The most important fuel economy factor!
While looking for maximum
fuel economy is a good idea and can pay off in the long run, a more reliable and consistent “fuel saver” is the
person behind the wheel – YOU! Some relatively simple driving tips bear repeating because they can make a significant
difference in fuel economy. Read on for some reminders:
· Move fifth wheel all the way forward: If a tractor is equipped with a sliding fifth
wheel, move it forward to minimize distance between the rear of the cab/sleeper and the trailer. Eighteen inches or less is
ideal and can save several percentage points in fuel consumption. But that tight a fit often cannot be achieved due to clearance
required between tractor and trailer for maneuvering. Minimize the gap as much as possible by sliding up the fifth wheel and/or
installing "side farings" to get as close as possible.
· Don’t get carried away: The equation is simple: the faster you go, the more fuel you consume.
Industry experts say that you lose about 0.1 mpg for every 1 mph over 55, even if the truck is geared for higher speeds. Newer
and better equipment has modified that a little, but you can still plan on using 5% to 8% more fuel for any 5 mph increase
in road speed. Looking at it in the opposite sense, if you drop cruising speed down from 75 mph to 65 mph, you can save between
10 and 15% in fuel consumption.
· Remember to go easy on accelerator and brakes: Smooth and steady is the key both in accelerating
and slowing down – pretend there’s a raw egg taped to the bottom of your right shoe that you don’t want
to crush. As well as being gentle on the accelerator, try to shift early whenever possible (especially in the lower gears),
to keep RPMs lower, thereby burning less fuel. This is called progressive shifting.
· Keep idling to a minimum: Idling can burn up to a gallon of fuel an hour, or even more in
some cases. With the great improvement in diesel starting, there is really no excuse for your power unit to sit idling while
you are in a truck stop for a meal or other activities. You may want to investigate auxiliary heating/cooling units available
for the sleeper.
· Take good care of tires:
Make sure tires are inflated to the proper design pressure. Air is a “structural” part of a tire – too
little causes the tire to flex and eventually heat up from internal friction. Check your tires regularly – look for
signs of uneven wear. Poor tire alignment not only wears them out prematurely, but energy is also absorbed when they scrub
the pavement. Low and misaligned tires or axles increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel mileage.
· Some specs to consider
Power units these days come with many components in place that help
the fuel “bottom line”, but there are still some particulars you might want to consider when (or if) you buy a
new tractor. Some of them include:
· Tag tandems: A single drive axle paired with a non-powered tag or pusher axle can save
2-3% in fuel over a twin-screw tandem, but the twin-screw will always bring you better resale value and additional value in
other areas. The big advantage to twin screws is better traction for getting moving. Keeping the interaxle differential in
the "unlocked" position as much as possible helps increase fuel mileage (and handling) on a twin screw.
· On/off fan drives: These power-saving devices can save between 0.5% and 18% in fuel,
depending on the individual operation.
· Synthetic gear lubricant: Using this in axles and transmission can save between 0.5% in summer
and 2% in winter in fuel consumption.
· Low-restriction exhaust systems: Large-diameter pipes and dual exhaust save up to 2% fuel over a
cheaper but more restrictive exhaust system.
· Lose the bug deflector if you want fuel economy:
Because the deflector causes airflow
over the hood of the tractor to be altered, this convenient gadget can cost you up to 1.5% in fuel – scrubbing bug blotches
from your windshield is the down side of course.
Downed Power Lines
The following is an actual account of an accident, which could have had disastrous
results for the driver. During paving operation at the Wal-Mart Kennett Pike job site, one of our drivers unloaded and pulled
off to the side of the road were he raised his truck body to clean off his tailgate. He then returned to his truck and started
to depart the job site when he caught and snapped a 440-volt power line with his raised body. The line fell across the bed
of the truck and the driver stopped, realizing his mistake.
The driver then got out of his truck, fortunately for this driver, his actions
did not cost him his life or even a serious injury. However, Im sure that you can see that only luck saved him. I, personally,
do not want to rely on luck to stay alive.
Before driving the truck away after unloading, the driver should have walked
around the vehicle to ensure that all binding equipment is properly stowed and the dump body is lowered to the correct position
to travel. Once the power line was pulled down on the truck, the driver should have stayed in the truck (unless the truck
was on fire) until he got a signal that the power to the lines had been turned off. If the driver was forced from the truck
due to fire, the driver should jump clear not step down from the cab. And lastly, once clear of the truck dont touch the power
line until the proper authorities verify that it is not a live wire.
Truck Safety: Looking Back
The way in which trucks share the road with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles is a point of constant
concern and debate. Most truckers would love to drive on Truck Only highways, just as most automobile drivers would rather
not have to drive around trucks. Meanwhile, thousands die every year in trucks and truck-related crashes.
Although the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has been steadily declining over the past 10
years, over 5,000 people died in truck-involved accidents last year, according to a DOT study. About one-third of those accidents
involving more than one vehicle took place in the No-Zone the blind areas surrounding the truck. State and federal legislators
are moving toward mandatory visibility standards in some industries. In mining, regulators have proposed mandatory rear vision
systems, even if radar and sonar alarms are already in use. In the state of Washington, all cargo box delivery trucks over
18 feet long are required to have backup warning devices or visibility enhancements. These changes reflect the importance
of blind spot removal, and the steps being taken to improve operator visibility. In a recent Florida lawsuit, a truck body
company received a $25 million wrongful death verdict because it failed to equip a dump truck that was involved in a fatal
backing accident with a backup device.
There is no single solution to improving truck safety. Legislation, awareness, education all play a part in protecting
the trucks and those who need to work around them. From the drivers point of view, the best tool in the toolbox is improved
visibility. Eliminate the blind spot, and let the driver see for himself.
Bungee
Cords - More Than Meets The Eye |
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Theyre a common,
everyday device, inexpensive and easy to use. Theyre used in businesses, homes, and leisure activities, but they possess
an inherent danger, one that has caused injury, and in some cases, permanent vision loss. What is this seemingly harmless
device with a potential to cause lasting damage in the blink of an eye? Its a bungee cord!
Bungee cords
are made of elastic material with metal J-shaped or S-shaped hooks on each end. Theyre used to tie down or secure equipment,
restrain cargo, act as barriers, hold items in place, and can be conveniently locked or fastened to another structure.
Bungee cord use is particularly attractive since the hooks are versatile connectors that can be easily applied with one hand.
The usefulness of bungee cords is well known, but their potential for injury is not.
One of the characteristics
of a bungee cord is its stored energy which can be suddenly released. The heavy elastic cords from which bungees are
made contain tremendous force when they recoil, particularly when theyre stretched beyond their recommended limits.
This sudden release of stored energy results in a high speed flailing hazard when:
-
the
hook pulls out of the users hand as its being stretched into place
-
the hook disengages
from the attachment point
-
the attachment
structure fails
-
the hook straightens
out
-
the cord breaks
-
the hook detaches
from the cord
In each of these
situations, the free end of the bungee cord can recoil at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and produce significant injury
or damage upon impact. The American Medical Association has called for warning labels to be placed on bungee cords,
including information about the deterioration of the cords, which can cause them to snap unexpectedly. Cracks in the
cords significantly increase the failure risks of the bungee.
The majority
of bungee cord accidents involve the eye and are becoming an increasingly common cause of both severe and penetrating eye
injuries. In one hospital study, more than half the patients seen in the emergency room for bungee cord-sustained eye
injuries required hospitalization for treatment of their injury. Injuries included bleeding within the eye, lacerations
to the eye, traumatic cataracts, and tearing or detachment of the retina from the back of the eye. Most victims with
damaged eyes had a mild-to-serious loss of vision, some had no useful vision, and some had injuries that were so severe that
their eye had to be surgically removed.
How can bungee
cord injuries be prevented? Eye doctors who treat people with eye injuries recommend replacing bungee cords with less
volatile devices. Possible alternatives to secure equipment are ropes, buckled nylon bands or industrial plastic shrink-wrap.
If bungee cord replacement is not possible, then employers should INSIST that their workers use appropriate, certified face
or eye protection, even for the few seconds it may take to attach a bungee cord.
If workers will
be allowed to use bungee cords in the course of their job, they should first receive instruction in the safe use, and the
consequences of misuse, of bungee cords. They should be trained to use bungees with caution, including:
-
using
extreme caution when stretching the cord over a load
-
securing hook
ends carefully
-
never extending
the cord beyond its capacity of length or load
-
keeping the
face and other vulnerable body parts away from the cord's rebound path
-
never using
bungee cords to hold a surface which reacts to wind or air movement
Bungee cord
safety procedures should be strictly enforced or, in the blink of an eye, an individual could loose an eye. If
a bungee cord accident does results in an eye injury, make sure the victim is seen by an eye care specialist or medical professional.
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Beware of the "No Zone"
Trucks, buses, and other large vehicles have larger blind spots than cars do. Remember this when you approach these large
vehicles from behind or on either side. In these blind spots, the driver can't see your vehicle in any rearview mirror. Think
of these areas as "no zones," and don't linger beside a truck or bus when you are passing.
One of the most hazardous lane management situations occurs when freeway traffic is both exiting and
entering at the same area. This weaving of vehicles trying to get on or off the highway at the same time creates a kind of
"mixing bowl."
A weaving section takes maximum cooperation. It can't work without sharing and sensible social interaction
on the part of every driver. Signs and lane markings do their part. Safe drivers have to do the rest.
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Diamond Materials LLC Dump Truck Drivers are prohibited from climbing on the
side of his or her vehicle/truck. At no time will a Dump Truck Driver climb up on the side of his or her truck, the risk of
falling is too great. Drivers are required to tarp their loads at the plant tarp rack stands. If your truck tarp is in need
of repair, call the shop foreman. If your truck body is in need of clean out, see the truck master/dispatcher.
Violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action from removal of driving privileges to discharge.
Las Materias del diamante LLC Descarga Camión Conductores son prohibidos de subir en el lado de su vehículo/camión.
En ningún tiempo hace un Descarga Camión la subida de Conductor arriba en el lado de su camión, el riesgo de caer es demasiado
gran. Los conductores son requeridos al alquitranado sus cargas en los soportes de anaquel de alquitranado de planta. Si su
alquitranado de camión es necesitado de la reparación, llama al capataz de la tienda. Si su cuerpo de camión es necesitado
de limpio fuera, ve al magistral/expedidor de camión.
La infracción de estas reglas tendrá como resultado la acción disciplinaria de la eliminación de manejar los privilegios
para descargar .
DID YOU KNOW?
391.23 Investigation and inquiries.
(a) Each motor carrier shall make the following investigations and inquiries with respect to each driver it employs:
(a)(1) An inquiry into the driver's driving record during the preceding 3 years ; and
(a)(2) An investigation of the driver's employment record during the preceding 3 years.
(b) A copy of the driver record(s) obtained in response to the inquiry or inquiries to each State driver record agency
required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be placed in the driver qualification file within 30 days of the date the
driver's employment begins and be retained in compliance with 391.51.
Check it out at: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site - http://fmcsa.dot.gov
Driving Safely in Traffic
When you are driving in traffic, what are some things you must do to avoid accidents? Avoiding accidents in traffic is
a little different than avoiding accidents on the open road. Long-distance drivers know that fatigue is responsible for numerous
accidents. But what causes accidents when you are driving around town, making frequent stops? This week's Tail Gate Safety
Topic discusses some of the causes of these accidents and what you can do to prevent them.
Many people spend a lot of time on the road as they are working. On any city street you are likely to see delivery vans,
couriers, salespeople, and utility persons making frequent stops as they conduct their business. Some people spend many hours
in traffic just going to and from work. Even though the mileage may be small, the amount of time spent on the road is very
long. Every hour spent on the road increases your chance of having an accident.
Certainly speed is a factor in accidents. Many accidents happen simply because the driver is going too fast. City
streets usually have speed limits of less than 25 miles per hour, and often you will see posted limits as low as 5 or 10 miles
per hour. Speed limits are carefully selected to minimize the chances of accidents. When traffic is heavy, there just isn't
very much distance between you and the next vehicle to stop. The slower you're going, the less distance it will take to stop.
By going slowly, you will also be able to observe your surroundings more easily, taking note of cyclists, pedestrians, and
other vehicles. Observing the speed limit is one sure way to reduce your chance of an accident. On rainy, foggy, or snowy
days keep your speed even lower.
When you make stops, park your vehicle carefully. Avoid leaving it in a space that's likely to block traffic or create
a blind spot. As you exit the vehicle look both ways before stepping into the road or onto the sidewalk. You'll want to avoid
collisions with other vehicles as well as bicycles and passerby. If you must load things into or out of your vehicle, be sure
your load does not obstruct your vision. It is better to make several trips with smaller loads than to overload yourself to
the point you cannot see other vehicles. It will also help prevent tripping and falling over objects in your path.
Perhaps the main cause of accidents in traffic is a simple matter of not paying attention. In traffic, it is easy
to become distracted, frustrated, and annoyed. Any of these can cause you to pay less attention than you should, often resulting
in rear-end collisions when the vehicle in front of you stops. Running stop lights and stop signs is also a possibility if
you are not paying attention.
Sometimes paying attention to the wrong things causes accidents, too. Reading addresses on buildings, street signs,
and maps while driving can lead to accidents. You will be better off if you find a place to pull over safely while you read
signs and addresses. Even better, try to pinpoint the exact location when you plan your trip--before you begin driving.
Fatigue is also a contributor to traffic accidents. After a long day's work, or perhaps a morning when you didn't
rest well the night before, you are likely to feel tired. Feeling tired causes you to become distracted easily and also slows
your reflexes. Don't take chances driving when you feel too tired to be safe. If fatigue is a frequent problem, see your doctor.
For occasional fatigue, combat it with adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise.
To drive safely in traffic you must keep your speed down, pay attention, and avoid driving when you are tired.
Many accidents and injuries could be prevented by following these precautions. Next time you're in traffic, remember these
things and keep yourself safe!
Las Cuerdas de Bungee - Más Que Encuentra El Ojo
Theyre un dispositivo común y diario, económico y fácil de utilizar. Theyre utilizó en negocios, en los hogares, y en
las actividades del ocio, pero ellos poseen un peligro inherente, uno que ha causado la herida, y a veces, la pérdida permanente
de la visión. ¿Qué es este dispositivo aparentemente inocuo con un potencial de causar durando el daño en el parpadea de un
ojo? ¡Su una cuerda de bungee!
Las cuerdas de Bungee están hecho de la materia elástica con J-FORMO de metal o ganchos S-FORMADOS en cada fin. Theyre
utilizó para sujetar o asegurar el equipo, refrena carga, el acto como barreras, artículos de asidero en el lugar, y se puede
cerrar convenientemente o puede ser abrochado a otra estructura. El uso de la cuerda de Bungee es especialmente atractivo
desde que los ganchos son los conectores versátiles que se pueden aplicar fácilmente con una mano. La utilidad de cuerdas
de bungee se sabe bien, pero su potencial para la herida no es.
Uno de las características de una cuerda de bungee es su energía almacenada que se puede liberar de repente. Las cuerdas
elásticas pesadas de cuál bungees se hace contiene la fuerza tremenda cuando ellos dan culatazo, especialmente cuándo theyre
estiró más allá de sus límites recomendados. Esta liberación repentina de energía almacenada tiene como resultado una alta
velocidad que desgrana el peligro cuando:
el gancho saca de los usuarios entrega como su ser estirado en el lugar
el gancho suelta del punto de la fijación
la estructura de la fijación falla
el gancho pone derecho fuera
la cuerda rompe
el gancho separa de la cuerda
En cada una de estas situaciones, el fin libre de la cuerda de bungee puede dar culatazo en velocidades de arriba a 60
millas por hora y producir la herida o el daño significativos sobre el impacto. La Asociación Médica Americana ha llamado
para advertir etiquetas a ser colocadas en cuerdas de bungee, inclusive información acerca del empeoramiento de las cuerdas,
que puede causar que ellos chasquéen inesperadamente. Las grietas en las cuerdas aumentan apreciablemente los riesgos del
fracaso del bungee.
La mayoría de accidentes de cuerda de bungee implica el ojo y llega a ser una causa cada vez más común de ambas heridas
severas y penetrantes de ojo. En un estudio del hospital, más de la mitad de los pacientes vistos en el espacio de la emergencia
para heridas de ojo de cuerda-sostuvo de bungee requirieron hospitalización para el tratamiento de su herida. Las heridas
incluyeron sangrar dentro del ojo, los desgarros al ojo, las cataratas traumáticas, y rompiendo o la separación de la retina
de la espalda del ojo. La mayoría de las víctimas con ojos dañados tuvieron un templado a la pérdida grave de la visión, algún
no tuvo útil visión, y algunas heridas tenidas que eran tan severas que su ojo se tuvo que quitar quirúrgicamente.
¿Cómo se pueden prevenir las heridas de la cuerda de bungee? Los médicos del ojo que tratan a personas con heridas de
ojo recomiendan cuerdas de bungee que reemplazan con dispositivos menos volátiles. Las alternativas posibles asegurar el equipo
es los lazos, nilón abrochado raya o encogimiento-envuelve plástico industrial. Si el reemplazo de cuerda de bungee no es
posible, entonces empleadores DEBEN INSISTIR que sus trabajadores utilizan apropia, la protección certificada de la cara o
el ojo, aún por los pocos segundos que lo puede tomar para conectar una cuerda de bungee.
Si trabajadores serán permitidos utilizar cuerdas de bungee en el curso de su trabajo, ellos deben recibe primero la
instrucción en el uso seguro, y en las consecuencias del maltrato, de cuerdas de bungee. Ellos deben ser entrenados para utilizar
bungees con el cuidado, incluyendo:
utilizando el cuidado extremo al estirar la cuerda sobre una carga
el gancho que asegura termina con cuidado
nunca extender la cuerda más allá de su capacidad de la longitud ni carga
mantener la cara y otro cuerpo vulnerable despiden lejos del sendero de rebote de cuerda
las cuerdas nunca utilizando de bungee para tener una superficie que reacciona para enrollar ni ventilar el movimiento
Los procedimientos de la seguridad de la cuerda de Bungee se deben imponer estrictamente o, en el parpadea de un ojo,
un individuo podría aflojar un ojo. Si un accidente de cuerda de bungee hace tiene como resultado una herida de ojo, la marca
segura la víctima es vista por un especialista del cuidado de ojo o profesional médico.
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