15 May Springtime Yard & Field Maintenance

Springtime Yard & Field Maintenance Safety

Springtime yard and field maintenance often brings increased outdoor activity, equipment movement, material handling, and chemical use. Before operations become busy, inspect and organize yards, outdoor shops, storage areas, and field facilities to identify and correct hazards.

Guide for Discussion

Chemical Storage and Hazard Communication

If chemicals are stored or used in outdoor work areas:

• Ensure the written Hazard Communication Program is current and accessible.
• Maintain an inventory of hazardous chemicals.
• Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are readily accessible to employees.
• Verify that containers are properly labeled.
• Store chemicals according to compatibility and manufacturer requirements.
• Inspect containers for leaks, corrosion, deterioration, or damage.
• Maintain appropriate spill-control materials near potential spill locations.
• Ensure employees know how to report and respond to spills.
• Provide appropriate PPE for chemical handling.
• Ensure required emergency eyewash or flushing facilities are accessible and operational.

Never store incompatible chemicals together or transfer hazardous chemicals into unlabeled containers.

Yard and Field Conditions

Winter weather can damage outdoor walking and driving surfaces. Inspect the entire area before activity increases.

Check for:

• Potholes, ruts, erosion, and uneven surfaces.
• Standing water and inadequate drainage.
• Mud, ice, or other slip hazards.
• Overgrown vegetation that obstructs visibility or access.
• Damaged fencing, gates, barriers, or signs.
• Adequate lighting around work, storage, and parking areas.
• Clearly defined vehicle and pedestrian routes.
• Posted and enforced site speed limits.
• Safe access to emergency equipment.

Repair or barricade hazardous areas until permanent corrections can be made.

Fire Protection

Inspect outdoor fire-protection equipment and ensure:

• Fire extinguishers are readily accessible.
• Extinguishers are appropriate for the expected hazards.
• Equipment is properly mounted or otherwise securely located.
• Inspection and maintenance requirements are current.
• Signs or markings identify extinguisher locations where necessary.
• Access is not blocked by equipment, vehicles, or stored materials.

Employees expected to use portable fire extinguishers must receive the appropriate instruction or training.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is particularly important as outdoor operations increase.

• Remove accumulated trash, scrap, vegetation, and unnecessary materials.
• Store tools when they are not being used.
• Remove extension cords, hoses, and equipment from walking areas after use.
• Clean up oil, fuel, and chemical spills promptly using appropriate procedures.
• Keep stairs, walkways, exits, and access routes clear.
• Properly store oily rags and other combustible waste.
• Remove protruding nails, sharp metal, broken pallets, and similar hazards.
• Maintain adequate access around emergency equipment and electrical installations.

Do not allow temporary storage to become permanent clutter.

Material Storage

Inspect outdoor material-storage areas for stability and accessibility.

• Keep materials organized and properly stacked.
• Secure materials that could roll, shift, slide, or fall.
• Inspect storage racks for damage, corrosion, or instability.
• Do not exceed rack or shelving capacities.
• Store heavier materials at lower levels when practical.
• Use appropriate mechanical equipment to place or retrieve heavy materials from elevated storage locations.
• Keep aisles and access routes clear.
• Separate materials from vehicle travel paths when practical.

Never climb storage racks or unstable material stacks to retrieve materials.

Tools and Equipment

Equipment that has been stored or used infrequently during winter should be inspected before returning it to service.

Check:

• Guards and other safety devices.
• Electrical cords and plugs.
• Hydraulic hoses and fittings.
• Tires and wheels.
• Fluid leaks.
• Brakes and steering.
• Lights, horns, and alarms.
• Hand tools for cracks, damage, or excessive wear.

Remove defective tools and equipment from service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Traffic

Increased spring activity often means more trucks, forklifts, loaders, and other mobile equipment.

• Establish designated traffic routes when practical.
• Separate pedestrians from equipment whenever possible.
• Maintain appropriate speed limits.
• Keep intersections and travel routes clear.
• Use spotters when visibility is restricted and conditions require them.
• Wear required high-visibility apparel when exposed to vehicle traffic.
• Maintain communication between employees working in remote yard or field locations.

Emergency Preparedness

Before outdoor operations increase, verify that:

• First-aid supplies are stocked and accessible.
• Emergency contact information is current.
• Employees know how to summon emergency assistance.
• Spill-response equipment is available.
• Emergency access routes are unobstructed.
• Employees know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency equipment.
• Reliable communication is available for employees working away from the main facility.

Spring Inspection Checklist

Before peak operations begin, ask:

• Are chemicals properly labeled and stored?
• Are SDSs accessible?
• Are spill supplies available?
• Are walking and driving surfaces safe?
• Are drainage and lighting adequate?
• Are fire extinguishers accessible and properly maintained?
• Are tools and equipment in safe operating condition?
• Are materials properly stacked and secured?
• Are aisles and travel routes clear?
• Are vehicle and pedestrian hazards controlled?
• Are first-aid and emergency supplies available?
• Have identified deficiencies been corrected or controlled?

Remember

Spring is an ideal time to correct problems that developed during winter. Inspect outdoor work areas before activity increases, correct hazards promptly, and maintain good housekeeping throughout the season.