Line of Fire: Hazards Presented by Gravity Safety

Line of Fire: Hazards Presented by Gravity

  • Gravity is another form of stored energy that must be considered a potential hazard
  • For example, a large roll-up door is held up by a spring and a few moving parts; any failure could cause it to come crashing down. Standing under it places you in the line of fire. Rather than pass under it, use a pedestrian door instead
  • Gravity is a constant force that we often restrain by using various devices, such as chocks, blocks and valves. Removing these devices without considering what may happen next can be a crushing decision
  • Other examples of gravity becoming a hazard include items dropping from material handling equipment, materials falling from conveyors and elevated platforms or materials falling when stacked too high
  • Stay alert for these types of situations and avoid them