2009 Spokane River Clean-Up : Safety Tips

Clean-Up Safety Tips

Welcome!

Safety of our volunteers is all important and takes precedence over all other planning for the clean-up. Please help us make the Spokane River Clean-Up as safe as possible by carefully reviewing and following these safety tips. We will also provide a safety briefing at the beginning of the clean-up before you head out to your assigned locations.

General Safety Tips

• Dress for the work and the rugged terrain along the banks of the river. It can be chilly in the morning, warmer in the afternoon, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and wear long pants.
• Wear supportive shoes with some tread to avoid slips and falls.
• Plan for the weather with sunscreen, rain gear, etc.
• We provide latex gloves; you may want to bring heavier gloves.
• Work with a partner and watch out for each other’s safety.
• Watch out for other volunteers’ safety, especially when working close together.
• Pace yourself, don’t overexert.
• Take breaks, rest, don’t work continually. Drink water, eat a snack.
• Follow common sense practices when lifting heavy items: use your knees, not your back.
• Fill collection bags only 2/3 full, especially when handling heavy items.
• Be sure that you are physically capable of what you intend to do before you attempt it; ask for help if you need it.
• Watch for poison oak, poison ivy, or other plants to which you may be allergic.
• Leave the site of hazardous conditions such as disturbed bee hives, especially if you have an allergy or are otherwise susceptible to the conditions.
• Use sunscreen and mosquito repellant when outdoors.

Safety tips for those working with youth volunteers:

• Review safety information and “rules” with youth before arriving at the site.
• Have their parents sign the liability waiver.
• Supervise youth activities on site.

When working near the river:

• Be aware that even at low water, the Spokane River can be hazardous if you fall in.
• Stay away from logs in or near the water.
• Use caution on steep banks and cliffs.
• Use caution around swift running water.
• Wear a life jacket when using a boat or raft.

When working near traffic:

• Wear a safety vest.
• Stay off the roadway.
• Stop often to orient yourself and make sure you’re not wandering close to traffic.

When working on steep slopes or banks:

• Make sure your footing is stable.
• Stay away from cables that may be used to haul items upward.

When encountering a potential homeless site:

• Do not clean up a site that appears to be occupied.
• Do not approach a site that has someone in it.
• We conduct an outreach effort in the clean-up area the week before the clean-up and attempt to give people notice that we will be coming through. They may not be aware of the clean-up, however.
• When encountering hazardous items: Don’t touch – mark the item and contact the Site Coordinator.
• Identify each item before you touch it. If you are uncertain about an item, leave it alone.
• Do not touch medical waste or hazardous materials, including syringe needles, bandages and condoms.
• Don’t touch containers with unidentified liquid or material in them.
• Don’t touch propane gas tanks. They may be used to manufacture illegal drugs and can explode.
• Don’t touch blasting caps or any potential explosive.

In case an accident occurs:

• Know where the first aid kit is.
• Know where the nearest phone is. If it’s a cell phone, make sure you have a dial tone. Dial 9-1-1 if emergency medical care is required – know your location.
• Contact your team leader.