December 2010 – ISSUE 123 DIRECTOR’S NOTE As we prepare to embark on a new year, I would like to take a moment to highlight a few of the forestry transportation safety improvements and initiatives that took place in BC in 2010;  The establishment of District wide Road Safety Committees throughout the province.  Provincial standardization of radio calling procedures and resource road signage.  The expansion of the Council’s Trucksafe program to include issues relating to marine and air transportation safety.

Moving forward into 2011, further gains in transportation safety awareness and improved results can be expected through the following initiatives;  The identification and development of a Log Truck Driver training program.  The establishment of provincial level Trucking Safety Technical Advisory Committees.  The development of Passenger Safety Guides for helicopter, float plane and marine transportation of forestry workers.  Research and development of programs targeted towards improving the health and wellness of drivers.

We look forward to your continued interest and support of this publication and the other safety improvement initiatives carried out by the BC Forest Safety Council.

 Thank you and have a safe 2011

Chuck Carter, RPF

Now that winter is in full force, ensuring preparedness and response for the cold and sometimes extreme conditions while working can make a big difference in your day. Vehicles and equipment are susceptible to break down in freezing temperatures. It’s necessary to ensure proper clothing is worn for the outside temperatures but also it is also important to ensure that there are the resources to keep warm for extended exposure within the vehicle. In this issue we are going to focus on Emergency Preparedness and Response. When travelling for work, are your emergency supplies easily accessed? Did you know that a candle can keep your vehicle warm until help arrives? Extreme weather conditions that can expose us to hypothermia and possible carbon monoxide poisoning can happen fast and without warning.

Hypothermia – signs and symptoms Aside from the cold that is felt and the shivering that may occur, initially mental function is most affected. A particular danger of hypothermia is that it develops gradually, and since it

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affects thinking and reasoning, it may go unnoticed. Hunger and nausea will give way to apathy as the core body temperature drops. This is followed by confusion, lethargy, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and coma. Often the affected person will lie down, fall asleep and die.

Carbon Monoxide – the silent but deadly killer! Carbon monoxide (CO) is found in any indoor workplace where engines are running and presents a potential hazard. Workers must realize that fuel-powered machines can expose them to this deadly gas. Exposure to high concentrations can cause death in just a few minutes. The following are other symptoms that should be watched for:  Low Concentrations of CO- For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 50 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over an eight hour period. When the level of CO becomes higher than that, a person will suffer from symptoms of exposure. Mild exposure over a few hours (a CO level between 70 ppm and 100 ppm) include flu-like symptoms such as headaches, sore eyes, runny nose, shortage of breath on moderate exertion, slight headach, nausea, dizziness.  Higher Concentrations of CO– Medium exposure (a CO level between 150 ppm to 300 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting severe headache, mental confusion, impairment of vision and hearing, collapse or fainting on exertion.  Extreme Concentrations of CO– Extreme exposure (a CO level of 400 ppm and higher) will result in unconsciousness, brain damage, coma and death. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion. Sources include motor vehicle exhaust, heaters, natural gas, anything involving fire, and commercial waxing chemicals (many of which are propane-based).

When celebrating the holidays this year, consider utilizing alternate transportation options such as taxi’s, public transit, Operation Red Nose, or use a designated driver. Listed below are a few contact numbers for different cities that have Operation Red Nose. Operation Red Nose is a Canada Wide program, supported by ICBC, and operates in many locations. Here are a few:

Prince George (250) 962-7433 Nanaimo (250) 755-6969 Williams Lake (250) 398-2828 Langley/Surrey (604) 532-0888 or Kamloops (250) 372-5110 1-877-604-6673

A team of 3 Red Nose volunteers will pick you up and drive you in your own vehicle to the destination of your choice, for free!

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