Safety reminder

[informationjunky]

I receive notices from NIOSH concerning Firefighter fatalities and thought this should be a good reminder for us to be careful with our choices of recovery equipment.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200622.html

 

[Southeast Overland]

Dang - I always get itchy when things are under load. I hate being around winch ropes and am not fond of vehicles on jacks either.

Stay safe.

 

[GXO]

Know your equipment, know your limits. This is reason #1 that I run synthetic. I have seen wire break and WOW. I have broken my synthetic and it was in a less than ideal situation (I was in a lake bed, using tow straps to extend it...stupid) and it went to the tree vs. me because of the straps on that end and the synthetic dropping to the ground on the vehicle side.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

If I have learned anything on this FJCTT tour is how important safety is when doing recovery situations............ sitting in training listening to proper recovery tech. I felt a little ashamed and lucky at the same time about some recovery situations I pulled off in the past.

......... it is funny when talking with Bill Burke about why he got into this, he relayed a similiar story of a yong woman in Flordia that die during an improper recovery and made him realize the need for proper recovery education.........

so yeah be safe out there guys!!

 

[Southeast Overland]

Can we get one or a few guys w/ UC who know what they are doing to give a class on recovery?

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Can we get one or a few guys w/ UC who know what they are doing to give a class on recovery?

def. a good idea........... maybe before we start going out on the trails at events we can have reviews and check out what safety equip is available

 

[steenh]

Great idea. I'd definitely be interested in that. It's one thing to read about what you are supposed to do... and another to actually do it. I'm in the "read about it" stage.

 

[Trollhole]

This is a good subject.

Couple of new additions to our trail rides will be a safety meeting before the ride. This will include a vehicle safety check, assignment of spotters, trail leaders, inventory of equiptment and plan of action in event of an emergency.


One problem we have had in the past is to many leaders and not enough followers. Every person will be required to have a buddy picked out to direct recovery efforts and the rest will help.



Also might be something we could work on for the Annual meeting trail ride.

 

[GXO]

I would be happy to help, I was somewhat frustrated when my truck was flooding and no one was getting my butt pulled out

 

[Capt. Jim]

In our FL club, we had regular safety inspections at our events. We have an extensive club-owned first aid kit, several club-owned CB's to lend on trail rides. We would always strategically stagger our trucks so those with no winch would be between 2 vehicles that have winches. One thing I always see lacking during winching is the placing of a jacket, tree saver or similar item on the mid-point of the winch cable to prevent it from flying if something parts.

I think the fire truck article is a good wake-up call for all of us. Saw someone almost get decapitaed on a sailboat when a turnbuckle let loose at the bottom of a self=furling jib while we were underway. Like Dan said, when something lets go: WOW!

Sputnik has a good campfire story about how Hi-lift jacks, chins, and interstate highway do not mix well. They don't call them Widow-makers for nothin'.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

Also might be something we could work on for the Annual meeting trail ride.

I know you invited the trail teams to this event marshall and if you are lucky enough to get Chris and Robbie; they really know their stuff. I have learned alot from watching them give demonstrations and different events we have done........

and I am sure they would love to put on a little class for our club

 

[Southeast Overland]

I would be happy to help, I was somewhat frustrated when my truck was flooding and no one was getting my butt pulled out

You just needed a Piggie in the mix Dan!

Safety meetings are a good idea and pointing out pre-determined leaders and helpers is also a good idea.

 

[GXO]

These are some good points. When we have a ride, we should have, at a minimum:

1. A trail boss who has final say.
2. A spotter designated for each driver (who's your trail buddy?)
3. Logical placement of winches and recovery gear within the group
4. Safety inspections
5. Radios/communication method for everyone on the ride
6. Recovery gear at the ready before you attempt an obstacle...say a silt pit from hell...having the winch control, strap, etc at the ready can save time and possible damage

There is more, but it is time for Waffle House with the kids