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Safety Basics

As an organization supported by volunteers, we work with people who have differing levels of comfort and experience. PCW staff are committed to doing all they can to ensure a safe environment for everyone during installs and maintenance work.

PCW staff are responsible for preparing for the install or maintenance, considering risk factors of the install site, and the environment; communicating among staff about potential risks before an install visit, and reiterating these risks with participants on the day of work; maintaining supervisory leadership during an install or maintenance visit, and having policies in place to manage potential challenges; and teaching lessons integrated into training on site (eg. “Let’s use the drill on a low speed here because…” or “Who’s going to hold the ladder while others are climbing?”).

Volunteers are responsible for staying focused and on task while on site. Volunteers are also responsible for communicating about needs, concerns, and questions. If a volunteer needs to take a break, take a call, leave, or otherwise go off on their own at any point during an install or maintenance visit, this must be communicated to PCW staff.

Weather

Poor or extreme weather has a direct impact on the safety of PCW’s work. Installs and maintenance work will be postponed if there is a high likelihood of poor weather, including extreme heat, rain, snow, ice, extreme cold, bad air quality, or fog.

During hot weather, stay hydrated with water and/or electrolytes, protect skin with sunscreen, and take breaks indoors or in the shade. Recognize the signs of heat exposure, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, and rapid shallow breathing.

During cold weather, protect skin with appropriate outerwear and take breaks indoors to warm up. Tread carefully to avoid slips and falls on any ice; stay away from icy patches when possible. Recognize the signs of cold stress, such as uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, and confused behavior.

During windy conditions, stay even further away from roof edges and maintain space between bodies. Keep lightweight equipment inside a bag so it does not blow away; do not chase items while on a roof or into a street. Consider canceling the install or maintenance work if wind is creating unsafe conditions.

If it begins to rain, leave rooftop/outdoors work immediately, and cancel the install or maintenance work if necessary.

Environmental

PCW installs and maintenance work is done in community spaces within our service area, including private homes and organization headquarters. Remaining mindful and smart about environmental safety considerations can help us reduce risks when working in different neighborhoods and locations.

Always ensure to look both ways before crossing a street, even on a one-way street. Our work has us climbing stairs and entering spaces that are sometimes disorganized. Be conscientious of where you step to avoid tripping on the stairs or over loose objects.

Move in a team or pairs. PCW staff and volunteers should not be on the streets alone. Immediately leave any situation that is uncomfortable or inappropriate. There’s no reason to give out your personal information, even to PCW community members, other than your first name.

Pre-Install or Maintenance Checklist

All participants are responsible for bringing:

  • Appropriate clothing/layers for the weather
  • Closed-toe shoes with grip

In addition, PCW Staff are responsible for packing:

  • First aid kit
  • Other PPE: gloves, eye protection, and masks
  • Snacks and water
  • Sunscreen

Carrying Equipment

Most of the equipment that PCW uses is lightweight, and bags should be packed in a way that none of them are particularly heavy. However, we do use large ladders and, at certain installs, cinderblocks for weighing down our non-penetrating roofmount. Here are some guidelines around carrying heavy equipment to minimize the risk of injury.

Before lifting or carrying a heavy or awkward object individually, consider: would this be less risky as a two-person job? Are there other ways to lift, carry, or move this object? (e.g., using a rope, a car, or a ramp). Before lifting, also identify available handholds. Some loads may not have adequate handholds; gloves and/or carrying objects as a team may reduce the risk of injury.

Long-duration or high frequency (repetitive) lifting can cause strain or injury, even if the load is light. Working in teams, rotating tasks, and taking regular breaks can help reduce the risk of injury. Cold temperatures can reduce muscle flexibility, whereas hot temperatures can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and increased metabolic load, and low visibility or poor lighting can increase the chance of trips or falls. Be especially careful to take breaks and rotate carrying tasks in more extreme weather conditions.

Use the “power zone” for lifting: close to the body, between mid-thigh and mid-chest height. This zone is where arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort. Where possible, avoid placing items low or on the ground. Lifting items from a location that is close to the height of your core is less risky than from a low angle.

Before lifting or carrying an item, evaluate how to keep your spine in a neutral position (i.e., without twisting or reaching) for the duration of the lift. Keep the load symmetrical (hold with both hands, or, for a backpack, with straps on both shoulders) and close to your body. Be mindful of items that can fall out of a bag while lifting it. Zip up bags before lifting where possible.

Injury Protocol

Follow “Check, Call, Care” protocol:

  1. Check and assess the scene. Look for hazards before approaching an injured individual. Ask the individual “are you okay?” and assess the level of injury.
  2. Call emergency services (911) for life-threatening conditions. Call any emergency contact for the person(s) injured. Call PCW’s Executive Director to report the incident (see the emergency cards in the tool bag for contact information).
  3. Care for the individual(s). PCW has a first aid kit in our tool bag. Keep an injured person still and comfortable; do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.

Once a scene is safe, document the incident however possible. Write notes about what happened with as many facts as possible – where, when, what happened (if known), what was said or done, who was involved. Take photos where appropriate.