Landfill Issues: Poisonous Snakes Teacher’s Edition Produced by: Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Landfill Safety Training Series Instructions This teacher’s edition is organized into a simple format. It includes a complete copy of the training booklets you’ll give to your crew, along with some tips for helping your crew get the most out of this training program. Please take a few minutes to look over the notes and icons that are explained below: This icon indicates that some type of written input is required by your crew. This icon indicates a point where you may want to ask a question or look for comments from your crew. Text boxes contain tips or ideas on how to engage the crew or explain something. This icon indicates a point where you might want to use an example to show how this training applies to your landfill. Make sure that everyone has a booklet entitled: “Landfill Issues: Poisonous Snakes.” The video script follows the booklet. Participants can follow along if they like. Landfill Issues: Poisonous Snakes Feel free to pause the video anytime you sense there is an important issue to discuss. Blue Ridge Services, Inc. 7204 Hites Cove Rd Mariposa, CA 95338 209-742-2398 www.blueridgeservices.com Name Have everyone put their name on their booklet. Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Printed in the United States of America World Rights Reserved This booklet or any portion thereof may not be copied or reproduced in any form, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, nor distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base retrieval system, without the express, prior, written permission of the author. Copyright 2014 by Neal Bolton Copyrighted 2014 This book is intended to assist the reader in understanding how to work safely in a variety of situations that may occur at a landfill. It is not intended to replace common sense or judgment. The author(s) and publisher(s) of this manual shall not be held responsible in any way for the safety of those using this material for training purposes. Safe operation of every landfill is the responsibility of that facility’s owner, manager, operators and laborers and other staff. Published by: Blue Ridge Services, Inc. 7204 Hites Cove Rd Mariposa, CA 95338 When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Introduction Snakes…Indiana Jones’ worst nightmare. But snakes aren’t just limited to scary movies and underground caves. They are found in all 50 states except for Alaska. Fortunately, of the many types of snakes in North America, only about 10% are venomous. While non-poisonous snakes may bite, causing pain and possible infection, the bites of poisonous snakes are extremely painful and some are even fatal. Snakebites often occur when a person walks too close to, or even steps on, a snake. If a snake isn’t moving, or in the case of a rattlesnake, isn’t rattling, they can be difficult to see or hear. Usually, snakes will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Remember, all snakes, including poisonous snakes are concerned with the basic needs of finding food, shelter and self-preservation. And chances are, if you come across a snake, it’s looking for one of these things. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Have we ever seen poisonous snakes at our landfill? Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Although venomous snakes use their venom to secure food, they also use it for self-defense. If they feel threatened, they may bite. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 8,000 people a year receive venomous snakebites in the United States, and only 9 to 15 victims (0.2%) die. In fact more people die from wasp and bee stings than from snakebites. And, most of the people who died from snakebites received no medical treatment or first aid. But despite the low death rate, venomous snakes must be considered dangerous because even non-fatal bites can cause severe pain and long-lasting tissue damage. Many landfills are in rural areas that have been previously undeveloped. As a result, landfill employees may be at risk for snakebites for several reasons. Let’s look at some examples. Workers on the litter crew are most likely to encounter poisonous snakes as they walk throughout the landfill picking up blown litter. The risk increases when working in brush and tall grass, especially when When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude there is also evidence of mice, rats, squirrels or gophers in the area. In these areas, snakes may be anyplace, but very often will be found beneath a large piece of cardboard or Styrofoam. When working on the litter crew, never step where you can’t see and don’t pick up large pieces of litter with bare hands. If you get too close the snake may feel threatened and may try to bite you. Mechanics and others who work on machines are also at risk. As part of their job, they must crawl under machines, often reaching into dark, inaccessible areas. Unfortunately, snakes may also crawl under machines, into dark, secluded areas seeking shade in the daytime or warmth at night. Employees can also be at risk when picking litter, mowing grass and weeds, cleaning junk piles (white goods, trash bins, etc.), surveying, inspecting the landfill, cleaning ditches and culverts, monitoring gas or groundwater When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com What are some other ways we might come into contact with poisonous snakes? Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude monitoring wells, stripping topsoil, or grinding brush or wood waste. Here is a common example: Joe was a landfill surveyor for the Hidden Oaks Landfill. One hot summer day, he was staking the alignment for a new haul road. The area was overgrown with tall grass and brush. It was a hot day and Joe was moving quickly so he could get inside for his lunch break. As he hurried to set the final stake, he saw a blur of movement near his left foot …as if he had stepped on a stick. And then an immediate stabbing, burning pain. He had stepped on a rattlesnake and it reacted by striking him in the calf. Luckily for Joe, he was able to get medical assistance quickly. The whole incident could have been avoided, if he had been paying better attention to where he was walking. Types of Poisonous Snakes in the United States There are four species of poisonous snakes commonly found in the United States. The coral snake is found in southern states as far west as Texas. The copperhead is When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude found in most of the eastern and mid-western states. The cottonmouth moccasin occupies waterways and wetlands throughout the south as far west as Texas. And rattlesnakes are the most widely dispersed specie, with different varieties that can be found throughout most of the US. Coral Snake Length: 13-22 inches long Coloring: Black with red and bright thin yellow stripes. Often, the coral snake gets confused with the nonpoisonous scarlet and Coral Snake scarlet king snake. However, on the scarlet snakes, the red and yellow stripes never touch; on the coral snake, they do. Remember the saying “red on yellow kill a fellow." Found in the Southwest U.S. Copperhead Length: 22 to 36 inches long Coloring: Light brown alternating with dark brown, almost pinkish tint. Distinguishing Marks: Pit Copperhead between their nostrils and the When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com What kind of poisonous snakes do we have at our landfill? Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude eyes. Often confused with young cottonmouths, which are also poisonous. Found in the Southeast and Central states. Cotton Mouth (Water Moccasin) Length: 20-48 inches Coloring: Adults are dark, almost black. Young are brown with reddish brown bands. Distinguishing Marks: Pits between the nostrils and the eyes. They live around water. They get their name, cottonmouth, because when threatened, they open their mouth and a whitish interior can be seen. Found in the Southeast and Central states. Rattlesnakes Length: Usually 2 to 5 feet long Coloring: Dark brown to black, even shades of green. Distinguishing Marks: Diamondback Rattlesnake Have oval, square or diamond shaped blotches on their backs and a rattle. Found primarily in the Southwestern United States, but almost every state has at least one variety of rattlesnake. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude These descriptions and ranges are guidelines only. Remember that there can be lots of variation in size and color and location. Nonpoisonous snakes include: bull snake, milk snake, garter snake, water snake, racers, king snake, rat snake, hognose, pine, gopher, flathead, and mud snake. Dealing with Poisonous Snakes If you encounter a snake, it’s good to know if it is poisonous or not. Your local bookstore could provide you with a snake guidebook. Get one that has color pictures to help you to identify snakes that are common to your area. You may also want to post photos of snakes that are common to your region on a bulletin board. That way, all landfill employees can know what to look out for. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Do we have a poisonous snake guidebook at our facility? Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude How to Avoid Snakebites Most snakebites can be avoided if you keep your eyes and ears open at all times, especially when walking in tall grass or brush. Snakes are often found near piles of debris that provide shelter and where rats, mice, or other sources of food may live. Never pick up litter, boards, debris or other items with your bare hands. If you must reach into an area, use a tool or branch to probe the area first. What are other ways we can avoid snakebites? If you have to walk through tall grass or brush, wear leather boots and snakeproof leggings. Always watch where you are walking. Some bites, such as those inflicted when snakes are accidentally stepped on, are nearly impossible to prevent. But following a few precautions can lower your risk of being bitten. Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten when they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it. If you suddenly encounter a snake, walk around it and give it plenty of room. A snake may be able to strike up ½ of its length. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Symptoms of Snakebites If you or a co-worker is bitten by a snake, look at the bite closely. Bites from a nonpoisonous snake will show rows of teeth. Bites from a poisonous snake may have rows of teeth showing, but will also have one or more puncture marks caused by fang penetration. Watch the person closely for these symptoms within minutes up to an hour after the bite: Swelling at the site of the bite Shock Excitement Hysteria Panic Spontaneous bleeding from the nose Blood in the urine Pain at the site of the bite These signs usually appear 1.5 to 2 hours after the bite: Breathing difficulty Paralysis Weakness Twitching Numbness When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Deaths from snakebites are rare. More than one-half of the snakebite victims have little or no poisoning, and only about one-quarter develop serious systemic poisoning. How to Treat Snakebites If you are bitten, immediately move away from the snake to avoid being bitten again. If you, a co-worker, or customer is bitten by a poisonous snake, you should: Reassure the victim and keep him still. Remove watches, rings, bracelets, or other constricting items. Clean the bite area. Maintain an airway (especially if bitten near the face or neck) and be prepared to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR. Use a constricting band (a tourniquet) between the wound and the heart. Remove the poison as soon as possible by using a mechanical suction device or by squeezing. Get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Do not delay. Never: Give the victim alcoholic beverages or tobacco products. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Give morphine or other central nervous system depressors. Put your hands on your face or eyes after touching the victim or the wound. Venom can cause blindness. Make any deep cuts at the bite site. Remember, the most important thing is to get the victim to a clinic or hospital as soon as possible. Not all snakes are poisonous. In fact, most are not. And, while it’s a good idea in general to simply avoid snakes, you should never panic if you see one. If you do, you could end up hurting yourself in your attempt to get away. Consider this example: One afternoon, Jim was working alone, picking up litter in an area of high grass and weeds. To help pass the time, he listened to music as he worked. The volume was turned up and Jim was tuned out. As he bent down to pick up a large piece of cardboard with his hand – he’d forgotten to When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude bring the grabber he normally used - his mind was miles away, lost in the music. As he lifted the cardboard, he saw movement and as his mind snapped back to reality, he screamed, “SNAKE.” In a wild panic, Jim turned and ran down the hill, oblivious to the brush, rocks and potential for breaking his leg, his only thought was, “I gotta get away.” In his panic to escape a harmless snake, Jim put himself at a much greater risk. He could have broken his leg. He could have stepped on a poisonous snake. If you encounter a snake, just avoid it …don’t freak out. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Are You Safety Savvy? Alright, let’s see if you’ve been listening. It’s time to take the safety test. Are you safety savvy? Take a look at these photographs. Do you see anything that is unsafe or may pose a risk? Remember, every situation has potential risk. Question No. 1 This laborer is picking litter. Any safety problems here? Encourage participation in the “Safety Savvy” test. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Question No. 2 A coworker is bitten by a poisonous snake. What should you do? You many want to stop the video after each question to allow time for discussion. Question No. 3 A coworker is bitten by a poisonous snake. What should you not do? When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Question No. 4 How can you reduce the risk of being bitten by a poisonous snake? When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Summary Although 9 out of 10 snakes are nonpoisonous, people who work at landfills could encounter poisonous snakes. Learn how to avoid snakes. Know what to do if you or someone else is bitten. Use common sense and judgment …and be safe. It’s never too soon to start thinking about safety. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Take time to review and discuss the answers to the “Safety Savvy” questions. Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Answers Question 11. Should be wearing long pants 2. Should be wearing snake-proof leggings 3. Should be wearing gloves 4. Should be using a grabber to pick up litter 5. Anything else? Question 21. Get them to a hospital immediately 2. Keep them calm 3. Attempt to extract the venom with an extractor 4. Remove rings, bracelets and other similar items 5. Place a constricting band – a tourniquet – between the wound and the heart 6. Anything else? Question 31. Never give the victim alcohol or tobacco 2. Never make a cut at the wound 3. Never attempt to suck out the poison with your mouth 4. Never give morphine or similar drugs 5. Never touch your eyes or mouth after touching the victim or the wound. Venom can cause blindness 6. Anything else? When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Question 41. Never put your hand where you can’t see 2. Keep your eyes and ears open, especially when walking in tall grass or brush 3. Never pick up litter, boards or anything else with your bare hands. 4. Never step over a rock or log without looking first 5. Anything else? Are there any safety issues that require immediate attention? Note: These are only some of the more obvious issues. You may find more. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude Notes: ________________________________ When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Safety is not a plan …it’s an attitude This is Your Book. It is a valuable reference. Keep it handy and refer to it often. 2014 © Blue Ridge Services, Inc. When it comes to landfill operations …We Wrote the Book www.blueridgeservices.com Take time to write down any important comments or ideas that came up during the class. You might want to include them the next time you teach this topic. Notes: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ Notes: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ To order more safety training supplies contact us at: ADDRESS: Blue Ridge Services, Inc. 7204 Hites Cove Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338 PHONE: Office: 209-742-2398 Fax: 209-742-2398 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.blueridgeservices.com What is Blue Ridge Services, Inc.? Blue Ridge Services, Inc. (BRS) is an engineering consulting company that was founded in 1988 to provide operational consulting services to waste facilities of all types. Since that time, we’ve helped hundreds of facility owners and operators work safer, smarter and more profitably. Neal Bolton, founder and president of BRS, is a registered engineer, a licensed contractor and an experienced equipment operator. He is the author of “The Handbook of Landfill Operations,” and “The Handbook of Landfill Safety,” and has written over 100 magazine articles. You may already be familiar with Mr. Bolton if you’ve read: MSW Management, World Waste, Waste Age, Solid Waste Technology or Solid Waste Online. Why not put his 34 years of experience to work for your waste facility? What can we do for you? Comprehensive Operational Review (CORE) We can perform a CORE for your landfill, MRF, recycling facility, green waste processing center, or transfer station. This is a comprehensive, technical review of your facility. It provides you with a practical evaluation of what’s working …and what’s not. We evaluate your operation from top to bottom, looking at equipment, labor, airspace utilization, soil utilization, materials processing, environmental issues, surface water control, safety, etc. If it’s part of your operation …it’s covered. Training BRS has conducted onsite training for scores of waste facilities. Choose from among our many standard training programs or let us customize one for your facility. BRS Webinar Join the scores of other waste professionals who have attended one of our online, interactive webinars. Check our website for dates and upcoming topics. Online Training We offer a variety of online training products, including safety, operations, and more. Visit our website for more information. Want more information? To find out more about the other training and consulting services we offer, please contact us at: Blue Ridge Services, Inc. 7204 Hites Cove Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338 Office: 209-742-2398 Fax: 209-742-2398 Email: [email protected] Or visit our website at: www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 1 Poisonous Snakebite Symptoms If you suspect that a co-worker has been bitten by a poisonous snake, check closely for these symptoms. Get them immediate medical attention if they are experiencing any of these symptoms. 1. 2. 3. 4. Swelling and pain at the site of the bite; Shock, panic, or hysteria; Spontaneous bleeding from the nose; Trouble breathing. Why is it important to be aware of these symptoms? (Notes) Are there any areas or issues that require immediate attention in regard to safety? 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 1 I have participated in and understood this weekly tailgate update, “Poisonous Snakebite Symptoms.” Presented by: __________________________ Date: ____________________________ (signature) Attended by: 1. ________________________________ (signature) 2. ________________________________ (signature) 3. ________________________________ (signature) 4. ________________________________ (signature) 5. ________________________________ (signature) 6. ________________________________ (signature) 7. ________________________________ (signature) 8. ________________________________ (signature) 9. ________________________________ (signature) 10. _______________________________ (signature) 11. _______________________________ (signature) 12. _______________________________ (signature) 13. _______________________________ (signature) 14. _______________________________ (signature) 15. _______________________________ (signature) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 2 Preventing Snakebites Most snakes will not bite except as a defense mechanism. If you pay attention while you are working, and are careful to give snakes plenty of room, you can reduce your risk. Here are some tips to follow: 1. When walking in tall grass, always wear high boots and long pants. 2. If you have to reach into areas you can’t see into (machine underbelly, behind equipment tires, under rocks or to pick up litter), probe the area with a stick first. And always wear leather gloves. 3. Watch for snakes when you are in areas of shade and darkness. Snakes may be found beneath trees or equipment in order to stay cool during the heat of day. What else can you do to prevent snakebites? (Notes) Are there any areas or issues that require immediate attention in regard to safety? 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 2 I have participated in and understood this weekly tailgate update, “Preventing Snakebites.” Presented by: ___________________________ Date: _____________________________ (signature) Attended by: 1. ________________________________ (signature) 2. ________________________________ (signature) 3. ________________________________ (signature) 4. ________________________________ (signature) 5. ________________________________ (signature) 6. ________________________________ (signature) 7. ________________________________ (signature) 8. ________________________________ (signature) 9. ________________________________ (signature) 10. _______________________________ (signature) 11. _______________________________ (signature) 12. _______________________________ (signature) 13. _______________________________ (signature) 14. _______________________________ (signature) 15. _______________________________ (signature) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 3 Types of Poisonous Snakes In the United States, there are four species of poisonous snakes. It’s important that you know what these snakes look like, so that you can avoid them. 1. Coral snakes are found in southern states and are black with alternating red and thin yellow stripes. 2. Rattlesnakes are 2-5 feet long, have brown to black coloring, and have a rattle that they may shake when they feel threatened. 3. Copperheads are 2-3 feet long and have alternating light and dark brown stripes. 4. Cottonmouths are 2-4 feet long, have dark, almost black coloring, and a distinct white mouth. Can you think of any other types of snakes at our landfill? (Notes) Are there any areas or issues that require immediate attention in regard to safety? 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Weekly Tailgate Update – No. 3 I have participated in and understood this weekly tailgate update, “Types of Poisonous Snakes.” Presented by: ___________________________ Date: _____________________________ (signature) Attended by: 1. ________________________________ (signature) 2. ________________________________ (signature) 3. ________________________________ (signature) 4. ________________________________ (signature) 5. ________________________________ (signature) 6. ________________________________ (signature) 7. ________________________________ (signature) 8. ________________________________ (signature) 9. ________________________________ (signature) 10. _______________________________ (signature) 11. _______________________________ (signature) 12. _______________________________ (signature) 13. _______________________________ (signature) 14. _______________________________ (signature) 15. _______________________________ (signature) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Safety Meeting Sign-off Sheet Page 1 of 2 “Landfill Issues: Poisonous Snakes” I have watched and understood the training video for the topic listed above and have received a copy of the corresponding training booklet for that topic. Presented by: __________________________ Date: ____________________________ (signature) Attended by: 1. ________________________________ (signature) 2. ________________________________ (signature) 3. ________________________________ (signature) 4. ________________________________ (signature) 5. ________________________________ (signature) 6. ________________________________ (signature) 7. ________________________________ (signature) 8. ________________________________ (signature) 9. ________________________________ (signature) 10. _______________________________ (signature) 11. _______________________________ (signature) 12. _______________________________ (signature) 13. _______________________________ (signature) 14. _______________________________ (signature) 15. _______________________________ (signature) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) __________________________________ (printed name) 2014 Blue Ridge Services, Inc. www.blueridgeservices.com Safety Meeting Sign-off Sheet Page 2 of 2 “Landfill Issues: Poisonous Snakes” (Notes) Are there any areas or issues that require immediate attention in regard to safety? 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