Safety Tip: Avoiding Falls from Equipment

There is a right and wrong way to enter and exit equipment. Many people take this seemingly simple maneuver for granted.

The most important thing to learn and remember is the "Three Point Rule": While climbing up or down, you should maintain at least three points of contact at all times. (Two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.)

Here are some other ways to prevent falling from machines:

• - Always face the equipment when ascending or descending.

•  - Use the hand rails and don't skip any of the steps. Check the condition of the hand rails and steps during your pre-trip inspection and make sure there are no breaks or loose screws.

• - Make sure the steps and rails are free of grease and oil, especially if the equipment has been recently serviced.

• - Rain and wet conditions can make the hand rails and steps dangerously slippery. Always inspect and clean these areas during your pre-trip, and use caution and the "Three Point Rule" after each trip.

•  - Never jump from a piece of equipment or use the fuel tank as a step.

• - Always use the proper footwear. Non-slip soles are your best bet.

•  - A clean cab is important. Keep items such as tools and fire extinguishers in their proper place and out of your path of exit.

• - Take your time. Being in too much of a hurry will land you on your back; a five foot fall can be very serious.

 REMEMBER: GRAVITY ALWAYS WINS!

When it comes to business, the first priority isproviding a safe work environment to protect a company's most valuable assets: its people. Ring Power offers a variety of safety and operator training programs to meet your organizations needs.