BY SCOTT MEINECKE
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change colors, many Iowans are busy with outdoor projects or getting students settled into college housing. Whether you’re climbing a ladder, working the fields or firing up a space heater, take a few minutes to review these important safety tips.
Ladder safety
Outdoor chores like cleaning gutters and trimming trees often require the use of ladders or tall tools. Stay safe by remembering to look up and be aware of power lines as you use ladders or large tools on your property.
Ensure the ladder is on level ground and that the base is stable. Always maintain three points of contact on the ladder – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. Carry tools in a tool belt or pouch to keep your hands free when climbing the ladder. If possible, have another person hold the base of your ladder when you are on it.
Harvest safety
In Iowa, we know autumn has arrived when we see combines in the fields. We remind farmers and field workers to maintain a 10-foot clearance around power lines and poles and to use a spotter when raising or lowering large equipment or high loads that could come into contact with power lines.
If you are in a vehicle or implement that makes contact with power lines, stay in the cab, contact the local power utility or law enforcement, and keep others away from you until an authority confirms that the power line has been de-energized. If there is a fire in the cab and you need to exit, jump clear of the equipment without touching it and keep your feet together. Then, bunny hop away with both feet together or shuffle-walk away without lifting your feet off the ground.
Dorm safety
It’s also the time of year when college students move into dorms, apartments and off-campus housing. If you have a student in college, take time to discuss electrical safety and fire safety. Locate fire alarms and fire extinguishers, and walk through the best way to evacuate the space in case of a fire.
Talk to your student about the dangers of overloading electrical outlets and how to use extension cords. For example, don’t “daisy chain” extension cords to each other, and don’t plug major appliances into extension cords. Unattended cookware is the leading cause of dorm fires, so remind your student to keep an eye on food while it’s cooking.
Space heaters
Cooler autumn weather also ushers in the use of space heaters. Remember to plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet; it could overload a power strip or extension cord. Keep your space heater at least 3 feet from anything that might burn, including furniture, bedding or curtains.
Never leave pets or children unattended around space heaters, and shut them off when you go to sleep or leave the room. Only use space heaters that automatically shut off when tipped over.
Move over, slow down
Iowa motorists are required by law to move over or slow down when approaching ANY vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights activated, including co-op utility trucks. Give our co-op employees room on the road to work safely; their families thank you!
Scott Meinecke is the director of safety and loss control at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
