Fire Prevention



                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





Fire Prevention



A fire caused by poor housekeeping, carelessness or failure to follow

instructions can destroy your job, your income, and even your life. But the

chance of a fire can be reduced if everyone makes an effort to practice daily

fire prevention measures.



Follow these fire safety tips:



þ Don't allow trash and litter to accumulate unnecessarily.



þ Keep the office and dock areas neat and clean.



þ Know where fire alarm boxes and extinguishers are located.



þ Make sure you know the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use

them; check periodically to see if they are charged and well marked.



þ Store hazardous materials in designated areas.



þ Keep exits free of obstructions.



þ Make sure there are good connections and effective grounds in the wiring.



þ Smoke only where permitted.



þ Keep equipment clean and use it properly.



þ Handle flammable liquids with caution.



þ Know the proper exits and procedures in case of an emergency.



If you store hazardous materials properly, the chances of fire, spills and

accidents are greatly reduced. A leaking drum of lacquer thinner can be a fire

hazard unless the right precautions are taken. Make sure you know the loading

and storage chart so that you don't load noncompatibles on the same trailer or

in the same area of the terminal.



Every terminal should have an emergency plan. In case of fire or other

emergencies, procedures should outline who is to call the fire department and

how the building is to be evacuated.



When a fire or emergency evacuation does occur, don't panic. Keep calm and

follow instructions. Know the right fire extinguisher for each type of fire.



Following rules is not just the responsibility of the safety supervisor or the

terminal manager--it's everyone's responsibility.



It is also important to be aware of arsonists. Keep an eye out for unusually

placed flammable, such as oily rags stored in peculiar places. If you watch for

"offbeat" actions you may be able to spot the arsonist. Don't take the

necessary steps yourself. Tell your supervisor at once.



Fire prevention is everyone's job.

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Text Version