There Are Several Safety and Environmental Risks/Recommendations Associated with This Proposed

There are several safety and environmental risks/recommendations associated with this proposed “Car Bash” activity. I will do my best to briefly summarize them for you below:

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS/RECOMMENDATIONS  An injury waiver signed by each participant should be required;  Puncture resistant, e.g., leather, gloves required for all participants;  Substantial footwear should be required for all participants to reduce the likelihood of serious foot injuries;  Impact goggles and/or face shields required for all participants and others in close proximity;  Remove all glass from the vehicle prior to delivery to the site;  A qualified technician or individual must verify and document that all fluids, e.g., anti-freeze, transmission, brake, motor oil, gasoline, etc., have been completely eliminated from the vehicle prior to delivery to the site (PRECAUTIONARY NOTE: Remember an “empty” fuel tank, which could be full of vapors, has a tremendous explosion potential);  A minimum of one 10 pound ABC multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher should be on site;  Additionally, a qualified technician or individual must verify and document that the freon associated with the air conditioner as well as the lead acid battery has been removed prior to delivery to the site;  No storm or sanitary sewer drains shall be in close proximity to the chosen site;  Provide a fixed barrier around the perimeter to keep onlookers a safe distance away from the vehicle and flying debris;  Provide an appropriate number of persons at designated perimeter for crowd control. These persons must have the authority to maintain or increase the perimeter distance as necessary for the safety of individuals gathered. These persons should also be wearing safety glasses with side shields at a minimum;  No participants should be allowed on top of any portion of the vehicle. All “bashing” should be done with two feet on the ground of the approved site;  Personal injury to include contusions, cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, strains, sprains, back injuries, fractures, etc., are all a possibility associated with this activity and consideration must be given to prepare for them both immediate and long term;  In the event that the qualified technician or individual mentioned above did not conduct a thorough verification of the absence of hazardous materials, provisions must be available to contain any spillage from leaving the site;  If leakage of any hazardous materials does occur the “Bash” must stop. Immediate measures must be taken to contain the spill. EH&S must be contacted immediately (either directly at 882-7018 or after hours through MUPD at 882-7201) to supervise clean up and verify safety prior to continuing;  Immediately following the activity, site clean up, overhaul and restoration must be conducted and the appropriate tools, supplies and equipment made available to do so;  At no time shall the vehicle be left unattended. Also, the vehicle must be delivered to and removed from University property on the day of the event;  The vehicle wheels must be chocked to prevent unexpected movement; and  Etc.

As the Safety Representative of the University of Missouri Columbia I do not support this activity due to the associated risk, liability, etc. If you are granted approval of this activity I sincerely hope that you will, at a minimum, consider the items presented above. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to provide input from an environmental health and safety point of view and please keep me posted regarding progress and outcome.

Sincerely, David G. Dorth, Safety Representative 2-7018