University of Alaska Fairbanks
THE SAFETY SENTINEL
| UAF Codes and Safety |
May 2001 |
"Safety Demands Responsibility"
| Message from the Director | Sun Safety | Bicycle Safety |
| Water Safety | Summer Safety Links | Boating Safety |
| Lawnmower Safety | ******* | Bugs, Bugs, Bugs |
Next Issue: October 2001
Questions or comments regarding The Safety Sentinel can be directed to Annette Chism, UAF Safety Officer, fnapr@uaf.edu
Message
from the Director
Edie Curry
Summer is fast upon us. Finally, sunshine and warm weather! This means we are closer to the day that “schools out.” Kids of all ages will be out of school and spending more times on sidewalks, bike paths, roads and playgrounds of our community. Summertime means long hours of daylight with bicycling, walking, jogging, motorcycling, skating as well as driving. With the lack of paved sidewalks in the Fairbanks area, this means many of these activities will be taking place on the streets and drivers need to be alert and on the look out for others, no matter how they - or we - are traveling. I hope that some of the safety tips contained in this newsletter will prove helpful to you and your family. I hope all of you have a wonderful and safe summer.
I encourage you to continue reading the monthly Safety Sentinel for useful safety information. If, at any time, you have any suggestions as to how we can improve safety at UAF, please contact us at x5413 or send us a note, fycodes@uaf.edu
SUN SAFETY
Sunburn, skin cancers, and other sun-related adverse health effects are largely preventable when sun protection is practiced early and consistently. Despite the fact that suntanning and burning increase skin cancer risks, most Americans do not protect themselves from the sun's damaging rays (CDC, 1998).
The National Safety Council has a "Fact Sheet on Sun Safety", it can be found at www.nsc.org/library/facts/sunsafet.htm On this fact sheet it talks about the heath effects of overexposure to the sun and what some of the health risks are. The excerpt below was taken from the NSC web page; however, their web page has an abundance of good information that is not included here.
How Can I Protect Myself from the Effects of the Sun?
The best sun protection is provided when all the sun-safe behaviors are practiced together. Sun protection habits include:
Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun's rays are the strongest. The sun's rays are the strongest between the hours of 10 am & 4 pm. To the extent possible, people should limit their exposure to the sun during these hours and practice all of the sun protective behaviors. Your shadow is an indicator of the sun's intensity. If you shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity. The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow - SEEK SHADE.
Refer to the daily UV index when planning outdoor events. The UV Index is a daily forecast of the intensity of the sun's UV rays. The index indicates the risk of overexposure to skin-damaging UV radiation and can be used to help plan outdoor activities to minimize overexposure.
Seek shade whenever possible. Shade structures such as trees and umbrellas provide year round protection. although trees do not offer complete sun protection, they provide about 60% blockage from the sun's rays.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved, tightly woven clothing. Clothing can physically block out the sun's harmful rays and should be one of the first lines of defense against sun exposure. Sunglasses should block out 100% of UVA and UVB radiation to protect the eyes from damage. Hats are the best way to minimize UV radiation exposure to the face, head, ears, and neck.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreens whose active ingredients block UVA and UVB rays. The Sun Protective Factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 15. Sunscreens should be used every day, including cloudy days. They should be applied liberally and evenly before going out into the sun and should be applied frequently, especially after swimming.
Avoid tanning salons. Artificial UV radiation is just as bad for your skin as sunlight. Most tanning devices use UVA rays which have been shown to go deeper into the skin and contribute to premature wrinkling and skin cancer (AAD, 1994.)
Limit exposure to the reflective surfaces like snow and water. UV rays can be reflected off of sand, tile, water, snow, and buildings. It is important to practice all the sun protective behaviors even when you are in the shade.
Again, for more information on "Sun Safety" go to www.nsc.org/library/facts/sunsafet.htm
BICYCLE SAFETY FOR THE SUMMER
By Forrest Kuiper, UAF Safety Officer
with excerpts taken from Trek Bicycle Corporation
As the weather turns warmer and the days get longer, the urge to be outdoors grows stronger. In Fairbanks, one of the most common outdoor activities is bicycle riding; whether it be for recreation or for transportation. There are many safety precautions that go along with bike riding. The following is a checklist to go over before you head out and some safety tips to follow while riding your bike to make your adventure a safe one.
Before you leave checklist
| Check the wheels are straight | Spin each wheel to check that the rim does not wobble from side to side or up and down. |
| Check your tire inflation | Ensure the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, (usually marked on the sidewall of the tire.) |
| Check your brakes | Press each brake lever to ensure they move freely and they stop the wheel when pressed. |
| Check that both wheels are attached | Your bicycle may be equipped with a quick release wheel mechanism. Before you leave, ensure the mechanism is in the closed position and the wheel is attached to the bicycle. |
Safety Precautions for Every Ride
Wear a helmet - An unprotected head is highly susceptible to injury, even from the slightest contact. Wear a helmet that is comfortable, fits properly, and meets ASTM or ANSI safety testing standards.
Know and observe bicycle riding laws -
Use proper hand signals.
Ride on the correct side of the road (never go against traffic)
Ride single file when riding with other cyclist
Ride defensively (expect the unexpected)
Do not use unsafe riding practices - While most cycling rules can be classified as "common sense", it is still necessary to list a few of the things you should NOT do on a bicycle.
Do not ride "no hands." Without a firm grip on the handlebars, the slightest road imperfections could cause the front wheel to turn unexpectedly, in other words, it will really hurt!
Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebars, as they could get caught in the front wheel spokes, or could cause the handlebars to turn unexpectedly.
Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications which might make you drowsy. Bicycles require good coordination to ride in control, and riders must be alert for hazards.
Do not "ride double". Standard bicycles are not designed to carry the additional load of a second rider. They much harder to balance, to steer, and to stop with the additional weight of a second rider.
Watch the road - watch for potholes, drain grates, soft or low shoulders, and other deviations. While crossing a railroad, do so carefully an at a 90 degree angle to the railroad.
Watch the parked cars you are preparing to pass - If a parked car you are passing suddenly pulls out or someone opens a door unexpectedly, you could be involved in a serious accident. Mount a horn or bell on your bike for defensive riding.
Use your brakes carefully - Always keep a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles or objects. Adjust stopping distances and braking forces to suit riding conditions. If your bike has two hand brakes, apply both at the same time. However, avoid using too much pressure on your front brake as it may cause your rear wheel to lift off the ground or your front wheel to slip out from under you.
Use special care when riding off road -
Never ride a road bike on unpaved trails or off road.
Wear protective clothing, including a helmet, eye protection, and gloves.
Ride only on the trails.
When approaching a descent, reduce your speed, keep your weight back and low, and use the rear brake more than the front.
Avoid rocks, branches, or depressions.
Be considerate of other trail users. Mounting a bell on your bike will allow you to sound a friendly warning as you approach others on the trail. A bell also works well to warn bears of your presence so you will not startle them. You do NOT want to startle a bear. If you don't believe me, read the book "Alaskan Bear Tales."
If you follow these safety precautions and maintain your bicycle, you will have many safe adventures on your bike this summer to tell your co-workers about next winter when it is cold and dark!
Water Safety
"Drowning claims the lives of over 4,000 people every year. Although all age groups are represented, children 0-4 have the highest death rate due to drowning." This statement was taken directly from the National Safety Council's (NSC) web page at www.nsc.org/library/facts/drown.htm Below are excerpts from the NSC web page.
In 1998, 500 children under the age of five drowned. Most drowning and near-drowning happen when a child falls into a pool or is left in the bathtub. The National Safety Council encourages adults to establish and adhere to strict water safety rules:
Safety Tips -
Never leave a child alone in the water -- at the pool, the beach or in the tub -- a tragedy can occur in seconds. If you must leave, take your child with you.
Always use approved personal floatation devices (life jackets.) The U.S. Coast Guard estimates nearly 9 of 10 drowning victims were not wearing one.
Beware of neighborhood pools -- be it your own or your neighbors. Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use. Toys can attract children to the pool.
For pools, barriers can offer added protection against drowning. Power or manual covers will completely cover a pool and block access to the water; however, be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover as a child can drown in very small amounts of water.
Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. But keep in mind that lessons don't make your child "drown-proof."
Older children risk drowning when they overestimate their swimming ability or underestimate the water depth.
Teach your children these four key swimming rules:
Always swim with a buddy.
Don't dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first
to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.
Don't push or jump on others.
Be prepared for an emergency.
Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation.)
Summer
Outdoor Safety 101 - Hitting the trail? Knowing how to handle emergencies is as important as what you carry on your back.
Coast Guard Auxiliary - Safe boating information, boat exams & safety checks, and boating courses.
National Safety Council - Safety, health and environmental resources
Canada Safety Council - See how our neighbors deal with safety issues
American Academy of Pediatrics - Dedicated to the Health of All Children
BOATING SAFETY
The boating season is here! Alaska Interior’s lakes, streams and
rivers are opening up for the boating enthusiast and researcher alike. While
this is a great time to enjoy and work in the outdoor office of Alaska’s
wilderness this needs to be accomplished with safety in mind. While in the field
there are very few places to get help, therefore precautions need to be made.
An itinerary needs to be given to someone trust worthy. On May 11, 2000 Alaska
passed the states first boating safety act. In accordance with Alaska State
law boaters are required to have a personal floatation device properly sized,
for every person on board. “Most boating fatalities in Alaska are hypothermia
induced drowning, resulting from a capsize or a fall overboard. Very few of
these victims were wearing life jackets at the time of their death.” This excerpt
is from the Department of Natural Resources Office of Boating Safety web page
(see below). For more information on boating at UAF, please call UAF Risk Manager
Ron Pierce at x6771.
www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating
www.ntsb.gov
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK (VSC)
What are some of the areas the U.S. Coast Guard approved Vessel Examiner will look at when inspecting your boat? (This list is not all inclusive), for a complete list go to www.uscg.mil
Fire extinguishers
Sound producing devices/ bell
Navigation lights
State and/or local requirements
Overall vessel condition
Visual distress signals
Lawnmower Safety
On the average of once a day in this country, young children and toddlers, are backed over and catastrophically injured by the rotating blades of a riding lawnmower. In most tragedies the victims are age six or younger. The easiest way to prevent these type of accidents are by paying more attention while at the wheel of a lawnmower. Look behind while backing up and do not let children and toddlers play in the yard while you are moving. For more information see www.ridinglawnmower.safety.com
Push lawnmowers - When using a push type lawnmower you should think about wearing protective gear. It is advisable to wear long pants (as rocks, tree branches, etc., can easily be spit out from under the lawnmower and injure your legs), wear gloves to protect your hands, long sleeve shirts, proper closed-toe shoes, and eye wear. With a little preventative thinking you can save yourself from an ugly injury.
BUG SAFETY - Yes, we've
all seen the LARGE mosquitoes here in the interior!
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Repellents appropriate for use on children should contain no more than 10 percent DEET because the
chemical, which is absorbed through the skin, can cause harm. The concentration of DEET varies
significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and
gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
You can also remove a stinger by pinching it out with a pair of tweezers or your fingers.
Until next time, remember - Together we CAN have a safer campus!