The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 2 (June 1, 1928)

Safety First — Safety Suggestions

Safety First
Safety Suggestions.

The following useful safety suggestions were issued recently by the National Safety First Association, London. They have a commonsense appeal, and will be read with interest by our Safety First readers:—

1. Notices.

Always read and pay attention to any posters or notices displayed. They are put up for your guidance and safety.

2. Instruction.

It is foolish to try to perform an unfamiliar job without instruction. Ask your foreman what to do and what not to do. Be a safe worker.

3. Attention.

Never let your attention be distracted. Keep your eyes and mind on your job and thereby avoid injury.

4. Horseplay.

Do not play practical jokes. They may be funny, but often produce serious consequences.

5. Clothing.

See that you have no loose ends of clothing dangling. Keep you hair short or else wear a cap.

6. Tidiness.

(a) Keep the floor round your workplace tidy. Do not leave things about for others to trip over.

(b) See that all projecting nails are either turned down or driven out. A scratch from a nail is dangerous.

7. Falls of Tools or Materials.

Keep all tools and materials safely on your bench or staging. Always look out for the man below.

8. Floor Openings.

If you are in charge of any opening in the floor, such as a lift shaft or excavation, see that it is properly guarded at all times.

9. Piling Materials.

Pile all materials in a safe manner. A careless stack may break a back.

10. Railway Tracks and Roads.

(a) Look out while crossing main roads and danger spots in the works. Choose the safe way to travel.

(b) Keep off railway tracks, wherever possible, and use great care in crossing same. Stop, look and listen!

(c) Keep clear of openings between railway wagons. Go round the end and be safe.

11. Shunting.

Don't ride on the buffers on railway wagons.

12. Machinery.

(a) See that everybody and everything is clear before starting up a machine or moving heavy loads. Watch the other fellow.

(b) Replace all guards before starting the machine. Guard off, danger on.

(c) Always stop machinery before oiling, adjusting, inspecting or repairing it. A motionless machine is harmless.

13. Cranes and Lifts.

(a) Don't stand or walk under loads being moved by cranes, or suspended in the air. Keep out from under.

(b) Nobody but an authorised man should work a crane.

14. Pouring Metal.

Molten metal explodes on touching the ground or a cold or damp surface. See that all moulds, ladles, bars, etc., are warm and dry before using them.

15 Electrical Plant.

Never touch electrical equipment or wires unless you are working on them. Then make sure that you cannot get a shock. Consider all wires as live.

16. Fire Extinguishing.

Remember that fire buckets and extinguishers are kept ready for use. Do not meddle or interfere with them unless an emergency arises. Learn their use and use them quickly when required.