents each year.
·         Turn off cell phones.  In the last five years alone, nearly 300,000 drivers have been involved in crashes attributed to cell phone use.
 
On a weekly basis:
·         Check fluid levels, especially oil and coolant.  If you want to keep your engine running smoothly and in good shape, it’s essential to keep fluids fresh and at the proper levels.
·         Check for leaks under the car.  Spots or stains under your car can indicate gas, oil, water, power steering, or brake fluid leaks, and mean that you should seek service.
·         Check for proper tire inflation and tread wear.  Annually, more than 23,000 car crashes are attributed to blowouts or flat tires that could have been prevented by regular maintenance.
·         Ensure windshield wipers work and have sufficient fluid.  Check these items to ensure visibility during rain or snow.
·         Test brake lights, directional signals, and head and tail lights.  Confirm that signals are functioning properly, lights are visible and bulbs are burning brightly.

Safety is a money saver:
According to the Department of Energy, following pre-start safety procedures—such as proper tire inflation—can save five cents per gallon for each fill-up.  Additionally, regularly checking your oil and replacing it with the correct grade during an oil change can improve gas mileage as much as two percent, a savings of up to three cents per gallon.

For more information, visit the National Safety Council at nsc.org/issues/drivsafe.htm.

34
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Hang Up and Drive!
« on: March 04, 2008, 06:58:30 pm »
Submitted by Kentucky Steve.

                                                CELL PHONE DISTRACTIONS

 “The most commonly identified driver violations for cell phone users involved in crashes were failure to reduce speed (23.5%), traffic signal violation (9.6%), speeding (4.9%), following too closely (3.5%), and failure to yield (3.5%).” This information is from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.
“Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65% of near crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event.” – Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

 An increasing number of states are introducing and passing legislation to restrict the use of wireless devices by drivers. As of November 2007, six states and the District of Columbia have bans in place (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington). Some states have ruled that text messaging is already covered in the “hands free” legislation.
 
 What steps can drivers take to reduce their risk of having an accident? Although it may seem impractical to some drivers, the best option is to turn off the phone while driving. If your company allows use of cell phones or two way radio devices, here are a few tips:

 Remember that safe driving is your first responsibility. Always buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel (use auto dialers, or ask passengers to place calls for you).

Whenever possible and safe to do so, pull off the highway to make calls.

 Never take notes or read maps while on the phone under any kind of driving conditions. Always pull off the road to a safe, secure parking area to deal with complicated discussions.

 Let the voicemail feature pick up calls when dealing with difficult conditions (bad weather, heavy traffic, etc.).
Although the use of speaker phones, earpieces, auto dialers and speech-activated phones will not eliminate the risk, these features can help you to maintain concentration on driving duties.
 
 Complicated conversations should be minimized – short simple communications should be the norm when in traffic conditions. If a detailed conversation is necessary, ask to conduct the call after you’ve found a place to stop: complex interactions are more likely to cause a significant distraction.

 If you are distracted by a phone conversation, you are putting yourself “at risk” of becoming involved in a collision, and possibly endangering others.

 It is always prudent to minimize distractions when driving, and turning off the phone may be very helpful; however, if your company does not restrict cell use while driving, please be extra careful and vigilant – it only takes a moment to misread hazards on the road that can lead to a collision.

35
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
« on: February 10, 2008, 09:20:47 pm »
Submitted for post by Kentucky Steve.

                                   Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 
Give safety the personal touch!

In manufacturing,industrial and garage settings, the right protective equipment can be the
difference between a happy and a miserable work life. Using the right protective equipment
for your job will help you to focus on the work and other safety issues.

PPE Risks

• Every part of you, particularly head, hands and feet
• Protection from toxic substances
• Environmental protection

Tips for Prevention

• Start at the top. If you wear a hard hat, make sure it fits properly and
that the suspension is adjusted correctly.
• Keep protective glasses or goggles clean and store them properly to avoid scratches or other damage. It’s always a good idea to have a
spare pair handy.
• You may not notice hearing loss until it’s too late. If you’re in a noisy environment, use ear plugs or ear muffs.
• Keep hands and fingers safe by removing all jewelry before you start work. Use the right gloves for the job.
• If you work with chemicals, cleaning solvents, etc., make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing that resists chemicals.
• Never use a respirator that doesn’t fit securely, has become clogged or damaged, or one through which you can smell contaminants.
• Get in step with safety. Wear the right safety footwear, and have it fitted by an expert. The ANSI-Z41 label inside means your footwear meets
recognized safety standards.

 
Source: National Safety Council

36
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Falls in the Home
« on: February 06, 2008, 09:20:16 pm »
 Submitted for post by Kentucky Steve.

                                                Falls in the Home 

Don’t let unsafe behaviors trip you up.


People think of home falls as a problem for the elderly, but the fact is that they’re second
only to poisoning for accidental deaths in the home and community. People of all ages are
vulnerable to falls, but with some common sense, most falls can be prevented.

Home Falls Risks

• Clutter, wires and even pets create obstructions on the floor
• Slippery floors, baths and outside walkways
• Improper use of ladders; unsafe reaching for high shelves, light fixtures, etc.
• Darkness leads to falls at night

Tips for Prevention

• Make sure the floors of your home are free of clutter, piles and other obstacles.
• Avoid scatter rugs and highly waxed floors. Don’t walk around in stocking feet – wear slippers or other skid-proof footwear, or go
barefoot.
• Keep rooms well-lit. Put nightlights in hallways and bathrooms for night visits.
• Install grab bars in bathtubs and showers.
• Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach areas. Use a sturdy step stool with hand rails if you must reach for something in a high place. Keep chairs for sitting.
• Clear fallen leaves, snow and ice from walkways before they become slipping hazards.
• Keep outdoor walkways and steps in good repair.
• Use caution and proper tools for home maintenance; avoid makeshift scaffolding or too-short ladders for hard to reach jobs. Stay off the roof unless you’re certain you know what you’re doing.


Source: National Safety Council

37
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Welding and Hot Work
« on: January 30, 2008, 09:40:16 pm »
 Submitted for post by Kentucky Steve.

HOT WORK

  Welding and other hot work presents significant opportunities for fires and injuries. How work is performed during any
operation involving open flames or work which produces heat and sparks. Typical operations include brazing,
open flame soldering, grinding, arc welding/cutting, oxy-fuel gas welding, hot taps, and torch applied
heat. Because of the high temperatures involved and the potential for fire and serious injury, care must
be taken to ensure that work is performed safely.


Hazards associated with hot work are:

• Fires/Explosions (hot surfaces can be ignition sources)

• Burns (Both from welding equipment itself and hot surfaces)

• Toxic fumes, particles and smoke

• Eye injuries (burn and particle)

• Electric shock

• Noise

• Cuts from grinding wheels

Fire Explosion Precautions

• Do not cut, weld, braze, or grind in the presence of combustible or flammable liquids or
atmospheres (gases, vapors, dusts)

• Do not cut, weld, braze or grind on drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers

• Inspect cracks and holes in floors, walls, and ceilings of the work area to ensure that no
combustible materials, or personnel, will be exposed to sparks, should they pass through the
cracks, hole, or penetration.

• If the object to be worked cannot readily be moved to a routine welding area, move all
combustible materials at least 35 feet from where the hot work will take place.

• If any remaining combustibles cannot be moved, protect the combustibles with appropriate
guards and covers.

• Do not mix aluminum grinding dust and iron or steel grinding dust. Such a mixture can, under
special conditions, explode. Finely divided aluminum mixed with finely divided ferrous oxide
forms Thermite, a compound that burns greater then 3,000 deg. Celsius.


Burns and Personal Injury Precautions

• Using welding curtains and shields

• Ensure adequate ventilation during the hot work process

  a. Materials such as lead, cadmium, and beryllium generate toxic gases when heated to their
vaporization point.

  b. Sanding, grinding, or similar activities can release dangerous respirable particles.

• Protect yourself from electrical shocks by maintaining electrical welding equipment in good
condition. Replace damaged leads immediately.

• Goggles and face shields that give maximum eye protection for each welding, flame cutting and
soldering process shall be worn by personnel performing these operations and helpers assisting in
the hot work.

  a. It is not necessary to have a direct view of a welding arc to injure your eye.
Sufficient light can reflect from nearby surfaces to cause a “welders flash” especially
with prolonged exposures.

• Flame resistant gloves and jackets or aprons should be worn during welding, grinding, flame
cutting and soldering.

• Wear hearing protection for high noise levels produced by grinding or cutting
activities.


38
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Fire Safety
« on: January 28, 2008, 09:21:31 pm »
Submitted for post by Kentucky Steve.

                                                   Fire Safety

Did you know?
A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures can reach 100°F at floor level and rise to 600°F degrees at eye level. Air this hot can melt clothes to skin and scorch lungs when inhaled.
Source: usfa.dhs.gov


Each year in the U.S., approximately 4,000 people die, more than 20,000 people are injured and $6.9 billion in property damage is caused by home fires. You can prevent the loss of life and property by following some basic fire safety guidelines.

Fire prevention
The best way to practice fire safety is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Keep the following fire prevention tips in mind:
· According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading cause of fire deaths is careless smoking. Make sure cigarettes and/or cigars are extinguished properly before dumping ashes, and never smoke in bed.
· Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
· Never leave a burning candle unattended.
· Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
· Avoid cooking fires by keeping your kitchen and appliances grease-free.
· Replace or professionally repair any appliances that overheat, smell unusual or spark.
· Space heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure yours will automatically shut off if tipped over, and keep flammable materials and children at least three feet away.
· Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
Life saving equipment
· Homes should be equipped with smoke detectors on every level, particularly outside of sleeping areas. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
· Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, near the furnace and in your garage. If you must use an extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way out in the event you can't put out the fire.
· Have a slide or rope ladder available if there is only one exit from the upper floor.
· Consider having a residential sprinkler system installed.
Escaping a fire
· Plan and practice an escape route for each area of your home. Be sure to include pets as part of your organized evacuation plan.
· If smoke is present, crawl or stay low to the ground to prevent inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes.
· Always feel a door before opening it. If it's hot, do not open it and find another way out.
· Teach every family member to “stop, drop and roll” if clothes catch fire.
· Teach children not to hide from fire or smoke and to go to firefighters who are there to help them.
· Ensure windows are in proper working order and are not painted shut. Window guards should include a disengagement latch in case you must escape through a window.
· Never take the elevator during a fire. You may be trapped if the power goes out.
· Have a designated meeting place outside.
· Never re-enter a burning building.
· Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.

For more information, visit FireSafety.gov.



39
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Preventing Back Pain and Injuries
« on: January 05, 2008, 08:02:30 am »
Preventing Back Pain and Injuries

*Submitted by Kentucky Steve

Did you know?
Back injuries cost companies $10-14 billion in workers compensation costs and 100 million lost work days annually. 
Source: CDC.gov
 
A healthy back is critical to your ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, sitting and standing, so it's important to take care of it.  Since most back pain and injuries occur from improper use, learning a few basic guidelines can help keep your back in good shape.

 

Exercise
Having strong back and stomach muscles helps to ease the stress your back is put through each day.  By doing simple abdominal and back exercises, you not only strengthen your back and stomach, but also reduce stress and improve your appearance, too.

Lose excess weight
Potbellies and back pain go hand-in-hand.  This is because the extra weight that you carry around the stomach exerts extra force on your back and stomach muscles.  By losing belly fat, you can reduce strain and pain in your back.


Pay attention to posture
Poor posture stresses your back.  When you slouch, you exaggerate your back's natural curves which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.  In contrast, good posture relaxes your muscles and requires minimal effort to balance your body.

·         Sitting: The best way to sit is straight, with your back against the back of the chair with your feet flat on the floor and your knees slightly higher than your hips.  If you sit for long periods of time, try to walk around or stretch about every hour.

·         Standing: Learn to stand tall with your head up and shoulders back.  If you stand for long periods of time, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. While you stand, hold reading material at eye level.  Avoid bending forward to do work.


Lift properly
There’s a right way and a wrong way to lift and carry a large or heavy load.  The next time you do any heavy lifting, remember the following safety tips:

 

·         Always bend at the knees -- never at the waist. 

·         Spread your feet shoulder width apart to give yourself a solid base of support.

·         Make sure you have a good grip on the object.

·         Lift with your leg muscles.

·         Tighten your stomach muscles.

·         Keep the object close to your body.

·         Avoid twisting your body; instead, point your toes in the direction you want to move and pivot in that direction.

·         Avoid lifting over your head or over an obstruction.

·         If possible, divide a heavy load into several lighter ones. 

·         When moving the object, push it instead of pulling it. 

·         Make sure your footing is secure.

·         Lift smoothly and slowly -- don't jerk the load. 

·         Whenever possible, use a cart or dolly to carry a large or heavy object. 

·         Ask for help if you need it.

 


40
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
« on: January 05, 2008, 07:55:02 am »
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

*Submitted by Kentucky Steve

Did you know? Each year in the U.S.,  more than 500 people die and another 15,000 people are treated at hospital emergency rooms for carbon monoxide poisoning.  Source: CDC.gov
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels such as charcoal, coal, fuel oil, natural gas, and wood.  Common sources of CO in the home include gas-fired appliances, motor vehicles and wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces.

Effects of CO exposure can vary depending on a person’s age, health and the concentration and length of exposure.  Symptoms of mild CO poisoning, including fatigue, headaches and nausea, are often mistaken for the flu.  Symptoms of extreme CO poisoning can include hearing and vision impairment, loss of muscle control, mental confusion, unconsciousness, and vomiting.  

Protect yourself
·   ·         Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas and outside bedrooms.  
·   ·         Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting, and chimney systems at least once a year.  
·   ·         Never burn charcoal or portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.  
·   ·         Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door(s) open.  
·   ·         Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.  
·   ·         Do not use gasoline-powered tools indoors.  
·   ·         Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
Signs of a carbon monoxide problem
·   ·         Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of fuel-burning appliances.
·   ·         Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.  
·   ·         Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms.  
·   ·         Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe.  
·   ·         Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of the chimney.
If you experience symptoms you think could be from CO poisoning, or your CO alarm sounds, dial 9-1-1, open doors and windows for ventilation, and evacuate everyone--including pets--from the house.  

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/co.


41
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Preventing Foodborne Illnesses
« on: January 05, 2008, 07:39:24 am »
Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

 *Submitted by Kentucky Steve.

Did you know? Each year, about 76 million people in the U.S. become ill and 5,000 people die from harmful bacteria in food.  Source: CDC.gov

You can’t smell it, feel it or see it –- but it’s there.  It’s called bacteria and it can make you sick.  To prevent spreading more than good cheer during the upcoming holiday season -- or any other time of the year -- follow these food safety guidelines to ensure a safe and delicious time for all:
 
Shopping
·   ·         Avoid canned goods that are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusted as these can be warning signs that bacteria is growing in the can.  
·   ·         Separate raw meats, seafood and eggs from other foods when placing them in your shopping cart, grocery bags and refrigerator.  
·   ·         Buy cold foods last and refrigerate perishable food within two hours.  

Cooking·   ·         Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after handling food.  
·   ·         Keep your kitchen, dishes and utensils clean.  
·   ·         Use a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.  Visit isitdoneyet.gov for a list of recommended internal temperatures.

Serving
·   ·         Avoid cross-contamination of food by serving food on clean plates, never on those previously holding raw meat and poultry.  
·   ·         Bacteria loves moist environments, especially those containing eggs and dairy products.  Keep foods such as eggnog, cheesecakes, cream pies, and soufflés in the refrigerator until serving time.
·   ·         Discard any food that has been sitting out at room temperature for two or more hours.  
 
Leftovers
·   ·         Place food into shallow containers and immediately put in the refrigerator or freezer for
                          rapid cooling.
·   ·         Consume cooked leftovers within three to four days.  
·   ·         When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, visit the Partnership for Food Safety Education at fightbac.org.


42
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Avoiding Slips and Falls, Workplace
« on: November 12, 2007, 11:59:14 am »
Submitted by Kentucky Steve.

Stand Firm:
Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls at Work


Slips, trips and falls are the third leading
cause of workplace injury, and account for
12 percent of workplace fatalities. Vigilant
compliance with safety regulations and
commonsense caution can prevent most falls.

*Falls Risks

• Wet or slippery walkways
• Clutter or wires blocking passages
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Improper use of ladders or other height
equipment
 
*Tips for Prevention

• First and foremost, watch where you’re going.
• Keep all aisles, stairs and walkways free of clutter, and keep cabinet
doors and drawers closed when not in use.
• Report broken stairs or loose stair coverings.
• Immediately pick up and clean up any dropped items or spills
• Use caution on stairways: use handrails and take one step at a time.
• When walking on a wet or slippery surface, slow down, take small
steps, and keep a hand free for balance.
• If your work area tends to be wet, dirty, or oily, wear slip-resistant
footwear, and keep the soles clean for better traction. Request nonskid
floor coatings and slip-resistant mats in slippery or heavy traffic areas.
• Place chains, guardrails, or warning tapes around elevated areas.
• Keep all harnesses and other fall protection equipment in
working order, and use them correctly.
• When using a ladder, start with a firm, solid surface. Inspect the ladder
before and after every job. And follow the safety rules
and warnings posted on the ladder.
• Report even a minor fall. It could prevent someone from
experiencing a more serious injury down the line.

Source: National Safety Council

43
First Aid Information / Pennsylvania's Good Samaritan Laws
« on: September 20, 2006, 07:22:20 pm »
 
  This post is directed towards the men and women of our clubs, organizations and communities that remain current in First Aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification. I have cited two examples within this text of Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan laws dating back to 1996. Since the events of 9/11 and recent legal actions, Pennsylvania has broadened its protective umbrella not only legally protect the caregiver, but to promote the act of helping our fellow man in an emergency situation.

  Two things are very clear within these laws, you must be currently certified by an accredited organization such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and the treatment given must fall within your scope of training. Obtaining permission from the injured individual is very important, if they refuse treatment do not give any, stay with the individual until professional emergency help arrives. If the injured person becomes unconscious or is in a state of semi-consciousness such as suffering from shock, consent is then implied.

  Please be advised that anyone who does not assist an injured person and allows said person to suffer permanent physical damage, bleed or choke to death is not considered a Good Samaritan and does not fall under the laws protection. You could be open to legal proceedings by the victim and/or their family.



Pennsylvania Good Samaritan Act
42 Pa.C.S.A. § 8332
Non-medical good Samaritan civil immunity
(a) General rule. --Any person who renders emergency care, first aid or rescue at the scene of an emergency, or moves the person receiving such care, first aid and rescue to a hospital or other place of medical care, shall not be liable to such person for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions in rendering the emergency care, first aid or rescue, or moving the person receiving the same to a hospital or other place of medical care, except any acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent acts or omissions which result in harm to the person receiving the emergency care, first aid or rescue or being moved to a hospital or other place of medical care.
(b) Exceptions--
(1) This section shall not relieve a driver of an ambulance or other emergency or rescue vehicle from liability arising from operation or use of such vehicle.
(2) In order for any person to receive the benefit of the exemption from civil liability provided for in subsection (a), he shall be, at the time of rendering the emergency care, first aid or rescue or moving the person receiving emergency care, first aid or rescue to a hospital or other place of medical care, the holder of a current certificate evidencing the successful completion of a course in first aid, advanced life saving or basic life support sponsored by the American National Red Cross or the American Heart Association or an equivalent course of instruction approved by the Department of Health in consultation with a technical committee of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council and must be performing techniques and employing procedures consistent with the nature and level of the training for which the certificate has been issued.
1982; 1976, July 9, P.L. 586, No. 142, S 2, effective June 27, 1978. As amended 1978, July 1, P.L. 697, No. 122, S 1, effective in 60 days

1996 version

PENNSYLVANIA
In comparison to the expansive Good Samaritan statutes in jurisdictions such as Virginia, Pennsylvania's treatment of the Good Samaritan doctrine is fairly limited. Specifically, unlike any of the statutes discussed above, Pennsylvania does not provide immunity to a non-medically trained individual who renders gratuitous assistance in an emergency situation.
I. Medical Good Samaritan Civil Immunity:
The Pennsylvania statutes provide immunity from civil liability for any physician, practitioner of the healing arts, or registered nurse who renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency. The immunity provision requires that the individual render care in good faith, and that the acts or omissions not be intentionally designed to harm or constitute gross negligence which may result in harm to the person receiving the emergency assistance. Pa. Const. Stat. Ann. § 8331 (1978). For purposes of Section 8331, good faith is defined as "a reasonable opinion that the immediacy of the situation is such that the rendering of care should not be postponed until the patient is hospitalized." Pa. Const. Stat. Ann. § 8331(b) (1978).
II. Non-Medical Good Samaritan Civil Immunity:
Pa. Const. Stat. Ann. § 8332 (1978) provides civil liability immunity to non-medical individuals who render emergency care to an injured person at the scene of an emergency. However, this immunity is specifically limited to those non-medical Samaritans who, at the time of rendering the emergency care, are currently certified as having completed a course in first aid, advanced life saving or basic life support, and who perform the techniques and procedures consistent with their training. In addition, the provision mandates that the non-medical Samaritan's acts or omissions must not be intentionally designed to harm the injured person, or constitute gross negligence, which results in harm to the person receiving the emergency care.
In those instances where untrained individuals take it upon themselves to offer assistance to an injured person in an emergency situation, Pennsylvania law follows the Good Samaritan Rule of the Restatement (Second) of Torts and will allow the injured victim to recover from the Good Samaritan if the injured party can show: 1) that the Good Samaritan was under no obligation or under no duty to provide assistance to the injured party; and, 2) that the injured party either relied upon the Good Samaritan's undertaking to provide assistance or that the Good Samaritan increased the injured party's risk of harm. Miller v. United States, 530 F. Supp. 611, 616-617 (E.D. Pa 1982); Blessing v. United States, 447 F. Supp. 1160, 1187 (E.D. Pa. 1978).

Charlie

44
Safety / On & Off The Trail / Fire Extinguisher Class Rating and Information
« on: September 20, 2006, 07:14:52 pm »
                    Fire Extinguisher Information
 
 Please take a few minutes to read this information and become familiar with the extinguishers in your home and/or rig. Also note that your typical multi-class powder type extinguisher are usually good for six years, the powder settles and becomes caked at the base rendering it less effective. Please keep your equipment up to date.
 
Fire Extinguisher specifics and class ratings.
 
  Class "A" fires: Paper, wood, trash, rubber and some plastics.
 
  Class "B" fires: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, paint thinners etc.
 
  Class "C" fires: Energized electrical fires.
 
  Class "D" fires: Flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium.
 
Fire extinguishers can be rated class specific or multi-class. Only use extinguishers on fires that the extinguisher is rated for!
 
  Class "A" extinguishers are normally pressurized water and should only be used on class "A" material. If applied to burning liquid (class B) or energized electrical (class C) serious injury and a larger fire can occur. Class "D" material probably won't be extinguished.
 
  Class "B" extinguishers may contain a powder, foam or gas (co2 or halon). Do not use class "B" foam on electrical fires.
 
  Class "C" extinguishers may contain powder or gas (co2 or halon).
 
  Class "D" extinguishers may be metal specific, different metals may require a different extinguishing agent.
 
Multi-Class extinguishers
 
  Class B, C may contain powder or gas (co2 or halon) and can obviously be used on flammable liquids and electrically energized fires.
 
  Class A, B, C may contain powder or gas (co2 or halon). Self explanatory.
 
Numerical ratings:
 
  Class "A" and class "B" Extinguishers will also have a numerical rating associated with them. Class "C" and "D" does not.
 
  Class "A" numbers are relevant to the amount of water the extinguisher holds. A rating of 40A holds a much larger volume of agent than a 1A.
 
  Class "B" numbers refer to the square footage of fire that can be extinguished. A rating of 10B will extinguished twice as much area as a 5B.
 
 In closing, please be aware that powder type extinguishers are very corrosive to electrical wiring, connections, circuit boards, computers etc. To avoid this problem co2 and halon gas extinguishers are recommended. Co2 extinguishers are a little costly and should be purchased in 5lb and up sizes. Halon is also expensive and can be purchased in a 2.5 lb and up. A 2.5lb halon is usually a 1A,5B,C. The reason for wanting a larger co2 or halon extinguisher is the fact that they are a gaseous agent that starves the fire of oxygen while cooling the air and does not smother it like powder or foam. Gas agents are easily displaced by wind.
 
Thanks for your time,

Charlie Stevens
 


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