Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Our last weekend for public trips in 2022 has gone well with no issues. Many volunteers have committed considerable time and energy to the effort to make these trips possible and successful. I thank all of you who have contributed to a successful season. Due to trackwork at Casad the engine remains in Hudson Indiana for the time being. The hope is to bring it back to the shop in a couple of weeks. We will be doing the usual servicing work over the next few weeks beginning with draining the boiler once it has cooled down a bit. There were no issues that need addressed over the coming weeks.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
I plan to drain the boiler in a few days then go over the engine to make sure there are no looming issues. In a couple of weeks, we will need to refill the boiler with water and get the grates covered with coal. Once back at the shop we will begin work on the next annual inspection.
SAFETY SENSE
While the engine will soon be shut down for the winter eliminating a large number of burn risks the shop work also requires a lot of areas that can cause burns. Continued vigilance is required to avoid burns. Homes provide burn hazards as well so use care there as well. We want you back.
Burn injuries receiving medical treatment are estimated to amount to approximately 500,000 cases per year.
- Burn Cause…46% fire/flame, 32% scald, 8% hot object contact, 4% electrical, 3% chemical, 6% other
- Place of Occurrence…43% home, 17% street/highway, 8% occupational, 32% other
Although very few burn injuries occur at work compared to home, the risk is still around us especially as we maintain, service and operate the 765. Steam lines and pipes, hot machine components and chemicals are just a few of the areas where we have exposure to burn injuries.
Your best protection for these types of exposures is awareness. More often than not, people get burned at work by coming in contact with hot components unexpectedly. They didn’t realize the component was hot or they weren’t aware of their body’s position to the object. Take some extra time when around these areas of the shop and while servicing to ensure you know the hazard and make a conscious effort to keep away from these hot components.
The other line of defense for these injuries is to wear PPE when working in close proximity to these burn hazards. Whether using rubber gloves when working with chemicals or thermal gloves when dealing with steam lines, PPE, including required long sleeve cotton shirts, can afford you the protection you need.
