Don’t Be A Target – Recognize the risk, eliminate the hazard
Striking Hazards are the most frequent Line of Fire risk to workers. These are hazards that strike you, or that you strike against. Use a Field-Level Hazard/Risk Assessment (FLHA/FLRA) process to help you understand when you are in the line of fire.
FLHA/FLRA 5-Step Process:
- Stop – Do I understand the work?
- Think – How do I perform this task safely?
- Assess hazards, pathway & impact.
- Review – To eliminate or mitigate risk.
- Talk – Ensure everyone is on the same page and can protect themselves.
Protect yourself and others:
- Always be aware of hand placement.
- Inspect equipment to ensure protective guards are in place and in good condition.
- Stay clear of hazards using job briefings and three-way communication.
- Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
- Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
- Secure tools to prevent them from falling on people below.
- Ensure you are always wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment for the task(s), but remember it is the last line of defense.
Focus on Hand Placement (Hand Safety): hand placement is critical when we are protecting our hands from hazards. A simple concept to remember is “A Foot Can Save a Hand” Whenever your hands are within a foot of a hazardous condition take a moment to recognize, evaluate and control the hazard. Always be aware of where you are placing your hands on machinery or equipment.
- Caution Zone – Between 6 and 12 inches from a hazard. If you are placing your hands in this zone, re-evaluate the situation and determine whether there are controls or guards that may be used to protect you from potential injuries.
- Danger Zone – 6 inches or closer to a hazard. Work in these areas should only be performed after all potential controls have been put in place.
Focus on Body Placement Focus on your body and the relationship you have to process, materials, tools and equipment and the risk of coming into contact with a force your body cannot endure. Be alert for conditions that may change where the line of fire exists, including wind gusts, and dropped objects and beside.