Line of Fire

Line of fire in military terms is the path of a missile discharged from a fire arm.  In construction, the line of fire is the path an object will travel.  In many of the tasks that you perform frequently there is the possibility of putting yourself in the line of fire.  A few examples include cutting towards yourself, pulling tools or equipment towards yourself or walking under employees working above.  The following are a list of precautions to take to prevent you from being in the line of fire.

• Never walk under suspended loads.
• Cut away from your body.  When you must cut towards yourself stand so that if the knife slips it would not hit your body.
• Never pull equipment or tools toward you face or body.  Position yourself so if the tool or equipment slips it would not hit you.
• Perform a safety task assignment before beginning work to look for all the hazards and also perform mental safety task assignments throughout the day to be aware of changing conditions.
• Be aware of weather conditions that can put you in the line of fire.  Winds may put you in the line of fire if materials are not secured properly.  Always secure materials that could become airborne.
• Never work directly under other employees. If you must work at an elevated heights barricade the area below you or use means to secure your tools.
• If you are hoisting materials, barricade the area around the hoisting zone.
• If you must use force when pushing or pulling always look at where you would go if you slipped or equipment gave way.
• When working around equipment that is remote controlled or could potentially start up always lock and tag it out.
• When working around mobile equipment make sure the operator knows you are there.  Never put yourself in a position where you are between a piece of mobile equipment and another object.   Never walk behind mobile equipment.  When moving mobile equipment in tight areas always use a spotter.
• Never work around equipment with missing guards.
• When using a straight edge and utility knife to cut metal or PVC use a safety straight edge.  If one is not available, secure the material and straight edge and always keep you hand above the knife.
• Never attempt to operate equipment that is locked or tagged out or remove the lock or tag.