A periodic newsletter of Spring/Summer 2008
The Diocese of Syracuse
Risk Management Office
INSURANCE AND SAFETY FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS
With the Spring and Summer coming upon us and maintenance activities picking up, we want to consider the appropriateness of duties for our volunteers. We should recognize and evaluate the potential hazards associated with any project in order to protect everyone's safety. We recommend the following guidelines be followed for volunteer services:
1. Working above ground level: Falls, even from modest heights, can result in a catastrophic injury. Whenever possible, volunteers should work at ground level.
-Ladders:
> Ladders should be inspected before each use to help assure side rails and rungs are not broken or split and that the ladder is in good condition.
> Proper supervision should be in place whenever the use of a ladder is required. We suggest that ladders over six feet not be used by volunteers.
> Persons under 18 should not be permitted to use ladders.
> The manufacturer's directions for use (generally affixed to the ladder) must be strictly adhered to.
• Scaffolds:
> Volunteers should be prohibited from climbing or using any scaffolding.
• Portable work platforms and personnel lifts:
> Volunteers should be prohibited from operating or working from portable work platforms and lifts (such as scissors lifts, boom buckets, etc.).
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2. Painting: The six foot climbing height limitation restricts the scope of painting operations that can be taken on by volunteers. In addition to the need for working above ground level, there are other serious hazards with painting operations. These hazards include improper lifting of heavy materials, misuse of spray painting equipment and chemical injury due to solvents.
• Volunteers should not be allowed to use "airless" spray painting equipment.
• Volunteers should, in general, be restricted to using water based paints and all associated Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) will be maintained and available as necessary.
• Volunteers should be cautioned of the dangers regarding the use of paint scrapers or other sharp objects associated with painting.
• Volunteers should not be allowed to perform any paint removal projects involving any asbestos containing material, lead based paints, chemical paint strippers, or the use of torches.
• Protective equipment, such as safety glasses, dust masks, gloves, etc., must always be used when necessary.
3. Electrical and structural work: Due to the possibility of severe injury to the volunteer and potential, related property losses, all electrical and structural work should be performed by licensed, professional contractors.
4. Plumbing: Due to the possibility of property damage (water damage, fire from torches, etc.) great care should be taken in allowing volunteers to perform large plumbing projects. We recommend large plumbing jobs be performed by licensed, professional contractors.
5. Hand and power tools: Serious injury can occur - wounds, amputations, and electric shock represent severe injury exposures associated with power tool use. Hand tools can also cause serious injury. Generally, the use of power tools by volunteers should be discouraged.
• No one under eighteen years of age should be allowed to operate power tools.
• Power tools owned by volunteers should not be used.
• All tools provided to the volunteer for use should be inspected to be sure of proper working order.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Safety glasses must be worn by all volunteers when operating any power tools.
• Pneumatic nail and staple guns should not be operated by volunteers.
• The use of specialized power tools such as power augers, concrete saws, abrasive saws, etc. by volunteers should be avoided.
6. Lawn and garden equipment: Electric and gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment (lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, etc.) present potential injury. Generally, we recommend that volunteers not operate such equipment. If volunteers, for some reason, are allowed to operate power lawn and garden equipment, such operation should be in compliance with the recommendations outlined under "#5 - Hand and Power Tools."
7. Lifting: Back injuries are a common result of improper lifting techniques. It is extremely important that sufficient help is available when volunteers are moving any type of heavy or awkward objects. Mechanical lifting and moving aids should be used as necessary. Children and seniors should not be allowed to perform heavy lifting.
8. Rigging and hoisting: Operations that require special rigging and hoisting equipment should not be attempted by volunteer labor.
9. Tree trimming: Except for light pruning, tree trimming should be performed by professionals only.
10. Roof/gutter work: Volunteers should not work on or about the roof of any building. Please refer this type of maintenance work to a qualified contractor.
11. Security services: Volunteers should not perform security services for parish or Diocesan events. Please utilize professional security contractors who are licensed and insured. Please refer to the contract and insurance guidelines.
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