Winter Driving Tips
Now that winter is here, take additional precautions while driving to protect yourself and other motorists.
Submitted by: Matthew Moje, Safety Coordinator, Facilities
Winter Safety Tips
Winter is right around the corner. Do you have your shovels accessible? Snowblower unburied from the back of the garage? Snow tires on the car? Boots pulled out from storage? There are so many things we need to do as Buffalonians to get prepared for winter weather, and the biggest one is to not wait until it’s already here. Waiting until the snow is falling risks unnecessary rushing and increasing the chance of injury. Here’s some tips for safely walking in winter.
Submitted by: Matthew Moje, Safety Coordinator, Facilities
Process for Reporting Workplace Injury Incidents
Submitted by: Matthew Moje, Safety Coordinator, Facilities
October Is Fire Safety Month
Fall has arrived! That means it’s time to pack away that summer patio furniture and get ready for winter. One of the most important things to do this month is test and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Most new smoke detectors have a 10-year life and should be replaced after those 10 years are up. Same with CO2 detectors. Testing both of these devices regularly ensures they are working properly and keeps them clean.
Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? When was the last time you checked in? Do you remember how to use? Is it easily accessible? Checking an extinguisher is easy, check the tank for any signs of damage and check the gauge to make sure the needle in the proper position. If you have an old fire extinguisher that needs to be disposed of, don’t just throw out to the trash. It needs to be completely empty first:
- Release all pressure in the shell.
- Let the fire extinguisher sit for two or three days, then release again and listen for any sound indicating air is still trapped inside.
- Remove the head from the shell and dispose of it along with scrap metal or in the trash.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the P.A.S.S. method
- Pull the pin: Break the seal on the extinguisher by pulling the pin on the handle
- Aim at the base of the fire: Point the nozzle, hose, or horn of the extinguisher at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle: Depress the handle to release the extinguishing agent
- Sweep side to side: Sweep the nozzle back and forth over the base of the fire until it’s out
Submitted by: Matthew Moje, Safety Coordinator, Facilities
Black Ice Safety
Even through spring-like temperatures are upon us, the early mornings and late nights are still around freezing. Make sure you still follow winter walking procedures during these times.
- Walk cautiously and avoid icy walking surfaces whenever possible.
- In darkness, icy glazed spots or “black ice” can be difficult to see.
- In cold temperatures, approach with caution and assume all wet slick spots on walking surfaces are frozen.
- If you must step on the ice – take short steps and shuffle your feet like a penguin.
Submitted by: Matthew Moje, Safety Coordinator, Facilites
