DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!

Operator Notice

July 24, 2009

Employees urged to remain properly hydrated during extreme heat; watch for customers who may be experiencing heat-related illness

Temperature could reach 100s Sunday-Tuesday

Employees are reminded of the importance of staying hydrated during extreme heat. Weather forecasters are predicting temperatures in the upper 90s on Saturday, and low 100s Sunday through Tuesday of next week.

Employees working in hot conditions must take special precautions in order to prevent heat illness. Heat illness can progress to heat stroke and be fatal, especially when emergency treatment is delayed.

OSHA recommends that employees working in the heat should drink plenty of water in order to replace the water lost to sweat. It is possible to be very dehydrated and not feel thirsty at all. Remember to bring a water bottle with you, and get refills at your break locations. All transit centers are equipped with drinking fountains. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine during periods of extreme heat.

Common early symptoms and signs of heat illness include headache, muscle cramps, and unusual fatigue. However, progression to more serious illness can be rapid and can include unusual behavior, nausea/vomiting, weakness, rapid pulse excessive sweating or hot dry skin, seizures, and fainting or loss of consciousness. Any of these symptoms require immediate attention.

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness on buses

Call Dispatch at once, who will notify 911. While waiting for help to arrive, move the employee or passenger to a cool, shaded area. Loosen or remove heavy clothing. Provide cool drinking water. Fan and mist the person with water.

Preventing a bus from overheating

In extreme heat, Maintenance suggests that operators ease up on the throttle under heavy loads or when going up hills. If you are having problems, pull off the road and open the engine door for a period of time or turn the A/C off for a period of time. If issues persist, pull off the road, put the transmission in neutral and rev the engine up to operate the cooling fan at high speed without a load.

Personal cooling units are not allowed on buses

Operators who are driving non-air conditioned buses are reminded that portable air-conditioning or personal cooling units are not permitted aboard a bus. The Transit Change Review Committee must approve all equipment operating aboard a bus