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Minutes 01-12-09 MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE FIRE/POLICE TRAINING ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Mark Bobich, Chair Safety Administrator Catherine Cherry, Secretary City Clerk Jeremy Davis Golf Course Chuck Magazine Risk Management Mike Landress Fire Rescue Cathy McDeavitt ITS/GIS Jody Rivers Recreation and Parks Rodney Vicki Finance/Warehouse Mike Rumpf Development ABSENT: Pam Welsh/Carisse LeJeune City Manager Maibet Rosado/Dorothy Mack Human Resources Michael Naughton/Karen Abramson Library Barbara Scott/Lt. Jeffrey Katz Police Lanson (Chip) Mierke/Angelena Michael Public Works Bevis Pigott/Gary Ezell Utilities I. Call to Order Chair Bobich called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was present. III. Acceptance of Minutes of 12/08/2008 regular meeting Mr. Magazine preferred the following change: Page 4, Item VI. B., second paragraph: “The policy languished has been under review at the City Manager’s Leadership Team meetings.” Mr. Bobich preferred the following change: Page 3, second sentence: “Chair Bobich explained the video covered a lot of information and would be a good video for supervisors to use. review.” 1 Meeting Minutes Safety Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 12, 2009 Motion Mr. Magazine moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Rivers seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Safety Committee Education and Training Program Ladder training is important to reduce accidents and the members viewed the Step by Step Ladder Safety Training video. The average ladder accident results in 10 weeks of lost time and nearly $6,500 in Workers Compensation costs. The cost also quadruples from health rehabilitation and training costs. The Ladder Manufacturers Association, American National Standards Institute and Occupational Safety and Health Administration stress the safe use of ladders, and instructions for ladder safety are located on the side of each ladder. Failure to read the instructions could result in serious injury or death. The five key safety points were: ? Choose the right ladder ? Inspect the ladder ? Set the ladder up properly ? Secure the ladder ? Climb the ladder and work safely When choosing a ladder, the type of ladder, the load rating, the height and material should be considered. Some ladders have specific uses, such as rolling warehouse ladders, platform ladders and trestle ladders. Step and extension ladders are the two most common types. Stepladders are fixed length and self-supporting. An extension ladder is adjustable in length and requires the support of other surfaces. A load rating is the maximum weight the ladder can support. It must support the weight of the user, tools and materials. The load ratings were: ? 1a – 300 pounds ? 1 – 250 pounds ? 2 – 225 pounds ? 3 – 200 pounds Industrial ladders have a minimum rating of 250 pounds. Only one person at a time should use a ladder. Do not climb, sit or stand, on, or above, the top two steps of a stepladder, or on the top three rungs of an extension ladder. The extra ladder length is to provide support for the user. 2 Meeting Minutes Safety Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 12, 2009 When choosing a ladder, consideration should be given to the weight of the ladder and the proximity of the work to electrical areas. Aluminum ladders conduct electricity – instead, use a fiberglass or dry-wood ladder. Aluminum ladders are the lightest, then fiberglass, and then wood. There are seven basic points to ladder inspections: ? Check rails damaged by bends or cracks ? Observe rungs for bends, cracks or lose rail connections ? Make sure the feet are not broken or malfunctioning, and slip resistant pads are secured ? Test the rope and pulley; look for rope fray and smooth operation ? Use the rope and pulley to raise or lower the ladder ? Ensure both rung locks are in working order ? Make sure ladder and rungs are free of foreign material such as oil and grease Ladders should be tagged “Do Not Use” if the braces on stepladders do not lock, open fully, or are not secure. Ladders that cannot be repaired should be destroyed. Two people should carry a ladder, especially on inclines and stairs. If one person has to carry the ladder, the front end should be lifted slightly higher than the backend. Employees should clear the area of clutter, lock or block doors that may open into the ladder, and set the ladder on a solid level surface. Extension ladders should be leaned against a solid surface at a 75-degree angle and extend three-feet above the roof or working surface. Areas should be secured to prevent walking or driving, under or near the ladder. Other factors, such as wind, can overcome the stability of the ladder and cause a fall. Ladders should be tied off at the ladder’s support point by using ropes, belts, stakes and other devices. Coworkers should hold the ladder during use, brace the ladder with their feet, wear a hard hat and never look up as injuries occur from tools dropped on coworkers. Heavily soled shoes that are slip resistant and clean should be worn. Three points of contact with the ladder should be maintained. Ropes and buckets should be used to bring materials to the employee. At the work level, make sure the ladder is close enough to the work area so the employee will keep the center of their body within the rail. Chair Bobich advised the video would be a valuable tool for supervisors to review with their crews. He suggested, when working on items such as a roof, choosing an extension ladder that extends above the surface by three feet. Fixed ladders have support rods, which extend two to three feet. He pointed out the “LD 50” (lethal dose for 3 Meeting Minutes Safety Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 12, 2009 half of the population) was 11 feet. He encouraged employees to use the right ladders and use them safely, as well as storing ladders on racks for easy access. V. Old Business A. Fire Drills Ms. Rivers reported the Recreation and Parks Department had fire drills scheduled this month. Mr. Landress advised the drills for the Fire Department would be complete by the end of January. Chair Bobich asked about the fire alarm recently sounding in the main lobby of City Hall and he requested a report at the next meeting. He noted Jim MacIntyre would be setting up fire drills and training for the West Wing of City Hall, and then for the main part of City Hall. B. Proud to be a Safe Worker Awards None. C. Departmental Inspections & Safety Meetings The department inspections and reports were located on the shared drive. Also, individuals advised Chair Bobich they found items that were not on the Department Safety Inspection Checklist. He requested the members contact him about them, and they would address it. D. Defensive Driver Course Mr. Magazine explained he distributed the new notices for the course. Conversation turned to electronically sending notices and inspections reports to Chair Bobich. The City was “Going Green,” and paper was saved this way. E. Incident Review Board Referrals None. F. Other None. VI. New Business A. Departmental Safety Issues 4 Meeting Minutes Safety Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 12, 2009 None. B. Other The battery-powered stretchers ordered by the Fire Department were received. Mr. Landress advised training regarding their use was ongoing and should be complete by the weekend. VII. Announcements Safety Calendars had been distributed to the members and Chair Bobich wanted department supervisors to have the calendars as well. He requested the members advise him how many calendars were needed. Mr. Magazine pointed out safety information was contained in the calendar. VIII. Next Meeting Date: Monday, February 9,2009, 10:00 a.m. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 10:32 p.m. OLUJ-vury~, l~)~i~j_ Catherine Cherry g Recording Secretary 011209 5