Safety Guidelines for Adopt-a-Road Volunteers

THINK SAFETY

There are a few simple rules worth remembering when it comes to safety working along the roadway. These rules must be reviewed by all volunteers before each clean-up session.

VOLUNTEERS MUST:

• Receive annual safety training prior to the first pick-up of the year and review safety rules before each clean-up.
• Be at least 12 years old.
• Provide at least one adult (19 years or older) supervisor for each 5 workers.
• Always wear a Region approved safety vest.
• Display the "road work" sign before starting the clean-up.
• Carpool to minimize the number of vehicles at the worksite and always disembark from the vehicles to the side adjacent to the ditch.
• Park parallel to the road and as far off the travelled portion as possible.
• Park vehicles on the same side of the roadway as the volunteers.
• Pick up litter during daylight hours only.
• Flag hazardous and unidentifiable items for pick-up by Regional staff.
• Stay clear of any maintenance of construction operations and equipment.
• Stay clear of any water hazards.
• Discontinue work in inclement weather.
• Close the "road work" sign when finished the litter pick-up.

VOLUNTEERS MUST NOT:

• Disembark from vehicles until the "road work" sign has been displayed.
• Walk or pick up litter on the pavement, shoulder, or in the median.
• Work on bridges, overpasses, steep ground, or in tunnels.
• Touch or pick up hazardous items or anything that cannot be identified.
• Wear clothing or display material that might distract motorists.
• Use or possess illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages before or during the clean-up.
• Step or jump on trash bags.

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY

• Stay mentally alert at all times.
• Wear protective footwear and gloves.
• Wear light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Wear a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat and sun-screen lotion.
• Drink lots of fluids while you work, especially on hot, humid days.
• Be aware of any special needs of fellow volunteers (i.e. Medical).
• Avoid over exertion.
• Stay alert for and avoid hazardous plants (i.e. poison ivy) and stinging insects.
• Keep an adequate supply of flags and trash bags on hand.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

• Have a first-aid kit immediately available.
• Pre-select the most direct route to the nearest medical emergency facility.
• Always have transportation immediately available.
• Know where the nearest telephone is located.

Thank you for perticipating in the Regional Municipality of Niagara's ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM

For more information contact: