HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafety Committee Minutes (13) Safety Committee Meeting of April 18,2015
Revised October 26, 2015 with notes from others.
Attendance: Keith Kolstad, Matt Wheeler, Fran Schweigert, Guy Rolison, Bob Volmer
Discussion as to checking the SCBA at the Water Plant for current testing and condition, i.e.cylinders
full,face masks clean and seal tested, harness/straps in working order. SCBA training can be arranged
with the fire department. Matt will look into this. Can St. Vincent do respiratory testing or fit testing?
Elm Street is one location where SCBA may be needed due to confined space entry. If the Fire
Department cannot donate/update our SCBAs we may have to buy new ones to replace non-compliant
ones.
Alarm system at new sewer plant to detect leaks. Bob will get quote for adding an alarm in an occupied
space as construction continues at the new plant. The current alarms cannot be heard upstairs at the
plant and may be addressed during remodel. Some alarms may have too high a decibel level for hearing
protection. Clip on monitors may be an addition to look into for personal safety in working around
either the sewer or the water plant. LEL levels need to be monitored and alarms should be a
combination of both strobe and audio units. Bob Vollmer will tale with Tim Reiter about this.
Class may be needed for Forklift safety. Will look into Safety Fest or a local firm conducting such a
training session if new employee are to use the forklifts. It is known that such companies as Home
Depot, Lowe's and trucking firms have such a program for employees that we may borrow or use. Bob
will seek out training opportunities as forklifts are in use at the water/sewer plants. Tim Reiter will be
asked to look into this.
First Aid Kits—all first aid kits need to be updated. A private firm will be contracted to check and refill or
purchase new kits at each site. Matt has worked with a firm locally in this regard and will contact them
about a contract. Matt will make sure Z Medical attends to the first aid kits.
Concern about solo employees on duty during evening/night shifts at the sewer and water plant. This is
an employment issue which must be addressed by the city council as to hiring more personnel. Perhaps
having police or some type of call in to dispatch to check periodically on night personnel may be
arranged. Bob Vollmer would like this looked at in regards to personnel additions or changes.
Confined space training. Currently have a confined space policy but updated training and review may be
necessary. The fire department may lack the necessary rescue tools to help in a confined space
emergency. Training by a qualified instructor is an option and exhibiting new techniques or tools used in
such operations may help the city to upgrade our policy and equipment. Matt, Guy and Keith will try to
identify course openings or independent trainers and costs to get such training. If city crews encounter
confined spaces when going into to retrieve water meters it may be necessary to shut of the water on
the curb stop instead of sending them into the confined space under the house. While we have
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hoists, rope rescue, evacuation of surrounding area, etc. Guy Rolison was the lead on bringing this to
the attention of the safety committee.
Inquiry as to the city purchasing or getting a grant for Defib units at the library and city hall. Will explore
the grant path with the DPHHS. Keith will research grants and costs. Keith Kolstad will look into this
possibility and if Laurel Ambulance might have any spare units and training available.
SOPS at each city location may need to be updated. Individual department heads and personnel will
need to review and suggest updates.