It's a Team's Life

Safety First

By Linda Caffee
Posted Aug 2nd 2013 1:38AM

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Friends of ours recently had a scare that made us rethink our safety equipment.   They had a generator fire and thought they had put it out using one fire extinguisher.   As soon as the fire was out they headed to the store and purchased two more fire extinguishers before heading out to get their load.   On the way the generator started on fire once again and this time it took both of the fire extinguisher to put out the flames.   The damage was severe enough they needed a tow truck.

We carry a fire extinguisher on the driver’s side of the truck that is easily reached when outside.   What would happen if the fire was in the sleeper of the truck or on the passenger side of the truck?   We were not prepared for this type of emergency so we added a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible from the inside of the sleeper.   Next we added another fire extinguisher to the passenger side of the truck so that if there is a fire on either side of the truck both of us can grab a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. We are hoping we never have to use any of these.

All of our trucks have had a carbon monoxide/smoke detector mounted inside the sleeper.   When the weather is nice we often sleep with our windows open and also have our fantastic vent on pulling in the air from the outside.   We rest comfortably knowing the carbon monoxide detector is testing the air quality.

We also have a small First Aid Kit mounting in one of our cupboards.   This has the basics that would be needed if in an accident and is easily accessible from inside the truck or outside the truck.   One again we hope that this kit is only used for the occasional Band-Aid.  

We have an Interlift lift gate that has imbedded on the gate two flashing lights that blink when the gate is powered.    These work great when someone is coming up from the rear.   We also carry orange cones that we set out to the sides when we use our lift gate.   One of our cones has a flashing light that is very handy when we use the lift gate at night and works great if we are next to a traveled road way.  



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When washing clothes a couple of months ago I noticed that I had a very thin spot of material on my left shoulder.   First this puzzled me then I realized that my seat belt rubs here.   While I am not pleases my favorite uniform shirt is about worn through I looked at this worn spot as a badge of honor, there is no doubt I always wear a seatbelt when driving.   We have since purchased a sheepskin covering for the seat belt and I hope that my next shirts will last longer.



Bob & Linda Caffee

TeamCaffee


Saint Louis MO

Expediters 8 years been out here on the road 13 years

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Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 


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Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;


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