Submitted by Steve Winicker
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Some weeks are best forgotten last week was one. Basically, all was in place to get the hopper unloaded and back on its way to NS. We had the crew we had the weather, but the crane issues cropped back up with the machine refusing to put out enough power to raise and lower the winch line. On the chance that some gunk was stirred up in the tank and the filter was once again plugged we changed that out and the crane started right up but died seconds later. Repeated attempts to get it to run were not successful. We also changed out the fuel pump which made no difference to the running ability. Having surpassed the expertise of the on-site crew we gave up on unloading coal, with better than half a day expended and exactly one barrel of coal removed from the hopper.
Looking for other projects to move forward we decided to top off the driver bearing boxes. A quick look into the pit indicated about 8 inches of water on the bottom. Efforts to get the sump pump to run were somewhat effective but the water level in the pit only went down a bit. Despite that, Brody went in and was able to wade in the water to fill up the boxes with Brian cranking the oil pump in the drum. The boxes were topped off and resealed.
Meanwhile Bill M. and I spent some time clearing out the pallet racks where the chemical and oil supplies are stored, and those items were put away with the help of Brian and Brody.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
I will be looking for someone with Diesel Engine skills to look at the crane and see if we can get to the root of the engine issue. Possibly will check with the neighbors and see if they can make a house call and avoid figuring out how to get the crane down the road. If successful we will try unloading the car again next week. Whether we can do that or not we can dump the ash out of the engine and begin cleaning out the firebox.
SAFETY SENSE
Overexertion is a major cause of the inflammation of joints and ligaments that results from excessive physical effort such as lifting, pulling, pushing, and turning. Injuries can happen when you lift a load that is too heavy, too large or is unsecured.
Excessive physical effort affects people differently; for some it may cause little or no pain or discomfort. For others, it may be debilitating.
To stay safe and healthy, it is important to use proper lifting techniques at the Shop, work and at home. Ensure you properly use tools and equipment to avoid twisting and other movements that can cause strains or sprains. Keep tools and equipment in good working order so they require less effort to use.
Lifting tips
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- Stretch and warm up before lifting
- Never bend or twist the back when lifting
- Never lift with arms extended
- Ensure footing is solid
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Limit the amount of weight you carry
Your body is an amazing machine. Treat it properly and your will be rewarded with a long life.
SAFETY IS JOB 1
SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS
