Line of Fire Safety Part 2

Tensioned Lines
Be aware and stay clear of tensioned lines such as cable, chain and rope.
Use only correct gripping devices. Select proper equipment based on size and load limit.
Be cautious of torque stresses that drilling equipment and truck augers can generate.
Equipment can rotate unexpectedly long after applied torque force has been stopped.

Objects with Fall Potential
Not all objects may be overhead; be especially mindful of top-heavy items and items being transported by forklift or flatbed.

The line separating safety from danger is sometimes quite small. To avoid crossing that line,
we must:
1) Always be aware of the hazards around us.
2) Understand the machines and operations in our work areas.
3) Take the time to think about the possible consequences that may result from where we place our bodies or the actions we perform.

When we do this, we can avoid suddenly finding ourselves in the line of fire. This Safety Flash discusses many workplace hazards and outlines general principles that can help employees prevent these hazards from causing serious injuries and deaths. Featured are several incidents that illustrate the consequences of not noticing when we are in harm’s way. Topics include hazards presented by gravity, moving machinery, flying debris and projectiles, automated equipment, moving vehicles, contact with stationary hazards and the importance of observation and feedback.