After a very cold winter, it appears this summer will be hotter and more humid than normal. Please be aware of the signs for heat stroke. They include red skin, inability to sweat, vomiting, severe headache, rapid pulse, and possible loss of consciousness. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the course of your shift and keep an eye on your crew members for any of these signs.
In the past six months, there have been two incidents involving Gas Mechanics in the Northeast. One incident took place in Massachusetts and the other in New York City. These workers received severe burns and were hospitalized. Please be sure to wear ALL of your PPE and check your equipment to make sure that everything is in working order. Check the levels in your oxygen tanks and prepare a complete job brief, especially for emergency situations, so the entire crew knows what their individual task(s) will be.
In closing, we are all aware that our jobs put us in dangerous situations. Know your job, do your job, and ALWAYS watch out for each other. -Fran Capozzi, Gas Safety Advocate, Central Division