Open Letter to "SO CALLED JOB CREATORS"

Dear "So Called Job Creators", lets set one thing straight on how you got to be so big and have the life style you do!

You have vilified the education in the USA. One thing is true. There are more Public Education teachers in the USA then Private. Before you got your start you received an education via some form wither public or private. Those teachers were taught by someone. they too go there education form either the same source. It is a domino effect. Stop the assault on the teachers. almost every family in the USA has someone in the education system at various levels.

Furthermore the following is true!
...
If it was not for the Unionized Construction Workers trained and educated you would not have the roads, bridges, electric, plumbing, and the office painted. As these professionals are highly skilled, trained, educated in the current building codes of there trades to build the building that you are currently manufacturing your products out of. Then they are transported on roads and bridges constructed by highly skilled unionized construction workers that know how to pour, finish concrete and set structural steel as they too have been educated in the building codes.
Your business in protected by Unionized Fire, Police and or EMS workers who do not know anything about you, your workers.....they only care about the well being of your, your family and co-workers. These professionals (Police, Fire, EMS) they too are highly skilled workers that have dedicated many hours of training and schooling to maintain a high level of education to make sure your business is safe and meets all the building codes too Wait you say that your business could be covered by volunteer firefighters......why yes, this too is true. But lets not to forget that these dedicated professionals too have to pay for education, training and related expenses out of there pockets. So by you shipping their jobs over seas they do not have the disposable income to maintain the training that they need. The fire dept does not have money to buy diesel fuel to put in the fire trucks. So the fire depts close, your fire insurance goes thru the roof.

And you blame your condition on this group of workers. The ones that have dedicated their life to helping you excel. You live a high life and pull the rug out from under them. You tell them that you need them to take cuts in pay and benefits. They do to make sure they have a job and you keep your business. But you repay them by closing the business sending jobs overseas and say its the UNIONS that caused you to go out of business. We call it a scam. Scamming us workers out of our money that you stated you would reinstate as well as insurance. And you wonder why the bond of trust has been broken and your workers do not want to talk too you, put any trust in you and does not want to even see you.

lets get one last thing clear. By no means does a non union worker know the same regulations, building codes, plumbing codes, electrical codes, NFPA Regulations, Life Safety Codes, NFPA 10 as a union worker does on any skilled trades. They put in many hours at night school to maintain a working knowledge of these codes to ensure that you have a safe home, business and your family is safe and sound while your in CHINA selling our jobs. These are the facts. But you are so deep in the smell of lies spewed from the talking puppets on the various forms of media.

You are not an American. As far as we are concerned you can move you & your family to CHINA so you are closer to your factory and your cheap child labor. Do not import your crap as we do not want it! You are now classified as UNAMERICAN

A Penny can save your life? Really it can!

The American Penny; we use it everyday to help pay for things. Most of use remember buying a piece of candy for a penny. But it was a very nice older man that had an auto repair shop near my home. I learned many things from him regarding auto repairs. I went to his church several time. had classes with his daughter and son in school.

One day he asked me if I thought a Penny could save a life. I was about 13 years old. I replied "I have no idea.....maybe not." He showed me that it was a real penny and placed the penny in a car tire. He told me that the penny told him that the car tire tread depth was a critical depth and needed to be replaced. I asked him to show me further. As I was young and so was my mind. I needed to gain as much knowledge as possible regarding this "TRICK"

Your car tires are manufactured by a company and there is a tread depth to each one. Most tires are manufactured with a tread depth around 8/32 to 10/32 tread depth. Most of use driving do not even know that info just they look at the tread and think......:it looks like they might be getting thin and might need new tires.

So when you go to the tire shop you ask for them to balance and rotate your tires. If the repair shop is a good shop the tech's will tell you your tire tread depth and about when they might need replacing. They should record the tread depth on your paper work and explain what can go wrong if they exceed a minimum tread depth. Manufactures will have a minimum depth before failure.

I stated that when you buy a new tire it can have between 8/32 to 10/32 tread depth. This will depend on the mileage of the tires you are buying. The higher mileage will have more tread depth......lower mileage tires will have less tread depth.

Now to the Penny and how it can save your life!

The Penny. You know what it is and what its used for but there is another use for this one cent piece. You can use it to check your tire tread depth.

>  Insert the Penny in the tire tread with President Lincoln heads upside down.
>  If you see his hole head and nothing is obstructed by the tire tread then you are below a minimum standard set forth by the FHSA (Federal Highway Safety Administration) of 2/32 tread depth.
>  If you cannot see the top of his head and at the point of the ear to top of the head is not shown by the tread depth you have between 2/32 and 4/32 seconds of tread depth.

You need to check the tires for the following > bald spots missing tread, steel belts showing these are early signs of tire failure. If these are on the steer tire and failure happens it can cause an accident. If you have a tire fail on you while you are driving not only will it cause an accident but it will cause major damage to your car.

By using a penny and inserting it upside down with the head inserted into the tread depth and seeing the top of President Lincoln head you are below a minimum of 2/32 tread depth and the tires need to be replaced. Always have the tire properly inflated to the pressure on the tire. Some will want to do what the vehicle says. But you are not buying the same tire that it was transported from the factory with.

I hope you can take from this that a penny is not a useless piece of money.

Good rule of thumb > > no less then 6/32 tread depth on the steer tires, 4/32 on the drive. DO NOT use when the tires are at 2/32 or blow. Tire failure is lurking around the corner. It may happen at the wrong time and place (raining, snowing, fog or side of mountain.)

Finally a small note > when you buy tire make sure that the tire sidewalls are not closed. You need the tire to be able to expel water, snow/sleet & freezing rain from the center groves to prevent HYDROPLANING!

I hope you have learned how a penny can save your life and vehicle repairs/maintenance.

Be safe,

Roy

Safety, why is this topic a cost cutting measure to save moeny?

Safety. What does it mean? Why are we told about this topic if the boss and owner does not want to spend money to increase SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAMS?

Yes, it may save you money on the front end but lets look at the long term effect of the issue.

If you have a safety issue it is more cost effective to CORRECT the PROBLEMS when first noticed then wait till you have to fix it. So why when an employer is told about a condition that can cause injury or death they do not want to correct the problems?

What is SAFETY:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1W1ACEW_enUS360US360&q=safety&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&ei=yB7oTbgFh_jSAaWe6J4B&ved=0CE4QkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=2a9ecbf29d91d2ce&biw=1366&bih=540ct

Since we are born we are told about being safe. To wear our seat belts, wear a helmet when riding a bike, motorcycle's. Not to dive in shallow waters. The list is long. I am sure you could list more.

SAFETY! Is it really a cost saving factor?

Safety, why do we compel ourselves to worry about this topic? Why do business owners and operators cut the budget of this topic and think in the long run it will save them BIG MONEY?

Yes, it may save you money on the front end but lets look at the long term effect of the issue.

> Increase cost of Worker Compensation Insurance
> Possible OSHA Fines
> Increase in insurance cost
> Long term medical and rehab care
The list is endless on this topic. I am sure that you can list several more that I have not listed.

If you have a safety issue it is more cost effective to CORRECT the PROBLEMS when first noticed then wait till you have to fix it. So why; when an employer is told about a condition that can cause injury or death they do not want to correct the problem?

Safety, why do we compel ourselves to worry about this topic? Why do business owners and operators cut the budget of this topic and think in the long run it will save them BIG MONEY?
(Please post a comment about this. I am curious to hear what the readers have to say.)
If you have a safety issue it is more cost effective to CORRECT the PROBLEMS when first noticed then wait till you have to fix it. So why when an employer is told about a condition that can cause injury or death they do not want to 


So why are more business owners and operators reducing the spending on SAFETY?

The Bridges DO NEED REBUILT, PROOF IS IN THE PICTURES!

YIKES, the bridges are falling apart!

Yes, its true that we need our roads and bridges to be rebuilt. Have you seen them lately?

Yes it is true our roads and bridges are in disrepair? They are crumbling! I am a commercial motor vehicle operator full time so I see the roads and bridges in a better light then those in DC sitting upon their high throne. They dictate to us as to what we need to spend our money on and what not to spend money on for the federal government. You have heard the rant out of there mouths > TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH, TAX CUT FOR BIG OIL, BIG PHARMA, BIG BUSINESS. 

When in reality these businesses, as well as the CEO's, CFO's, Presidents, Vice Presidents, CIA, FBI, and those hated politicians all travel over these roads. So why do we cut the funding to maintain these important infrastructure. Wait there is NO MONEY for these projects? Each gallon of diesel fuel, and gasoline sold in the USA a road tax is collected. Even Trucking, Limo and Motor Coach companies pay an additional road use tax. Where is the money.

YIKES! This is bridge support structures!

Yup, another bridge support base with exposed rebar!

Here is an overpass over I 75 in Michigan about 20 miles south of Detroit. The picture does not do justice; but the section missing I will estimate about 2 1/2' down from the top and about 7' in length. This whole section broke off and fell on I 75 last fall.

Exposed Bridge Support Rebar Steel. This exposed structural rebar set in concrete  stand about 8' from the ground up to the bottom side of the bridge and about 3' in width.

So do you feel safe now traveling over the bridges in America?

A factual study of American Bridges conducted by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has found that in America there is an estimated 60,0000 +/- bridges that are deemed "Structurally Deficient."

Do you remember the I 35 span in Minneapolis/St. Paul that fell in August of 2007? That bridge was deemed structurally deficient just weeks prior to it falling.

Just this past Friday September 9, 2011 in Richmond, VA the main seat for Eric Cantor (R), House Majority Chair tried to deflect questions from reporters as to in his district there are so many bridges in need of repairs. Per the NTSB; they have found a total of 94 bridges in his district that are deemed "STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT."

I can say that we here in St. Louis are troubled by the amount of construction traffic and back ups. But we are displaced into ORANGE BARREL SEASON here.......the roads and bridges are bring rebuilt! Since 2009 most of the bridges and overpasses are already replaced except for a few that is in the final rebuilding stages. All of the interstates in the area are being repaved or have been repaved. But for other parts of the USA there is construction ongoing to rebuild them. But we need to spend more money on these infrastructures to be rebuilt.

So when you are driving on the interstates do the following > Open your eyes and look real good at the supports, and bridges in the rural parts of America. Do not look in the St. Louis Area, but when you are away from your place of living. You will be surprised at what you find.

Again, I hope you enjoyed my blogs. Please feel free to comment.

Stay Safe!

Roy



HELLO FIRE EDUCATORS > WHERE IS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAIINING FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATIONS?

Hello Fire Educators, I have a question for you?

Q: Where is the  Fire Extinguisher Training for commercial motor vehicle operations, motor coach and school bus?

You are a Fire Educator and part of your educations process should include the following area specifically:

* Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations
* Motor Coach Operations
* School Bus Operations
* Mechanic/Motor Vehicle Repair Operations

I work for a commercial motor vehicle operations company that includes motor coaches and school bus. Yes, I have spoke to the higher ups and they seem to blow it off. But if the Fire Dept showed up and spoke to the higher ups telling them the value properties of having Fire Extinguisher Training & Fire Evacuation for all employees;  that the employees will understand the value of the extinguisher and fire evacuation training. They will better understand it and not panic or freak out when the fire alarm is sounded. 

Some of the issues that you might and will run into is the uncertainty of what types of chemicals that you will find. What about the set up of the shop and or equipment that might be up on repair stands and unable to be moved.....(ie..on a jack with missing tires. unsecured overhead storage.)

Here are some pictures.

As you can see by this picture that there is unsecured  overhead storage with a mobile container of oil under a wood structure with a 55 gallon drum of Anti freeze. Behind the ladders that are unsecured is a rack of batteries. Energized electrical Air Compressor right beside the oil drum. A flammable storage cabinet with a mix of flammable aerosol products, grease, battery cable protector spray, etc.

What else can you find in repair facility? Lets see....I'll post some that I have taken and what is your reaction? How does this shop/repair facility even pass a Standard Fire Inspection?

Well lets have a look at what we can find in these cabinets? Flammable Liquids, Aerosols, Bleach, Paints. Have you or do you look at this type of storage to see what you can find to be able to teach/instruct about the proper Fire Extinguisher on hand, its location and training?

Well what do we have here? Yes you can read it correctly......Drain Opener in a cabinet with an aerosol windshield de-icer, paint,  and other combustibles. Why is this not in the flammable Storage Cabinet? What is the correct Fire Extinguisher to have and what size would you suggest to have on hand and its location?

WOW! Bottle oil, Brake fluid, aerosol glass cleaner, Polishing Compounds, Air Brake Line Antifreeze.

Parts Cleaner besides a wood stair case, with flammable storage underneath and a hot pressure washer that runs on electric heating element beside it.

Uhm......whats wrong here? Yep, you are seeing it correctly. A fire extinguisher placed over a dump area that oil from motor coaches, school bus and Tractors. With flammable storage under an electrical outlet.

Storage of Antifreeze, 80/90 weight gear oil in an open top container, combustibles  other not being defined because its a mix of stuff.

Wow what do we have here.......Flammable storage not being labeled in a drum on a stand containing DIESEL FUEL, with a can of diesel fuel on top used to fill Fuel Filters prior to installing on a truck. This container is about 4 foot to one side of the electrical panel. Flammable Tire Mounting Compound on the floor too the left of the tool box.

This is sitting out in plain view.....clear as day under the window out in front of the office....Yep paint, paint thinner and thin set motor compound.......

Storage under the steps....what do I see behind the mop bucket.....is that an electric hot water heater that is within about 2 feet of water. I see a fire extinguisher. It is a 20 pound Class ABC Fire Extinguisher. Where is the MSDS. Under the First Aid Cabinet under the steps but right above the door to the restroom is a water hose supported by nails running to the pressure washer. So if it bust and water sprays the hot water heater and causes a fire you will not be able to get to the MSDS to know what you might be dealing with in a fire. Also it is chained......guess they feel it might walk off.

Here is a better look at the wood overhead storage that is above an oil drum that is right beside a air compressor that is energized. This structure is made of wood scraps. With heavy wood door panel, fiberglass, and other vehicle equipment stored up there.

So why do we allow this type of stuff to happen. Where are the fire extinguishers placed. One is above a pit that oil is dumped into a drum and then pumped out to a storage tank thru the wall outside for storage. The other is at the front of the building. So if a fire is under the steps you have to reach possible into the fire to retrieve. The other is in a bad area because if the fire starts in the oil pit you will have to get the one from the front of the building. If there was a trailer, Motor Coach, or School Bus there you would have to detour around the equipment to retrieve and use.

This is where your skill, training and expertise will allow you to be a pivotal point in possible saving the business on there Fire Insurance. As you could set up a class on Fire Extinguishers, show the importance, get the employees to attend. Have a class sign up sheet and have them submit the info to there insurance company.

Fire Extinguisher Training and Placement? Why are you not teaching them how to use a Fire Extinguisher with a live burn or a simulator? Why have you not taught the importance of building evacuation when a fire happens and where to meet? Finally, have you addressed the importance of having a hard wire and battery back up Smoke/Co Alarm installed?



The only room that had a smoke detector in the building.....yes it was chirping and someone decided to remove the detector instead of replacing the battery that might cost all of a DOLLAR. If someone was to be napping in this room and a fire broke out in the building how would they be notified of a fire? This building has NO HARD WIRE/BATTERY BACK UP SMOKE/CO ALARM SYSTEM.

So with these issues I ask you to give constructive consideration as to may be why this company is allowed to operate with the clear violations. This is your area of expertise! Use this area. If they do not want to comply then pull there occupant license, file a charge with there insurance company with pictures and even take a video. Contact your County Prosecutor for assistance in compliance with a threat to go to the Licensing and Zoning Board to pull the operations License.

We have all heard the mantra > SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. So why do you not preach it back to the business Oweners and operators to ensure that there staff is following SAFETY.

I hope you enjoy reading my BLOG's.

Be safe,

Roy







Horriable Accident claims a Truck Drivers Life > SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY.....You must pay attention while operating any type of motor vehicle!

Accidnets; what are they and why do they happen? Have you checked your safety equipment LATELY? I will discuss Fire Extinguisher, labeling and why the current regulations are not sufficiant for commercial motor vehicle, school bus & motor coach use. A commercial motor vehicle operator was killed in a horrific accident in Putnam County, IN on Aug 18, 2011. Per the State Police they were unable to extinguish the fire using the fier extinguishers off the Trucks and Patrol Cars that were stopped because the accident and or not having the proper fire extinguisher.
Accidents > An accdident is defined as:

Ac·ci·dent

   /ˈæksɪdə

noun

1. An undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.

 

2. Law . such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

 

3. Any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.

 

4. Chance; fortune; luck: I was there by accident.

 

5. A fortuitous circumstance, quality, or characteristic: an accident of birth.

Why do accidents happen?

What type of accident are we discussing you may ask? Any accident is the result of NOT PAYING ATTENTION, TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR ROAD CONDITIONS, DIREGARDING SAFETY REGULATIONS, DISREGARDING/REMOVING SAFE GUARDS, RUSHING TO COMPLETE A JOB. Finally an accident can happen by a result of not being about what you may/might have done. But it is attributed to failure of the machine you might be operating. Failure of a tire, failure of something that you have no control over or operations.


So how can we be more safe to prevent an accident?

Prevetion is a key to helping you stay safe. So how do you be more PRO ACTIVE to prevent an accident? Being Pro Active in safety to prevent an accident is foremost. All accidents are preventable. Ask yourself these questions?

> Did you get enough rest?
> Did you follow too closely?
> Did you do a proper pre trip inspection?
> Did you preform a proper inspection of the equipment prior to operation of the energized equipment?
> Did you remove the safe guards?
The list is endless regarding questions you can ask yourself and others how to be PRO ACTIVE regarding prevention of accidents. These are a few to name, but your safety department and or upper management will have the questions to ask.


Safety Equipment, Do you have the proper Fire Extinguisher in your vehicle?

In the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Book Section 393 of the manul

Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers must be securely mounted and readily accessible for use. Each extinguisher must have a gauge or other indicator that shows whether the extinguisher is fully charged, and a label showing its Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) rating.
The fire extinguisher(s) must meet one of the following standards:

One extinguisher with a UL rating of 5 B:C or more, or

• Two extinguishers each with a UL rating of 4 B:C or more.
• One extinguisher with a UL rating of 10 B:C, if the vehicle is transporting placardable quantities of hazardous material.

Well there is a problem that needs to addressed with this regulation. The problem is that the fire extinguisher rating is not the right class for normal combustibles such as paints, plastic, carpet, brake and brake lines. The current regulations call for the above fire extinguisher in the minimal ratings. Become familiar with your fire extinguisher and what the extinguisher will put out.

Are you familiar with the LETTERS on the Fire Extinguisher? A, B, C, D, E

What does the letters mean too you?
Fire Extinguisher Ratings

	Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.
	Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.
	Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
	Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires.

So we ask why does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allow less standards to be applied to Commercial Motor Vehicles regarding not having the proper Fire Extinguisher be implemented in the Commercial Motor Vehicles, School Bus and Motor Coaches?

Q: Why is this being allowed?

implented for a flammible liquid. But th disregard the other flammable ordianry combustables such as carpet, clothing, paints, brake linings, hoses, etc. They forget that the common fibers in the seats/seat cushions and carpet put off Hyrdocynide /Hydrogen Chloride Gas! This can and will kill you instantly!

Q: So how do we make sure that the right fire extinguisher is equipped on all Commercial Motor Vehicles, School Bus and Motor Coaches?

A: Easy, teach, educate, train and follow up with a visiual inspection. This is where Safety Training comes into play. If you are a Fire Inspector and you have business in your response area that you inspect; it is your job to inspect these fire extinguisher as well as the ones in the business.

If you are Business Owner/Operator it is your responsibality to have your staff do daily checks as well as management do a monthly check. When your yearly check from the Fire Extinguisher Service Company does its yearly inspection these extinguisher are to be done as well.

Q: What if the vehicle is not here on the day the yearly inspection is done?

A: It is simple if it is less then 45 days from yearly service/inspection pull it off the vehicle and replace it with one that has already been done. Stagger the extinguisher so that all of them are not due service/inspection at the same time. Do half at 6 months that other half at 6 months. So this way your covered. Most service/inspections compaines will lease or have a fire extinguisher for use when yours is being serviced, or hydrostatic inspected.

I have attached a link to an article that is well worth the read. A truck driver was horriably killed in a traffice accident as the bystanders, State Police were unable to stop the fire by using the fire extinguishers in the commercial motor vehicles because current federal regualtions only state a minimum of a 5BC fire extinguisher must be equipped on the above mentioned motor vehicles.

A 5BC fire extinguisher can come in as small as 1 pound fire extinguisher. How long will that last? A quick blast and its gone!

So as a Fire Professional why are you not telling the Business Owner/Operators of Tractor Trailer Operations, School Bus and or Motor Coaches not told of the danger of not having a CLASS ABC and a Minimum of at least 10 pound in the truck, bus, motor coach? At least a 20 pound fire extinguisher on all trailers carrying Hazmat Liquids, Flammable Liquids. On a van trailers (dry/reefer) that carries HAZMAT a minimum of a 10 pound dry chemical fire extinguisher should be mounted to these trailers and accessible for rapid deployment for use in case of a fire.

The link to the news story regarding the horrific accident in Indiana (Putnam County) 18 August 2011
http://tribstar.com/news/x1770584610/Deadly-I-70-crash-snarls-traffic

We need to address this problem which is becoming an utmost problem and needs to be addressed immediately first and foremost. This can and will save future lives in case of an accident.

I hope this addressed a life safety problems in the Commercial Motor Vehicle/Motor Coach sitting including school bus. I will post another BLOG to address Fire Extinguisher Training with these industries that I have refereed too.


Safety First and Foremost,
Roy

Missouri State Fair Fire Department the only State Fair Fire Department with a 24/7 fully staffed all Volunteer Fire & EMS Department

In 1962 the Missouri State Fair Fire Department was born. Like a baby it was coddled and brought to life to be a premier and elite all Volunteer Fire and EMS Department in the USA today.

This a fully volunteer Fire and EMS Service that is staffed by dedicated Fire, Rescue and EMS Professionals. During the 11 full days of the State Fair; the work week prior to the Fair opening. Then after the fair closes these professionals do not just pack up and go home. NOPE! These professionals are still on duty for the work week after the fair closes to provide fire and first aid to the workers taking down the fair. This unique Fire and EMS Department functions with a mixture of Union and Volunteer Firefighters, Paramedics, EMT's,  who give there vacation time to staff this department.

The State Fair Fire Department comprised of the following that is donated for use to the State Fair:

> Fire Trucks can come equipped or not equipped
> Rescue Equipment, fire hose, tools, medical equipment etc
> Ambulances, basic medical supplies stocked or an empty ambulance
> Some Fire Equipment Dealers offer tools, or other equipment for use to the fair via the Manufacture.
> EMS Rapid response Carts
The Fair usually has about 4 to 5 fire trucks and even could have a ladder truck and or a tanker. There is usually 5 to 6 Ambulances there as well

Firefighters/Paramedics, EMT's:

These proud professionals dedicated there vacation time from there full time job to Protect and Serve the State Fair and that fair attendees. These men and women are from all over the State of Missouri. You may have Fireifghters/Paramedics/EMT from different fire departments that may take advantage of being on this elite group of professionals during the Fair. The fair fire department has about 75  men and or women will participate and sleep in the separate bunk houses.

The work week prior to the Opening Day of the Fair:

This work week is when fireifghters, staff member's arrive and open the Fire Station. The work week is just that. Cleaning the fire station, bunk rooms, getting the water turned on, making sure the ice machine works, inventorying the equipment donated. If a fire truck arrives unequipped then its there task to gather donated equipment and stock a fire truck. The same goes for the ambulances. While these proud professionals are working to get the equipment ready they are also on stand by for emergency responses to any and all calls on the fair grounds and mutual aid to the city of Sadelia, MO. As each day passes more and more fireifghters and equipment arrives. Once all the arriving crews have arrived got there assignments, trucks they get to pick out a bunk and make there bunk.

Fair Week:

Once the fair starts the fire department functions like a paid 24/7/365 days department. They will do building inspections, fire extinguisher inspections, hood system inspections, sporting event inspections (stands, electrical, rigging) carnival inspections. They also test fire hose, scba's, and other equipment. They run actual medical calls and transport to the local hospital or call for air evac to Columbia, MO to the University Level 1 Trauma Center or to Kansas City, MO other Level 1 & 2 Trauma Centers. They also provide fire protection service and fire extinguisher training to the workers of the tents/stands to make sure that everyone know how to handle a fire extinguisher.  They provide Fire, Rescue, EMS services to sporting events, concerts, demonstrations and at the direction of the State Fair Officials.
On Sporting events that take place you may have to watch bull riding while your friends are watching a concert like George Strait. Some may be watching a dirt track race while others are doing a demonstration at the fire station. Not everyone can work everyday so you can be rotated off the fire truck to the ambulance or ambulance to the fire truck. The only way you will be allowed to be on the ambulance is you must have a current EMT or Paramedic License. You may also have the night off and attend a concert like Wynona Judd and catch a ride to the concert in the back of the ambulance. You may be off but if a mass casualty incident arises your expected to be able to assist.

This year is the first time in the State Fair Fire Departments history that they provided mutual aid to the City of Sadelia, MO Fire Department since 1962.

Fair over and ending work week:

the fair is over you made friends, meet new people, shaked many hands received many Thank You's for your participation. Now is the time you inventory the equipment. Get the donated equipment ready to be taken or shipped back to the rightful Fire and or EMS department. Your there for the fair workers taking down the tents, stands. If there is a fire, or medical emergency your there to serve them. Once all workers are gone, the Fair buildings have been winterized it is a ghost town. Then the dreadful day comes. You wake up say your good byes to the others that have been there with you. The fair has end and the workers are gone.

The work begins on organizing the Fair Fire Dept for the next year as soon as Command gets the date. Many man hours goes into the planning, running of the department.

More information can be obtained from there facebook page.com/Missouri State Fair Fire Department, Fire Fighters Association of Missouri.

Perks for being on the Missouri State Fair Fire Department:
> 3 Free Meals a day,
> Clothing Provided to wear so everyone is dressed in the same white jump suites with the FFAM and State Fair Fire Department Logo on the back
> Free Concerts,

> Free admission to the State Fair and parking.
FFAM > Fire Fighters Association of Missouri 
http://ffam.org/
The fun and joy of meeting new friends that will last a lifetime and seeing smiles on the children's faces as you allow them to jump climb on the fire trucks.

It is believed to be the only State Fair that has a fully functional volunteer Staffed Fire Department for about 25 days a year.

I have been personally on this department many times. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this elite group of men and women that protect the fair, fair goers, staff and event attendees.

I hope you enjoyed this, happy reading my other blog's on www.rpoteete.blogspot.com
Roy Poteete,
Retired Firefighter/EMTI,

Indianan State Fair Stage Collapse August 2011

WOW! Stage Collapse, High Winds, Thunderstorms bearing down on your location with tens of thousands in attendance waiting for a concert in an outdoor arena. Minutes prior to the incident happening you contact the National Weather Service and you are advised that HIGH WINDS in excess of 60 +/- and thunderstorms bearing down on your location! You want to continue with the concert with a stage canopy about 60 feet in the air that will act as a Kite by catching the winds and could topple on the stage causing injuries and deaths. Concert Promoter/State Fair Organizer > How are you prepared to handle this situation and did you do everything correctly to prevent this incident from happening?

If I was a personal injury lawyer this is what I would ask of the fair organizer and concert promoter.

Well the answer is NO!

NO to all the questions that you could possibly ask regarding public safety with high winds, rain, thunderstorms and possible lightening. The concert promoter stated to State Police Investigators stated that they contacted the national weather service about 15 minutes prior to the winds collapsing the stage super structure killing several and injuring other. They were told that the storm was in the are and high winds of 60 +/- mph.

Ask yourself  > If I allow this to go on with the threat of the weather and person being close to the stage and a possible death and or injuries what are my ramifications and what will my potential OSHA Fines be?

Ask yourself  > I did get the super structure inspected to make sure that it will not topple in high winds or do I need to ask to some of the super structure to removed to protect life, and property?

What lessons can be learned for this incident? In any mass casualty incident(s) there is always lessons that can be learned for them. New lessons will come from this up to and including the way the State Fair is ran regarding Outdoor Concerts/Sporting Events, mass casualty and maybe even having Fire/EMS on standby at all events so the the response time is limited to less then a minute.

I do believe that even if Fire and EMS was on the scene prior to the incident happening and staged away from the stage that some of the deaths might of been serious injuries instead of deaths.

More on this I am sure to be posted by the State Fire Marshall's Office & State Police of Indiana, and OSHA.

OSHA > will investigate any deaths of this type and they will impose a final ruling and can include a penalty/fine.

Safe Car website.

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/


Great website regarding recalls and other topics for car owners.

Dorel recalls nearly 800,000 Chold Safety Seats.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/CA/02-14-2011

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Consumer Advisory: Dorel Recalling Nearly 800,000 Child Safety Seats For Safety Harness Issue

Sleep Apnea & The Truck Driver

Sleep Apnea

 &

The Truck Driver

By: Roy Poteete, Certified Driver Trainer, Retired Firefighter, EMTI

Biography:

Retired Firefighter I & II,   State of Missouri & St. Charles County Fire Academy Certified Firefighter,  State of Missouri Licensed EMTI . American Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor, DAT Team Member.  Independent Fire &  Safety Consultant.  Certified Driver Trainer, 1.3 Million Safe Miles No chargeable Accident Miles.  Freelance Writer.

Do you really know what Sleep Apnea is and why it is being addressed?

Sleep Apnea is a very serious medical respiratory dysfunction that not only attacks the OVERWEIGHT Men but it can also happen to sizes of humans. Just because you are not overweight do not think that you are not at risk for Sleep Apnea.  Do we really know why this happens?  The medical reason is still being diagnosed but some feel that it has to do to the weight size and the size of the neck constricting the trachea (wind pipe). The TRECHEA is the wind pipe that carries oxygen to the lungs and in the lungs it is exchanged with CO2, as well as other gases then it is expelled from the body. This is a brief description of what happens in the lungs.

Sleep Apnea is a VERY SERIOUS MEDICALLY CONDITIONS. As a commercial driver you are charged with a responsibility to maintain a safe operations of your motor vehicle at all times. As well as maintaining a safe work condition and not being tired or a fatigued driving.  With more drivers on the roads; the driver’s medical conditions declining due to not getting enough exercise, eating right, the pounds add up. 

How many of you actually get out of your truck and take about a 60 minute walk to get some exercise? Or do you go from driving to eating a big supper/meal then to bed? As a driver I see many more drivers that are OBESE now more than ever before.  If you eat and go to bed or back to driving you are at risk to packing on more pounds of unwanted weight.  I see drivers at the BUFFET BAR go back for a 3^rd, 4^th and even a 5^th time for food.

With the Truck Stops turning into  TRAVEL CENTERS and taking out the actual restaurant and replacing them with McDonalds, Taco Bell, Hardees, Carl Juniors, Long John Silver, Subway,  Pizza Hut, etc. These are a quick bite of food for the driver but just how healthy are they? Many have excessive SALT and other additives to preserve the foods.  These are BAD for YOUR body.  These places are not that healthy. So as a driver you need to learn to eat right, get more exercise and loose weight. These are easy to do on the road.

So why is the FMSC so worried about Sleep Apnea?

With the FMCSA and the USA DOT mandating NEW SAFETY STANDARDS we all need to be made aware of these standards. We know these safety standards are now called CSA 2010. With the implantation being implemented in steps you need to know and be familiar with these standards.

They are worried because they do not want a driver to be behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound vehicle with a trailer packed full of Explosive 1.1 or Radio Active and have the driver to fall asleep.

So here are the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTIONS for you drivers:

Q:  How many CDL holders have went thru the Sleep Apnea Test?

Q:  Do you know what Sleep Apnea is and the many forms of Sleep Apnea there are?

Q:  Why the BMI is a part of the process for Sleep Apnea Study?

Q:  Why is the NECK SIZE a factor in testing?

Q: Why is the Medical Examiner telling you that you are not being medically cleared until you do the following?

Ø  Lose Weight

Ø  Get the blood pressure under control

Ø  When was you Sleep Apnea Study and who was the doctor

                      
Why is the BMI so important?

The BMI stands for Body Mass Index. This is a measure of amount of fat in the body.

Here is the web address to the United States of America Health and Human Services:

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Assessment of weight and health risk involves using three key measures:

1. Body mass index (BMI)
2. Waist circumference
3. Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is calculated from your height and weight. BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat. The higher you’re BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

Although BMI can be used for most men and women, it does have some limits:

·         It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.

·         It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.

Use the BMI Calculator or BMI Tables to estimate your body fat. The BMI score means the following:

	BMI
Underweight	Below 18.5
Normal	18.5–24.9
Overweight	25.0–29.9
Obesity	30.0 and Above

So if you have a height of 5’8” and weight 260 your BMI is 39.5. You are OBESE and you need to lose a few pounds and get in shape. Yes, we know that there is no time on the road RIGHT? Wrong! There is time for a walk every day. When you get up, prior to going to bed, at the shipper and or the receiver if you’re waiting there is time to get some exercise. You have time to get in some exercise. Use your own body weight for resistance. We will look at some exercise that you can do that is Free and uses your body for the resistance.

So why is the NECK SIZE so important?

By measuring the neck size the medical review officer will make a determination on if the TRECHEA is COMPERMISED when laying flat causing a constriction on the TRECHEA (Wind Pipe). By the compromised trachea the less air is moved into and out of the lungs. This can assist with the LOUD SNORING. The trachea is being blocked and not allowing the air to move freely. Some doctors or medical review officers will have a range from 16 inches and over for a sleep study. Some will give you a 90 temporary medical card. When in reality they do not have to give you any leeway in this. It is there option.

The Medical Officer has to attain that you are in good health and they cannot find a problem with your health. If they certify that you are in good health and you go out and drive fall asleep behind the wheel and kill someone; they too can be held accountable for not mandating you have a sleep study or correct other medical conditions.

Here is what the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration says about sleep apnea.

49 CFR 391.41(b)(5) "A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person — Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely." Regulations Versus Medical Guidelines (Guidance)

Relevance to Driving

The commercial driver spends more time driving than the average individual. Driving is a repetitive and monotonous activity that demands the driver be alert at all times. Symptoms of respiratory dysfunction or disease can be debilitating and can interfere with the ability to remain attentive to driving conditions and to perform heavy exertion. Even the slightest impairment in respiratory function under emergency conditions (when greater oxygen supply may be necessary for performance) can be detrimental to safe driving. There are many primary and secondary respiratory conditions that interfere with oxygen exchange and may result in gradual or sudden incapacitation, for example: Asthma. Carcinoma. Chronic bronchitis. Emphysema. Obstructive sleep apnea. Tuberculosis. In addition, medications used to treat respiratory conditions, both prescription and those available without a prescription, may cause cognitive difficulties, compound the risk for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), or cause other forms of incapacitation. This was taken directly from their website. http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov/mehandbook/respiratory4_ep.htm

Here is what FMCSA Says taken directly from their website regarding Medical Review Officer.

Respiratory — 49 CFR 391.41(b)(5)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR)

49 CFR 391.41(b)(5) "A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person — Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely." Regulations Versus Medical Guidelines (Guidance)

Relevance to Driving

The commercial driver spends more time driving than the average individual. Driving is a repetitive and monotonous activity that demands the driver be alert at all times. Symptoms of respiratory dysfunction or disease can be debilitating and can interfere with the ability to remain attentive to driving conditions and to perform heavy exertion. Even the slightest impairment in respiratory function under emergency conditions (when greater oxygen supply may be necessary for performance) can be detrimental to safe driving. There are many primary and secondary respiratory conditions that interfere with oxygen exchange and may result in gradual or sudden incapacitation, for example: Asthma. Carcinoma. Chronic bronchitis. Emphysema. Obstructive sleep apnea. Tuberculosis. In addition, medications used to treat respiratory conditions, both prescription and those available without a prescription, may cause cognitive difficulties, compound the risk for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), or cause other forms of incapacitation.

Health History and Physical Examination

General Purpose of Health History and Physical Examination The general purpose of the history and physical examination is to detect the presence of physical, mental, or organic conditions of such character and extent as to affect the ability of the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely. This examination is for public safety determination and is considered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to be a “medical fitness for duty" examination. As the medical examiner, your fundamental obligation during the respiratory assessment is to establish whether a driver has a respiratory disease or disorder that increases the risk for sudden death or incapacitation, thus endangering public safety. The examination is based on information provided by the driver (history), objective data (physical examination), and additional testing requested by the medical examiner. Your assessment should reflect physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Medical certification depends on a comprehensive medical assessment of overall health and informed medical judgment about the impact of single or multiple conditions on the whole person. Key Points for Respiratory Examination During the physical examination, you should ask the same questions as you would for any individual who is being assessed for respiratory diseases or disorders. The FMCSA Medical Examination Report form includes health history questions and physical examination checklists. Additional questions about symptoms of respiratory disease should be asked to supplement information requested on the form. Regulations — You must review and discuss with the driver any "yes" answers Does the driver have: Shortness of breath? Lung disease? Emphysema? Asthma? Chronic bronchitis? Sleep disorder? Pauses in breathing while asleep? Daytime sleepiness? Loud snoring? Recommendations — Questions that you may ask include Does the driver: Smoke? If yes, how much and for how long? Feel short of breath while driving? Cough frequently? If yes, is the cough productive of sputum? Experience tightness of the chest while resting or exercising? Wheeze during the day or night? Use respiratory agents? Use oxygen therapy? Self-report sleepiness that may indicate increased risk for EDS? Regulations — You must evaluate On examination, does the driver have: Impaired respiratory function? Cyanosis? Abnormal: Chest wall expansion? Respiratory rate? Breath sounds, including wheezes or alveolar rales? Findings that may require further testing such as pulmonary tests and/or X-ray of chest? Recommendations — You may request A detailed pulmonary function evaluation or consultation with a pulmonologist when the physical examination reveals: Clubbing of the fingers. Cyanosis. Prolonged expiration. Tachypnea at rest. Pulmonary wheezes and rhonchi, pulmonary rales. Absent or decreased breath sounds. Pleural friction rub. Unequal inflation-deflation contours of the right and left thorax. Significant kyphosis or scoliosis of the thoracic spine. Use of accessory muscles of ventilation at rest. NOTE: When requesting additional evaluation from a specialist, the specialist must understand the role and function of a driver; therefore, it is helpful if you include a copy of the description of the driver role found in the Medical Examination Report form and a copy of the applicable medical standard and guidelines with the request. Record Regulations — You must document discussion with the driver about Any affirmative respiratory history, including if available: Onset date, diagnosis. Medication(s), dose, and frequency. Any current limitation(s). Potential negative effects of medication use, including over-the-counter medications, while driving. Any abnormal finding(s), noting: Effect on driver ability to operate a CMV safely. Necessary steps to correct the condition as soon as possible, particularly if the untreated condition could result in more serious illness that might affect driving. Any additional respiratory tests and evaluation. Remember Medical fitness for duty includes the ability to perform strenuous labor. Overall requirements for commercial drivers as well as the specific requirements in the job description of the driver should be deciding factors in the certification process.

Respiratory System — Guidance/Advisory Criteria

The following link to select respiratory guidance/advisory criteria key points: Respiratory System Topics Allergies and Asthma-related Diseases Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Chronic Sleep Disorders Infectious Respiratory Diseases Non-infectious Respiratory Diseases Pulmonary Function Tests Secondary Respiratory Conditions and Underlying Disorders The complete text of the medical conference reports can be accessed from FMCSA Medical Reports.

So why are so many drivers stating that they DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRMENTS?

Ø  Fear

Ø  Knowing that they might have a medical condition

Many different answers on this, but the Medical Review Officer has the ultimate decision to mandate you to have a Sleep Apnea Study. If more drivers will stop listening to talk radio shows that the HOST(S) DOES NOT HAVE A CDL,NOR HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE WHEEL AS A DRIVER AND CONTACT THE FMCSA DIRECTLY REGARDING THE NEW MEDICAL MANDATES. THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL THEY LEARN THE TRUTH.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration DOES HAVE THE RIGHT TO MANDATE TOO YOU THE DRIVER TO HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION CORRECTED PRIOR TO YOU BEING MEDICALLY CLEARED TO DRIVE.

Q: Some are asking so if the FMCSA is mandating that I the driver have a Sleep Apnea Test done at a cost of $3,000 +/- dollars then why don’t they pay for the machine.

 A: because it is not their health that is being studied, nor is it their health that may compromise other drivers.

Q: Does the insurance companies pay the expenses?

A: Yes, most will pay for the test as long as it your doctor gets medical authorization and explains that you need the test for your job.

Q: If I have a Health Care Savings Account or a Flex Spending Account can I use the money in there to offset the cost of the test?

A: Contact your Tax Advisor; but as I read the regulations you are able to use these funds to pay for Medical Expenses.

Q: Who pays the expensive equipment?

A: Most insurance companies will cover the cost for the equipment lease and related costs of new masks bi-annually, new breathing tubes bi-annually, and the downloading of the micro-chip of your sleeping and the use of the machine.

Q: Is there any medication that goes with the machine?

A: Generally No, not unless the doctor prescribes you a sleep sedative to allow your body to rest.

You can get more answers from your sleep doctor and or the sleep center that your doctor has refereed you too.

AlWAYS >Prior to losing any weight and starting a weight loss program consult your primary doctor.

Some minor tips to assist in losing weight and using your body as a resistance.

Ø  Stretching the leg muscles by placing your foot on the bottom step and lunge forward towards the truck and rock back. Do this several times on each leg. Do this several times each day; this helps stretch out the leg muscles and works the knee muscles and helps strengthen the tendons and ligaments.

Ø  Grab the hold/grab bar at the back of the cab or on the side of the cab and lower yourself towards the truck and then push yourself back up. Do this several times on each arm and do this several times each day.

Ø  Stretch your leg muscles prior to walking. Park in the middle of the parking lot and walk to the door. Not in the front row. Walking does a heart good! Do this for several weeks. Then park farther away and try to walk at least 2 times around the parking lot prior to bed and after eating.

Ø  Always go to a shoe store and get fitted for a pair of shoes to wear.

Ø  NO SODA, unless it is sugar free kind.

Ø  Walk the Shopping Centers in bad weather and when the weather is hot. Use the steps when available. Also when you are in your local Wal-Mart, Sam Club, Costco Wholesale or a big store walk the store several times prior to leaving. Park away from the store and get active.

Ø  Walk the parking lots of the shipper and receiver when you can and be safe.

Ø  Wear an ANSI DOT Rated Class III Safety Vest and wear Light Color Clothing. If you can find an ANSI SAFETY RATED LIME GREEN OR BLAZE ORANGE T-shirts wear them.

Ø  Go to your local library and get some books on staying fit and exercise.

Ø  Enroll in a local gym so when you are home you have a place to work out.

Ø  Some employers have a weight room available for the drivers.

Ø  Some Truck Stops have weight machines, tread mills and other equipment available for you to use.

Ø  By increasing your heart rate during the work out you will decrease your blood pressure. You will help shed the pounds.

Ø  Learn to eat healthy.  If you are a diabetic you already know about eating right. Teach others to do the same. You can lose weight by cutting the carbohydrates (bread, pizza, pasta) lower the intake of calories.

Ø  Eat Whole Grain Bread, Whole Grain Pasta. Instead of Ice Cream eat Frozen Yogurt. Eat Granola Bars if you are hungry and need a bit of energy. Or eat some Beef Jerky to calm the hunger pains.

Ø  Eat fresh fruits instead of potato chips and other “JUNK FOODS” like candy bars, and other forms of candy.

Ø  Consult with your doctor and health trainer to get you on a good workout program will shed pounds off you in no time.

You can get healthy and stay somewhat fit on the road. You have to put your mind to achieving the goal that you set for yourself. Consult your doctor prior to any weight loss program and get a trainer to assist you from your local gym facility.

I hope this has enlightened you on the Sleep Apnea Topic. I have had the study. I slept about at a facility for 9 hours and went home. I have a mild form of Sleep Apnea and do not go into the RELM Sleep. The machine assists me with going into a deeper sleep and allows me to breathe better while sleeping. I feel more rested much better attention span in the daytime when I am driving. Yes, I felt apprehensive about getting the test. Yes, I was made about paying these fees and co-pays. But I have to say with this test and having a potential medical hazard corrected I will continue to pursue my challenge of MORE MILLION MILES TRAVELED WITH NO CHARGEABLE ACCIDENTS.  

Best regards,

Roy Poteete,

Certified Driver Trainer, Retired Firefighter, EMTI