Warren Wilson College INSULATE! Safety Training

1. Warren Wilson College INSULATE! Safety Training

2. Why a Safety Slideshow? • CAO members would never put us on a site with glaringly dangerous issues, but there are always safety hazards to be aware of when weatherizing, particularly when older houses are involved: • Power tools and ladders are used on site • Certain elements of the home may have stability issues (ex. We don’t want you falling through the floor of the attic!) • We may work in tight areas, such as crawl spaces of a house, with sharp objects (box cutters, etc.) As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry!”

3. Our Process in the Event of an Injury • You will never be working alone • Always report injuries to either Phillip, Ian, or Elizabeth (INSULATE! Crew Members) immediately. • If medical attention is needed, we will take you to Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care or 911 will be called and you will be taken to Mission Hospital. • If during the work day you need a break, the van (with water) is the place to go. Always tell one of us before heading over there—we don’t want someone having a medical problem alone!

4. KNOW • First Aid Kits in CAO and SLO Vehicles • Ask Someone from CAO or INSULATE/SLO if you need medical help • ‘Dirty’ Environments pose additional risks – you don’t want someone's basement debris in your lungs • Don’t put yourself at risk – take breaks

5. Bleeding • Do not touch blood with bare hands • Use gloves or other personal protective equipment • Control the bleeding by: • Putting direct pressure on the wound • Elevating the wound above the heart • Keep it CLEAN

6. Saving Limbs or Fingers • Recover the severed part • Rinse severed part in clean water • Wrap in moist towel • Place in clean plastic bag and seal • Be sure package is transported to medical facility where victim was taken

7. Electric Shock • Stay clear until electrical contact is broken • Switch off source of electricity if possible • Check to see if • Victim is breathing • Victim has pulse • Keep victim lying down • Keep victim warm • Call for emergency help

8. Eye Injuries • For contact with chemicals: Flush with running water for 15 minutes • For cuts or punctures of the eye • Bandage the eye lightly • Do not remove embedded object • See physician immediately • Particles in eyes: Lift upper eyelid out toward lower lid

9. Head Injuries • Can result in a concussion or brain injuries • Symptoms: difficulty speaking, headache, unequal size pupils, pale skin. • If brain injury: clear or reddish fluid draining from ears, nose or mouth, or paralysis. • Keep victim lying down • Apply ice • Be sure victim is breathing • Do not give liquids to drink

10. Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke • Heat Exhaustion • Symptoms: excessive fatigue, dizziness, confusion • Move to cool area and give plenty of liquids • Heat Stroke • Symptoms: flushed skin, lack of perspiration, confusion, rapid pulse, high body temperature • Move to cool area • Put in cool water, sponge skin or wrap in cool wet clothes, and fan the victim • Give plenty of liquids

11. Fainting • Prior to losing consciousness: victim complains of lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, and has pale and clammy skin • If a person begins to feel faint, have them sit down, lean forward and lower head toward knees • Treatment: • Keep victim lying on back with legs elevated • Loosen any tight clothing and apply cool damp cloths to face or neck

12. Mold • Found in poorly ventilated areas • Basements and attics • Wear Masks

13. Asbestos and Lead • Found in older homes • Only a risk if disturbed • CAO checks for Asbestos • Wear safety gear • Masks • Gloves

14. Ladder Safety • All ladders must extend 3 feet beyond the landing when used to gain access to a structure. • You must not work higher than the third rung from the top on a straight ladder (the top two rungs should never be used). • Have someone hold the ladder for you. • Don’t use ladders with your hands full. • Be sure there are no electrical lines to hinder use or movement of the ladder. • Be sure that Step Ladders arelocked before using them.

15. Straight Ladder 4:1 Rule • 4:1 Rule—There should be about 1 foot horizontal for every 4 feet vertical when using straight ladders.

16. Power Tool Safety • Get Trained • Know how to use it? Get a refresher • Wear proper safety gear • Use the right tool for the job • Make sure no one/nothing is in the way • Especially your hands and fingers • Don’t cut corners – do stuff properly

17. Bottom Line: • If in doubt, just ask—it is our goal to keep everyone safe. • We will point out any safety hazards before work begins. • Stay alert and everyone should be fine. • If an injury does occur, contact a leader immediately.

18. Credits: • Thanks to Terry Blackwell for providing us with the safety information for this slideshow. This slide show was Created by Ian Higgins and Elizabeth Creech of the ELC INSULATE! Work Crew For those involved in giving Service by weatherizing homes