Safety Stars Award BSSC

Explanation of organization Volunteer Fire Department provides emergency medical services to the Small Town Village and surrounding areas. The department has an 88 mile service area and responds to approximately 300 calls per year.

Description of the task before the intervention EMT manually carries empty and full oxygen tank to and from the rescue squad and storage area. Oxygen tank weight Empty-115 lbs Full-170 lbs. EMT manually load and unload empty oxygen tank into and out of rescue squad. Oxygen tank is changed approximately 24 times per year.

EMT manually handling oxygen tank

Description of hazards before the intervention Manually pick up and carrying an oxygen tank that weights 115 lbs. to 170 lbs. The oxygen tank if dropped or knocked over can release high pressure that may cause the tank to act like a rocket in a destructive and uncontrolled manner. Slip, trip and fall hazards.

Types of injuries Musculoskeletal Disorder Injuries (MSDs) Back strains and sprains Shoulders/forearms/wrist strains and sprains Rotator cuff injury Hernia Hand/foot contusions Injury or death due to dropped or knocked over uncontrolled oxygen tank.

Number of employees impacted

Description of intervention Tank Boss-Portable oxygen tank lift. Lifts and lowers and oxygen tank with the push of a button. The Tank Boss casters allows the employees to easily push and pull the tank from one point to another. Oxygen tank is secured with straps during transportation. The Tank Boss is portable and is used pick up full tank from supplier.

YouTube video of the Tank Boss in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2cNQxH gKv0