Submitted by Steve Winicker
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Last weekend the Pumpkin Train when off with few to no problems. Thanks to all who assisted with the program. Due to some dedicated volunteers, we did get the right-side rods and jacket cleaned of grease balls and oil and half the left side. The rods and pins were visually inspected for defects, none of which were noted. I started work on removing the main stoker valve to see why it would not entirely shut off late in the Bellevue operation but needed some heat which was not advisable with folks in the cab.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The main project that needs to be done soon is getting the NS hopper unloaded. This is not going to be a lot of fun but the sooner we get it done the sooner we can get it checked off the list. Several hundred dollars of coal are currently trapped in the car. This will be the main project for the coming weekend. We also need to clean the ash out of the firebox and ash pan which may get done as well. I would like to remove the throttle cover from the smoke box so we can inspect the throttle pilot valve which seems to be sticking a bit. Washing the jacket and other fun things also need to be done, so there is plenty of projects for folks of all skills available.
SAFETY SENSE
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.
SAFETY IS JOB 1
SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS
Steven E. Winicker
1156 Rose Ave
New Haven, IN. 46774
Ph 574-242-1955
