winter wise · 2019-10-30 · outdoor sort, braving the elements for all the rosy-cheeked...
TRANSCRIPT
Home Heating Safety
CO Safety
Home Safety
Winter Recreation
Your handbook for a safer Winter.
safetyinfo.ca
WINTERWISE
WinterWise is a public safety awareness handbook. It’s designed to provide you with the information you need to reduce risk and keep your family safe.
With everything from snow, ice, wind and chilling temperatures, winter tends to bring out, or keep in, two types of people – the homey sort, spending more time indoors with family and friends; and the outdoor sort, braving the elements for all the rosy-cheeked excitement they can muster.
Regardless what type of person you are, it’s important to be “WinterWise” and help keep you and your family safe while enjoying all that the season has to offer.
Elevator & Escalator Safety25 TheInsideScooponElevatorRescue
26 HeightenYourElevatorSafetyAwareness
27 Shop,butWatchyourStep
Winter Recreation 29 FirstTimeSkiersandSnowboarders
31 IceSkating
32 ShovellingSnowSafely
33 PriortoShovelling
34 SnowmobileSafety
35 DriveHomeTheseWinterRoadSafetyTips
Winter activity safety tips, starts pg. 28
Be“WinterWise”Althoughwetendtospendmoretimeindoorsduringthewinter,itisaseasonthatprovidesgreatopportunitiesforoutdoorfunandrecreation.Whetheryou’restayingwarmbythefire,orspendingthedayontheslopes,be“WinterWise”tohelpyouandyourfamilystaysafe.
InthisissueWinterWise2019
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety7 FourStepstoCOSafety
8 AlarmYourself
Home Heating Safety11 AnAnnualInspectionisaMust
11 YourHomeHeatingSystem
12 AnnualInspectionTips
13 GasFireplaces-TooHotforTots
14 YourWoodStoveorFireplace
15 YourPortableSpaceHeater
16 FreshAir-LetYourHouseBreathe
Home Safety19 TreatFuelwithCare
21 FireSafetyinApartmentBuildings
22 PreventCookingFires
23 KnowYourFireExtinguishers
Stay safe and have fun
this winter.
Check out these tips to help keep your home safe this winter.
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2
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6 7
Carbon Monoxide SafetyCarbon monoxide (CO) exposure is a deadly but common
hazard in your home that can happen any time of year –
especially when the cold, winter weather settles in,
and we depend on things like our furnace or gas
fireplace to heat up our homes.
Four Steps to CO Safety
To keep your home safe from CO hazards, follow these four steps:
1.Beawareofthehazard.Carbon
monoxide(CO)isaninvisible,odourless
andpoisonousgasproducedby
commonhouseholdappliancessuch
asyourfurnace,fireplace,gasstove,
propaneheater,kerosenelanternor
anyotherfuel-burningequipment.
2.EliminateCOatthesource.Getyour
home’sfuel-burningappliancesand
equipmentinspectedbyacertified
technicianwhoworksforaTSSA-
registeredheatingcontractor.To
findaTSSA-registeredcontractorinyour
area,visitCOSafety.ca.
3.InstallcertifiedCOalarms.Theywill
warnyouofrisingCOlevels,giving
youtimetotakepotentiallylife-saving
action.Forproperinstallationlocations,
followmanufacturer’sinstructionsor
askyourlocalfiredepartment.
4.KnowthesymptomsofCO
poisoning.Theyaresimilartothe
flu–nausea,headache,burningeyes,
confusionanddrowsiness–except
thereisnofever.Iftheyappear,
immediatelygeteveryone,including
pets,outsidetofreshairandcall911
and/oryourlocalfiredepartment.
AlarmYourself
Inadditiontoensuringthatyour
home’sfuel-burningequipmenthas
beeninspectedprofessionally,your
nextimportantlineofdefenceagainst
COishavingproperlyinstalledand
maintainedalarms.
Whenitcomestoalarms,
followthesetips:
InstallCOalarms:
� Oneverylevelofyourhome
� Nearsleepingareas
� Accordingtomanufacturer’s
instructions
NOTnear:
� Windowsorvents
� Bathrooms
� Heatingorfuel-burningappliances
� Smokealarms
(unlesscombinationalarm)
TestCOandsmokealarmsoncea
monthbypushingthetestbutton
Replacebatteriesonceayear,
includingback-upbatteriesforplug-in
alarms;usefalldaylightsavingstime
asareminder
ReplaceCOalarmswhenrequired
COalarmswearoutovertime.Check
themanufacturer’sinstructionstofind
outwhenyourparticularunitshouldbe
replaced(usuallyafter7-10yearsforCO
alarmsand10yearsforsmokealarms).
Checklist
The Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners recommends that you know your fire department’s phone number and keep it posted by every phone in your home.
8 9
You can help prevent carbon monoxide from harming you and your family by:
1. Getting an annual inspection for all fuel-burning appliancesin your home
2. Installing and regularly testing carbon monoxide alarms
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TAKE ACTION THINK SAFE COSafety.ca
Home Heating Safety
SafetyTips
10 11
In Canada, we depend on our heating systems to keep
us safe and warm when the thermometer plunges and
the snow falls, so it is vitally important to check and
maintain your furnace and/or fireplace.
AnAnnualInspectionisaMust
Heatingsystemsthatburnfuelsuch
asgas,oilorwoodneedtobe
inspectedandmaintainedannually.
Itistheonlywaytoensureefficient
andsafeoperation.
Forfurnaces,whileyoucanandshould
changefilters,theonlypersonqualified
toinspectyournaturalgas,propaneor
oilfurnaceisacertifiedtechnicianwho
worksforaTSSA-registeredcontractor.
TofindaTSSA-registered
contractorinyourarea,
visitCOSafety.ca.
Remember,furnaceandfireplace
inspectionsareyourresponsibility.
Ifyoudonotarrangeit,itwillnot
getdone.Donotforgettohaveyour
furnace,fireplaceoranyfuel-burning
applianceinspectedannually!
Gettingstarted:
� VisitCOSafety.catofindaTSSA
registeredcontractornearyou
� Obtainatleastthreewritten
estimatesspecifyingtheworktobe
done,whowilldothework,aswell
asstartandcompletiondates
� Determinewhetherrepairsare
coveredbyawarranty;avoid
‘fly-by-nighters’,especiallypeople
whoshowupatyourdooroffering
specialdeals
YourHomeHeatingSystem
Tokeepyourhomeheatingsystem
workingthewayitshouldthisseason;
thereareactionsthatyouastheowner
cantake,buttherearethingsthatneed
tobeperformedbyaprofessional.
Do-It-Yourself
� Examinetheheatingsystem
occasionallyforsignsofdeterioration,
suchaswaterstains,corrosionor
leakage;inforced-airsystems,clean
thefurnaceairfiltersfrequently–
atleasttwiceaheatingseason
� Keeptheareaaroundthefurnace
freefromdust,lint,rags,paint,
draincleanersandothermaterials
orchemicalsthatcouldcatchfireor
explodeiftheybecometoohot
� Makesurewarm-airoutletsand
cold-airoutletsarenotcoveredby
carpetsorblockedbydebris
� Makesurewalls,otherobstructions
ornewrenovationsdonotblockthe
heatingsystem’sairsupply
12 13
Callaprofessional
� Ifyourheatingsystemstopsworking,
checktheelectricalfuse,theswitch
andthethermostat,andthencallfor
aheatingtechnician
� Ifsnoworicecoversyouroutdoor
regulator,contactyourfuelsupplier
� Undernocircumstancesshould
unqualifiedpeopletamperwith
heatingsystems;ifyouhave
questionsorconcerns,contact
aTSSA-registeredheatingcontractor
byvisitingCOSafety.ca
GasFireplaces–TooHotforTots
Tokeepyourchildsafearoundgasfireplaces:
� Neverleaveayoungchildalonenearagasfireplace;theycanbeburnedbefore,
during,andafteruseofthefireplace
� Createabarrieraroundthegasfireplace;safetyguardscanbeinstalledtokeep
yourchildatasafedistanceatalltimes
� Teachchildrenaboutthedangersoffire;childrenarefascinatedbyheatandfire
andmaynotunderstandthedangers
� Considernotusingthefireplaceifyouhaveyoungchildrenlessthanfiveyears
ofage,useitonlyafteryourchildrenhavegonetosleep,orconsiderturningthe
unitoffcompletely,includingtheignitionflame,whenevertheunitisnotinuse
� Beawareofcontactburndangersfromirons,curlingirons,radiators,olderoven
doors,wood-burningstoves,andfireplaces
45MINUTES
Ittakesanaverageof45minutesfor
thefireplacetocooltoasafetemperature
afterafirehasbeenextinguished
AnnualInspectionTips
Annualinspectionofyourfuel-burningappliancesisacriticalstepinprotecting
yourfamilyagainstcarbonmonoxide.Usethetipsbelowtogetstartedtoday.
BeforetheCall
FindaTSSA-RegisteredFuels
Contractorinyourcommunityusing
theFind a ContractortoolatTSSA’s
COSafety.ca.
DuringtheCall
Sixquestionstoaskthecontractor:
1 Are their inspection staff
certified by TSSA?
2 Are they able to provide
inspections for all of your
fuel-burning appliances?
3 Does the inspection include
the entire system?
� fuelsupply� thedeviceitself� chimney/ventingsystem,areas
aroundthedevice
4 Will they provide a written
inspection report of the devices
inspected and the results?
5 Will they be available to provide
additional explanation and
answer questions?
6 Will they supply an estimate?
(Always get one)
AftertheCall
� Werecommendyouobtainmore
thanoneestimate
� Reviewtheinformationyou
havegathered
� Selectyourcontractorandbook
theinspection
AftertheInspection
� Reviewyourinspectionreport
� Ensure,ifrequired,youask
anyfollow-upquestionsor
seekclarification
Thebestwaytoavoidcarbon
monoxideexposureistoeliminate
itatthesource.
YourWoodStoveorFireplace
This time of year, it can be comforting to curl up beside a crackling
fireplace, or gather family and friends around the warmth of a wood
stove. Take the necessary steps now to ensure that wood stoves and
fireplaces are operating properly and free of potential hazards.
Watchforthewarningsigns
Lookforcorrosionorrustontheouter
shellofametalchimney.Watchfor
bulgesorcorrosionofthelineraswell.
Loosebricks,crumblingmortar,dark
stainsandwhitepowderallindicate
problemswithamasonrychimney.It
shouldberepairedimmediatelybya
certifiedheatingcontractorormason.
Checkstovepipesandconnections
Ensurethatscrewsarelocatedatevery
jointandthateachconnectionisa
tight,securefit.Also,lookforsignsof
darkstainingorwhitepowder(also
referredtoasleeching)ateveryjoint.
Rustisaclearsignthatitistimeto
replacethestovepipe.
Checkwallsforexcessiveheat
Ifthewallaboveyourfireplaceor
woodstovegetsveryhot,itcouldbe
asignofimproperchimneyinstallation
andapotentialfirehazard.
Protectwallsandfloorsfrom
heatandsparks
Keepcombustibleobjectsawayfrom
yourwoodstoveorfireplaceand
alwaysuseaproperlyfittedscreento
coverthefireplaceopening.Floors
andwallsshouldbeprotectedwith
non-combustibleshields.
YourPortableSpaceHeater
Electricspaceheatersareahandywaytoaddalittleextrawarmthtoone
cornerofyourhomewithoutturningupthefurnace.However,electricspace
heaterscanbeahazardifusedimproperly.Followthemanufacturer’sinstructions
andthesesafetytipstostaysafeandwarm:
� Neverusespaceheaterstodry
flammableitemssuchasclothing
orblankets
� Keepallflammableobjectsat
leastonemetreawayfrom
spaceheaters
� Ifyouuseanextensioncord,make
sureitistherightsizeandgauge
tocarrytheelectricalloadbeing
drawnbythespaceheater
� Neveruseanelectricalspaceheater
inawetareaoranyareathatcan
beexposedtowater
� Supervisechildrenandpetsatall
timeswhenaportablespaceheater
isinuse
Neverusefuel-burning
portablespaceheaters(such
aspropaneorkerosene)in
anyenclosedspace,asitcanleadto
deadlycarbonmonoxideexposure
Whenindoubt,callanexpert
Thesafestandmostpracticalwaytohandletheannual
maintenanceofyourchimney,woodstoveandfireplaceisto
contactaWETT*certifiedchimneysweep.Itisarelativelysmall
investmentforpeaceofmind.
*WoodEnergyTechnologyTransfer
Improper use of space heaters is one of the leading causes of fires and carbon monoxide exposure in homes and cottages.
14 15
FreshAir–LetYourHouseBreathe
Inattemptingtoconserveenergy
andreduceourheatingcosts,wecan
sometimesmakeourhomestooair
tight.Infact,forahousetobehealthy,
itneedsto“breathe”.Itneedstoexpel
moistureandothergasesfrominside
andtakeinaconstantsupplyoffresh
airfromoutside.
Whenafuel-burningapplianceinyour
homedoesnotgetenoughfreshair
andfailstocompletelyburnitsfuel,
carbonmonoxideisproduced.
Ifventilationisdamagedorblocked,
orifyouhaveapowerfulkitchenfan,
bathroomfanoropenhearthfireplace,
thencarbonmonoxidecanbedrawn
backinsidethehouse.
Exhaustfanscancompound
theproblem
Bemindfulthattheairyouexhaust
fromyourhomehastobereplaced.
Powerfulexhaustfansinbathrooms
andkitchensoropenhearthwood-
burningfireplacescanactuallycreate
anegativepressureinsideyourhome,
resultinginabackdraftwhichwilldraw
exhaustfumesfromyourfurnace,hot
waterheaterorotherappliancesback
intothehouse.
Howcanyoutellifyourhomeis
tooairtight?
� Theairinsideyourhomeisusually
stuffyandstale
� Excessivecondensationisdripping
downyourwindows(whichcould
alsomeanyourhumidifierissettoo
high,socheckthatfirst)
� Thepilotlightonyourgasappliance
keepsgoingout
� Agasflameburnsyellowinsteadof
blue(exceptinthecaseofanatural
gasfireplace)
� Thesmellofexhaustgasesispresent
inyourhome;althoughyoucannot
smellcarbonmonoxide,other
exhaustgasesdohaveanodour
Ifyouseeanyofthesesigns,contact
acertifiedheatingcontractorora
buildingventilationexperttocheck
yourhomeandcorrecttheproblem.
Considerthesesolutions:
Air exchanger
Ifyourhomeistightlysealedtomake
itenergyefficient,considerinvestingin
aprofessionallyinstalledairexchange
system.Itexchangestheairinside
yourhomeforfreshoutsideairevery
24hours,withoutwastingheat.
Direct feed
Whenrenovatingorbuilding,consider
installingheatingsystemsandappliances
thathaveadirectfeedofoutsideair
forcombustion,sotheydonotdrawair
frominsidethehome.Thecombustion
chambersaresealedsotheyaresafer
andmoreenergyefficient.
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Beat The Silent Killer
TAKE ACTIONTHINK SAFE COSafety.ca
In Ontario, over 65% of all carbon monoxide deaths and
injuries occur in homes.
18 19
TreatFuelwithCare
Whenrunningagas-poweredengine:
� KeepaBCClassfireextinguisher
handy.Waterwillonlyspreadthe
flamesofagasoline-basedfire
� Neverworkoridleinanenclosed
spacesuchasagarage,basement
ortent
� Allowequipmenttocooldownfora
fewminutesbeforerefuelling
Storage
Donotleavegasolineinthebasement
ofyourhomeorinthecottage.Store
fuelinapprovedcontainersinadetached
garageorshed,andwellawayfromheat
sourcesincludingdirectsunlight.
FillingContainers
� Onlyusefuelcontainersthathave
beencertifiedbyanaccredited
certificationorganizationsuchasthe
CanadianStandardsAssociation(CSA)
Internationalorthe Underwriters
LaboratoriesofCanada(ULC)
� Keepwellawayfromsparksor
ignitionsources
� Fillonlytoabout90percentof
capacitytoallowsomeroom
forexpansion
� Whenfilling,keepportablecontainers
ontheground,withthedispensing
nozzleinfullcontactwiththe
containerinordertopreventbuildup
anddischargeofstaticelectricity–
apossiblesourceofignition
� Whenyouarefinishedrefillingthe
container,tightenboththefilland
ventcaps
� Neverleavethecontainerindirect
sunlightorinthetrunkofacar
Disposal
Thebestwaytodisposeof
gasolineistouseitup.
Smallamountscanbeleft
outsidetoevaporate–leaveinanopen
containerawayfromchildrenandpets.
Ifgasolinemustbediscarded,besure
totakeittothehazardouswaste
disposalcentreinyourarea.Neverpour
gasolineontotheground,downsewers
orintodrains.
Gasoline is a common fuel around the home. It powers
our lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers, all terrain
vehicles (ATVs) and more. But, despite its everyday use,
it’s important not to underestimate the dangers
of gasoline.
Home Safety
20 21
FireSafetyinApartmentBuildings
Q:Doesyourapartmenthaveatleastoneworkingsmokealarm?
Test monthly and replace batteries annually to ensure it
works properly.
Q:Doyouhavearollofducttape? Duct tape is a special tape
available from hardware stores. Use it to block smoke from entering
your apartment through spaces around your doors, vents and
other openings.
Q:Doyouknowhowyouaregoingtoescapefromyourbuilding
ifthereisafire? Most apartment buildings have at least two
exit stairways. Find out where these are and practice using them.
Know which floors you can use to cross from one stairway to
another. Do not use the elevator(s).
Q:Haveyoutoldyourlandlordorbuildingmanagerthatyou
willneedhelpinanemergency? Your apartment number can
be added to the fire safety plan, so firefighters will know that you
may need to be rescued.
Q:Doyouknowwherethefirealarmsareonyourfloor,and
howtopullthem? Ask your landlord or building manager where
they are and how to use them.
Q:Haveyouarrangedaplaceoutsidethebuildingwhere
youwillmeeteveryoneyoushareyourapartmentwithafter
youleave? Having a meeting place gives you confidence that
everyone got out safely.
Q:Doyouknowthetelephonenumbertocallifthereisafire?
Keep this telephone number in a place where you can find it fast
in an emergency.
Being prepared can help save your life. Talk to
your building’s management or fire department
for more details.
Your furnace needs to be inspected annually by a TSSA-certified heating contractor to maintain peak efficiency and protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide.
It is the smart thing to do and it is your responsibility.
Be sure to use a certified heating contractor registered by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. To find a TSSA-registered contractor, visit COSafety.ca.
Have You Had Your Furnace Inspected?
22 23
Whattodoifacookingfirestarts
Pot:putalidonit.Ifapancatchesfire,
carefullyslidealidoverthepanusing
ahigh-cuffovenmittandturnoffthe
stoveburner.Leavethelidonuntil
completelycool!Donotcarrythe
burningpantoasinkoroutside.
Movementmaypermitoxygen
tothefireallowingittoignite,
orcausehotgreasetospilland
causeburns.
Ovenormicrowave:keepthedoor
shutandturnofftheheat.Ifflames
donotgooutimmediately,call
thefiredepartment.Openingthe
ovenormicrowavedoorallows
oxygentothefireandincreasesthe
potentialforthefiretospread
beyondtheappliance.
Neverpourwateronagreasefire.
Watercausesgreasefirestoflare
andspread.
Knowtheemergencynumber
foryourfiredepartment.
Alwayscallyourlocalfire
departmentbeforeattempting
tofightafire.
Alwayskeepafireextinguisheratthe
kitchendoor.Knowhowtouseit.Only
useitifyouhaveaclearescaperouteand
thefiredepartmenthasbeencalledfirst.
Ifapancatchesonfire,putalidonitusingahigh-cuffovenmitt
KnowYourFireExtinguishersNotallfireextinguishersarealike.Theyaredesignedforspecific
typesoffire.Therearethreegeneraltypesoffireextinguishers:
ClassA–firesinvolvingordinarycombustiblessuchaswood,
clothorpaper;
ClassB–firesinvolvingflammableliquids,greases,gases,etc.;and
ClassC–chargedelectricalequipmentfires.
Chooseamulti-purposefireextinguishertoputoutallclassesoffires.
PreventCookingFires
Watchwhatyouheat
Cookingfiresarethenumberonecause
ofhomefiresandhomefireinjuriesin
CanadaandtheU.S.,accordingtothe
NationalFirePreventionAssociation
(NFPA).Mostofthesefirescanbe
preventedbyfollowingsimplefire
safetysteps.
� Neverleavecookingunattended;
twooutoffivedeathsinhome
cookingfiresoccurbecausethe
cookingwasunattended
� Keepthecookingareaclean;always
wipeappliancesandsurfacesafter
cookingtopreventgreasebuildup
� Donotstorecombustibleobjects
nearthestove;curtains,potholders,
dishtowelsandfoodpackagingcan
easilycatchfire
� Alwaysturnpothandlesinwards;
turninghandlestowardthecentre
ofthestovecanpreventpotsfrom
beingknockedoffthestoveorpulled
downbysmallchildren
� Wearshortorclose-fittingsleeves
whencooking;firescanoccurwhen
clothingcomesincontactwith
stovetopburners
� Donotoverheatcookingoil
� Cookingoilcaneasilystartafireso
neverleavehotoilorgrease-laden
foodsunattended;ifyoumustleave
theroom,evenforashortperiod
oftime,turntheburnerdownto
simmer,oroffcompletely
� Teachchildrenaboutsafecooking;
youngchildrenshouldbekeptat
leastonemetreawayfromthestove
whileolderfamilymembersare
cookingandolderchildrenshould
cookonlywithpermissionandunder
thesupervisionofagrownup
SafetyTips
Alwaysturnpothandlesinwards
24 25
Although elevators and escalators are extremely safe,
practising proper riding behaviour will greatly reduce the
chance of an accident. Make sure you know the facts.
Elevator and Escalator Safety
TheInsideScooponElevatorRescue
Thesafestplacetobewhenan
elevatorstopsorifthedoorswon’t
openandyouaretrapped–isinside!
Anelevatorisdesignedwithevery
possiblesafetyfeatureinmind.
� Ifthedoorswon’topenandyou’re
stuckbetweenfloors,neverforcethe
doorsopenortrytoexit;doingso
couldexposeyoutoseriousdanger
� Stayinsideandsignalforhelp
� Youcanringthealarm,orifan
emergencyphoneor“HELP”button
isprovided,useitforimmediate
two-waycommunicationtoqualified,
responsivestaff24-hoursadayor
tobedirectedwithina30-second
timeframe
� Remaincalmandknowthathelpis
ontheway
� Aprofessionalrecognizedbythe
TechnicalStandardsandSafety
Authority(TSSA)–whoistrainedto
specificrescuestandards–willget
yousafelyoutoftheelevator;such
trainedspecialistsknowhowto
safelyremovepassengersorrestart
theelevator
Followingthesesafedesignandrescue
proceduresisthesurestwaytosafety.
Remaincalmandknowthathelp
isontheway
SOINTHEEND,WHERE’STHESAFESTPLACETOBE?› INSIDETHEELEVATOR!
26 27
Shop,butWatchYourStep
Whileescalatorsareextremelysafeandreliable,riderscanfallandbeinjuredif
theyarenotpayingattention,usingstrollers(whichareprohibited),playingaround,
oroverloadedwithluggageandbags.BasedonincidentsreportedtoTSSA,more
than90percentoffallsandinjuriesonescalatorsarerider-related.
Afewsimplereminderswillkeepyouonyourfeet:
� Steponandoffwithcare
� Standinthecentreofthestep,not
rightnexttotherailing,especially
whenwearingsoft-soledfootwear,
toavoidentrapment
� Holdontothehandrails
� Attendtochildrenandhold
theirhand
� Keeplooseclothing,suchaslong
coats,scarves,andshoelacesclear
ofstepsandsides
� Keephandbags,knapsacks,
shoppingbagsandparcelsaway
fromthehandrails
� Donotrunupordownescalators
� Moveawayquicklyfromexitareas
� Ifyouhaveluggageorastroller,
useanelevator
Itisalsowisetotakeacarefuland
courteousattitudewithyouon
escalators.Payextraattentiontosmall
childrenandseniors.Asafinalsafety
measure,itishelpfultonoticewhere
theescalator’semergencystopbuttons
arelocated.
Choose the right device - it will help you get to your destination safely.
HeightenYourElevatorSafetyAwareness
Watchyourstep
Elevatorfloorsarenotalwayslevel.
Levelingwillchangedependingon
theageoftheelevatoranditsvarying
speeds.Ifthelevelisbeyondaninch
andhalf,alertthebuildingowneror
representativeandTSSA.
Usethebutton
Ifyouwanttoholdthedooropen,
neverstickyourhandinthedoor.The
outerdoorsaretheretoprotectyou
fromtwoinnerdoors,nottodetect
yourhand,arm,legorhead.
Respectpassengerand
weightrestrictions
Payattentiontothemaximumnumber
ofpassengersandweightrestrictions
postedintheelevatorcar.Theyexist
foraveryvalidreason:thesafety
ofallwithin.
Usealarmbuttonforemergencies
Thesafestplacetobewhenan
elevatorstopsorifthedoorswon’t
openandyouaretrapped–isinside!
Anelevatorisdesignedwithevery
possiblesafetyfeatureinmind.
Nevertrytoprythedoorsopenwith
yourhandsiftrappedinsidethe
elevator.Ringthealarmbuttonoruse
theemergencyphonetocallforhelp.
Remaincalmandknowthathelpison
theway.
Beaware,especiallywithothers
inyourcare
Cellphonesandotherdistractionscan
causemorethanminorannoyances,
likemissingyourfloor.Becognizantof
yoursurroundingswhenenteringand
exitingtheelevator,keepawatchful
eyeonchildren,pets,ordependants
andbemindfulofothersforthe
durationoftheride.
Intheeventofafire,use
thestairsandfollowbuilding
emergencyprocedures.
Thoughmodernelevating
equipmentismadeoffire-
resistantmaterials,elevators
shouldnotbeusedunless
underthedirectsupervisionof
professionalfirefighters.
28 29
Winter offers some of the most unique opportunities
for fun and recreation. Whether you’re skating, skiing or
snowmobiling a few simple safety precautions can help
you stay safe.
Winter Recreation and Safety
Alwaysusethesafetybaronachairlift
FirstTimeSkiersandSnowboarders
Topfivesafetytips
Discoveringandlearningsomething
newcanbealittlenerve-wracking,
butexcitingatthesametime.Whether
you’reoutonthehillsskiingor
snowboarding,learnhowtobesafe.
Here’show:
1 Dress appropriately:Dress
inlayersandavoidwearing
cotton.Remembertobringwater-
resistantglovesormittens,goggles
andsunscreen.
2 Get the right gear:Usetherental
shopatyourlocalskihilltoget
properlyfittedboots,bindings,poles
andskis/snowboards.Helmetsarealso
oftenrentableandrecommended–just
besuretoeducateyourselfonthe
benefitsandlimitations.Checkonany
mandatoryhelmetrequirementsbeing
enforcedattheskihillyou’revisiting.
3 Take a lesson:Gainsome
goodbasics.Mostskihills
offerlessonswithtrainedand
certifiedskiandsnowboard
instructorsthatwillhelpyou
getcomfortableontheslopes.
4 Follow the rules:
FollowtheAlpine
ResponsibilityCodeand
colour-codedsymboltrail
signs.Yourprimarysafety
considerationandobligation
istoskiandrideinacontrolledand
responsiblemanner.
5 Ride safe on ski lifts:Listento
theliftattendantsandbeaware
ofallsignsduringyourskiliftride.
Ifyou’reunsure,lookforinstructional
postersandasktheattendantforhelp.
Forchairlifts,alwaysusethesafetybar.
Andremember–liftthebaronly
whenyou’vereachedthe“Raise
BarHere”sign.
Sowhat’sthelastthingtoremember?
Knowyourlimits.Skiingand
snowboardingcanbetiring,so
takebreaksandpackitinifyou
feelexhausted.
Fortheseandotherimportantsafety
tips,visitwww.safetyinfo.ca.Fora
guidetovariousskiresortsacross
Ontario,visitwww.skiontario.ca.
30 31
IceSkating
Canadianfamiliescan’tgetenoughofoutdoorice
skating–andtheyummyhotchocolatethatgoes
withit!Butbeforelacingupthoseskates,keep
thesetipsinmindtokeepyourwholefamily
onthesafesideofthiswintersport.
� Skatesshouldgivefirmanklesupportand
fitsnugly;foryoungsterswhosefeetare
growing,softerbootsarebetterthanhard,
unyieldingones
� AllskatersshouldwearCSA-approvedhockey
helmetswhenskatingbecausetheyaretested
forfallsonice.Replacehelmetsevery
fiveyears
� Checkthatskateblades
aren’tdullorrusted
� Teachchildrentoskate
onlyinplacesyou
knowaresafe
� Checkthattheice
surfaceisingood
shapewithout
bumps,melting
orslushyice
� Checkfor
skatinghazards
suchaspebbles,
rocksandbranches
� Iceonfrozenponds,rivers,lakesorcanalsshouldbeatleast15cmthickand
20cmforskatingpartiesorgames;bewareofquickthaws,whichcanweaken
theicesurface
� Teachchildrentoskatewithfriends–neveralone–andalwaysinsafeareas,
awayfromtrafficandfreeofobstacles
BACK
CHAIR LIFT SAFETY
32 33
ShovellingSnow–Safely
Snowremovalisoftendoneinarushtogettoworkontime,ortofinishasfast
aspossible.
Thegoodnewsisthat15minutesoflightsnowshovellingisconsideredmoderate
physicalactivity.Canada’sPhysicalActivityGuidesaysweshouldaimforatleast60
minutesofdailymoderatephysicalactivityofsomekind.
Thebadnewsisthatresearchhasshownanincreaseinthenumberof
fatalheartattacksamongindividualsshovellingsnowfollowingheavy
snowfalls.Thismaybeduetothesuddendemandthatshovellingincold
weatherplacesonanindividual’sheartandbody.
Whilenoteveryonewhoshovelssnowwillsufferaninjuryoraheartattack,itcan
begoodexercisewhenperformedcorrectlyandwithsafetyinmind.
Whoshouldthinktwiceaboutshovellingsnow?
� Peoplewhohaveexistinghealth
problems,orinjuries
� Olderindividuals
� Anyonewhohashadaprevious
heartattack
� Peoplewithfamilyorpersonal
historyofheartdisease,highblood
pressureorhighcholesterollevels
� Smokers
� Peopleleadingasedentarylifestyle
Olderindividualsshouldthinktwicebeforetheyshovelsnow
PriortoShovelling
� Avoidstimulantslikecaffeineand
nicotinethatplaceextrastresson
theheart
� Avoideatinglargemealsthatplace
demandsonthedigestivesystem
� Drinkplentyofwater;dehydrationis
anissueinwinterasitisinsummer
� Dressinseverallayers;removea
layerasneeded
� Extremities,suchasthenose,ears,
handsandfeetneedextraattention
whenitiscoldoutside;placeascarf
orotherfaceprotectionoverthe
nose/mouthtoavoidbreathing
coldair
� Wearproperfootwear;bootswith
slip-resistantsolesoranti-slipcleat
attachmentscanhelptominimize
theriskofslipsandfalls
� Warm-upforfive-to-tenminutesto
getthejointsmovingandincrease
bloodcirculation;marchonthe
spot,climbstairs,orgofora
quickwalkaroundtheblock
� Afterwarm-up,performgentle
stretchesfortheback(i.e.
kneestochest),armsand
shoulders(i.e.bodyhug),
andlegs(i.e.forward
bendsfromaseated
position).Thiswillensure
thatyourbodyisready
foraction
Reprinted with permission of the Occupational Health Clinics of Ontario Workers www.ohcow.on.ca
34 35
SnowmobileSafety
UsetheSignals
Followthenationally-approved
snowmobilehandsignalstoensure
safetyonthetrailsforeveryone.
PractiseZeroAlcohol
Alcoholisinvolved
inover70percentof
snowmobilingfatalities.
Evensmallamountsof
alcoholcanimpairperception,slow
reactiontimeandlimitabilitytocontrol
yoursled.Operatingyoursledunder
theinfluenceofalcoholispunishable
undertheCriminalCodeofCanada.
Ifconvictedofdrivingasnowmobile
whileimpaired,youwilllosealldriving
privileges(car,truck,motorcycle,
off-roadvehiclesandsnowmobile).
NightRiding
Nineoutoftenfatalitiesoccurafter
dark.Slowdown,don’toverdriveyour
headlights.Becomingdisorientedor
lostismuchmorelikelyatnight.
Wearouterclothingwithreflectivetrim
onthearms,backandhelmet.Never
ridealoneatnight.Alwaysdressinyour
fullsnowmobilingoutfitevenifyour
intendeddestinationisjustnext-door.
DefensiveSnowmobiling
Enginenoiseandyourhelmetmay
impairyourhearing,sobeextraalert
fordanger.Neverassumewhatanother
snowmobilerwilldo.Yoursafetyisin
yourownhands,sowatchoutfora
varietyoftrailconditions.
CrossingIce
Ifyoudotravelacrosslakes
orrivers,knowtheconditions
beforeyougoandonlycross
followingmarkedstakelines.Carryice
picksandwearabuoyantsnowmobile
suitintheeventanemergencyself-
rescueneedstobeperformed.
ReprintedwithpermissionoftheOntarioFederationofSnowmobileClubswww.ofsc.on.ca
UnderstandingWinterWeatherHypothermia:Dresswarmlytopreventhypothermia.Coverupandlayerwell,makingsurethatnothingistootightorleftexposed.
Snow Blindness:Ridewithgoodquality,UV-protectedsunglassesoratintedvisor.
Wind Chill:Wind-proofoutergarments,extralayersandabalaclavawilloffersomeprotection,butkeepyourfaceshielddowntopreventwindburnandtoprotectyourskinandeyes.
DriveHomeTheseWinterRoadSafetyTips
Snowremovalisoftendoneinarush
togettoworkontime,ortofinishas
fastaspossible.
Planahead
Knowingwhatdangermaylurkahead
ofyourtravelscanhelpyouprepare
tofaceitorgiveyouthechanceto
avoidit.Beforeheadingout,checkthe
weatherforecastedfortheduration
ofyourtrip,andstaytunedtotraffic
reportsforawarenessofaccidents
androadclosures.Therearefreeapps
onlinethatofferreal-timetrafficalerts.
Beginwithacleanslate
Roadvisibilityisoftheutmost
importancewhendrivinginwinter
weather.Besuretocleanthesnow
andiceoffofyourcar,beforehitting
theroad,andkeepanicescraper
andwasherfluidonboardfor
impromptumaintenance.Inaddition,
havingwintertiresinstalledisawise
start-of-the-seasonsafetytradition.
Stayconnected
Everyoneknowsthattalkingona
cellphonewhiledrivingisabig
safetyno-no–butdrivingaloneina
blizzardwithnooneinformedofyour
whereaboutsandnoaccesstooutside
assistanceis,perhaps,anevenmore
chillingthought.Beforerevvingup
yourengine,informsomeoneof
yourtravelplans,andkeepa
chargedcellphoneandcharger
onboardthroughoutyourtrip.
Toneitdownabit
Winterweathercallsforpatience
andfocus.Easeofftheaccelerator,
leaveplentyofdistancebetween
yourvehicleandothers,anddon’t
overtakesnowplows.Ifyouneedtobe
somewhereinahurrythiswinter,plan
yourrouteinadvanceandgiveyourself
extratimetogetthere.
Fill’erUp
Drivingyourvehiclewithafulltankof
gasisgreatadviceanyseasonofthe
year,butinwinter,particularly,itis
essentialtoensureyouhaveenough
gastolastforthedurationofyourtrip
because,oncethegasisgone,the
heat’snotlongtofollow.
Helping you stay and think safeThe Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an innovative, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of: amusement devices; elevators and escalators; ski lifts; fuels; boilers and pressure vessels; and operating engineers. TSSA is there with you each time you get your home furnace inspected, your gas fireplace maintained, and even when you ride an elevator, escalator, or a ski lift.
Toll-free:(outsideToronto)1-877-682-8772
Email:[email protected]
CorporateWebsite:tssa.org
PublicSafetyWebsite:safetyinfo.ca
PUTTING PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST - ALWAYS.
Winter2019