C U Safe
Year in Review
We
made progress this past year. The new
farm safety minigrant program produced five projects
with a total budget over $5,500.
Hopefully this upcoming year we will be able to offer this program
again. We also increased the number of
farm safety day camps in the state. This
year we had six camps, of which, three were new.
Finish of this year on a safe note and be extra careful this holiday season. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Charles V Privette,
III
Use a UL approved extension cord (indoor/outdoor).
Do
not leave burning candles unattended.
Cut
trees should be watered daily.
Allow plenty of time for travel.
Cold Safety &
Carbon Monoxide
With
winter arriving Dec. 21, cold weather is sure to follow and with it a desire to
stay warm. During this time of year, we
often hear of warnings of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This is a good time for reminders due to the
increased use of heating. Carbon
monoxide poisoning should, however, be a yearly topic rather than a seasonal
one.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that
is sometimes overlooked as a potential health risk. Carbon monoxide is produced when incomplete combustion
of a carbon fuel occurs. These fuels can
be gasoline, kerosene, propane, wood, etc...
It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. Carbon
monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood and results in headaches, drowsiness,
nausea, and even loss of life. These symptoms can often times be mistaken for
other illnesses such as colds or the flu. Persons with pre-existing heart
disease, unborn babies, young children, and the elderly are at increased risk.
Some sources of carbon monoxide include automobiles,
furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, and space heaters. Carbon
monoxide problems can be eliminated if these units are kept in good working
condition with proper ventilation. One line of defense against CO poisoning is
the carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are devices that sound
an alarm before the CO levels reach a hazardous level.
Plant
Safety
The toxicology of Christmas plants is often of concern during the
holiday season.
The
berries of the holly are poisonous.
Toxicity is characterized by nausea, episodic vomiting, and diarrhea in
some cases.
Both
the leaves and the stem of the American mistletoe are toxic. The berries are also toxic when consumed in
large quantities. Symptoms develop two
or more hours after ingestion and include recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain,
and diarrhea.
Ingestion
of poinsettia berries, leaves, and flowers may produce vomiting although
usually no symptoms develop. Redness
and/or itching are more often a concern with the poinsettia than acute
poisoning.
Details
on the diagnosis and treatment of poisonings should be obtained from the
Information obtained from The
Shop
Safety
When it comes
to agricultural safety, some issues get neglected because of the issues that
arise with tractors and equipment. One
component of the farm that might be overlooked is the shop. Many injuries take place in the shop
alone. Several issues that need to be
addressed when it comes to the shop include general shop safety, personal
protection equipment and equipment safety.
General Shop
|
PPE
|
Equipment
|
|
Proper Lighting Proper Ventilation Protective Signs Clean Shop Security First Aid Kits Emergency Wash Station Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE) Fire Extinguishers |
Eye Protection Ear Protection Respiratory
Protection Hand Protection Body Protection |
Wear
safety glasses.
Tools have
designated uses and need to be in proper working condition. Keep all guards
& safety devices in good working order and in place. Avoid loose
fitting clothing. When lifting heavy
objects, lift with your knees and not your back. Turn off equipment when not in use. |
Proper Use of
Tools
Tools have designated uses. Tools need to be in proper working
condition. Return tools to proper place after
use. |
|
|
Chisel: Use proper size for job Keep cutting edge sharp Hold fairly loose toward top Grind off a mushroom end Files: Use file with a handle Do not use to pry or hammer – very brittle Hammers: Make sure handle is solid Make sure head is secure Use correct hammer for job Hold securely at end |
Saws: Use proper saw for job Keep saw sharp Do not force saw Pull saw to start cut Screwdriver: Use correct size Do not use to pry Do not use as a chisel Wrenches: Use proper size and type for job Make sure fit is secure |
General Power
Tools
Wear
safety glasses. Keep all guards &
safety devices in good working order and in place.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing. Turn off equipment when not in use. When lifting heavy objects, lift
with your knees and not your back. |
|
Safety Presents
Pair of Gloves Price: $3-20 pair.
Not only will they keep your hands warm, they
will also protect your hands from abrasions and cuts.
Goggles Price:
$3-10.
How often do we overlook the importance of
sight?
Ear Plugs/Muffs Price: $0.03 - $20.
For just a couple of cents, your ears can be
protected.
First Aid Kit Price:
$15+
What every house, automobile, tractor, barn,
etc. needs.
Fire Extinguisher Price: $15-25.
A good compliment to a
first aid kit.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Price:
$30
Have a voice against this silent killer.
This publication is written
and designed by Charles V. Privette III. If you have any questions, concerns,
or ideas for future articles, please send to Charles V. Privette III, 224
McAdams Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-0312, privett@clemson.edu,
or (864)-656-6247.
This publication can be found
at www.clemson.edu/safety/newslett.htm.
Clemson University
Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless
of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political
beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal
opportunity employer. Clemson
University Cooperating with U.S Department of Agriculture and South Carolina
Counties. Issued in Furtherance
of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8
& June 30,1914.